Naam Simran

Naam Simran



Naam Simran is the Sikh way of meditation. It is such a deep subject that it cannot be entirely explained theoretically. It needs to be experienced through undergoing a practical endeavor. Success depends purely on earnestness of the practitioner and most of all on Guru’s grace.

As we start this journey we face a lot of difficulties. Some are related to the lack of faith; others are merely due to the lack of knowledge and proper techniques. Naam Simran is Guru’s Hukam. Different people describe different ways to do it. This is an effort to facilitate this learning process.

What is Naam Simran:

Naam is the name we address God, the Almighty with as well as we use it to praise Him. Naam can be any word or collection of words, a stanza, a statement that connects you with Him. This word must initiate unconditional love for Him in your mind. It can be His name that you been using to address Him so far or any words from Bani that express His presence every where and His unlimited Qualities and Praises.

Can be “Waheguru”, “Satnaam”, “Satnaam Waheguru”, “Har”, “Haree”, “Har Har Har Har Haree Haree”, “Gobindey Mukandey Udarey Aparey Hareean Kareean Nirnaamay Akaamay”, “Eak Tuee Eak Tuee”, “Satnaam Sada-ee Satnaam”, “Ang Sang Waheguru”, “Mool Mantra” and many many more.

The name needs to become the adhaar (ADwr), the base for all the practice. So make sure you choose that name which is easy for you, and brings in respect, faith, and unconditional love for God/Waheguru/AkaalPurkh in your mind . If you are going to do simran on your breath it must go along your natural breathing span so you don’t have to use it forcefully. You can choose several different words and use them at different times.

For example, while driving use “Gobindey……”, while showering use “Har Har…….”, while walking “Satnaam” with one step and “Waheguru” with the following step and so on, while cooking use “Ang Sang….”; there can be so many different ways. This way Naam Simran becomes an enjoyable experience, especially in the beginning.


Simran is remembering something again and again. So Naam Simran becomes the continous remembrance of God. It is the synchronization of Naam and Simran. So you are reciting Naam (Naam Jaap) along with the thoughts of whose name you are repeating.

It can be done for a short or long span of time, at a scheduled period or for ever. So Naam Simran can be stated as the repetition of the Naam and the thoughts of God/Waheguru over and over again without stopping.

Why Naam Simran:

Naam Simran eventualy stabilizes your mind in God’s remembrance. That makes you become one with your inner spirit which ultimately leads to the unity with God. So Naam Simran done the right way, leads to the salvation with Guru’s grace

Tools to help Naam Simran:

To make Naam Simran a successful endeavor, following tools can be helpful. Most of these tools are interdependent in nature and effect.

First step is to choose the word and start Naam Jaap, loud or silent. Second step is focusing your mind on Him. That’s where we always wonder- how. Following are some tools, which can help us to concentrate better:

(1) Prayer:
Start Simran with prayer. Prayer can be full Ardaas, first stanza of Ardaas or can be your own words or stanzas from Bani. Lovingly ask for God’s help in everything; for success of the Simran, for any wish fulfillment. Seek God’s aid and guidance. Then again end it with a prayer. You can also pause and pray while doing Simran. Prayer always helps. It boosts your confidence.

Sample Prayers:
krqw qU myrw jjmwnu ] iek diKxw hau qY pih mwgau dyih Awpxw nwmu ] Page 1329(SGGS)

srin pry kI rwKu dieAwlw ] nwnk qumry bwl gupwlw ] Page 260(SGGS)

(2) Love and Devotion:
Love God. Love His creation. Love the words you are using as Naam. Love yourself- you are His creation. He is in you. Love every thing He provided you with. Love Him for His abundant goodness to us.

riv rihAw pRBu sB mih Awpy ] Page 804
Love with God brings in humility, faith, forgiveness, and devotion and is of great help in concentration process. And of co{censored}:

pRym ipAwly vs hoie Bgq vCl hoie isrjnhwrw] Page 6(SGGS)

Think of yourself being in Gurudwara Sahib, bowing and sitting in ardaas position, singing Bani, imagine yourself in Hari Mandir Sahib, holding Guru Ji’s Palla. All this helps to bring more love in your bhagti. It helps your mind and soul bow in humility which is essential for spiritual progress.

(3) Contemplation (bIcwr) of Bani:
We are blessed with such an invaluable gift- Bani. “Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji” is our Shabad Guru. And we must read, think, contemplate and then understand Gurbani. And most of all live accordingly. This is the key; try to live according to one teaching for one day, you will see the difference.
Bani’s contemplation can be done in Sangat or individually. Bani tells us over and over again to do Naam Simran. It tells us what is more important in this human life. It teaches us everything that a human needs to know to do bhagti. It is essential-as all other tools we are discussing can be learned from Bani.

miq ivic rqn jvwhr mwixk jy iek gur kI isK suxI ] Page 2(SGGS)

(4) Faith:
You must have full faith in God, the Almighty, Waheguru. Without faith nothing is going to work. We say we know about His existence. We say we know He is doing every thing. Then what happens when a small thing goes the way we did not want it to be? We blame others, our circumstances, even God and ourselves. Where has the faith gone in Karta Purkh?

Faith is the acceptance of a preposition. And what is our preposition of God-
He is the One.
He is the Karta Purkh
He is omni present
He is unique and without equal
And so on. …. All that is being said in Bani.

Evaluate one day in your life and see how much you truly accept His existence.
We know about God, and our mind is set to mistake this knowledge about Him as faith. We need to actually live this faith, this knowledge, only then by full means we can accept His presence.

A person who is in faith faces fewer difficulties on this journey. When you are in faith- half the battle is done. Faith in Him makes us depend on God Himself, not on anything else.

Read Bani. It will rejuvenate the faith in God in your mind. Once you start your journey, faith grows stronger and stronger.

(5) Concentration (Dhyaan) (iDAwn):
Our mind has a natural function of thinking. It gets information from the memory and brings it in front of our mental eyes that we call thought, and that arouses the emotions depending upon the nature of that thought. If it is a happy thought, we become happy, if it is something bad we may start worrying or become sad. So every thought arouses one or many emotions based on our past experiences and knowledge. We act happy, sad, mad, or anxious and so on. One thought leads to another and another, based on our knowledge, memory and emotions involving the subject of the thought.

