21/01/2024
Glory of Rama Nama - Revelation of the Mystery of Vedic-Scriptures
रमन्ते योगिनोऽनन्ते नित्यानन्दे चिदात्मनि ।
इति रामपदेनासौ परंब्रह्माभिधियते ॥
(श्रीरामपूर्वतापनीय उपनिषद् १.६ )
The Parabrahman which is infinite, immeasurable, pure consciousness, eternal and forever blissful, on which Yogis devote themselves and meditate continuously; that Parabrahman Itself is denoted by the word ‘Rama’ directly in Abhidhaa Vritti (means The word Rama is Parambrahman Itself).
The name of Sri Rama is non-different from him, it is itself Parambrahman. Even 'Aum' (ॐ) is said to be originated from Shri ‘Rama’ Naam by scriptures as Aum (ॐ) is consisted in Shri Rama (राम) Naam.
सर्वेषां वेदशास्त्राणां रहस्यंतेप्रकाशितम् ।
एको देवो रामचंद्रो व्रतं एको तदर्चनम् ।
मंत्रोऽप्येकश्च तन्नाम शास्त्रं तद् ध्येवतत्स्तुतिः ॥
तस्मात् सर्वात्मना रामचंद्रंभजमनोहरम् ।
यथा गोष्पवदवत्तुच्छो भवेत् संसारसागरः ॥
(श्रीपद्मपुराण, पातालखण्ड ३५।५१-५२)
“All Veda-s and all scriptures reveal the mystery in one voice for all human-beings - if people are eager to cross the ocean of mundane existence just like mere crossing a foot-print of cow, then; Let there be only one God for whole world - Sri Rama; Only one religious vow - worship of Sri Rama, alone;
Only one hymn (Mantra) for prayer - Shri Rama's name i.e. ‘Rama’ Naam; and Only one scripture - where Sri Rama is the main subject and his exploits are sung i.e. Ramayana; Therefore, all human-beings should always sing the name of Bhagavan Shri Rama the prince charming of Ayodhya ( Padma-purana 5.35.51-52).
The ultimate and clear declaration for this Kaliyuga; Sage Sanatkumara said to sage Narada
रामनामैव नामैव नामैव मम् जीवनम् ।
कलौ नास्त्येव नास्त्येव नास्त्येव गतिरन्यथा ॥
(स्कन्दपुराण, उत्तरखण्ड, नारद-सनत्कुमार संवाद , ५.५१)
The name of Sri Rama, one and only ‘Rama’ Nama is my life. There is no other means, no other means and no other means except Shri Rama Nama in this Kali-age for Jivas to attain the gati (liberation, Bhagavan).
The Param-mantra ‘Rama’ Nama is Parambrahman itself which is seed (Bij) of everything and everyone. The Param-mantra is very short, yet controls even Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha. Even Lord Narayana with Lakshmi, Lord Shiva with Parvati, Lord Brahma with Savitri, and all deities, Hanuman etc and divine sages like Sanatkumara, etc meditate upon and chant ‘Rāma’ Naam only.
नारायणादि नामानि कीर्त्तितानि बहून्यपि ।
आत्मा तेषां च सर्वेषां रामनाम प्रकाशकः॥
(महारामायण ५२.४०)
Various names of Lord Vishnu such as Narayana etc have been glorified in so many ways in scriptures; however Sri Rama Nama alone is the indwelling soul and illuminator of all other Names of Bhagavan (Maha Ramayana 52.40) is the illuminator of all other names of Bhagavan.
परमेश्वरनामानि सन्त्यनेकानि पार्वति।
परन्तु रामनामेदं सर्वेषामुत्तमं मतम्॥
(महारामायण ५०.१५)
Lord Shiva says: O Parvati, There are innumerable names of that Supreme Lord; however in my opinion the Rama Nama is the best among all those names.
Same is said in Padma-Purana, Sri Ram naam is the supreme among all names of Hari. The supreme name among all names of Bhagavan ( Padma-purana 7.15.87-89)
विष्णोर्नामानि विप्रेन्द्र सर्वदेवाधिकानि वै।
तेषां मध्ये तु तत्त्वज्ञा रामनाम वरंस्मृतम् ॥८७॥
(श्रीपद्म-पुराण ७.१५.८७)
Oh great Vipra Jaimini ! All the names of Bhagavan Vishnu, each of them, is greater than all the gods. And Tattvagya Maharshis who have realised the truth, they have accepted the name Rama is the best (supreme) among all the names of Bhagavan.
