NAMA DHARMAM

Part 1-   AN INTRODUCTION TO SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMAM

A.J.Rangarajan

NAMA DHARMAM

Part 1-   AN INTRODUCTION TO SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMAM

A.J.Rangarajan

Chapter 1. SRIMAD BAGAVATH GEETHA

Srimad Bhagavad Geetha, is a practical philosophy, aim to teach us to live with much equanimity, perfect composure and in good cause. All our personal, social, national and other problems are solved when we study this Geetha in detail. Sri Krishna preaches Srimad Bhagavath Geetha in eighteen sargas containing 694 slokas, as an effective, efficient and energetic personality, relieves from all sorts of despairs and disappointments. Arjuna, after hearing Geethopadesam  from Sri  Krishna, decided to fight in the war with firm mind and emerged as a winner. So Geetha helps everyone to change ourselves as a most dynamic person, all by ourselves with the grace of God. Then all our weakness ceases slowly and make as a better person to face our own problems in life without any difficulty. 

 Geetha debates the right and wrong of the conflicts and the duty (karma) to follow. Sri Krishna also narrates the relationship between God and human being and how to redeem the deeds of the past life and the present one. Sri Krishna having realized that Arjuna is keen on the knowledge of karma explains him in detail all the three way (yogas) union with God viz; Karma (Duty),Jnana (Knowledge),and Bhakthi(Devotion) yogas. The nature of Athman (soul) which can never die or be destroyed and only the body dies is explained in this.  The death is inevitable to all the living beings and as a warrior Arjuna has the duty to fight for victory and should not mourn over the deaths. The real sin is not in killing but failing in dharma the duty to perform. Sri Krishna reveals to Arjuna His cosmic form as Vishnu governing the entire Universe at this stage. Arjuna overwhelmed and burst into hymns of praise and ashamed of having addressed Sri Krishna as comrade and friend and acts to the commands of Sri Krishna.

 The teachings in Srimad Bhagavad Geetha are of eternal value and are universal in their applicability. Its message is ever green and inspiring always, as it was delivered by Sri  Krishna. Sri Krishna chided Arjuna in the beginning, but towards the end told him as "Do not grieve ("maa sucha '.) Stressing the need to fight for performing 'swadharma , without attachment, but with resignation. Sri Krishna explained briefly listening, seeing and experiencing of a devotee. Like this Geetha tells various truths for our day-to-day life.

Geetha gives the summary of Hindu religious thoughts and practices and much of it is based on the Upanishads, the last part of Vedas the sacred treasure of the Hindus. Geetha is full of teachings, the secret call of the divinity for all souls to love HIM, to talk the journey to HIM, and to be blissfully united with HIM. Every scholars of Geetha exhibited a new facet of thought and so it remains eternally new and fresh one. There is not a single word in this which may be described as just flattering. Geetha only raises the question of the appropriate action for Arjuna to adopt but also defines the experiences of challenges facing every human being. It also speaks deeply to each of us for at some point, face the unique battlefield in the outer world as within. Throughout, Sri   Krishna offers not only that we must act but also how we must  act to fight our individual battles. The axial core of Geetha is this perpetual existence in tension that encounter , but not without a purpose.

In the first sloka of Chapter 1 ,Geetha starts with "Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre" as the discussion between Dhratarashtra and Sanjaya form the basic principle of this great philosophy, evolved in the battlefield of Kurukshetra ,where Sri Krishna was present in the side of Arjuna. The place Kurukshetra thus became a place ‘Dharmakshetra’ where righteous activities are performed.  This sloka shows the confidence of Dhrtarashtra that both his sons and sons of Pandu his younger brother assembled with determination to fight. This first sloka teaches that our very first thought, word and action must be righteousness, cosmic harmony and sound ethical law and also imparts the aspect of confidence among men.

Chapter 2 DHARMA

Dharma, the universal law that holds life together in unity, is referred to many times in Geetha. Dharma is to be dedicated by everyone and be always engaged, to live peacefully, so all in the universe will be able to enjoy peace. Dharma forms as foundation for the welfare of humanity, acts as truth and stable for ever. Every one must know the basic principles of Dharma, as otherwise doing one's duty, which all sastras, vedas, puranas, epics indicate clearly. All characters explained in Geetha chapter 16 in first three slokas form as basic points for one to be in Dharma , which are “ Fearlessness, charity, self control, spiritualism, sacrifice, austerity, non violence, truthfulness, compassion, modesty, tranquility, determination, vigour, honour, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, and freedom from envy”. Whoever subdues egoism, conquers selfish desires, destroys brutish feelings, and impulses, is also in Dharma. It is universal, equal, free, and can be tested, analyzed, and challenged as a single solid performance. 'Dharmam purusha lakshanam' or observance of dharmas is the sign of manhood, in which everyone must engage in Dharmakarmas or tasks infused with karmas are   stressed in the entire text.

It is said as Dharmo rakshita rakshitah  "Protect Dharma, then Dharma protects you' . We should observe immaculate righteousness in life. Strict and scrupulous abidance is the way of keeping it fresh and vigorous of saving it from a fall. Dharma is not something which is alive now and disappearing later, but it lasts for ever. In Srimad Ramayana, Sri Rama is said as personification of righteousness Ramo vigrahavan Dharmahan exemplar of sixteen most auspicious virtues and numerous other lovable attributes, which are; Truth, manliness, courage, fortitude, forgiveness, considerateness, and others as listed above and that alone is Great Dharma. The thousand namas are storehouses of proven spiritual content that can easily uplift our minds to do only Dharma.  In NaMa ,Nais for Naramandala and Ma is for manas, our Mind.  Thus NaMa,is chanting which helps to unite our nervous system and mind to do only Dharma. 