We have been doing this since we started seeing and feeling the outer world. This nature of our mind does not let us concentrate when we start doing Naam Simran. We are able to do Naam recitation (Naam Jaap) but not Naam Simran as Simran is directly related to the thoughts. Naam recitation alone without involving the thought process does nothing as mind keeps on playing its tricks and you cannot see and feel your soul. You have to still your mind and then Naam starts cleaning the mind and takes you further.

kwhy kau kIjY iDAwnu jpMnw ] jb qy suDu nwhI mnu Apnw ]Page 485(SGGS)

Dwvq mnu rwKY iek Twie ]

Page 299(SGGS)

Why it is Important:

Mind is a shield between the outer world (false/grievance/maya) and the Soul (truth/Reality/God). When we are born into this world this shield is transparent. The thought process as it has the involvement of emotions makes this shield thick and opaque over time. This slate of mind gets so much written on it. Untill we clean this slate and make it transparent; there is no use of Naam Jaap.
We can do this by changing our mind set. We need to change our thinking process entirely. To convert Naam Jaap into Naam Simran we have to work on our thinking.

Control of Mind.
One way of doing this is: As the thoughts occur in your mind, start involving the Creator in them. Bring God in everything you think. For example you are thinking of what to wear to work tomorrow: Ask for His guidance to choose your clothes. Communicate with Him as you do when you pray for anything. Thank Him for all the clothes He provided you. Need new clothes, ask Him to provide you new ones. Thank Him for guiding through the process.

It may feel awkward in the beginning, as you are not used to do it. In fact the mind is not used to it, so remind yourself- God is everywhere- in every living and material thing. He is inside you. You walk with God. God walks with you everywhere you go.

So you are consciously directing the consciousness of your mind. You can use this technique while doing Simran or even while actually choosing your clothes. When you do this you will notice fewer emotions are being aroused, so thought does not upset you much. And your mind starts to get irritated, as it could not do its job as it used to do before. Now your job is to do this again and again. When you keep controlling your mind repeatedly, the mind starts working under you, as it does not have another choice now. Eventually it will become a habit. You won’t be working under your mind anymore. You will not be a manmukh any more.

(6)Accept those who are different from you:
Not even two people on this earth are meant to be the same. God created this world this way. Accept it. There are millions of ways to do the one same thing. Love the diversity. It is the beauty of His creation. It will ease the task of forgiving others and yourself.

(7)Learn from mistakes:
Elaborate what you yourself and others do, follow the right deeds and discard the wrong, but do not hate yourself or others for doing anything wrong, as everything happens in His Will. And do not indulge in elaborating only. Learn from it. Leave the emotions alone that make you happy, sad, anxious and so on. Always ask for His guidance. This will help you overcome the five vices.

jW pMc rwsI qW qIrQ vwsI ] Page 356(SGGS)

(8)Staying Awake:
Staying awake here means that live in consciousness. Feel God’s presence everywhere. Feel Him inside you and around (up to the infinity). Meditate on the ‘ Naam ‘ with deep faith and deliberation. Live teachings of Gurbani. Stop dubidha. There is One and Only One prevailing everywhere and in everyone. Be humble. Forgive yourself and others. If you are having problems in mind’s wandering condition-keep trying different methods to overcome this problem. It may be difficult but not impossible. duAwr qy AV ky inmrqw nwl Klo jwvo imhr jrUr hovygI[

You just have to start; the rest is done by itself over the co{censored} of time. Guru is very loving. He will not let you wait for long if your intentions are good. Does not matter you are asking for anything or not. It is your devotion to God that plays the key role.

crn srin gur eyk pYfw jwie cl, siq gur koit pYfw Awgy hoie lyq hY ] by Bhai Gurdaas Ji.


(9)Simran on Breathing:
It helps in developing concentration. Breathing is one crucial thing that is happening to keep us alive. It is the living energy of our soul on this Earth. So by doing Simran on our breaths we facilitate our way to reach our soul. As you are focusing on breathing the mind will not get much time to chase other thoughts.

(10)Thank God for every thing:
Thank Him for every thing you already have. It brings your mind into the prevalent state. By thanking God we give credit to Him for everything, this helps us to curb our arrogance and ego. It makes us realize that it is God and not we who is ultimately in control of our lives. Thanking God makes us humble and modest.

Thank Him for your ability to breathe, walk, talk and eat. Thank God for your ability to see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Thank Him for your level of intelligence, your circumstances, and your existence. You can find unlimited reasons to thank Him.
He has provided us with inexpressible gifts:

bhuqw krmu iliKAw nw jwie ]vfw dwqw iqlu n qmwie ]
kyqy mMgih joD Apwr ]kyiqAw gxq nhI vIcwru ]
kyqy Kip qutih vykwr ]kyqy lY lY mukru pwih ]
kyqy mUrK KwhI Kwih ]kyiqAw dUK BUK sd mwr ]
eyih iB dwiq qyrI dwqwr ]bMid KlwsI BwxY hoie ]
horu AwiK n skY koie ]jy ko Kwieku AwKix pwie ]
Ehu jwxY jyqIAw muih Kwie ]Awpy jwxY Awpy dyie ]
AwKih is iB kyeI kyie ]ijs no bKsy isPiq swlwh ]
nwnk pwiqswhI pwiqswhu ]
Page 5(SGGS)

Thanking God keeps us in constant contact with Him. Our relationship with God becomes unbroken.


All this may sound difficult, but it is most rewarding when practiced. Do simran and inspire others to do the same. Guide them if they need help. Attend Sangat. Listen, read and sing Bani. Contemplate Bani yourself and with others. Do selfless seva. Help the needy. Live in God. Make your life’s motto: "Naam Bina Na Jivia Jai".





Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

Surinder Kaur Cheema Ji:

Gurufateh. Thanks for your very educational and enlightening posting. From practical point of view, the best source that was of great personal assistance / guidance to me, is Raghbir Singh Bir's book "BANDGI NAMA" - the original being in Punjabi, but now available in English version, plus on internet too !

SIKHISM = SEWA + SIMRAN + SANGAT !


