== NAME OF YOUR BABY ==
Namaskar,
When Baba held DMCs in our Berlin Sector, then Baba Himself was
emphasizing the importance of Sanskrit names. Time and again He beautifully
explained the meaning of various names and on multiple occasions He also
corrected the then PA Dada Ramanandaji's pronunciation of Sanskrit
names, or even changed the name itself to one having a spiritual meaning.
Surrounding this, one beautiful scene comes to mind.
STORY HOW BABA BLESSES AND CORRECTS HER SANSKRIT NAME
During one DMC we held our usual kaoshikii and tandava contests & when
Dada Ramanandaji called out the names of those involved then he
announced the name of one sister named Ama'vati.
Immediately Baba pointed out that this name meant 'darkness' or 'new
moon'; and then and there in front of one and all Baba graciously told
that her name should be Jyotismati, meaning 'divine effulgence'. In that
special way our sister took on this new name - one with a truly
spiritual meaning.
Certainly this was Baba's blessing upon that sister and the society, and
the overall idea is that Baba gives great emphasis on the proper use of
Sanskrit names, both with respect to pronunciation and meaning.
NAMES ARE NOT JUST WORDS BUT SPIRITUAL REMINDERS
A name then is not just a word per se. It is an important reminder to
both the named and the person addressing that individual that we live in
a God-centered universe. This helps spiritualise one's daily life
experience and reminds us of our Goal.
Thus not any name will do - names should be given based on this ideal.
(1) Choosing a name based on the sound of the word, or (2) issuing a
name that lacks a devotional meaning is not part of our AM system.
Yet, on occasion - or even more frequently - this has been known to happen.
When names are such an essential element of our life as sadhakas, we
should take the opportunity to carefully review this important topic.
USING SANSKRIT NAMES: 24 / 7
As we all know, Baba has placed tremendous emphasis on the use of
Sanskrit names. We are to use them in all circumstances - cent-per-cent
of the time.
Baba says, "At the time of initiation or shortly afterwards, those who do
not have a Sanskrit name should be given one by the A'carya." (CC-I, p.6,
1995 Ed.)
Baba says, "The Sanskrit name should be used in all worldly dealings."
(CC-I p. 7, 1995 Ed.)
That is why in our Marga, we all receive a Sanskrit name as soon as we
enter AM and that name should be used pervasively, in all aspects of our
life.
Unfortunately quite commonly, outside of India, many use their Sanskrit
name only at the time of dharmacakra or only when talking to margiis
etc. In their daily or professional life, or even when communicating
with their spouse, they may fail to use their Sanskrit name. This is one
point for us all to be careful about.
NOT ALL SANSKRIT NAMES ARE SPIRITUAL
At the same time we must be aware that not every Sanskrit name is
appropriate, as depicted in the above story of that DMC.
To ensure proper Sanskrit names are given, Baba has specifically
detailed names that are of spiritual value. Every acarya has this list /
booklet. Those are the names that are to be used in our Ananda Marga at
the time of initiation. But it does not always happen like that.
Of course, a large majority of the names in Sanskrit are "good" or
"acceptable" for use in AM. By "good" or "acceptable", we mean that that
Sanskrit name directly refers refers to Parama Purusa Himself or one of
His divine qualities.
Names like Purusottama (Cosmic Nucleus), Liila (His Divine Play), Kpra
Devii (Personification of His Divine Grace) and Divyamurti (Embodiment
of God) are ideal in that they remind us of the presence of Parama Purusa.
However, there are many Sanskrit names that fail miserably in this regard.
Names like Brinjal (eggplant) as well as other Sanskrit names meaning
rice, chili, and other food items are not our ideal. Yet these Sankrit
names are also used in the general society and on occasion sneak into
our Marga.
Plus various names such as the highly popular surname Singha, meaning
lion, are based on the animals. Yet we know that according to the cycle
of brahmacakra, human life is the veritable movement away from our baser
animalistic vrittis towards our inherent sublime nature, i.e. life
divine. So there is no value - rather it is detrimental - to have a
Sanskrit name that refers to an animal. This is also a point of caution.
Finally, there are some Sanskrit names like Khendi and Puddan, which do
not mean something very glorified. And there are so many
other examples. Then there is the so-called Sanskrit name, Pheku,
meaning garbage. That also is obviously not up to the requisite standard.
In addition, in India, they've begun giving Sanskrit names that are
actually verbs or adjectives, not nouns. One such name is Chalati which
is a verb meaning "to go".
People choose such names because they feel they are unique. That is
the new trend.
Whether one is born inside or outside of India, regardless of our local
traditions etc, we should ensure that our Sanskrit names are of proper
meaning. If you have any question, consult your local acarya.