रामेत्यक्षरयुग्मं हि सर्वं मंत्राधिकं द्विज।
यदुच्चारणमात्रेण पापी याति पराङ्गतिम् ॥८८॥
(श्रीपद्म-पुराण ७.१५.८८)
“O' Dvija ‘Ra-ma’, these two syllables mantra is greater than all the mantras, by utterance this even great sinners get the supreme-liberation.
The same thing is again reiterated after telling it supreme (varam) among all names of Bhagavan, that it is greater (adhikam) than all the mantras.
रामनामप्रभावं हि सर्वदेवप्रपूजनम् ।
महेश एव जानाति नान्यो जानाति जैमिने ॥८९॥
(श्रीपद्म-पुराण ७.१५.८९)
All Gods have come into existence and become worshipable from the (minuscule) effect of Rama Nama, this fact and glory of Rama Nama is truly known only to the Mahesha, others do not know it.
रकारात् जायते ब्रह्मा रकारात् जायते हरिः।
रकारात् जायते शम्भू रकारात् सर्वशक्त्यः॥
(पुलह-संहिता)
From ‘Ra’-kara of the name ‘Rama’, innumerable Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwar appear, 'राम' (र+ॐ) in fact all divinities appear from the same seed ‘Ra’-kara of the name ‘Rama’ just like from the seed, entire tree with many branches and leaves appear. Just by hearing the ‘Ra’-kara of the name ‘Rama’, the heart of Lord Shiva becomes pleased and filled with love.
All Avatari-Avatara Svarupas of Bhagavan are verily present within the ‘Ra’. On the account of it being Parabrahm itself in form of divine eternal Vaak (word), all other divine names appear from it and get the supreme glory. Sri Rama Naam is the eternal name of Sri Saketabihari Paratpar Parabrahma Paramatma Sarvesvara bhagavan Shri Ram.
यथैव वटबीजस्थः प्राकृतश्च महान्द्रुमः ॥ २॥
तथैव रामबीजस्थं जगदेतच्चराचरम् ।
रेफारूढा मूर्तयः स्युः शक्तयस्तिस्र एव चेति ॥ ३॥
(श्रीरामपूर्वतापिनी उपनिषद् २.२-३)
As like the whole Banyan tree along with its leaves and branches is present invisibly in the seed of Banayan (Vaṭa) tree, similarly whole animate and inanimate creation is present within the seed ‘Ram’ Naam. The ‘Ra र’ (रेफ) in Rama nama is the cause of all the other Bhagvad-vigrahas (avataras-avataris Svarupas of Bhagavan) as well as three prime potencies of Bhagavan.
The ‘Ra र’ in Rama nama is the original cause, the Paratpar Parmatm Chid-tattva from which all other Bhagavad-Svarupas are manifested. Sri Rama Naam is equal to billion times repetition of all Mantras.
जपतः सर्वमन्त्रांश्च सर्ववेदांश्च पार्वति।
तस्मात् कोटिगुणं पुण्यं रामनाम्नैव लभ्यते॥
(श्रीपद्म-पुराण, उत्तरखण्ड २८१/३४ )
Lord Shiva tells Parvati; The divine fruits one achieves by chanting all other Mantras and all the Vedas; billions of times of that fruits one can easily obtain just by uttering Rama-nama.
राम रामेति रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे ।
सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने ॥
(श्रीपद्म-पुराण)
Lord Shiva tells Parvati “O' fair faced one, I enjoy saying Rama Rama like this. Uttering the name of Rāma once is equal to uttering any other name of God, a thousand times or equal to Vishnu-sahasra-nama.
In Vishnu-Sahasranaam, there are names such as Rama, Vishnu, Narayana, Krishna, Jagannath etc. Sri Rama Naam not only denotes the Parambrahman, but it is also Parambrahman Itself. Scriptures say ‘Rama’ Nama is the supreme seed from whole everything has emerged.