With the Divine Love & Blessings of Waheguru Ji, may I share the following article with the SPN sangat too:

Meditation Benefits


Meditation is one of the most important skills we can develop, as it is the foundation for cultivating awareness. Whenever awareness is present in a part of our life, that part can improve. Awareness is the key to health, higher knowledge, greater intelligence, intuition, and to uncovering our hidden abilities. The awareness derived through meditation allows us to manage life, its joys, sorrows and difficulties, with intelligence and creativity. Through the regular practice of meditation we develop our powers of perception and begin to see things as they really are.

Meditation requires a range of processes and activities, including mental exercises, relaxation, introversion, concentration, self-reflection, contemplation and the capacity to generate higher states of mind and being. All of these activities and processes have one main aim, to cultivate greater awareness.
From meditation we derive:
1. Health Benefits
2. Physical Benefits
3. Mental, Emotional and Psychic Benefits
4. Spiritual Benefits
5. Courage and Skill in Facing Life
6. Improved Relationships (with ourselves, others and with all of our activities)

Health Benefits of Meditation

Today, the healing benefits of meditation are widely recognized. Meditation practice is prescribed in many medical texts as an effective process for reducing physical, emotional and mental problems, and for positively influencing a diverse array of diseases. Chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, cancer, digestive problems, disorders of the nervous system, anxiety, and many other conditions can be helped significantly through meditation. Better health is often a pleasant side effect of meditation because it calms and strengthens the nervous and other core controlling systems of the body-mind. These systems are connected to every aspect of our being: physical, mental and emotional. They form a vast network that plays a pivotal role in our ability to remain healthy and to heal ourselves.

Physical Benefits of Meditation

Meditation has been shown to turn on the relaxation response, which is effected by the parasympathetic nervous system. This affects every organ and system in the body. For example, meditation slows the heart rate and breathing, lowers blood pressure, improves digestion, benefits the immune systems ability to respond to stress, and so on. Meditation also acts to sensitize us to our body’s needs. By calming the nervous system, our mind becomes calm. When the mind becomes calm intuition, normally suppressed by stress, has the opportunity to grow. Intuitive knowledge becomes our greatest ally, as we automatically begin to feel what our body needs. It is only when we become aware of our needs that we can provide for these needs. For example, if we can feel how deeply tired we really are we can do what is required to heal that tiredness through slowing down, sleeping more and practicing simple relaxation, such as Yoga Nidra, more often. Learning to feel the needs of the body is one of the most important steps in overcoming or preventing disease. Over time, regular meditation allows us to see the effects that our lifestyle and habits are having on our body. We can make gradual, appropriate and intelligent changes.

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Meditation

Meditation allows us to clarify and empower our perception. We learn to see things as they are. Meditation helps us to become aware of and face our lower mind, our thoughts, memories, desires and emotions with greater objectivity and self-control. Meditation helps us to develop mental calm, focus and stability, and improves our ability to make decisions. Once we have the ability to manage the lower mind, then we can engage in more powerful meditation techniques that direct our awareness to an awakening of the higher mind. These techniques unleash the vast creative intelligence at the core of our being. They add a new dimension to our lives so that each and every action and experience in life is lifted to a higher level. We experience the dawning of greater emotional intelligence, the capacity for greater empathy and compassion, and a real sense of being connected to life that is deeply fulfilling. Our intellect and intuition are also empowered by connection to the higher mind so that they function with greater understanding and discriminative ability. We become more connected to our own innate happiness and feel strong and able to live full, creative, interesting, useful lives.

Spiritual Benefits of Meditation

Meditation has been used by many cultures over thousands of years as a method to merge the singular, individual self into the highest Self. The spiritual benefits of meditation accrue as a result of Self-knowledge, which results from ongoing study, reflection and meditation on the Self. This is not the little self of the personality but the higher Self, the highest consciousness, the source, and the essence. This Self, our true nature, is extremely powerful. The great spiritual texts tell us that the Self shines with the light of a million suns. We do not experience ourselves in this way because our awareness is disconnected from our own essence. Instead we identify with the ever-demanding and ultimately mortal body-mind; we are caught up in its biological imperatives and dictates. The spiritual aim of meditation is to take our awareness back to identify with who we really are, the immortal and unchanging Self. The experience of identification with who we are informs us that we are at one with all other beings and that their happiness is our happiness.

Courage and Skill in Facing Life through Meditation

The consistent practice of meditation creates a powerful, resilient inner core that is undisturbed by negative experiences. Specific meditation techniques that involve grounding our energy and aligning us to our higher Self accelerate the refinement and power of our inner core. Grounding meditation techniques create a structure for us to safely and effectively connect with the higher Self and to express this relationship in our lives meaningfully and in a grounded way. The side effects of developing a stable inner core include the capacity to transform weakness into strength, rigidity into flexibility, and ignorance into wisdom. Then we can withstand life’s difficulties and setbacks with knowledge, courage, intelligence and skill.

Improving Relationships through Meditation

As we begin to understand ourselves through meditation and self-study, we develop a feeling of what is needed to truly self-nourish for sustained growth of body-mind and spirit. Self-nourishment implies that we care for and strengthen ourselves in every way available to us and in every aspect of our lives, internal and external. When we know how to self-nourish and support ourselves, we can nourish and support others. When we know how to love and respect ourselves we can love and respect others.

The ultimate promise of meditation is authentic Self-knowledge and Self-love. When we know and love ourselves, we become people of the world, we stand on our own feet, accept what we can’t change and work enthusiastically towards improving what we can. We develop a very natural confidence and heart felt compassion. We spontaneously relate to others as they are, without fear and the need for agendas. This is the beginning of healthy relationships as we can allow ourselves to feel the joys and pains of others without becoming emotionally entangled. As a result, we bring freedom, respect, creativity and joy into all of our relationships.

source: http://www.bigshakti.com/meditation-benefits.html

Above made a great reading... Thanks for sharing ji.

Thanks for the valuable articles, a must read ones.
Thanks & regards,

When the Body dies, the Soul is prepared to receive a new body – to continue the education, development and evolvement in the Universe.
We must benefit from our spiritual constancy, a persistent awareness and daily redirection of ourselves back to a spiritual perspective.
Maintaining a living spiritual connection with True and Authentic Spiritual Force.
Learn to walk with the Spirit (Naam).
By staying mindful of the Divine Presence, constantly monitoring and correcting thought, attitude, intention and action.

