THE VISION, June 2024, Vol 91, Issue 9:
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Beloved Readers,
As everyone knows, the balance sheet of an individual or an institution reveals the quantum of assets, liabilities and the capital held by them. Periodical evaluation of the balance sheet offers opportunities to know the profitability of the venture, helps to limit the overheads, plugs wasteful expenditure and pushes for bettering the prospects.
In a spiritual journey too, drawing a balance sheet every now and then is a must as it will help us move forward effectively both on the inner and outer levels. The first step is to become aware of the Source from where the seed capital came in and then the Source of uninterrupted supply of all that is needed for the individual to exist and lead a comfortable life.
With the help of scriptures and Masters, we come to know that the first Capital is in the form of the Seed from which we have sprouted. The Seed stands for Life Force, Awareness, Intelligence, Creativity, Human Values and the like. The uninterrupted supply of the basics for the existence of life comes in the form of the gifts of Mother Nature and the creature comforts, which are a blessing from Society. When these are wisely spent, they add to our Capital whereas if unwisely spent they drain the Capital. Being unaware of this fact, based upon the self-centred norms, we squander the rich potentialities bestowed upon us.
Whenever we encounter problems in running our business — our life, we seek help from an auditor, who after studying the final accounts suggests ways and means to overcome hurdles. Our Guru is the auditor, who, after going through our state of mind, suggests remedies to set right the course of life. The remedy suggested by our Master is to remember the Capital as well as the Great Provider, who is named as Ram, through chanting of His Name.
This month’s issue of THE VISION shares some thoughts on the Divine Name.
— EDITOR
AS WE SCROLL DOWN...
- ‘The Name Gives Divine Vision’ — says Beloved Papa Swami Ramdas. It is an indissoluble bond between the devotee and God. The Name has the power to cure us of all mental frailties and purify us because the Name is God and God is the Name.
- ‘Hints On Chanting’ — given by Beloved Papa state that the blessings of saints and the chanting of the Divine Name can transform us into the likeness of God. The chanting also arrests distracting thoughts, subdues unregulated desires and enlightens the intellect.
- ‘Words of Pujya Mataji Krishnabai’ — inform us that Ram Nam purifies the mind. Besides, we can take up mental chanting only after having chanted His Name aloud for some time.
- ‘Words Of Pujya Swami Satchidananda’ — remind us that before reacting to events and individuals chanting the Divine Name will enable us to deal with the person or situation in a loving and kind manner. Additionally, constant chanting helps us to see everything as Divine.
- ‘Editor Answers’ — Why, in spite of chanting the Divine Name for years, are we unable to achieve God-remembrance? He urges us to ensure that all we think, talk and do during the non-chanting time is in line with His remembrance.
- 'Taraka Mantra' — is a conversation Swami Shuddhanandaji had with Beloved Papa. In this article, Beloved Papa explains that Ram Nam is the path of surrender. When we chant any Divine Name, we can be sure that takes He care of us, and He, who has planted the seed of Ram Nam in our hearts, will see to it that it takes root and blossoms forth, making us fit instruments for His service.
- 'Dear Children' — In this story we see how faith in the Divine Name makes the impossible possible.
- ‘Learning From The School Of Life’ — that our vision should expand and envelope the universe and beyond.
- ‘Homage To Luminaries’ — whose association makes us understand that although at first the Guru is the person contacted from outside, he is later realised to be the Supreme Deity dwelling within .
- ‘Epistles Of Swami Ramdas’ — makes us aware that if we believe in the efficacy of Ram Nam, worries and cares will not disturb us.
- ‘In Memoriam’
- ‘Anandashram News’:
- ‘Book In Focus’: ‘GOD EXPERIENCE’.
- ‘Thought For The Month’
- ‘Download THE VISION’ in PDF format and the Audio Book.
