On the Origin of the Maha-Mantra (Great or Holy Name) “Satya-Raam”, by James Bean
Satyaraam (the True, Eternal, All-pervading Lord) is the sacred name of God and Simran Word used/chanted/repeated by followers of the Path founded by Sant Dadu Dayal of Rajasthan (Dadu Panth)
Like the Holy Name Radhasoami (“Radha-Swami”), Satya-Raam is a name for the Most High God in the top plane, Original State or Ultimate Reality, the Formless Ocean of Love, All-Spirit and Consciousness, beyond material, astral and other planes of duality, illusion, mind, and time (Kal). It is a beautiful, pure name for God, and a very old sacred word that has been used by some Sants of India for many centuries. “Sat” or “Satya” and “Raam” are present in the teachings of many early, classic Sants, teachings of Sant Namdev, Guru Kabir, Guru Nanak, Sant Ravidas, and the Adi Granth (Guru Granth, Sikh Scriptures).
Satya-Raam is also — like Radhasoami — in the “public domain”, in other words is not a secret meditation mantra disclosed only to a few. In proximity to the sangat (spiritual community) of the Dadu Panth and for those studying the writings associated with Sant Dadu Dayal, the Panch Vani or Dadu Vani Granth, everyone is encouraged to repeat this name (a sacred name used to remember God, a Simran/Zikhr practice, a kind of “prayer without ceasing”, to borrow a phrase from Western mysticism). In satsangs affiliated with the Dadu Panth, Satya-Raam is also used like the Hawaiian word “Aloha” as a “goodbye”, “hello”, greetings, salutations, or exclamation of praise.
“He [Dadu] said that in the Universe, all were bound by a unique thread in which there were millions of mantras and techniques for the fulfillment of every wish and desire. So Daduji Maharaj gave the Maha-mantra [Great Mantra] Satyaraam to all humans because it was simple and understandable.”
“Before disappearing into the cave forever, Shri Maharajji [Dadu] raised his right hand in blessing and said, ‘Saints and disciples — Satyaraam’. Since then, the Satyaraam Maha-mantra (Great Mantra) has been used by Dadu devotees as a symbol of blessing, as well as to greet each other.” (Dadu Panth website)
“Repeat the Name with the pang of separation, and sing its glory with love and devotion [prem bhakti]. Fix thy mind in repetition with joy and dedication, O Dadu.
“Sweet, indeed, is the Name of God, O man. Nothing is good without His Name; repeat only God’s Name.” (Sant Dadu Dayal)
“He [Dadu] explained the secrets of the Omnipresent, Formless Brahma (Nirguna Brahma [Formless God]), and the intense practice of meditation and yoga in very simple language.”
“Saint Shri Dadu Dayalji belonged to the school of mystics [Nirguna Bhakti Sants or Santmat] and was in no way less than Kabirji and Raidasji [Ravi Das]. His mortal life was lived from 1544-1603, and his immortal life lives in his verses, songs and ‘Sakhies’ compiled in the Shri Dadu Vani, the Holy Granth [scripture].
“After the interesting historical introduction, this ‘Shri Dadu Amrit Vani’ shows us the setting of the mystic-singer’s life, as well as the collection of ‘The Sakhies and Bhajans of Saint Shri Dadu Dayalji’ and his disciples’ poems and teachings with the sweet fragrance of Bhakti. Saint Shri Dadu Dayalji said: ‘He dwells in every heart; and is ever near thee.’ He dwelleth within thee; there is His abode. Seek Him there and thou wilt find thy Beloved.’” (Dadu Panth website)
“Repeat within thyself the Name of the Imperceptible One in such a way that God echoes forth from every pore of thy being. Dissolve thyself completely, as salt in water; that is called the true repetition of the Name.” (Sant Dadu Dayal)