Dharma is the moral path; the moral path is the Light; the Light is Ananda. Dharma is characterised by holiness, peace, truth and fortitude. Dharma is Yoga, Union, Merger; it is Sathya. Its attributes are justice, sense-control, sense of honour, love, dignity, goodness, meditation, sympathy, non-violence; such is Dharma that persists through the ages. It leads one on to Universal Love and Unity. It is the highest discipline and the most profitable. All this 'unfoldment' began with Dharma; all this is stabilised by Sathya; Sathya is inseparable from Dharma. Sathya is the law of the Universe, which makes the sun and the moon revolve in their orbits. Dharma is the Vedas and the Mantras, the Gnana they convey. Dharma is the course, the path, the law. Wherever there is adherence to morality, there one can see Sathya-dharma in action. In Srimad Bhagavatha too, it is said, "where there is Dharma, there is Sri Krishna; where there are both Dharma and Sri Krishna together, there is Victory". Dharma is the very embodiment of the Lord; since the world itself is the body of the Lord, the world is but another name for the Moral Order. 

Dharma is one which sticks in every birth. Just like a calf is able to locate its mother cow in thousands, dharma is able to deliver its results ,sticking to any person in every birth.So, both performance of Dharma and recitation of Dharma sthothram, Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namam is always the best.   

       

    

Chapter 3 SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMAM

Srimad Bagavad Geetha and the four Vedas are found in Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namam. Sri Bhishma  in battlefield, was lying in the bed of  arrows after being put down by Arjuna .When Pandavas, frustrated with the menace of war, they approached  Sri Bhishma  to share his rich experience on the principles of good life, peace  and wisdom.Sri Bhishma is known to be master of all Dharmas  who carried out all rituals perfectly,and  is a man of action, sacrifices and with a good teaching capacity. Dharmaraja initially just sought information to know the secrets that made him as a greatest Guru. He also asked how to be free from the cycle of births and deaths in order to attain the peak in happiness with the grace of God. Sri Bhishma learnt many theories from the divine power sages, and had a capacity to tell clearly about the past deeds with his full memorizing powers, as he had a special boon from Sri Krishna.Sri Bhishma had full vision of austerities which was obtained through severe attempts, which then caused to learn secrets behind them. Sri Bhishma's efforts may be compared to honey bee as all truths are collected as honey and also for its sweetness. Sri Bhishma's composition of all manthras as Namas formed a big treasure which was then to be named as Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.  He first recited individually alone, and gradually explained later to Dharmaraja. Sri Bhishma praised Sriman Narayana as the lord of all lords and his thousand namas are sure to give salvation and make one to dear to Him.

Recitation of SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMAM is sure to bring us unwavering calm of mind, complete freedom from stress and eternal knowledge. Nothing evil or inauspicious will befall a man here or hereafter who daily hears or repeats HIS names. The word Sahasranamam applies only to Sri VIshnu Sahasranamam earlier, though in later periods we have Sahasranamam to other divine Gods. There are names repeated often in this, but each one has its own significance.  Any devoted man, getting up early in the morning and purifying himself, repeats this hymn devoted to Sriman Narayana , with a mind that is concentrated on Him, that man attains to great fame, leadership among his peers, wealth that is secure and the supreme good unsurpassed by anything. He will be free from all fears and be endowed with great courage and energy and he will be free from diseases. Beauty of form, strength of body and mind, and virtuous character will be natural to him.It is said as one who reads this hymn every day or at any time conveniently allocated for this with devotion and attention attains  peace of mind, patience, prosperity, mental stability, memory and reputation.

 In Sri Mahabharatha ,  it is said as Yudhisthira, the eldest of the pandavas, at the end of the war approached Bhishma, and asked six questions,which forms as part of Dhyana sloka in Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. In

Kimekam dhaivatam loke?kim vaapyekam parayanam?      stuvantam kam prapnuyuh manavah subham?

     ko dharmah sarva dharmanaam bhavatah paramo matah? kim japam muchyate jantur janma samsara bandhanath?           

Bhishma considered chanting of  Sri Vishnu Sahasranama as the best and easiest of all Dharmas, and it forms as the means to attain relief from all bondages. Bhishma replied as Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, by meditating on these names or by invoking the names through archana (Offering), our minds can be lifted to higher consciousness, and that alone is Great Dharma.Chanting of this Sthothram is sure to give relief from all our sorrows and make us to feel happy with peace of mind throughout.  Veda Vyasa the foremost knower of Vedas strung together the thousand names as the essence of the Mahabharata and preserved it for the world .Narada, and all Azhwars, recognized this in their devotional works, as this is also in line with Srimad Bagavath Geetha’s teachings.

Sri Ramanuja is said to have fulfilled his vow of perpetuating Parasara’s name by giving it to the elder son of his friend and follower Kurathazhwar , and directed him to compose a commentary on Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. Parasara Bhattar completed this task in compliance with his masters instructions and the commentary is known as Bhagavath guna darpana, means "Mirror reflecting God's qualities, which projects the countless auspicious natures of the lord’’. Parasara Bhattar sees a thread of connectivity between thousand namas and he has grouped them in 44 types. He associates each type with one of the incarnations or Vibhutis of Sriman Narayana .In his vyakhyanam we can see the meaning of each Nama being linked with the meaning of previous Nama in the same type. He has said that Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam has no equal and it absolves people of all sins.

Sri  Audi Sankarar has said Srimad Bagavath Geetha  and Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam should be chanted by all and it bestows all noble virtues to the devotees.While analyzing the meaning of the term Vishnu in SrI Vishnu Sahasranama , he appeals to the lord to make him shed his ego, and grant him the quality of humility. He pleads with God to give him the power to utter the glories in each name and thereby reveal the right path to reach Him. It is generally acknowledged that constant repetition of Sri Ramanama serves as a boat to take them across the sea of samsara and lands them in paramapada.  It is also said as pious results achieved by chanting thousand names of Vishnu Sahasranama are possible even by uttering holy name of Sri Krishna once as sahasra-namnam punyanam, trir-avrttya tu yat phalam; ekavrttya tu krsnasya, namaikam tat prayacchati .

