Naam Simran Made Easy

[Guest G.Kaur]

>Naam Simran Made Easy >Dya Singh (Australia) > >Simran in Sikhism signifies meditation. The prime purpose of meditation is >to improve the quality of living. This is possible if we regularly become >one with our inner spirit/self (Atma) which leads to union with the >'Creator', the 'Source of Being', the 'Source of Existence', more commonly >known as Waheguru Parmatma (God). Our Atma (soul) is the seed of Parmatma. >Our Atma is like the wave which originates from the ocean, our God. It is >the flame which originates from creator, momentarily takes shape and then >recedes back into its source. > >

To most of us quality of life is primarily what we desire most in this human >form. Basically these desires culminate into the following >tangible/objective categories: health, wealth and success. > >We collectively have one desire which is intangible and >subjective...HAPPINESS! > >

The first three are the sum total of all our materialistic desires. Human >life, the Sikh way, as a grahasti (householder/worldly person) requires such >aspirations - they are essential ingredients of human life. Sikhism does no >advocate renunciation or becoming an ascetic. Sikhs must study/work hard, >earn an honest living, be successful, share our earnings with those in need >and, at the same time, seek spiritual enlightenment. Sikhs contribute >positively to society, and do not become a burden on it. > >

Happiness, on the other hand, is a very elusive pursuit. My life experience >to date is that true happiness only comes if we develop a degree of >contentment (santokh).Which comes with spiritual enrichment and the >awareness that materialistic achievements are only illusory. We need to >

develop the ability to achieve worldly success, yet being able to detach >ourselves from the end results - this is the key to 'santokh'. We have been >given the gift of human form and we are advised by Guru Ji that this form >has been granted to us so that we make an effort of meeting our 'Karta >Purakh', the creator.

(Bhayi prapat manukh dehoria, Gobind Milan ki eh tere >beria.) > >

Therefore, though the basic necessities of living - health, wealth and >success are very important,we must place meeting Waheguru as our prime >motive in human life. Our efforts in getting closer to the ultimate aim of >meeting Waheguru bring us health, wealth, success and, most importantly, >happiness. Happiness can only come with Naam Simran. I know a great number >of successful people who are extremely unhappy because they lack spiritual >nourishment, and suddenly find an emptiness which just cannot be filled. >

This emptiness is spiritual thirst. We must do something about this >spiritual thirst from the earliest possible moment like right now, if we >are already doing something about it. > >I believe all Sikhs should be encouraged to do Simran in a systematic manner >as a personal effort besides listening to tapes of mool mantar, and reciting >it in Sangat. >

>The Sikh method of Meditation/Simran is called "Naam Japna" - recitation of >the name of Waheguru. It is to remember at all times that he is everything >to us. Therefore regularly invoking his name and finally becoming one with >him.

That is ultimate peace. Doing our Nitnem (five daily banis); reading, >singing, understanding and absorbing 'Gurbani'; attending and participating >in Gurdwara activities as part of the Sadh Sangat and doing seva (community >service) are all methods of nurturing love for Waheguru. Naam Simran is the >activity to draw closer to Him and becoming one with Him. Make Naam Simran >your prime activity in this lifetime. >

>Naam Japna is as simple as taking time our regularly to sit down and to >recite: 'Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru...' or 'Stanaam, Satnaam, Satnaam...'. >But as human beings we normally look for some sort of procedure, which is >not clearly spelt out in Gurbani, but there are indications. I have followed >the method prescribed to me, since the mid-seventies and have greatly >benefited from it. I have attained what I desired in this lifetime and have >had certain realizations and revelations because of Waheguru's grace through >Naam Simran. >

>We should, initially, set aside one or two (say fifteen minutes to a >half-hour) periods within a.twenty-four hour period strictly to do Naam >Simran. Naam Simran, of course, can be combined with Nitnem. For example, >Japuji Sahib followed by Naam Simran. Do Naam Simran regularly and give it >prominence in your daily living. Throughout Sri Guru Granth Sahib we are >urged again and again to do Naam Simran as an ongoing part of this lifetime. >

Get yourself into a routine. It will be difficult in the beginning, but once >you establish a pattern you will find great joy in it. The period between >midnight and 4 a.m. is called the 'ambrosial' period (amrit-vela) - the best >period for Naam Simran. In a busy life in which time - management is very >important, my personal recommendation is as follows: Retire for the day by >10 p.m., latest by 10:30 p.m. Set the alarm for either 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.. Go >through the Naam Simran routine set down below within one hour at that time >and go back to sleep, to get up at the usual time that you wake up to face >the world for the day!