But let's also remember that Naam Simran is much deeper than just a jap (repetition), for we may be lulled into a false sense of complacency that we are doing great, while the mind is wandering around. It is infact the actual identification of one's lower self with the higher self, and if we constantly remind ourselves to remain in the Divine Presence and Praise God through the chanting and singing of His Praises (Gunn gaavana), we accomplish a few tasks:
1. we raise ourselves to a higher level of vibration and energy and realise our higher self (becoming Guru conscious)
2. we allow the vibrations created by the chanting (of Shabd, Mantra etc) to vibrate our cells and therefore the molecules and atoms of which it is made
3. create a state of remaing in the Presence of Waheguru (Prabh sarnagatee) and raise a shield of protective force (chowgrd hamare raamkaar) therefore avoid the effects of all trials, tribulations and ill-winds (Taati vaao na lagayee)
4. not only that we also become beneficiary to the healing effects of Naam and become disease-free and keep aging at bay and so much more.
Of course this is only possible by the Grace of Waheguru and that Grace you actually experience in Spirit-led (Gurmukh or Guru-guided) Simran, done in toatl and utter surrender to the Satguru within.
I have repeatedly seen that the Sikh Sangat usually is very carless about Naam Simran and take it very lightly.... But our Guru sahib has said that Prabh ka simran sabh te oocha............. Bin simran din raein birtha bihaei, megh bina jio kheti jaaei, to quote just two panktis from Sukhmani sahibji......Naam Simran is the only way....
Waheguru mehr karan
kanwal295 (Dr Kanwal Jit Singh, New Zealand)

Thanks for emphasizing the need Dr Kanwal.

Regards.

(New York, New York) April 1, 2006 - The Sikh Coalition is requesting urgent action to ensure a Sikh prisoner does not have his hair forcibly cut.
WHAT YOU CAN DO

• <LI class=bodytext1>Email Jeb Bush, Florida Governor
• Email James McDonough, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections

Please copy satnamsingh@sikhcoalition.org on the e-mail so that we have a record of how many personal messages Florida officials receive.
Timeline of Events

• <LI class=bodytext1>Friday, March 24 - The Sikh Coalition receives a 35 page packet of information from Satnam Singh explaining that he will be transferred to a Florida state prison and that he is fearful his hair will be forcibly cut. The Coalition’s Legal Director reviews the packet and determines that Satnam Singh legitimately is in danger of having his hair forcibly cut. <LI class=bodytext1>Monday, March 27 - The Coalition writes to the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and his General Counsel arguing that cutting Satnam Singh’s hair would violate the law. <LI class=bodytext1>Monday, March 27 - The Coalition engages local Florida attorney and Treasurer of the Sikh Society of Florida, Arvind Singh, to rally local community support behind Satnam Singh and attempt to find him pro bono legal assistance. <LI class=bodytext1>Tuesday, March 28 - Arvind Singh contacts local civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU, Aleph Institute, Council on American Islamic Relations, and Florida Sikh activists to support Satnam Singh <LI class=bodytext1>Tuesday, March 28 - Coalition faxes a formal letter to Governor Jeb Bush, requesting he intervene in this matter <LI class=bodytext1>Wednesday, March 29 - The Coalition’s Legal Director speaks to attorneys from the Aleph Institute and the ACLU of Florida to request their assistance. <LI class=bodytext1>Wednesday, March 29 - The Coalition puts together an online petition that will e-mail the Governor and the Department of Corrections every 100 times it is signed. Coalition requests Sikh organizations all over the world to join effort <LI class=bodytext1>Thursday, March 30 - Over 100 Sikh and non-Sikh organizations around the world respond to Coalition’s request to sign petition to Governor Bush of Florida.
• Thursday, March 30 - The Aleph Institute agrees to formally provide assistance on this matter. </SPAN>

The prisoner, Satnam Singh, is presently incarcerated at a federal prison in Ohio. He will be transferred to a Florida state prison on or after April 9, 2006. Florida prison regulations require male prisoners to cut their hair to a “medium length” and allow prison officials to forcibly cut their hair if they refuse to comply. Urgent action is therefore needed to stop Florida prison officials from forcibly cutting his hair.
Background
Satnam Singh was convicted in federal court and Florida state court of criminal use of personal identification information, a non-violent offense. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment in Florida and a three year federal sentence. As a result of good behavior, his federal sentence has been reduced by 216 days.
At present, Satnam is housed in a low security federal prison in Youngstown, Ohio. Throughout his stay in federal prison, he has been allowed to maintain his unshorn hair neatly in his turban. He does not have a negative disciplinary record. His Federal Bureau of Prisons Progress Report states that he “approaches staff in a polite and respectful manner” and “has maintained clear conduct since his incarceration.”
Satnam is scheduled to be released to a Florida state prison on or after April 9, 2006 where he will have to be submitted to having his hair cut forcibly if he refuses to voluntarily submit to having his hair cut and beard shaved completely off.
Florida’s Prison Regulations and Federal Court Decision Allow Prisons to Forcibly Cut an Inmate’s Hair
Florida state prison regulations, unlike the regulations of other states, requires prisoners to cut their hair and allows prison officials to forcibly cut their hair if they refuse to do so. Chapter 33-602.101(4) of the Florida Administrative Code states that “[m]ale inmates shall have their hair cut short to medium uniform length at all times….” The section also states that “[a]ll inmates shall be clean shaven, provided, however that an exemption from this requirement shall be granted on the basis of a medial diagnosis….” If an inmate refuses to adhere to these grooming standards, even for faith-based reasons, the officer in charge “shall direct staff to shave the inmate or cut the inmate’s hair” according the Chapter 602.101(5).
In addition, in Brunskill v. Boyd, a case decided in May 2005, the federal court of appeals for the 11 th Circuit, held that a Florida prison could forcibly cut a Native American’s hair even if he refused to do so for religious reasons. The court held that his hair could be cut despite the protections granted by the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) which provides the highest legal standard or protection for the religious rights of prison inmates.
Time is of the Essence
In less than ten days from now Satnam’s beard could be forcibly shaved and his hair cut. We need your help now! Please take action immediately by signing our online petition and writing to the Governor of Florida and the Secretary of the Department of Corrections. Please be sure to copy satnamsingh@sikhcoalition.org on any correspondence.
----------------
We urge all Sikhs to practice their faith fearlessly. If someone tells you to remove your articles of faith, please report the incident online at www.sikhcoalition.org/ListReports.asp.
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!

