Namasmarana Controls the Mind

Yashoda did not know where Balarama and Krishna were born. She brought them up as her own children. They were born in Mathura, but grew up in Gokulam. They grew in the womb of Devaki (Vasudeva’s wife). But they lived and played in Yashoda’s house.

When we try to explore the inner meaning of these events, we realize the Divine story unfolded by them. Balarama and Krishna were both in Mathura. Mathura signifies the navel. Devaki represents the Divine shakti [power], proceeding to Gokulam, represented by the mouth, was playing on the tongue, represented by Yashoda. “Rama” signifies one who gives delight. “Krishna” means one who attracts.

The Divine name thus has its origin in the navel and its sacredness should be safeguarded when it is uttered by the tongue. Thus, namasmarana, remembrance of the name of the Lord, implies chanting the name from one’s inmost being and preserving its sacredness.

Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 25, Pp 56-57

The Divine name is highly potent. Even the wish fulfilling celestial cow, Kama Dhenu, when it is tethered to the post, comes under control. Likewise, when the Supreme Lord, the indweller in all hearts, is bound by the rope of bhakti (devotion) and tethered to the post of the tongue, He gets bound to the devotee. There are only two means by which the Lord can be bound or enjoyed, namely, through the name and through love. The name can be “Rama,” “Hari,” or “Hara,” or any other name, because the all-pervading Divine bears all names.

Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 25, Pp 55

In the name “Rama,” the three deities—agni [fire], sun, and moon—are present. From where have these three deities originated? The sun has the power to scorch the earth from millions of miles away. Who are the parents of the sun? Should they not be even more powerful than the sun? There is the fire principle. Fire can destroy anything. Who are the parents of agni? The moon is the source of coolness and light. Who are the parents of the moon? If the enquiry is made regarding the parents of these three powerful entities, it will be found that God is the parent.

Everything has come from God. The common people do not make this basic enquiry into the root cause of all things. Nothing can exist without a basis. Even scientists are now engaged in trying to discover this basis. In fact, the name is the basis and the entire cosmos rests on it. The name is the easiest means to identify anything or any person. Hence, the best way to recognize God and envisage His form is through the name. The name is always auspicious.

Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 25, Pp 59-60