Swami Shivapadananda Puri says that the right kind of prayer will influence God.
Swamiji is talking about our prayers influencing God. He says that only a certain quality of prayer will 'influence' God and that is one of absolute sincerity, and a cry along with that sincerity to give us purity. He says God can and will be influenced if we sincerely and faithfully repent. Pray, 'Lord I am weak, I can't help it. I try to do the right things. But why is it that I'm failing?'
Swamiji tells the story of Lord Krishna revealing his *vishwaroop (universal) form to Arjuna and Duryodhana at the battle of Kurukshetra. But because of Duryodhana's impurity at the time, he didn't see the form for what it was. Arjuna had opened his heart and was prepared to do his dharma (duty), but not so Duryodhana – although Sri Krishna also gave him moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth).
[*Vishwaroop (also spelled Vishvarupa) translates to ‘universal form’ or ‘having all forms’ in Sanskrit. In Hinduism, it refers to a supreme, all-encompassing form of a deity, where the entire universe is contained within it. This form is often depicted with innumerable eyes, faces, mouths, and arms, representing the boundless nature of the deity.]
Swamiji speaks about the 'conditions' needed for attracting divine intervention. So long as there is adharma (unrighteousness), this will not happen. But Swamiji says the differentiator is grace. That comes from God in the form of keeping us afloat through turbulence, and as Swamiji says, 'through thick and thin.'
Swamiji says, go on dipping the mind in the dye of God-thought. Eventually the mind will become pure – and then says Swamiji, 'God becomes your slave.' God will never go with a person of adharma (impurity). In layperson terms, the divine is drawn towards and wants to keep good company. Not reputation-damaging relationships.😉 Swamiji, as if 'quoting' God: I will not go with the impure man. I will give him the shakti (power) to live, but I will not go with him. This makes it clear that if we strive to walk the path of purity and truth, the divine will be our constant companion. The Lord Jesus Christ said, 'You cannot serve God and mammon.' In other words, pick a side. You can't have both.
This comes back to the basic principle, which is, the need to purify the heart. It's the non-negotiable for spiritual progress. My take from this is that the divine energy, like a moth, is repelled and kept at bay by adharma (effectively darkness). It is drawn to, and embraces purity or dharma (light).
Swamiji shares the story of man advised by his neighbours to ensure a good water supply because of predicted drought. The man isn't bothered and thinks, 'Oh, I'll get water from the neighbours if necessary.' Listen to Swamiji telling the story and the consequences that arose. We can and must learn from it. Swamiji urges us to do the preparation and work hard while we have the capacity, strength and good health. So that when old age comes along, we're ready for it and able to cope. So, as Swamiji says, we don't bring disgrace on grace.
Swamiji shares a beautiful anecdote about a little girl and her cruel brother. To show that often what we're asking or expecting God to do, we can do ourselves. God has given us grace in the form of strength and independence.
Swamiji wraps up the homily by reminding us of what Sri Ramakrishna said to Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, that that only when thought, word and deed are aligned and unified, will our prayers be answered. Let us all practise the right thing. Do the right thing. Then only, God shall come.
Enjoy the listen. Jai Sri Ramakrishna!
Click on the link below.
Duration: 10:59
The original audio recordings of these posts, were made by close Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa and Swami Shivapadananda devotee, Mother Radha Hoare. The audio editing and noise reduction of the original 1970s tapes has been lovingly crafted, over many years, by our gurubhai Tim Hoare. We thank them both.