If Granth Sahib is our Guru, can You tell me on which page it tells us to meditate on words

Thanks
Inder P Singh

If Granth Sahib is our Guru, can You tell me on which page it tells us to meditate on words

Thanks
Inder P Singh

Satsriakaal Inder ji
I have a little difficulty in understanding yr question ...are you implying "meditating on 'words'..." OR where does it say in SGGS that we need to meditate...... If it is the latter, then, every page and almost every shabad instructs us to "meditate" ... which incidentally is a borrowed word from English that does not do justice to our Guru's instruction of Naam japna, Naam aradhana, dhiaouna, simarna or simran karna etc.
If it is the former, I tend to differ as we are not supposed to weditate on the word... but reflect and understand upon the Guru's word (instructions) and practice it.
Incidentally, many Sikh auothors write that we should meditate on God or Naam... we do not meditate 'on' God...we are dust, nothing. The phrase stems from the general way people meditate on a word like 'one' or 'aum' but we actually Practice the Power of God's Presence by total and utter submission and surrender (aap tiaag pariai nit sarnee or aap nivaar or man arpao tan raakho aagai man ki mat sagl tiaagi..... etc)

Sincerely hope this explains

Kanwal295 (Dr Kanwal Jit Singh, NZ)

eropa234 said:

If Granth Sahib is our Guru, can You tell me on which page it tells us to meditate on words

Thanks
Inder P Singh

Click to expand...

Respected Inder P Singh Ji,

I am not sure which part of the article is suggesting meditation on words alone.
I am solely talking about Naam Simran. And every page of Dhan Dhan Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is telling us to do so. (Thanks to Dr. Kanwal for your explanation on the subject on hand)
And if I have read Guru Sahib Ji correctly, THERE IS NO SIKHI IF THERE IS NO NAAM SIMRAN.


I really want to know in what part of the article you think it is in contradiction with what is written in Dhan Dhan Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

If you think that meditation is not a suitable word for Simran, Please suggest what other word should we use from English Dictionary.
There are hundreds of definitions we can give to this one word.

Meditation is focusing one’s thought on one thing.
A devotional exercise of or leading to contemplation.
Meditation means awareness.
Meditation is a way to slow down, chill out, and get in touch with the eternal side of your being.
Whatever you do with awareness is meditation.
And many many more….

Please Comment.

Gurfateh

Serach the Bani of Bhagat Beni Ji for details of invoking Tenth Door or multi petal lotus.It is in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Sabad which we talk is Anahat ie sound produced without beating.

Bhagat Beni was a Master of Yoga and Meditation.

<> siqgur pRswid ] ieVw ipMgulw Aaur suKmnw, qIin bsih iek TweI ] byxI sMgmu qh iprwgu, mnu mjnu kry iqQweI ]1] sMqhu qhw inrMjn rwmu hY ] gur gim cInY ibrlw koie ] qhW inrMjnu rmeIAw hoie ]1] rhwau ] dyv sQwnY ikAw nIswxI ] qh bwjy sbd Anwhd bwxI ] qh cMdu n sUrju pauxu n pwxI ] swKI jwgI gurmuiK jwxI ]2] aupjY igAwnu durmiq CIjY ] AMimRq ris ggnµqir BIjY ] eysu klw jo jwxY Byau ] BytY qwsu prm gurdyau ]3] dsm duAwrw, Agm Apwrw, prm purK kI GwtI ] aUpir hwtu hwt pir Awlw, Awly BIqir QwqI ]4] jwgqu rhY su kbhu n sovY ] qIin iqlok smwiD plovY ] bIj mMqRü lY ihrdY rhY ] mnUAw aulit suMn mih ghY ]5] jwgqu rhY n AlIAw BwKY ] pwcau ieMdRI bis kir rwKY ] gur kI swKI rwKY cIiq ] mnu qnu ArpY ik®sn prIiq ]6] kr plv swKw bIcwry ] Apnw jnmu n jUAY hwry ] Asur ndI kw bMDY mUlu ] piCm Pyir cVwvY sUru ] Ajru jrY su inJru JrY ] jgMnwQ isau gosit krY ]7] caumuK dIvw joiq duAwr ] plU Anq mUlu ibckwir ] srb klw ly Awpy rhY ] mnu mwxku rqnw mih guhY ]8] msqik pdmu duAwlY mxI ] mwih inrMjnu iqRBvx DxI ] pMc sbd inrmwiel bwjy ] Fulky cvr sMK Gn gwjy ] dil mil dYqhu gurmuiK igAwnu ] byxI jwcY qyrw nwmu ]9]1] {pMnw 974}

In this Shabad Bhagat Beni Ji Is describing the condition of a gurmukh or giani(a realised soul), and he is longing for Lord's Naam.

Surinder Kaur Cheema said:

Respected Inder P Singh Ji,

I am not sure which part of the article is suggesting meditation on words alone.
I am solely talking about Naam Simran. And every page of Dhan Dhan Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is telling us to do so. (Thanks to Dr. Kanwal for your explanation on the subject on hand)
And if I have read Guru Sahib Ji correctly, THERE IS NO SIKHI IF THERE IS NO NAAM SIMRAN.


I really want to know in what part of the article you think it is in contradiction with what is written in Dhan Dhan Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

If you think that meditation is not a suitable word for Simran, Please suggest what other word should we use from English Dictionary.
There are hundreds of definitions we can give to this one word.

Meditation is focusing one’s thought on one thing.
A devotional exercise of or leading to contemplation.
Meditation means awareness.
Meditation is a way to slow down, chill out, and get in touch with the eternal side of your being.
Whatever you do with awareness is meditation.
And many many more….

Please Comment.

Click to expand...

Dear Surinder Kaur ji
Why I mentioned that "meditation" word really does not do justice to Gurmat instructions of Naam Simran, since to many the word meditation conjures a lot of different perceptions. When I conduct Simran classes, I ask the participants what they understand by "meditation".... most will come up with something like..'sitting under a tree and chanting mantras' or 'sitting by the seashore or riverbank or in a cave or in the forest chanting...' and so on. By the same token I do not criticise the use of the word 'meditation' to explain what you have wonderfully done.... and yet this is the only word that people are used to as it has multifaceted meaning albeit incomplete. Alas Gurbani is filled with some beautiful words which have no equivalent in English. One fact we have to understand about Naam Simran is that it is an effortless, surrendered practice of the power of the Divine Presence,becoming immersed in that limitless vastness.
You did a splendid job Surinder ji.
Dr Kanwal Jit Singh

Surinder Kaur Cheema said:

Naam Simran



Naam Simran is the Sikh way of meditation. It is such a deep subject that it cannot be entirely explained theoretically. It needs to be experienced through undergoing a practical endeavor. Success depends purely on earnestness of the practitioner and most of all on Guru’s grace.

As we start this journey we face a lot of difficulties. Some are related to the lack of faith; others are merely due to the lack of knowledge and proper techniques. Naam Simran is Guru’s Hukam. Different people describe different ways to do it. This is an effort to facilitate this learning process.

What is Naam Simran:

Naam is the name we address God, the Almighty with as well as we use it to praise Him. Naam can be any word or collection of words, a stanza, a statement that connects you with Him. This word must initiate unconditional love for Him in your mind. It can be His name that you been using to address Him so far or any words from Bani that express His presence every where and His unlimited Qualities and Praises.

Can be “Waheguru”, “Satnaam”, “Satnaam Waheguru”, “Har”, “Haree”, “Har Har Har Har Haree Haree”, “Gobindey Mukandey Udarey Aparey Hareean Kareean Nirnaamay Akaamay”, “Eak Tuee Eak Tuee”, “Satnaam Sada-ee Satnaam”, “Ang Sang Waheguru”, “Mool Mantra” and many many more.

The name needs to become the adhaar (ADwr), the base for all the practice. So make sure you choose that name which is easy for you, and brings in respect, faith, and unconditional love for God in your mind . If you are going to do simran on your breath it must go along your natural breathing span so you don’t have to use it forcefully. You can choose several different words and use them at different times.

For example, while driving use “Gobindey……”, while showering use “Har Har…….”, while walking “Satnaam” with one step and “Waheguru” with the following step and so on, while cooking use “Ang Sang….”; there can be so many different ways. This way Naam Simran becomes an enjoyable experience, especially in the beginning.


Simran is remembering something again and again. So Naam Simran becomes the continous remembrance of God. It is the synchronization of Naam and Simran. So you are reciting Naam (Naam Jaap) along with the thoughts of whose name you are repeating.

It can be done for a short or long span of time, at a scheduled period or for ever. So Naam Simran can be stated as the repetition of the Naam and the thoughts of God over and over again without stopping.

Why Naam Simran:

Naam Simran eventualy stabilizes your mind in God’s remembrance. That makes you become one with your inner spirit which ultimately leads to the unity with God. So Naam Simran done the right way, leads to the salvation with Guru’s grace

Tools to help Naam Simran:

To make Naam Simran a successful endeavor, following tools can be helpful. Most of these tools are interdependent in nature and effect.

First step is to choose the word and start Naam Jaap, loud or silent. Second step is focusing your mind on Him. That’s where we always wonder- how. Following are some tools, which can help us to concentrate better:

(1) Prayer:
Start Simran with prayer. Prayer can be full Ardaas, first stanza of Ardaas or can be your own words or stanzas from Bani. Lovingly ask for God’s help in everything; for success of the Simran, for any wish fulfillment. Seek God’s aid and guidance. Then again end it with a prayer. You can also pause and pray while doing Simran. Prayer always helps. It boosts your confidence.

Sample Prayers:
krqw qU myrw jjmwnu ] iek diKxw hau qY pih mwgau dyih Awpxw nwmu ] Page 1329(SGGS)

srin pry kI rwKu dieAwlw ] nwnk qumry bwl gupwlw ] Page 260(SGGS)

(2) Love and Devotion:
Love God. Love His creation. Love the words you are using as Naam. Love yourself- you are His creation. He is in you. Love every thing He provided you with. Love Him for His abundant goodness to us.

riv rihAw pRBu sB mih Awpy ] Page 804
Love with God brings in humility, faith, forgiveness, and devotion and is of great help in concentration process. And of co{censored}:

pRym ipAwly vs hoie Bgq vCl hoie isrjnhwrw] Page 6(SGGS)

Think of yourself being in Gurudwara Sahib, bowing and sitting in ardaas position, singing Bani, imagine yourself in Hari Mandir Sahib, holding Guru Ji’s Palla. All this helps to bring more love in your bhagti. It helps your mind and soul bow in humility which is essential for spiritual progress.

(3) Contemplation (bIcwr) of Bani:
We are blessed with such an invaluable gift- Bani. “Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji” is our Shabad Guru. And we must read, think, contemplate and then understand Gurbani. And most of all live accordingly. This is the key; try to live according to one teaching for one day, you will see the difference.
Bani’s contemplation can be done in Sangat or individually. Bani tells us over and over again to do Naam Simran. It tells us what is more important in this human life. It teaches us everything that a human needs to know to do bhagti. It is essential-as all other tools we are discussing can be learned from Bani.

miq ivic rqn jvwhr mwixk jy iek gur kI isK suxI ] Page 2(SGGS)

(4) Faith:
You must have full faith in God, the Almighty, Waheguru. Without faith nothing is going to work. We say we know about His existence. We say we know He is doing every thing. Then what happens when a small thing goes the way we did not want it to be? We blame others, our circumstances, even God and ourselves. Where has the faith gone in Karta Purkh?

Faith is the acceptance of a preposition. And what is our preposition of God-
He is the One.
He is the Karta Purkh
He is omni present
He is unique and without equal
And so on. …. All that is being said in Bani.

Evaluate one day in your life and see how much you truly accept His existence.
We know about God, and our mind is set to mistake this knowledge about Him as faith. We need to actually live this faith, this knowledge, only then by full means we can accept His presence.

A person who is in faith faces fewer difficulties on this journey. When you are in faith- half the battle is done. Faith in Him makes us depend on God Himself, not on anything else.

Read Bani. It will rejuvenate the faith in God in your mind. Once you start your journey, faith grows stronger and stronger.

(5) Concentration (Dhyaan) (iDAwn):
Our mind has a natural function of thinking. It gets information from the memory and brings it in front of our mental eyes that we call thought, and that arouses the emotions depending upon the nature of that thought. If it is a happy thought, we become happy, if it is something bad we may start worrying or become sad. So every thought arouses one or many emotions based on our past experiences and knowledge. We act happy, sad, mad, or anxious and so on. One thought leads to another and another, based on our knowledge, memory and emotions involving the subject of the thought.

We have been doing this since we started seeing and feeling the outer world. This nature of our mind does not let us concentrate when we start doing Naam Simran. We are able to do Naam recitation (Naam Jaap) but not Naam Simran as Simran is directly related to the thoughts. Naam recitation alone without involving the thought process does nothing as mind keeps on playing its tricks and you cannot see and feel your soul. You have to still your mind and then Naam starts cleaning the mind and takes you further.

kwhy kau kIjY iDAwnu jpMnw ] jb qy suDu nwhI mnu Apnw ]Page 485(SGGS)

Dwvq mnu rwKY iek Twie ]

Page 299(SGGS)

Why it is Important:

Mind is a shield between the outer world (false/grievance/maya) and the Soul (truth/Reality/God). When we are born into this world this shield is transparent. The thought process as it has the involvement of emotions makes this shield thick and opaque over time. This slate of mind gets so much written on it. Untill we clean this slate and make it transparent; there is no use of Naam Jaap.
We can do this by changing our mind set. We need to change our thinking process entirely. To convert Naam Jaap into Naam Simran we have to work on our thinking.

Control of Mind.
One way of doing this is: As the thoughts occur in your mind, start involving the Creator in them. Bring God in everything you think. For example you are thinking of what to wear to work tomorrow: Ask for His guidance to choose your clothes. Communicate with Him as you do when you pray for anything. Thank Him for all the clothes He provided you. Need new clothes, ask Him to provide you new ones. Thank Him for guiding through the process.

It may feel awkward in the beginning, as you are not used to do it. In fact the mind is not used to it, so remind yourself- God is everywhere- in every living and material thing. He is inside you. You walk with God. God walks with you everywhere you go.

So you are consciously directing the consciousness of your mind. You can use this technique while doing Simran or even while actually choosing your clothes. When you do this you will notice fewer emotions are being aroused, so thought does not upset you much. And your mind starts to get irritated, as it could not do its job as it used to do before. Now your job is to do this again and again. When you keep controlling your mind repeatedly, the mind starts working under you, as it does not have another choice now. Eventually it will become a habit. You won’t be working under your mind anymore. You will not be a manmukh any more.

(6)Accept those who are different from you:
Not even two people on this earth are meant to be the same. God created this world this way. Accept it. There are millions of ways to do the one same thing. Love the diversity. It is the beauty of His creation. It will ease the task of forgiving others and yourself.

(7)Learn from mistakes:
Elaborate what you yourself and others do, follow the right deeds and discard the wrong, but do not hate yourself or others for doing anything wrong, as everything happens in His Will. And do not indulge in elaborating only. Learn from it. Leave the emotions alone that make you happy, sad, anxious and so on. Always ask for His guidance. This will help you overcome the five vices.

jW pMc rwsI qW qIrQ vwsI ] Page 356(SGGS)

(8)Staying Awake:
Staying awake here means that live in consciousness. Feel God’s presence everywhere. Feel Him inside you and around (up to the infinity). Meditate on the ‘ Naam ‘ with deep faith and deliberation. Live teachings of Gurbani. Stop dubidha. There is One and Only One prevailing everywhere and in everyone. Be humble. Forgive yourself and others. If you are having problems in mind’s wandering condition-keep trying different methods to overcome this problem. It may be difficult but not impossible. duAwr qy AV ky inmrqw nwl Klo jwvo imhr jrUr hovygI[

You just have to start; the rest is done by itself over the co{censored} of time. Guru is very loving. He will not let you wait for long if your intentions are good. Does not matter you are asking for anything or not. It is your devotion to God that plays the key role.

crn srin gur eyk pYfw jwie cl, siq gur koit pYfw Awgy hoie lyq hY ] by Bhai Gurdaas Ji.


(9)Simran on Breathing:
It helps in developing concentration. Breathing is one crucial thing that is happening to keep us alive. It is the living energy of our soul on this Earth. So by doing Simran on our breaths we facilitate our way to reach our soul. As you are focusing on breathing the mind will not get much time to chase other thoughts.

(10)Thank God for every thing:
Thank Him for every thing you already have. It brings your mind into the prevalent state. By thanking God we give credit to Him for everything, this helps us to curb our arrogance and ego. It makes us realize that it is God and not we who is ultimately in control of our lives. Thanking God makes us humble and modest.

Thank Him for your ability to breathe, walk, talk and eat. Thank God for your ability to see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Thank Him for your level of intelligence, your circumstances, and your existence. You can find unlimited reasons to thank Him.
He has provided us with inexpressible gifts:

bhuqw krmu iliKAw nw jwie ]vfw dwqw iqlu n qmwie ]
kyqy mMgih joD Apwr ]kyiqAw gxq nhI vIcwru ]
kyqy Kip qutih vykwr ]kyqy lY lY mukru pwih ]
kyqy mUrK KwhI Kwih ]kyiqAw dUK BUK sd mwr ]
eyih iB dwiq qyrI dwqwr ]bMid KlwsI BwxY hoie ]
horu AwiK n skY koie ]jy ko Kwieku AwKix pwie ]
Ehu jwxY jyqIAw muih Kwie ]Awpy jwxY Awpy dyie ]
AwKih is iB kyeI kyie ]ijs no bKsy isPiq swlwh ]
nwnk pwiqswhI pwiqswhu ]
Page 5(SGGS)

Thanking God keeps us in constant contact with Him. Our relationship with God becomes unbroken.


All this may sound difficult, but it is most rewarding when practiced. Do simran and inspire others to do the same. Guide them if they need help. Attend Sangat. Listen, read and sing Bani. Contemplate Bani yourself and with others. Do selfless seva. Help the needy. Live in God. Make your life’s motto: "Naam Bina Na Jivia Jai".





Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

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Thank you for sharing. Very helpful read.

Dear brothers and sisters in the Divine Spirit
I was reading a posting where it was alluded that Naam is a name and a meditator may choose any name to address God or Waheguru.
I think when we look at "NAAM" the word itself.... a very small percentage actually means literal name of God..... yes, we do need some kind of 'name' to address God and so names like Gobind, Hari, Waheguru, Akaal Purakh and so on may be used.... but we need to remember that HE is also without name....NIRNAAMEY..... NAAM is short for SATNAAM, HARNAAM, PRABHNAAM, RAMNAAM the Omnipresent Immortal Essence of Reality, and it actually signifies the Presence of the Power of God, the Spirit of God which is the same as the Holy Spirit, Holy Life Force, the Primordial Universal Power that permeates and vibrates the whole creation....JAAT MEH JYOT, JYOT MEH JAATA....... it is the operating arm of the transcendental Parbrahma. Simran is the loving devotional rememberance of this Presence of which we are part and parcel. The mantra is but a vehicle which carries one into the deeper realms of union with this Presence....after some time while meditating, one stops uttering the mantra as well and there may be total stillness within...and many more responses that may arise to be experienced as a telltale sign that the Naam is awakened inside us...... it is a wonderful experience and that is it.....meditation is simran bhagti or prema bhagti that allows one to experience the Presence of God. NANAK NAAM CHARDI KELLAH......... this is what we affirm in our daily ardas.... it is an ever ascending Power.............
Just sharing some bits and pieces that I have been led to understand.
Dr Kanwal Jit Singh

Raghbir Singh Bir's book "BANDGI NAMA" - the original being in Punjabi, but now available in English version, plus on internet too !

SIKHISM = SEWA + SIMRAN + SANGAT !

Can you please get me link on internet in english version. Thanks
Sahni Mohinder

Download link for "Bandgi Nama" by Raghbir Singh Bir:


http://www.amritbani.com/documents/Bandgi%20Nama.pdf

kanwal295 said:

Dear brothers and sisters in the Divine Spirit
I was reading a posting where it was alluded that Naam is a name and a meditator may choose any name to address God or Waheguru.
I think when we look at "NAAM" the word itself.... a very small percentage actually means literal name of God..... yes, we do need some kind of 'name' to address God and so names like Gobind, Hari, Waheguru, Akaal Purakh and so on may be used.... but we need to remember that HE is also without name....NIRNAAMEY..... NAAM is short for SATNAAM, HARNAAM, PRABHNAAM, RAMNAAM the Omnipresent Immortal Essence of Reality, and it actually signifies the Presence of the Power of God, the Spirit of God which is the same as the Holy Spirit, Holy Life Force, the Primordial Universal Power that permeates and vibrates the whole creation....JAAT MEH JYOT, JYOT MEH JAATA....... it is the operating arm of the transcendental Parbrahma. Simran is the loving devotional rememberance of this Presence of which we are part and parcel. The mantra is but a vehicle which carries one into the deeper realms of union with this Presence....after some time while meditating, one stops uttering the mantra as well and there may be total stillness within...and many more responses that may arise to be experienced as a telltale sign that the Naam is awakened inside us...... it is a wonderful experience and that is it.....meditation is simran bhagti or prema bhagti that allows one to experience the Presence of God. NANAK NAAM CHARDI KELLAH......... this is what we affirm in our daily ardas.... it is an ever ascending Power.............
Just sharing some bits and pieces that I have been led to understand.
Dr Kanwal Jit Singh

Click to expand...

Respected Kanwal Jit Singh Ji,

Very well explained.

By repeating a word/words we focus our attention on God. The word must be that which brings forth the Attributes of God in your thought process. If only concentrating on a thought about God helps , do that.

The key is that what ever you are saying (loud or in mind) must come from deep within. kQnI qy soc must become one. All that matter is where your mind is. One Pointedness of mind is neccessary.
For example if you are saying "Satnaam", you must be feeling from deep within that "God, You Are The Only Truth".

Repeating helps the mind to stay in focus on God's Thoughts for a period of time. Eventually it becomes a 24/7 process and that too without any effort. And of course you start your journey further.

Untill the mind is filled with all other thoughts, where the feeling of His presence is going to stay.

eyqy rs srIr ky kY Git nwm invwsu ]

BweI ry iek min nwmu iDAwie ]​

min rqy ijhvw rqI hir gux scy gwau ]​

nwnk nwmu n vIsrY scy mwih smwau ]


Guru Mere Sang Sadaa Hai Naaleay​

Sewa + Simran + Samarpan => Gursikhi

Dear Surinder Cheema ji
Satsriakaal to you and to all brothers and sisters visiting this page.
You have elaborated very clearly the "one pointedness" during simran..... somehow I feel these English words like "one pointedness, centring etc" does not do justice to the Gurmukhi words that appear in the Shabads.... such as "Ik Chit Ik man"... and so on.... but these are very important in the process of Simran. The "Names" of God that have been given to us in Gurbani and the Gur mantar "WAHEGURU", Naam mantar "SATNAAM" and the MOOL MANTAR...... these are potent vibratory chants, energy filled sounds, and formulas packed with power of the highest order. This also includes at a slight lower potency the singing of shabads and they are all subtle expressions and means for attaining spiritual expansion and transformation.
Mantras mean somewhat an instrument of thought for the deliverance of the mind, according to some sources.
But they are always words in Praise of the Divine or as you mentioned Surinder ji "some attributes of God".
One of the most powerful mantar in the world is the MOOL MANTRA according to Bhai Sahib Bhai Kirpal Singh ji of Malaysia.... and we have found that people of different religious faiths or even those who do not belong to any faith, when they resort to doing meditation chanting the Mool Mantra, Naam and Gur mantra they experience untold benefits and transformation in their lives. Such is the power of God.
Kanwal Jit Singh