#102 

Is Prayer the Only Way to Connect With God?
Most religions emphasize prayer. But did you know that prayer is only one of 9 ways to connect with God?
Shravanam: This is considered most important. When people pray they talk to god, but far more important is to listen to God. The process begins with listening to spiritual talks, songs or chants about god. “Without hearing, nobody can understand the science of God. Therefore the Vedic mantras are called śruti. Śruti means it is to be heard. It is not to be experimented in the laboratory. It is simply to be heard.” As the mind becomes quiet and the heart becomes purified of desire, we can hear the gentle voice of God guiding us from within. King Parikshit attained the perfection of human life by listening to the SB
Kirtanam: is talking about, singing or chanting the names and glories of god. We can chant on beads or sing in kirtan, or read aloud the pastimes of the Divine. This simple act purifies us. Shukhadeva attained perfection by reciting the SB.
Vishnoh Smaranam: remembrance. As we listen to and speak about God we begin to remember his words, his pastimes and those of his devotees or loved ones. Prahlada attained perfection in this way.
Pada Sevanam: serving God and his loved ones. Love is expressed as service. Laxmi the goddess of fortune attained perfection in this way.
Archanam: this is when we worship the deity or any form of god. King Prithu attained perfection in this way.
Vandanam: this is when we pray, recite hymns or mantras glorifying god. Akrura attained perfection in this way.
Dasyam: becoming the servant of God and his loved ones. Hanuman attained perfection by rendering service to Rama
Sakhyam: becoming a friend of God. Krishna had so many friends in Vrindavan and Arjuna received the Bhagavad Gita because “you are my dear friend.”
Atma Nivednam: by surrendering oneself completely to God just like King Bali.