SGS Universal Prayer-Sri Bala Swamiji's detailed explanation

[Guest guest]

Jaya Guru Datta

This is Part 1 of the series:

 

Explanation of Shiveti Shoureeti - the Ashrama’s Daily Universal Prayer

 

(Translated into English from the series that is being published monthly in the

Bhakti Mala magazine in Telugu, written by Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha

Swamiji, beginning Oct. 2009)

 

Part 1

 

In everything that our Sadgurudeva Sri Swamiji undertakes as a part of His

Universal plan for uplifting devotees, one can clearly see something novel.

 

A magnificent structure was built in the Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore where

people without any distinction of caste, religion, race, or gender can come

together under one roof to offer prayers. This was named the “Univeral Prayer

Hallâ€.

 

This gesture reveals how Sri Swamiji treats everyone  as equal. The prayer that

is rendered daily in unison by thousands of voices in the Universal Prayer Hall

is called “Univeral Prayerâ€. This prayer transcends selfishness. This is

offered for the welfare of the world. Through Bhakti Mala which is the life

breath of devotees, let us make an attempt to understand the verses composed by

Sri Swamiji in the 1970s as Universal Prayer.

 

The daily activities in the ashram begin with prayer. Prayer rises above

distinctions. It goes beyond the categories of caste, religion, race, gender,

and color. The term prayer is justified only when it transcends these

differences.

 

Thirty years ago Sri Swamiji composed nine verses with the title, Ashrama

Prayer, in a manner that would benefit all people of all nations. Since then,

not only Datta devotees, but all devotees are chanting these daily. The oneness

of God is presented in these verses.

 

When oneness is realized, a broader mental outlook develops. Broad mindedness

helps society. With that in view, let us try to understand the meaning of these

nine verses.

 

In Indian tradition one sees a multitude of deities and divine names. Once

oneness is perceived, all these names and forms merge into the one Supreme Soul,

Paramatman.

 

One who is afraid of water cannot suddenly plunge into the ocean and swim. The

same way not every one can perceive unity in a world that appears to have such

diversity.

 

Spiritual pursuits vary based on the different levels of each aspirant. Each one

naturally finds a certain form attractive at a certain time. To accommodate to

such different likes and tastes, our seers have arranged for different forms of

deities, and their different names.

 

Do these names and forms really exist? This question is unnecessary . What is

important is that we discover, what benefit we derive by  seeing these

forms, and uttering these names.

 

Although countless names and forms have been created by the seers, some names

and forms have become more prominent by virtue of being worshipped by many.

 

Such deities are five in number (in the ancient Indian tradition). They are

known as the Panchaayatana Devatas. By adding Subrahmanya Swami to this group,

Adi Sankara has established the system of the six religious sects.

 

Verse 1. Shiveti Shoureeti ...

 

I seek refuge in that Supreme God who is worshipped by the people of the Earth,

especially Indians, as Siva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Skanda, Mother Goddess Sri

Mata, and Soorya the Sun.

 

This verse states that all these deities are different forms of the one Supreme

God, Paramatman. If the meaning of this verse is properly understood and

practiced, all types of differences and problems will get resolved.

 

Verse 2. Yadajnaya vyomni ...

 

In the second verse, the five elements are discussed.

 

The Veda states that out of fear of Paramatman, the wind blows, and the sun

rises.

 

Following the sentiment expressed in the Vedas, this verse says that we seek

refuge in that one Supreme God, by whose command the Sun shines in the sky, Fire

burns readily, and the Wind blows constantly.

 

Many hold the view that the five elements are independent. But the Veda is not

saying that. The Veda proclaims that it is only by the power of the Supreme

Consciousness of Paramatman that the five elements even exist.

 

Speaking of the Sun, the Veda tells us to consider the three separate features

of the Sun. When considered that way the Sun ceases to even exist in the sky.

When each one questions himself as to who brought these three aspects together,

who is making the Sun shine, the answer that is received is, Paramatman.

 

It is important to always understand and remember that the attribute-less

Paramatman Himself has assumed the manifested form (of Creation). He Himself is

appearing as the Sun and the Moon.

 

The first verse describes the worship of deities with qualities and attributes.

The second verse discusses entities that are in between -with and without form

and attributes.

 

The orb of the Sun is neither completely with attributes nor completely without

attributes. Fire and Air are also like that. Fire exists in wood in an invisible

attribute-less state. Once lit, fire burns with attributes. Fire has no form.

But in some instances, one can see certain forms in Fire.

 

Air is similar. Everyone knows that Air is there. But Air is not visible. This

is the state that is in between.

 

In Kenopanishad there is a nice story that explains how by the Paramatman's

directive alone the Sun, Moon, Fire, and Air are able to operate.

 

Once suddenly a huge entity (Yaksha) appeared. Indra sent Vayu (Air) to find out

what it is. The entity placed a blade of grass and challenged Air to move it if

it had the power to do so.

 

Air failed in its attempt to move it and returned. Indra then sent Agni (Fire).

Fire also failed. Indra now went himself and prayed to the entity to reveal its

identity.

 

The entity – Yaksha was pleased and appeared in the form of the Mother

Goddess and explained the principle of Paramatman.

 

By this story it is known that Fire and Air are not independent. 

 

Please await Part 2 which continues with explanation of verse 3 ...

 

" Learn Shiveti Shoureeti "

with audio lesson, text in dfferent languages and meaning in English will be

uploaded in a day or two at

www.dycusa.org/eresources/prayers/default.asp

Pls go to bottom of page. Happy chanting of the Universal Prayer!

Sri Guru Datta