The Universal Prayer

Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati

In Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Geeta Arjuna is given the rare vision of the
Vishva Rupa of Ishvara. Seeing this Cosmic Form he is filled with wonder,
awe, humility and fear. With folded hands, trembling with fear Arjuna
acknowledges the greatness of Bhagavan. When we are afraid or overwhelmed
with emotion the voice gets choked. This was the case with Arjuna as well.
The eleven shlokas (from 36 to 46) spoken by Arjuna in praise of Ishvara are
like a prayer. In the opinion of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmaynanda these 11
shlokas as one of the most beautiful prayers in Hinduism. He called this a
Universal Prayer for the Universal Person, for humanity.
Having recognised the power and greatness of Ishvara, Arjuna is humbled and
overawed. 1
Arjuna begins his prayer to Ishvara by acknowledging His greatness (mahima).
Like before visiting a place of worship if we are aware of its greatness, it takes
on a different meaning. When we dip in the holy Ganga we should be fully
aware of the significance of the bath. It should be undertaken with an attitude of
worship, because without that knowledge it will be just another dip in an
ordinary river. Similarly, when we pray to Bhagavan, we should be fully aware
of His greatness. In any prayer, the first portion is dedicated to the glory of
Bhagavan. Then we request Him to answer our prayer.
The word Sthane is very meanigful and has many connotations. Sthane means
appropriate. Bhagavan is the Consciousness in all the beings. He is the Master
of the senses Hrishikesha and resides in the heart of every being. Arjuna says
it is most appropriate that the world is rejoicing in singing your glories and
praises. All the tributes directed towards you are appropriate, for only you are
worthy of being praised. It also means that singing your glories, the world is
rejoicing and revelling. That is proper. One can be happy in this world only after
praising you. Those who place Ishvara above everything else are happy, unlike
those who keep their distance from Him.
Sthane can also be understood to mean that whatever Bhagavan does is correct.
When a devotee understands His greatness the complaints in his heart disappear.
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He says that I may not understand what you are doing, but know that it is right.
Similar sentiments are conveyed in the Ramayana by devotees, who understood
that whatever Shri Ramchandraji did was proper. That is how it is and that is
how it should be.
Again it is appropriate that those who do not understand your greatness
(rakshasas) and fail to glorify you, run away from you out of fear. There is no
joy or peace for them because they do not recognize your greatness.
The Ramayana speaks of Dandakaranya, a cursed forest, till Bhagavan Shri
Ramchandra entered there, made it His abode and restored it to its former glory.
Our life too, without the presence of Ishvara is like the Dandakaranya forest. We
have to bring Bhagavan into our life. He is ever-present but we need to
recognize His greatness and invoke His presence. Then everything becomes
peaceful and happy.
All enlightened beings (siddhas) prostrate to Ishvara. Their altar of reverence is
Ishvara alone. That is appropriate sthane. In the Ramayana there is an episode
involving Lord Shiva and His consort, Sati. In the course of their travels they
come across Shri Rama and Laxman roaming the forest in search of Sitaji, who
had been abducted by Ravana. From afar Lord Shiva offers his prostrations
(namaskars) to Shri Ramchandraji saying,Jai Sachchidananda Dinesha.
So Arjuna declares that it is most appropriate for the world to delight and rejoice
in singing your praises, because you are the very Self of everyone; the very
source of joy and happiness. It is proper that those who dont praise you, out of
fear run away from you. It is also befitting that you are the altar of dedication of
all enlightened beings. Whatever you do is proper and everything that happens
is most appropriate.
To be continued
1

arjuna uvca

sthne hrs kea

tava prakrty

jagat prahrs yaty

anurajyate ca

raksm
si bhtni dio dravanti
sarve namasyanti ca siddhasamghh .
Bhagawad Geeta (11.36 )

The Author is the Head of Chinmaya Mission Delhi and NCR.