Namasmarana is the best Sadhana; it is the most beneficial Sathpravarthana. That is the highest Japam, tbe most profitable Thapas. Kuchela won the Grace of the Lord through the same means. Fill the Name with your Love, whenever you repeat it, saturate it with devotion. That is the easiest path for all of you.
Japam and Dhyanam are means by which you can compel even the concretisation of the Divine Grace in the Form and with the Name you yearn for. The Lord has to assume the Form you choose, the Name you fancy; in fact, you shape Him so. Therefore, do not change these two, but stick to the ones that please you most, whatever the delay or the difficulty.
The Ice peak of Karma- consequence accumulated by you, will be reduced by the avalanches and glaciers caused by the warming effect of Namasmarana. The sun melts the snow cap on the peak; but, during the hours of night, the snowfall restores the cap and makes up the lost of height. So too, Namasmarana melts the snow, but unless virtue holds back and overcomes sin, the snow falls again in the darkness of vice and igno rance. Repentance and prayer will certainly prevent further snowfall; the sun of God's Glory shining through the smarana will level the snow-peak to the ground.
The Need For Sadhana
Every human must primarily question himself as to the aim and purpose of this human life. When one meditates seriously on this topic, the realisation will dawn, that sense gratification is not be all and end all. The Creator had a more subtle design in Mind. The goal of man's life is self-realization. Man has to endeavour during his lifetime to elevate and evolve his soul to more sublime heights. It is only then that one can consider his or her life as a worthwhile one Undoubtedly, effort is the basic law of all human life. everyone is what he or she is, due to his or her own past Karma Their future is the citadel being built on the foundation of their present Karma Though man is full of weaknesses, yet he has inherent in himself immense strength and potential. Everything is within his grasp if he would but strive for it. Divinity exists in all, though generally dormant. The Lord who is Omnipresent, is the Inner Atma – the inner Motivator of all. It is only when we secure contact with that source of strength and inspiration, purity and bliss within us, that our lives will become an offering, a dedication at the altar of the Lord. As Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says - "Life is a pilgrimage to God; the holy spot is there, afar".
The question is how are we to start this unique pilgrimage to God? How should we secure His Grace in the shortest period of time? As in the past eras, it is no longer possible for man to engage himself in ardu ous and intense austerities and practises. At the same time, the sadhana should be such that it removes all barriers and impediments in the flow of Grace.
The Best Sadhana
Not only have our men of God and our scriptures. but also all the religions of the world, universally acc laimed one infallible sadhana to secure the Highest. This sadhana is that of Namasmarana. Indeed they consider it the panacea to cure man (and therefore society also) of all his ills - be they physical, mental or spiritual.
Namasmarana is second to none in its ease and efficacy. It involves the constant repetition (either orally or mentally) of the Lord's Name and meditating on His Form, His Glory and His Grandeur. Chanting of the Name however, must not become a mechanical process. The dynamics of this sadhana involves the mind in the remembrance, with love and devotion, at all times and under all conditions, the Name (and the Form) of the Lord.
The reasoning and rationale behind this instrument of God realisation has been repeatedly stressed on, by the saints and seers of our glorious land. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai has explained in lucid and precise terms the effects the Name has on the hard layers of materialism and wordliness covering the soul. He says that the recitation of the Name is like the operation of boring, to tap underground water; it is like the chisel stroke that will release the image of God which is imprisoned in the marble. Once the encasement is broken the Lord will appear, even as churning brings the butter, latent in the milk, into view. The vibrations set up each time the Name is chanted to lead to the revelation of the Godhead, for the Name moulds the consciousness.
In the initial stages, it might appear a formidable task to cut the mind away from wordly attachments and unite it with the Name. But gradually it becomes as natural as breathing. One will realise at this stage, that the subconscious is chanting the Name even during sleep.
Immeasureable Ptency In Namajapa
That Namasmarana is considered 'King of all Sadhana' is no exaggeration. This exalted position that the Name has is because it secures for the sadhaka, the fruits of all other sadhana. Indeed it is impossible to measure the greatness and glory, power and potency of Nama Japa. The benefits one enjoys through the remembrance of the Lord's Name are as infinite as He is,
Sswami Ramdas declares that he alone is the great est hero who has controlled the vagaries of the fickle mind, For achieving this, he points out, that the Name is an invincible means. Constant japa arrests the restless nature of the mind. When one repeats the Name, one is in tune with the Infinite One. It is an accepted psychological truth, that our mind dwells on the object we love most So if we fix our mind, with an intense love for the Name - perhaps forcibly and mechanically initially Ä the Name will constantly remain in our minds.
Goswami Tulsidas points out that Ramanama on the tongue lights up both what is within and without. Brahman, is both Nirguna (Formless and Attributeless) and Saguna (with Form and Attributes). The Name is a link with the Nirguna through the Saguna. It thus controls both. Indeed the Name is considered greater than the Named as the physical form of the avatar disappears or disintegrates but the blame immediately evokes the memory of the Form. The physical Rama could save only a handful of fallen souls like Ahalya etc, but the Name has saved millions and millions who have called on Him, and will continue.
