Chaitanya Jyothi Museum Opening, 2000

RAMANAM
In the Name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Countrymen,

ORBIS NON SUFFICIT
SOLUS DEUS SUFFICIT

Roman scholars routinely refer to Jerome as ‘the irascible Jerome’ because the adjective is a pun on the name.  The two words share a common Greek root, hieros, which means Fire, especially, Divine Fire.  The Greek for ‘Jerome’ is Hieros-nomos, Divine Name, or Name of God, with God in the aspect of Fire being especially indicated.  Fire as in Burning Bush and such theophanies, usually involving the Light of Fire or Fire itself.

The Sanskrit equivalent is Ramanam, Name of Ram or Rama or God, where Ram is especially associated with Fire.  The license plate on our automobile reads Ramanam.  There are people who recognize it and smile knowingly.

So, I like being called irascible.  Of course, as you know, I’m really sweet and smooth as honey.  The irascible face is for the merely curious.  A strategy, a ploy to keep them away.

AUM NAMAH SHIVAYA