questions about 1000 names

[Guest guest]

I tried to post this message before, but it didn't show up on the

list so I think I messed up somehow. Here goes try no.2:

 

These are just basic questions about 1000 names, so that I can be

certain that I understand the references to them in the postings

correctly:

 

1) Are they the same as the Lalitha Sahasranama (which is what we

called it growing up)? I am almost certain the answer is yes.

2) I was taught the Lalitha Sahasranama by my grandmother as a

Stotram, in an unbroken hymn of 182 stanzas. Is this how most of the

members say it, or as separate names (the Namavali), with the

refrain "Om Parashaktiyai Namaha"? How does Amma recommend it be

chanted?

3) What is the big book Eknath refers to in his posting? I ask

because I have seen devotees using a little book printed horizontally

as well.

4) Do you recommend the CD as an aide to learning the 1000 names as

they are said by Amma's devotees?

Thank you...

Om Namah Shivayai.

[Guest guest]

DJUM wrote:

 

> These are just basic questions about 1000 names, so that I can be

> certain that I understand the references to them in the postings

> correctly:

>

> 1) Are they the same as the Lalitha Sahasranama (which is what we

> called it growing up)? I am almost certain the answer is yes.

 

Yes.

 

> 2) I was taught the Lalitha Sahasranama by my grandmother as a

> Stotram, in an unbroken hymn of 182 stanzas. Is this how most of the

> members say it, or as separate names (the Namavali), with the

> refrain "Om Parashaktiyai Namaha"? How does Amma recommend it be

> chanted?

 

First, let me say that I think your grandmother gave you such a precious

gift. How very lovely to learn that instead of what most of us learned

growing up! The bhramacharinis at the Ashram repeat the unbroken hymn of 182

stanzas (known as "The Couplets") every evening after arati. In the morning

chanting at the Ashram, it is done line by line as a call and response. When

I first did it, we followed a CD and said Om Parashaktiyai Namaha after each

name. Currently in our practice my husband and I repeat the names line by

line together. I'm not sure how "most devotees" do it. Perhaps others on

this list could give their perspectives on that.

 

> 3) What is the big book Eknath refers to in his posting? I ask

> because I have seen devotees using a little book printed horizontally

> as well.

 

The big book to which Eknath refers is the commentary on the 1000 names

written by T. V. Narayana Menon and translated into English by Dr. M. N.

Namboodiri. This book is exquisite and can be ordered from the ammachi.org

website. The little book is many devotees best learning tool because it has

the 108 names of Amma (Sata Namavali), their translation in English, the

1000 names in full hymn and couplet form, the 108 names of Devi and other

prayers. All of that in that dear little pink book! We purchased ours at the

ashram, but I imagine it too can be ordered from the MA Center bookstore via

ammachi.org.

 

> 4) Do you recommend the CD as an aide to learning the 1000 names as

> they are said by Amma's devotees?

 

I'll leave this to others with experience with the CD, but, of course it

helps to hear it.

 

Om Namah Shivaya.

 

Kenna/Premarupa