Simran

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For the Indian actress, see Simran Bagga.

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Sikh rites Ardas . Dasvand Langar . Paath Kirtan . Kara Parshad
Personal 5 Banis . Five Ks Five Evils Five Virtues Simran . Sewa Three pillars
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In Sikhism, Simran (Punjabi: ਸਿਮਰਨ) refers to the repetition or recital of the God Names: Nām or of the Holy Text from the Two Granths of the Sikhs: the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Dasam Granth. The word is derived from 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.)

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 & livig 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 corporate sense...

...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.

Sikh Beliefs

1a. Simran 1b. Sewa 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

Sikhism

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 descend down. 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.

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

[edit] 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 wards exist because they convey different way of application of mind.

'Simran' and 'Jaap' are two separate practices for mind." by Amarpal Singh

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In Surat Shabd Yoga, the spiritual exercises (sadhanas) include simran (repetition, particularly silent repetition of a mantra given at initiation), dhyan (concentration, viewing, or contemplation, particularly on the Inner Master), and bhajan (listening to the inner sounds of the Shabd or the Shabd Master).

[edit] External links

• Simran.info