This quote argues that the value of prayer lies in its selflessness, and not in the entity it is directed towards. Whether one prays to a physical idol or an abstract concept of God, if the prayer is selfish in nature, it’s considered ‘bad’. Selfish prayers might include asking for personal gains or wishing ill on others. Gandhi emphasizes on praying for the greater good rather than personal desires.
Gandhi’s philosophy could be interpreted as promoting altruism and universal well-being over individualistic aspirations. This idea encourages people to broaden their perspective from ‘I’ to ‘We’, fostering empathy and compassion.
Applying this principle today could lead us towards creating a more equitable society. For instance, instead of praying for personal success at work, one could pray for a working environment where everyone thrives. In terms of personal development too, this approach can help individuals cultivate qualities like empathy and selflessness which are key to building strong relationships and communities.
In sum, this quote highlights the transformative potential of shifting our focus from self-centered desires to collective welfare during prayers – a principle that holds relevance even today across various spheres including personal growth and societal development.