The sleep that one has after doing Naam Simran is the >most blissful and restful. If you suffer from insomnia, I guarantee that >this procedure will cure you of it. > >If the above recommendation is not practical due to your circumstances >(other than the fact that good t.v. programs only come at 10 p.m.!) then be >practical - as long as you do develop a daily routine. Some precautions: >Many 'Sants' and 'Sant Deras' advocate various methods of Naam Simran. All >of them expect you to become their disciples, contribute towards their well >being or become subservient to them in return for being 'given' Naam. Some >will prescribe special postures, penances, dressing, clothing, colours, etc. >

Generally, all will tell you how hard Naam Simran is and that theirs is the >only true method. > >Some will whisper special 'mantra' into your ears all being very secretive, >as being your special Naam'. There is nothing secretive about Naam Simran. >

It is the birthright of everyone of us subject ONLY to the Grace of >Waheguru. Unfortunately, our "Rehat Maryada" does not spell out the >methodology for Naam Simran, giving these purveyors of supposedly Sikh >spirituality a free for all in advocating whatever they please. There are, >of course, genuine spiritually-elevated souls whose company is imperative to >following the true path. Such genuine mahatmas do not normally advertise >themselves or come in elaborate clothing/dress. They are normally very >simple, humble, pleasant, unassuming and undemanding. 'Frauds' will also >quote passages from Gurbani and translations to suggest that we need the >service of an elevated human being (Sant or Guru) to put us on the right >path or grant us Naam Simran. Our only Guru is Sri Guru Granth Sahib. >

>Firstly, remember that our 'ultimate guide' is Waheguru. Take one step >towards Him and He will take a thousand steps towards you! (Charan Sharan >guru ek painda jai chal, Satgur kot painda agey hoe lait hai.) Adopt this >method as the starting point - your introduction, to Naam Simran - Waheguru >will guide you, or send the right person, or even direct you to the right >book to answer any question or doubt you might have, or develop as you start >doing Naam Simran regularly. >

>Remember that He gave you human form for you to get closer to Him, so it is >logical to assume that He will guide us and protect us - and, believe me, He >does. All we have to do is to make a sincere effort to get closer to him as >a regular daily routine. Though Naam Simran is serious business, remember it >is fun. It is a very joyful experience - give yourself a chance to >experience this joy! Secondly, remember that we have to still (or focus) our >mind on the attribute/virtues/greatness of Waheguru when we do Naam Simran. >

The purpose of Naam Simran is lost if our mouth recites Naam but our mind is >involved in our mundane, daily problems. > >Thirdly - learn the first paudi, second stanza and the 'ending' of our Ardas >is the best prayer for us as Sikhs to, firstly, invoke the names of all our >Gurus, and then to request Waheguru to shower His Grace upon us. The first >paudi of our Ardas is the first paudi of a 'bani' of Sri Guru Gobind Singh >Ji called 'Chandi ki //' which, as a whole as yet has not gained much >prominence within Sikhism though research is ongoing on as to its >attributes. > >Nevertheless, in so far as it invokes the names > >of all our Gur us, we should accept it in great reverence in our daily life. >

If you do not know.the mini - Ardas by heart initially, replace it by your >own prayer asking Waheguru to bless you, His humble servant, with His gift >of Naam Simran, and ask for the well-being of all mankind. This does not >detract from the fact that, as Sikhs, all of us should know the full Ardas >as prescribed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) by >heart. > >Basic Preparations: >

