Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Japa will duly slacken the grip of vasanas (latent impressions)

Nama Article 30th June 2009

 

Source: Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi

 

Talk 173.

 

DEVOTEE: Lord, how can the grip of the ego be slackened?

 

Bhagawan Ramana Maharishi : By not adding new vasanas to it.

 

DEVOTEE: Any amount of japa has not slackened the grip!

 

Bhagawan Ramana Maharishi : How so! It will duly slacken and vanish.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Monday, June 29, 2009

Constant repetition of God’s Name will free the mind from all its dynamics and make it perfectly still and serene

Nama Article 29th June 2009

 

Swami Papa Ramdas:

 

Ramdas for one found the repetition of God's Name the most efficacious means for stilling the mind. In the stillness of the mind, you realize that you are not the body but the omnipotent, omniscient, all pervading Spirit.

 

Constant repetition of God's Name will free the mind from all its dynamics and make it perfectly still and serene. In that serenity you realize that you are the Atman.

 

Sri Ramakrishna has said that a pure and still mind itself is Atman. Mind, when it is still, is not mind, everybody as the expression of Divinity seated in his own heart.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Sunday, June 28, 2009

The true purpose of existence can be understood only if one attains a Guru

Nama Article 28th June 2009

 

Why do people find it difficult to realize the true essence and purpose of existence?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

If an oil lamp is lighted, the flame always goes upward. Similarly, water always flows downward. A small child has a fascination for sports, music and fun. This is a natural phenomenon, which, in other words, can be put as the will of Lord Sri Krishna.

 

Thus, the vision of all creatures, right from a small worm to a mammoth elephant, is outbound.

 

Since we have taken innumerable number of births earlier, and in all those births, our vision was outbound, it is very difficult for us to turn our vision inward in this birth.

 

The true purpose of existence can be understood only if one attains a Guru, who, not only knows the true purpose of existence, but has also experienced it.

Chanting the Divine Name is the easiest and surest path for liberation.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Friday, June 26, 2009

The mind does not obey me; very well, I shall not obey the mind either; I shall continue to repeat the Lord’s Name.

Nama Article 26th June 2009

 

Anandamayi Ma

 

You say that the mind will not concentrate on the Name. What do you gain by feeling upset when your mind wanders here and there?

 

Rather reflect in this manner: "The mind does not obey me; very well, I shall not obey the mind either; I shall continue to repeat the Lord's Name."

 

Have you ever watched children flying kites? How ever high the kites rise up freely, yet they are limited by the length of the string to which they are tied.

 

The kite can be compared to the mind and the sense objects to the air.

 

Keep the mind tied by the string of God's Name; some day or the other it will become still.
 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Thursday, June 25, 2009

All uncleanliness flees at a distance from him who takes His Divine Name

Nama Article 24th June 2009

 

Pagal Harnath

 

Do not enter into the question of cleanliness when taking the Name, which is ever holy;

 

And all uncleanliness flees at a distance from him who takes His Name.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Through the Guru's Teachings, the Naam is my breath of life. The Kirtan of the Lord's Praise is my life's occupation.

Nama Article 23rd June 2009

 

Sri Guru Granth Sahib

 

I am a mere insect, a worm. O True Guru, I seek Your Sanctuary. Please be merciful, and bless me with the Light of the Naam, the Name of the Lord.

 

O my Best Friend, O Divine Guru, please enlighten me with the Name of the Lord.

 

Through the Guru's Teachings, the Naam is my breath of life. The Kirtan of the Lord's Praise is my life's occupation.

 

हम कीरे किरम सतिगुर सरणाई करि दइआ नामु परगासि

मेरे मीत गुरदेव मो कउ राम नामु परगासि

गुरमति नामु मेरा प्रान सखाई हरि कीरति हमरी रहरासि

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Monday, June 22, 2009

All these forms of worship are rendered futile unless accompanied by the ‘sound’ aspect in the form of Mantras. If we were to worship the Supreme Brahman in the form of sound chanting the Divine Names of Lord alone is enough.

Nama Article 22nd June 2009

 

http://www.namadwaar.org/nibbles/?cat=83

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

Power of Sound

 

In our scriptures, it is said that during the process of creation from the Supreme Brahman, the space ('Akasha') came first and sound is the property of the 'Akasha'.  From that came air, and from air came fire, from fire came water and from water, earth.


Sound is an abstraction that is closest to the Supreme Brahman.

 

We employ different means to worship the Supreme Brahman.  We worship It as a deity – a form of earth, in the form of water (in a Kalash), in the form of fire (during havans), in the form of air (through Pranayama etc.) and in the form of sound (through the chanting of the Vedas, and chanting of the Divine Names).