THE NAME GIVES DIVINE VISION
By Swami Ramdas
When your heart rings with the music of the Divine Name, you may be sure that you have reached the most coveted state of union with God. The Name is really an indissoluble bond between the devotee and his God. Let it have complete hold on you so that every part of your being may respond to its enthralling rhythm. The Name has the power to cure you of all mental frailties, purify you, because Name is God and God is Name.
People who are on the God-ward path seek to know the easiest means to focus the mind upon Him, to arrest the restless nature of it, to realise His presence, and to get a glimpse of His vision. They struggle to achieve this end in various ways. Ramdas can assure them with all the force of the blissful experience which God has granted him that His nectarine Name can, in a moment, bring them God vision, and take them to the peak of spiritual illumination.
The beauty of the relationship between the devotee and God is unsurpassing as it is unique and most exalted. The devotee plays with his Eternal Beloved, talks to Him, moves with Him, sees Him on all sides, lives always in His company and enjoys the rarest delight. For this communion you need no philosophy, no rigorous discipline, no learning, no worldly wealth and position. The more you are shorn of these obstructive appurtenances, the better for your approach and union with Him. Be simple, egoless and innocent like a child and have entire trust in Him, and He is yours. Have His name on your lips. Make your heart His throne. Your life be like a fragrant flower at His feet. Throw your pride to the dust by becoming humble. Life has no message for you if you have not attained to this blessed state. All else is vain and vexatious. So let His name be your most precious possession, to be His servant be your honoured status, to feel that you are His child be your supreme privilege, to love, adore and serve Him be the sole occupation of your Life.
HINTS ON CHANTING THE DIVINE NAME
By Swami Ramdas
You need only two things, viz. company of saints and repetition of the Divine Name. All else is superfluous and burdensome. Blessings of saints and chanting of the glorious Name can change you into the likeness of God Himself. So, attach yourself to the Name with all your heart and soul. May the light emanating from the Name ever illumine your path and grant you inner sanctity and God-vision.
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It is admitted by all votaries of the Divine Name, that the practice of chanting the sweet Name of the Eternal Beloved arrests distracting thoughts, subdues unregulated desires and enlightens the intellect.
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The Divine Name, after enabling its devotees to achieve thorough concentration of mind, helps to draw the mind inward and attain complete absorption in the Eternal Reality, which in its turn takes him to the supreme goal of self-surrender.
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Self-surrender is not merely a mental attitude but it is a beatific state born of the union of the soul with God.
WORDS OF PUJYA MATAJI KRISHNABAI
Chanting Ram Nam is the ‘soap’ by which we can remove the stain of body-consciousness.
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It is only after you have chanted His Name aloud for some time that you will be able to do mental Japa. If you try to do mental Japa right away, your mind will be running here and there in ever so many directions, so much so that whatever Japa you do will have no impact. But if you are to take His name aloud and concentrate on the sound of the Name, that itself will take your mind within and you will take to mental Japa also very easily. That is what Papa taught me. He asked me to take His Name aloud in the beginning and assured me that it would gradually go within and become both the Saguna and Nirguna Swarup and the state beyond both. I was then chanting the Mantra both mentally and orally. Each one has to take the Mantra the way it suits him. You should hearken to the promptings of your heart and do as Papa (God) wants you to.
WORDS OF PUJYA SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA
When somebody talks to you pleasantly or unpleasantly, before you react to it in the normal way, chant ‘Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’ or any name of God mentally. This will prepare you to deal with the other person in a loving and kindly way. If you are able to meet every situation like this, you can be sure of a tension-free and anger-free life. Others may think it odd that you are not responding immediately (while you are chanting Ram Nam). But all will get used to that in due course.
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The purpose of chanting the Mantra is to make the mind free from all other thoughts. By constant practice, this is possible. Ultimately, the mind will be free from even the God–thought and become still. After a little while, if the mind loses its stillness, you can chant Ram Nam again. This process may go on until the stillness is maintained for longer and longer periods.
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If we keep on chanting the Name as much as possible, we will be able to maintain continuous remembrance of God. That will help us to see everything as Divine.
