Simran

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Sikh Practices

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Sikhism

History of Sikhism
Sikh Beliefs
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Amrit Sanskar
Anand Karaj
Antam Sanskar
Naam Karan

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Ardas . Dasvandh
Langar . Paath
Kirtan . Kara Parshad

Personal

5 Banis . Five ks
Five Evils
Five Virtues
Simran . Seva
Three Pillars


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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 staying focused on TRUTH (Thy TRUE Name or SAT) gains a person the humility 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 Sikh Gurus, undergo the discipline of Naam Simran, remembrance, i.e. constant awareness of Thy TRUE Name (Satnam).

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 Shri Guru Granth Sahib ,..

.. and on the other to the function of "smriti", i.e. consciousness which means comprehension & 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 focusing/concentrating on the TRUTH, a long established convention whereby merit is acquired by devoutly repeating, understanding, comprehending & living by the sacred word ('TRUTH') in real life. The practice is explicitly enjoined in the Sikh faith.

Further, the discipline must be practised in a larger context…

…with devotees gathering as a fellowship (satsang) to sing hymns of praise (kirtan) of no individual gone by /living wordly person, but of Lord TRUTH.


The final level is meditation. Akal-Purakh meditation is not merely mechanical repeatition of words or singing of hymns but also being in deep contemplation of the divine mystery of Lord TRUTH. Such repeated contemplation cleans the mind where in True Ideas by the grace of Lord TRUTH fill one's heart and soul. All these 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

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Sikhism

History of Sikhism
Sikh practices
Sikh

1a. Simran
1b. Seva

2. Three Pillars
2a. Naam Japo
2b. Kirat Karni
2c. Wand kay Shako

3. Five Evils
3a. Kam
3b. Krodh
3c. Lobh
3d. Moh
3e. Ahankar

4. Five Virtues
4a. Sat
4b. Santokh
4c. Daya
4d. Nimrata
4e. Pyare


Articles on Sikhism


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

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