Being Parambrahman itself and the supreme seed of everything, It is all encompassing entity, therefore all Vedas and innumerable Bhagavannamas, Mantras etc are present inside all encompassing Rama Nama. Therefore, One Rama becomes equal to Vishnu-sahasranama (1 Rama Naam + 999 other names which are also present within Rama Naam).
Sri Ram Naam is told to be illuminator of all names of Lord Shri Hari, It is the great moon and other names are like stars, both moon and planets simultaneously adorn the sky and make it look beautiful, however the light coming from moon is more than enough in comparison to the lights coming together from so many stars, the existence of other names adorns Bhagavan that he has infinite beautiful names.
This statement of Lord Shiva from Padma-purana that just uttering Sri Rama naam once bestows billions of times fruits that can be achieved by chanting all other mantras (be it any mantra devoted to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Goddess etc - Ramtapini Upanishad) and all the Vedas at a time proves Shri Rama Naam is the most superior. Thus, One Rama Naam is equal to billion times any Mantra devoted to any other deity.
In Padma-Purana, Lord Shiva tells Parvati He has eternal love for the name ‘Rama’.
रकारादीनि नामानि शृण्वतो देवि जायते ।
प्रीतिर्मे मनसो नित्यं रामनामविशङ्कया ॥
(श्रीपद्मपुराण ६.२५४.२१)
Lord Shiva tells Parvati “O' Devi! Just upon hearing the names starting with ‘Ra’-kara, my heart becomes always pleased and filled with love out of the hint of Rama Naam, (as in my heart there is eternal love for the name ‘Rama’).
This shows Lord Shiva who is Mahadeva and Jagadguru has the utmost love and preference for the name ‘Rama’ over all mantras and other Bhagavannama-s. There are infinite names of Bhagavan, but none is comparable to Sri Rama Naam.
अनन्तो भगवन्मन्त्रा नानेन तु समाः कृताः।
श्रियो रमणसामर्थ्यात् सौन्दर्यगुणसागरात्॥
(हारित-स्मृति ३.२४०)
Out of infinite names of Bhagavan, none is equal to or greater than Sri ‘Rama’ nama, because only Sri Rama Nama manifests the capability to impart the supreme bliss and delight to even Bhagavati "Shrii ji" as also being the very ocean of beauty (Harit-Smriti 3.240).
Harit-smriti is a very renowned Vaishnava-smriti, in which the glories of the Mantras of Bhagavan Shri Vishnu, Shri Rama and Shri Krishna are given. There, it upholds the true glory of ‘Ram’ Naam. Thus, ‘Ram’ Naam is the most superior naam and mantra in itself. Among all names of Bhagavan, Ram Naam is same as ‘Aum’ as per Panini Vyakarana.
तन्मुखं तु महातीर्थ तन्मुखं क्षेत्रमेव च ।
यन्मुखे राम रामेति तन्मुखं सार्वकामिकं ॥
(श्रीपद्मपुराण , उत्तरखण्ड ७१/३४ )
The mouth which chants always 'Ram-Ram' like this, that mouth alone is the most sacred place i.e the supreme holy region (Maha-Tirtha), that mouth is the divine region and that mouth can even bestow all desires without any doubt ( Padma-purana, Uttar-Khanda 71/34 ). Infact, Ram Naam is Param-Mantra (Mantra-Raj)
रामेति द्वयक्षरजपः सर्वपापापनोदकः ।
गच्छन् तिष्ठञ्छयानो वा मनुजो रामकीर्तनात् ॥४०॥
इह निर्वर्ततो याति चान्ते हरिगणो भवेत् ।
रामेति द्वयक्षरो मन्त्रो मन्त्रकोटिशताधिकः ॥४१॥
न रामादधिकं किञ्चित् पठनं जगतीतले ।
रामनामाश्रया ये वै न तेषां यमयातना ॥४४॥
रमते सर्वभुतेषु स्थावरेषु चरेषु च ।
अन्तरात्मस्वरुपेण यच्च रामेति कथ्यते ॥४६॥
रामेति मन्त्रराजोऽयं भवव्याधिनिषुदकः ।
रामचन्द्रेति रामेति रामेति समुदाहृतः ॥४७॥
द्वयक्षरो मन्त्रराजोऽयं सर्वकार्यकरो भुवि ।
देवा अपि प्रगायन्ति रामनाम गुणाकरम् ॥४९ ॥
तस्मात् त्वमपि देवेशि रामनाम सदा वद ।
रामनाम जपेद यो वै मुच्यते सर्वकिल्विषैः ॥५० ॥
(स्कन्दपुराण, नागरखण्ड, २५६.४०-५०)
Lord Shiva says to Parvati; 'Rama’, this two syllable Mantra, upon chanting even while walking, standing or sleeping, destroys all sins of Human beings in this world. The human being who chants ‘Rama’ Naam becomes the most fortunate one and after getting all pleasures in this world at the end gets the supreme abode of Lord Hari.
