power of naama

Courtesy: Sri.G.Balasubramanian
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In Srimad Bhagavatam, the story of Ajamila has been narrated. All of you might
be aware of the story. What is the essence of the story is important. Let us
hear the essence from the mouth of the messengers of Bhagavan Vishnu
(Vishnudutas):-
"Ajamila has already atoned for all his sinful actions. Indeed he has atoned
not only for his sins performed in one life but for those performed in millions
of lifes(janmakotyamhasaamapi), for in a helpless condition he chanted the holy
name of Narayana(vivasah Hareh nama swastyayanam). (6.2.7). Even
previously,while eating and at other times,this Ajamila would call his
son,saying,"My dear Narayana,please come here. While calling the name of his
son, he nevertheless uttered the four syllables na-ra-ya-na(yada
Naraayanaa yeti
jagaada chatur aksharam)."(6.2.8). Simply by chanting the name of Naryana he
has sufficiently atoned for the sinful reactions of millions of lives. The
chanting of the holy name of Vishnu is the best process of atonement for a
thief of gold or other valuables,for a drunkard,for one who betrays afriend or
relative,for one who kilss a Brahmana,for one who indulges in sex with the wife
of his guru or another supeior. It is also the best method for atonement for
one who murders women,the king, or his father, for one who slaughters cows and
for all other sinful men. Simply by chanting the holy name of lord Vishnu,such
sinful persons may attract the attention of the Supreme Lord,who therefore
considers,"Because this man chanted My Holy name, My duty is to give him
protection.(Naamaovyaaharanam Vishnoh yatas tadvishaya matih)" (6.2.9 and
6.2.10). By following the vedic ritualistic ceremonies or undergoing atonement,
sinful men do not become as purified as by chanting once the holy name of Lord
Hari. Although ritualistic atonement may free one from sinful
reactions, it does
not awaken devotion, unlike the chanting of the Lord`s names,which reminds one
of the Lord`s fame, qualities,attributes,pastimes and paraphernalia (yatha
Harer naamapadaih udaahrutaih uttama sloka gunopalambhakam)(6.2.11). One who
wants liberation from the fruitive reactions of material activities, the
chanting of Hari`s name is recommended as the most perfect process of atonement
because such chanting eradicates the dirt from one`s heart completely, whereas
the ritualistic ceremonies prescribed in the scriptures are insuffucient to
cleanse the heart completely, since after atonement, one1s mind again runs
toward material activities.(6.2.12)
Friends, these are not my thoughts and advices. This is what Srimad Bhagavatam
says. Do you still doubt the power of the Divine Name? Pl. think.

knr

--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

  Every moment, thank God