One priceless advantage which Namajapa or smarana grants is indeed unique. The term 'Hari-Nama' when analysed literally means "The Name that Saves". Hari means "Saviour" Thus Hari Nama is that Name which when taken or meditated on annihilates all sin. The Named saves us from our sins, not the least of which is egoism and pride. Not only does He (it) destroy all sin but goes further by destroying all vikaras, all germs of evil in us. Bhagavan Baba bas likened the Name to a thunderbolt which destroys mountains of sin. He says - " The consequences of Karma can be wiped out only through Karma, as a thorn, which can be removed by means of another. Do good Karma to assuage the pain of the bad Karma which you have done and from which you suffer now. The best and simplest Karma is (repeating) the Name of the Lord; be ever engaged in it. It will keep out evil tendencies and wicked tboughts. It will help you radiate love all around you."
All this greatness existent in the Name is no bait to man to lure him into its practise. It has been practised and its efficacy confirmed time and again. Tukaram, Narsi Mehta, Janabai, Chokhamela. Kabir, Mira, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramdas are but a few of those who realised God by chanting His Name. In recent times, Mahatma Gandhi who had practised and tasted the efficacy of Rama Nama. tells us that Rama nama alone helped him pass through the struggles in the political, social, economic and religious spheres which he underwent. He also discovered that the Name was a remedy against physical ailments. There is no limit on the amount of times the Name is to be remem bered or chanted. The deeper one drinks of it, the more the thirst for it grows. It is like ambrosial nectar. For 'ananda' exists in us. And the Name releases that Ananda stored up in us. The ecstasy, the peace, the calm, the bliss, which once released, fills up our hearts is inexpressible.
The Lord is Yours ...
Indeed the Power of the Name is such that it verily converts the Lord into your bond-slaves.
The Lord becomes your companion, your guide. your mentor. He yearns for you as much as you yearn for Him. He will be at your beck and call, if you constantly take His Name.
Numerous stories and incidents are related in our religious texts regarding the Infinite potency in the Name. One of the most inspiring and thrilling stories relates to the devotion of Droupadi, for Krishna. Lord Krishna saved Droupadi, the consort of the Pandavas, from ignominy and disgrace, numerous times.
Why was it that Droupadi was blessed with so much Grace from Krishna? Verily, this was the que stion troubling Satyabhama and Rukmani. They used to wonder, why Krishna was constantly talking of and visiting Droupadi often.
One day Krishna asked Satyabhama and Rukmani to accompany Him to Droupadi's place. When they arrive, Droupadi had just finished her bath and was brushing her hair. Krishna tells Satyabhama and Rukmani to brush Droupadi's hair. Though indignantly, Satyabhama and Rukmani obey. They were shocked to hear the constant chanting of 'Krishna, Krishna' ema nating from each strand of hair. They realised that Droupadi, rightfully deserved all the Grace, Krishna showered on her. The Name of Krishna had permeated every pore of Droupadi's body. Her yearning, her love, her devotion for Krishna had saturated into the very core of her being. Krishna could not but respond to whole-hearted devotion of this devotee of His. Droupadi had achieved the highest stage of securing the constant companionship of the Lord, through the simple sadhana of Namajapa. This is not a legendary story but an experience which can be verified by every one personally.
But, even our scriptures, have laid tremendous emphasis on the sadhana of Namasmarana as mean of securing all that is worthwhile in the here and hereafter.
The Aditys Purana declarers :- "Singing of the Name of Hari will fetch in this life virtue, destroy all sins, bestow all one's desires, in this life and in after life lead to Moksha."
- Baba -
Namasmarana is second to none in its ease and efficacy. It involves the constant repetition (either orally or mentally) of the Lord's Name and meditating on His Form, His Glory and His Grandeur. Chanting of the Name however, must not become a mechanical process. The dynamics of this sadhana involves the mind in the remembrance, with love and devotion, at all times and under all conditions, the Name (and the Form) of the Lord.
The reasoning and rationale behind this instrument of God realisation has been repeatedly stressed on, by the saints and seers of our glorious land. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai has explained in lucid and precise terms the effects the Name has on the hard layers of materialism and wordliness covering the soul. He says that the recitation of the Name is like the operation of boring, to tap underground water; it is like the chisel stroke that will release the image of God which is imprisoned in the marble. Once the encasement is broken the Lord will appear, even as churning brings the butter, latent in the milk, into view. The vibrations set up each time the Name is chanted to lead to the revelation of the Godhead, for the Name moulds the consciousness.
In the initial stages, it might appear a formidable task to cut the mind away from wordly attachments and unite it with the Name. But gradually it becomes as natural as breathing. One will realise at this stage, that the subconscious is chanting the Name even during sleep.
