The Thousand Names of Vishnu

by Vijaya Kumar

Description

Chanting the names of Gods and Goddesses invokes a religious fervour in people, and helps them focus on the Almighty. This series has a listing of a thousand names of Gods and Goddesses, whose names and forms are endless and each of which is significant to the devotee.

ISBN-13: 9788120730090

Publisher: Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd

Language: English

Publish Year: 2006

Vijaya Kumar's "The Thousand Names of Vishnu" provides an intricate and profound exploration of the Vishnu Sahasranama, a sacred hymn enumerating 1,000 attributes of Lord Vishnu. The book meticulously dissects each name, revealing its linguistic roots, spiritual significance, and philosophical implications within the broader framework of Hindu thought. It posits that the Sahasranama is not merely a devotional text but a comprehensive scripture that encapsulates the essence of Vedic wisdom, describing the Supreme Being as the omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent reality underlying all existence. Through this detailed analysis, Kumar illuminates how each name serves as a meditation point, guiding seekers towards a deeper understanding of the divine's multifaceted nature, from creation to dissolution, and its immanence in every aspect of the cosmos.

The core philosophy presented emphasizes the non-dualistic (Advaita) principle, where Vishnu is understood as Brahman, the ultimate reality, and the individual soul (Atman) is inherently one with it. Kumar's interpretation bridges various schools of Hindu philosophy, demonstrating how the thousand names systematically unveil the Supreme Self as both attributeless (Nirguna) and endowed with infinite auspicious qualities (Saguna). The work argues that by contemplating these divine epithets, one can transcend the limitations of the material world, purify the mind, and gain insight into the unity of all beings. It highlights the Sahasranama as a spiritual tool designed to cultivate virtues, foster devotion, and dismantle ignorance, paving the way for spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.

Ultimately, the book's central thesis is that the Vishnu Sahasranama offers a complete spiritual path, a guide to living a life aligned with dharma (righteousness) and attaining moksha (liberation). Kumar illustrates how chanting or reflecting upon these names can transform an individual's consciousness, leading to inner peace, a reduction of karmic burdens, and an unwavering connection to the divine. It encourages readers to perceive Vishnu not as a distant deity but as the indwelling essence within themselves and all creation, thereby fostering universal love, compassion, and a profound sense of interconnectedness. The work serves as both a scholarly exegesis and a practical spiritual manual for seekers of truth.

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