Slokam 9

Namasankeerthanam is being widely practiced now in the Kaliyugam as the best route to reach the Paramathma.  Each of the thousand names of the Paramathma that are chanted in the Sahasranama has an unique meaning that describes an attribute of the Paramathma.

In this slokam,  Sri Bhattadri points out that it is not necessary to actually know the meaning of the names of the Paramathma.  It is enough to say them,  and keep chanting them

This is a profound observation with significant implications.  How does the repetitive chanting of the Paramathma’s name protect and evolve our inner self?  The impact of continuous chanting is as follows;

·        It keeps the mind away from dwelling on desires or from slipping into remorse.  It keeps the mind away from sadness or happiness.  In other words, the conflict that drives the mind by its dwelling on opposites, is subdued

·        It helps cultivate detachment from illusion.

·        It helps to elevate the identity to be located in the consciousness rather than in the mind.

·        It negates inner conflict.

·        When practiced as part of a group, it promotes universal consciousness and oneness of spirit.

·        It diminishes the influence of ahankara.

·        It fixes the mind on the supreme

·        Repetition of a small sequence of names channels the energy from the mind to the consciousness.

Although,  as in Ajamila’s instance, we may initially perform namasankeerthanam out of fear,  it is more than likely that we will soon attain harmony with our environment.  The events of our lives will not cause us to live in fear or insecurity. Gradually,  we will overcome the insecurity that tears the world to shreds.

It is apparent that whatever our motivating force may initially be,  the end result of sustained practice will be the attainment of the Paramathma.

The slokam beautifully compares the impact of namasankeerthanam to burning fuel (it does not matter if the fire was accidentally or deliberately started) and to the effect of medicine taken to cure a condition (it does not matter whether the medicine was administered by intent or by chance, the effect is the same.

May we say the Paramathmas namas with our every breath and take solace and refuge in His protective Universal Self.