THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 30th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 30th June 2007

God Realization is not a process.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Nama Article - 2nd July 2007

Nama Article - 2nd July 2007

Srimad Bhãgavatam: (12:12:46)

Patitah skalitaschaarthah kshutva va vivasho bruvann|
Haraye nama ityuchchair muchyate sarva paatakaat ||

 

Meaning:
 
A fallen, slipped or pained person is redeemed from all sins, if he cries out loudly his surrender unto Lord Hari even while sneezing. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 29th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 29th June 2007

Truth is One, lies are many.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 28th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 28th June 2007

 

While closing his day's accounts, if a merchant finds that his profits have fallen short of target, he will remain sleepless until he finds a way to recoup the difference.

 

Likewise, if you are unable to perform your stipulated count of Nama for the day, you should strive hard to make up for it in the following days.

 

 -- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 27th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 27th June 2007

An ideal Guru will never allow his disciple to carry a bit of his burden and will not carry a bit of his disciple's burden.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Why is human life so miserable ? What should I do?

Nama article - 1st July 2007

 

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions.html#miserablelife

 

Question

 

Why is human life so miserable ? I don't desire any comfort, but even the basic things needed for life seem to be going out of my hand. What should I do?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

When one participates in a motor race or wants to become a solider, he very well understands the risk involved in the job.

 

Renouncing everything in life and becoming a monk is very easy. But those who take to family life are really courageous and are ready to face the challenges in life. In that sense, they are great.

 

There will be ups and downs in the family life. One sails over the times of merry and joy very easily. It is a seemingly pleasurable experience. However, when it comes to the times of sadness, we are not able to take it with as much ease as we do in times of joy. That is the nature of the mind.

 

How do we face the times of sorrow with the same courage and boldness? There is only one way out. Surrender to the Almighty. Invoke his grace to give us the power to face the times of trouble.

 

The easiest way to invoke God's grace is by chanting His Name. The most important aspect here is faith. With sincerity, steadfast faith and devotion, if the Maha Mantra is chanted every day, then in due course of time, one can visibly see that the sorrows will automatically vanish and you will be able to look at the world from a level-headed perspective.

 

So, have steadfast faith in the Nama you chant - the Maha Mantra. It will do away with your personal and family miseries. The Lord, through the Maha Mantra will then take care of your family life. What more? All your wishes will be fulfilled, and if you do it regularly over a long time, you can definitely see God face-to-face.

Why should the Japa be counted? Does the counting not help to bloat the ego?

Nama article - 30th June 2007

 

Question:

 

Why should the Japa be counted? Does the counting not help to bloat the ego?

 

Swami Papa Ramadas:

 

The ego will get bloated and will burst. There will be nothing left. It is true even when you repeat it yourself you may have the pride that you have chanted so many times and therefore you are superior to somebody who has done less.

 

The consciousness that you are progressing on the divine path and that you are more in advance of others itself gives rise to the ego-sense.

 

That is why it is said, when you take God's name you must do so in all humility and even go to the length of thinking that it is God who makes you chant the Name and not you. This is the secret of taking God's name.

 

In that spirit it was that Ramdas chanted the Name. He never felt he was repeating it by his own initiative. He was conscious that it was by God's will and command. Then he found the Name could purify him through and through and make him fit to see God within and without.

Is there any conflict in chanting the Maha Mantra and yet being a Prapanna ?

Nama article - 29th June 2007

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions4.html#vaishnava

Question

Can a Sri Vaishnava who has performed prapatti/sharanagati/bharanyasam unto his Sri Vaishnava Acharya chant the Maha Mantra ? Is there any conflict in chanting the Maha Mantra and yet being a Prapanna ?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

A 'prapanna' should have 'maha viswasa' (unshakable faith) towards his Acharya (Master). He should not worship any other deity than Vishnu and should always chant the 'Dhvaya' and the 'Ashtakshara' Mantras.

And how should he spend the rest of his life? It has been said that he has to eagerly await the day of going to Vaikunta just as an engaged couple wait for the day of marriage.

His life has to be spent singing the glory of Sriman Narayana always -- singing His praise without taking on any other Guru or Acharya.

Maha Mantra is nothing but the glory of Sriman Narayana, and does not need initiation. While the mantras that are given during initiation have restrictions for chanting, Maha Mantra does not have any!

