Celebrating the Birth of Guru Ram Das
Guru Ram Das, the Lord of Miracles and Spiritual Guide of Yogi Bhajan
Every Fall we have the blessing of celebrating Guru Ram Das Ji's birthday. Known as the Lord of Miracles, Guru Ram Das embodied humility, service, and deep devotion. Guru Ram Das held a special place in Yogi Bhajan's heart. We look to the energy of Guru Ram Das for guidance, healing, and protection. Many 3HO centers and ashrams were named in his honor. Yogi Bhajan gave us a special sadhana to do in celebration of Guru Ram Das's birthday.
September 28 - October 8: For 11 days prior to his birthday we chant the shabad Dhan Dhan Ram Das Guru for 31 minutes. This is the Shabad of Miracles.
October 9th: This is the day we celebrate Guru Ram Das Ji's birth, when we have a special sadhana of chanting Dhan Dhan Ram Das Guru for 2 ½ hours in the Amrit Vela, the 2 1/2 hours before sunrise.
Yogi Bhajan has described this occasion as a powerful time for the fulfillment of prayers and a time of great blessing.
Yogi Bhajan Day of Remembrance
In addition, October 6 marks the Day of Remembrance of Yogi Bhajan's passing. This is a special time to reflect on his life and legacy, and give thanks for his teachings.
Dhan Dhan Ram Das Guru Shabad
Dhan dhan raam daas gur jin siri-aa tinai savaari-aa
Pooree hoee karaamaat aap sirajanhaarai dhaari-aa
Sikhee atai sangatee paarbrahm kar namasakaari-aa
Atal athaa-o atol too tayraa ant na paaraavaari-aa
Jinee too sayvi-aa bhaa-o kar say tudh paar utaari-aa
Lab lobh kaam krodh mo maar kadhay tudh saparvaari-aa
Dhan so tayraa thaan hai sach tayraa paisakaari-aa
Naanak too lehanaa toohai gur amar too veechaari-aa
Gur dithaa taa man saadhaari-aa
Translation:
Blessed, blessed is Guru Ram Das; the One who created You has also exalted You.
Perfect is Your miracle; the Creator has installed You on a throne.
Sikhs as well as all Conscious people recognize You because you manifest the Creator.
You are unchanging, unfathomable and immeasurable;
You have no end or limitation.You are unchanging, unfathomable and immeasurable;
Those who serve You with love are carried across the sea of existence.
The five obstacles of lust, anger, greed, pride and attachment:
You have beaten them and driven them out.
Blessed is Your realm, and True is Your magnificent glory.
You are Nanak, You are Angad, and You are Amar Dass;
When I recognize You, my soul is comforted.
"This shabad has been sung at least once a day in the Harimandir Sahib in Amritsar for over 400 years. One can often hear the words of this shabad on the lips of people in and around the Harimandir Sahib as it has become like a frequently-spoken mantra of people who live in Amritsar and visit the Harimandir Sahib every day. There are numerous stories about how the reciting of this shabad has brought a miraculous intervention to seemingly hopeless personal situations. Thanks to the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, thousands of people around the world now have the blessing of being able to call on the miracle of Guru Ram Das through the power of the Naad in the words of this shabad and through the sublime prayerful intention. During this time of celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Guru Ram Das, we hope that the reciting of this shabad brings into your life all the blessings of Guru Ram Das." [Sikh Dharma International]