Ramanama

Chapter-3 : Our Only Help

Rama, Allah and God are to me convertible terms. I had discovered that simple people deluded themselves into the belief that I appeared to them in their distress. I wanted to remove the superstition. I knew that I appeared to nobody. It was pure hallucination for them to rely upon a frail mortal. I, therefore, presented them with a simple and well tried formula that has never failed, namely, to invoke the assistance of God every morning before sunrise and every evening before bed-time for the fulfillment of the vows. Millions of Hindus know Him under the name of Rama. As a child, I was taught to call upon Rama when I was seized with fear. I know many of my companions to whom Ramanama has been the great solace in the hour of their need. I presented it to the Dharalas and to the 'untouchables'. I present it also to the reader whose vision is not blurred and whose faith is not damped by over-much learning. Learning takes us through many stages in life, but it fails us utterly in the hour of danger and temptation. Then, faith alone saves. Ramanama is not for those who tempt God in every way possible and ever expect it to save. It is for those who walk in the fear of God, who want to restrain themselves and cannot in spite of themselves.

Young India, 22-1-1925