Sri Krishna said, "Arjuna, One may be desirous of praising by reciting the thousand names. But, on my part, I feel praised by one Sloka .There is no doubt about it.  vishnor nama sahasrasya vedavyaso mahamunih / chandonustup tatha devo bhagavan devaki sutah//| Sri  Krishna the son of Devaki, being worshipped in one thousand names in the metre of Anushtup of eight syllables per quarter was revealed by Bhishma to Yudhishtra and strung together by great sage Vedavyasa . In recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, it is the spirit or bhava only that matters, and so as long as one chants the name of God with sincerity, considerations such as not knowing the meaning, not knowing the pronunciation, etc., do not matter, and Sri Krishna the Supreme who is the savior of all of us will surely confer His blessings on us. 

It is observed that there are 1030 names in this, but later rounded it as 1000 only. There are 960 single word Nama. Namas with more than one word such as Mukthanam paramo gatha, Mangalam param,gurur gurutamah , bhoor bhuva, etc.is 30. There is a repetition of two names in four times, three names in twelve  times, and eighty-two names in two times.  Bhishma lists out qualities of ten attributes of Siman Narayna as follows, which form as part of Dhyana sloka in Sahasranamam. ; Anathinidhanam vishnum sarvaloka mahewaram lokathyaksham sthuvan nithyam sarva dukathi ko bhaveth brahmanyam sarva dharmagnam lokanam keerthy vardhanam lokanatham mahatbootham sarvabootha bhavothbhavam . They are as follows:

1. He is beginning less and endless- ever ready to help, not limited by any time.

 2. Vishnu- Not limited by space, all pervasive

 3. Great ruler of the worlds, possess mighty powers to fulfill wishes of devotees. 4. Supervisor of the worlds- Great natural quality of never forgetting but remembering to fulfill the wishes of devotees.

5. Brahmanyam- To be known from Vedas – All Vedas praisesHim.

6. Knower of all Dharmas – Appreciation of sastras taught, Bhakthi and praises.

 7. Enhancing the fame of the world –By praising Him the person himself becomes a praiseworthy person.

8. Master of the worlds- Endowed with Supreme greatness deserving all praises. 9. Mahatbutham- Great personality- Naturally possessing supreme wealth, charm, power, with simple unassuming qualities 

10. Cause of all beings- Cause of existence, showing His grace for ever.

Thus it can be said as ABCD of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam is as follows- -A-Arjuna Krishna dialogues B- Bhishma's collections C-Chathurvedam D-Dharmasthothram. It is better for everyone to chant   sri Vishnu Sahasranamam daily once at least ,and it is sure to get bountiful blessings from Sri Narayana.

Chapter 4 VISWAM VISHNU

 

Dharmas are of four types 1. This is Performed for material benefitsto  attain wealth and  begetting children. 2. Done to obtain the celestial pleasures for  3. Acting in expectation of  Moksham 4. Carryout the duties considering it as exclusive Services to HIM. Bhishma considered the fourth is the best of all Dharmas as it is worship with love and devotion. Swamy Desikan in Adaikkalappathu, says as “Thamathanaithum avar thamkku vazhanghi tham miga vilanghum .With His abundant wealth, He gives happiness to all and He is the supreme to flourish all in  full state. This fullness is mentioned as Viswam as first Nama.

The second Nama Vishnu tells as Vishnu, the one who pervades all and nothing ever pervades Him.. All this is indwelt, pervaded by the Lord. This very same idea is described in the typical style in Vamana Avatharam .It is stated in Maha Bharatha , Vamana, with His three feet, measured the entire universe and , the Lord got the name Vishnu,. The entire world of things and beings is pervaded by Him and the Upanishad emphatically insists in its mantra ‘whatever that is, there is the world of change’. Hence it means that there is no limitation of space, time or substance. .

   .

Vishnu means “one who pervades “. Supreme Maha Vishnu pervades all that He possesses. He enters into all the sentient things that are His wealth. Supreme God is present in all souls and Dharma is common and must for all is stressed in a story by Vyasa. Vyasa saw a small worm moving towards a corner in a road before his Ashram.  He asked as “why you are going so fast. Is there anything to be done? “. The worm replied as it just wants to save from a big bullock cart running towards that worm. Then Vyasa asked not to worry about its life and to face death easily. Then worm replied coolly as “you have prejudice on me and so you are telling like this”. When Vyasa asked about the type of prejudice, the worm said as”I have no duties to be done, no exercises in life, no worship is needed for me, no listening of any lectures. But you all have such responsibilities.  These are the reasons for prejudice..But Vyasa felt bad for his position as men given with all senses   and knowledge often fail and deviate from doing the prescribed duties. So he is considered lower to that worm. When a small worm is telling all these, it is sure that God dwells as paramatma even inside such worm; So Dharma is just carrying out one’s duty perfectly, without any expectation of its results. Even through a small worm great Dharma is established.

Sri Maha Vishnu, out of His free will and choice, manifests Himself in such forms as He deems fit, in order to establish righteousness in the world by protecting the virtuous and eliminating the wicked.  In all His incarnations Vishnu has chosen to assume appropriate forms and modes of conduct for the fulfillment of the purpose for which He has come to the world, and to establish Dharma and to protect Dharma. Sriman Narayana adopted some principles in ten incarnations of Sri Maha Vishnu  during various stages of human evolution, by appearing on earth in different forms. These avatars are said to demonstrate that divinity re-establishes Dharma and destroys injustice from time to time, by appearing on earth in various incarnations. 