So it is absolutely fine for a prapanna to chant the Maha Mantra.

Do we not need a formal initiation for the Maha Mantra?

Nama article - 28th June 2007

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions4.html#initiation

Question:

Do we not need a formal initiation for the Maha Mantra? I hear and read that initiation from a Guru is indispensable for one to take up a Nama and chant it incessantly and thereby attain liberation, as while initiation, the Guru transfers a part of his spiritual powers to the disciple which creates a spiritual awakening in him. So without initiation, am I without any hope for liberation?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

For the un-initiated, it is important to be initiated. However, you do not need to wait until you get initiated by a proper Guru. You can start chanting the Maha Mantra. In due course, the merciful Lord will definitely send a Guru at an apt time. At that time, you can take the Mantra from Him.

I am not able to concentrate on the Nama or God, even as I chant the Maha Mantra. What is the solution to this?

Nama article - 27th June 2007

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions3.html#concentrationnama


Question:

I am not able to concentrate on the Nama or God, even as I chant the Maha Mantra. What is the solution to this?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

This is normal. The mind is always trained to move outwards, towards the world. It is just not easy to have the mind concentrate on something for a while.

Then how can concentration be achieved?

When we continue to chant the Maha Mantra, in due course of time, the power of the Divine Name will automatically give you the concentration that is required.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 26th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 26th June 2007

A proud individual is generally referred to as one with a lot of "headweight".

By using this expression are we not admitting that we are well aware that such an individual is all set to suffer a lot on account of the heavy load of karma that he bears on his head !

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 25th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 25th June 2007

Bhakti is all about showing gratitude.

A Guru shows us how to show our gratitude to the Lord.

Showing gratitude to the Guru for showing us how to show gratitude to the Lord is Guru Bhakti.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 24th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 24th June 2007

If you analyze your mind without the grace of Guru or Sri Hari, you will end up with psychological problems.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Even though I believe in God, I struggle a lot. Does my fate play such an important role in my life?

Nama article - 26th June 2007

Source: http://namadwaar.org/answers/questions2.html

Question:

Even though I believe in God, I struggle a lot. Does my fate play such an important role in my life?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

One has to believe that the Lord exists. But it should not stop there.

One should have total faith in Him and invoke His divine grace by chanting the Maha Mantra.

In that state, the fate will not matter anymore

I know only Maha Mantra. Is it enough if I just chant this alone to reach His abode?

Nama article - 25th June 2007

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions1.html#mahamantraonly

Question:

I know only Maha Mantra. Is it enough if I just chant this alone to reach His abode?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

You are really fortunate to know only the Maha Mantra. Ignorance of other diverse forms of worship or other Mantra Sadhanas is indeed a boon and fortune, as they distract a Sadhak from concerted efforts. Concentration on chanting the Maha Mantra alone is enough. Catch hold of it. It is more than sufficient to take you to his abode.

Great mahatmas like Bhagavan Ramana who worshipped the Arunachala Mountain as Lord Siva, Seshadri Swamigal who worshipped Sri Krishna – all have worshipped only one form of God. Since Nama (the name of the God) and the Naami (the Named, who is the Lord Himself) are one and the same, chanting the Maha Mantra day and night, all the time will certainly lead one to liberation without an iota of doubt. So continue chanting the Maha Mantra alone and Lord Krishna will take you unto His fold.

By constantly chanting the Maha Mantra, one can pray to the Lord to give the sense of discrimination

Nama article 24th June 2007

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions.html

Question:

Why is that, people who cheat, hurt and mock others on purpose , who use others for their welfare do better in life than the ones who don’t?

How should one protect himself/herself from getting hurt by actions of people close to them?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

In this world, there is nothing that happens according to free will. Everything is predestined and happens according to the past deeds of each person.

The only way to protect oneself from getting hurt is by keeping the mind away from the surroundings. By constantly chanting the Maha Mantra, one can pray to the Lord to give the sense of discrimination (‘viveka’). The Lord will heed to the prayers and grant this in due course of time.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 23rd June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 23rd June 2007

Before we venture into any task - be it worldly or divine, we should first think constructively about its greatness and learn to love it.

Then that task itself becomes a source of joy.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Nama Article - 23rd June 2007

Nama Article - 23rd June 2007

This human body has been given to you.

