The Hindu : Classical hymn of thousand names

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Classical hymn of thousand names

CHENNAI APRIL 23 A learned man had every intention of approaching Ramanuja for consummate explanation of the Bhagavad Gita. However, minor obstacles prevented him until the seer himself arrived at his doorstep to teach him. One does not need a mirror to see an injury in one's hand but he needs only expert advice. Similarly the ways to reach God are clear — however one needs the guidance of preceptors to comprehend the inherent meanings of scriptural works. When Bhishma was ready to die, Lord Krishna, aware that he is the ultimate repository of knowledge, asks Yudhishtra to listen to his dissertations. The following questions were put to the grandsire: Who is the greatest Lord in the world? Who is the single most refuge of all? What is the ultimate Dharma? By doing what one can escape the cycles of birth and rebirth? Whom one should worship in order to attain peace and prosperity? Bhishma's answers form the incomparable Vishnu Sahasranama, the classical hymn of thousand names of the Lord, which is indeed very special since it was narrated in the very presence of the Lord, said Sri M.V. Anantha Padmanabhan in a discourse.

A man who loses a chain in a well has to jump into it to retrieve it. Likewise reposing tremendous faith in humanity, God has incarnated in various forms for man's deliverance. As Rama, He stood for all the characteristic traits, which are desirable — as a father, a son, husband, king, friend and protector. The nature of milk is such that it absorbs water. Yet when heated, water rises up as vapour and milk also boils. But when a little water is sprinkled on it, it settles down, happy to mingle with water. Similarly God too offers protection to those who surrender to Him. He accepted the lowly Guha as His brother. Vibhishana approached Him with utter humility and devotion and the Lord, besides welcoming him to His fold, gifted him the kingdom. Kuchelar did not ask God for wealth, yet returning from His presence he experienced His benevolence. The Lord's kindness is such that He accepts any offering, be it the poison from Bhutana, or the piercing darts of Bhishma or the sins of His devotees. It is man who is not constant in his faith. Very few possess the true affinity with God, which enables them to remember Him equally during good as well as bad times.

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