What’s in a name?

Well, a lot, really if you are an adherent, as I am, to nada yoga – the yoga of divine vibration.

 In nada yoga, very closely linked bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, we believe that sound vibration is energy. In fact, we believe it is divine energy, not unlike all energy that makes up the universe, including all the cells of your own being. These sound vibrations, including the sound “Om” that we believe is a sacred sound that represents the One Supreme, can have deep effects on our being.

 Take for example, stopping at a red light and the guy next to you is playing his thumping bass very loudly. Maybe you “feel” it in your own bones. Now, experience the light sounds of a harp in the elevator. Notice the difference in the effect on your being. Apply this same idea to your name. Imagine how many times a day or a week you hear your name.

 Now, imagine, your name means, well, something aggressive, like “warrior.” Imagine hearing “warrior” dozens of times in a day to refer to yourself. Over and over you are called “warrior.” Now, imagine for a moment, your name is “youthful goddess.” Dozens of times a day you are called youthful goddess. Not only youthful goddess, but the youthful form of the most loving, nurturing and all-encompassing of motherly energies. Imagine being called this dozens of times a day.

 Do you think this may have an effect on how you would feel? How might it affect how you would act?

 The name “Kelly” means warrior. The name Kumari in Hindu is the youthful version of the goddess Durga, who is often considered the most encompassing of feminine and motherly energies. Durga is a very strong  energy; a loving energy; a powerful energy. The idea of this Mother Goddess stems from mankind's perpetual childhood, our ever-lasting need for nurturing and Mother Durga is given the highest status among Hindu goddesses. Kumari, therefore, represents the purest of ideals. The divine seed of potential within us all.

 Being a warrior is not so violent or aggressive when put through the “Kumari” filter!

 Kumari (pronounced “koo-mar-eee) is a name that I really cherish . When I hear the name “Kumari” spoken to me, it reminds me in that instance of so many things: my guru, who stared in my eyes and initiated me into a sacred mantra; the yogic ideals that I often fall short in; the unconditional love of the divine; the idea that god sees us all as pure, childlike-creatures and children; the idea of humbling myself like a child to the divine; the seed of potential; my own blossoming into a mother, which seems so unfathomable; the new life that I have been afforded; the youthfulness and suppleness that comes with the yogic practice; the idea that old age is a state of mind; the relinquishing of ego; and the list goes on.

 The name Kelly is a surname chosen by my mother and is a family name that is connected to her maiden name and I honor her by passing it passing it onto my children as their surname. Just as Kumari honors Durga; so Kelly honors my own mother.

 So, what’s in name? A darn lot.

Please, call me Kumari.  
 
Om Shanti.