Prayers

Ethan_McCune

Are our prayers and mantras really answered? I always notice some changes, but I can't tell if it's because I'm expecting a change or because something spiritual is taking place. Or both.

Jeffrey

It's mysterious. In my sangha yes we do believe prayers go across to us and are felt.

That doesn't mean God is a cosmic baby sitter who is answering all our prayers.

Bunks

I think it depends what you're praying for.

If I am praying, for instance, that my mother-in-law drives her car off the edge of a cliff then chances are it won't come true. If, however, I am praying to remove anger from my mind then over time it may have a beneficial effect.

karasti

They are, I think, ways of extending our energy to ourselves and other people. There is (IMO) no one "out there" who hears and responds to them.

Jeffrey

From one perspective loving prayers are real whereas everything conditioned is illusion.

My teachers teacher said to her (before he passes) that he wants everyone to know that love is real and not illusory. This love being unconditional awakened heart.

wrathfuldeity

Prayers are offerings....not wantings....given freely without petitioning or attachment.

lobster

May all be well. Peace be with you. Have a nice day.

OM YA HA HUM

:wave:

Silouan

The content and motivation of the prayer is crucial. Does it enlarge or constrict the heart? Either way both definitely bear their own fruit.

federica

I always pray for the strength to carry on.
Sometimes, when I feel I've had just about all I can take, I find it helps me take one more step - a step I thought impossible.
That's all it takes.
One step at a time.

Theswingisyellow

Intention and motivation.
Your wishes for happiness, compassion, freedom of suffering in your self and others, bears fruit. Your wish to be free from suffering, can then be seen in others, you see all beings have that desire, all beings in their own way want to be free from suffering. Your intention opens and broadens your heart. Inclining your mind in this way has results in your speech and your actions, you generate kamma. This goodness returns to you, you see the fruits of your practice, you open your heart a little more and so it goes. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not is not really the point (for me), how you incline your mind will bear fruit, what do you want to harvest?

jae

prayers/meditation are to me a way for positive thoughts, a few moments of peace and quiet away from the internal chaos.... so if only for a moment they work for me

DharmaMcBum

Prayers folks use to give themselves a little strength in a situation may well have an effect as they mentally bolster themselves for a task or internal conflict they struggle with. So in this way they could well be said to work or "be answered".
That said, prayers never healed an amputee.

Kundo

Ethan_McCune said:

Are our prayers and mantras really answered? I always notice some changes, but I can't tell if it's because I'm expecting a change or because something spiritual is taking place. Or both.

Drop expectations and just be.