{"id":42070,"date":"2017-02-26T13:52:20","date_gmt":"2017-02-26T08:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/globalpress.hinduismnow.org\/?p=42070"},"modified":"2017-02-26T13:52:20","modified_gmt":"2017-02-26T08:22:20","slug":"rama-namaa-impact-ethos-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/?p=42070","title":{"rendered":"Rama Namaa – It's impact on the ethos of India"},"content":{"rendered":"


\nRama<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 the name and the character behind it has influenced the ethos of Indian civilization over many millennia in various ways. The facets of Rama are so diverse that one can spend multiple lifetimes merely scratching the mahima. In this article we will look at just the names of Rama with those syllables.
\nThe Indian civilization is filled with numerous names of Rama, many even in use today for naming babies. The real purpose of naming babies in India with divine names is to raise the level of our consciousness, unlike names of Black, Stone, Red, Carpenter, Taylor etc used in the west. This is the same reasoning behind idol worship in Sanatana Dharma. We cannot have our mind focus on the\u00a0IDEAL<\/em>, hence to train the mind, we use some sort of support,\u00a0IDOL<\/em>. The idol will never become the ideal, but a gateway if we choose to use it. Names are also similar in role, as evident from the typical combined usage of\u00a0Nama-rupa<\/em>\u00a0in our darshanas. Nama and rupa are not easily separable.
\nIn this context, we will see perhaps the only name which has been used both as prefix and suffix as part of names in Indian civilization, or perhaps anywhere in the world, – Rama. The idea of the article is not to provide a catalog of names, but to use it as an insight into the specialty of the words Rama. There are numerous names which do not have the syllable Rama like Kausaleya, Janakivallabha, Raghava, Raghunatha. Our focus will not be on such names.
\nRama, the word evokes different emotions, ideas in different people. Every bhakta chooses to revel in a certain aspect of the divinity. Rama is usually envisioned along with Sita, his consort, hence names like\u00a0JanakiRama(n), SitaRama(n), SiyaRama(n)<\/strong>\u00a0are still in vogue. Note in certain Indian communities like TamilNadu, Rama always is written as Raman. The fact the mind associates certain qualities to the Infinite Consciousness for it to get a hook, without which the mind is incapable of approaching it. In the same way, the most common usage of the name Rama is mostly in association.
\nRama is referred as\u00a0Vigrahavan Dharma<\/strong>, embodiment of Righteousness. Throughout Ramayana, one can associate Rama\u2019s presence with different attributes, characters which enable our mind to connect Rama, whenever we think of them. Our mind gets elevated even by merely focusing on these qualities and as Rama is the embodiment of these traits. When we think of infinitude, the mind can wrap this only by linking it with Rama as\u00a0AnathaRama<\/strong>. Unbound compassion was typical to Rama, who not only gave unconditional love and protection to anyone who can give little space in their hearts \u2013\u00a0DayaRam<\/strong>. This we see not only with Sugreeva and Vibhishana, but also the way Rama shows respect to the fallen opponents \u2013 Vaali and Ravana.
\nAfter the trials and tribulations and untold sufferings, Rama sets the example that victory is assured on the path of dharma (recall the blessing of Kaushalya when is leaving for forest \u2013 Valmiki Ramayana \u2013 2:25-3). Victory in Hinduism is associated to Rama as\u00a0JayaRam<\/strong>. Two divinities are usually associated with auspiciousness \u2013 Shiva (literally means it) and\u00a0KalyanaRama<\/strong>. The trait of beauty has been associated with all divinities but few are explicitly tailored as\u00a0SundarRama<\/strong>.
\nJust like Krishna is associated with the sudarshana chakra, Rama is always depicted with his special bow, Kodanda, hence Rama is also referred as\u00a0KodandaRama<\/strong>, a name popular in south. Rama being the scion of Raghuvamsa and the long illustrious lineage of Ikshavaku, is referred as\u00a0RaghuRama<\/strong>. Being a kshatriya and a model king, he is\u00a0RajaRama<\/strong>.
\nOther divinities are also associated to highlight some esoteric principle. Some of them like\u00a0DevaRama, GaneshRama<\/strong>\u00a0may not be very popular these days, but does highlight the principle that all divinities can be envisioned through Rama. The idea of trinity of divinity in Hinduism is not like the concept of trinity in Christianity, for instance. Though for our understanding these cosmic entities have been separately highlighted, the common theme in Hinduism has also been to stress on the fact, they are different facets of the same higher Principle. As if to exemplify this Truth, Rama is associated with Hari (Vishnu) as\u00a0HariRam<\/strong>\u00a0and Shiva as\u00a0ShivaRam<\/strong>. The divine consort of Vishnu, Lakshmi, also referred to as Sri is shown to the bhakta as an enabler of creation. Hence it is not surprising to associate Sri, the divine qualities of Narayana with Rama, as\u00a0SriRama<\/strong>.
\nIn the wisdom of Indian civilization, emphasis has always been given to associating with the wise, the ones who are realized. Rama can be spotted constantly in association with rishis and munis. Little wonder he is fondly referred as\u00a0MuniRama(n)<\/strong>.
\nWe have so far traced a few popular names, many we can put a face to our friend or acquaintance in the form of Rama as suffix. Let us now take a peek at few names where Rama is the suffix.