The lines 'Viswam vishnum vashatkaro' is derived only from the lines of 'Viswamasi viswayuhu .The first word Viswam is said to be the essence of Rig Veda, informing the worship of Sriman Narayana. The second namaVishnu is substance of yajur veda, conveying the presence and protection of Sriman Narayana. The third Nama .vashatkaro is telling the importance of worshipping Sri Mahalakshmi as said in Sama veda. In the last Atharvana veda, the omnipotent omni present nature of Sriman Narayana acting as Nadaswaroopi ,is explained in detail. Hence the first four Namas are just the glimpses of the four vedas. Ohm in one letter,Namo in two letters, and Narayanaya. In five letters totalling 8 is given as viswam vishnum vashatkara bhooita bhavya bhavathprabhu in Sri Vishnu Sahasrnama ,  .but they can be precisely  called as 'Narayana'. In Tiruppavai also Andal says in the very first pasuram  'Narayanane namakke parai tharuvan ' as Let us achieve the ultimate by worshipping Sri  Krishna who is Sriman Narayana.

we are born with our vasanas , and as such from birth itself, the mind has this delusion of the pairs of opposites arising from likes and dislikes. We find Thirumangai Azhwar telling the glory of Narayana nama ,in Perumal Thirumozhi as "Nadinen nadi nan kandu konden Narayana ennum namam "as he was in favour of only materialistic enjoyments of sexual life  in the world first, but he was able to identify good and bad later , and realise Sriman Narayana only after knowing the name of Narayana. When it is realised that Narayana is the inner self of all and that everything is of the nature of Narayana , every being will have to be treated with respect.

Both Srimad Bagavath Geetha and Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam are Dharma Sthothrams only. In Gita 7.26, Sri Krishna felt and complains as "I knew all the beings of the past, for I was in them, I know all the beings in the present, for I am in them, and I shall know all those who will be people of this world in the future, for in them too. I shall ever be". This consciousness is the one principle that knows all. But a pity is none knows HIM. He is the master, the Lord ( Prabhu ) of the past (Bhooita ), the future, (Bhavya ) and the present (Bhavat) . This conveys Time is the concept of intellect.  We observe as sastras telling "He is the lord of the universe.", "The lord of lords",He is the one lord of all beings". "This universe belongs to the Purushothama"  "All the directions and quarters are His creation" "Only for the sake of Sriman Narayana this universe of moving and non moving things exists". Thus we find the first Nama Viswam is elaborated in the consecutive three names Vishnum, vashatkaro and Bhooita bhavath prabhave .

Sri Mukkur Lakshmi narasimachariar swamy was telling the eanings of Viswam the very first nama, for even years together. As his dust of feet, I just mentioned some with my little knowledge.

 

Chapter 5 INCARNATIONS

 

Sriman Narayana adopted some principles in ten incarnations of Sri Maha Vishnu during various stages of human evolution, by appearing on earth in different forms. These avataras are said to demonstrate that divinity re-establishes Dharma and destroys injustice from time to time, by appearing on earth in various incarnations.

1.As water is first to come,Mathsyavathara  (fish )is considered as first avatharam. Saint Vaivaswak was saved in this.

2.The evolution of land and water has taken place then. In Sri  Koormavataram (Turtile ) which lives in land and water took place. At the churning of ocean stick by Devas and asuras, koorma offered the back as a pivot to rest the Mount Mandara.

3. The evolution further indicates more earthly space for ordinary animals to thrive.So Vishnu took the form of a wild boar as Varaha avatar .killed Hiranyaksha and recovered stolen vedas and released the earth Bhoomadevi from the bottom of the ocean.

4. Gradually came in both animal and human form in Narasimha Avtharam. In this half lion, half man incarnation, killed Hiranya kasipu brother of Hiranyaksha , who gained the boon of immunity from attacks by animal, man or even God .

5. Next, in human form of small size of dwarf is taken in the first Avatharam as Vamana Avatharam. Vishnu killed demon Bali, from Vamana became Trivikrama in a massive form and made him to offer his head and sent him to netherworld.

6. In human the first character is anger. In Parasurama avataram this characer is done  to quell the arrogance of the Kshatriya rulers who harmed the sages and unprotected mortals.Karta virya, was killed for stealing Kamadhenu cow

7. The complete pious ideal man form is Ramavatharam. In this incarnation, Sri Rama  killed Ravana the demon,who abducted his wife Sita.Apart from other morals,iImportance of brotherly feelings with not only human but also with demon dynasty or lower status or even other creatures is stressed in this.

8. Livelihod to man through agriculture is highlighted in Balarama Avataram,. Much can be seen as a brother of Krishna and axe in hand, in   Mahabharatha which covers  the glory of this incarnation .

9. Most perfect form of human as Bala krishnan, Gopikakrishnan, Geetha Krishnan is through Sri Krishnavatharam. He killed Kamsa, son of tyrannical king of Mathura. His teachngs to Arjuna in battlefield as Srimad Bagavath Geetha is a great boon to all of us,to follow by one and all. .

10. In tenth Sri Kalki Avatharam to reestablish righteousness is expected.

 

In Manusmriti (iv 240 -242) , it is said as "The person takes birth alone and he dies alone. He enjoys his virtuous deeds alone and alone he suffers from sins he committed. After death relatives leave the dead body on the ground just like a piece of wood or lump of earth and turn their faces back. It is Dharma that accompanies him. Therefore for our ready help we should practice dharma slowly but always. With the help of Dharma one crosses the thick darkness difficult to cross. By practicing Dharma through recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothram and by doing allocated duties without any expectation of its results, anyone can lead a peaceful life. Sri Rukmani wrote to Sri Krishna that she will achieve in joining Krishna even in one hundred births. This hundred is  indicated for 'Many'. by Rukmani.  It may be less than hundred or even more. If Krishna came to her even after thousand births she will accept HIM gladly. Similarly when we bless anybody as"Sathamanam bhavathe" this just indicates long life which may even be more than one hundred  years or even as  120 years in which Sri Ramanuja lived . Similarly Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam is just said as thousand namas of Sriman Narayana. It should be termed only as'. many'.

