Vishnu.Sahasranama.with.the.Bhasya.of.Sankaracharya_text

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 5
Dharma : as defined by the Vedas. Lotus eyed r
Vasudeva shining (aksha) in the lotus of the heart. With
hymns : praises describing his attributes. The worship :
with reverence.
Query. What is the reason for giving pre-eminence
to the hymning of this praise ?
Answer. The reason for such pre-eminence consists
in its having no necessity to do harm, etc. (to other
creatures), in its not requiring the help of other persons or
money, and in its not having strict rules as to place, time,
etc. The Vishnu Purana (6-2-17) says : " That which one
obtains in Kritayuga by meditation, by performing sacrifice
in the Treta, by worship in Dvapara, he receives in the
Kaliyuga, by reciting (the names) of Kes'ava." The Mann
Smriti (2-87) says : " But, undoubtedly, a Brahmana
reaches the highest goal by Japa only ; never mind if he
performs other rites or neglects them ; he who befriends
(all creatures) is declared to be a (true) Brahmana." The
Mahabharata says : " The Japa is said to be the best of all
Dharmas, and also Japa begins with non-injury to beings."
The Bh. Glta (10-25) says : " Of sacrifices, I am the Japa
sacrifice." Hence it is said to be the greatest Dharma.
The second question is answered :
9. (He who is) the Supreme and great Light, who is
the Supreme and great Ruler, who is the Supreme and
great Brahman, is the Supreme and highest Goal.
Light : bare consciousness, illuminating everything.
The S'rutis (Tai. Bra., 3-12-9) says ; " That light by which
the Sun illuminated, shines" (Br. Up., 6-4-16). " The Gods
worship him the Light of Lights V (Mu. Up., 4-10) : " The
sun does not shine there, nor the moon and stars." The
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Bh. G. also (15-12) says : That Light which is in the
Sun."
Tapas means the Ruler, because He rules by the heat
of his command. The Antaryami Brahmana speaks thus of