Sunday, Nov 24 2024  

Importance of Naamasmarana - 21 Oct 2013

What is the meaning of Naamasmarana? As we all know, Naamasmarana is the repetitive chanting of the name of The Lord. But is that it? Let us see what Swami has to say about it. Swami says, “Japam and Dhyanam are means by which we can compel even the concretisation of the Divine Grace in the Form and with the Name we yearn for. The Lord has to assume the Form we choose, the Name we fancy; in fact, we shape Him so. Therefore, do not change these two, but stick to the ones that please we most, whatever the delay or the difficulty.”

God is one and hence any name, when chanted with sincerity and devotion, will attain the grace of The Lord. There is no restriction as to which name to chant or as to which religion to follow. We can chant any name we favour- Rama, Krishna, Allah or Durga- one that gives us immense bliss. However, when one name is chosen, it's best to stick to it rather than to cast aside to a new one every time. As it is always said, many shallow holes will not yield the benefits of one deep hole. Consistency and discipline are very much required in this practice.

Just as how our parents come to us when we are in distress, similarly, when we call out to our Lord with full devotion and yearning, The Lord will melt and come before us. He will not hesitate and would also come to our rescue. One good way to chant the name of The Lord with full concentration and devotion is to close our eyes and visualize a form that appeals to us. For example, throughout the day, when I do my Naamasmarana, I always picture Swami clad in an orange robe, sitting on his throne and blessing the entire universe. And sometimes in the morning, when I pray, I always see Swami clad in his bright yellow robe, on the golden chariot, with a thousand rays shining behind him.

The practise of Japa of the Name swiftly helps one into higher realms. It is rightly said that by taking the Holy Name, we become Holy. By thinking of the Lord constantly, we become an Image of His.

In conclusion, I would like to share a story regarding the power of Naamasmarana, which has really left me in awe. There was once a young student, who was pursuing his education in Swami's college. He always chanted the name of Lord Hanuman no matter what he was doing. Also, from his hostel, he would have a glimpse of the magnificent Hill View Stadium. One day when he woke up from his bed at around 4 in the morning, to his amazement, he saw the Hanuman statue, which is situated at the top of the stadium, bowing to the Sun God and to Swami's ashram before going back to its original position. At first he thought he was just dreaming until Swami himself had confirmed it to the young man that what he witnessed was in fact reality and it was all due to his consistency in his Hanuman chanting. That is the very poour of Naamasmarana. The Lord himself will show His form to us after having done Naamasmarana.

So let's all do Naamasmarana to secure unalloyed tranquility, bliss and everything to release us from the bondage of Samsara. Let's chant the name of The Lord and grace will flow incessantly on all.

JAI SAI RAM

Bro Vikhel Sadwani
Group 4