“शिवस्य काश्यां निवसन्ति ये के स्पर्शेन ते तस्य भवन्ति मुक्ताः।
देव्यास्तु पुण्येन पदार्पणेन सर्वार्यभूमिर्जगतोऽपि काशी॥97||

As those who dwell in Shiva’s sacred city of Kashi are liberated by the auspicious touch of the Lord, so all this Aryan country where the Goddess has set her purifying feet shall be the Kashi of the world.”  Bhavani Bharati by Sri Aurobindo

Dr Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo delivered a speech at the Annual Seminar titled "Significance of Prayer," organized by the Women Council of the Sri Aurobindo Society on November 23, 2025.

In his address, Dr Tripathy focused on the theme "Divine Dialogue: The Transformative Power & Life-Changing Influence of Prayers in Indian Spirituality with References from Sri Aurobindo & The Mother."

Elaborated that prayer functions as a means of inner purification, alignment, empowerment, and the reception of Grace. Citing the teachings of the Mother, he noted that prayer evolves into a dynamic force that reshapes both consciousness and existence, characterized as "the spontaneous expression of the soul." The Mother has also stated that "true prayer is a universal vibration," transcending religious confines.

Further articulated that prayer acts as a bridge connecting humanity with the Divine, deeply rooted in the Bhakti tradition, which is perceived as surrender (śaraṇāgati) and the invocation of Divine presence. Prayer embodies both aspiration and the opening of the heart, aligning with the yogic principle that sincerity calls forth Grace.

Focusing on various references from Sanskrit scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Srimadbhagavadgita, I discussed the Transformative Power of Prayer in Yoga, its role as a Catalyst for Growth and Transformation, its function as an Instrument of Divine Grace, the Types of Prayer in Integral Yoga, Prayer as a Daily Practice and Life Orientation, and Prayer as Universal, transcending Religious Boundaries.

Highlighting the importance of prayer, Dr Tripathy articulated that prayer, in its profound Indian and Integral Yoga context, represents a transformative dialogue with the Divine, described as "a call of the being to the Divine"—a psychic aspiration rather than a mere request.

The session concluded with remarks by Shri Sushantoda, a senior Sadhak from Sri Aurobindo Society and other participants of the seminar.