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{{Sikh practices}} | {{Sikh practices}} | ||
In [[Sikhism]], '''Simran''' ( ਸਿਮਰਨ ) refers to the remembrance of God by repetition or recital of His Name or [[Nĝm]]. The one God is known by many names which are mentioned in the [[Holy Text]] in the two Granths (Books) of the [[Sikh]]s: the | In [[Sikhism]], '''Simran''' ( ਸਿਮਰਨ ) refers to the remembrance of God by repetition or recital of His Name or [[Nĝm]]. The one God is known by many names which are mentioned in the [[Holy Text]] in the two Granths (Books) of the [[Sikh]]s: the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] and the [[Dasam Granth]]. The word ''"simran"'' is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Smaran'' meaning Remembrance. Also translates to ‘Meditation’ – The verb ''Simar'', which is derived from ''Simran'' means ''meditating''. | ||
It says in the [[SGGS]] that by carrying out ''Simran'' the person is purified and attains [[Salvation]] or [[Mukti]]. | It says in the [[SGGS]] that by carrying out ''Simran'' the person is purified and attains [[Salvation]] or [[Mukti]]. | ||
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Si - mar can also mean "to die over" such that you kill your ''ego'' in order to have union with the infinite reality. | 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 | A teaching that repeating Gods name will gain a person the humility to accept God's Will (or [[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 [[Sikh Gurus]] undergo the discipline of [[Naam]] [[Simran]], remembrance, i.e. '''constant awareness of the Name'''. | ||
The act of [[Simran]] (smarana) is on the one hand related to the act of "surati" (sruti) (concentration, focus) ie: '''listening to the teachings of [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]]''' and on the other to the function of "smriti", i.e. '''consciousness''' which means '''comprehension and retention of the teachings in one’s consciousness. | |||
The | The notion of [[naam]] Simran is thus similar to that of "surati-sabda". At one level this involves the practice of [[naam]] japana or '''repeating the Name''', a long established convention whereby merit is acquired by devoutly repeating the sacred word. This helps the devotee to internalize the meaning of the word he may be uttering and in this sense the practice is explicitly enjoined in the [[Sikh]] faith Further, the discipline must be practised in a corporate sense with devotees gathering as a fellowship ([[satsang]]) to sing hymns of praise ([[kirtan]]). | ||
A third level which is also required of the loyal disciple is meditation. [[Akal]]-[[Purakh]], as expressed in the Name, is to be remembered not merely in the mechanical repeating of auspicious words or the singing of inspired hymns but also in deep contemplation of the divine mystery of the Name; the nature of the Lord; the virtues that need to adopted by the disciple All three practices constitute legitimate and necessary forms of ''naam simran''; and all serve progressively to reveal the divine Name to the person who earnestly seeks it. | |||
{{SikhBeliefs}} | {{SikhBeliefs}} |
Revision as of 11:35, 24 August 2008
Part of a series on Sikh Practices |
Sikhism |
Sanskar |
Sikh rites |
Personal 5 Banis . Five ks |
In Sikhism, Simran ( ਸਿਮਰਨ ) refers to the remembrance of God by repetition or recital of His Name or Nĝm. The one God is known by many names which are mentioned in the Holy Text in the two Granths (Books) of the Sikhs: the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Dasam Granth. The word "simran" is derived from the Sanskrit word Smaran meaning Remembrance. Also translates to ‘Meditation’ – The verb Simar, which is derived from Simran means meditating.
It says in the SGGS that by carrying out Simran the person is purified and attains Salvation or Mukti.
On page 202 of SGGS Guruji says: |
Meditating, meditating, meditating in remembrance, I have found peace. (simar simar simar sukh paa-i-aa.) |
"To do Simran" is the physical act of sitting in a cross-legged position and meditating, uttering or chanting "Naam" - the name of God. The process brings calmness to the mind and allows one to concentrate on the "image" or "qualities" of God. The process is to allow one to "connect" to the Creator and "realise" His qualities. Sikhs prefer the name "Waheguru" to other names of God. Sometimes, the person doing simran will do this as part of a group or individually. Early morning is normally the preferred time although no one time period is considered more sacred than another.
