Mahathma Gandhi says "I have said that to utter Ramanama or any other name of God from the heart is to seek succour from the supreme power. What that Power can do no other power can. The atom bomb is as nothing compared with it."

Nama Article 1st November 2008

 

IS RAMANAMA THE SAME AS INCANTATIONS?

 

Question: My nephew was ill. The relatives did not give him any medical treatment. They called in medicine-men and resorted to incantations. One cannot say that these did any good. Maybe your mother did the same in your case. Now you talk of Ramanama. Could Ramanama be the same as incantations?

 

Mahathma Gandhi

 

I have, in one form or another, answered this question before. But it is as well to do so again. So far as I can recollect, my mother did give me medical treatment. But she certainly believed in incantations too. I do not. I have a few learned friends who believe in them, but I cannot have this faith. I can therefore categorically say that incantations have no connection whatever with my Ramanama. I have said that to utter Ramanama or any other name of God from the heart is to seek succour from the supreme power. What that Power can do no other power can. The atom bomb is as nothing compared with it.

 

It is the cure for all pains. It must, however, be admitted that it is one thing to talk about uttering Ramanama from the heart, quite another to do it. Nevertheless, however difficult it may be, it is the highest thing in life.

 

My nature cure is designed solely for villagers and villages. Therefore, there is no place in it for the microscope, X-rays and similar things. Nor is there room in nature cure for medicines such as quinine, emetine and penicillin. Personal hygiene and healthy living are of primary importance. And these should suffice.

 

If everyone could achieve perfection in this art, there could be no disease. And, while obeying all the laws of nature in order to cure illness, if it does come, the sovereign remedy ever lies in RAMANAMA. But this cure though RAMANAMA cannot become universal in the twinkling of an eye. To carry conviction to the patient, the physician has to be a living embodiment of the power of RAMANAMA.

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• In his prayer meetings he often described "Ramanama", or the constant invocation of the name of Ram, as the "best medicine"

 

• His favorite Bhajan was "Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram"

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Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Incapability is the qualification! You should realize that you are incapable (of treading any spiritual path). AND, THAT IS THE ONLY QUALIFICATION REQUIRED. Chant this Divine Maha Mantra that has been advocated by our Shãstras. It is the easiest way

Nama Article 31st October 2008

 

Drawn by the kindly, affectionate treatment of the Master the young man visits him regularly. One day the Guru points out to the young man, 'Oh, my son! Time is passing by. You have lots of relatives and friends. You possess good health. You are intelligent and capable. You earn quite a lot and are leading a comfortable life. But have you not thought of the day that every one has to face? Everybody who has taken birth in this world has to face that day - that final day. And, on that day none of these - the relatives and friends, the good physique, the wealth, the intelligence - would help you. You would realize this at that final hour. It would then be too late. Should you not give a thought to it now?"

 

The young man asks at once, "Oh, Gurudev! What should I do? Please show me the way. What is the qualification required to tread on the path that you would show?"

 

The kind Master says, "My son! I will show you the way. To walk on this path one needs only one qualification."

 

The young man asks anxiously, "What is it Gurudev?"

 

The Guru, "Nothing! 'You should have no qualification whatsoever' is the qualification!"

 

The young man exclaims, "Gurudev!"

 

The Guru, "Yes, son. 'Incapability is the qualification! You should realize that you are incapable (of treading any spiritual path). AND, THAT IS THE ONLY QUALIFICATION REQUIRED. If you feel that you are capable of practicing this or that path then you do not qualify for this path that I am going to show you."

 

The young man, "Gurudev! Please show me the path that you speak of."

 

The Guru,

 

"HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE!

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE!"

 

this is the way, my son!

 

Chant this Divine Maha Mantra that has been advocated by our Shãstras. It is the easiest way to attain the Supreme Lord. Just chant this always. You can chant this anywhere and any time."

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

On the auspicious day of Deepavali when taking oil bath in warm water, during the early morning hours is considered as equivalent of dipping in the sacred waters of River Ganga

Nama Article 25th October 2008

 

Deepavali wishes to all!

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

On the auspicious day of Deepavali (Festival of lights), when taking oil bath in warm water, during the early morning hours is considered as equivalent of dipping in the sacred waters of River Ganga.

