The document discusses the significance of 'naam' and 'naam simran' in Sikhism, emphasizing that the ultimate purpose of life is to achieve union with God through the remembrance and practice of naam. It elaborates on the various meanings and practices associated with naam, highlighting its mystical nature and the importance of engaging in spiritual practices like meditation, chanting, and company of the holy to deepen one's connection with the divine. The text stresses that life without naam is worthless, and regular, dedicated practice is essential for spiritual growth and overcoming the ego.

1. Naam SimranNaam Simran
Vichaar – May 22, 2016Vichaar – May 22, 2016
Inder Mohan SinghInder Mohan Singh

2. Naam is at the Heart of SikhiNaam is at the Heart of Sikhi
 Sikhi has been descrbed as Naam MaragSikhi has been descrbed as Naam Marag
The house of Nanak is filled with just NaamThe house of Nanak is filled with just Naam
 The purpose of life is union with God through Naam Simran.The purpose of life is union with God through Naam Simran.
This human body has been given to you.This human body has been given to you.
This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.
Nothing else is of any useNothing else is of any use
Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; focus on Naam Simran.Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; focus on Naam Simran.
 Every page of SGGS is full of references to NaamEvery page of SGGS is full of references to Naam
 Many names of God, lauding His various attributesMany names of God, lauding His various attributes
 Numerous reminders of the importance and benefits of Naam SimranNumerous reminders of the importance and benefits of Naam Simran

3. Life Without NaamLife Without Naam
 Life without Naam is worthlessLife without Naam is worthless
Those who forget the Lord might just as well die.Those who forget the Lord might just as well die.
Without the Naam, of what use are their lives? ||1||Pause||Without the Naam, of what use are their lives? ||1||Pause||
Without the Naam, I cannot live.Without the Naam, I cannot live.
By great good fortune, the Gurmukhs obtain the Naam. ||2||By great good fortune, the Gurmukhs obtain the Naam. ||2||

4. What is Naam?What is Naam?

5. What is Naam?What is Naam?
 NaamNaam
 Literal meaning – nameLiteral meaning – name
 A handle to refer to someone, a pointer to His attributesA handle to refer to someone, a pointer to His attributes
 Related wordsRelated words
 Simran – remembranceSimran – remembrance
 Jaap or jap – uttering repeatedly, chantingJaap or jap – uttering repeatedly, chanting
 Dhiaan – meditation, contemplationDhiaan – meditation, contemplation
 Shabad – Word (Hinduism – Shabd)Shabad – Word (Hinduism – Shabd)
 (Bible – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God….)(Bible – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God….)
 Mantar or Mant (Gurmantar, Mool mantar, Beej mantar)Mantar or Mant (Gurmantar, Mool mantar, Beej mantar)

6. What is Naam?What is Naam?
 Naam is a very broad and deep, mysticalNaam is a very broad and deep, mystical
conceptconcept
 Naam is used in several ways in SGGSNaam is used in several ways in SGGS
1.1. An aspect of the Divine, a mystical all pervadingAn aspect of the Divine, a mystical all pervading
Presence or vibrationPresence or vibration
2.2. The state of being in tune or "one with" Naam, theThe state of being in tune or "one with" Naam, the
experience of this state of God conciousness orexperience of this state of God conciousness or
awareness awareness
3.3. The process or techniques of achieving this state ofThe process or techniques of achieving this state of
God conciousness (Naam Simran or Naam japnaaGod conciousness (Naam Simran or Naam japnaa))

