Choose a time when you are not likely to be disturbed. Sitting comfortably in a quiet place repeat the Name for half an hour.

Nama Article 28^th February 2015

Swami Papa Ramdas

Choose a time when you are not likely to be disturbed. Sitting comfortably in a quiet place repeat the Name for half an hour. Let this be followed by meditation for quarter of an hour. Let nothing come in the way of this daily practice. Never plead excuses. Regular and systematic practice will take you a long way.

Even at other times, whenever you are free repeat the Name. But never let go the three-fourths of an hour in vain. At the end of these forty-five minutes you should be in that blissful state when you forget your body-consciousness.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

For inner communion, there is nothing so helpful as the Divine Name. The Name is a pill of bliss. It is a dose of nectar. It links the mind with the Supreme Being in no time.

Swami Papa Ramdas

Sadhana is effort made towards God-realisation. It is possible for the average man i.e. the man in the world also. It has two aspects: inner communion and outward vision.

For inner communion, there is nothing so helpful as the Divine Name. The Name is a pill of bliss. It is a dose of nectar. It links the mind with the Supreme Being in no time. Only those minds which are deeply attached to worldly objects cannot enjoy its sweetness. When you have fever, sugar does not taste sweet. Similarly when one is suffering from the worldly disease (Bhava-Roga) one cannot enjoy its sweetness. Repetition of the Name is so simple and easy. There is no need for any external aid, no paraphernalia, no rules. The Name is self-sufficient.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

God’s Names are numerous; And if any one of those Names, At least once a day, while sitting quiet at a place, And you reach the Supreme abode of Brahman.

Nama Article 26^th February 2015

ஞானப்பான - பூந்தானம்

Tamil Transliteration

எண்ணமற்ற திருநாமம் உள்ளதில்

ஒன்னு மாத்ரம் ஒரிக்கல் ஒரு தினம்

ஸ்வஸ்தன் ஆயிட்டு இருக்கும் போழெங்கிலும்

ஸ்வப்னத்தில் தான் அறியாதெ எங்கிலும்

மற்றொன்னாயி பரிஹஸிச்செங்கிலும்

மற்றொருத்தர்க்கு வேண்டியென்னாகிலும்

ஏது திக்கிலிருக்கிலும் தன்னுடே

நாவு கொண்டிது சொல்லி என்னாகிலும்

அதுமல்லொரு நேரம் ஒரு தினம்

செவி கொண்டிது கேட்டு என்னாகிலும்

ஜன்ம சாபல்யம் அப்போழே வன்னு போய்

ப்ரம்ம ஸாயுஜ்யம் கிட்டீடும் என்னேல்லோ

God's Names are numerous;

And if any one of those Names,

At least once a day, while sitting quiet at a place,

Or unawares in a dream while sleeping,

Or mocking as something else, or to satisfy some one else;

You utter with your tongue or just hear with your ears,

At that very moment, your life is fulfilled;

And you reach the Supreme abode of Brahman.

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

Chanting the Name of the Lord is the easiest and surest path as there is no scope for any negative effects

Whether your interest be in Yoga, Meditation or Vedanta, chanting Mahamantra for some time will purify your mind and enable you to proceed in your own path comfortably

Incapability is the qualification! You should realize that you are incapable (of treading any spiritual path). AND, THAT IS THE ONLY QUALIFICATION REQUIRED.

The only solution is 'TO SING THE NAME OF GOVINDA'.......

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…………

Why is life so complicated? Why is there so much confusion in life? Can't it be all simple? - Simplest and the most straightforward path FOR ALL

On this earth you chant My Divine Name incessantly and make others also do the same thing. Sri Sri Anna

Hence on daily basis we can try whether we can think only about God 's name before we go for a sleep – Mahaperiyava

All I know is Ram Nam - Yogiramsuratkumar

Divine Names' are not mere names - Bhagavan Nama Bodhendral

Essence of Gita - मामेकं शरणं व्रज - The easiest way to surrender is to chant the Mahamantra. Continuously chant the Mahamantra and eventually, you will attain the state of surrender. - Bhagavad Gita – Bhagavad Gita

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

The ONLY religion for this age - The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

The oral repetition of the Name leads one to mental repetition which finally resolves itself into the eternal vibration. The mind or the mouth cannot act without the Self - Sri Ramana Maharishi

Though I preach about different paths, the path I follow is that of Bhakti Marga i.e chanting of Lord's name.

