Anatomy Of A Name

Name Speaks !

"Just Because You Know My Name, 

Doesn't Mean You Know My Story"

My name generates inquisitiveness.Acquaintances say it is a bit difficult to pronounce, doesn't give away my religion or region I belong to and is atypical for a person belonging to the 70's generation of Punjab. 

My mother named me after the female protagonist of a novel she had read during her MA English days - the name of the novel she is unable to recall!

It may sound self glorification - I am yet to meet my Namesake !

My name resonates Mightiness Magnanimity & Mythology.

I am a practising Hindu but my name has roots in Buddhism, its a derivative of 'Avalokitesvara' - the Bodhisttava of compassion.There are sixteen  recognised Bodhisttavas . I always had a yearning to understand the interpretation of my name.Whenever a chance arose i visited Buddhist monasteries and temples. I googled , I read articles on Buddhism, I sought answers from my Buddhist friends. For me my name remains a reason to learn the rationale of religion.

I suppose that the name manifests singularity. Though scientifically unproven psychologists maintain your persona is 1/4th of what your name means.If you call someone "motu" ," piggy" or even "baby" for long periods, the person gravitates towards being one becomes edgy ends with psychological depredation. 

The name should take one to solo ego trips. 

                             

Simple Suggestions :

1. Take time. The prerogative of naming children lies with PARENTS.
2. The name shouldn't be the most difficult or the strangest.
3. The child(adults alike) should know the genesis of his/her name.
4. Religious / Regional barriers should be totally conquered while naming children .Why should a Sikh name end with preet, deep or jeet ? Why cannot a Hindu name end with preet,deep or jeet? Shouldn't we promote  Indianness rather than elevating clan , community or region?
5.  The name should essentially be constructive , affirmative and gender confirming.
6. Just like bullying , body shaming , making fun of other people's name is wicked.
7. Avoid sharing bedroom names with anyone.The awkward pet names(if any) should remain within the immediate family.

 

 (Straight from @en.wikipedia.org )

"Avalokistesvara"

- Lord who contemplates 

the Bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.

According to the 'Karandavyuha Sutra' the Sun and the Moon 

are said to be born from the eyes of Lord Avalokistevara.

Shiva from brow,

Brahma from shoulders,

Sarasvati from teeth,

Earth from feet and 

the Sky from stomach.

Lord Avalokitesvara 

Macleodganh, Dharmasala.

There is significant difference between Buddha and Boddhisttava.

A Buddha is an individual who has attained enlightenment and is free from the six realms of reincarnation while Boddhisttava is the one who has achieved enlightenment but chose to stay in this world to aid all other beings towards spiritual insight.

From the road trip 2017 pages:

The present day Bodhi tree believed to be the descendant of the original tree. The tilt is supported by iron pillars .The tree is massive and leaning on one side being supported by Maha Bodhi temple on the other. It is indeed mythical. The temple architecture is clear defined yet intricate.Lotus predominates. (Read my reviews on www.tripadvisor.com/avisharma77 )

The diamond throne was added to the temple by emperor Asoka at the exact spot where Lord Buddha sat.The supporting structure obstructs direct view of the throne though.

The kid man at Dhamekh stupa , Sarnath, 20 minutes drive from Varanasi cantonment .It was here in Sarnath that Lord Budha gave his first sermon seven weeks after attaining enlightenment in Bodh gaya.The stupa is 128 feet high and 93 feet broad and has inscriptions written in brahmi script. 

The ruins of ancient monasteries near the stupa site.The site is in the tentative list of UNESCO heritage.