Today is Ram Navami, the birthday of Sri Ram,
the avatar of Lord Vishnu. Traditionally on this day
there is recitation of the Ramayana in Sanskrit, or
the Ramacharitamanas in Hindu, the epic story of Sri
Ram. There is also the chanting of Ramnam (also called
Rama Nama), or the name of Ram, a sacred name
of God in the Hindu tradition (pronounced Rahm,
rhymes with Tom).
Reciting mantras is an important remedial measure in Vedic astrology.
It can be done by anyone, at anytime, it costs nothing, and
is incredibly effective. The word mantra means to protect
the mind. "Manas" means the mind and "Tra"
means to protect. Mantras are one of the many tools for spiritual
transformation, like hatha yoga, that is a gift to the world
from India.
Sage Parashara, considered to be the father of Vedic astrology,
frequently recommends mantra recitation in his classic text,
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. However, many of the
mantras he recommends are quite long stotras or hymns
of praise, like the Vishnu Sahasranam or thousand names
of Vishnu, which are often difficult for Westerners to pronounce
correctly. Fortunately, there is a famous verse that is often
sung after reciting the Vishnu Sahasranam:
Sri
Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Rame Manorame,
Sahasranama Tattulyam, Rama Nama Varanane.
This basically means, "Chanting the name of 'Sri Rama'
is equal to reciting the entire thousand names of Lord Vishnu."
The reciting of Ramnam, also called Ramnam Japa or
Rama Nama, is a very popular and common practice in
India. It became even more popularized by Mahatma Gandhi for
whom Ramnam was a constant practice. When he was assassinated
his last words were 'Rama, Rama.' Just a few months
before he died he said, "Even if I am killed, I will
not give up repeating the names of Ram and Rahim, which mean
to me the same God. With these names on my lips, I will die
cheerfully."
The practice of Ramnam is an effective tool, but is not necessarily
the best mantra for everyone. Gandhi said, "One may
repeat any mantra one pleases. I have suggested Ramanama as
I have been familiar with it since childhood, and as it is my
constant support in my struggles. One must be completely absorbed
in whatever mantra one selects. The mantra becomes one’s
staff of life and carries one through every ordeal."
There are many Ram mantras that are used.
Perhaps the most common is 'Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram,'
which means, "Om, Salutations to Sri Ram, victory to
Ram, victory victory to Ram."
Recently, I spoke with Dr. Ramdas Lamb, Professor of Religion
at the University of Hawaii, and author of "Rapt
in the Name" a book about the practice of Ramnam,
and the Ram Bhakti tradition in India. He explained
that repeating the name of Ram balances the masculine and feminine
energies in our being. "R" represents the Sun (Ravi)
or masculine energy, which is radiated light. "M"
stands for the Moon (Chandra) or feminine energy, which
is reflected light. "Ah" represents Agni
or fire that is within the individual soul (jivatma),
which is internal light. The "Ah" sound is also considered
to be the sound of the heart in various sacred traditions. Reciting
Ramnam increases courage (masculine) and compassion (feminine)
and balances these qualities in the heart. The Sun, Moon and
fire are also the sources of light in the physical world, so
by chanting the name of Ram we are increasing light in our being.
He also shared a famous quote by the mystic poet Kabir:
Ek Ram Dasharath ke beta - One Ram is the son of Dasharath.
Ek Ram ghat-ghat mein baitha - One Ram resides in the
heart.
Ek Ram sab ke pyara - One Ram is the Beloved of all.
Ek Ram sab se nyara - One Ram transcends everything.
There are four levels to Ramnam practice. The first level is
the physical form of Ram that can be depicted in a painting
or statue. The second level is Ram that resides within our innermost
being, our heart. The third level is Ram that resides everywhere.
The fourth level is Ram that is transcendant. When we recite
Ramnam we connect with all four levels at once, according
to Lamb.
Traditionally it is recited at least 108 times as a daily practice,
or one mala (prayer bead neclace), since the
number 108 has special significance.
Ram is existence, consciousness and
bliss,
Unborn, wisdom incarnate, abode of all strength.
Pervading and pervaded, infinite and eternal,
Whole and perfect Lord of unfailing power.
Formless, spotless, immortal, imperceptible,
All-seeing, flawless, and invincible. . .
Untouched by matter but lives in every heart,
Desireless Brahman, dispassionate and endless.
from the Ramacharitamanas by Tulsidas
Happy Ram Navami!!
Copyright 2006. Vaughn Paul
Manley. All Rights Reserved.
|