This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe

Nothing else will work.

Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam

-- Shri Guru Granth (12-7)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 22nd June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 22nd June 2007

The mind would look at others and say " This life is a myth. The whole world as we see it is an illusion. This physical body is impermanent."

Should not the mind be saying this to itself in the first place?

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Ramanama - Ektara

Nama article - 22nd June 2007

Ektara (A musical instrument with only one string) can blend with any music. No other instrument can take its place.

Ramanama, like ektara, sustains the tune. If Ramanama fills our hearts it goes on sounding there like breathing during sleep.

- Mahathma Gandhiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 21st June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 21st June 2007

How cruel is the Maya of this world!

It tries to make a living by exploiting even those Jnanis- liberated ones who have given up all bondages and possessions.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 20th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 20th June 2007

A dog wags its tail because it depends on man for its food whereas a lion walks around majestically as it hunts down its own food.

When you depend on others for your living, you have to live like a dog.

When you depend on the Divine Name of the Lord, your life is dignified like that of a lion.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 19th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 19th June 2007

This beggar is not capable of any miracle. Only Ram Naam is doing miracles

- Bhagavan Sri Yogiramsuratkumar of Tiruvannamalai

how one can attain Jnana (Knowledge) through mere chanting of the Mahamantra?

Nama Article - 21st June 2007

"It beats how one can attain Jnana (Knowledge) through mere chanting of the Mahamantra!"

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

"Don't we know what pleases one whom we are well acquainted with? Likewise, Mahans who are fully acquainted with God have declared that nothing pleases Him as does the Mahamantra kirtan.

Even though a mother always possesses affection for her child does she not feel proud of him for some worthy act of his? In the same way, even though God always has compassion for us, it transforms into pride and ultimately Grace if we keep performing the Mahamantra kirtan. When compassion thus transforms into Grace it becomes verily Jnaana."

Chant
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

The power of the Divine Name of God cannot be surpassed

Nama Article 20th June 2007

The power of the Divine Name of God cannot be surpassed

Swami Papa Ramdas

The power of the Divine Name of God cannot be surpassed. The mind that is thought to be undefeatable, drawn by the soft melody of the 'Nãma' becomes humble, soft and obedient. By the glory of the Divine Name, the mind itself transforms into God. One who has taken refuge in God's Divine Name can perform several miracles. He can defeat nature's 'shakti' (power) and can create spiritual awakening in the minds of human beings.

The Divine Name can transform the human being into 'nityãnanda prema swaroopa' (the ever joyful, very form of Love). 'Nãma' can transform an individual – the ignorant 'jiva' – into cosmic reality ('virãt swaroopa).

Nama Article 19th June 2007

Nama Article 19th June 2007

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

"As far as other religions are concerned, bathing is only an act of purifying the body. But, for the Hindus, it is a holy ritual. Uttering the Name of the Lord while bathing, not only cleanses the body but also purifies the mind."

NO CHARM LIKE RAMANAMA

Nama Article 18th June 2007

NO CHARM LIKE RAMANAMA

By Mahatma Gandhi

Speaking at the prayer meeting, Gandhiji gave the healing message of Ramanama and said: " Ramanama is not for the few; it is for all. He who takes this name lays by a rich store for himself, and it is inexhaustible. The more you draw upon it, the more it increases. It is infinite. As the Upanishad says, you take out infinite out of infinite and infinite remains behind. It is the unfailing panacea for all ills.

"But the condition is that it must come from the heart. Do evil thoughts possess you, or are you tormented by lust or greed? Then, there is no charm against it like Ramanama."

And he illustrated his meaning by a parable. "Suppose you are tempted to amass a big fortune by some easy and dishonest means. If you have faith in Ramanama, you will say to yourself. 'Why should I amass for my wife and children riches which they might squander away - why not leave them a legacy in the shape of sound character and sound education and training that will enable them to earn their living by honest industry and body labor? Ceaseless repetition of Ramanama will dispel your delusion and false attachment and the living realization will dawn on you that you were a fool to hanker after millions for the sake of your dear ones, instead of offering them the priceless treasure of His name which frees one from all bondage and wandering. Filled with the joy of that realization, such a person will tell his wife and children: 'I have not brought for you the treasure I had set out for, but something infinitely richer'.

