Prayer and Pictures
I question myself almost every time I “pray.”
Is anyone listening? Should I be giving thanks rather than begging sustenance?
Who answers prayer? Can Guru, or God, or anyone really solve my problems, or is prayer a process which helps me to shore up and draw on my own inner reserves of strength.
People speak out against keeping pictures of our ten Gurus because of the danger of treating them as idols. I keep spiritual pictures in my home of Gurus and martyrs, but not for purposes of prayer. I don’t decorate them, or burn candles in front of them, or use them for focal points in any way. However I do sometimes find them to be a source of inspiration in between times of prayer. Looking at a portrayal of our Gurus, who underwent so many trials, or at a picture of a shaeed (martyr), is a reminder that it is not always possible to overcome all problems. Things happen in life to everyone. It’s inside where we need to feel at peace whatever life’s circumstances. I don’t always make or even know how to make right choices. My fears are not so much of others doings but of my own shortcomings an inabilities. Guru is a spiritual guide to ridding the psyche of misgivings. The path to peace is an important one. Prayer whether an expression of thanks, a way of turning to the divine, or a plea of supplication has a way of giving comfort essential to the person praying.
I think we are in just as much if not more danger of turning our Guru (Granth Sahib) into an idol as any picture. We know better than to pray to pictures, images and icons, or idols, but when we stand and address our Ardas to Guru ji, do we make the connection to Waheguru, the enlightener, Akal Purakh, the immortal divine, the infinite one Ik Onkar, which every aspect of existence is part and participle, or do we pray simply to ink, pages, a binding, and cloth coverlets?
I think this is why the practice of Simran -turning inwardly to commune with the divine rather than focusing on anything external - is so important. Simran done during amritvela, the dark hours before dawn, creates an internal opportunity to connect the divine within, without external trappings and distractions. Simran is an opportunity to give back by expressing adoration in loving the divine beloved.The peace found in such contemplation helps to ease burdens. Guru Ajran wrote
"Jo maageh so-ee so-ee paaveh sev har ke charan rasaa-in||Whatever I ask for, I receive serving at the Lord's feet, the source of nectar." SGGS||713
Our Guru (Granth Sahib) does have answers for our questions and promises:
"Jo maageh thaakur apunae tae so-ee so-ee daevai||Whatever I ask for from my Lord and Master, he gives that to me." SGGS||681
To me, the “secret” (it isn’t really a secret at all, of course!) to everything good, like peace, happiness, serenity, chardi kala is the acceptance that EVERYTHING is the Hukam of Vaheguru (will/command of God). It isn’t easy. And it works.
I know some other religions don’t accept that; I guess their adherents will need to find another way.
And this works for Sikhs!