Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Why is the Divine Name of 'Rama' known as 'Tãraka Mantra'?

Nama Article - 16th April 2007

Excerpts from the discourse of Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Why is the Divine Name of 'Rama' known as 'Tãraka Mantra'?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

'Tãraka' means to help one cross. It refers to helping one cross the ocean of life ('samsãra'). Life consists of duals such as joy and sorrow, righteousness and unrighteousness, merit and sin, good and evil, etc.

The 'Tãraka Mantra' leads one to a state beyond this dual state. Vedanta glorifies and gives prominence to the 'Pranava Mantra' (" OM").

The whole of Mãndukya Upanishad speaks only of the glory of the 'Pranava'.

'Rama' Nãm (the Divine Name 'Rama') or the Mantra is as great as the 'Pranava Mantra', in all respects.

If we chant 'Rama' with our mind set on Lord Rama it would lead us to Lord Rama. If we chant 'Rama' fixing our mind on the sound it would lead us to the Atman. Such is the glory of the 'Tãraka Mantra' i.e. Rama Nãm.

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