Ashtasloki 9: Verse 5: Dwayam part I continued

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Purva Khandam: SrimanNaaraayana Charanau Saranam PrapadyE Uttara Khandam:

Srimate Naaraayanaaya namahaThis mantram teaches us the following ten points:

(see previous post, Astasloki 8) 1.

Nay-thrith-vam - This explains the word Sri. The meaning is recommendatory

function of Sri Mahalakshmi. The leadership quality is exhibited in making the

jeevas to take refuge at the lotus feet of Lord. The root 'neenj - prapanay'

gives this meaning. In the sampradayam this quality is named as

'purusha-karat-vam' or recommendatory function.It is interesting to trace how

this meaning is derived from the letter 'Sri'. The word 'Sri' has six kinds of

forms, each one having different meanings.

1. Sreeyathey2. Srayathey3. Shrunothi4. Shraviayathi5.

Shrunathai6. ShreenathaiAll these go to establish the recommendatory

function of Sri Mahalakshmi.

In the present context the first two forms are sufficient to get the meaning

'purushakaratvam'. Sreeyathey means all go to Mahalakshmi with a request to

make them acceptable to Lord for showering kindness. The second form of "Sri"

means that Mahalakshmi freely reaches Lord for redressel. She requests or even

begs Lord on behalf of jeevas to accept them and for blessing them. These two

positions of Mahalakshmi in recommending the jeevas, who had redressed to her,

to the Lord for their liberation is established.

2. Nithya-yogam - The second word 'math' which is attached to the word

'Sri' is explained.

It means that to remain together at all times. The recommendatory Mahalakshmi

and Lord are inseparable and remain together at all times. The purpose of

Mahalakshmi remaining with Lord is to ensure that whenever jeeva aaproaches the

Lord, it is accepted by Him irrespective of the sins or prohibited deeds

performed. Since Lord is independent and just He may pronounce punishment to

jeevas for their sins. At this juncture Mahalakshmi who is by the side of Lord

will plead with Him to excuse the sins and accept the jeevan.

3. Samuchitha guna jatham - The word 'Naaraayana' is explained. There are

several meanings for this word. In the present context the following six

qualities of Lord are relevant. (a) Vatsalyam - love or liking

(b) Swamitvam - to be Lord © Sowsheelyam - the quality of

mingling with all irrespective of their status,

knowledge, and actions. (d)

Sowlabyam - easy for approach (e) Jnanam - knowledge

(f) Sakthi - ability to accomplish anything

Whenever the jeevatma approaches Paramatma for grant of salvation, Paramatma

gets infuriated due to the accumulation of sinful acts done by the jeevas and

resort to inflict punishments. Mahalakshmi intervenes and by her persuasion

Lord's anger gets mitigated. Thereon the qualities of Lord, particularly the

six mentioned above raise their heads and became operative. Therefore, these

attributes are considered as meanings of the word 'Naaraayana'

Swami Pillai Lokachariar in his work, Mumukshuppadi, has indicated the purpose

of each quality of Lord.

The jeevatma need not look to his own sins and prohibited deeds and fear the

Lord as the Lord has very much liking for jeevas (vatsalyam).

Then the doubt has arisen in the mind of jeeva whether the Lord would grant

salvation or not, this is dispelled by his quality of ownership (Swamitvam).

The owner of any property will naturally take care of the property. Since

Paramatma is owner of the jeevatma, He will certainly take care and look after

the interest of jeevatma.

The next quality is his simpleness in mixing with all sundry. (Sowseelyam). The

Lord being the owner of both worlds (Paramapatham and other worlds) is a

supreme personality. Compared to Him the Jeevatma is microscopic and tiny.

Naturally the jeeva will feel inferior and shy. But, taking into account the

quality of the Lord to mix Himself with all, the jeeva should feel assured

about his salvation.

The Lord has also possesses the quality of easily approachable (Sowlabyam).

Generally the jeeva cannot see the Lord. But Lord gives His appearance to

Jeeva. In order to approach and request/beg for salvation the jeeva has to see

Lord. Lord makes it possible. The qualities of knowledge (

Jnanam) and the power to accomplish anything (Sakthi) are helpful to ward of all

the obstacles in the way and to give Himself to Jeeva. Therefore these qualities

are relevant in the present context.

 

Dwayam continued in the next post:

 

-- Azhvar Emberumanar Jeeyar Thiruvadigale SaranamVP Srinivasa Varadan