Jnanadev says: Chant Hari's name; The Lord will then become your slave,

With those who have no mantra, even if they have a strong habit of meditation or concentration, something around them remains hazy and vague - Mother (Sri Aurobindo Ashram)

Wherever His name is spoken, that very place is holy. How much more so is the man who speaks His name, - Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

Vibrations resulting from devotional singing lead to the contact of the Cosmic Vibration or the Word. - Paramahansa Yogananda

The seed in the form of a mantra will be made to sprout when provided with the necessary nourishment in the form of satsang - Anandamayi Ma

O, great is the Power of the Word,

But few there be that know it. - Guru Nanak

To take Sri Krishna's name is the one supreme duty and aim of life - Pagal Harnath

I will never forget the sacred name of our Lord - Saint Ramalinga Vallalar

பெற்ற தாயினும் ஆயின செய்யும் நலம்தரும் சொல்லை நான்கண்டு கொண்டேன் – Azhwars

வேதம் நான்கினும் மெய்ப்பொரு ளாவது நாதன் நாமம் நமச்சி வாயவே - Nayanmars

People despise this Kali Yuga. This is a mistake for in Kali Yuga you can attain God-realisation easily, you do not have to do hard tapas (austerities) – Swami Sivananda

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

The Divine Name “NamaShivaya” is shining bright like a distinctive and prominent star among the three worlds

Nama Article 23^rd February 2015

Gnanasambandar

நம்பு வாரவர் நாவி னவிற்றினால்

வம்பு நாண்மலர் வார்மது வொப்பது

செம்பொ னார்தில கம்முல குக்கெலாம்

நம்பன் நாமம் நமச்சி வாயவே

The faithful devotees, who cherish with love, when they recite the Divine Name "NamaShivaya" without ceasing in their tongues is sweet like the honey that pours from the fragrant flowers that unfolds its petals at day break.

The Divine Name "NamaShivaya" is shining bright like a distinctive and prominent star among the three worlds.

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

Those who have dedicated themselves to remembrance of His name have found unending peace and contentment and they have become enveloped in its sweetness like a bee who, in its search for honey, becomes enveloped in the closed petals of a flower.

This is the essence of all Vedas. This is the greatest among all mantras. Nectarine Rama Nama is the heart of Vedas.

What is the essence of all the Shastras, the Brahma Sutra, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, etc.

All acts performed are only so much useless labor if it fails to generate love towards the Lord.

Man feels that only the most difficult is the highest, the most difficult way is the best way. This is a very wrong notion

Whether your interest be in Yoga, Meditation or Vedanta, chanting Mahamantra for some time will purify your mind and enable you to proceed in your own path comfortably

When its recitation commences with the Divine Name Hari and concludes with the same, it is a clear and significant indication that the essence of all Vedas is about chanting the Divine Name of Hari.

Essence of Srimad Bhãgavatam

The essence of the endless Vedas is this : Seek the shelter of God and repeat His name with all thy heart.

What is spirituality and spiritual path? How can I continuously progress on this path?

Path of liberation is really simple. Chanting Divine Names incessantly leads us there in due course of time, as pointed out by great Mahatmas.

Having compassion of the Lord as the foundation, the one which has no rules, the one which can eradicate the force of Kali, Namakirtanam is the only resort.

Essence of the Vedas and all the holy scriptures is "Repeat the name of Narayana." Without the remembrance of Hari, all other practices, such as rituals and austerities, are only futile exertions.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

the best way is to offer prayers to God, take His name, even though for a short time daily, and then be engaged in your work and perform it honestly and conscientiously, having God-remembrance stamped on your heart.

Nama Article 22^nd February 2015

STORIES AS TOLD BY SWAMI RAMDAS

You must have heard of Sage Narada. He was a great votary of God's name. He repeated the Name all the twenty-four hours of the day and went about all over the world proclaiming the greatness of the Name. He became proud of his continuous chanting of the Name. He saw people in the world taking the Name only for a time, whereas he was taking the Name all the day and night. Therefore, he considered himself to be the greatest devotee of God. In the course of his wanderings he went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Looking at Narada, Vishnu came to know that Narada had become proud of his devotion. Narada, with an air of self-importance, asked Vishnu who His greatest devotee in the world was.

Lord Vishnu asked Narada to go to a certain village on the earth where, He said, lived a farmer whom He considered as His greatest devotee. Narada was surprised, "How could a poor farmer rank first among the devotees of Vishnu?" However, he went to the house of the farmer -devotee and was received by him with great honour and hospitality. The devotee served the sage with all love and reverence and begged him to stay in his humble abode for a few days. Narada stayed on and watched what the farmer was doing.