 

Just by remembering the Divine Name daily at any time what we will get?

 

Our scriptures say:

 

He has been to the Sacred River Ganga, to Gaya and Kashi, as well as to Pushakaram, on whose tongue reside these two alphabets: HaRi

स गँगा स गया सेतुः स काशी स च पुष्करम् ।

जिह्वाग्रे वर्तते यस्या हरिरित्यक्षर द्वयम् ॥

 Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :
 
  
 
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 
 Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 
 

Today's youth have lot of bad habits - be it smoking, drinking, watching obscene movies etc. What path would you prescribe? - Sri Swamiji says "It is common for anyone in this Yuga. I can assure you that the Divine Name alone can make you attain God

Nama Article 25th October 2008

 

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

 

Today's youth have lot of bad habits - be it smoking, drinking, watching obscene movies etc. Even if one is brought up in a well-cultured family, he is not able to leave such habits. Will he be fit to attain the Lord at all? Is there a way for him to get out of these bad habits and cleanse himself? What path would you prescribe for him?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

When there is a heavy rain, every one catches the viral fever. No one is spared. Isn't it?

 

In the same way, this is Kali Yuga. And this Yuga is characterized by such bad thoughts and qualities among people. It is common for anyone in this Yuga, especially for the youth.

 

But the mercy and compassion of the Lord is such that He does not impose any restrictions on us to attain Him. He is accessible for everyone.

 

Now, how is this possible?

 

In this Yuga, three activities are alone enough to attain the Lord –worship in temples, Satsang, and Nama Kirtan. Satsang here, means the reading of Srimad Bhagavatam, listening to the stories and qualities of the Lord, the lives of great Mahans etc.

 

Even if the first and second are not possible, I can assure you that the Divine Name alone can make you attain God.

 

This is certain and it is the only way!

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Why people did not take to Rama Nama, which is so easy and simple to chant. He puts forth his findings in the following words, "Since it is so easy and simple, none takes to it!" - Bhagawan Nama Bodendra Saraswati Swamigal

Nama Article 24th October 2008

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

What is the reason for using this technique of Chanting the Divine Name?

 

No dhyana or yoga will bear fruit as we possess no such power to perform these. We may, out of conceit boast of performing dhyana or yoga.

 

Bhagawan Nama Bodendra Saraswati Swamigal in Nama Siddhanta says that he conducted an enquiry into why people did not take to Rama Nama, which is so easy and simple to chant. He puts forth his findings in the following words, "Since it is so easy and simple, none takes to it!"

 

The reason for this is that everyone desires to do something 'grand' even though none possesses the aptitude. Everybody is aware of his shortcomings yet one desires to proudly declare that he is doing dhyana, yoga, etc. But the truth is all these people are only deceiving themselves.

 

In the present age these paths do not suit us. Well! What about the 'Nama' (Name of the Lord) that you advocate? Nama chanting will ultimately take you to the same goal that Vedanta vichhara or Yoga or 'Karmanushtana' takes one to. Through Nama one can attain the highest state. The Azhwars, the Nayanmars, Thiagaraja Swami, Panduranga Bhaktas, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu have all shown that one CAN attain liberation through mere chanting of Nama. Even today we find Sadhus who have attained the highest state through mere chanting of Nãma. This is the glory of 'Nama Sankirtana' -- An absolutely easy, simple path.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

By Guru's Grace, he receives the wealth of the Lord's Name “Hari”, which alone shall go with him, when he departs in the end - Sant Kabir

Nama Article 23rd October 2008

 

Sant Kabir

 

Twelve years pass in childhood, and for another twenty years, he does not practice self-discipline and austerity.

 

For another thirty years, he does not worship God in any way, and then, when he is old, he repents and regrets.

 

His life wastes away as he cries out, "Mine, mine!"

 

The pool of his power has dried up.

 

He makes a dam around the dried-up pool, and with his hands, he makes a fence around the harvested field.

 

When the thief of Death comes, he quickly carries away what the fool had tried to preserve as his own.

 

His feet and head and hands begin to tremble, and the tears flow copiously from his eyes.

 

His tongue has not spoken the correct words, but now, he hopes to practice religion!

 

If the Dear Lord shows His Mercy, one enshrines love for Him, and obtains the Divine Lord's Name "Hari".

