What's the difference between chanting Narayana and Krishna?

[Dr.Dinesh]

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hi guys...
i have a doubt...what's the difference in chanting "NARAYANA" and "KRISHNA"...both came from the same origin...in some places they say to chant krishna's name...i dont find any difference...i used to say "narayana" from the time i woke till sleep..plz enlighten me guys...

thank you...

 

[Raji Ram]

Dear Doc,

You may chant the name you like! All Gods are same.

Please listen to this:

Krishna; Narayana

 

[sangom]

hi guys...
i have a doubt...what's the difference in chanting "NARAYANA" and "KRISHNA"...both came from the same origin...in some places they say to chant krishna's name...i dont find any difference...i used to say "narayana" from the time i woke till sleep..plz enlighten me guys...

thank you...

"Narayana" is a much older name (proper noun); rishi Narayana is supposed to be the composer of the famous purusha sooktam. The word meaning naH +ayana means unchanging and in a way points to the unchanging reality (the parabrahman). Krishna, on the other hand, got its divine flavour only after the character krishna of the mahabharata (originally a human prince) was elevated to the status of an avataara of vishnu. Prior to that the word krishna meant black only. Even the vaishnavite belief system lays emphasis only on the ashTAksharee or the "Om namO nArAyaNAya".

Hence I feel there is a gulf of difference between chanting narayana and krishna, the former imo being preferable.

All gods are not equal; if so we could go on chanting all day "allah ho akbar!"..

Chanting nAmam from waking up till sleeping will not add any additional brownie points to a person; it all depends on what your mind and body are doing even though your tongue may be uttering the nAmam. For example, consider a person chanting continuously nAmam, but having in his mind routine worldly thoughts like "ivan nASamA pONum!", etc!

Again, there is the famous scriptural authority (though I personally don't believe in it at all) of the ajAmiLa story. It is what one chants in his final moment with his word and mind, which decides whether vishnu dootas will come in a brand new divine Ferrari and take you to vaikuntam, defeating all the yamadootas who claim you for the hell, on the basis of valid claims!

Dr. Dinesh! you will now get a number of posts, assuredly:lol:

 

[krish44]

I carry both narayana and krishna in my name.

Write narayana before krishna while writing ones name.

In half of my bank accounts and pension papers, narayana appears krishna is only initial.

My foreign air tickets for travel are in narayanas name.

So most take only narayanas name when they address me.

It takes me long to realise they are addressing me sometimes.lol

Om namo narayana

No harm chanting narayana. I certify I have not lost anything carrying narayanas name.lol

 

[mkrishna100]

i have a doubt...what's the difference in chanting "NARAYANA" and "KRISHNA"

A similar question was asked to an astrolger in one TV Program and he said that Chanting Narayana is better as Narayana itself includes Krishna , Rama and all the avatars of Lord Narayana .

 

[Raji Ram]

............. All gods are not equal; if so we could go on chanting all day "allah ho akbar!"..........

A nAmam can be chanted by a person, ONLY if the person loves it!
After all, many Hindus sing this: ''eeswara allA.....''

 

[Raji Ram]

This is what Swami Purandara Dasa has written in Kannada:

Krishna Krishna ....

 

[renuka]

Dear Dr Dinesh,

Its nice to read the threads you start.

Personally I feel its does not really matter whether we chant Narayana or Krishna or even chant both.

Some of us do not really chant anything but habit has made at least me say out Rama or Krishna sometimes.

For example when I am shocked or surprised I usually spontaneously utter "Rama" and when I fear anything I utter "Krishna".

Its like a reflex.

But when I am angry..its not any God's name!LOL

I can't type the words uttered when I am angry.

 

[auh]

I have heard that one of the meanings of the word "Narayana" as "The one where all the jivas reside". Ayana of all the Naras! (including the ones in this forum )

For Krishna, I have heard "Karshati iti krishnaha", as one that attracts to its self.

But for chanting and to find out which is better, you have to first identify the objective of the entire process.

 

[Lalit]

IMHO, it is not which name of God that is uttered but how it is chanted that is important. If chanted with reverence, love and intensity of thought, (as the names of the Lord, be it Narayana or Krishna, are the sonic manifestations of the basic cosmic powers (saktis) which are the basic units constituting the cosmos) these names will definitely bring about beneficent results to the devotee! The legend about
the hunter Valmiki regarding the chanting of "Mara Mara ..." also yielding surprising results comes to mind in this context.
Please correct me if I am wrong about Sage Valmiki.

 

[Dr.Dinesh]

Hi guys
thank u so much for all ur replies...I understand all u said guys.still confused becoz of this..In Jaiva dharma

visnor ekaikam namapi sarva-vedadhikam matam​

​

​

tadrk-nama sahasrena rama-nama-samam smrtam​

​

​

Chanting one name of Vishnu gives more benefit than studying all the Vedas, and one name of Rama is equal to a thousand names (sahasra-nama) of vishnu.