'Where is it, show it to us?' they will say incredulously. 'It is the Name which is richer than all treasures,' he will reply, 'because It quenches the thirst for all riches. It is enshrined in my heart'."

Source: RAMANAMA

Divine Name takes him to the highest state of spiritual life

Nama article 17th June 2007

Divine Name takes him to the highest state of spiritual life

Swami Papa Ramdas


The Divine Name releases the 'jiva' from bondage. The Divine Name takes him to the highest state of spiritual life. 'IT' bestows divine vision ('divya drishti') to the blind 'jiva' drowned in darkness. The Divine Name of God is capable of bestowing the glorious 'Viswaroopa darshan'. The Divine Name can lift the 'jiva' to the glorious tower of 'God experience', which is beyond mental conception.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 18th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 18th June 2007

If you count on luck, you risk being forsaken sooner or later.

If you count on talent, you are sure to go places.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 15th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 15th June 2007

If there is faith then there is no fate

Bhagawan Yogiramsuratkumar

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 16th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 16th June 2007

A surgery to cure an ailment should not be put off for fear of the pain involved, as escaping it will only complicate the ailment and make the experience more painful when performed at a later date.

The company of your Guru is a surgery to destroy your ego – your greatest enemy to Liberation. While you are enslaved by his boundless love, your ego is routed out. There is no escape from it; if not now, it has to be done in some future birth.

-- Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 11th JUNE 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 11th JUNE 2007

Compromise anything for the world. Compromise nothing for God

- SRI SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIJI

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 7th JUNE 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 7th JUNE 2007

The world shown by the mind is not at all true. It is only as true as a chronic liar, who vehemently swears on truth, that he never lies and had never lied!

- SRI SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIJI

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 6th June 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 6th June 2007

Rather than speak at length about the greatness of the divine name, prove it by chanting

- SRI SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIJI

Thought for the Day - 2nd June 2007

Thought for the Day - 2nd June 2007


Rather than speak at length about the greatness of the divine name, prove it by chanting



- SRI SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIJI

Only through spiritual strength does one attain to purity, and this is possible only through Nama Sankirtan

Nama article 16th June 2007

Government departments, Social service organizations and several foreign organizations endeavour, in various ways, to improve the state of the poor and the downtrodden both economically and socially. I, therefore, do not desire to move in the same direction but intend to improve them spiritually. They should acquire spiritual strength.

Only through spiritual strength does one attain to purity, and this is possible only through Nama Sankirtan.

H.H.Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Nama Chanted unknowingly also wipes out all of one's sins

Nama article 8th June 2007

Ajnãnadathava jnãnam Uttamaslokanãma yat
Sankeertitamagham pumso dahededho yatãnalah
Srimad Bhãgavatam: (6:2:18)

Any Name of the Lord of excellent renown, which is distinctly pronounced by a man-knowingly with the conciousness that it wipes out all of one's sins or even unknowingly without such knowledge - destroys a man's sins as surely as a fire consumes fuel under all circumstances, irrespective of it being kindled by a man who knows its burning properties or by a innocent child which is unaware of the same.

Bhagawan Ramanamaharishi says "Yes, that is what must be done."

Nama Article 6th June 2007

Bhagawan Ramanamaharishi says "Yes, that is what must be done."

In 1908 when Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi was still in Virupaksha cave; one of his most ardent devotee T.K.Sundaresa Iyer explains his first darshan of his beloved Guru Ramana when he was 12 years old.

He climbs the hill and reaches Virupaksha cave where he sees ten to twelve devotees; sitting with ramana maharishi and singing songs, as T.K.Sundaresa Iyer sits beside others. Bhagavan asks T.K.Sundaresa Iyer if he could sing a song, immediately T.K.Sundaresa Iyer sings one of Sundaramurthy Naayanars song which goes like this..

"No other support I have except Thy Holy Feet. By holding on to them, I shall win your grace. Great men sing your praise, Oh Lord! Grant that my tongue may repeat Thy Name even when my mind strays."

On hearing this immediately Bhagavan tells, "Yes, that is what must be done."

T.K.Sundaresa Iyer takes this as Bhagavan's upadesa and keeps repeating the holy name of Arunachala to later become one of the realised soul. Here we see Bhagavan recommending Repetition of the Divine Name as a easy method for God realisation.