NICKNAMES
Another critical facet of this discussion is the use of nicknames. All
too often our family members or close friends give us a nickname.
Normally we are given these names when we are very young, such as when
we are 4 or 5 years old.
You have all heard them. Names like Pinky, Rinky, Tee-tee, Lulu, Bessy,
Beansie etc. Often these names rhyme with our given name or are given
for just some silly reason, albeit with good intention.
Actually, when I was in India, I was surprised to see how each family
member often has a non-spiritual nickname which all the other family
members call them. In that way, they pass the bulk of the life being
called a name that has virtually no sense and zero spiritual import.
Wherever we live, we should all be wary and conscious of the use of
nicknames - they should not replace our given Sanskrit names.
KUMAR AND DEVA
Finally, there are two other common words to discuss associated with
naming. The first is Kumar and the second is Deva.
At present, many in AM seem to attach Kumar to their name. Names like
Devesh Kumar, Krsna Kumar, Jayanta Kumar, Chandranath Kumar and the like
are quite common.
Yet Kumar (kaoma'ra) refers to that state of life when one is immature.
Baba says, "Childhood, or kaoma'ra." (SS-21)
In those early years of life, children needlessly break and destroy
their toys for no apparent reason and constantly switch from one task to
the next, unable to concentrate on anything for any period of time. That
is what kaomara means: the life of a child when all kinds of silly or
senseless things are done.
Here I am not trying to criticise children - they have their natural
dharma. Childhood is part of the growing process. Only the point is that
we should not attach that idea or identity with our Sanskrit name by
adding the suffix Kumar. That is not our AM system - that is some folk
manner from the traditions of old.
If we wish to append any word to our Sanskrit name then that name should
be Deva.
Baba says, "Now, the word “deva” comes from the root word “div”. “Div”
means “a divine existence”. So “deva” means “a divine existence”." (AV-3)
Baba says, "The word deva should be suffixed to the name. Every person
is at liberty to use his/her own surname, but the more the usage of deva
as a title, the better it is." (CC-1)
Thus we should link our Sanskrit names with Deva, not Kumar.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace when a proper Sanskrit name is given that that brings
all kinds of beauty in life: Both to the individual and the society. It
reminds of the eternal presence of Parama Purusa and keeps us
ever-focused on the divine nature of human life.
When we seek names for our own children we should keep in mind all of
the above. Then their names will serve them well for this life.
Those who are devotees can easily understand all these points - others
may not.
We should be vigilant to ensure that only proper Sanskrit names are used
in our units and that we use these Sanskrit names in all circumstances
and conditions.
Baba says "If Sam'skrta is used human unity will be encouraged and human
beings will move closer together." (PNS-17)
Baba says, "Today not even the Pacific Ocean between Asia and America is
difficult to cross. The people of Asia and America are touching each
other's minds and have learned to accept each other sympathetically as
their own. Europe, Africa, Australia, Mercury, Jupiter, the stars, the
comets, the constellations - none of them is alien to the other, none is
distant from another. Gradually everyone has begun to realise the vibration
of the One Integral Mind." (AFPS-1)
Namaskar,
Pavitra
Note: WHY SHYNESS TO USE SANSKRIT NAMES IN THE WEST
Baba tells in SS part III that those who are not established on the path
of spirituality are shy to practice in front of others.
Those who lack a deeper sense of deep devotion feel shy to reveal
themselves as an Ananda Margiis, and most of the time they do not like
to tell or use their own Sanskrit name - or the Sanskrit names of others.
But this is only because of their weakness of the mind and lack of
proper moral strength. So we should not be affected by this. Rather we
should instill within that person the requisite strength, courage, and
devotional confidence to move ahead in the right way.
In Subhasita Samgraha part 3, Baba explains that those who suffer from such
a weakness of mind due to materialism or other negative philosophies
suffer from such psychic complexes.
Baba says, "Those who are reared in the cradle of materialistic ideologies,
feel shy or ashamed at first to sit in meditation in the presence of
others." (SS pt 3, p.86)
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One Should Always Remember
Baba says, "However little one's capacity might be, if one constantly
remembers that Parama Purus'a is always with him, that they are in the
closest contact with Parama Purus'a, they will be able to do everything.
They are not as small as they think themselves to be. And as long as
they remember this closest association with Him, they can do much more
than ordinary human beings. When this idea becomes permanently
established in their minds, they become great. This is why no one should
be disappointed or depressed in any circumstances; let everyone
constantly perform great deeds, remembering that the flow of their
capacity is coming from Parama Purus'a, and thus they can do
everything." (AFPS-3, p.62)
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