Sahasranama means 1000 names. The nameless has 1000 names. The number 1000 is only figurative because Lord has infinite names. Thousand is symbolic of myriad or numerous. Before commencing the Vishnu Sahasranama, one has to meditate on the cosmic form of Lord Vishnu. By chanting the Lord’s 1000 names or at least by listening to it, one can achieve his/ her goals.

Lord Vishnu is “Visveswara” – the one who reigns over the globe, the one who is supreme. In the Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “I am the beginning, the middle and the end”. If we start visualizing that everything that is good in this world has some element of divinity in it, then we are progressing on the path towards salvation. Whenever we chant “Om”, it is a reverence to Lord Krishna as well. Lord says,

“Anything that is glorious, brilliant or powerful is a manifestation of my effulgence.”

God’s glory is great. He is endowed with abundance of virtue, knowledge and dispassion. By worshipping God, we are rid of our obsessions with the world – we are experiencing a form of mukti or freedom. Once the river merges with the sea, its identity is lost. In the same way, once we become one with the Almighty, we attain the supreme self. By thinking of the divine forms and uttering the sacred name of the Lord, our senses- faculties get sublimated to a higher level, We start on the road, begin our journey to spirituality.

Prathama pratima-puja
Japastotrani madhyamd
Uttama manasi puja
Soham pujottamottama
 
1. Image worship
2. Japa (Chanting) & prayer
3. Mental worship
4. I am He
 
Even if one doesn’t know the meaning but utters it, he gains tremendous benefits. Unknowingly or knowingly, the chanting of the supremely praiseworthy name burns away man’s sin, just as fire reduces fuel to ashes. Puranas say that the name “Hari” has a tremendous power to remove sin. Nama japa can be performed at any time. Divine name is the supreme truth. Never disrespect the preceptor or the guru.

In the Gita, the Lord says “constantly praising me and striving to reach me with firm resolve and offering obeisance to me, brings me closer to my devotees.” If you have any problem that is causing you heart burn or intrigue, surrender yourself completely at the Lotus feet of Lord Vishnu.

When you pray to God, there is no need to ask anything to God as he knows what you want. Serve the Lord without any ulterior motive as service is the greatest form of worship. Knowledge can only dawn in a mind that has become pure and is disciplined in concentration. The path of dedicated duty cleanses the mind. Actions and fruits of our actions have to be dedicated to God. Devotion connects the path of knowledge with the path of action. Grace of the Lord culminates in true knowledge.

Vishnu Purana teaches that what is gained through meditation in krta-yuga, through performing sacrificial rites in treat-yuga and through ritual worship in dvapara-yuga is obtained by chanting the names of God in Kaliyuga.

Prayer
Vocal
Meditation
Affective
Prayer of
simple
regard
 
Affective means relating to or arising from or influencing feelings of emotions. In the Sahasranama, there are references to the Lord who himself is symptomatic of sacrifices.
Bheeshma says chanting the Vishnu sahasranama or even listening to it removes sins and fears. It benefits all. To go beyond sorrow, praise the all pervading Lord. When you thank the Lord for small things, he will surely give you an opportunity to thank him for greater things in life. Meditate on the Lord, praise him, pay obeisance to him.

Serve the Lord with mind, speech and body. Lord Vishnu is closely associated with Lotus flower. He is Lotus eyed and has Lotus feet and Lotus (Padma) resides in his heart. According to the Vishnu Sahasranama, it is wrong to discriminate between Shiva and Vishnu. Shiva is the destroyer, Brahma is the creator and Vishnu is the protector. Lord is called “Padmanabha” because he has goddess Padma Lakshmi in his heart. He is “Anantha” which means happiness. The Lord is the embodiment of happiness. It is said – “Sarvam Vishnu mayam jagath”.

Look at the different names of the Lord.
 
. Sriman
. Srikar
. Srinivas
. Srivasah
. Sripathi
. Sridhara
. Lakshmipathi
. Madava – (the Lord of Lakshmi)
. Damodara – the one with a peacock feather on his head
. Govindah – the Lord of the earth, the Lord of the cows, the one who redeemed the earth
. Mukunda – the one who grants release
. Janardhana – the one who punishes the wicked
 
Even the mere recitation of these names can bring in great merit. These hymns spread abundant positive energy around them.