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Dance's of Peace
Shri Ram, Jai RAm
Global Peace Dance
History, Samuel Lewis
Tradition; Hindu
Meaning; God who at once is truth and power, impersonal and personal!
Victory to Thee! Victory, victory to Thee!
Mother Krishnabai received this mantra (known as the ‘Taraka Mantra’) from Papa Ramdas who attained God-realization through the repetition of this sacred phrase. With the passing of Mother Krishnabai in 1989, Swami Satchitananda of Anandashram continues their work of encouraging the use of this mantra as a means to realization and world peace. The Mantra comes to our Dance circles through Murshid Samuel Lewis who was initiated into it by Papa Ramdas.
This mantra is the source of inspiration and central practice for the Global Peace Dance observed annually on December 31, originated by Swami Jahnavi Ananda Ashram. The mantra is thousands of years old, the melody itself ancient. Through our breath and concentration on the mantra we are feeding its vibration into the atmosphere, infusing the fabric of space with peace and truth universal to all.
Murshid Samuel Lewis wrote, "The great work of initiates hence forth will be to spread baraka (blessing). By so doing, they will purify the general atmosphere, and by that the Message which belongs to the sphere itself will gradually touch the hearts and minds of all who pass through it, who breathe the air or go to the places where the seeds of baraka have been sown.”
1. Sri Ram
2. Jai Ram
3. Jai Jai Ram Om
4. Sri Ram
5. Jai Ram
6. Jai Jai Ram Om
Pranam is a greeting in recognition of the essence within each person. One bows deeply, holding the hands palm to palm at the heart. In a traditional greeting, it is often accompanied by the phrase ‘Namaste,’ greeting the divine in the one met. In this chant we are calling on the name of Ram as the effulgent Sun, the source of the Dharma, the source of truth and realization.
Partner Dance Steps:
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Movements
Establish partners and corners. Novice dancers may find the multiple and reversing bows and turns to one’s partner and one’s corner confusing. In particular, this may be because one’s partner becomes one’s corner on the next cycle. A few slow walk-throughs are therefore helpful. This Ram Nam melody may be done successfully in either the original 3/4 waltz tempo or in 4/4 for two different effects. As the Dance continues, the leader may quicken the tempo at the beginning of each cycle. The leader may also introduce an alternate movement: instead of bowing, the hands touch the heart and arms open wide. Return to the original tempo and movements for a repetition or two before ending the Dance.
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1. Bow to partner using palm to palm prayer position.
2. Make a half-turn towards the center and bow to corner.
3. Spin in place to the right with the arms raised. Bow to the center on ‘Om.’
4. Bow to corner.
5. Make a half turn towards the center and bow to partner.
6. Spin in place to the left with the arms raised. Bow to the center on ‘Om.’
All quickly turn to one’s line of progression walking past previous partner to a new partner. Dance begins again.
Variation A
On 6, spin and progress, bowing to the center on final ‘Om.’ Since many dancers know this variation, it’s helpful to be clear when giving directions which progression will be used.
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Music
D A
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
E A
Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare
D A
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
E A
Rama, Rama, Hare