Once Parasara Bhattar , was delivering a lecture in SriRangam. One person in the audience asked as "we call Sriman Narayana as Rakshagar .protector, saviour. But I am not at all protected by Him. Parasara Bhattar then asked him to come to his house at 10 AM in the next day to get his reply in the matter .Next day, Bhattar was ready at his house after finishing his duties of Archaka in the temple at 10 AM .The person who asked a question was also present exactly at that time. Parasara Bhattar slowly started his questions on time of his dinner, time of going to bed, time of sleep, time of his waking up from bed, . That person replied for all Bhattar asked him. Bhattar jovially told him as "you yourself protected in your sleeping time of 9 30 to 4 30 am. Is it not ".  .He replied as "No swamy . Bhagavan sankalpam is like that." . Then Bhattar told himas "why he had doubt of protection by Him. When he protects him during his sleep, he will surely be protected in all sorts of troubles, storm, or any family problems. There is nothing to be worried. The fact of sleep is part of our life is done just to realise great theory of "lord protects us both in sleep and wake’. Sri Ramanuja said the same thing asGod is equal towards all irrespective of caste, form, nature and knowledge. No one is discarded by Him on the grounds of any classifications. He does not refuse or favour anybody and is controlling and taking care of persons who surrender on HIM, with much pleasure. In Geetha  Sri Krishna said as "The simplest offerings like a leaf, a fruit, a flower or even a little water done with a love are He accepted  and enjoyed  immediately as they are brought to Him with much love.". So in order to get our protection, one can easily seek His blessings and protection with just simple offerings

In Poorva Dhyana slokam itself we find these lines as Vyasaya vishnu rupaya vyasa rupaya vishnave /Namovai brahmanidhaye vasishtaya namaha , which means as 'my salutations to Vyasa who is in the form of Vishnu and to Vishnu who is in the form of Vyasa , who is descendant of Vasishta , and who is a treasure of vedas (Brahman). .Only because of Vyasa with Vishnu form we are able to get Vedas. The following points must be clear to all devotees in general. Sri Maha Vishnu dwells internally in all beings and all things dwell in him. Sriman Narayana is the creator and preserver of the world. He is beyond and seperate from material nature from its products, from properties and from imperfections. He is beyond the investing substance. . He is universal soul, and he fills up all the interstices of the universe. He is with all good qualities, and bestows benefits to the entire world. Glory, might, dominion, wisdom, energy, power and many other specialties are with Him. He is supreme of Supremes, omnipotent, omnipresent, almighty omniscient. Nammmazhwar clearly indicated this in his Tiruvoimozhi as Uyarvara uyar nalam udayavan yavan avan as Sriman Narayana and piratti Sri MahaLakshmi are blessing, we got blessed and will always bless one and all in paripurna anugraham.

Veda ,the scripture gives an exposition of the nature of the supreme person (Parama purushan ) the creator, protector, ordainer and dissolver of the universe. That supreme person, who is ultimately known to the Veda, has taken birth human being, as Rama, Krishna and other incarnations. That Supreme Being parama purusha, the one without a second, who has willed to become many, has brought into the existence this entire universe with all creatures for his sport and relaxation. The unborn supreme takes birth, the formless being takes form; the nameless one permits himself to be called by thousand names the immutable reality cheerfully undergoes constant changes.  

 

Chapter 6 NAMA SANKEERTHANAM

.NamaSankeerthanam is endorsed by vedas, as it removes all sins, grants all our desires,with independent means of worship, and not bounded by time, place, people and  without any  caste, creed, community, religion, sex restrictions.Nama sankeerthanam is said to be Kali yuga Dharmam , which is followed by Meditation in Kritha yugam, Yagna in Thretha yugam, and Pooja in Dwapara yugam. A little effort by chanting Sriman Narayana nama is sure to redeem from sins and to get more fruitful news. There are two types of Nama Sankeerthanam, which are Nithya Nama Keerthanam done daily as a practice , and another one is Kamya Nama Keerthanam done with  materialistic intention. But both have the same power and efficacy, though of different purposes.  Nama Sankeerthanam whether performed consciously or unconsciously, both of the above are due to the great merits. It is observed whoever says Sriman Narayana nama, all his sins, accumulated over various births will be destroyed immediately.Fire when touched by any person a child or aged shows its power of burning. It does not care whether one comes in contact knows about its nature or not. As the fire when touched consciously or unconsciously, burn our fingers, Sriman Narayana  nama uttered consciously or unconsciously also will lead to liberation, whether one utters knowingly or unknowingly. . Nama SanKeerthana is possible only for those who have acquired great merits in the previous birth. By   telling Sriman Narayana Namas, more great merits are accumulated instantly.  In Srimad Bhagavatham it is said as the aggregate of all the virtues accumulated in millions and millions of births induce one to utter the name of Sriman Narayana. Vishnu Dharma says the fruit of all the good deeds is consciously or unconsciously getting into Nama Keerthanam. Chanting Sriman Narayana namas strengthens our faith and hence wholehearted chanting of Sri vishnu Sahasranamam is ever beneficial one to one and all.

Music through nama jabam is ever great. We observe Lord Rama meant everything to Sri Thyagaraja. Nadha Brahmam Sri Thyagaraja Swamigal , in his 18th age, got upadesam of Sri Rama Sadakshari manthram from Sri Rama Krishna Yathinthrar . He has recited 1, 25, 000 Rama Namas in a day and completed 96 crores of Sri Rama Namas in 21 years. His wife Parvathi also joined in this yagna. His keerthana "Yela nee dayarathu ' conveys his vision of Visvamitra sage with Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana.  Though he composed about 24,000 songs only 505 keerthanais are now available with us. After singing Kiribati nela kontha on Ekadasi day he took abath sanyasam after 4 days. He asked his disciples just to recite Rama Namam for some days. In the midst of these japams , Sri Thyagaraja attained samadhi, on 6 1 1847 pushya, bahula panchami day. The lines in pancha rathna keerthana "Kana kana rusira' as 'Rama nama rasigudu kailassadhanudu' signifies Lord Siva was well comfortable with Rama namas.   In 'Entharo mahanubhava'song ,another pancha rathna keerthana, he says as neemenu nama vaibhavam..... guna bajana aanantha keerthanam., which means  Sri Rama nama sankeerthanam gets so much joy and happiness to many devotees. Sri Thyagaraja says in the same song as prema muppiri konu vela nama munu dalasuvaru    Rama nama japam by numerous true devotees being done with too much bhakthi, premai and love. Similar to Saint Thyagaraja we come across many bakthas attained the supreme lotus feet  of Sriman Narayana just by nama jabam..