 

However, in order to render an idol fit for worship, Mantras (the form of sound) have to be chanted.  In order to worship the Lord in a 'kalash' (vessel of water), Mantras have to be chanted to install the Lord in the water.  In order  to worship the Lord as the form of fire through 'Havan', Mantras have to be chanted to install the Lord in 'Agni'.  In order to worship the Lord through 'Pranayama', one has to contemplate on and chant the Pranava Mantra.

 

So all these forms of worship are rendered futile unless accompanied by the 'sound' aspect in the form of Mantras.

 

However, if we were to worship the Supreme Brahman in the form of sound, mere chanting of the Vedas or chanting the Divine Name of Lord alone is enough. It does not expect any other accessory to make it complete.

 

That is the greatness of worship by chanting the Divine Names.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Friday, June 19, 2009

In Rama , who is the. dispeller of all sorrow, there is arama — rest and ease; where Rama is not, there is vyarama — discomfort and disease.

Nama Article 20th June 2009

 

Anandamayi Ma

 

Without the repetition of the Name and the remembrance of God, there is no hope of peace on earth. Let duty come first and foremost.

 

In Rama , who is the. dispeller of all sorrow, there is arama  — rest and ease;

 

where Rama is  not, there is vyarama  — discomfort and disease.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

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If little boys and girls are to be taught reading and writing, they will have to be persuaded to learn. So also, to begin with, one has to repeat the Divine Name forcibly.

Nama Article 19th June 2009

 

Anandamayi Ma

 

Children of tender age do not want to learn to read and write because they prefer to play. If little boys and girls are to be taught reading and writing, they will have to be persuaded to learn. So also, to begin with, one has to repeat the Divine Name forcibly.

 

Constant practice is needed. Look, when dirt accumulates in a vessel, it has to be scrubbed and polished to become shiny. Rubbing it just once will not make it clean.

 

In order to light a match, friction is necessary; one cannot be sure at what instant fire will blaze forth.

 

With the repetition of Divine Name it is also similar. By sustained practice success will be accomplished.Become wedded to the yoga of practice.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Let His Name be ever with you; Imperceptibly, relentlessly time is creeping away. Divine Name can change one's fate.

Nama Article 17th June 2009

 

Let His Name be ever with you; Imperceptibly, relentlessly time is creeping away.

 

Time is fleeting. Know the value of time. Time is most precious. Utilise every second profitably. Do not procrastinate. Abandon all idle gossiping. Forget the past. Live every moment of your life for the realisation of the divine ideal and goal. Unfold your latent faculties. Grow, evolve and Realise. Struggle hard and reach the goal of life.

 

If we miss, one cannot argue with Yama. Neither can you nor someone else on your behalf can argue with Yama. The judgment is all ready. You can argue through a lawyer in this court of the world but not in the highest Court! One cannot claim, 'I am a lawyer! I am a doctor!' in this highest court. The 'paapa' (sin) committed and 'punya' (merit) earned by you come along and none else.

 

If the judgment is all ready, why should I Chant?

 

Yama merely dispenses justice, but the Lord bestows grace.

 

The moment a devotee sings the Divine Names of the Lord, the thought about the devotee rises in the mind of the Lord. The Lord immediately considers the devotee as His own. He takes the entire responsibility of the devotee's life. Divine Name can change one's fate.

 

In fact, developing an interest in the Divine Name is but a manifestation of God's grace

 

kalakshebo na kartavyah

kshenamaayuh kshane kshane

yamasya karuna naasti

kartavyam hari kirtanam.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

If we are remembering the Divine name, we are psychologically sound.

Nama Article 16th June 2009

 

Bhagawan Yogiramsuratkumar

 

Never forget the Divine. Live in the world and the problems will be there.

 

If we are remembering the Divine name, we are psychologically sound.

 

May be, we may feel a little some of the problems. Even then the intensity with which we feel if we don't have faith in God is much more than a man of faith - a man who remembers the name of Rama.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

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Sunday, June 14, 2009

Food simultaneously gives us taste, satiates our hunger and gives us energy. Chanting the Divine Name simultaneously wipes our sins, accrues good merits and prepares us for the Vision of the Lord

Nama Article 14th June 2009

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

When we eat a food three things happen simultaneously

 

  1. We experience the taste of the food
  2. It satiates the hunger and
  3. It gives us energy to the extent we have taken

Similarly when we Chant the Divine Names of the Lord three things happen simultaneously

 

  1. All our sins are wiped off instantaneously
  2. We accrue the benefits of good merits
  3. We are prepared for the Vision of the Lord to the extent we have chanted

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Saturday, June 13, 2009

When we lift a lot of weight we get tired. When we walk a long distance, we get tired. But the mouth and ears never experience tiredness! Chant His Name and listen to His glories.

Nama Article 13th May 2009

 

http://namadwaar.org/diary/?action=entry&id=1198121537

 

His limitless mercy - Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

When we lift a lot of weight we get tired.   When we walk a long distance, we get tired.  But the mouth and ears never experience tiredness!  We never get tired of talking or listening.

