RAM - The Power of Divine Marga’s Japa Mantra

Beloved seekers of truth, in the serene embrace of your spiritual heart, we gather to explore the timeless practice of the RAM mantra. This ancient vibration, older than the universe itself, is a key to the divine realms, a bridge to the nameless, and a balm for the soul. As Sat Kabir Das once sang, "Let your tongue know no other than RAM," for in this mantra lies the essence of surrender, love, and ultimate liberation. Today, we invite you to step onto this sacred path and discover how the RAM mantra can illuminate your journey to the divine.

The Divine Origins of the RAM Mantra

The RAM mantra is not merely a sound; it is the very heartbeat of the cosmos. Known as the supreme name of the divine, it transcends all forms and deities, resonating beyond even the sacred "OM." In the mystical traditions of Sant Kabir Das, Neem Karoli Baba, and countless sages, RAM is revered as the sound of the formless, the essence of Sat Guru. It is said that before creation, there was RAM—a vibration that birthed all existence. In the Satsang, we are reminded of its universality, as it flows through Hinduism, Sikhism, and other spiritual traditions, uniting all paths in its divine melody.

The RAM mantra embodies nirguna bhakti—formless devotion, surrender, love, and the path to true liberation. Unlike the OM mantra, which represents the sound of our local universe, RAM transcends creation, going beyond all forms, deities, and universes. It is not merely the name of Lord Rama, the avatar of Vishnu, but a divine name that predates even the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva). Sages like Sant Kabir Das understood its formless essence, while Neem Karoli Baba’s devotion was so intense that he would respond to devotees’ letters with pages filled only with "Ram Ram Ram," demonstrating that the mantra itself holds the answer to life’s challenges.

Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram in the handwriting of Neem Karoli Baba, from his journal

The bhakti sage Tulsidas declared, “The name of RAM is greater than Brahman itself; it is the essence of all scriptures and the refuge of devotees.” Kabir further sang, “Chant the name of RAM, let it dwell in your heart; it will burn away sins and lead you to the eternal,” describing it as “a divine boat that ferries the devotee across the ocean of samsara to the shore of liberation.” Anandamayi Ma and many other sages also practiced RAM japa, recognizing its unparalleled benefits. 

This is the very reason why at Divine Marga, this mantra is taught as a cornerstone of the spiritual path, uniting all traditions like rivers flowing into the ocean, and aligning the soul with the Divine Light and Sound Stream.

The Blessings of the RAM Mantra

To chant RAM is to align with the Divine Light and Sound Stream, to be cradled in the arms of the infinite. Here are the sacred gifts this mantra bestows:

Spiritual Benefits

• Purification of Mind and Soul: The practice cleanses negative karma and purifies the mind, helping practitioners overcome spiritual obstacles. As Sat Mindo shared, it has a cleansing effect that can be used anytime, anywhere, to replace wandering thoughts.

• Path to Liberation: The RAM mantra is a liberating force, guiding devotees toward moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Sat Mindo emphasized that once fully embraced, it carries the soul to the divine abode, Sat Lok.

• Increased Devotion: Regular japa strengthens bhakti (devotion), fostering love and surrender to the divine. It cultivates the heart’s connection to the formless.

• Balance of Energies: The mantra balances the three nadis—Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna—awakening the flow of energy within. It serves as a remedy for duality, merging Shiva and Shakti, masculine and feminine, into perfect union.

• A Gateway to the Crown: As you repeat RAM, your energy rises to the crown chakra, where the light pours in, lifting you beyond the mind’s grasp.

• Silencing the Ego: The mantra halts the "I-thought," the ego that binds us to illusion. In its place, RAM plants the seed of divine remembrance, rewiring the mind for higher truth.

• A Shield of Protection: In the higher realms, RAM becomes a protective force, guiding you through the Great Void and into the Divine Gateway. It aligns you with the Divine Light and Sound Stream, serving as a sacred companion for the soul’s ascent.

