Bhagavadgita Pages, Chapters 1 to 18
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V.Krishnaraj
Pearls
The word Rāma, said three times, begets all the benefits derived from reciting the entire Vishnu Sahasranamam. Rāma = Rā + ma. Rā is the second semivowel in the group-Ya, Ra, La, Va. Ma is the 5th labial among Pa, Pha, Ba, Bha, and Ma. Two multiplied by five is 10; Rāma said three times is 103 = 10x10x10 = 1000.
Words have power. Perversely, If you yell "Fire or Bomb," people panic and scatter; you get free food, shelter, and health coverage in the prison. If you actually do them, the punishment is that much severe. If you say "Hari" aloud seven times upon getting up from the bed, that day becomes bearable and even auspicious. "Hari" said soto voce or in silence accrues benefit to the silent utterer; but when said aloud, it brings benefit to the hearer also. As you step out of the house, to say "Kesava" removes all the obstacles. To say "Govinda" before eating not only expresses gratitude to Govinda for the meals but also guarantees future meals. If you utter Hari, Kesava, Govinda, Madhava on a daily basis before you begin any endeavor, the results will be marvelous and beneficial.
Vishnu Sahasranamam in its each name contains (the essence of) all Veda Mantras. Among all names, Rāma has the utmost sakti. The essence of Gayatri Mantra pervades every act of Rāma in Rāmāvatāra. There are 24 syllables in Gayatri Mantra and 24,000 verses in Valmiki Ramayana. At the beginning of each of the thousandth verse, a syllable of the Gayatri mantra is used. Gayatri Mantra is the progenitor of all mantras belonging to that genre and beyond. Once upon a time there was a war between Suras and Asuras (gods and demons). The gods won the war consecutively for 32 days; 33rd day was a day of defeat for the gods. The reason: they forgot to invoke Gayatri Devi by her mantra. Defeat only begets renewal of faith in man and god. The gods ran hither and thither looking for Gayatri. Once they found her she had her back to them. Once Stotra was performed, she turned towards the gods and victory was assured. The Lord Himself (Vishnu) is worthy of Stotra (hymn) and is branded Stotra-priya (He who desires worship by hymns). What it means is that Vishnu loves hymns of worship and turns his benign glance to the hymner and confers Arul (Grace, Mercy, Favor).