In Vishnu Sahasranamam, there are 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu, each indicating the Lord’s absolute nature — His virtues and qualities. Each name, if remembered continuously, has a purifying effect on the mind; this is called namasmarana. If we contemplate the meaning of the names, it can be very uplifting and it has the power to turn our minds towards the Lord, drawing us into meditation. When we meditate on His virtues, we must try to imbibe some of them. This kind of meditation can empower us on our spiritual path and, also, in all our secular worldly activities.
Slokas 18 and 19 have seven names of the Lord that begin with maha: maha-mayah, mahotsahah, mahabalah, maha-buddhi, maha-viryah, maha-shaktih and maha-dyutih. From the absolute standpoint, they refer to the Lord’s nature as the supreme light of consciousness, His powers of illusion, omnipotence etc. However, they also give us a list of qualities needed for success in any given field.
Maha-mayah refers not only to the power of illusion but also indicates all the powers of ichcha-shakti, jnana-shakti and kriya-shakti. You must have the will — ichcha — that you want to do something. Then you must have the knowledge of how to achieve it. Then kriya or action has to follow. In the process, maha-utsaha has to be there. This means that great enthusiasm is required to achieve any kind of success. We generally lack enthusiasm in daily life. There is lethargy and lack of interest, or one feels exasperated and frustrated. Such an attitude will not lead us to success. An inner spring of enthusiasm should nourish our actions.
Mahabalah (great strength) is also required. Strength of the body doesn’t mean that one needs to become have a body of a wrestler, but at least one should have good health. Mental strength is also vital. Then comes maha-buddhi. This is different from jnanam (the knowledge of the goal and how to achieve it).
In day-to-day life, many different situations come up and one must have the intelligence to deal with them. This is called buddhi.
Maha-viryah (great valour) is also required. The display of shakti is called viryah. Shakti, or power, is lying dormant in you. When it is manifested, brought into action, it is called viryah. You have to win over all your enemies — inner and outer.
When all these qualities are there, a person becomes maha-dyuti — he glows with success. Dyuti means shine, brilliance. You can shine and outshine everyone, whether it is to become the richest, the most powerful or the best in the field of your choice.
When you succeed, your face glows, with inner joy. Have you noticed the face of the defeated when they congratulate the winner in sporting events? Through the outer composure and smile you can see the disappointment at losing. The glow of success in the winner is unmistakable.
Swami Tejomayananda, head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, is an orator, poet, singer, composer and storyteller. To find out more about Chinmaya Mission and Swamiji, visit www.chinmayamission.com.