7. Naam – Essence of WaheguruNaam – Essence of Waheguru
 At the deepest level, Naam is the Essence of Waheguru,At the deepest level, Naam is the Essence of Waheguru,
an aspect of the Divinean aspect of the Divine
 A Divine presence or vibration (force, energy?) thatA Divine presence or vibration (force, energy?) that
underlies and pervades all of creationunderlies and pervades all of creation
Āpīnĥai āp sāji▫o āpīnĥai rac i▫o nā▫o.ẖĀpīnĥai āp sāji▫o āpīnĥai rac i▫o nā▫o.ẖ
He Himself created Himself; He Himself assumed His Name.He Himself created Himself; He Himself assumed His Name.
uyī ku ra sājī▫ai kar āsa di o c ā▫o.Ḏ ḏ ṯ ṇ ṯẖ ẖuyī ku ra sājī▫ai kar āsa di o c ā▫o.Ḏ ḏ ṯ ṇ ṯẖ ẖ
Secondly, He fashioned the creation; seated within the creation, He beholds it with delight.Secondly, He fashioned the creation; seated within the creation, He beholds it with delight.

8. Naam – Essence of WaheguruNaam – Essence of Waheguru
 Naam is the foundation, basis, essence ofNaam is the foundation, basis, essence of
everythingeverything
The Naam is the Support of all creatures.The Naam is the Support of all creatures.
The Naam is the Support of the earth and solar systemsThe Naam is the Support of the earth and solar systems..
 Like Waheguru, Naam is Agam, AgocharLike Waheguru, Naam is Agam, Agochar
(unfathomable, incomprehensible)(unfathomable, incomprehensible)

Says Nanak, the Naam is immaculate, inaccessible, unfathomable, in His Will it isSays Nanak, the Naam is immaculate, inaccessible, unfathomable, in His Will it is
permeating and pervading everywhere. ||4||2||permeating and pervading everywhere. ||4||2||

9. •Naam as Experience or StateNaam as Experience or State
 At individual or personal level, Naam refers to the state orAt individual or personal level, Naam refers to the state or
experience of being in tune with the Divine Presence.experience of being in tune with the Divine Presence.
 Also called Chautha pad, turya awastha, Sehaj awastha, dasamAlso called Chautha pad, turya awastha, Sehaj awastha, dasam
duarduar
 The experience is beyond human description.The experience is beyond human description.
 Goongay di mithiaee (As a mute person who cannot describe somethingGoongay di mithiaee (As a mute person who cannot describe something
delicious)delicious)
 Akath kathaa (story that cannot be told)Akath kathaa (story that cannot be told)
 Anand – Bliss, ecstasyAnand – Bliss, ecstasy
 Ras, like drinking something incredibly deliciousRas, like drinking something incredibly delicious
 Anhad shabad – celestial musicAnhad shabad – celestial music
 Niranjani jyot.Niranjani jyot.

10. Naam as Experience or StateNaam as Experience or State
 Constant spiritual high – analogy of intoxicationConstant spiritual high – analogy of intoxication
used in SGGSused in SGGS
O Baba, the mind is intoxicated with the Naam, drinking in its Nectar. It remainsO Baba, the mind is intoxicated with the Naam, drinking in its Nectar. It remains
absorbed in the Lord's Love.absorbed in the Lord's Love.
Night and day, remaining attached to the Love of the Lord, the celestial music of theNight and day, remaining attached to the Love of the Lord, the celestial music of the
Shabad resounds. ||1||Pause||Shabad resounds. ||1||Pause||
 Similar ex[periences are described by mystics of many faiths – Sufi,Similar ex[periences are described by mystics of many faiths – Sufi,
Hindu, Christian, etc.Hindu, Christian, etc.

11. A Vision of OnenessA Vision of Oneness
 Unitive experience, a sense of OnenessUnitive experience, a sense of Oneness
I see God, hear God, and speak of the One and only God.I see God, hear God, and speak of the One and only God.
The soul is the Creator of the expanse of creation. Without God, I know noThe soul is the Creator of the expanse of creation. Without God, I know no
other at all.other at all.
God is everything, God is everything. Without God, there is nothing at all.God is everything, God is everything. Without God, there is nothing at all.
As one thread holds hundreds and thousands of beads, He is woven into His creation. ||1||Pause||As one thread holds hundreds and thousands of beads, He is woven into His creation. ||1||Pause||
The waves of the water, the foam and bubbles, are not distinct from the water.The waves of the water, the foam and bubbles, are not distinct from the water.
This manifested world is the playful game of the Supreme Lord God; reflecting upon it, we find that it is not differentThis manifested world is the playful game of the Supreme Lord God; reflecting upon it, we find that it is not different
from Him. ||2||from Him. ||2||