 He composed  songs of Rama as his friend, master, father, or of some other status closed to him. He felt hearing Rama's name was "like inheriting a large kingdom" . Though a grahastha or house holder, his  complete  surrender naturally made him live a life of detachment. In “Nidhi Chala Sukama” of Kalyani raga, it is clear worshipping of Sri Rama only ,will bestow happiness and there is no chance of aiming then for amassing material wealth. He says singing and telling Rama namas and the glories of the Rama is ever tastier than milk, curd and butter.

Nama Sankeerthanam, nowadays spread in all areas and many TV channels giving prominence to this is good, as it is not only inspires us  but also pave the way for making others to join in devotion.

Chapter 7 RAMA NAMA

The greatest Dharma is Vishnu, who has neither a beginning  Aadhi nor an end Nidhananam who is the world  supreme Lord "Mahewaram " . Such a Dharma in sthothram form is Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. Paramam yo Mahat Tejah Paramam yo mahat tapaha / Paramam yo mahath brahma Paramam yah parayanam // Pavithranam yo pavithram yo Mangalanam cha mangalam.Vishnu  is' yo' the very sanctity "Pavithram " that sanctifies all sacred things Pavithranam , who is most auspicious Mangalam ,  who is the god"Devataa"  of gods Daivatham , who is the eternal Avyaayah ,who is a  father Pithaa ,of all creatures Bhoothaanam  he is the one god – MAHA VISHNU.Purest of the pure is mentioned here as He is the agency for purifying in a particular way. Purification is just removal of impurity. Similarly He is said to be the most intensely desirable, being more desirable than fragrant garlands.

It is said each namas contain Vedamanthra. The effect of recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama equals the entire vedaparayanam. In that Rama manthra has significant power , because the meaning of Gayathrimanthra was established in Ramavatharam. RA is the second letter in Rama sabdam ya ra, la  and so it is 2. Ma is the fifth letter in 'pa, pha, ba,.bha, ma' and so it is 5 . So Rama is thus  2x5 =10. Three times Rama is thereore 10x10x10= 1000. Thus numerically also proved Rama is equivalent to one thousand namas Sahasranama   .It   is again stressed as Rama is Sri  Mahavishnu, Sriman Narayana the Supreme God.In the very first sloka of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam Dhyana slokam is of Shuklam baradharam vishnum sasi varnam chaturbhujam prasanna vadanam dyayeth Sarva Vignoba santhaye //It is stated as “for the eradication of all obstructions, meditate on Sri Maha Vishnu, who is wearing a white cloth,, who is of the color of the moon , who has four  arms  and who has a placid expression on His face.

After Prayers to Vishvaksena, prayers to Vyasa the great grand son of Vasishta, Grandson of Sakthi, son of Parasara, and father of Suka is done. Again salutations to Mahavishnu is done as He is who free all our bonds of samsara (birth and death) janma samsara bandanath  .Parasara Bhattar offer his respects to Embar, Srivatsanka, his father, Sri Ramanuja, periya nambi, Alavandar, Nathamuni, Nammazhwar, in his commentaries BHAGAVATH GUNA DARPANA first, and then pray Sri Vishvaksena, the commander in chief of Sri  Ranganatha,and  Sri Mahalakshmi to complete this task successfully.

Sri Siva addressed Parvathi as uttering Sri Rama’s name thrice is equivalent to reciting thousand names of Vishnu, as I chant Rama. Rama, Rama and constantly enjoy this beautiful sound. This Holy Name of SriRamachandra is equal to one thousand names of Sri Maha Vishnu as Sri rama rama rameti  rame rame manorame/ sahasra nama tat tulyam rama nama varanane//These  concluding parts  of Sri vishnu Sahasranamam, tels that   Sri Rama , the source of delectation to the heart , I feel delighted by repeating the name Rama, Rama, Rama's name is indeed on a par with the thousand names of Vishnu" is the words of Siva .Similar to this, we can find Rama being  praised in terms of numbers often in Srimad Ramayanam.  Bharatha was opted for coronation by Dasaratha, he asked Kousalya the reason for changing the procedure of giving power according to the seniority, and the selection made to him. Kousalya replied as "Mummayil nirai gunathon "Bharatha is three times better than Rama in character. Again, Guha said to Bharatha to feel satisfied for ruling the country even before Rama the eldest who was opted only for going to the forest. Guha praised Bharatha for his reluctance to accept the ruling and said as he is thousand times in excellence to Sri Rama who kept his father's word in exile for 14 years. .We found 3 times became thousand times in measuring as a scale of Rama's character. But it became crore in later part of Ramayanam. When Bharatha went for Agni pravesam  after 14 years of ruling, as Rama did not return, Kousalya again told as "Ennil pala kodiRaman irunthanenil" . . Any number of crores of Rama is of no use when one life of Bharatha is gone.

Thus the gloryof Rama and his Namas are found in Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam as a great treasure and pleasure  to us. Vedas convey the exposition of the nature of the supreme person parama purusha , the creator, protector, ordainer, dissolver of the universe. That has taken birth as a human being as "Rama'. The lines in Valmiki Ramayana Aham vedmi mahatmanam Ramam shows the incarnation. Viswamitra just changed 'veda aham' as 'aham vedhi' as He Himself, vasishta, and other sages know about Sri Rama is the supreme one, the almighty God.  

