25.03.2010
Yesterday was Sree Rama Navami. I was performing pooja. As part of the ceremony, I was chanting the Ashtothra Satha Namavali or the 108 holy names of Lord Rama, when I came across these three names of Rama that intrigued me as trainer. A little bit of research with the Apte Sanskrit-English dictionary and a conversation with my relative Mr. G Ramachandran, who is well versed in Sanskrit, gave me better understanding of these mames. I would like to share them with you because, understandsing the essesnce of these names would show us how to become better communicators. In this sense, Sree Rama is the best Role Model for Advanced Communicators.
Om Smithavakthraya Namah
He who has an ever-smiling face. Smitha means smile. Vakthra is face or mouth. We like someone who is smiling. Please do not confuse a genuine warm smile with a sarcastic one that actually irritates people.
This is a gentle upward turn of the lips that is reflected in the eyes as well as in the forward movement of the head and trunk. Have you seen the smile I mean? One that makes you want to reach out to that person and get to know them better?
This is the smile that wins friends and influences people! It enabled Sree Rama to find allies and friends everywhere. Sree Rama had so many of them. And, what variety…Tribals like Guha, Monkeys like Sugreev and Demons like Vibheeshan, and scores of animals and birds that flocked together to assist Rama during his Vanvas. There are so many instances where characters in Ramayan claim that they are drawn to Sree Rama because of his smiling countenance.
Om Poorvabhashiney Namaha
He who speaks first. Poorva means first or before. Bhasha is, of course, speech or language. Sree Rama was one who spoke first. Remember, Sree Rama was a king whether in exile or otherwise. He could have had an attitude that was aloof and distant. He could have refused to speak to people unless introduced. But he was not like that at all. He spoke first!
He greeted them openly and with genuine interest. He enquired after their welfare. He hugged them and called them his brother. And they, in turn, shared their innermost thoughts with him.
Om Mitha Bhasiney Namaha
One who speaks with moderation . Mitha means measured or moderate. This is not the same as being taciturn or tight-lipped. This is knowing when to stop talking and become a goods listener. Sree Rama did not talk on ad on and on. He knew when to stop and allow the other person to complete his message.
He thought before he spoke so that when he spoke his words were the soul of brevity. The only other person in the Ramayan who was his equal in brevity and communicating more with less words was Sree Hanumanji with his world famous, “Karpukiniyaalai Kanden Seetaiyai..” (I saw her, she who is beautiful through chastity, Seetha). But, no true devotee of Rama or Hanuman can ever distinguish between the two!
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