12. What is Naam Simran ?What is Naam Simran ?
 Many opinions on what constitutes the practiceMany opinions on what constitutes the practice
of Naam Simran at the individual levelof Naam Simran at the individual level
 Naam japna - Repeating or chanting His NameNaam japna - Repeating or chanting His Name
 Guru mantar – Waheguru or Mool MantarGuru mantar – Waheguru or Mool Mantar
 Meditation, silent focused contemplationMeditation, silent focused contemplation
 Some advocate specific posture, breathing technique,Some advocate specific posture, breathing technique,
focus on certain spot, etc.focus on certain spot, etc.
 Sifat Salaah – Praise God, Contemplate HisSifat Salaah – Praise God, Contemplate His
attributes, e.g. Jaap sahibattributes, e.g. Jaap sahib
 Gurbani, paath, kirtanGurbani, paath, kirtan

13. Naam – Integrated, Holistic processNaam – Integrated, Holistic process
 Naam is an integrated, holistic practice which includes all of theNaam is an integrated, holistic practice which includes all of the
aboveabove
 Gurbani paath and Nit nem, kirtan, etc. are all forms of NaamGurbani paath and Nit nem, kirtan, etc. are all forms of Naam
Simran.Simran.
 Constantly bring oneConstantly bring one’’s mind to God, his praises.. in many different wayss mind to God, his praises.. in many different ways
 Poetry, music, etc. play important partPoetry, music, etc. play important part
 More important in earler stagesMore important in earler stages
 Dedicated Meditation and Naam japnaa become most meaningfulDedicated Meditation and Naam japnaa become most meaningful
and rewarding as one progresses.and rewarding as one progresses.
 This is what we usually refer to as Naam SimranThis is what we usually refer to as Naam Simran
 Without the continued support of Gurbani, it can become an empty ritualWithout the continued support of Gurbani, it can become an empty ritual
or exercise, and keep one away from real goalor exercise, and keep one away from real goal

14. Practice of Naam SimranPractice of Naam Simran
 Dedicated, regular meditation on His Name (e.g. Waheguru),Dedicated, regular meditation on His Name (e.g. Waheguru),
preferably first thing early in the morning (preferably first thing early in the morning (amrit vela)amrit vela)
 A proecess of getting in touch with, or tuning into the Divine NaamA proecess of getting in touch with, or tuning into the Divine Naam
within ourselveswithin ourselves
 Many opinions on the specifcs of:Many opinions on the specifcs of:
 Mantra – Waheguru, mool mantar, etc.Mantra – Waheguru, mool mantar, etc.
 PosturePosture
 Breathing, etc.Breathing, etc.
 What really matters is one’s attitude, frame of mind and dedicationWhat really matters is one’s attitude, frame of mind and dedication

15. Practice of Naam SimranPractice of Naam Simran
 Love and devotion are key componentsLove and devotion are key components
 ““Jin prem kio tin hi prabh payoJin prem kio tin hi prabh payo”” – Guru Gobind Singh– Guru Gobind Singh
 Fill your heart with love of Waheguru, and feel His love enveloping youFill your heart with love of Waheguru, and feel His love enveloping you

That Beloved True Guru is always with me; wherever I may be, He will save
me.

Friend, my Friend - standing so near to me is my Dear Friend

16. Practice of Naam SimranPractice of Naam Simran
 Bliss and Joy are essential part of experienceingBliss and Joy are essential part of experienceing
the Divine Presencethe Divine Presence
Your home is filled with bliss, which resonates and resoundsYour home is filled with bliss, which resonates and resounds
throughout Your homethroughout Your home..
I am in ecstasy, O my mother, for I have found my True Guru.I am in ecstasy, O my mother, for I have found my True Guru.