\nAssociation of Rama\u2019s name is very auspicious for the mind, as it helps it break the constant slavery to senses and elevate the mind to operate from the subtler, higher intellect which is merged with Paramatma. Rama\u2019s name,\u00a0Ramabhadra<\/strong>, elucidates this. Rama naama has a magnetic endearment, not in its tone and quality, but also in raising the consciousness. This attribute of Rama had led to the names\u00a0Ramakanth<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0RamMohan<\/strong>.
\nRama\u2019s name used in association with other divinities is to illustrate the commonality. Rama as known to all is an avatar (avatarana means to come down \u2013 literally means the divinity has come down to our plane) of Vishnu, also known as Hari and Narayana. Krishna is another avatar. To tell the common man who may not be in tune with the subtle ideas conveyed by the rishis, names like\u00a0RamaKrishna<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>RamGopal<\/strong>,\u00a0RamNarayan<\/strong>\u00a0elucidate it in our daily lives.
\nIn all our puranas, Shiva and Vishnu are shown as two facets of the same cosmic principle. We have stories of Hariharan amongst other sayings and stories to illustrate. Along the same theme we find names of\u00a0Ramalingam, Rameshwara, Ramaswamy, Ramanatha<\/strong>\u00a0to remind us that saivite and vaishnavite differences are too trivial, but their commonality exceed their subtle differences. Recently these differences are being exploited by Christian missionary elements to sow seeds of dissent. This includes trying to appropriate Hindu ideas and Gods like Shiva and Muruga as ancestors of Tamils and Vaishnavism is alien to Tamil Nadu for instance. This kind of nonsensical ideas based on language is being pedaled by proselytizing elements to drive a wedge. Rama\u2019s name is silently refuting these junk theories as a constant reminder to this folly and mischief.
\nKumar is a reference in Indian language as son. Rama\u2019s role as a model son perhaps is the inspiration behind a name like\u00a0Ramkumar<\/strong>. Rama\u2019s presence can be felt all around us. A name like\u00a0RamaSwaroop<\/strong>\u00a0acts as reminder.
\nOur attitude to Rama can be one of bhakti and there are nine different forms of bhakti, according to Bhagavata. Even in Ramayana, we can see the best bhakta in Hanuman, who not only excels in buddhi, but also in bhakthi. Names like\u00a0Ramadasa, Ramaapriya\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0RamPrasad<\/strong>\u00a0highlight our attitude towards this infinite Consciousness, commonly known to us as Rama.
\nRamachandra<\/strong>\u00a0is perhaps one of the most intriguing names. Rama belongs to Suryavamsa (Solar dynasty) and yet his name is associated with Chandra (Moon). Full moon usually represents light with coolness. Chandra was a popular suffix as evident from Hemachandra, Gopichandra, Balachandra. Hence comparing Rama with the cool rays of the moon was a simile. Yet if we look closer, many divinities are associated with Sun and Moon. While Shiva is being described, his two eyes are referred as Sun and Moon. PurushaSuktam in the Vedas refers it as\u00a0Chandramamanasojaata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(The moon is born of mind (manas) of the Purusha (Almighty). In my humble understanding, I think the name can also be used to infer how the mind can be trained, tie the mind with Rama nama.
\nThus we see, Rama\u2019s name in our society is a constant reminder to the materialistic mind to turn inward. This background direction is nonstop guiding the keen and alert mind.
\nVishnu Sahasaranama \u2013 a better catalog of divine names
\n<\/strong>
\nThe Mahabharata contains numerous gems like the Bhagavad Gita, ViduraNeeti, YakshaPrashna amongst many others. The Shanti Parva, where the Pandavas approach the fallen grandsire, Bhishma, to understand the subtleties of Dharma and also capture the wisdom of their past ancestors, is the biggest treasure trove outside of the Gita. Yudhishtra asks a series of questions over many days which are patiently elaborated with detailed information. One such question series is as follows, which launches Bhishma to provide a thousand names of the Lord, each explaining one facet of the divinity. Krishna acknowledges and blesses all these descriptions of Bhishma as authentic and accurate.
\nYudhishtirauvacha
\n<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kim\u00e9kamdaivathamlokekimv\u00e1pyekampar\u00e3yanam\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Sthuvanthakamkamarchandaprapnuyurm\u00e3nav\u00e3shubam<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Who (“kim<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) is the greatest (“ekam<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) Lord (“daivatam<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) in the world (“loke<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“)?
\nWho is the one (“ekam<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) refuge (“paraayanam<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) for all?
\nBy glorifying (“sthuvantah<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) whom (“kam<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) can man (“manavah<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) reach the Auspiciousness (“shubam<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) (peace and prosperity)?
\nBy worshipping (“archantah<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) whom can a man reach\u00a0auspiciousness (peace and prosperity)?<\/p>\n

