Prayer: Nataraja Guru’s Scientific Approach to the Unitive Experience

Prayer is an intimate human experience, an act that connects the individual to something higher—be it the Unknown, the Absolute, or God. Nataraja Guru’s exploration of prayer transcends conventional understanding by offering an interpretation that is both deeply philosophical and scientifically precise. This article delves into Nataraja Guru’s insights on prayer, emphasizing its scientific nature, structure, value, and diversity, while presenting prayer as a unitive relationship that harmonizes earthly and heavenly values, contributing to a contemplative understanding of the Absolute.

The Essence of Prayer: A Dialectical Attitude

According to Nataraja Guru, prayer inherently possesses a dual nature—relating both to the tangible values of everyday life and the higher, transcendental ideals. He views prayer as an effort to align oneself with the mysterious reality that lies beyond immediate comprehension, or what he terms the Absolute. The structure of a well-crafted prayer, like the universally recognized “Lord’s Prayer,” embodies this interplay, encompassing both earthly needs and spiritual aspirations in a balanced manner.

In the phrase “Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven,” Nataraja Guru illustrates the essence of prayer as a dialectical balance between two realms—the earthly and the divine. This act of merging the individual’s will with that of the Absolute creates a form of unity that is not only transcendent but also practical, addressing the immediate necessities of life while aspiring to align with the higher will.

The Scientific Approach to Prayer

Nataraja Guru approaches prayer with scientific rigor. He asserts that true prayer must reference all unitive values within an individual’s life in a systematic, graded order, akin to the harmonious plucking of strings on a harp. Prayer, in this sense, is not random or mystical but rather structured and methodical, aimed at invoking a specific state of consciousness that brings the individual into alignment with the Absolute.

He likens the process of prayer to a bipolar relation, a dynamic exchange between two aspects of the Absolute. It is not simply a one-sided plea but a mutual recognition and reconciliation, where the act of praying and its response are two components of a unified phenomenon. When prayer is correctly undertaken, the response is inherently embedded within the prayer itself.

Prayer as a Unitive Relation

A key aspect of Nataraja Guru’s interpretation is the unitive relationship that prayer establishes between the one who prays and the Absolute. This unitive quality is what gives prayer its true effectiveness. Rather than being a request for favors, prayer becomes a process of deep rapport, where distinctions between the self and the divine gradually dissolve. The ultimate aim of prayer, then, is not the fulfillment of desires but the realization of differenceless unity with the Absolute. In this light, the highest form of prayer is one that asks for nothing—it simply seeks to unite.

In the phrase “Give us this day our daily bread” from the Lord’s Prayer, there is an acknowledgment of human necessity—the need for sustenance—but it is framed within the context of integrating the temporal with the eternal. This approach effectively counters the modern criticism that religion is overly concerned with otherworldly values. Instead, Nataraja Guru presents prayer as a practice that embraces both the here-and-now and the transcendent.

The Varieties and Methods of Prayer

Prayer can take on many forms without compromising its core purpose. Nataraja Guru acknowledges that there are numerous ways to pray, each valid as long as it is contemplatively conceived, with a focus on the Absolute. Whether a prayer is monotheistic or polytheistic, it remains effective if it maintains a contemplative and dialectical character, grounded in an understanding of the Absolute.

He explains that God can be understood as One or Many, simultaneously near and far, within and without. This pluralistic view aligns with the concept of the Absolute, which can embody all contradictions while maintaining its unity. The dialectical nature of prayer reconciles these opposing values, promoting a holistic approach that transcends simplistic distinctions.

Nataraja Guru also emphasizes the conditions necessary for correct prayer. It should be direct, avoiding unnecessary intermediaries or rhetorical flourishes. For example, the Islamic form of prayer, characterized by its direct appeal to Allah without intermediaries, fulfills the scientific criteria for prayer. This unmediated relationship ensures that the bipolar connection remains pure and effective.

Prayer as a Vision of Truth: Darsana

In the Vedantic tradition, prayer can be understood as a form of darsana—a vision of Truth. Nataraja Guru draws parallels between prayer and the darsanas (philosophical visions) of Indian philosophy, such as the Yoga Darsana, which emphasizes contemplative discipline. When prayer is treated as a darsana, it becomes a systematic exploration of the Absolute, equating the self with the non-Self and culminating in a realization of the wonder of the Absolute.

This vision of Truth is not merely abstract but a lived experience characterized by a sense of peace that “passeth understanding.” Prayer, therefore, becomes more than devotion—it becomes a scientific approach to understanding and experiencing the Absolute in its entirety.

Dualistic and Non-Dualistic Dimensions of Prayer

Nataraja Guru also discusses the dualistic and non-dualistic aspects of prayer. Prayer often begins within a dualistic framework, where the devotee and the divine are seen as distinct. However, the ultimate aim is to transcend this dualism and achieve non-dual unity. The dualistic aspect serves as a necessary starting point, providing a foundation from which the devotee can leap into the unknown. The highest form of prayer, however, moves beyond this dualism, merging the self with the Absolute, where the distinction between God and the individual dissolves.

The Vedantic maxim “Tat Tvam Asi” (That Art Thou) captures the essence of non-dual prayer, wherein the individual realizes their inherent unity with the divine. In this state, prayer fulfills its ultimate purpose—facilitating the realization of one’s true nature.

The Law of Reciprocity in Prayer

An interesting aspect of Nataraja Guru’s analysis is the law of reciprocity that is inherent in prayer. The phrase “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” illustrates the reciprocal nature of a proper relationship with the Absolute. Prayer, in this sense, is not a one-way request but a mutual exchange that requires the devotee to embody the values they seek from the divine.

This reciprocity ensures that prayer remains dynamic and genuine, involving not only the supplication for blessings but also the commitment to live by the values invoked. It is a reminder that the efficacy of prayer depends on the devotee’s willingness to align their actions with their words.

Prayer as a Unitive Science

Nataraja Guru’s exploration elevates prayer from a ritualistic practice to a profound unitive science. Prayer, as he sees it, is a dialectical process that bridges the earthly with the divine, the known with the unknown. It is a methodical approach that involves a bipolar relationship, aiming for a unitive experience of the Absolute.

The true value of prayer lies not in its capacity to secure favors but in its ability to transform the individual, leading to a state of unity with the Absolute. Whether expressed in simple words or elaborate hymns, authentic prayer is always aligned with the Absolute, transcending distinctions of creed, form, or rhetoric. It is, in essence, a vision of Truth—a darsana—that reveals the inherent unity between the individual and the divine.

In embracing prayer as both a unitive and scientific pursuit, Nataraja Guru offers a perspective that is both timeless and relevant. His vision encourages us to see prayer not merely as an act of devotion but as a journey toward self-realization and unity with the Absolute.