17. Practice of Naam Simran
 Self surrender –Self surrender – HaumaiHaumai is biggest obstacleis biggest obstacle
Ego is opposed to the Name of the Lord; the two do not dwell in the same placeEgo is opposed to the Name of the Lord; the two do not dwell in the same place
 HHowever, Naam Simran itself is the best way to overcomeowever, Naam Simran itself is the best way to overcome haumaihaumai. So it is an. So it is an
iterative process.iterative process.
 Stilling of mind – overcoming mentalStilling of mind – overcoming mental ““chatterchatter”” – biggest challenge!– biggest challenge!
 Be aware of when the mind wanders, and gently bring it backBe aware of when the mind wanders, and gently bring it back
 Words from Gurbani can be used to bring the mind back to Simran.Words from Gurbani can be used to bring the mind back to Simran.
 Stilling the mind is not emptying it, it is focussnig it on the Divine andStilling the mind is not emptying it, it is focussnig it on the Divine and
filling it with love and bliss.filling it with love and bliss.

18. When to do Naam Simran?When to do Naam Simran?
 Any time is good for Naam SimranAny time is good for Naam Simran
Har simran kī saglī belā.Har simran kī saglī belā.
Any time is a good time to meditate in remembrance on the Lord.Any time is a good time to meditate in remembrance on the Lord.
 However,However, Amrit VelaAmrit Vela (Early morning, before dawn) is the best(Early morning, before dawn) is the best
time.time.
Gur sa gur kā jo sik ak ā▫e so b alke u har nām i▫āvai.ṯ ẖ ẖ ẖ ṯẖ ḏẖGur sa gur kā jo sik ak ā▫e so b alke u har nām i▫āvai.ṯ ẖ ẖ ẖ ṯẖ ḏẖ
One who calls himself a Sikh of True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours andOne who calls himself a Sikh of True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and
meditate on the Lord's Name.meditate on the Lord's Name.
 The importance ofThe importance of Amrit VelaAmrit Vela is stressed repeatedly in theis stressed repeatedly in the banibani of all the Gurus andof all the Gurus and
Bhagats in SGGSBhagats in SGGS

19. Grace or GurprasadGrace or Gurprasad
 We have to strive, but Naam is only obtainedWe have to strive, but Naam is only obtained
through His Grace (Gurparsaad)through His Grace (Gurparsaad)
By Your Grace, we chant Your Name.By Your Grace, we chant Your Name. M.1 p. 662M.1 p. 662
He Himself preserves His servants; He causes them toHe Himself preserves His servants; He causes them to
chant His Name. M. 5 p.403chant His Name. M. 5 p.403

20. Grace or GurprasaadGrace or Gurprasaad
Naam is like a door - we go through it to meet God,
and also He comes to meet us through this door of
Naam
Charan saran Gur ek painda jai chalCharan saran Gur ek painda jai chal
Satgur kot painda aagai hoe let hai (Bhai Gurdas)Satgur kot painda aagai hoe let hai (Bhai Gurdas)
We hold the bowl of our effort and our prayers up toWe hold the bowl of our effort and our prayers up to
Him , and He pours the amrit of Naam in His GraceHim , and He pours the amrit of Naam in His Grace

