Rama Bolo: Finding Presence Through Sound
“Rama Bolo, Rama Bolo, Bolo Bolo Bolo Ram.”
Simple words. Yet a mantra that carries immense power. But what does it really mean? And why do we chant it?
“Bolo” means speak, say, call out. It’s an invitation—to voice the name of Rama, to immerse ourselves in the vibration of remembrance. Rama isn’t just a deity; he’s an embodiment of dharma, of right action, inner strength, and unwavering devotion. When we chant this mantra, we’re calling upon those qualities within ourselves.
Sound as a Gateway
Chanting the name of Rama is like striking a bell inside the heart—a sound that clears away the noise of doubt, fear, and mental clutter, bringing us fully into presence. The repetition isn’t about perfect pronunciation or pitch; it’s about losing yourself in the rhythm, the breath, the devotion.
Think of it as a wave—carrying you beyond thought, beyond self-consciousness, into pure being. It’s not about how it sounds; it’s about the energy behind it. This mantra is an invitation to let go, to step beyond the thinking mind, and into the singing, vibrating, feeling self.
Nada Yoga: The Yoga of Sound
In Jivamukti Yoga, we honour Nada Yoga—the yoga of sound. Sound is a bridge between form and formlessness. It’s something tangible that leads us to the intangible. As Sharon Gannon says:
“If you want to know God, sing God’s name.”
Kirtan isn’t a performance—it’s a practice of dissolving separation, of feeling something greater than the small “I.” Every chant is a chance to tune into devotion, presence, and connection.
How to Chant Rama Bolo
When we chant Rama Bolo, let’s do it with our whole being:
With our mouths, letting the sound flow freely
With our hearts, inviting warmth and devotion
With our breath, feeling the vibration move through the body
With our intention, surrendering to the moment
Maybe your mind will resist. Maybe you’ll feel a bit silly. Maybe your inner critic will raise an eyebrow. That’s okay. Keep going. Somewhere beyond self-consciousness, beyond the ego, there is freedom, there is joy, there is Rama.
So, Rama Bolo, Rama Bolo, Bolo Bolo Bolo Ram. Say it, sing it, feel it—and let it take you home.