>It is preferable that you take a bath/shower before doing Naam Simran. One >should at least do a 'Panj Ishnana' i.e. washing your face, your arms and >your feet. Use cold water because that wakes you up. Massaging your scalp >with your fingers perhaps using a little hair oil helps you to relax and it >is good for your hair and scalp! For health purposes, a glass of warm water, >with either lemon or lime juice, preferably freshly squeezed, with a >spoonful of honey is recommended. While you are doing your basic >preparation, it is a good idea to recite Japuji Sahib, or at least as much >of it as you know. Start learning it by heart, it is very easy! This puts >you in the right frame of mind to do Naam Simran. > >Environment >

>Use a secluded spot and do Naam Simran alone. It is also a good idea to get >together some like-minded friends and do a sadh - sangat Naam Simran once in >a while (say, weekly) and also talk about it and encourage each other. A >good environment is one with very dim light. Preferable atmosphere is a >quiet one. If environment is noisy, by all means put > >on a tape of Naam Simran, Kirtan or sounds of > >nature, like waves on a seashore; birds chirping > >softly; sound of the wild - but very softly. There > >is no harm in using a mild incense, as fragrance > >is conducive to helping you to focus. > >In short, create an atmosphere which is > >conductive to meditating. Sit cross-legged with > >your back straight.

Place a cushion/folded > >blanket or pillow under your bottom - this helps > >one to sit up straight. If you have difficulty, then > >sit in any form or on a straight-backed > >chair, as long as your back is straight. Sit > >against a wall or chair if that makes you > >comfortable. Do not lie down because that will > >only put you to sleep again. So, no cheating! > >Focus: >

>Note that for your basic Naam Simran you can use either 'Satnam', 'Waheguru' >or the full Gurumanter 'Satnam Sri Waheguru'. You decide on your variation. >Personally, I find that when I want to say 'Naam' inwardly (without being >hearted) I have a tendency of using 'Satnam' (breath in 'Sat', and breath >out 'Naam'). And when I want to say it aloud I tend to say either 'Satnam >Sri Waheguru', or just 'Waheguru'. Initially, when you close your eyes you >will be starting into the back of your eyelids. When you are focused try to >centre your mind between your eyes drawing yourself backwards just behind >your forehead. This region is referred to as the 'Dasam Dwar' (the Tenth >Door), by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

It is called the Tenth Door simply because >it is the tenth aperture (opening) in your body - the spiritual opening. The >other nine being two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, one mouth, one >urinary/reproductory passage and the anus. The Dasam Dwar is also referred >to, on other Eastern religions, as the 'Third Eye' - the spiritual eye >between the other two eyes. Initially when you try to centre your focus to >this spot, it is an overwhelming sensation, you get a headache for trying >too hard, it will be scary and upsetting but, with practice, there is a >great sense of joy and exhilaration when you reach his important region >which is the 'Simran Doorway' >

>(a) Sit down as prescribed. Start breathing slowly taking deep breaths. >Breathe in deeply and as you breath out say aloud 'SATNAM SRI WAHEGURU'. >Keep repeating until you are settled down and find your whole body relaxing >and your voice becoming quieter. > >(b) Slowly, keeping your focus on your breathing, replace saying 'Satnam Sri >Waheguru' with an inner 'SATNAM' 'Sat' as you breath in and 'Naam' as you >breath out. Say this inside your mind, not out loud. (This is often referred >to as 'saas-giras' which means that even while breathing and eating, to >invoke His name.) And the ideal state is, of course, when we are able to >recite. Waheguru Satnam with every breath that we take.

This stage you >should already be in a state of.'Samadhi' - with your mind focused on the >attributes of Waheguru. Remember your mind at this stage should be fully >focused on the virtues of our Creator, Waheguru who is our father, our >mother, our kinsman, our brother. He is our protector everywhere: Tu mera >pita, tu hai mera mata, tu mera bandhap, tu mera bhrata. Tu mera rakha >sabhni Thhayin, ta bhau keha kada jio. >

>The Joyous Journey of Naam Simran: > >In this stage, remember: Your breathing may have slowed down, and as you >breath you are saying either Satnaam or Waheguru internally, with each >breath. Keep yourself RELAXED and upright. If you concentrate too hard you >will develop a headache in the early stages. You have surrendered your mind >to Waheguru Permatma to do as He pleases. ENJOY THIS STAGE IN BLISS.

