My Spiritual Experience of Rama Nama Japa in Sadhana App

Tinde (round gourd) veg is delicious! 

I used the basic ingredients to cook the usual veg but today it tastes divine. Generally, I ate very small portion of humble vegetables such as tinde (round gourd), tori (ridge gourd), giya (bottle gourd), kaddu (pumpkin) and chappan kaddu (squash) as I did not relish them much.  I had found these vegetables mundane as they taste mild and slightly bland, their texture soft and slightly mushy when cooked. But as my sadhana progressed, I observed a newfound appreciation for their simplicity and subtle flavours.

When I was young, I only somewhat forcefully gulped these vegetables when they were given to me when I had fever by my mother because they are light and easy to digest. They have a weird slimy texture. As I grew up my taste buds changed a bit with the result, I did not hate any food rather thank God for each bite I took.

  

In the pursuit of spiritual growth, I recently embarked on the practice of Rama Nama Sadhana in Ayodhya of Sadhana App, a simple yet profound discipline centred around the repetition of the mantra ‘Rama, Rama, Rama, Rama………..’

Sadhana App informs that this potent mantra of one single word is enough to carry one across the ocean of samsara. In fact, Lord Shiva says to Ma Parvati, ‘rama rameti rameti, rame rame manorame, sahasranama tattulyam, ramanama varanane.’ That, O Goddess, I eternally and blissfully chant the name of Rama, for this one name is the equivalent of one thousand divine names. Chanting of this mantra invokes the bhakti of Lord Rama in the devotee’s heart. 

Recognizing that Rama Nama holds the essence of a divine chant, I incorporated it into my daily routine with the help of the sadhana practice in the Sadhana App.

Unexpectedly, I began to notice subtle shifts occurring within me. One remarkable change was a transformation in my culinary preferences, particularly in relation to humble vegetables such as tinde (Round gourd), Tori (Ridge gourd or angled luffa), Giya (Bottle gourd or calabash), Kaddu (Pumpkin), Chappan Kaddu (Squash). Previously, I had found these vegetables unremarkable, their taste mild and slightly bland, their texture soft and slightly mushy when cooked. But as my sadhana progressed, I observed a newfound appreciation for their simplicity and subtle flavours.

My usual practice involved dividing cooked vegetables into two portions—one for immediate consumption and the other to be stored for the following day. However, on this particular day, the tinde ki sabzi (round gourd veg) had captivated my senses to such an extent that I devoured both portions in a single sitting. This occurrence seemed unusual to me, but I attributed it to my devotion to Lord Rama, who, known for his simplicity, finds joy in uncomplicated living.

As I delved deeper into my spiritual journey, I began to comprehend the profound connection between deity and devotee. When we focus our attention on a particular deity, we gradually assimilate their qualities into our own being. Marjana, also called (Coronation or abhishekam), a ritual performed in the closing part of sadhana to honour oneself and carry the energy of the mantra, reflects this concept. It is believed that the number of offerings made in marjana is one-tenth the number of libations. By offering ourselves the same treatment as is meted out to gods, we elevate our own spiritual energy.

The tale of Lord Rama's encounter with Shabri exemplifies this phenomenon. Shabri offered Lord Rama nothing but simple berries, and he, in turn, savoured them with humility and grace. Similarly, through my Rama Nama japa and unwavering focus on Lord Rama, I started to experience a sense of simplicity and gentleness within myself, even though it had only been a week since I commenced the Rama Nama Sadhana.

This metamorphosis extended beyond the realm of taste preferences. From my mother's perspective, this transformation represented a profound spiritual experience. She witnessed how I, once particular and finicky about my food choices, had now become content and appreciative of whatever was served to me. In contrast to my childhood self, who exhibited fussiness and selectiveness, I now relished each meal, finding satisfaction in every dish that graced my plate.

Is this a spiritual experience? While some might debate its classification, the significance of this journey transcends such labels. The power of Rama Nama Sadhana and the ensuing transformation of my perception demonstrate the profound impact spiritual practices can have on our day-to-day lives. By immersing ourselves in the devotion of our chosen deity, we open ourselves to a world of subtle yet profound changes—a world where even the simplest of vegetables can become a source of delight and nourishment.

In less than a week's time, performing Rama Nama Sadhana has unlocked a deeper understanding of myself and Lord Ram. The interconnectedness between spirituality and everyday existence has increased many folds. It has taught me that profound spiritual experiences can manifest in the most unexpected ways, weaving their influence into the tapestry of our lives and guiding us towards greater simplicity, contentment, and gratitude.