  
  

Mental and Emotional Benefits

• Stress Reduction: The rhythmic chanting calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and promotes mental clarity. Sat Mindo likened it to an "antivirus" that clears the mind’s conditioning.

• Improved Focus and Concentration: Repeating the mantra enhances mental discipline and sharpens focus, aiding in mindfulness.

• Emotional Stability: The practice cultivates inner peace, reduces anger, and promotes emotional resilience by aligning the practitioner with positive vibrations.

• Positive Energy: Chanting RAM creates a protective aura, dispelling negative thoughts and emotions.

  
  

Physical Benefits

• Relaxation: The repetitive nature of japa lowers the heart rate and induces physical relaxation, enhancing overall well-being.

• Improved Breathing: Chanting involves controlled breathing, which can improve respiratory health and vitality.

  
  

Practical Benefits

• Discipline and Routine: Incorporating japa into daily life fosters a sense of discipline and structure, positively influencing other areas of life.

• Community and Connection: For those practicing in groups, it builds a sense of community and shared spiritual purpose.

How to Walk the Path of RAM

Beloved, the practice of RAM is simple, yet its depth is boundless. Whether you sit in stillness or walk through the world, this mantra is your guide. Here’s how to begin:

1. Prepare Your Heart: Find a quiet space, or simply turn inward. Practice in a clean, peaceful environment, ideally in the early morning or evening, though it can be done anytime. As Sat Mindo advised, prepare your heart for this bhakti practice, approaching it with love and devotion.

2. Use a Mala: A mala with 108 beads is needed, preferably made of Rudraksha or natural wood. The 108 beads represent a sacred cycle, with the 109th bead (the guru bead) not counted. Hold the mala in your right hand, resting it on your third finger (representing the heart), and use your thumb and middle finger to move through the beads. Avoid using the index finger, as it symbolizes the ego. When you reach the guru bead, flip the mala and continue without crossing it.

3. Chant with Love: Breathe slowly and deeply, and with each exhale, chant "RAM" either silently or aloud. For beginners, chanting aloud can help maintain focus, while more experienced practitioners can chant inwardly. Let the mantra flow from your lips to your heart. You can chant slowly ("RAAAM") or quickly ("RAM RAM RAM"), finding a rhythm that suits you.

4. Surrender to the Divine: As you chant, visualize the Divine Light and Sound Stream descending, surrounding you, and lifting you beyond thought and form. Invite the presence of the masters to guide you to higher consciousness.

5. Duration and Frequency: Start with 10-15 minutes daily, gradually increasing to 30-45 minutes. A full round of 108 repetitions takes only a few minutes, so multiple rounds can be done in a session. Sat Mindo encouraged making it a daily practice, extending it into your day—while waiting in line or during quiet moments.

   
   

Sat Mindo reminded us: "Find your rhythm, settle into it slowly. This is not a practice of force, but of surrender. Let RAM take you into its embrace."

Real-Life Experiences

In the sacred circle of satsang, hearts opened, and souls shared their blessed encounters:

• One student felt "vibrating through the whole cosmos," surrounded by light so intense they became light themselves.

• Another described Kabir’s presence in their third eye, with energy pouring like "liquid light"—a vivid, transformative sensation.

• A meditator noted, "There’s no thoughts, just being," highlighting the mantra’s ability to clear the ego and foster pure presence.

These stories show how the RAM mantra can awaken peace, clarity, and a connection to the greater existence beyond the 5 senses.

Embracing RAM in Your Daily Life

Dear one, the RAM mantra is not confined to the meditation cushion—it is a living, breathing companion for every moment. It is a living, breathing companion of every moment. Let your tongue know no other name than RAM. Whether you chant aloud or silently, with a mala or without, each repetition draws you closer to the divine. Make it your inner song, your shield against the world’s noise, your morning greeting, or your lullaby to sleep.

Begin today with just a few moments of practice, and watch as your inner world transforms. For in the sound of RAM, you will find the divine, and in the divine, you will find yourself immersed in bliss.

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