To surrender or not to surrender……? That is the question!
Often in Vedic Chant the phrase contains or ends with namah, or the same word with a different ending: namo. In English it literally means “not me”. It is a way of surrendering authority to a more elevated consciousness within ourself and everywhere. It is a way to express reverence and respect to a Divine Energy or power. It is a way of expressing a great faith and handing over authority to a greater ability within ourself and everywhere. It is a salutation, a salute, an acknowledgement, a recognition and acceptance that there is a more superior Presence that we give our devoted attention to and at the same time, allow to go before us to guide us in the Way. It is a method of taking refuge in the many assemblies of devout Rsihs and Rishikas. Swamis and Yogis, Lamas, Monks and Nuns, Scholars and Teachers. Our finite and rather short sighted understanding of ourselves and others ,as well as all creation, sometimes gets us completely tangled up in a net of desires, fears, attachments, angers, jealousies, and misunderstandings. Reciting “namah” allows our own mind to rest, to let go of our accumulated illusions, memories or fables. Then when this covering is removed, what can be revealed is a superior intelligence within us that can come forward and take charge in Its gentle and brilliant ability. The chanted mantra, as an affirmation, this invitation of the change of guard, supports our willingness and begins the process of altered breathing and perception, chemical changes in our minds and bodies, and our thoughts, images, feelings, speech and actions are instructed in new directions.
This Sovereign Presence is all pervading, ever streaming forth love, wisdom, life, peace, truth, order, right activity and stewardship. It upholds all the best interests for all involved, a huge community everywhere; global, and across all species.
Making a request for solution or resolution or imperatively affirming the name of this Great Presence and Power and releasing any of our own understanding of time, form, or any other restricted way of manifestation, allows something truly wonderful, magical and sweet in nature…..inspiring and reassuring, completely transformational to become experience.
Vedic Chant uses names of Powers to which one can surrender or reverentially salute as in a famous mantra: Om nama shivaya.