[tgs]

For god's sake let us face reality here. How many people go to the temples just purely out of love for the lord ( காதலாகிக் கசிந்து கண்ணீர் மல்கி) ---not even thinking about a request buried in the depth of their minds? Those are few and far between if we want to be honest to ourselves. So there is a business transaction involved. The famous late novelist Kalki used to write "Percentage transaction in prayers". Although it had a tinge of humor it was real. I am sure this discussion will go in cycles interminably.

Dear sir,

You know from where that ''ask God for this and that" sort of thinking comes about?

From parents themselves!

When I was a child I used to have a very simple form of prayer.
I used to salute the idol of God like a soldier and ask "Hello how are you?"

My mum used to tell me "what kind of prayer is this? Ask God to bless you in studies and life etc"
I used to tell my mum back"Everyone asks God for something but how many actually ask God how He is?He also needs love isnt it"

My mum was not to happy with my style of prayer.
My brothers listened to her and they used to have a long list of requests and used to be disappointed when things didn't go right.

But how many children have a mind of their own as not to be influenced by parents?
I hardly listened to my parents in most things(I would outwardly appear to agreeing with them but inwardly I would tell myself.."do what suits you right")

And now when I am a mother..I never influence my son in his mode of prayer.
I want him to find his own way to emote with God and he does it well by reciting his mantras and modifying all sorts of songs and composing even Rap music for bhajans.
But he is like me to a certain extent becos he wishes God Good morning upon waking and Good night before sleeping.

I want a child to have love for God just for the sake of God and NOT becos God will give this and will give that to us.