Truly gnani is the greatest baktha and the greatest baktha is the true gnani.

Only one real thing

Nama Article 4th June 2007

Source: The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

Only one real thing

"This is the one thing needful, the chanting of God's name. All else is unreal. Love and devotion alone are real, and other things are of no consequence."

Divine Name is God!

Nama article 3rd June 2007

Divine Name is God!

Swami Papa Ramdas

God and His Divine Name are no different. The Divine Name is verily God. The instant the Divine Name appears in the mind, the heart is filled with God's 'sãnidhya' (Presence). To fix our thoughts in God there is no way easier than thinking of His Divine Name constantly. While chanting God's Divine Name loudly our heart floods with 'prema' (Divine Love) and we experience divine ecstasy. The sound of the Divine Name wakes up our mind and helps us feel God's love and experience divine joy.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 1ST JUNE 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 1ST JUNE 2007

"A Mahan is like a ball of fire -- one gets warmth and comfort by merely being in his presence.

But it is dangerous to exceed the limits, for one gets burnt and reduced to ashes"

- SRI SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIJI

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 31ST MAY 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 31ST MAY 2007

"As long as there is attachment to body, even if a person thinks that he is in solitude, he is not"

- SRI SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIJI

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 30TH MAY 2007

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - 30TH MAY 2007

It does not matter how many square feet make up the area of your home.

What really matters is how many Sadhus have been fed there!

- SRI SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIJI

What is the solution for the complaint that one is unable to Chant the Name?

Nama article 1st June 2007

What is the solution for the complaint that one is unable to Chant the Name?

Chanting the Name!

This good habit [of singing the Divine Names of the Lord] should revive and spread.....

Nama article May 31st 2007

Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati [Maha Periyava] of Kaanchi Kaamakoti Peetam on the glory of Namasankirtan

Melodious Bhajan with musical accompaniments easily draws all minds and hearts to the Lord. The thought of the Lord is easily brought up by melodiously singing simple words like 'Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram!', 'Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!' and so on.


Apart from performing Bhajan in a Bhajan hall there has also been the practice of 'Nagara Sankirtan'. On auspicious days like Ekadasi people go on the streets singing the Divine Name of the Lord. This is called 'Nagara Sankirtan'. The Divine Name is spread in this manner especially in the Tamizh month of 'MArgazhi' [mid-December to mid-January]. During this month, every day, people wake up very early and go on the streets singing the Divine Names.

This good habit [of singing the Divine Names of the Lord] should revive and spread. The Bhajan mutts in Villages should not be allowed to go empty of the Divine Names of the Lord. It makes me happy to find rejuvenation of Bhajan tradition in recent times. Even in this day whence our Vedas, Aagamas, scriptural injunctions ['AchAra'], etc. have almost disappeared, the only phase of our Religion that has not died out but is growing day by day is 'Rama Bhajan'. Today, the only Satsang for our Religion in every village or town is the Nama Sankirtan groups. One feels happy about this.

Maha Periyava on glory of Namasankirtan

Nama article May 30th 2007

Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati [Maha Periyava] of Kaanchi Kaamakoti Peetam on the glory of Namasankirtan

Like dhyana, japa, puja, yajna and pilgrimage, the practice of getting together to sing the Divine Name of the Lord is a long standing practice in our country.

Singing the Divine Name of the Lord is being practiced in our country since ancient times, as a great means for the 'jivAtma' [the ordinary soul] to commune with the 'ParamAtma' [the Lord]. The existence of rich tradition of Bhajan [Nama Sankirtan] in our country can be deduced from the fact that almost in every Village and Town a Bhajan mutt/hall has been established. Every Saturday and on every Ekadasi people would get together in this Bhajan mutt/hall and do Bhajan [Nama Sankirtan], i.e. sing the Divine Names of the Lord.

In temples, we watch the performance of puja; we meditate on the Deity; whereas, in Bhajan we fix our mind on the Lord by singing His Divine Names, His 'gunas' [dispositions] and His Lilas [Divine Plays]. Bhajan has the unique feature of doing Bhakti involving the whole community. Even though the Hindu Religion is predominantly structured on individual basis [ i.e. every individual should attain the Self and thus bring about the welfare of humanity] there is also congregational worship as in Temples, Utsavs and Bhajans.