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Mumookshapadi -Thirumantra Prakaranam Part-XI

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narayanan.k.m • January 25, 2000 


Sri Venkata Gurave Nama:
Srimathe Ramanujaya Nama:

The meaning of  word "Nama"
=============================

Respected Members of the Bakthi List,

The Holy Thirumantram is split in to OM (Pranavam),  Nama:, and
Narayanaya.(Three Words)

Till last post we discussed the meaning of Pranavam. In this post,  we will
discuss the extended meaning of the word 'Nama:'

75-77
The words "Nama: Narayanaya (apart from Pranavam) according to  elders, gives
the extended meaning of Pranavam OM.
While discussing Ukaram, it was said that Atma is not subject to or subservient
to anyone. this 'anyone' also includes 'self'.
This is due to the fact that the Atma is subservient 'only' to Sriman Narayana.

Note: this brings out exact quality of humbleness required by a prapanna. While
we should not think that we are subject to some  Mundane people,
we should also not caught in the wrong notion that we are "independent" . i.e.
we should be bereft of Ahamkaram.
 In fact on a holistic angle, everyone is Subservient to Lord.

78-80
The word Nama: consists of two words.
1.Na
2.Ma:
the word Ma: denotes that "He" owns oneself. (I am for myself attitude)
the word 'Na' negates such a thought.

We should leave the thought that we are 'independent' and if such thought
exists, the Atma leaves it basic nature of servitude (seshatvam

88-93
the  thought of Ma" (I am for myself) leads to svarupa Nasam or destruction of
one's original self.

on the other hand the thought   'Nama:' overcomes three types of virodhi (enemy
of the Atma. they are

a. Svarupa virodhi- thinking that I am independent.
b. Upaya virodhi- impediment to attain moksha.
c. prappya virodhi- impediment to enjoy the fruit or phalan of moksha, i.e.
service to Lord.

the word 'Nama:' enables a prapanna to think that he is dependent' (Svarupam
hence enables him to attain Moksham(Upayam) and makes him to enjoy
Kiamkaryam(Prappyam)

to explain this further, Swami quotes beautiful pasurams From Sri Nammlwar.

Swami here brings out one more angle to "servitude". he says that the real
thought of servitude to Lord should blossom in the service of His Baghavatas.
A typical Prapanna shoudl leave his Ahamkaram and Mamakaram and consider doing
service to Lord's Bhagavatas.

One who realises the Basic nature of Atma (servitude),  the position of Lord( as
a protector and creator of universe) and Atma's duty is to do
service(Kiamkaryam),
such a person becomes a "KruthaKrityan" , i.e. one who knows what to is to be
done? and how it is to be done?.

If this realisation does not come, he accumulates sin and all his rituals
becomes a mere waste.

this is the essence of the meaning of word "Nama".

>From next post, we will discuss the meaning of the patham "Narayanya"

Sri Pillai lokachar Thiruvadigale Saranam

Dasan

K.M.Narayanan
Calcutta
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