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a form of the deity through repetition of a holy name. We have already explained the details of japa in the previous section. It is also accomplished in Mānas dhyāna through mental
visualization of the sacred form associated with the name of the
Guru or deity.
In Mānas dhyāna the practitioner invokes a holy name and at the same time also visualizes the sacred form of the being represented by the mantra that is being recited. In the saint tradition, the physical form of the Guru is the most revered form. Kabir Sahab, Guru Nanak, and other saints have given instructions to recite the holy word 'Guru' (the one who dispels darkness of ignorance) and to visualize the sacred form of the
Guru.
Kabir Sahab sings the praise of Guru:
The essential meditation is meditation on the form of the Guru; the indispensable prayer is the worship of the holy feet of the Guru; the cardinal truth is given in the words spoken by the Guru; and the fundamental truth is the pure intention of the devotee.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji says:
Meditate on the Guru within; with your tongue recite the Guru's holy name; behold the Guru with your eyes, and listen to his words with your ears.
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