Nitnem Bani's - Rushing Through Them

A general question on reciting Nitnem Bani's.

Why do people rush through Nitnem bani recitation like "speedy Gonzales" without full concentration or truly understanding what they are reciting.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/14408-nitnem-banis-rushing-through-them.html

Isnt it therefore better to recite just the amount of Gurbani one can concerntrate on.?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408

And the Gurbanis that one cant concerntrate on whilst reciting, just listen to them instead (on CD or mp3 player)?
*

 
Do share your immediate thoughts or reactions on this issue? We value your views! Login Now! or Sign Up Today! to share your views with us.. Gurfateh!

discipline, kaur. ppl do things out of discipline.

Respected kaur Ji,

Unfortunately we have 95% people do the task of "speedy Gonzales".
This practice is useless. Remembring God even for a moment with true heart is far far better than reciting through Nitnem without understanding a word.


If Bani is being read to understand what is written and to remind us GuruJi’s Teachings; it will help. So living the teaching has to be the motive of reading. If it is done for the sake of reading only, one is wasting time.

Repetition of the same is necessary to make it a habit. If this is the purpose of reading-well and good.

Another Important Point to Note here is Knowledge Alone is of no value until it is Lived.


Waheguru Sadaa Sahaee

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
vwihgrUjI kw Kwlsw vwihgrUjI kI Pqh[

I agree with that the Bani should be recited with understanding and listening what you are saying. To keep the concentration for such a long time is not possible for every individual without being a saint Sant Sadhu or Gursikh. This is ultimate goal to achieve. What I disagree with you to call this as total waste of time. In between while reciting BANI one can concentrate on what is being read. I will encourage to read regularly even when one is not concentrated as the BANI is Kanth (Means you can read without looking/Remembered)
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408

The word concentrate is easer said than done. Lot of practice is required to achieve the goal. Calling it waste of time is very discouraging.

Here is what can be done to to achieve this. Before starting PATH,say this prayer from your heart.

Dhan sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Dhan sri Guru Gobind Singh, Dhan sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Kirpa karpe shabad ate surt da milaap krana ji Bani da Bhab Arth hirde wich Vase. Kirpa karke bani pardan di aagia bkhsho ji.

Dn isrI gru nwnk dv jI, Dn isrI gru gibd isG jI, Dn isrI gru grQ swihb jI, ikrpw kr ky Sbd Aqy srq dw imlwp krwnw jI[[ bwnI dw Bwv ArQ ihridAW ivc bsyjI[[ ikrpw kr ky bwnI pVn dI AwigAw bKSo jI.


Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
vwihgrUjI kw Kwlsw vwihgrUjI kI Pqh[


Please ignore any spelling mistake.

Dear All,

I rushed through my nit name in my mind with out paying attention for 20 years from the age of 12 to 32. I started reading AGGS in 1964 the same way and it took me 1 year to read through, rushed most of the time.

In 1974 I had a dream where Guru Gobind Singh Ji came in my dream on a horse and advised me to read AGGS loudly. I asked why? He responded that by loudly reading another sense of ears get involved and helps in concentration. Since then I recite AGGS loudly. But now I read only 1-2 pages. I had rushed through at least 55 times but since last 5 times I try to understand each word.

From the last 10 years I listen to my nit name from my PC very loud. I may not be concentrating but when ever I come to a hymn/word that I do not know the meaning. The nit name goes on and I try to understand that hymn through dictionaries and translations. Even I understand one hymn a day-I consider it to be profitable. Living through is being tried very enthusiastically but the worldly things come as a big block despite the effort very often.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਧਰਤਿ ਧਵਲ ਆਕਾਸ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੀਪ ਲੋਅ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕਾਲੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥

Suṇi­ai siḏẖ pīr sur nāth. Suṇi­ai ḏẖaraṯ ḏẖaval ākās. Suṇi­ai ḏīp lo­a pāṯāl. Suṇi­ai pohi na sakai kāl. Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās. Suṇi­ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās.

On listening the Word- one could obtain the status of the Siddhas, the spiritual teachers, the heroic warriors, the yogic masters, the knowledge of Lord’s creations of the earth, its support and the skies, oceans, the lands of the world and the nether regions of the underworld. On listening even the death cannot even touch you. O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss. Listening-pain and sin are erased. ||8||

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਈਸਰੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਇੰਦੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਲਾਹਣ ਮੰਦੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਤਨਿ ਭੇਦ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਾਸਤ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਵੇਦ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥

Suṇi­ai īsar barmā inḏ Suṇi­ai mukẖ sālāhaṇ manḏ. Suṇi­ai jog jugaṯ ṯan bẖėḏ. Suṇi­ai sāsaṯ simriṯ vėḏ. Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās. Suṇi­ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās.

Listening to the Word one can obtain the status of gods like, Shiva, Brahma and Indra. On listening to the Word, even foul-mouthed people praise the Lord; learn the technology of Yoga and the secrets of the body. On listening one can gain the knowledge of the Shaastras, the Simritees and the Vedas. O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss and on listening-pain and sin are erased. ||9||

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਕਾ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥

Suṇi­ai saṯ sanṯokẖ gi­ān. Suṇi­ai aṯẖsaṯẖ kā isnān. Suṇi­ai paṛ paṛ pāvahi mān. Suṇi­ai lāgai sahj ḏẖi­ān. Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās. Suṇi­ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās.

Listening to the Word one can attain the virtues of truth, contentment and spiritual wisdom. By listening one can cleanse the inner filth equal to taking bath at the sixty-eight places of pilgrimage. On listening reading and reciting It, honor, concentration on mind as well intuitively grasp the essence of meditation. O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss and on listening pain and sin are erased. ||10||
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਰਾ ਗੁਣਾ ਕੇ ਗਾਹ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੇਖ ਪੀਰ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅੰਧੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਰਾਹੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਹਾਥ ਹੋਵੈ ਅਸਗਾਹੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੧੧॥

Suṇi­ai sarā guṇā kė gāh. Suṇi­ai sėkẖ pīr pāṯisāh. Suṇi­ai anḏẖė pāvahi rāhu. Suṇi­ai hāth hovai asgāhu. Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās. Suṇi­ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās. ||11||

Listening to the Word/Naam, one dives deep into the ocean of virtues. By listening to the Word one attain the status of Sheikhs, religious scholars, spiritual teachers and emperors. By listening, even the blind find the Path and The Unreachable and Unfathomable Lord comes within your grasp. O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss and pain and sin are erased. ||11||

ਤੀਰਥੁ ਤਪੁ ਦਇਆ ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

Ŧirath ṯap ḏa­i­ā ḏaṯ ḏān. Jė ko pāvai ṯil kā mān. Suṇi­ā mani­ā man kīṯā bẖā­o. Anṯargaṯ ṯirath mal nā­o. Sabẖ guṇ ṯėrė mai nāhī ko­ė. viṇ guṇ kīṯė bẖagaṯ na ho­ė.

Pilgrimages, austere discipline, compassion and charity -these, by themselves, bring only an iota of merit. Listening and acceptance of the Word with love and humility cleanse the inner filth by pilgrimage of the sacred shrine deep within. All virtues are Yours, Lord, I have none at all. Without virtue, there is no devotional worship.


Cordially,


Virinder S. Grewal
Williamston, MI

Virinder Ji, Gurfateh.

My sentiments exactly. In my case Guru Gobind Singh ji came visibly to a SECOND PERSON. I was on an Akhand Paath raol in A Gurdwara at 2 am..and a sevadar was lying down in the Darbaar in front of me and resting....suddenly we both heard the sound of a horse neighing...and the sevadaar felt a wet tongue on his arm....he looked up ran out of the darbar sahib..and saw GGS on His horse. Later when he asked me whether i noticed anything i replied.yes i heard a horse neigh..and stamping its hooves..then he told me his experience....btw he passed away on Hemkunt mountain on ajourney...his relatives had a tough tiem bringing his body down...but imho he sure died a happy man...
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408
BTW I always read out Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji LOUD..no matter if I am alone or not...have never whispered any Bani ever..even while travelling in a bus/train/plane...always LOUD and clear. I have given my personal experience about GGS in another thread..in an encounter with a budhist monk/swami and mullah while travelling on a plane to India a long time ago..

Affectionately
Jarnail singh

Thank you very much Giani Ji for sharing your spiritual experiences. This is what this forum is all about IMHO.

Regards to you and Deep.

Cordially,

Virinder S. Grewal

Allow me to put my hand in the hornet's nest, glove less. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji does not dictate us to do any Nitnem. Our Gurus ask us through Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to understand Gurbani so we can use it as tools to make our lives more fruitful. And we all know fruits can only be collected if seeds are sown. If they are just thrown then they are only good for the birds to feed, a useless utility because birds are taught by Ik Ong Kaar to look for food for survival. However, SRM does require Nitnem from all those who have taken Khandei De pahul.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408

I have seen people in my own family whenever I visit them, both ladies and gentlemen busy in their morning -rush chores rushing through Nitnem as most of them know it by heart. And at times if they miss it for some reason they feel guilty all day long. This has happened many times and I tell them then that this is the only time they remember Ik Ong Kaar in reality when they miss doing Nitnem, otherwise it is all mechanical, like driving a car, eating a donut or 2, putting the eyeliner and rouge on at traffic stops and answering the cell phone while Nitnem is being played on the cd because kids had to be made ready for school before rushing to work.

This way I see Nitnem. It is the daily planner of Piri so, one can conduct one's life of Miri based on it. If we just take a glance at our planner without knowing what has to be accomplished for the day, then the whole day is wasted, gone astray, directionless. As we have been doing the Nitnem in this manner for so many years, we can count the days on our abacuses.This is our life as adults and at the same time we also want our children to understand Gurbani, know Paath so they can become good Miri-Piri citizens since they start their kindergarten.

Now here comes the screaming thought from the head. Radical changes are needed and they can be done individually in the households so people who define/mold SRM can have some practical input because the main objective is to understand Gurbani and put it into practice.There is no other objective or any other goal than this.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408

The description of Nitnem should be changed to make it practical so that Gurbani can become comprehensible to all. Mere chanting it has not brought anything good to us as adults except a self pat at the back.

Gurbani like Japji, Anand Sahib , Rehraas and Sohila should be created in the good musical forms so it can be sung easily by all, young and old.

New tools should be invented/disovered so the understanding of Gurbani takes place along with chanting in families and in Gurdwaras so that the true essence of- Gaviei, suniei,munn rakhei bhao can be created,hence instilled.

Before taking Khandei de pahul there should be a written and oral exam on Gurmat knowledge of the Baanis of the Nitnem. Nitnem does not have to have 5 banis. It should have enough so all banis recited are understood to the core so they can be put into practice in our daily lives of Miri-Piri. They should act as our manuals of betterment which will in result make everything better we do in the real world.

Once this starts, then only we can raise true Sikhs from Kindergarten onwards because we are giving them the tools that they can use from the very beginning.

If not, then we shall remain proud Hinduised Sikhs with Baana busy in idol worshiping and self patting our backs.

Tejwant Singh

Dear TeJi,

I agree with your spiritual conclusions with or with out SRM. In this respect I wrote "The Way We Live" and Sikh Psyche". Akal Purkh should be remembered with every breath and morsal of food means to be kept in mind and is repeatdly referred in Sabd Guru. But it does not mean one should not pay attention to his/her daily duties.

ਸਿਮਰਉ ਦਿਨੁ ਰੈਨਿ ਸਾਸ ਗਿਰਾਸਾ ॥
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408

Simra▫o ḏin rain sās girāsā.

Remember Akal Purkh in heart, all the time. (Literally it can be translated as day and night, with every breath and every morsel of food.) -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 177-15
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14408

Cordially,

Virinder

I heard in a katha that a Mahapurakh who use to get frequent darshans from Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked Him about reading bani. What was the best way to do it?

Maharaj ji replied that the bani that is heard by the ears and understood by the mind is the one that "reaches us."