The farmer's routine was to get up early in the morning, take aloud God's name once, and then go to attend to his work in the fields. In the evening, on returning home after his day's work, he would perform the usual household duties and before retiring to bed, utter once again God's name. Narada noticed this routine of the farmer for two or three days and was utterly disappointed. He was wondering how Lord Vishnu could take this farmer, who uttered the name of God only twice a day, to be His greatest devotee. He left the house and proceeded straight to Vishnu and recounted to Him all that he had seen when he was with the farmer-devotee. Narada then asked Him how He could consider the farmer as the foremost of His devotees.

"I will show you how he is My greatest devotee," said Vishnu and having got a cup filled with oil to the brim, handed it over to Narada and told him to go round Vaikuntha and return to Him without spilling a drop of oil. Accordingly, Narada, taking the cup in his hands, walked slowly and carefully, concentrating all his mind upon the cup and after some time returned to Vishnu without spilling even a drop of oil.

Vishnu, on seeing him back, questioned him, "How many times did you remember Me during the period of your circumambulation of Vaikuntha with the cup of oil in your hands?" Narada was surprised at this question and said, "Lord, are You joking with me? How is it possible to remember anything else when carrying out a task of such a difficult nature? My whole mind was centered on the cup so that I might not spill any drop."

At this reply, Vishnu laughed and remarked, "Look at the case of the farmer. He engages himself in hundreds of activities, carrying heavy responsibilities of his worldly life. Nevertheless, he does not fail to remember Me at least twice a day, whereas in a short period, when you were engaged in carrying the cup of oil you utterly forgot Me."

This reply from Vishnu humbled Narada. He realised that Vishnu was right and that he had made a mistake in thinking that he was superior to all other devotees.

This illustration goes to show that the best way is to offer prayers to God, take His name, even though for  a short time daily, and then be engaged in your work and perform it honestly and conscientiously, having God-remembrance stamped on your heart.

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

Catch hold of this divine Name and go on doing your work in the world.

Hanuman worked tirelessly for Rama. He also performed incessant Rama japa. We should also be like this.

Nothing we earn today would come with us to the final destination but only the Divine Name WILL

While you concentrate on your studies and prepare yourself for your future, you also need God's grace.

At the same time performing activities without spiritual practices is meaningless. We should learn to be like Hanuman by balancing both types of activities.

To achieve this goal I try to chant His name but am not able to do it continuously because it is involved in worldly activities

Chanting the Name of Răma, Hanuman crossed the ocean! -- and, lifted the mountain!

Mountain sized sorrows melt away like the fog!

Keep Chanting, even while engaged in the activities of the world

One should constantly repeat the names of God irrespective of any activity that he might be involved in

Keep the Name of the Lord spinning in midst of all your activities. Have intense faith in God, and in His Name, know that they are not different.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

In the body which is like a water bubble, there this very limited time, We should be Chanting the Divine Names of Lord

Nama Article 21^st February 2015

ஞானப்பான - பூந்தானம்

Tamil Transliteration

நீர்ப்போள போலெ உள்ளொரு தேஹத்தில்

வீர்ப்பு மாத்ரம் உண்டு இங்ஙனெ காணுன்னு

ஒர்த்து அறியாதே பாடு பெடுன்னேரம்

நேர்த்து பொகுமதென்னே பறயாவூ

அத்ர மாத்ரம் இரிக்குன்ன நேரத்து

கீர்த்தி சீடுன்னதில்ல திருநாமம்

English Transliteration

Neerpole pole yulloru dehathil,

Veerpu mathramundingane kannunu,

Orthariyathe padu padunneram,

Nerthu pokum athenne parayavu,

Athramathra mirikunna nerathu,

Keerthicheedunnilla thiru namam

Translation

In the body which is like a water bubble,

We see it filled up always,

And when we put efforts without thought,

We can tell that this bubble will only burst.

In this very limited time,

We should be Chanting the Divine Names of Lord

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

With the Support of Your Name, so many have been saved; this is Naam Dayv's understanding

Nama Article 20^th February 2015

Sant Namdev

मो कउ तारि ले रामा तारि ले ॥
मै अजानु जनु तरिबे न जानउ बाप बीठुला बाह दे ॥
नर ते सुर होइ जात निमख मै सतिगुर बुधि सिखलाई ॥
नर ते उपजि सुरग कउ जीतिओ सो अवखध मै पाई ॥
जहा जहा धूअ नारदु टेके नैकु टिकावहु मोहि ॥
तेरे नाम अविल्मबि बहुतु जन उधरे नामे की निज मति एह ॥

Carry me across, O Lord, carry me across.

