Your true essence is Ram

A young IAS officer came to know about the arrival of a Brahmnishta Saint in the town. Under the influence of his saatvic (virtuous) sanskaars, he went to meet the Saint. The Saint was sitting in a room with about a dozen devotees and talking about the significance of reciting the holy name (Naam japa).

At the end of the discussion, the Saint told the devotees to clarify their doubts and ask questions. The Officer asked, “Dear Sir, please tell us an easy and practical method of realizing our Aatman and the God.”

With a smile of his face, the Saint said, “Son, reciting the holy name of God while contemplating upon his essence is the easiest and practical way to realize the true Self. Recite Ram... Ram … Ram every day and fill your heart with the love and devotion for that holy name.”

“Sir, we already know that. Please tell us something new.”

“Oh you donkey, don’t just keep on asking questions for the sake of asking.”

There was a complete silence in the room. Even the Saint closed his eyes in silence. With a heavy heart, the Officer stood up and left the scene.”

After about the week, the Officer’s friend dragged him once again to the Saint. Once again at the end of the spiritual discourse of the Saint, the Saint asked the devotees to clarify their doubts and ask questions. The 

Officer said, “Dear Sir, what can we ask? If we ask then you refer us as donkey.”

The Saint started laughing and so does everyone else. Filled with compassion, the Saint said, “Son, just as you know the meaning of the word “donkey”, you don’t know the true essence of the holy name “Raam”. When I referred to you as donkey, you heart got hurt. Similarly, when you recite the holy name “Raam” even once, your heart should be filled with devotion, compassion and love for Ram. If you have the deep understanding of the holy name and then only your heart will be filled with associated bliss. “Raam” refers to your true essence, your true Self. “Ram” is the one that resides in your every part – “Rom Rom mein basane wale Raam”.  It is the Sat-Chita-Ananda. It is Omkara swarupa all- embracing absolute consciousness. Know that to be your true nature, your essence.”

“Sir, can you please explain it a little more.”

“Give importance to your own experience. Your true nature is Sat-Chit-Ananda (Eternal-Conscious-Blissful). No one tries to change anything that exists naturally. For example, water flow downward, salt taste salty, sugarcane is sweet, dog barks etc. If anything is unnatural, we always try to change it – for example if you have something stuck in your teeth, it will continue to bother you till you remove it.”

Everyone nodded in affirmation.

The Saint continued, “Now let’s look at your true nature. Every living being tries to live longer and no one wants to die. This proves that your true nature is Eternal –the one that is never born and will never die. Everyone is curious to know the answers and the reasoning behind every phenomenon. This proves that your nature is Conscious. Everyone wants peace and seeks happiness – not for short time, but forever. This proves that our true nature is Blissful.  Try to understand and realize the true nature of your own Self and that is “Raam”. Recite His holy name and He will help you in such realization. With the progress in your faith and understanding, your love, compassion and devotion will also grow on its own.”

After a moment of silence, the Saint starting chanting slowly, “Raam ..... Raam……. Raam …..”  and everyone joined him.