             Chapter 8 NARAYANA NAMAS            

Sriman Narayana is parama purushan, jagath srushti karana kartha, repository of all kalyana gunams, blemishless one in spite of being in contact with all jivathmas, antaryami of all creations including Brahma, Rudra, , base and foundation of all creations, indestructible, ultimate nithya mangala swaroopan, life and soul of all worshipful and invaluable beings, pervasive inside and outside of all objects which are seen, heard, and felt .Sri Maha Vishnu has not only different names, but has different titles such as: Anantasayana, reposing on Ananta; Bhakta-dasa, Slave of His devotee,Narayana, moving on waters; Janaradana, men afflicting; Kaitabhajit, Kaitabha vanquisher;Chaturbhuja, four-armed; Harishikesa, erect haired; Hari, tawny; Kesava, the hairy or the radiant one; Kiritin, wearing a diadem; Jala-sayin, reposing on the waters; Gadadhar, Club-bearer; Madhu-sudana, destroyer of Madhu; Mukunda, deliverer; Padma-nabha, lotusnavelled; Panchayudha, carrying five weapons; Pandu- ranga, white coloured usually depicted as dark complexioned, Perumal, South India Vishnu ; Pitambara, clothed in yellow coloured garments; Sharigin,, carrying the bow Sharanga; Pundarikaksha, the lotus-eyed one; Ranga-natha; Lord of colours; Shridhara, one who has the sign of Shri on him; Shrinivas, splendour-raimented; Trivikrama , one who took three steps; Uru-gaya, wide-going; Urukrama, wide-strider; Varada-raja, boon granting king; Vasudeva, Beneficial Lord; Venkatachala, moving upon the hills; Venkatanatha, Lord of the hills; Venkatesvara, Hill God of Tirumala  Vitthoba, Name of Lord Vishnu as worshipped at Pandharpur on the Bhima river in Maharashtra; Vishvaksena, General who looks after all the directions; Vishvarupa, Omnipresent, of many forms

Thirumankai azhwar composed Periya Thirumozhi, Mudhal (1st )pathu to patham (10th ) pathu , each with ten thirumozhi, and 11th with eight thirumozhi .All Thirumozhis  are with 10 pasurams each,  but 10.7 only is with 14 pasurams. Thus 1084 pasurams take place in this Prabhandam.  The very first chapter is only on namasmaranam principle, and he concludes each pasuram with Naan kandu konden narayana ennum namam. Thirumanthiram and its  fame is depicted clearly in this.He says the following aspects in this, in reciting Divya Namam in many pasurams. .

1.  Ablity is getting to distinguish between good and bad. Perum padam therinthu

2. Avoiding the worldly trivial pleasures of life such as sex. Unarvu therinthu

3. Assuring the possibilty of prosperity and valour to all.Selvam thanthu

4. Abandoning the worries, crimes and disappointments pazhuthu aay ozhinthana

5. Ascertaining the victory, glory and fame at all times Valam tharum

6. Activating to go to the heaven only by all means Selgathikku uyyum

7. Analysing the presense of Sriman Narayana in many forms Empiran enthai

8. Achieving the eternal presense and meaning positively. Narporul kanum

9. Attaining the status of firm mindedness in concentration Thellliyanen

10. Acknowledging supreme nature as honey, nectar and milk Thenum palum amuthumai.

. The six qualities Of Sriman Narayana as ,one with infinite knowledge(Mahatapah ) , one with supreme strength(Sarvagah )  ,one in bountiful in all respects(Savavit ) ,  one with never changing quality (Bhanuh) ,one with power to hold an army ( Visvaksenah ) and One to destroy the wicked (janardanah )

Chapter 9 SRI VAISHNAVISM

It can be added that our Vaishnavism is also Kurai Onrum illatha Aksharam There are 12,50,000 slokams in Maha bhaaratham, 24000 slokams in Srimad Ramayanam,18000 slokams in Srimad Bhagavatham, 6000 in vishnu puranam,Divya Prabhandam 4000,. There are number of ways to worship. pathram puishpam palam thoyam is enough to satisfy our Sriman Narayana.He is so perfect and absolute, without any lessen values. Whatever the devotees seek He bestows it on them plentifully, happily and without any problems. our total Faith and sincere devotion are sure to make everybody as a most perfect man. Bakthi or devotion is just offering our mind to Sriman Narayana. Through this, impurities in us as our actions, thoughts and words will be removed totally. Then all desires and aversions will not find any path to enter our minds to pollute. We will also be able to keep our mind in control automatically, which will result in getting peace and intellectual capacity. The desire for sense objects can never be cured without contemplation of the self. The control of mind is needed for the condition of firm mindedness which could be possible only through our Bakthi . It can be said as steady mindedness itself is fruition of Bakthi. There are twelve pre-requesites for Bakthi.or devotion as suggested by Sri Ramanuja..

 1.Viveka- Discrimination -purification of body by taking only the sattvik natured good food.

2. Vimoka- longing for Him ,Renouncing desires , and not worrying about  fruits of  actions done

3. Abhyasa- Practicing frequently in worship of Sriman Narayana with complete dedication.

4. Kriya- Working properly in  accordance with the prescribed types norms and procedures. .

5. Kalyana- sathya  Auspiciousness of  following truth, integrity, compassion, benevolence,ahimsa etc.

6 .Arjava  -Integrity , straightforwardness, strict adhering of principles

7. Daya-Compassion , equal treatment in humanity to all

8. Ahimsa-Non-violence , peaceful attempt and settling the issues.

9. Dhana- charity to deserving people and elevate the downtrodden

10.Anavasada- Cheerfulness ,feeling happyon all progressive features

11 Navasota-  Forgetting the past and being without worries of disappointment and displeasure.

12. Anuddharsa  - Stable situation of sthitha pragnan stage avoiding feelings of joy and sorrow.

VISHNU  Dharma is the scheme of right living.For that knowledge of the study of vedas , sacrifices, gifts, penance and fasts are necessary. It will only then strengthen our character, purify the spirit, and cause deepening insight. Meditation with bakthi or devotion is a means of knowledge.True wisdom is won only by those whose minds are prepared by rigorous discipline. Truth is in the centre of the soul. To let it shine, the mind has to be tuned much inwards and by getting out from the perishing world outside. The desire to know the absolute supreme personality Brahmam , Sriman Narayana comes only  to the persons whose mind is pure, and who is free from deeds done in this birth or in previous births. So Bakthi is knowledge of God, His namas and His creations, and obeying His wills are its components. 

