He was very sure about the fact that the mantra that he had received was capable of giving liberation. His intention was to give upadesa of this Thiruvashtãkshara mantra to everybody and help them attain liberation.

Nama Article 4th May 2013

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

Thousand years ago, in the Vaishnava Sampradãya, an Ãcharya Purusha named Ramanuja incarnated in the village of SriPerumpudur. Here is an anecdote from his life that depicts the immense compassion that he had.

 

Once, in order to receive upadesa of 'Thiruvashtãkshara'(8 lettered) mantra, he went to the Nambi living in Thirukottiyur from Kancheepuram (place where Ramanuja was staying). Though the Nambi heeded the request of Ramanuja, he did not give upadesa. On some pretext, he sent him off asking him to come another day. Ramanuja made seventeen such attempts and had to return every time without receiving upadesa. Still, he did not lose heart. He visited the Nambi for the eighteenth time and requested him to give upadesa.

 

Pleased by Ramanuja's absolute patience and real interest in receiving the Mantra upadesa, Thirukottiyur Nambi gave the upadesa at the right time. While giving the upadesa, Thirukottiyur Nambigal told Sri Ramanuja -"You must not give upadesa of this mantra to anybody. If you do, you will attain hell. If you incessantly do japa of Thiruvashtãkshara mantra, you will most certainly attain liberation without any hurdle. Later, Ramanuja took leave of Thirukottiyur Nambi after paying obeisance to him.

 

Ramanuja while coming out was in a state of ecstasy. He seemed relieved of all worries. But the purpose of his incarnation was not to attain the highest state and liberate himself! He was very sure about the fact that the mantra that he had received was capable of giving liberation. His intention was to give upadesa of this Thiruvashtãkshara mantra to everybody and help them attain liberation.

 

Soon after he received the mantra, Ramanuja climbed the top of the Gopura of the temple. He called all the people. Ramanuja's desire was fulfilled. His mind was filled with boundless enthusiasm. His very mission gave him strength. Due to these reasons, his voice became mellifluous, compulsively inviting and attractive. He called on to the mass several times. Then, Ramanuja , in a loud tone, with a magnanimous heart, immense compassion and love gave upadesa of Thiruvashtãkshara mantra to one and all. He requested everybody to chant the mantra always.

 

Hearing this, Thirukottiyur Nambi sent for Ramanuja and reproached him. He said-"You have ignored my advice! You are sure to attain hell." Unperturbed by these words and full of contentment, Ramanuja said-"There is no harm in it! I am prepared to go to hell if all these people can attain liberation." Thirukottiyur Nambi was overwhelmed on seeing the compassion that Ramanuja had. He blessed Ramanuja and sent him.

 

The life of great incarnations like Ramanuja inspires children like us to have an open mind and cultivate pure thinking.

 

Please check these: Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

From small homely satsanghs to  formal Organizations functioning on a large scale, selfless friends from the GOD family  are working towards the common goal of nama prachar bearing my Vision to spread the bliss of the mahamantra everywhere in their hearts

 

I am not one to sit on your lap just because you have called me, and make merry. I will come only along with all (the others). - Why Prahlad is foremost among bhaktas ?

 

Selfless prayers for others are lyrics of the soul….. Bhagavan (my Father) is very fond of such prayers.

 

Selfless prayer is a penance by itself

 

Let a new India sans violence and selfishness but at the same time devoid of lethargy and cowardice be born. Let us all, with this in view, take the Name of the Lord and chant the Maha Mantra; make all chant the Maha Mantra. Fill India to the brim with Naamakirtan. Let Her offer to the world the spiritual bliss that she has found. Let us stand unique by combining any flawless modern way with the ancient one.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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