In fact, There is nothing (no other Mantra or any other means) in this whole world (or whole vedic-scriptures) which is more suitable or worthy than chanting the ‘Rama’ Naam. Whoever has taken the refuge of ‘Rama’ Nama, never gets sufferings of Yamaloka.
The one who dwells within all animate and inanimate existence as the soul of all souls (as the supreme indwelling reality), is called ‘Rama’.
‘Rama’ Naam is the Mantra-Raj (the supreme Mantra, the chief /King of all Mantra-s) which destroys the three fold agony of this world. "Rama, Rama, Rama", like this way if uttered, this two syllable Mantra makes everything successful on this earth.
The very mine of virtues, this two syllable Mantra ‘Rama’ Nama is even chanted by Gods and deities. Hence, O'Parvati, You should always chant the name ‘Rama’. Whoever utters this ‘Rama’ Naam becomes freed of all Vasanas and all sins (done in previous births and present birth) be it subtle or even very grievous gross etc. (Skanda Purana, Nagarkhaṇda)
राम नाम सदा प्रेम्णा संस्मरामि जगद्गुरूम् ।
क्षणं न विस्मृतिं याति सत्यं सत्यं वचो मम ॥
(श्री आदि-पुराण)
Lord Sri Krishna to Arjuna; With full reverence and great love, all the time, I (Krishna) remember Sri ‘Rama’ Naam; is Jagadguru (Guru of all worlds). Not for a single moment, I miss the remembrance of Sri Ram. O Arjuna, My words are verily true, true and true alone. This shows the name 'Rama' is verily the breath of Bhagavan Shri Krishna.
बेदहुँ पुरान कही लोकहूँ बिलोकिअत
रामनाम ही सों रीझें सकल भलाई है ।
कासीहू मरत उपदेसत महेसु सोई
साधना अनेक चितई न चित लाई है ॥
(कवितावली ७.७४)
It is said by the Vedas and Puranas as well as seen in this world that having love for Rama’s Name is beneficial in every way. When one dies in Kashi (Varanasi), Lord Mahadev (Shiva) gives salvation (liberation) by uttering this holy Name ‘Rama’ in the ears of the dying person. Lord Shiva has not paid any attention to any other means or Mantra for the salvation (Kavitavali 7.74; Goswami Tulsidas).
Various Mantras do exist in scripture, Yet Tarak-Brahman (the mantra which liberates for sure) is the name ‘Rama’, so when it comes for doing the ultimate good to the soul, and at the most crucial time - when an atma is about to leave the body, that time Lord Shiva utters the Param-mantra ‘Rama’ nāma in the ears, to make it completely sure even the most fallen Jiva should be liberated.
अहं भवन्नामगृणन्कृतार्थो वसामि काश्यामनिशं भवान्या।
मुमूर्षमाणस्य विमुक्तयेऽहं दिशामि मन्त्रं तव रामनाम॥
(श्री अध्यात्म-रामायण ६.१५.६२)
While eulogizing Sri Rama, Lord Shiva tells him; Contemplating (chanting and meditating) upon Your name ‘Rama’ day and night, I reside in Kashi along with Bhavani; and for the emancipation of a dying person, I speak him the supreme mantra which is Your name ‘Rama’.
यत्र साक्षान्महादेवो देहान्ते स्वयमीश्वरः।
व्याचष्टे तारकं ब्रह्म तत्रैव ह्यविमुक्तये॥
(श्री पद्म-पुराण ३.३३.४७)
In the Avimukta region of Kashi (Varanasi), Lord Mahadeva, the Ishwar himself directly utters the taraka-brahman (the name ‘Rama’) for all beings at the time of their death (in their ear).
