Simran
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| Part of a series on Sikh practices and discipline |
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| Five Banis · Five Ks · Five Evils · Five Virtues · Simran · Sewa · Three pillars | |
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Simran is a Sanskrit word meaning 'remembrance.' Through the years, it has been adapted into many languages.
[edit] Gurmukhi
A commonly used term in Gurmukhi (Punjabi: ਸਿਮਰਨ), older version of current day Punjabi, in which it refers to the recital of Nām. The word generally translates to ‘meditation.’ The verb Simar, which is derived from Simran means meditating.
It says in the Guru Granth Sahib that by carrying out Simran one is purified and attains salvation or 'Mukti'.
| On page 202 of Guru Granth Sahib Guruji says: |
| Meditating, meditating, meditating in remembrance, I have found peace. (simar simar simar sukh paa-i-aa.) |
Si - mar can also mean "to die over" such that you kill your ego in order to have union with the infinite reality.
A teaching that staying focused on the ultimate truth or Sat gains a person the ability to accept God's Will (Hukam) and become free of attachment. The person who wishes to gain and benefit from this human life and attain a higher spiritual state must, according to the Guru Granth Sahib, undergo the discipline of Nām Simran, remembrance, i.e. constant awareness of thy true name (Satnam).
The five names of God in Simran are: Yoniranjan, Onkar, Rarankar, Sohang, Satnam.
The act of Simran is related to:
1. The act of Surati: Concentration of value on that which is of utmost importance for a journey towards a fruitful life to become the self-existent.
and,
2. The function of Smriti: Comprehension & retention of the teachings in one’s consciousness.
The notion of Nām Simran is thus similar to that of Surati sabda. At one level this involves the practice of Nām Japana or concentrating on the truth, a long established convention whereby merit is acquired by devoutly repeating, understanding, comprehending and living by the sacred word everyday. This practice is explicitly enjoined in the Sikh faith.
Further, the discipline must be practiced in a corporate sense, with devotees gathering as a fellowship (satsang), to sing hymns of praise (kirtan) of no individual gone by or living but that of the dutiful truth.
| Sikh beliefs |
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| Sikhism |
The final level is meditation. Akal Purakh meditation is not merely mechanical repetition of words or singing of hymns but also being in deep contemplation of the divine mystery of truth. Such repeated contemplation cleanses the mind where pure thoughts descend. All these practices constitute legitimate and necessary forms of Nām Simran and all serve progressively to reveal the divine and ultimate truth to the person who earnestly seeks it.
| Guru Ram Das says in Sarang ki var (Guru Granth Sahib, 1242): Nām incorruptible is beyond our comprehending. At the same time, it is our constant companion and preserves all creation. The truth discloses itself unto us and lets us perceive it in our hearts. It is through earnestness that we meet with such a truth |
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| Guru Arjan on Guru Granth Sahib page 264-5: Nām is the key to emancipation (mukti) and the means of attaining it (jugati); Nām is the fulfillment (tripati) and enjoyment (bhugati). He who practices Nām suffers no setback. |
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In Surat Shabd Yoga, the spiritual exercises (sadhanas) include Simran (silent repetition particularly of a mantra given at initiation), dhyan (concentration, on the inner self), and bhajan (listening to the inner sounds of the Shabd).