 

By Guru's Grace, he receives the wealth of the Lord's Name "Hari", which alone shall go with him, when he departs in the end.

 

Says Kabeer, listen, O Saints - he shall not take any other wealth with him.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

The various forms (in this Universe) are the beads of the rosary; Only can a Sadhu (Saint) remember Rama.

Nama Article 22nd October 2008

 

The Nirguna School of Brahmavadis, of which Kabir and the succeeding saint-poets were the chief exponents, regarded the Name and its Japa to be of immense value. They had a child like faith in the infinite glory of the Name.

 

Doha of Dadu Dayal (1544 - 1603) {who was an illustrious follower of Kabir and a great devotee}:

 

The Universal Spirit is like a thread in a rosary which pervades all animate and inanimate creation and revolves through all forms (representing various beads in the rosary) is a fitting aid to this Japa.

 

It is such a Japa that Dada refers to in the following lines:

 

"दादू माला सब आकारकी;

कोई साधू सुमिरै राम"

 

"The various forms (in this Universe) are the beads of the rosary;

Only can a Sadhu (Saint) remember Rama"

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Never set your hand to anything that will make you hide your face. Do such work the recollection of which will make your mind happy, for such is the good work.

Nama Article 21st October 2008

 

Source: Pagal Harnath letters

 

Do not approach any work, the execution of which will make you repent afterwards. Never set your hand to anything that will make you hide your face. Do such work the recollection of which will make your mind happy, for such is the good work.

 

Action, the remembrance of which sends a thrill of horror through the body, is sinful action; hence proceed cautiously that you may not trip and fall. See that every one is pleased with your work. Do such work which you can display without fear or shame.

 

You may forget everything, but do not forget Krishna.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Of all religious practices, japa (repetition of divine name) is said to be the supreme practice

Nama Article 17th October 2008

 

Acharya Adishankara on Sahasranama Bhashya

 

जपस्तु सर्वधर्मेभ्यः परमो धर्म उच्यते ।

अहिम्सया च भूतानां जपयञः प्रवर्तते ॥

 

In the Mahabharata it is stated; "Of all religious practices, japa (repetition of divine name) is said to be the supreme practice in as much as it is accomplished without animal sacrifice"

 

Lord Krishna says in Bhagavat Gita

 

यज्ञानां जपयज्ञोस्मि

 

Of all forms of sacrifice, I am the sacrifice of Japa.

 

एष मे सर्वधर्माणाम् धर्मो अधिकतमो मतः।

यद्भक्त्या पुण्डरीकाक्शं स्तवैरर्चेन्नरः सदा ॥

 

Taking all these facts into consideration, the great Bhishma said, "Of all the religious practices, I hold this practice (repetition of divine name) to be the best."

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

All things that can be thought of had beginning in Word, or the eternal concept in the Divine mind - Brhadaranyaka Upanishad

Nama Article 17th October 2008

 

Brhadaranyaka Upanishad

 

सोSकामयत् द्वितीयो म आत्मा जायेतेति स मनसा वाचं मिथुनं समभवत् |

 

He desired; let a second body be born of Me and embraced Word with His mind.

 

All things that can be thought of had beginning in Word, or the eternal concept in the Divine mind.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

oh! mind! Taking the water which is sanctified by the touch of holy feet of devotee who is immersed in the Singing of Divine Name will suffice; why do you have to go to Bhagirathi (Ganges river)?

Nama Article 14th October 2008

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

Bhadrachalam Ramadas had an unflinching faith in Rama. Never for a moment did he forget his Rama during his long stay in the ghastly prison cell.

 

Bhadrachalam Ramadas sings in one of his kirtan in the prison,

 

'Shri Ramula divya nãma smarana seyuchunna jãlu Ghoramaina tapamulanu goranetike manasa!'

 

(oh! mind! Taking the Name of Rama will suffice; why do you have to perform severe penances?)

 

bhAgavatula pAda jalamu paina callukonna jAlu bhAgIrathiki poyyEnanE bhrAntiyETikE manasA

 

(oh! mind! Taking the water which is sanctified by the touch of holy feet of devotee who is immersed in the Singing of Divine Name will suffice; why do you have to go to Bhagirathi (Ganges river)?)

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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