蜜芽传媒

Haridas Sharan a Hindu Priest and chaplain reflects on prayer as service, to celebrate 55 years of Prayer for the Day from Bradford, the City of Culture.

Good morning.

I grew up in the sacred Hindu pilgrimage town of Vrindavan, in India. At an our ancient family temple, painted in pink and yellow, and filled with the fragrance of garlands, made of roses and jasmine, I used to watch my grandfather, as he led people in prayer. For him, prayer was more than just words, it inspired his attitude of selfless service to others, and I loved helping him to serve my favourite dish, rice pudding, as he used to give the free meals to the visitors and pilgrims.

In the Hindu tradition, prayer is more than a ritual 鈥� it is a daily reminder of our higher purpose, and interconnectedness with all beings. When I pray, I invoke not only divine blessings for myself, but also cultivate, values that guide me to live.

Sanatana Dharma, teaches us, that 鈥渢he whole world is one family.鈥� This powerful ideal, urges us to embrace, unity and diversity. Prayer strengthens this spirit, helping us to see the Divine in every person, and tune ourselves to higher principles: like peace, tolerance, inclusiveness, and love.

Working with the communities in Bradford, I have a unique opportunity and responsibility, to embody these ideals. Let our temples, homes, and hearts be places of welcome. Let our prayers inspire us to listen more, embrace differences, and work together, to solve shared challenges.

Ultimately, prayer is just the beginning 鈥� but action is its fruit. As I fold my hands in prayer, let me also extend them in service, with a heart full of love and a mind open to all humanity.