The mantra “Guru Guru Wahe Guru, Guru Ram Das Guru” is a Kundalini Yoga mantra that is chanted for its healing properties and its ability to invoke the guidance and protective grace of Guru Ram Das, who represents humility, service, and compassion.
The mantra is known as the "Guru Ram Das Mantra" in Kundalini Yoga. In this mantra:
“Guru” is a word that means “teacher” or “guide” in Sanskrit.
“Wahe” is an exclamation of ecstasy and wonder in Gurmukhi, which comes from the word “Wah” in Punjabi.
“Ram Das” refers to Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru.
“Wahe Guru” is a term used in Sikhism to refer to God. It is derived from the Punjabi language and is made up of two elements: “Wahe” which is an expression of awe or wonder, and “Guru” which means teacher or spiritual guide. Thus, “Wahe Guru” can be translated to mean “Wonderful Teacher” or “Wonderous Lord,” reflecting the supreme power and spiritual guidance of God. Sikhs use this term to praise and express devotion to God.
In Kundalini Yoga, the mantra can be translated as “The wisdom of all four directions is embodied in the Guru, the wisdom that guides one from darkness to light (from ignorance to enlightenment).”
The Guru Ram Das mantra is often used for its healing energy and is sometimes referred to as the mantra for miracles. It is believed to connect the practitioner with the compassionate and protective spiritual energy of Guru Ram Das.
Practitioners of Kundalini Yoga may use this mantra in meditation, often chanting or singing it to call upon divine guidance, healing, and protection. The repetition of this sacred sound vibration is said to have a transformative effect on the consciousness of the individual who chants it.
Guru Ram Das (1534–1581) was the fourth of the ten Gurus of Sikhism. He was born in Lahore, in present-day Pakistan, and his birth name was Jetha. After marrying Bibi Bhani, the daughter of Guru Amar Das (the third Sikh Guru), Jetha succeeded him to become Guru Ram Das in 1574.
Guru Ram Das is known for founding the city of Amritsar in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, which became the home of the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, which is the holiest shrine in Sikhism.
Among his contributions to Sikhism, Guru Ram Das composed the Laavan, the four stanzas used in the Sikh marriage ceremony called Anand Karaj. He also contributed 638 hymns to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
Guru Ram Das emphasized the spiritual practice of kirtan, which is the singing of hymns or shabads from the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism. Kirtan is a form of devotional music that involves singing praises of the divine, and it is a key element of Sikh worship.
The practice of kirtan serves multiple purposes in Sikhism:
Devotional Worship: Kirtan is a way for Sikhs to express love and devotion to God. By singing hymns, they remember and honor the teachings of the Gurus and reflect on divine qualities.
Community Bonding: Kirtan is typically performed in a congregational setting, known as Sangat, which helps to build and reinforce community bonds among Sikhs.
Spiritual Experience: The act of singing and listening to hymns is believed to provide a spiritual experience that can lead to inner peace and connection with the divine.
Transmission of Teachings: Kirtan serves as a medium for conveying the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. Through music and poetry, the messages are made accessible and memorable for the congregation.
Meditative Practice: The repetition of God's name (Naam Japna) during kirtan is seen as a meditative practice that can lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Guru Ram Das composed many hymns that continue to be sung in kirtan sessions across gurdwaras (Sikh temples) around the world. His contributions have greatly shaped the musical landscape of Sikh worship and continue to inspire Sikhs in their spiritual practices.