In brahmanda purana,

sahasra-namnam punyanam trir avrttya tu yat phalam
ekavrttya tu krishnasya namaikam tat prayacchati​

​

​

If one utters shri-krishna-nama once, one obtains the same result that comes from chanting the pure visnu-sahasranama three times.

The purport is that a thousand names of Vishnu equals one name of Rama, and three thousand names of Vishnu – that is to say, three names of Rama – equals one name of Krishna. Chanting Krishna's name once gives the same result as chanting Rama's name three times.


the difference i asked in those names coz, of the above 2 puranas...why they have kept differences which have same origin...

if what i have asked is wrong na plz forgive me...

 

[Raji Ram]

This chanting is ON in the temple near our sweet home!

Panchakshari matra

 

[prasad1]

Dr. Dinesh,
What is the "result" of Chanting? What is the expected benefit? How do you measure the benefit?
If Rama chanting gives X (?) benefit, and Krishna gives 2X, and Narayana gives 100X. As long as X is a measurable unit, we can convince others.
But if X=0 then there is no argument at all.

 

[tbs]

hi

whatever you chanting......the sloka says....

AAKASAAD PATITAM THOYAM YATHA GACCATI SAAGARAM.......SARVA DEVA NAMASKARAM KESAVAM PRATI GACCATI....

all waters falling from sky...goes to occean.....like wise all gods namaskarams will go to LORD KESAVA.....

 

[prasad1]

hi

whatever you chanting......the sloka says....

AAKASAAD PATITAM THOYAM YATHA GACCATI SAAGARAM.......SARVA DEVA NAMASKARAM KESAVAM PRATI GACCATI....

all waters falling from sky...goes to occean.....like wise all gods namaskarams will go to LORD KESAVA.....

Why Kesava? Is it just because he said so. What if it goes to Shiva? Or Devi? Can we send a registered letter, will it be acknowledged? Then we will know what to chant.
Or what if if it goes nowhere.
Why perpetuate a Myth in the name of religion?

 

[CHANDRU1849]

While there are so many replies to the query raised, no one asked him about his background - Shaivite, Smartha or Vaishnava. If he is a non-Vaishanava, there is no necessity to chant either Narayana or Krishna or Narayana Gopala.

Depending on the background, chanting may be preferred.

 

[renuka]

Hi guys
thank u so much for all ur replies...I understand all u said guys.still confused becoz of this..In Jaiva dharma

visnor ekaikam namapi sarva-vedadhikam matam​

tadrk-nama sahasrena rama-nama-samam smrtam​

Chanting one name of Vishnu gives more benefit than studying all the Vedas, and one name of Rama is equal to a thousand names (sahasra-nama) of vishnu.

In brahmanda purana,

sahasra-namnam punyanam trir avrttya tu yat phalam
ekavrttya tu krishnasya namaikam tat prayacchati​

If one utters shri-krishna-nama once, one obtains the same result that comes from chanting the pure visnu-sahasranama three times.

The purport is that a thousand names of Vishnu equals one name of Rama, and three thousand names of Vishnu – that is to say, three names of Rama – equals one name of Krishna. Chanting Krishna's name once gives the same result as chanting Rama's name three times.


the difference i asked in those names coz, of the above 2 puranas...why they have kept differences which have same origin...

if what i have asked is wrong na plz forgive me...

In that case chant

Rama Krishna Govinda Narayana
Rama Krishna Govinda Narayana
Shri Lakshmi Ramana Narayana Narayana
Om Anantha Narayana Om Anantha Narayana

That should solve all the problems.

 

[sangom]

Hi guys
thank u so much for all ur replies...I understand all u said guys.still confused becoz of this..In Jaiva dharma

visnor ekaikam namapi sarva-vedadhikam matam​

tadrk-nama sahasrena rama-nama-samam smrtam​

​

​

​

Chanting one name of Vishnu gives more benefit than studying all the Vedas, and one name of Rama is equal to a thousand names (sahasra-nama) of vishnu.

In brahmanda purana,

sahasra-namnam punyanam trir avrttya tu yat phalam
ekavrttya tu krishnasya namaikam tat prayacchati​

If one utters shri-krishna-nama once, one obtains the same result that comes from chanting the pure visnu-sahasranama three times.

The purport is that a thousand names of Vishnu equals one name of Rama, and three thousand names of Vishnu – that is to say, three names of Rama – equals one name of Krishna. Chanting Krishna's name once gives the same result as chanting Rama's name three times.


the difference i asked in those names coz, of the above 2 puranas...why they have kept differences which have same origin...

if what i have asked is wrong na plz forgive me...

Dr. Dinesh Sir,

The Puranas contain so many contradictions between one another because each Purana has been written in order to eulogize and promote the worship (successful marketing) of one or two brands of idol worship. If you study the Brahmavaivarta Purana, it will say that Radha is the primeval and most powerful of all gods from whom even Krishna originated, and lo! all the greatness of Krishna as per Brahmanda Purana will evaporate in a jiffy, if you start believing puranas unquestioningly. It is the Brahmavaivarta Purana which is the manual for the Gaudiya vaishnavas (ISKCON people) as also many who consider Brindavan as the most holy pilgrimage spot; all these people chant, incessantly, "Radhe Krishn (राधे कृष्ण)" or "jai radhe maa" and believe that each chant will add some marks to their punya score!

