In Part 3, we covered the methods of practicing Vishnu Sahasranamam as ‘Japa’ and ‘Archana’. In this part, we will learn the method of practising it as ‘Parayanam’ or recitation of the whole Stotram.
The word ‘Parayanam’ consists of the two words ‘Para’ and ‘Ayanam’. Para means limit or end and Ayanam means journey, So the term Sahasranama Parayanam means navigating to the end of the 1000 names in the Stotram. Generally, Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam is recited in a single session, in contrast to the Parayanam of extensive works like ‘Srimad Bhagavatham’ or ‘Ramayanam’ which can be spread over several sessions over several days.
It is important that Vishnu Sahasranamam Parayanam is chanted with the correct pronunciation and rhythm. If you wish to begin with Parayanam as a means of practicing it for the first time, it would be advisable to seek the guidance of a person who is already adept in its practice. Alternatively, listening to the audio recording of renowned vocalists such as M S Subbulakshmi is a good way to learn the proper pronunciation and rhythm.
There are three types of Parayanam that are in practice:
- Nitya Parayanam
- Kamya Parayanam
- Samooha Parayanam
We will consider each of them below.
1. Nitya Parayanam
In this procedure Vishnu Sahasranamam is recited as a daily routine just like taking shower or eating or other activities. There is no expectation of any reward attached with this daily recitation. The purpose of the recitation is mainly for Chitta Shuddhi or for purification of mind. In this process, the ever restless mind is quietened. With the mind kept calm and devoid of agitations, it is easier to pursue the path of spiritual enlightenment.
There are no limitations of time, attire, place etc. for Nitya Parayanam. One can do it at any time of the day and in any attire. It can be recited while walking on the road or shopping or using public transport. In this ipod, mp3 and iphone generation, it has become all the more easier to practice this even while at one’s work desk.
In short, it is called ‘Yatha Sowkaryam’ or ‘do it at your convenience’. Done regularly as a duty it increases will power and self-esteem. It instils a sense of purpose and discipline in one’s daily life.
2. Kaamya Parayanam
Kaamya means ‘with a specific wish or desire’. This method of Parayanam refers to a specific pattern of recitation performed to achieve a certain objective or desire. The objective or desire may be for more money, progeny, a job, a promotion, cure for a disease, prosperity and so on. Unlike Nitya Parayanam, Kaamya Parayanam has got a number of procedural restrictions. It has to be performed at a specific time either in the morning after shower or in the evening. It has to be performed for a specific number of days say 48, 24 or 12 days. Each day’s recitation should be done like a Pooja or a prayer with the picture or idol of Vishnu decorated with flowers and completed with Neivedyam (offering) and Aarathi (with camphor).
Ideally this should be performed by the person who has the wish or desire that needs to be fulfilled. However, where this is not possible either due to ill-health or for any other reason, such a person can seek the help of an accomplished Parayanam practitioner to perform on his/her behalf. It is important that the person performing the Parayanam is treated with respect and suitably honoured. For more details on Kamya Parayanam please refer to the book ‘Sakala Karyasiddhi tarum Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram written by K Sreenivasacharyar published by LIFCO publications.
3. Samooha Parayanam
Samooha Parayanam as the term connotes is a community chanting. This involves a group of families assembling at a common place and reciting the Sahasranamam together. In most places this is conducted either once a week or once a fortnight or even once a month depending on the Group. It is increasingly common practice for Vishnu Sahasranamam to be chanted in Satsangs or Groups as Samooha Parayanam which is usually conducted during the weekends. This is the next best alternative for those who are unable to do the Nitya Parayanam.
Participation in Samooha Parayanam is a good way to get initiated into the Parayanam of Vishnu Sahsranamam and this can also be a good training ground.
Adi Sankara in verse 9 of his Bhaja Govindam song extols the importance of Satsang.
Satsangatve Nissangatvam; Nissangatve Nirmohatvam;
Nirmohatve Nischalatatvam; Nischalatatve Jeevanmukti
The company of the good weans one away from false attachments;
When attachment is lost, delusion ends;
When delusion ends, the mind becomes unwavering and steady; and
An unwavering and steady mind is merited for Jeevan Mukti (liberation even in this life).
Vishnu Sahasranamam Groups provide a good opportunity for social and cultural interactions thereby serving spiritual and cultural needs.
Why Dhyana Shlokas?
The purpose of Dhyana Shloka is to visualise a clear image of the Lord in our mind’s eye before we begin worshipping Him with his one thousand Namas. It is pertinent to ask whether we are justified in ascribing a particular form and shape to the Absolute Brahman and putting Him under the limitations of physical coordinates.
In Purusha Suktam this duality is mentioned and resolved:
“Ajaayamaano bahudhaa vijaayate” meaning “Though the Brahman is unborn (and therefore shapeless and formless), He manifests himself in various external forms”.
Arjuna has asked this question on our behalf to Lord Krishna, in the first shloka of Chapter 12 in the Bhagavad Gita.
Arjuna asks: Who is a better devotee, the one who worships the abstract impersonal formless abstract God (Nirguna), or the one who worships God as a manifested personal idealised idol (Saguna)?
Krishna replies: That both forms of worship are equally acceptable to Him and both devotees ultimately reach Him. However, the worship of the abstract and formless God is very difficult for most people to follow. People can associate with finite bodies and cannot easily comprehend the infinite Brahman. They need a defined image and a specific form to concentrate and focus their meditation through objectification.
“Mayyeva Mana Adhatsva Mayi Buddhim Niveshaya, Nivasishyasi Mayyeva Atha Oordhvam Na Samshayah”
“Just fix your mind upon Me and engage all your intellect in Me. Thus you will reside in Me always, without a doubt”.
The Dhyana Shlokas helps the seeker to achieve this state of unison with the God. The mind and the intellect of the reciter are taken out of the material plane and fixed in the form of the Lord. Once the mind is free from agitations and becomes calm it is free to receive the spiritual vibrations from chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranamam.
There are seven beautiful Dhyana Shlokas for Vishnu Sahasranamam. They paint a vivid picture of the splendour and grandeur of Lord Vishnu in all its Glory.
The first one describes Him gloriously seated on the shores of the Milky Ocean. The second describes Him in his Cosmic Form or the VishwaRoopam. The third, fourth and fifth Dhyana Shlokas describe the various aspects of His divine personality. The sixth and seventh ones are specific to His incarnation as Krishna.
In the next few sections we will examine each of the Dhyana Shlokas in greater detail to understand their meaning. The benefit of this approach is that knowing the meaning will help us to visualise the form and help us to concentrate better to achieve the mental calm that is required to fully absorb the spiritual vibrations from the recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranamam.
HARI OM TAT SAT
OM NAMO NARAYANAAYA
This Vishnu Sahasranamam series has been authored with the help of my friend Shri Balaji.