More questions with Swamiji

[Guest guest]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

Om!

 

My third question to Swamiji was, "Why do we chant the 1000 names of

Vishnu when a soul leaves its body?"

 

Swamiji referred to the conversation between Bhishma and Yudhishtra

during the Mahabharata war. Bhishma was lying wounded on abed of

arrows and wiaiting for Uttarayana to commence. Uttarayana is the six

month period when the Sun makes its northern orbit.

 

When Bhishma was so lying, Yudhistra aksed him several questions.

(Bhishma was one of the wisest men of his time and Lord Krishna had

suggested to Yudhishtra to seek Bhishma's counsel before the latter

passed away). One of the questions he asked was, by which japa does

one get released from the bonds of samsara, get liberated from the

cycle of birth and death.

 

To this Bhishma replied, by chanting the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu.

 

Thus, we chant the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu as a prayer that the

departed soul be liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

 

Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji!

 

with love and prayers

 

srini