EDITOR ANSWERS
Question: Beloved Papa said that out of all Sadhanas, Nama chanting is relatively easier. However, we have been chanting it for decades but we still feel we are unable to hold on to God-remembrance. Why is it so?
Answer: It is easier in the sense that we can practice it at any time and at any place, without any other condition. However, for the chanting to be effective, we should know that its purpose is the remembrance of the Indwelling Reality. Instead of limiting the chanting to a specific time and place, we can try to chant it as much as possible in-between activities, irrespective of when or where — be the period ever so small. It might also help if the following dimensions are kept in mind while chanting:
- Contemplating on what the Name stands for and also on the attributes of God;
- Being aware that we are chanting the Name of the one who is within us, who is the Core of our Being and who is making us chant.
- Recognising that each repetition brings us a step closer to Him.
In the initial stages, it may not be possible to chant and simultaneously dwell on the above thoughts, but everyone can choose their own methods like dwelling on these thoughts before chanting, in-between the chanting or after chanting. One thing is certain, if one is earnest about it, guidance and support will come from within.
Another important factor that will help in making the chanting effective is to ensure that all that we think, talk and do during the non-chanting time is in line with His remembrance, as our chanting time in a day is negligible compared to the non-chanting time. This alone will enable us to be grounded in His remembrance throughout.
TARAKA MANTRA
By Swami Shuddhananda
(The 2nd of June 2024, marks the 22nd Mahasamadhi Day of Swami Shuddhananda. Simplicity, innocence and a ready-to-serve attitude characterised his entire life. No matter how busy he was, he always had time to attend to the needs of the devotees. On this occasion, THE VISION offers its homage to its former Editor.)
Ram Nam is the panacea for all ills of the body and the soul, Papa would tell us. Once, half-jokingly and half-seriously, Papa said: “Whoever comes to Ramdas with his or her burden of woes and cares, Ramdas has only one tonic to offer — Ram Nam. Some of them go back disappointed that Ramdas did not prescribe elaborate Yogasanas and the like or Sadhanas like breath control, standing on one leg and so on. What need is there for all these rituals and practices when Ram Nam can give you all the joys of the three worlds? Ram Nam is verily the path of surrender, absolute surrender to Ram, whose glories you remember when you chant Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram. When you sing any Name of the Lord, you are not worried what happens to you. He takes care of you. He, who planted the seed of Ram Nam in your heart, sees that it takes root and blossoms forth, making you a fit instrument for His service. It matters little how and when He does it, as long as the greatest prize on earth, the sacred Ram Nam, is on your lips.”.
Source: With My Master
DEAR CHILDREN
Once a sage was reading the sacred texts to some people. The village milk-maids, who happened to pass by heard these words, “The sacred name of God is the great ship which makes us cross the ocean, as if the ocean were simply a small pool.” These maids took that statement literally and put implicit faith in it. As they had to cross the river every day to sell their milk, they reflected in their minds: “It is a sacred text, it must be right. Why should we give a four anna piece to the boat-man every day? Why not cross the river by taking the holy name of God and chanting ‘Om’?” The next day they simply chanted ‘Om’ and began to wade the river; they crossed the river and were not drowned. Day-after-day they began to cross the river.
After about a month or so they felt grateful to the teacher who had recited the texts which saved their money. They asked the sage to be kind enough to dine at their house. The request was granted. On the appointed day the sage, along with his companions, had to go to their house, one of the maids came to fetch him. As they came to the river, in a trice the maid went up to the opposite shore and the sage remained on the other bank. In a short while the maid came back and asked the reason for his delay. He said that he was waiting for the boatman. The maid replied, “Sir, we are so thankful to you. We go to the opposite bank unharmed through your advice. You yourself also can go to the opposite shore.” The sage asked, “What advice.” The maid reminded him that God's name is the ship that carries us across the ocean of this world. He said, alright, alright, he too must practise it. There was a long rope. He fastened that rope to his waist and asked his companions to keep the remaining rope to themselves, saying that he would take the name of God and venture to cross the river on faith, but ‘if’ they felt that he was being drowned, they should draw him back. The sage jumped into the river, went on for a few steps and was found to be drowning. They drew him out. So just mark the kind of faith that Pandit had, “If I sink, draw me out.” You have that small faltering ‘if’ in your mind, there is no conviction. You are Divinity, the Lord of lords you are; feel that. Realise in this moment.
