JOIN USThe “Upeyanamaviveka” is a Sanskrit work authored by the great 18th century ascetic Upanishadbrahmayogin. This text fundamentally deals with the subject of contemplation and chanting of the divine names and glories of the Supreme being and its efficacy in purifying the mind from the countless evils that bedevil it.
Though he was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, Upanishadbrahmayogin’s eclectic and catholic approach is evident in his statement “by chanting the Lord’s names, no matter what caste, colour , creed, or stage in life, the mind is freed from accumulated evils and sins.” The author emphasizes that by constant remembrance and chanting of the divine names, thereby living in a continuous exalted state, man slowly realises that he is none other than the divinity itself. In other words, this exercise gradually leads to a state of self-realisation. The realisation of this oneness, the how, why and its purpose forms the main theme of this work “Upeyanamaviveka.”
The author asserts that in the initial stages, the recitation of the names functions as a means to attain the bliss of continued existence on a spiritually realised plane. As one progresses along this path, this divine name reveals itself as nothing but the divinity itself, that is, there is no distinction between the name and deity that it represents. The name itself is the supreme being, the highest knowledge and the greatest effulgence. Thus an identity is achieved between the means and the intended goal.
This attainment of the awareness of this identity requires incessant cultivation of the mind along a path of righteousness and virtue. As ordinary mortals immersed in worldly affairs, everyone may not be able to attain this state, but at least, engaging the mind, whenever possible in such edifying pursuits not only purifies it, but prepares it for further progress along this path.
The benefits of such efforts, apart from the tangible ones of achieving mental purity, equanimity and emotional stability are more subtle. As Upanishadbrahmayogin says, “the sins accumulated because of bad deeds are annihilated and one moves closer to union with the divine”. As already mentioned, the author says that everyone, entire humanity can engage in this simple, yet profound activity which yields invaluable benefits.