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 repeating Gods name will gain a person the humility to accept God's Will (or 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 Sikh Gurus undergo the discipline of Naam Simran, remembrance, i.e. constant awareness of the Name.
The act of Simran (smarana) is on the one hand related to the act of "surati" (sruti) (concentration, focus) ie: listening to the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and on the other to the function of "smriti", i.e. consciousness which means comprehension and retention of the teachings in one’s consciousness.
The notion of naam Simran is thus similar to that of "surati-sabda". At one level this involves the practice of naam japana or repeating the Name, a long established convention whereby merit is acquired by devoutly repeating the sacred word. This helps the devotee to internalize the meaning of the word he may be uttering and in this sense the practice is explicitly enjoined in the Sikh faith Further, the discipline must be practised in a corporate sense with devotees gathering as a fellowship (satsang) to sing hymns of praise (kirtan).
A third level which is also required of the loyal disciple is meditation. Akal-Purakh, as expressed in the Name, is to be remembered not merely in the mechanical repeating of auspicious words or the singing of inspired hymns but also in deep contemplation of the divine mystery of the Name; the nature of the Lord; the virtues that need to adopted by the disciple All three practices constitute legitimate and necessary forms of naam simran; and all serve progressively to reveal the divine Name to the person who earnestly seeks it.
Part of a series on Sikh Beliefs |
Sikhism |
2. Three Pillars |
3. Five Evils |
4. Five Virtues |
Guru Ram Das says in Sarang ki Var (SGGS, 1242) |
Naam incorruptible is beyond our comprehending. At the same time, it is our constant companion and pervades all creation. The true Guru discloses it unto us and lets us perceive it in our hearts. It is through God’s grace that we meet with such a Guru |
Guru Arjan on SGGS page 264-5 |
God’s Name is the key to emancipation (mukti) and the means of attaining it (jugati); God’s Name is the fulfilment (tripati) and enjoyment (bhugati). He who repeats God’s Name suffers no setback. God’s Name is the devotee’s distinction. Repeating God’s Name the devotee wins honour |
Quotes
"Simran to me means remembrance. I know I can recall to memory only those entities whom I know well viz. individuals, events, things, places etc. When I do not know about 'The Sat' (my way of referring to 'The Ultimate') how can I recall "The Sat' in my mind. The stage of evolution I am, contemplating on 'The Sat' is Simran for me. I exercise my mind to coneptualise the 'Nirakaar' i.e. 'The Sat; I think how can I merge with 'The Sat' etc, etc. this is Simran for me.
Repetition of the word by which one refers to 'The Sat' is 'Jaap' for me. If 'Jaap' and 'Simran' were to mean the same, then there was no need for two separate words. These two words exist because they convey different ways of application of 'mind'.
'Simran' and 'Jaap' are two separate practices for mind."
- by Amarpal Singh
External links
Audio
- Harjinder Singh (Sri Nagar Wale) - Naam Simran
- Harbans Singh (Jagadhari Wale) - Naam Simran
- Sadhu Singh (Dehradun Wale) - Prabh Ka Simran Sabh Teh Ucha
- Satvinder Singh & Harvinder Singh - Aapne Sevak Ki Aape Raakhai
- Baljit Kaur Khalsa - Kar Kirpa Kirpal - Simran
- Ravinder Singh (Hazoori Ragi Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar) - Gur Purai Meri Raakh Layi - Simran
- Anoop Singh (Una Sahib Wale) & Anuradha Paudwal - Jo Kichh Hai So Tera - Simran
- Jasbir Singh (Khanne Wale) - Live Nam Simran At Dixie Road 2006 (Canada)
- See Wikipedia article on Simran for more information
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