DR. RAMA DEVAGUPTA explains how prayer can help us develop love and compassion for all humanity. She encourages us to take up universal prayer as an experiment and observe the effects.
The world I foresee
As a mother, the only thing I dream of for my children is that they always work on developing a good character and continually refine it to serve humanity to the best of their ability.
As an educator, the only thing I dream of is that my students go out into the world and become the torchbearers of beautiful human qualities – benevolence and compassion, empathy and humility, selfless love and kindness, gratitude, and grace. No matter what field of work they choose – agriculture or business, pottery or teaching, art or craft, law or politics, science or engineering – I dream that each and every one of them becomes a distinguished servant leader in their chosen profession and strives to make this world a better place.
Every once in a while, I wonder: How can we adults embody the qualities to become role models for our youth? How can I rise above my own individual fears and prejudices? How can I continue to become more and more loving every day?
Being human, I know that it is not easy. I need to rise above my own individual weaknesses and learn to see the love and kindness that is hidden in all. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, unpleasantness and chaos, I must continue to pray for all without excluding anyone. All this is inner work and, without a doubt, it takes time.
As an educator, the only thing I dream of
is that my students go out
into the world
and
become the torchbearers of beautiful human qualities
– benevolence and
compassion, empathy and humility,
selfless love and kindness, gratitude, and grace.
Universal Prayer
Have you ever felt like me? If yes, I invite you to consider the Universal Peace Prayer from the Heartfulness practices, where all are invited to become silent agents of change by devoting ten to fifteen minutes every evening praying for the good of all humanity.
Although I am still striving to become regular with my own individual practice, which seems to wax and wane with time, I am grateful to share that this practice has helped me during all the phases of my life.
If many of us do it from our respective time zones and geographical locations, a necklace of care will continuously circle planet Earth.
Sit anywhere, at 9 p.m. your local time, and make these positive suggestions, taking time to open your heart.
All sisters and brothers throughout the world are developing intense love and
devotion,
and faith is growing stronger in them.
All kinds of distractions faced by our
country and our globe are going away.
May this entire Earth be engulfed with peace and love.
Try it for one week and experience for yourself what inner changes, if any, take place. Whenever I take the time to pray in an authentic manner, it has always worked for me – in my tiny little universe – by clarifying my thoughts and softening my heart towards myself, my family, my students, and colleagues, and all fellow beings.
Rama Devagupta
