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Hinduism: Philosophy of Religion

Hindu teaching about prayer and the Gayatri Mantra

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 3

Overview

Where the Gayatri Mantra is found and what it asks for, why Hindus pray, sakama and nishkama prayer, prayers seen as answered, unanswered prayer and loss of belief, and prayer beyond wanting.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is prayer for Hindus?

Key term

What is the Gayatri Mantra, and where is it found?

Key term

What does the Gayatri Mantra ask for?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is prayer for Hindus?

    Model answer

    Prayer is communication with God or the deities through words, thoughts or chanting. Prayer may praise, give thanks, ask for help or seek union.

  2. 2

    What is the Gayatri Mantra, and where is it found?

    Model answer

    The Gayatri Mantra is a prayer to the divine light of the sun, found in Rig Veda 3.62.10. Many Hindus recite it daily at sunrise.

  3. 3

    What does the Gayatri Mantra ask for?

    Model answer

    The worshipper meditates on the glorious light of Savitar, the divine sun. The prayer asks that this light inspire and illuminate the mind.

  4. 4

    Why is the Gayatri Mantra so important to Hindus?

    Model answer

    The Gayatri is called the mother of the Vedas and is taught at the sacred thread ceremony. Daily recitation is believed to purify the mind.

  5. 5

    Why do Hindus pray?

    Model answer

    Hindus pray to praise God, give thanks, seek forgiveness and ask for help. Prayer builds a loving relationship with the divine.

  6. 6

    What is the difference between sakama and nishkama prayer in Hinduism?

    Model answer

    Sakama prayer asks God for something, such as health or success. Nishkama prayer seeks only God, expecting nothing in return.

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