I am ignorant, and I do not know how to swim. O my Beloved Father, please give me Your arm. ||

I have been transformed from a mortal being into an angel, in an instant; the True Guru has taught me this.

Born of human flesh, I have conquered the heavens; such is the medicine I was given. ||

Please place me where You placed Dhroo and Naarad, O my Master.

With the Support of Your Name, so many have been saved; this is Naam Dayv's understanding. ||

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

These fingers were made for counting his names

Nama Article 19^th February 2015

பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி

வண்ணநல்மணியும் மரகதமும்அழுத்தி நிழலெழும்

திண்ணைசூழ் திருக்கோட்டியூர்த் 

திருமாலவன்திருநாமங்கள்

எண்ணக்கண்டவிரல்களால் இறைப்பொழுதும்

எண்ணகிலாதுபோய்

உண்ணக்கண்டதம்ஊத்தைவாய்க்குக் கவளமுந்துகின்றார்களே

The Lord of Sri resides in Tirukkottiyur surrounded by mansions with gem-studded porticos that cast shadows by the light of their brilliance. These fingers were made for counting his names. They, who do not realize this even for a fleeting moment, know to use them for pushing food down their unwashed gluttonous mouths, alas!

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

Let the words Si Va Ya Siva Siva Fill your thoughts unceasing; Conquering all perils, Bliss there shall be.

Nama Article 18^th February 2015

திருமந்திரம் - திருமூலர் அருளியது

சிவாய நமவெனச் சித்தம் ஒருக்கி

அவாயம் அறவே அடிமைய தாக்கிச்

சிவாய சிவசிவ என்றென்றே சிந்தை

அவாயம் கெடநிற்க ஆனந்தம் ஆமே

Thirumoola Nayanar's Thirumanthiram

Saying Si Va Ya Na Ma,

Centre your thoughts,

All perils your vassals will be;

Let the words Si Va Ya Siva Siva

Fill your thoughts unceasing;

Conquering all perils,

Bliss there shall be.

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

Solution is here and wisdom is this - சிவாய நமவென்று சிந்தித் திருப்போர்க்கு அபாயம் ஒருநாளும் இல்லை

Ganapathy and Rama Nama

In fact, Lord Siva Himself chants the 'Rama' mantra all the time. Hence you are absolutely right in chanting the Rama mantra.

It is the Name that Lord Siva and His Consort Părvati chant! That removes sorrow and bestows peace!

Greatness of Chanting the Divine Name of Lord Shiva

Atonce Lord Shiva said "it is enough if one chants the name "Rama."

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

my tongue will praise Shiva by chanting NamaShivaya only without ceasing. NamaShivaya only will show the path to salvation.

Nama Article 16^th February 2015

திருநாவுக்கரசர்

நமச்சி வாயவே ஞானமுங் கல்வியும்

நமச்சி வாயவே நானறி விச்சையும்

நமச்சி வாயவே நாநவின் றேத்துமே

நமச்சி வாயவே நன்னெறி காட்டுமே.

the spiritual wisdom and education useful for the mundane world are NamaShivaya only.

the mantiram that I know is NamaShivaya only.

my tongue will praise Shiva by chanting NamaShivaya only without ceasing.

NamaShivaya only will show the path to salvation.

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

காதலாகிக் கசிந்து கண்ணீர் மல்கி ஓதுவார் தமை நன்னெறிக் குய்ப்பது

தீதில் நன்னெறி காட்டி எங்கும் திரிந்து அரங்கன் எம்மானுக்கே

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

I am an old faithful servant of yours, Chanting Namo Narayanaya and other names in myriad ways with all my power, O Pure One, I sing Pallandu to you.

Nama Article 15^th February 2015

பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி

அல்வழக்கொன்றுமில்லா அணிகோட்டியர்கோன் அபிமானதுங்கன்

செல்வனைப்போலத் திருமாலே. நானும்உனக்குப்பழவடியேன்

நல்வகையால்நமோநாராயணாவென்று நாமம்பலபரவி

பல்வகையாலும்பவித்திரனே. உன்னைப்பல்லாண்டுகூறுவனே

My Lord Tirumal!  Like the faultless chief of Kottiyur Selvanambi, a mountain of respectability, I am an old faithful servant of yours, Chanting Namo Narayanaya and other names in myriad ways with all my power, O Pure One, I sing Pallandu to you.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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