Puja Prayer

This week interfaith ministry hosted a tour of sacred spaces where various faith traditions on campus gave tours of their prayer space and then invited students to stay for their prayer service. I was particularly moved by the tour of the Puja room and the Puja prayer that followed the tour. The Hindu Student Organization (HSO) had two students give a wonderful explanation of the puja room. I was struck by the similarities to Christian prayer during the explanation. One of the presenters expressed how she sees Hinduism as monotheistic, because all of the deities are different manifestations of the same spiritual being. Another Catholic student at the tour asked how you can tell all the gods apart. The presenter responded that they all have a particular attribute or symbol that accompanies their image. Later the student and I talked about how it reminded us of icons of saints. The HSO presenter also explained the offering of food at the puja by comparing it to the bread and wine in Christian Eucharist. I think it is beautiful that across multiple religions there is an element of offering and receiving the blessings offered. There is something powerful about physically consuming a blessing. In taking in blessings we are connected to the divine and also the spiritual community that takes part in that blessing with us. Going to puja was a beautiful prayer experience, and I’m so glad that at Loyola we can offer that opportunity. 

-Elaina Jo