Name or Named? Which is great?

Nama Article - 21st September 2007

 

Name or Named? Which is great?

 

Having received the 'upadesa' (inititation) from Narada, Valmiki chanted 'Rama! Rama! Rama!' for a thousand years. He knew not what it meant. Sage Vasishta the family Guru of Dasarata was in samadhi. In his state of samãdhi, Vasishta heard the sweet sound 'Rama! Rama!' being uttered by Valmiki seated inside an anthill in some remote place.

 

Vasishta thought, "Oh! How sweet is this sound - Rama! Rama! I must christen a child born in 'Ishwãhu kula' (family of Ishwãhu) with this Name."

 

So, every time a child was born in 'Ishwãhu kula', Vasishta would rush and peep into the cradle.

 

'No! This child does not deserve this name.'

 

Thus, generations passed.

 

And when Dasarata was blessed with four sons, Vasishta rushed to have a look at Dasarata's sons. As soon as his eyes rested on the eldest born, who shone with luster, he exclaimed, "Ah! This is the one! He has to be Named 'Rama!" And the babe was named, "Rama!"

Thus, it was the Name that had come first and the Named came later!

 

So, which is great? Name or the Named? - Name, of course!

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan  :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare