Guru Ram Das’ Birthday – October 9th

Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, was the embodiment of humility, service and deep devotion. His life was an example of selfless service offered in the spirit of total devotion to God. Born in Lahore, he was the first child of his parents, Har Das and Daya Vati and was called Jetha, meaning first-born. Throughout his childhood, he was exceptionally kind and always smiling, and he was happiest when being in the company of holy people. As a young man, his humility and devotion so impressed Guru Amar Das, that he married him to his daughter, Bibi Bhani.Guru Ram Das founded the city of Amritsar and began the process of building the sacred Harimandir Sahib, the Golden Temple. He began the excavation of the nectar tank surrounding the Temple, which is legendary for its healing powers. He created the Harimandir Sahib with four doors, one on each side of the building signifying that it is open to all people, regardless of their religion or race. He was truly a visionary with a universal message of love and acceptance.

Guru Ram Das was also a poet of great sensitivity. He composed 679 shabads in varying musical rags, which were incorporated into the Adi Granth by his son and successor, Guru Arjan Dev. He wrote parts of Rehiras and Kirtan Sohila, and also composed the Lavan, the Sikh marriage ceremony, which he wrote for his own wedding, and which continues to be recited at Sikh weddings. The Lavan describes the spiritual union of the couple with each other and with God.  Throughout all of his writings, his simple message of love and devotion goes straight to the heart and touches the most sensitive chords of one’s consciousness. Guru Ram Das holds a special place in the heart of our community, as he did for the Siri Singh Sahib, and we look to him for guidance, for healing and for protection.

The Siri Singh Sahib gave us a special sadhana to do in celebration of Guru Ram Das’s birthday each year:  For 11 days prior to his birthday we chant the shabad “Dhan Dhan Ram Das Guru”, the Shabad of Miracles, for 31 minutes. In many communities, ashram members, students and friends gather each evening to chant this shabad together. On October 9th, the day of his birth, we have a special sadhana of chanting the shabad ‘Dhan Dhan Ram Das Guru’ for 2 ½ hours in the Amrit Vela.  Many believe that all prayers offered to Guru Ram Das on the day of his birth will be answered.  In the Herndon Sangat, it has become a tradition to have paper and pens available during the special morning sadhana on his birthday, for sangat members to write their prayers.  These prayers are then placed under the Palkhi Sahib (altar of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib) for the entire next year. Blessings to all on the birthday of Guru Ram Das, and may all our prayers be answered.