Nāma Tattva

India's ancient spiritual texts deeply embed the concept of "form." Śrī Achyutananda Prabhu's teachings on Nāma Tattva link the first definition of form to the name itself. This philosophical idea explores the relationship between sound, form, and the essence of being.

Foundation of form

Nāma Tattva considers the name to be the foundation of form rather than just a word. The powerful statement, "The first definition of form is the name," implies that names are more than just labels; they inextricably link to things' identities. A name captures the essence of a form, rendering it perceptible and relatable.

Two or more sounds, the fundamental units of existence, form names. Just as different combinations of notes make music, sound combinations make a name that captures the essence of an entity.

The Sounds and Their Origins in Astrology

Vedic astrology establishes the structure of a name by associating various types of names with different zodiac signs. This connection demonstrates how our sounds reflect cosmic forces and energies.

Two Sound Names: These names derive from movable signs, which represent dynamic energy, change, and movement.

Three Sound Names: These names are associated with dual signs. Dual signs balance opposing forces, reflecting duality and adaptability.

Four Sound Names: These names are associated with fixed signs, which represent stability, strength, and persistence.

Celestial Tree

The Nāma Tattva uses a tree analogy to explain how names manifest their essence. The roots are located in the kendra (cardinal houses of the zodiac), which represents the fundamental energy that support the entire system. It represent the energy of Vishnu. The Koṇa (trine houses) symbolise the fruits of the divine power of Śrī, the goddess of abundance and prosperity.

The rest of the tree, including the trunk, branches, and leaves, represents the form's growth, evolution, and expansion into the world. This imagery underscores the living nature of each name, its inextricable connection to the cosmos, as opposed to it being a static label.

Blessings of Śrī and Mahāviṣṇu

Lagna refers to the point where Śrī and Mahāviṣṇu meet. In Vedic thought, Mahāviṣṇu represents the preserver of the universe, and Śrī represents abundance and grace. Their union represents balance, harmony, and the divine connection between various aspects of life. People regard this meeting as praiseworthy because it brings divine protection and grace.

The final verse, "जय विष्णु श्री विष्णु महाविष्णु पाहि माम् | जगन्नाथ जगन्नाथ जगन्नाथ रक्ष माम्" (Jaya viṣṇu śrī viṣṇu mahāviṣṇu pāhi mām | jagannātha jagannātha jagannātha rakṣamām) is a prayer invoking the blessings and protection of Mahāviṣṇu and Jagannātha, considered divine manifestations that nurture and sustain the universe.

Understanding the Spiritual Connection

This philosophy emphasises the belief that names are more than just identifiers; they have spiritual resonance and reflect the deeper truths of existence. The cosmic energies that define and sustain the universe have an intimate relationship with them. Understanding the name provides insight into the essence and form of an entity, allowing for a deeper connection with the universe itself.

Nāma Tattva's teachings emphasise the spiritual significance of sound and the power of language. Reflecting on the names we use and hear allows us to connect with the larger cosmic order and invite divine energy into our lives.

(Achyutānanda was part of the famous Panchasakha ('five friends'), who lived between 1450 and 1550 CE. The contemporaneous five saints – Achyutānanda Dasa, Sisu Ananta Dasa, Jasobanta Dasa, Jagannātha Dasa, and Balarāma Dasa - shaped Vaiṣṇava philosophy, spiritualism and literature of Odisha.) 

Om Tat Sat