One should always sing, while walking, waking and sleep, the supreme mantra ‘Rāma’ with all love, the mantra which is chanted by Bhagavan Shankara himself along with his dearest consort Bhagavati Parvathi.
मंत्र परम लघु जासु बस बिधि हरि हर सुर सर्ब।
महामत्त गजराज कहुँ बस कर अंकुस खर्ब॥
(श्रीरामचरितमानस बालकाण्ड, दोहा २५६)
The supreme sacred Mantra (the seed mantra Raam), indeed, is very small, although it has under its sway Brahm, Hari, Hara and all other gods. A tiny goad governs the mightiest and most furious elephant.
बंदउँ नाम राम रघुबर को। हेतु कृसानु भानु हिमकर को॥
बिधि हरि हरमय बेद प्रान सो। अगुन अनूपम गुन निधान सो॥
(श्री रामचरितमानस १.१९.१)
I greet the name ‘Rama’ of the chief of Raghus, which is composed of the seed letters ‘Ra', and 'ma', which are primeval cause (hetu) of fire, sun, and the moon respectively. It is the same as Brahma (the creative aspect of God), Vishnu (the preservative aspect of God) and Shiva (the disintegrating aspect of God), and the vital breath of the Vedas; It is attribute-less, peerless and a mine of virtues.
It is primeval cause of fire, sun and moon. हेतु hetu in sanskrit dictionary means primeval cause/origin. It means from Ra (र), fire originates (in kṛsanu, Ra sound is present subtly in vowel ṛi); from a (आ), sun originates (in bhanu, a is present); and from ma (म), moon originates (in himakara, ma is present). Thus, Rāma naam is cause of fire, sun and moon.
Vedas find it very difficult to tell about the Supreme Absolute Truth, therefore they take indirect approach for giving an understanding. There are three renowned lights, those are the light of fire, the light of sun and the light of moon.
And the name ‘Rama’ is the hetu (cause) of all these lights, means that Absolute one who is light of all lights, who is self-illumined supreme fountain of all divine lights (all divinities) is denoted by the name ‘Rama’.
Therefore, Valmiki Ramayana which is Veda-avatar says - Sri Rama is the sun of the sun, the fire of the fire; the underlying meaning is Sri Rama is the Supreme Absolute who is the real cause of all divine lights (all divinities), and he is the self-illumined one, none is before him.
Chandogyopanisad Upanisad Shruti 6.4.1 says
The red light of fire of sun (for sun in Chandogya 6.4.2), and of moon (for moon in Chandogya 6.4.3) represents Tejas (splendor), white light of fire represents the water, and the dark light of the fire (or sun or moon) represents earth; thus Vanishes the quality of fire from fire, the quality of sun from sun, and the quality of moon from moon, and the only the inner swarupa remains true.
The word fire, or sun or moon are only for behavioral plane for understanding of specific Name and Rupa to say meditate upon Purusha (Rama) within fire, sun and moon. This way Shruti defines the Supreme Absolute one. Within the name Rama, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva are present.
It is the life and breath of Vedas, whole Vedas have come out from the seed name Rama. While other mantras or Naam-s get powers from their deities, the name of Rama is self-illumined, it is the one which illuminates all others. Such is the sense here. It is Para-brahman itself, the illuminator of all.
राम नाम परब्रह्म सर्वदेवाधिकं महत् । (पद्म-पुराण)
Rama nama is itself Para-brahman, and greater than all gods combined. The divine eternal Vaak (word) is the name 'Rama' from which whole everything appears, It is Itself Param-Brahman - राम नाम परमब्रह्म सर्वदेवाधिकम् महत् (पद्म पुराण)
Rama Naam is Itself Parambrahman, and greater than all gods combined. Long Mantras like "Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama" or "Hare Rama Hare Krishan" get the power from their seed ‘Rama’ Naam which is seed of all Mantras as well. Therefore, the best and supreme among all powerful Mantras is ‘Rama’ Naam.
