What's in a name?
One of the questions I am most often asked is about our name, Victory's Banner. As you might know, Victory's Banner Restaurant is inspired by the philosophy of Indian spiritual Master Sri Chinmoy. I have been studying meditation with Sri Chinmoy for some 36 years.
At a certain point in a student's life, Sri Chinmoy will offer a spiritual name. It is not a random name at all, but rather a name which reflects the inner personality of the individual. I received my name, Pradhan, in 1976. Pradhan means "one whose heart is open to the way of God."
In a similar fashion, when a business is dedicated spiritually (as we try to be), Sri Chinmoy will also give it a "spiritual name." Victory's Banner actually received its name in its first incarnation...in Evanston, in 1981. Think "God's Banner of Victory," and perhaps it is more evident.
Sri Chinmoy has written many poems which make reference to Victory's Banner:
My heart's aspiration-heroes
Have powerfully planted
God's eternal Victory Banner.
Have powerfully planted
God's eternal Victory Banner.
6 Comments:
Pradhan, nice to "hear" from you again - I was one of your very early students back in 1973-74 when you lived in Villa Park.....blow away the cobwebs!!! I live in Cincinnati now, but next time I'm in Chicago I'll make a point to stop by your restaurant...it sounds great!!
Blessings
Marty (martindavis@fuse.net)
Wow...nice to hear from you too! Definitely stop on by next time you're around. The restaurant is quite joyful.
Pradhan
This reminds me of a quote: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." or something like that...
I love the restaurant!
Thanks for your kind words. You reminded me...there was a time when a man's "wealth" was based on such things as kindness, generosity, integrity, goodness. I remember when someone was said to "have a good name," it reflected this kind of wealth, as opposed to monetary wealth. As I think about it, my dad was one of those men, so I am fortunate to have 2 good names!
Pradhan,
My first job back in around 1983 (as a youth of 16) was as a bus boy back on your original Main St location in Evanston. I was the victim of some downsizing, but enjoyed my few months there. I still remember meditating before shifts.
I still live in the Chicago area and will try to stop by the new place sometime.
Amir
Thank you for remembering. Hope the downsizing didn't set you back too much.
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