Ko dharma sarvadharm\u00e3nambhavathaparamomathaha<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Kim japan muchyath\u00e9janthurjanmasams\u00e3rabandhan\u00e3th<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

What (“ko<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) is, in thy opinion, the Greatest Dharma?
\nBy (“kim<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) doing japa of what can \u201ccreatures\u201d (jantu<\/u><\/em><\/strong>) go\u00a0beyond (“mutchyate<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) the bonds (“bandhanaath<\/u><\/em><\/strong>“) of samsara?
\nNot digressing, here is perhaps the best rendition of Vishnu Sahasaranama, by M.S.Subbulakshmi<\/a>.
\n 
\nAt the end of Bhishma\u2019s poetical outburst, the devas who were listening keenly make some observations. Parvati asks her consort Shiva, in this modern world (remember this was during Mahabharata times) how will people remember all the thousand names, even if one so desires
\n 
\n\u092a\u093e\u0930\u094d\u0935\u0924\u094d\u092f\u0941\u0935\u093e\u091a\u00a0—<\/p>\n

\u0915\u0947\u0928\u094b\u092a\u093e\u092f\u0947\u0928\u00a0\u0932\u0918\u0941\u0928\u093e\u00a0\u0935\u093f\u0937\u094d\u0923\u094b\u0930\u094d\u0928\u093e\u092e\u0938\u0939\u0938\u094d\u0930\u0915\u092e\u094d\u00a0\u0964<\/em><\/p>\n

\u092a\u0920\u094d\u092f\u0924\u0947\u00a0\u092a\u0923\u094d\u0921\u093f\u0924\u0948\u0930\u094d\u0928\u093f\u0924\u094d\u092f\u0902\u00a0\u0936\u094d\u0930\u094b\u0924\u0941\u092e\u093f\u091a\u094d\u091b\u093e\u092e\u094d\u092f\u0939\u0902\u00a0\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092d\u094b\u00a0\u0965\u00a0\u0968\u096c\u0965<\/em><\/p>\n

P\u0101rvatyuv\u0101cak\u0113n\u014dp\u0101y\u0113nalaghun\u0101vi\u1e63\u1e47\u014drn\u0101masahasrakam |<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0pa\u1e6dhyat\u0113pa\u1e41\u1e0ditairnitya\u1e41\u015br\u014dtumicch\u0101myaha\u1e41prabh\u014d || 26 ||<\/em><\/p>\n

Parvathi said: I am desirous to know oh Lord, How the scholars of this world, Will chant without fail, these thousand names, by a method that is easy and quick.
\n 
\n\u0908\u0936\u094d\u0935\u0930\u00a0\u0909\u0935\u093e\u091a\u00a0—<\/p>\n

\u0936\u094d\u0930\u0940\u0930\u093e\u092e\u00a0\u0930\u093e\u092e\u00a0\u0930\u093e\u092e\u0947\u0924\u093f\u00a0\u0930\u092e\u0947\u00a0\u0930\u093e\u092e\u0947\u00a0\u092e\u0928\u094b\u0930\u092e\u0947\u00a0\u0964<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u0938\u0939\u0938\u094d\u0930\u0928\u093e\u092e\u00a0\u0924\u0924\u094d\u0924\u0941\u0932\u094d\u092f\u0902\u00a0\u0930\u093e\u092e\u00a0\u0928\u093e\u092e\u00a0\u0935\u0930\u093e\u0928\u0928\u0947\u00a0\u0965\u00a0\u0968\u096d\u0965<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0\u012b\u015bvarauv\u0101car\u012br\u0101mar\u0101mar\u0101m\u0113tiram\u0113r\u0101m\u0113man\u014dram\u0113 |\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

sahasran\u0101matattulya\u1e41r\u0101man\u0101mavar\u0101nan\u0113 || 27 ||<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0(Chant this shloka 3 times) || \u015br\u012br\u0101man\u0101mavar\u0101nana\u014d\u1e41namaiti ||<\/p>\n

