The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Glory of the Divine name

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Thursday, Dec 30, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Glory of the Divine name

CHENNAI, DEC.30 . The glory of the Divine name Rama is infinite according to the scriptures and saints who have realised God by chanting it. Tyagaraja says the splendour of this name can be known only from personal experience of adopting it for spiritual progress. In another composition this great saint who envisioned Him remarks out of humility that he was not equipped to describe its greatness and only the likes of Sita or one who had mastered his senses or one who has received His compassionate grace can fathom it. What then can one say of the laity? This is not meant to deter the lay person from chanting it for spiritual benefit but only to highlight its greatness.

Parasara Bhattar at the outset of his commentary on the Vishnu Sahasranama, the Bhagavad Guna Darpana says that the name Rama is capable of reviving a dead person. Adi Sankara mentions that one who breathes his last in Kasi or his children by his side will be liberated, as he would be lucky to listen and repeat this name. This among the countless names of the Supreme Being has the unique distinction of being a "Taraka nama", which can confer liberation from bondage on one who chants it. Sage Vasishta chose this name for the Almighty when He manifested as the son of Dasaratha as He embodied all the virtuous traits that a human being can possibly possess and thus Rama became an ideal for humanity to emulate.

In his discourse, Kalyanapuram Sri R. Aravamudachariar said Andal in a verse of the Tiruppavai praised Rama's endearing qualities instead of Krishna's to arouse a maiden from slumber. In this She juxtaposes mention of Rama's anger, which destroyed Ravana, along with His amiable nature, as one cannot identify anger with the character of Rama. One can actually count the few instances He lost His temper. This begs the question, "Will anger then not be a blot on one who is described as the personification of all inimitable traits?" The Lord's anger was expressed for the sake of His devotee. Rama became angry when Ravana hurt His dear devotee Hanuman.

Likewise, the Ramayana notes that Rama empathised with the sorrows that Ayodhya citizens faced and was overjoyed like a parent with his child's successes when they rejoiced. Is not the Almighty above joys and sorrows? The commentator notes that this quality of sympathising with others must be considered a benevolent trait of the Almighty from the standpoint of the devotee and thus not a blemish.

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