the 108 Names of Sri Bhagavan

• The book is organized as a list of 108 names of Sri Bhagavan, with each name followed by a short explanation of its meaning and significance. These names can be chanted as part of a devotional practice, providing an easy way for devotees to express their love and reverence for the Maharshi.
• Some names describe Sri Bhagavan as the Self or Atman, while others highlight his role as the teacher, guide, and compassionate protector of those who seek liberation.
• Many of the names reflect his status as the embodiment of truth, the source of wisdom, and a source of eternal peace. Through these names, devotees are reminded of the Maharshi's universal significance and his unique role in guiding seekers towards self-realization.

3. Themes in the 108 Names:

The 108 Names can be grouped into several key themes:

• Divinity and Spiritual Perfection: Names like "Atmarama" (the bliss of the Self) and "Brahmanishtha" (one who is firmly established in Brahman) highlight the Maharshi's divine nature and his complete realization of the Supreme Self.

• Guiding Teacher: Names like "Guru" (the spiritual master) and "Jnana GURU" (the teacher of wisdom) emphasize Sri Bhagavan's role as a spiritual teacher who shows the path of self-enquiry (Atma Vichara) and liberation (Moksha).

• Compassion and Grace: Names like "Karuna Pradayaka" (giver of compassion) and "Santosha" (the embodiment of contentment) express the Maharshi’s boundless compassion for all beings and his role as a source of grace for spiritual seekers.

• Symbol of Arunachala: Several names in the text refer to the sacred mountain of Arunachala, which Sri Ramana Maharshi regarded as a representation of Shiva, the Supreme. For example, "Arunachaleshwara" refers to the deity of Arunachala, and "Arunachala Bhakta" refers to a devotee of Arunachala, reflecting the spiritual bond between the Maharshi and the mountain.

• Ultimate Truth: Names like "Satyam" (Truth) and "Satyadeva" (the God of Truth) highlight the Maharshi as the living embodiment of the eternal truth, the essence of all beings.

4. Purpose and Practice:

• Chanting or meditating on these 108 names is a way of offering devotion to Sri Ramana Maharshi and aligning oneself with the spiritual qualities that the names reflect. This can serve as a daily sadhana (spiritual practice) for devotees, providing a simple yet profound means of drawing closer to the Maharshi’s wisdom and presence.
• The repetition of these names is believed to purify the mind and heart, and through this, the devotee comes closer to experiencing the Self or Atman, as Ramana Maharshi taught.
• The practice of japa (repetition of sacred names) with Bhagavan’s 108 names helps in cultivating detachment, devotion, and self-awareness.

5. Connection with Ramana Maharshi’s Teachings:

• The names reflect Ramana Maharshi's fundamental teachings, especially the practice of self-inquiry (Atma Vichara). Many of the names, like "Self-Realized One" (Svasvarupa) and "Inner Guru" (Antar Guru), encapsulate his central message: that the Self is the ultimate reality and that liberation comes through direct knowledge of one's true nature.
• The names also echo his love for silence, the highest form of teaching. The repetition of his names becomes a form of meditative silence, as each name points to the inward quest for truth.

Example Names from the Text:

1. Bhagavan Sri Ramana – The Divine Lord, Ramana.
2. Atmarama – The one who delights in the Self.
3. Satyam Jnana Manantam – Truth, Knowledge, and Infinite Bliss.
4. Arunachaleswara – The Lord of Arunachala.
5. Guruparampara – The lineage of spiritual teachers (from the Self).
6. Bhaktavatsala – The one who is compassionate toward devotees.
7. Jnana GURU – The teacher of wisdom.
8. Nirvikalpa – Beyond all conceptualization, transcendental.

Conclusion:

"The 108 Names of Sri Bhagavan" is not just a devotional text but a deep spiritual practice that brings devotees into closer communion with Sri Ramana Maharshi and his divine teachings. It invites practitioners to invoke the presence of the Maharshi and absorb the essence of his life, wisdom, and compassion through the repetition of these sacred names. Whether one is new to Ramana Maharshi’s teachings or a long-time devotee, this text offers a simple yet powerful way to connect with his eternal wisdom and grace.