Source: Parables Of Rama
LEARNING FROM THE SCHOOL OF LIFE
Unveiling The Inherent Human Values From Frequently Used Articles
“Let your vision expand and envelope the universe and beyond. Let your heart embrace all beings in the folds of infinite love. Let your body work imbued with the omnipotent power of the Divine. Let every atom of your frame thrill with spiritual ecstasy and produce universal harmony.” — Swami Ramdas
Here are a couple of examples:
It reflects exactly what is shown to it. It helps in making ourselves look presentable. Similarly, a contemplative life makes us presentable and useful to the world outside.
HOMAGE TO LUMINARIES
Beloved Papa emphasised the importance of associating with spiritually illumined souls; he said, “The society of a saint intensifies and stabilises the spiritual aspiration of the devotee and grants him the foretaste of the sweetness of intimate communion with the Beloved… Although at first the Guru is the person contacted from outside, he is realised, as the devotee approaches Him in the recesses of his own heart, to be the Supreme Deity dwelling within himself.”
This month, we reverentially pay our respects to Swami Sivananda Saraswati and Sri Samarth Ramdas.
t Swami Sivananda Saraswati (1887-1963):
EPISTLES OF SWAMI RAMDAS
Beloved Ram,
In all matters, submission to the will of God gives freedom from unreasonable anxieties… Anxiety on any account, and for the sake of anybody, is a sign of lack of faith in the supreme benevolence of the Lord. Ram Nam without faith can take us nowhere. If you believe in the efficacy of Ram Nam, worries and cares dare not disturb you, because the Divine Name brings about your complete surrender to God's will and the resultant absolute freedom and peace.
IN MEMORIAM
- Smt Radhabai (aged 89), the wife of the late Lingappa, both of whom worked in the Ashram for several decades, was called by Beloved Papa on the 6th of April, 2024.
- Smt Leela Bakshi, an ardent devotee of the Ashram from Jammu, was also called by Beloved Papa on the 15th of April 2024. The Bakshi family has been associating with Beloved Papa and Anandashram since the 1920s.
We pray for Beloved Papa’s blessings on the departed souls for eternal rest and peace at His lotus feet.
ANANDASHRAM NEWS
15500-CRORE NAMA JAPA YAGNA FOR WORLD PEACE:
The total Japa received in the fourth round of the 15500-Crore Nama Japa Yagna for World Peace in the month of April 2024 is 210 crores, chanted by 184472 devotees.
The grand total of the Japa done so far in this round now stands at 2220 crores.
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SESSIONS WITH CHILDREN AT ANAND KUTIR IN ANANDASHRAM:
In the month of April 2024, one interactive session was held with 37 children at Anand Kutir.
BOOK IN FOCUS
‘GOD EXPERIENCE (2 Volumes)’
This collection features thought-provoking talks by Swami Ramdas, delivered during Satsang sessions in the final years before his Mahasamadhi in 1963. These gems were recorded by Swami Krishnananda Das.
This set of books, comprising two volumes, offers valuable insights on almost all questions that may arise in the minds of aspirants in the efforts to infuse spirituality in their daily lives.
Available in English, Kannada, Telugu.
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
“Ram Nam is the easiest Sadhana by which you feel the presence of God with you. Attunement of the mind with the Name will take you beyond the Name, and then the presence of God will be felt everywhere around you and in you, because He is all-pervading.”
— Swami Ramdas
DOWNLOAD THE VISION
Devotees can download the PDF version or the audio book this issue of THE VISION by clicking on the relevant links.
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