PRAYING AS A MATTER OF RESPECT

You would often hear of people offering prayers to the deities to ask that their wishes be granted. It is good that when we pray, we ask the deities to bless our family members and friends but there are also quite a number who ask for fame, popularity or riches. One would often hear people promising the deities that they will donate money to the temple if they strike the lottery or their 4-digit numbers win them a lot of money. Actually, this should not be. Why want to donate money used from winnings to help upkeep or build a temple? Why can't we contribute money that we have earned from our own labour?

So, what I am preaching here is do not just pray to seek for riches, fame or power. Try asking to be blessed with good health, happiness, a harmonious family and peace of mind instead. Praying for others would also be a noble gesture. Most importantly, learn to pray to the deities as a sign of respect and not ask for anything in return.