 

The Lord out of his immense mercy has created us like this so that we can always Chant His Name and listen to His glories.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

We would remember something at the crucial time of death only if we practice remembering it all our life. That is why the easy dharma of ‘Nama Sankirtan’ is being advocated.

Nama Article 11th June 2009

 

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

 

A person is very honest, sincere, does his duties perfectly, never lies, never cheats others, helps the needy, feed the person who starves for it, never aspires for others money. Should he go to temples and chant Nama when only he will attain God?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

In Srimad Bhagavatam, it has been said that one may practice any path in spirituality or perform any amount of dharma. It does not matter. What really matters is, whether he remembers Lord Narayana at the time of his last breath. That is when he gets the blessings of God. Hence that should be the goal of any Dharma that one practices. 'Janma labhah parah pumsaam anthe Narayana smrithi'.

 

We would remember something at the crucial time of death only if we practice remembering it all our life. That is why the easy dharma of 'Nama Sankirtan' is being advocated.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The elephant cannot keep its trunk still. It keeps swaying it always. In order to arrest its movement, the mahout gives it a huge chain to hold on to. Similarly, in order for the mind to streamline its thoughts, we have it focus on the divine Name an

Nama Article 10th June 2009

 

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

 

I have observed that it is very tough to keep the mind free. I used to think too much and then get in to unnecessary trouble because of the same. I feel that the mind can be streamlined. Can you suggest the way?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

First of all, it is important to understand what is mind. Mind is nothing but a collection of thoughts. Other than thoughts, there is nothing called mind.

 

Now, the next question is, how do these thoughts rise?

 

Thoughts rise because of Vasanas. Vasanas are nothing but latent impressions – impressions created deep inside us because we have been repeatedly doing certain activities for a long period of time. It is only when one is in deep sleep or when one is sedated that his mind does not function. During all other times, it is active. This is the nature of the mind.

 

Having thus said, it is also important that you don't let your intellect watch the mind all the time and worry about your current state. This will create a complex in you, making you either guilty or proud and over-confident. So it is best not to police the mind.

 

Don't mind what mind does.

 

The elephant cannot keep its trunk still. It keeps swaying it always. In order to arrest its movement, the mahout gives it a huge chain to hold on to. Similarly, in order for the mind to streamline its thoughts, we have it focus on the divine Name and Form of the Lord.

 

By chanting the Mahamantra either mechanically or whole-heartedly, the complex can be overcome and the thoughts can be streamlined. The Mahamantra has the power to do so.  

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The mind is enslaved to habits. Only by constant practice one can get rid of habits. The best way to overcome it is to chant with patience and perseverance.

Nama Article 9th June 2009

 

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

 

I Beg to know, how to control our mind to refuse sensual indulgence at least when it affects our health and duties.

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

The mind is enslaved to habits. So it will not obey you if you order it to stop doing something that it has been accustomed to. It is only by constant practice that one can get rid of habits.

 

The best way to overcome it is to chant with patience and perseverance.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Friday, June 5, 2009

“The Divine Name,” Sage Valimiki says, is the one trustworthy means for salvation in all the three worlds.

Nama Article 4th June 2009

 

Haripath - Sant Gnyaneshwar

 

Meaning

 

You may take a bath In the confluence of the three holy rivers; You may visit all the sacred pilgrimage places;

But if your mind does not always rest In the name of the Lord, All your efforts are in vain.

 

He is very foolish who turns away From remembrance of God's name;

When the soul is drowning in misery, Who else but God will rush to its aid?

 

Valmiki , who is the highly respected, legendary poet-sage, Has proclaimed the value of chanting god's name;

"The Name," he says, is the one trustworthy means for salvation in all the three worlds."

Jnanadev says: Please chant Hari's name; The entire clan of those who recite His name gets purified.

 

Transliteration

 

Thrivenee sangamee(m) nana theerthe(m) bharamee l

Chiththa nahee(m) namee(m) tharee the(m) vyartha ll

Namasee vinmukha tho nara papiya l Hariveena dha(m)vaya na pave konee ll

Purana prasiddha bolile Valmika l Name(m) thinhee loka uddharathee ll

Gnanadeva mhane nama japa Harichee(m) l Parampara thyache(m) kula suddha ll

 

Abhang

त्रिवेणी संगमी नाना तीर्थे भ्रमी

चित्त नाही नामी तरी ते व्यर्थ

नामासी विन्मुख तो नर पापीया

हरिविण धावया पावे कोणी

पुराणप्रसिद्ध बोलिले वाल्मिक

नामे तिन्ही लोक उद्धरती

ज्ञानदेव म्हणे नाम जपा हरिचे

परंपरा त्याचे कुळ शुद्ध

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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