 
\nLord Shiva said: Hey beautiful one, I play with Rama always, By chanting Rama Rama and Rama, Hey lady with a beautiful face, Chanting of the name Rama, is same as the thousand names. Om Nama Rama Nama Rama.<\/strong>
\n(Let me caution that all Sanskrit translations are subject to limitations and distortions.\u00a0\u00a0The idea of providing a limited translation is to facilitate launching the mind in that direction. Hence request to either approach Sanskrit directly or through some Indian language, where translations can be more closer.)<\/em>
\nIf the entire description of Divinity in all its grandeur of Vishnu Sahasaranama can be summed by mere repetition of\u00a0Rama\u2019s name thrice<\/strong>, no greater explanation can be provided to highlight the power of Rama Nama.
\nRama Nama \u2013 Taraka Mantra<\/strong>
\nRama Nama is often referred to as Taraka Mantra. Tarana means to cross the ocean. Rama\u2019s name helps us cross the ocean of samsara. Great sages and rishis have provided us another mantra \u2013\u00a0OM<\/strong>. Om is for nirgunaupasana, to approach the only Reality as formless.\u00a0\u00a0Rama<\/strong>\u00a0is the only saguna mantra, worship through a form, which is referred as Taraka mantra.
\nRama<\/strong>\u2019s name is made of two syllables, according to Rama Tapanyopanishad.<\/p>\n

R\u00e2metidvyaksharomantrahpanch\u00e2sht\u00e2ksharas\u00e2ratah |<\/em><\/p>\n

sarv\u00e2dhik\u00e2rasiddhyarthamvihitahkalit\u00e2rakah || 6 ||<\/em><\/p>\n

 
\nRa<\/strong>\u00a0comes from the sacred ashtakshara \u2013\u00a0Om NamoNaRAyana<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Ma\u00a0<\/strong>comes from the sacred panchakshara \u2013\u00a0Om NaMA\u00a0Shivaya.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0The interesting fact if the aksharas Ra and Ma were removed, the very meaning of both the mantras get distorted and means exactly opposite.
\nRama nama is the only mantra that can be chanted without adding OM to it as they both indicate the same. All mantras, including the panchakshara and ashtakshara need\u00a0\u00a0OM.
\nHow just relying on this name alone, over centuries, many bhaktas be it Tulsidas or Thyagaraja or BhadrachalamRamadasa\u00a0\u00a0have crossed this ocean of samsara using the Rama nama. Rama nama is indeed the most potent force available to humans to transform and elevate their human level of thought process to a more higher consciousness.
\nHanuman Tales: Rama\u2019s doubt<\/strong>
\nMany bhaktas opine there are only two things greater than God \u2013 His name and his feet (usually understood for grace or refuge). While this idea can be hijacked to other religions after reading Hinduism, they lack the basic organic connection to such an idea. There are numerous examples in Ramayana where the feet or surrender comes to the fore \u2013 be it the surrender of Sugreeva or Vibhishana or the veneration of Bharata to Rama paduka. In connection with the mahima of Rama Naama, an anecdote is usually narrated.
\nHanuman played the central role in locating missing Sita. After lots of deliberation, it was decided to construct a bridge across the shallow stretches of the sea floor to Lanka. Under the able direction of Nala and Neela, the vanaras began the massive construction project. Hanuman again plays the crucial role of inscribing Rama nama on each rock used in the construction. Rama\u2019s name is holding each rock afloat and resists sinking.
\nRama was wondering if it was due to the bhakti of the devotee that is making it afloat or was it really his name. To prove to himself, he takes a rock, inscribes\u00a0Rama<\/strong>\u00a0and placed it on the ocean. To his dismay the rock sinks real fast. Rama scans around to find Hanuman as the only witness to this experiment. Rama asks for an explanation why the rock sank though it had his name on it.
\nHanuman, known for his wisdom, replied, \u201cYou are the Lord of the Universe. In you lies the refuge for all. The living and non-living are resting in you. You are the only abode, paramdhama. If you let go, why should it be surprising that we won\u2019t sink in this ocean of samsara\u201d. Though one may feel it is Rama\u2019s bhakti in Hanuman that floats the rock, Hanuman\u2019s words are insightful to highlight the power of Rama Nama.
\nRama\u2019s name is the guiding beacon to all the broken boats of our atmas that is attempting to cross this turbulent ocean. His name alone is the sole refuge to anyone who wants to go Godward. Mere repetition of his name is sufficient to purify our mind and break all the samsaric bonds of misery and bondage. To his feet, let my monkey mind draw its attention. The vanarasena had no chance to defeat the most powerful ruler, dashanana, ten senses. Unless they are guided by Rama.
\nHey mind, take the name of Rama and seek refuge under his feet. Even moksha may seem secondary if you can achieve these two.
\nOm Tat Sat
\nSatchitananda is a SanatanaDharmist. You can read more of his thoughts at:
\nFacebook: <\/strong>https:\/facebook.com\/SatchitanandaReflections\/<\/a>
\nBlog: <\/strong>https:\/\/satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com\/<\/a>
\nSuggested Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n