Long Mantra-s have especial purposes, and they are suitable for nama-sankirtana in groups, one should definitely sing and remember Lord with his various divine names; however, for the proper spiritual progress, it is always better to do Japa (chanting) of "Rama" Naam alone or "SitaRama".
It is said by Lord Shiva - न रामादधिकं किञ्चित् पठनं जगतीतले । - means "there is nothing greater than chanting (Japa) of ‘Rama’ Naam in this world in all the Vedas and other Vedic scriptures.” It is told again and again in scriptures to chant (j*p) ‘Rama Rama Rama....’ like this. Therefore, there is no need add something in Rama Naam, when Sri Rama himself is the final goal.
‘Rama’ Naam can be chanted in the unison of breath. When it is chanted, the soul is easily connected with the Supreme transcendental vibration (of Rama Naam) and one experiences its presence in every particle of the universe.
One may constantly repeat the seed mantra with unison of breath. Then, a time will come when the remembrance of ‘Rāma’ becomes effortless in every breath. This is Sahaj-Sadhana (effortless practice) practices by some Yogis, and thus at the end while leaving this body there would be spontaneous remembrance of ‘Rāma Naam’ and ‘Rāma Roopa’.
Shruti says It is better to leave many words and chant and meditate upon Lord with the seed-mantra, with one transcendental-vibration.
त॒मेव॒ धी॒रो विज्ञा॒य प्रज्ञां॒ कुर्वीत ब्राह्मणः ।
ना॒नुध्यायाद्बहू॒ञ्छब्दान् वाचो॒ विग्ला॒पनँ हि॒ त॒द् इ॒ति ॥
(बृहदारण्यकोपनिषत् ४.४.२१)
The intelligent seeker of Brahman, knowing about him (Shri Rama) alone through hearing (from Guru) and reflection, should do contemplation (anudhyaya / nididhyasan). He should not think of too many words, for it is particularly fatiguing to the organ of speech.
Here Bhagavati Shruti tells while nididhyasan one should think about Bhagavan with few words only? not with many words, as it causes fatigue for the organ of speech, where natural Sadhana is obstructed in dhyana.
Therefore, it is preferable to do Japa also with a short mantra (if nama-smaran, then of one or two or three namas for Japa) to completely dissolve the mind into it. While doing singing, one can sing long mantras, with many nama-s, stotras etc.
ओमित्येवं ध्यायथ आत्मानम् (~ मुण्डकोपनिषद् २.२.६)
Meditate on Bhagavan with the help of ‘Aum’. To this same effect, there are several passages in Vedas.
‘Aum’ and ‘Rama’ nama are completely same; However, everyone is not eligible to chant ‘Aum’, the utterance of ‘Aum’ has a lot of rules and restrictions, such rules and regulations are not there with ‘Rama’ nama which is the cause of even ‘Aum’.
This way one would not have to think of many words, and can dissolve mind easily into the name 'Rama', the name 'Rama’ from which whole everything is woven, You can feel it in breath.
अन्या वाचो विमुञ्चथ (~ मुण्डकोपनिषद् २.२.५)
Give up all other words. While inhaling the breath say (feel) "Ra" and while exhaling the breath say "Ma", this is automatic process and need not to be followed by making some extra effort. If one will continuously chant "Rama" Naam, then after sometime it will be automatically aligned in one's breathing process.
न देशकालनियमः शौचाशौचविनिर्णयः।
परं संकीर्तनादेव राम रामेति मुच्यते॥
Neither there are rules of place and time, nor even the need of consideration of pure and impure state in chanting naam. Just by doing Param Sankirtan in form of singing ‘Rama Rama’ like this, a Jiva becomes verily liberated.
Any time and any place, whether pure or impure, everyone can do Sankirtan of ‘Rama Rama’ like this and attains the liberation.
साङ्केत्यं पारिहास्यं वा स्तोभं हेलनमेव वा।
वैकुण्ठनामग्रहणमशेषाघहरं विदुः ॥
(श्रीमद्भागवतम् ६.२.१४)
Even If one somehow takes (utters, chants) the holy name of Bhagavan indirectly (to indicate something else), jokingly, for musical entertainment, or even neglectfully, then he becomes immediately freed from the reactions of unlimited sins, it is known to the learned scholars.
जय श्री राम 🚩 🙏
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