For a rational human being who has not adopted atheism as his/her approach, it should be clear that there is some power beyond human comprehension which decides each one's fate and leads each person through a distinctive life-path. (Not even identical twins always have identical lives in all respects.) This supreme power is not yet intelligible to humans. That power has not come before human beings and asked them to chant ITs name and please IT so that IT may become more kindly disposed towards somebody and give him/her a kid gloves treatment as regards fate and the path of life.

I will say, therefore, that being constantly aware of a Supreme Power beyond even human comprehension is more important than merely chanting of some name like Rama, Krishna, Kesava, Radhe Shyam, etc. After all these are all man-made names in various parts of our scriptural texts just like the names of characters in Shakespearian dramas. Are not they?

 

[Dr.Dinesh]

Hi Mr. chandru
i think i am smartha...there r no compulsory rules that different branch people should not follow others...depends on the person's interest nowadays sir....nothing wrong from my side sir...

 

[Dr.Dinesh]

Hi everyone
thank u so much for all ur replies...

 

[Dr.Dinesh]

Hi Mr.Sangom
the names(including the word GOD) where created by humans..i accept sir...they thought it will b easier for people to concentrate on what type of supreme power they pray for...everything surrounding us plays according to LAW OF ATTRACTION & VIBRATION...this law in applicable to 95% of all beings...so i thought twist of words can cause changes in their life...thats y i posted this kind of thread...

thank you everyone for enlightening me with ur thoughts...

 

[CHANDRU1849]

Hi Mr. chandru
i think i am smartha...there r no compulsory rules that different branch people should not follow others...depends on the person's interest nowadays sir....nothing wrong from my side sir...

Dr. Dinesh

Rules are framed by us only.

Discipline is the most important aspect in religion. Without religious discipline, chanting God's name is as good as singing a third rated film song.

 

[sangom]

Hi Mr.Sangom
the names(including the word GOD) where created by humans..i accept sir...they thought it will b easier for people to concentrate on what type of supreme power they pray for...everything surrounding us plays according to LAW OF ATTRACTION & VIBRATION...this law in applicable to 95% of all beings...so i thought twist of words can cause changes in their life...thats y i posted this kind of thread...

thank you everyone for enlightening me with ur thoughts...

Dr. Dinesh,

Religion has taken very firm hold of humans and today, if someone tries to preach against idol worship or against superstitions, that person may be "kalburgified"! But recently Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev (of course, I am not a follower of his) has made a statement that Man is the greatest gadget. To me that statement appears to be very near to the truth, and possibly Jaggi Vasudev is slowly getting a glimpse of the reality, I feel.

Only if and when we humans get to understand (not believe or trust unquestioningly — as the religions want us to) after enough questioning, etc., that we are no more than 'gadgets' which is charged with a power which may be called god, there can be the next real progress in the "pilgrim's progress". Mere chanting of some names like krishna, narayana, rama, guruvayurappa, siva siva, etc., will at best enable one to pass days and thus complete the sojourn in this world, till the power charge gets over and death overtakes the body.

 

[Vaagmi]

Dr. Dinesh,

Religion has taken very firm hold of humans and today, if someone tries to preach against idol worship or against superstitions, that person may be "kalburgified"! But recently Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev (of course, I am not a follower of his) has made a statement that Man is the greatest gadget. To me that statement appears to be very near to the truth, and possibly Jaggi Vasudev is slowly getting a glimpse of the reality, I feel.

Only if and when we humans get to understand (not believe or trust unquestioningly — as the religions want us to) after enough questioning, etc., that we are no more than 'gadgets' which is charged with a power which may be called god, there can be the next real progress in the "pilgrim's progress". Mere chanting of some names like krishna, narayana, rama, guruvayurappa, siva siva, etc., will at best enable one to pass days and thus complete the sojourn in this world, till the power charge gets over and death overtakes the body.

There is a problem in this thought as presented:

I am an idol worshipper and I am happy with my belief. I share my experiences and my progress andevolution in the path I have taken with similar idol worshippers. If there are non-idol worshippers listening to me and finding something that they can relate to, it is fine with me. I do not address whatever I say to these non-idol worshippers. So I do not "preach" to them.

I do not want these non-idol worshipping "kalburgists" to intrude into my life and belief system either. I do not want them to "preach" to me. If they insist I will tell them to go and hang.

Idol worship may be equal to superstition for these "kalburgists". But it is not so for me. So it is just a opinion.

Humans may be a gadget for these kalburgists and it is not a gadget for me. Period.

There are many like me in this universe. Narayana, Narayana!! Please give enough-just enough-sense to these kalburgists to respect and live peacefully with my POV.

 

[renuka]

Today I chose a nice ring tone for my new phone.

This is the ring tone...I downloaded this song.

It makes a nice ring tone..but I dont have any intention of going to Vaikuntha!LOL

[video]https://youtu.be/3ep4Y16cWeg[/video]