[ad_1]
Washington, May 8
The sacred Vedic Shanti Path or peace prayer was recited by a Hindu priest in the Rose Garden of the White House on the occasion of the National Day of Prayer Service to pray for the health, safety and well-being of all affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
At the invitation of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, Pujari Harish Brahmbhatt of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey joined religious leaders of other religions who offer prayers on the occasion of the National Day of Prayer Service.
“In these difficult times of COVID-19, social distancing and confinement, it is not unusual for people to feel anxious or not at peace. The shanti prayer or the prayer of peace is a prayer that does not seek worldly riches, success, fame, nor is it a prayer for any desire for heaven. “
Brahmbhatt said in his brief comments from the Rose Garden podium.
“It is a beautiful Hindu prayer for peace, shanti. It is a Vedic prayer derived from Yajurveda,” he said before reciting the prayer in Sanskrit. Thereafter, he translated it into English.
“Prayer translates into peace in heaven. In heaven and on earth peace. Peace in water. In herbs and trees peace. In all crops peace. In Brahma and in all peace. We realize that peace. Om peace, peace, peace, “said Brahmbhatt.
Trump thanked Brahmbhatt for his prayer recitation.
In his comments, the president said in the National Day of Prayer Service, the United States is engaged in a fierce battle against a very terrible disease.
“Throughout our history in challenging times, our people have always invoked the gift of faith, the blessing of our beliefs, the power of prayer, and the eternal glory of God. I ask all Americans to join their voices. and their hearts in a spiritual union when we ask our lord in heaven for strength and comfort, courage and comfort, hope and healing, recovery and renewal, “he said.
First Lady Melania Trump extended her deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones by COVID-19.
“Pray for the sick who come out of those who suffer and those who are on the front line,” he said.
“When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts assail us, give us faith. When nothing seems certain, give us confidence. When ideals fade away Give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide so that we can find serenity in your presence and purpose in doing your will, “said Melania Trump.
Describing the United States as a nation of prayer, Vice President Mike Pence said that the American people have always believed in the power of prayer.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln urged Americans to pray that, in his words, the united cry of the nation would be heard above and responded with a blessing, and since 1952, each President has issued a proclamation in honor of the Day National Prayer said.
“And today, President Donald Trump continues that tradition here in the Rose Garden. And when we meet here, I know we all feel that it is especially appropriate that we do it this year during this time. In these times of pain for dozens of Thousands of American families and tensions in the millions, now more than ever it is important that we take the time to pause and pray for the United States, “Pence said.
This is probably the first time that a priest from the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, attended and recited prayers at the White House. The BAPS temple in Robbinsville is one of the largest Swaminarayan temples outside of India. PTI
[ad_2]
