Everyone knows how the Ram Setu was constructed by the Vanaras writing Rama’s name on the rocks. The bridge was held afloat by the power of Rama’s name. However, there is a lesser-known story that further illustrates the immense power of Rama’s name.
The Skeptical Attendant
After the passing of Ravana, one of Vibhishana’s attendants asked how the Vanaras were able to build the bridge and cross it. Vibhishana explained that the power of the name of Rama is able to conquer all obstacles. The attendant was skeptical, so Vibhishana decided that a demonstration was in order.
The Demonstration
Vibhishana handed the attendant a folded up leaf with Rama’s name written on it and told him to cross the ocean. The attendant may have been skeptical about Rama’s name, but he had faith in Vibhishana’s words. He took the leaf and started crossing the ocean, which, to his surprise, was only knee deep for him. He kept walking until he reached the midway point.
Doubt and Its Consequences
Out of curiosity, the attendant opened the leaf and read Rama’s name. His skepticism returned. How can such a simple name be so powerful as to make the ocean knee deep? Unfortunately for him, the moment he doubted the power of Rama’s name, the ocean swallowed him up.
The Lesson
What is the lesson in all this? It is not to just mechanically chant and write the holy name. One must have full faith that the Holy Name will help us cross the ocean of life and return us back to Godhead. This name is our vehicle and connection to Krishna, but only if we use it in the right way: with full faith and devotion.
Teachings from Srimad Bhagavatam
Srimad Bhagavatam 6.2.11: “The chanting of the holy name of the Lord is the best way of liberation. One who has forgotten the transcendental relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead can revive such transcendental consciousness by chanting the holy name.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of chanting the holy name, which can revive our lost connection with the Supreme Lord.
Teachings from Caitanya Caritamrita
Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi-lila 8.28: “Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Krishna, one can obtain freedom from material existence and attain the highest perfection of life, pure love of God.”
This verse emphasizes that the holy name, when chanted with faith and devotion, can liberate one from material existence and grant pure love of God.
Teachings of Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada emphasized the importance of faith in the holy name and the necessity of chanting with sincerity.
Srila Prabhupada said: “The transcendental vibration established by the chanting of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare is the sublime method for reviving our Krishna consciousness.” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Preface)
This teaching reinforces the importance of chanting the holy name with sincerity and faith as a means to revive our spiritual consciousness.
Prayer
O Lord Rama,
Please grant us unwavering faith in the power of Your holy name.
Help us to chant Your name with sincerity and devotion,
So that we may overcome all obstacles and return to Your eternal abode.
May our hearts be filled with love and devotion,
And may we always remember the transformative power of Your holy name.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
May Your divine grace and blessings be upon us always,
Guiding us towards pure devotion and eternal bliss in Your service.