Various >experiences will manifest. A sense of warmth and well-being; exhilaration, a >sense of liberation, freedom and joy. Some will experience 'going in a >spin'. You will feel as if the whole room you are sitting in has gone into a >wild spin. Hang on and enjoy the rollercoaster experience! From that point >on, with time, other various experiences will occur. Once again, if at any >point you experience anything frightening - remember that Waheguru is your >Protector, ask for His protection. (Tati vao na laagayi, Parbrahm >Sharanayi...).

There are adverse forces which will try everything negative >to stop you from Naam Simran - that is their job in the "Order of Things". >Do not allow these dark forces to stop you from your 'purpose of this human >life' which is ultimately to meet your Creator, 'Waheguru'. I sometimes find >my mind wandering off on a pilgrimage/yatra of some of our Sikh shrines in >Pakistan/India some of which I have not yet physically visited! I find this >most enjoyable and refreshing. When you feel that you have had enough, or as >stipulated by your circumstances, and you want to end your Naam Simran, you >must come out of it slowly. DO NOT END IT ABRUPTLY.

Let the joy and ecstasy >linger on for the rest of the day. Open your eyes slowly, bow your head as >you would before Sri Guru Granth Sahib and finish with 'Waheguruji Ka >Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh'. > >CAUTION: If you experience a headache initially, all that is happening is >that you are trying too hard, RELAX! Remember, Naam Simran is JOY, not a >job, and definitely not hard work. You are concentrating too hard. This is >natural. Just like learning how to ride a bicycle. Because you are tensed >and trying too hard, you keep falling off the bike but, with time, as you >relax and become flexible, you will ride the bicycle with ease. Similarly, >relax and the headache will be gone. >

>CONCLUSION: > >Each of us is a special being. We are spiritual beings on a human journey. >Our earthly father is Sri Guru Gobind Singh in whose image and example we >should live this human life. The method given above is a starting point of >'Naam Simran'. It is the start of your journey. As time goes on, through the >grace of Waheguru, you will modify the method of Naam Simran as suits you >best. MAKE THE START TODAY and enjoy the gift Naam Simran for the rest of >your life. The benefits of Naam Simran are: > >

1. You are fulfilling the true purpose of this life in human form. > >2.

It helps remove all physical ailments, sicknesses and tensions. it is >therapy, and Waheguru's our doctor. > > 3. It makes you sharper and more focused. It strengthens your mind. > > 4. In today's fast crazy world it relieves stress. > > 5.

It enhances your life generally and it is the key to our salvation. > >6. It draws 'good elements' towards you and wards off the evil. > > 7. It raises your self esteem, puts you in a state of 'Chardi Kala' which >brings you success in life. > >We, as Sikhs, do not subscribe to idol worship. Though some Naam Simran >sevaks might recommend that, in the initial stage, one can perhaps put a >picture/painting of one of our Gurus, or a candle, as a focus point. I >believe that we should not subscribe to this method.

These are not Sikh >methods. Focusing on a 'picture' of one of our Gurus or staring at a lighted >candle can become a serious limiting factor towards ultimate realization of >Waheguru. Why not start off on the right foot from the very.beginning? >Focusing on our breathing is just as easy and once we can extend the >limitations of our mind to grapple with the infinite virtues of Waheguru, >focusing is no longer a problem! Naam Simran acts as a 'protective clock' >against adverse elements, negative vibes, depression, lack of confidence, >other physical and mental ailments - a protection against evil. It nurtures >'Chardi Kala', confidence, self esteem and everything positive and good.

One >feels fully protected when one does Naam Simran regularly. Naam Simran helps >you to realize your full potential and helps you reach your aspirations in >this life. > > > > > >********************************************************************** >