Vishnu-sahasranāma-style Japa: Vishnu as Cosmic Cause and Inner Self
Antaryāmin
रत्नदो रत्नहर्ता च(२६०)रूपी रूपविवर्जितः / महारूपोग्ररूपश्च सौम्यरूपस्तथैव च
ratnado ratnahartā ca(260)rūpī rūpavivarjitaḥ / mahārūpograrūpaśca saumyarūpastathaiva ca
彼は宝珠を授ける者であり、また宝珠を取り去る者でもある。形を有しつつ、しかも形を超越する。彼は大いなる相、恐るべき相、そしてまた柔和で吉祥なる相としても現れる。
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra) — context: Vishnu Sahasranama-style enumeration within Garuda Purana narration
Concept: The Supreme is simultaneously immanent (with attributes) and transcendent (beyond attributes), manifesting multiple forms for cosmic functions.
Vedantic Theme: Saguna–Nirguna Brahman; acintya-bheda/identity-in-difference as devotional-gnostic contemplation.
Application: Meditate on the Divine beyond rigid categories; cultivate equanimity toward gain/loss (giver/taker) and see all experiences as under Ishvara’s governance.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.15 (Vishnu-sahasranama/stotra-style epithets continuing across 1.15.43–47)
This verse teaches that the Supreme can be worshipped in a personal form (saguṇa) while also being ultimately attribute-less (nirguṇa), accommodating both devotion and philosophical inquiry.
By presenting the Divine as gentle and fierce, it implies the same Supreme governs both grace and correction—supporting the Purana’s moral framework where karma yields results, yet liberation is possible through right understanding and devotion.
Hold wealth and success without attachment (since the Divine can both give and take), and cultivate steady devotion and ethics whether life appears gentle (saumya) or challenging (ugra).