Chapter 8
A DISCOURSE ON PRAYER
C. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each:
1. Where was this lecture delivered by Gandhiji?
Answer: The lecture was delivered by Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, where he often spoke to the ashram inmates about spiritual and moral topics such as prayer, truth, and self-discipline.
2. Who constituted audience of this lecture?
Answer: The audience of this lecture consisted of the inmates of the Sabarmati Ashram, who were followers and companions of Gandhiji in his search for Truth and in living a disciplined, spiritual life.
3. What was the central idea of the speech?
Answer: The central idea of the speech was that prayer is essential to human life. Gandhiji emphasized that prayer is the soul of religion and a necessary spiritual discipline that brings inner peace, strengthens moral values, and helps one stay connected with the Divine. Without sincere prayer, a person cannot achieve true peace or serve others meaningfully.
4. Why should prayer be the essence of human life in Gandhiji's opinion?
Answer: According to Gandhiji, prayer should be the essence of human life because it is the core of religion, and religion is essential for human existence. He believed that prayer connects us with the Divine, helps in the cleansing and purification of the soul, and brings inner peace. Without prayer, one becomes vulnerable to the forces of darkness, while a prayerful person remains peaceful and morally strong.
5. What types of prayer does Gandhiji describe in this lecture?
Answer: In this lecture, Gandhiji describes two types of prayer:
Petitional Prayer – This is when one asks or petitions for something. Gandhiji believed that such petitions should be for the cleansing and purification of the soul, not for material desires.
Inward Communion – This is a deeper form of prayer where one seeks to connect with the Divine silently and spiritually, beyond just words.
6. Do you think that prayer brings discipline in life?
Answer: Yes, prayer does bring discipline in life.
As Gandhiji explained, regular and sincere prayer requires us to set aside time, focus inward, and connect with higher values like truth, peace, and self-control. This practice develops self-discipline, mental clarity, and emotional strength. Just like natural laws keep the universe in order, prayer acts as a guiding force that helps us stay steady in life’s challenges and live with purpose and moral responsibility.
7. What should be the mission of a human being in life?
Answer: According to Gandhiji, the mission of a human being in life should be the service of fellow human beings.
He believed that we are born to serve others, and true service can only be meaningful when it comes from a prayerful and disciplined heart. Through service, we express compassion, truth, and love—values that reflect our connection with the Divine and help build a better, more peaceful world.
D. Answer the following questions in about 60 words each:
1. How does prayer purify one's soul?
Answer: Prayer purifies one's soul by helping to remove the layers of ignorance, ego, and darkness that cover it.
2. Gandhiji says "it is better in prayer to have a heart without words, than words without a heart". Explain.
Answer: When Gandhiji says, "It is better in prayer to have a heart without words, than words without a heart," he means that true prayer comes from deep feeling and sincerity, not just from speaking or repeating words.
A prayer said with love, devotion, and genuine intention, even if silent, is more powerful than a prayer filled with empty words that lack emotion or connection. In short, the spirit of prayer matters more than the form, and heartfelt silence is better than meaningless speech.
3. What do you understand by Gandhiji's statement "Rectify one angle of square and the other angles will be automatically right"?
Answer: Gandhiji's statement "Rectify one angle of square and the other angles will be automatically right" means that when we correct one important part of our life, especially something at the core, other areas will naturally fall into place.
In the context of his speech, he refers to prayer as that one angle. If we discipline ourselves spiritually through sincere prayer, it will positively affect our thoughts, actions, and behavior in all areas of life. Just like fixing one angle of a square helps align the rest, fixing our inner life helps us live rightly in the outer world.
4. What do you mean by 'Spiritual discipline' and how can it be achieved?
Answer: Spiritual discipline means following a regular and sincere practice that nurtures our inner self, helps us grow morally and spiritually, and keeps us connected with higher values like truth, love, peace, and self-control.
According to Gandhiji, spiritual discipline can be achieved through:
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Daily prayer with true devotion
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Self-reflection and inner communion
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Living a life of truth and non-violence
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Serving others with compassion
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Controlling desires and leading a simple life