 It is said  Sri Vishnu Sahasranama is conveying the greatness of each namas of sriman Narayana . In that, first three slokas "Viswam vishnum vashatkaro bhooita  bhavya bhavath prabhu ... ..... Kesava purushothama "contains 9+8+7 =24 namas represents 24 namas in Gayathri manthram. It is seen many started doing parayana of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam daily, weekly, or on festival days, but without the observation of Gayathri jabam . It will be beneficial and good only if one performs Gayathri jabam first and then start doing this Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam  parayanam. Performance of Gayathrijabam is equivalent to respecting one's own mother. So without Gayathri jabam any ritual is considered as not respecting mother, and of no use in just performing all other poojas, parayanas or worship

"Dharayati dharma ity ahu" is whatever sustains is Dharma. The highest meaning of Dharma is only the Divine self in man, the Athman or soul. Vedas are the ultimate source of all Dharmas  . It is derived from 'dhr ' to uphold, to sustain and  to nourish. The concept of Hinduism or Vaishnavism is to bring forth the forms and activities for its adherents, which ultimately shape and sustain human life. With diverse interests and various goals we call Dharmathma Paramathma 'Sriman Naryana 'in different namas as found in sri Vishnu Sahasranamam . 

Some prestigious 'G"s of Sri Vaishnavites ,ten in number as Dasavatharam are as follows .

1. Gita - Greatest philosophical, religious and moral talk by Lord Krishna. to Arjuna in a battlefield.  

2. Govinda- Utterance of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama such as Govinda, Gopala cherished by all of us.

3. Ganga- A Holy bath in the Ganges river at once in our lifetime is sure to remove all our sins

4.Guru Paramparai- Azhwars and Acharyans glorifying Vishishtadwaitham and  taking in divine path .

5.Goshti- Nalayira Divya Prabhandam , chatur veda parayana goshti in Perumal Temples and Mutts. .

6.Gadya trayam- 3 Saranagathi methods of Thirumanthiram, Dwaya manthram,and Charama slokam

7 Gaya - Significant  from the point of view of salvation to the souls of ancestors called as Pinda Daan . 

8.Gopuram-Glory of Srivilliputhur Andal Temple gopuram being the symbol of Tamilnadu Government.   

9.Gayathri  - A  holy manthram prescribed for everyone to tell to guard us and to shower all happiness.

10.Gomatha- Cow being worshipped and protected like Dharmo Rakshati rakshitah as both save us.

Chapter 10 CHANTING NAMAS

Chanting the namas of Sriman Narayana is the simplest, easiest, possible by one and all for the permanent and effective solution. This has been practiced, preached and advocated by many Acharyars and also scriptures prescribe this remedy. Through such recitations, mistakes,sins and unexpected  errors done unintentionally and unknowingly are easily effaced totally. We may not find time to observe severe austerities, to do some penance, or to conduct great yagnas , but reciting namas need only very little time  Namas are not mere empty words , but it is of more potential mantra to clear all the bad effects , dirts within. When Paramacharyar was camping in Kumbakonam once, His holiness just asked his sishya to wake him up at 04 AM on the next day as he has to do special poojas. His disciple had no watch with him to act on Guru's advice. But he got up at 2 Am itself on the next day and started reciting Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam number of times and was alert at any time of Acharyal’s callto  him. But Acharyal told then as he got the information about the TVS bus timings in that area, which is always punctual and He was able to get up early . On hearing sishya's mind to recite Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam to adhere his request ,without any clock  to identify the correct time ,Acharyal felt much happy.The reasons of his happpiness are due to his punctuality, obedience, utilty of time in useful maner by uttering divine name.  So recitation at any time, any place, for any cause, without any expenditures will not only cause such alerts, but also make one in full of peace   There is full of spiritual power and potency in each namas of  Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam .Sringeri Acharya also once told about the importance of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam as one crossed the river just by  reciting namas ,but his friend who doubted this act , just struggled in the mainstream of the river . 

Bakthiyoga is to think without a break on the highest soul Sriman Narayana , with love that is fixed on Him  alone. In Gitartha Sangraha of Yamunacharya it is said as "They attain their existence by meditation on the highest atma or soul, by going to Him in holy places, where He is present in images, by giving instruction about HIm to proper students , by prostrating before Him, the mind, speech and body uniting in the operation , by describing His attributes and by reciting His names''. The actions of their prana , mind, buddhi and senses rest on HIm . Recitation of His names should be continuous like a stream of oil poured from a cup. Reciting and chanting God's names , virtues, stories, character and excellence of the Almighty and popularizing them through sermons, discourses, bajans, Nama sankeerthanam and offering glorious praises of Sriman Narayana are all only part of recitation of Divya namas. Some of the methods of Nama Japa are ;

1. Closing the eyes, seeing through mental concentration and fixing mind on the supreme and telling namas.

 2. Just repeating the sacred syllable OM number of times.,wherever and whenever possible. 

 3. Pronouncing  Namas in rhythm with every ingoing and outgoing breath

4,. Sitting before the deity in temple or even in house and telling in the form of slokas

5. Acknowledging or initiating every dioalogue with the namas of Sriman Narayana in various forms as "Ram Ram ' Narayana"Hare Krishna ' etc.  Through such practices done with reverance, faith and devotion one can easily be free from all sins , be removed from all obstacles. But these should be done without any expectation and not minding about the delay in getting their prayers answered,