Ram, Ram, Jaia Ram

FRI., JULY 18, 1986, 6:44 AM
FARM, STUDY

This, o son, is a symbolic title, representing the idea of a mantra or a spiritual phrase to be repeated as part of a meditation. This is not something you do, nor do most Christians. Many people, advanced along non-Christian spiritual paths, do some repetitive practice such as this. So, naturally, you’re interested in what I think about this, now aren’t you? Right!

One of the purposes of such a practice is to clear the mind (and keep it cleared) of the many thoughts that can clutter during a time of meditation. If you are saying Ram, Ram or Jesus, Jesus, and concentrating upon the sound and the exclusiveness it represents you should be in a meditative state. And meditation is a universal spiritual practice, which is as appropriate for Christians as for other spiritually active folk.

Successfully practiced, meditation empties the mind of both purposive and distractive thoughts and leaves your mind and spirit open so that I may influence. Many meditators would not admit that My active presence is what they seek, but I affirm that this is so. I have more ways of “working”… of influencing… than you can imagine, so I satisfy some people in their meditations without their knowing or acknowledging My presence. One does not always have to be flashy!

The meditative state is, for the human body, a fine balance for exercise. It is a state in which the body systems relax and rest, slowing down to the point of just maintaining life. As I’ve said, the mind also stops its many modes of thinking, joining with the spirit to welcome My gentle presence. It is a truly rejuvenating time, with a quality superior to that of sleep, because of the active role of spirit in motivating this use of waking time.

As you think about it, this meditation of Ours (and I do call it a meditation and so should you) does not meet many of the criteria I’ve mentioned. Physically, you are not particularly relaxed, you don’t maintain one posture throughout, and your mind is not cleared of all extraneous thoughts. So, as a classic meditation this seems to be a fraud. In what lies its merit?

The fundamental purpose of meditation is spiritual growth. While relaxation has some values, it is obvious that some people lead full and even long lives with very little relaxation. Shifting from one strenuous activity to another is an “active form” of relaxation. Spiritual growth is stimulated most by My active presence. Therefore as you hear Me and write what you hear, your spirit is growing toward Me, and you are in conscious “contact” with Me, the Holy Spirit. Further, I allow and encourage you to this unique writing mode, so that you have a tangible record of the meditation, which can be shared with others.

The ritual We have developed is important for another important characteristic of a meditation is the repetition of a developed or a revealed “plan.” Creativity and innovation have value, but the balance is faithful repetition of a practice, even one that would seem to be improvable. The pad, the pen, the headings, and the length all could be changed or substituted for, but it would be like Ram, Ram, Jaia Plunk. Defensible, but not right.