An extract from the book
“Glimpses of the Divine Vision” by Swami Ramdas – Section “The Lord’s Name”
·
Depend upon it that the Lord’s Name is all
powerful. It will not only shield you from all harm, but also grant you the
power of endurance and peace. To take refuge in the Name is to take refuge in
God, because God and His Name are not different. With the Name on the lips you
can withstand all the storms of life, you can brave all the dangers, all the
disappointments and all the losses that attend on life. In regard to repetition
of the Name, give up keeping any account. Counting distracts the mind from the
central ideal of adoration and you fail to attain the needed fixity of mind or
concentration. Make it a rule to repeat the Name at all times and in all
places. There are no restrictions with regard to taking the divine Name.
·
Believe always that, by whatever name you
remember Him, you are in close communion with the Reality who is universal
Spirit, the inner Controller and Master of the worlds. The mother is He, the
master is He. Your supreme Beloved is He. Where the Lord’s Name is uttered,
there all purity, power and goodness reside.
·
The power of the divine Ram Mantram is
inexpressibly great. By its aid you can defy death itself. Be ever fearless and
free. Take always that God who is the source of all strength and peace, is your
Mother, Friend and Lord, and He is ever with you, to protect, help and guide
you.
·
The Name “Ram” has an intrinsic value of
its own, although the other names of God are as great and powerful. For a
Mantra, rhythm is a most important factor: because the soothing melody of the
repeated word or combination of words has a marvellous effect on the distracted
mind. Of all the words, the word “Ram” produces a most charming sound. No two
letters linked together could, by their harmonious music, lull and bring peace
to the mind as the letters in the word, Ram. Again it is rightly said that
“Ram” is equal in power to the most sacred “OM”. Then again for the devotee who
strives to reach God through, his Saguna or manifest aspect, “Ram” is the name
of an incarnation of God. For these reasons, Ramdas thinks, the name Ram is more
widely accepted for Japa than any other name of God.
·
Purity is the greatest asset of a human
being purity in thought, word and deed. Purity is attained when the mind is
filled with remembrance of God. A pure mind always reflects kindness,
forgiveness and love towards all.
·
The name of Sri Ram is glorious indeed! The
name is Brahman Himself. So the Vedas declare. To have this holy Name
permanently stamped on the mind is therefore to realize Brahman. Brahman is
eternal existence, knowledge and bliss. He is the source of all goodness,
purity and power. This mighty name-Sri Ram-stands for all this. All glory to
Him!
Swami Ramdas Web Site - anandashram.org