21. Saas Giraas SimranSaas Giraas Simran
 How can we do Naam Simran constantly, with eachHow can we do Naam Simran constantly, with each
breath and each morsel while going about our dailybreath and each morsel while going about our daily
tasks ?tasks ?
The boy takes paper, cuts it and makes a kite, and flies it in the sky.The boy takes paper, cuts it and makes a kite, and flies it in the sky.
Talking with his friends, he still keeps his attention on the kite string. ||1||Talking with his friends, he still keeps his attention on the kite string. ||1||
My mind has been pierced by the Name of the Lord,My mind has been pierced by the Name of the Lord,
like the goldsmith, whose attention is held by his work. ||1||Pause||like the goldsmith, whose attention is held by his work. ||1||Pause||
The young girl in the city takes a pitcher, and fills it with water.The young girl in the city takes a pitcher, and fills it with water.
She laughs, and plays, and talks with her friends, but she keeps her attention focused on the pitcher of water. ||2||She laughs, and plays, and talks with her friends, but she keeps her attention focused on the pitcher of water. ||2||

22. Rewards of Naam SimranRewards of Naam Simran
 Main goal is Union of Soul with God, the Universal Soul, andMain goal is Union of Soul with God, the Universal Soul, and
freedom from the cycle of karma.freedom from the cycle of karma.
 But you donBut you don’’t have to wait for the afterlife to enjoy benefits.t have to wait for the afterlife to enjoy benefits.
 The benefits start flowing right away and right here in our lifeThe benefits start flowing right away and right here in our life
..
Ih lok suk ī▫e parlok suhele.ẖ
He is at peace in this world, and happy in the next.
Nānak har parab āpėh mele. ||4||ẖ
O Nanak, the Lord God unites him with Himself. ||4||

23. Rewards of Naam SimranRewards of Naam Simran
 Peace, stability, strength of characterPeace, stability, strength of character
 Maintain even keel through lifeMaintain even keel through life’’s ups & downss ups & downs
 Chardi Kalaa – optimistic upbeat attitude. Faith andChardi Kalaa – optimistic upbeat attitude. Faith and
confidence that God will take care of all ones needsconfidence that God will take care of all ones needs:
When You are on my side, Lord, what do I need to worry about?When You are on my side, Lord, what do I need to worry about?
You entrusted everything to me, when I became Your slave.You entrusted everything to me, when I became Your slave.
My wealth is inexhaustible, no matter how much I spend and consume.My wealth is inexhaustible, no matter how much I spend and consume.
The 8.4 million species of beings all work to serve me.The 8.4 million species of beings all work to serve me.
All these enemies have become my friends, and no one wishes me ill.All these enemies have become my friends, and no one wishes me ill.
No one calls me to account, since God is my forgiver.No one calls me to account, since God is my forgiver.
I have become blissful, and I have found peace, meeting with the Guru, the Lord of the Universe.I have become blissful, and I have found peace, meeting with the Guru, the Lord of the Universe.
All my affairs have been resolved, since You are pleased with me. ||7||All my affairs have been resolved, since You are pleased with me. ||7||

24. Rewards of Naam SimranRewards of Naam Simran
 Healing power of Naam – Divine medicine helpsHealing power of Naam – Divine medicine helps
cure all physial, mental and spiritual illscure all physial, mental and spiritual ills
Sarab rog kā a▫uk a nām.ẖ ḏSarab rog kā a▫uk a nām.ẖ ḏ
The Naam is the panacea, the remedy to cure all ills.The Naam is the panacea, the remedy to cure all ills.
After taking your cleansing bath, remember your God in meditation, and yourAfter taking your cleansing bath, remember your God in meditation, and your
mind and body shall be free of disease.mind and body shall be free of disease.

25. Rewards of Naam SimranRewards of Naam Simran
 Naam is the soap that serves to cleanse us of the impurities of
this and many previous lives.
When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty,When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty,
water can wash away the dirt.water can wash away the dirt.
When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine,When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine,
soap can wash them clean.soap can wash them clean.
But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin,But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin,
it can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name.it can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name.

26. Rewards of Naam SimranRewards of Naam Simran
 There are innumerable other references to theThere are innumerable other references to the
rewards of Naam Simran in SGGSrewards of Naam Simran in SGGS
 See Sukhmani Sahib, first ashtapadi –See Sukhmani Sahib, first ashtapadi – ““Prabh kePrabh ke
simran ….)simran ….)