Immeasureable Ptency In Namajapa
That Namasmarana is considered 'King of all Sadhana' is no exaggeration. This exalted position that the Name has is because it secures for the sadhaka, the fruits of all other sadhana. Indeed it is impossible to measure the greatness and glory, power and potency of Nama Japa. The benefits one enjoys through the remembrance of the Lord's Name are as infinite as He is,
Sswami Ramdas declares that he alone is the great est hero who has controlled the vagaries of the fickle mind, For achieving this, he points out, that the Name is an invincible means. Constant japa arrests the restless nature of the mind. When one repeats the Name, one is in tune with the Infinite One. It is an accepted psychological truth, that our mind dwells on the object we love most So if we fix our mind, with an intense love for the Name - perhaps forcibly and mechanically initially Ä the Name will constantly remain in our minds.
Goswami Tulsidas points out that Ramanama on the tongue lights up both what is within and without. Brahman, is both Nirguna (Formless and Attributeless) and Saguna (with Form and Attributes). The Name is a link with the Nirguna through the Saguna. It thus controls both. Indeed the Name is considered greater than the Named as the physical form of the avatar disappears or disintegrates but the blame immediately evokes the memory of the Form. The physical Rama could save only a handful of fallen souls like Ahalya etc, but the Name has saved millions and millions who have called on Him, and will continue.
One priceless advantage which Namajapa or smarana grants is indeed unique. The term 'Hari-Nama' when analysed literally means "The Name that Saves". Hari means "Saviour" Thus Hari Nama is that Name which when taken or meditated on annihilates all sin. The Named saves us from our sins, not the least of which is egoism and pride. Not only does He (it) destroy all sin but goes further by destroying all vikaras, all germs of evil in us. Bhagavan Baba bas likened the Name to a thunderbolt which destroys mountains of sin. He says - " The consequences of Karma can be wiped out only through Karma, as a thorn, which can be removed by means of another. Do good Karma to assuage the pain of the bad Karma which you have done and from which you suffer now. The best and simplest Karma is (repeating) the Name of the Lord; be ever engaged in it. It will keep out evil tendencies and wicked tboughts. It will help you radiate love all around you."
All this greatness existent in the Name is no bait to man to lure him into its practise. It has been practised and its efficacy confirmed time and again. Tukaram, Narsi Mehta, Janabai, Chokhamela. Kabir, Mira, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramdas are but a few of those who realised God by chanting His Name. In recent times, Mahatma Gandhi who had practised and tasted the efficacy of Rama Nama. tells us that Rama nama alone helped him pass through the struggles in the political, social, economic and religious spheres which he underwent. He also discovered that the Name was a remedy against physical ailments. There is no limit on the amount of times the Name is to be remem bered or chanted. The deeper one drinks of it, the more the thirst for it grows. It is like ambrosial nectar. For 'ananda' exists in us. And the Name releases that Ananda stored up in us. The ecstasy, the peace, the calm, the bliss, which once released, fills up our hearts is inexpressible.
The Lord is Yours ...
Indeed the Power of the Name is such that it verily converts the Lord into your bond-slaves.
The Lord becomes your companion, your guide. your mentor. He yearns for you as much as you yearn for Him. He will be at your beck and call, if you constantly take His Name.
Numerous stories and incidents are related in our religious texts regarding the Infinite potency in the Name. One of the most inspiring and thrilling stories relates to the devotion of Droupadi, for Krishna. Lord Krishna saved Droupadi, the consort of the Pandavas, from ignominy and disgrace, numerous times.
Why was it that Droupadi was blessed with so much Grace from Krishna? Verily, this was the que stion troubling Satyabhama and Rukmani. They used to wonder, why Krishna was constantly talking of and visiting Droupadi often.
One day Krishna asked Satyabhama and Rukmani to accompany Him to Droupadi's place. When they arrive, Droupadi had just finished her bath and was brushing her hair. Krishna tells Satyabhama and Rukmani to brush Droupadi's hair. Though indignantly, Satyabhama and Rukmani obey. They were shocked to hear the constant chanting of 'Krishna, Krishna' ema nating from each strand of hair. They realised that Droupadi, rightfully deserved all the Grace, Krishna showered on her. The Name of Krishna had permeated every pore of Droupadi's body. Her yearning, her love, her devotion for Krishna had saturated into the very core of her being. Krishna could not but respond to whole-hearted devotion of this devotee of His. Droupadi had achieved the highest stage of securing the constant companionship of the Lord, through the simple sadhana of Namajapa. This is not a legendary story but an experience which can be verified by every one personally.
But, even our scriptures, have laid tremendous emphasis on the sadhana of Namasmarana as mean of securing all that is worthwhile in the here and hereafter.
The Aditys Purana declarers :- "Singing of the Name of Hari will fetch in this life virtue, destroy all sins, bestow all one's desires, in this life and in after life lead to Moksha."
- Baba -
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