Sikhism, a spiritual path founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century, offers profound insights and practical techniques for transcending the mind and connecting with one’s true self.
Sikh meditation practices, rooted in the wisdom of Gurbani Shabads, provide a transformative journey beyond the limitations of the mind.
Simran, or remembering Vaheguru, taps into our ability to feel and experience things. Our consciousness, often called the mind, helps us sense things like cold, heat, hunger, or pain. During Simran, we use this conscious power, which tends to wander into different thoughts. It’s important to keep it focused. When we recite Bani (Guru’s Words) or practice Simran, we use our voice. This helps redirect the energy usually used for other body functions. In simple terms, Simran is like training our wandering mind to stay in one place, creating a stronger connection with the divine.
The term “Vaheguru” is composed of four parts, and when we say it, each part should be emphasized equally, contributing 25% each. Uttering “va” involves the throat, “he” resonates below the throat in the heart, “gu” is pronounced from the palate, and “ru” from the forehead. This alignment corresponds scientifically with our body. When recited with love, it concentrates the body’s scattered energy. As the power of consciousness settles, the experience of Anand (sweetness/bliss) unfolds. Starting with a minimum of fifteen minutes of Simran, gradually reduce the volume, delving deeper. This process leads us to our internal self, connecting with the source of the Shabad (Word/Gurbani) within. The focus shifts towards that inner source, enriching our spiritual journey.
Repeating the Name of God in meditation is a powerful practice that facilitates the realization of the Almighty, the Truth, and the Reality. This repetitive chanting serves as a path to attain freedom from the perpetual cycle of life and death. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in bringing peace into the lives of those who engage in this meditative practice. The resonance of the divine Name becomes a guiding force, leading individuals towards spiritual liberation and tranquility. This sacred repetition serves as a transformative tool, aligning the practitioner with higher truths and providing a means to transcend the worldly complexities, ultimately leading to a profound sense of inner peace.
As per Gurbani, a Sikh is advised to engage in reading and singing the praises of the parmatma exclusively through Gurbani. The stress is on contemplating these divine teachings, putting them into practice, and ultimately embodying the truth. Guru Nanak’s concept of Naam Simran, or meditation, is not merely a mechanical repetition but rather truthful living rooted in positive and pious thoughts.
Unlike yogic practices aimed at achieving thoughtlessness, Gurmat encourages a meditative state achieved through genuine and conscious living. Gurmat meditation, centered around the phrase ‘Sach Naau Vadiaaee Vichaar’ (contemplate the True Name and its greatness), involves collectively beginning the journey of merging with the divine.
The desire to unite with the Supreme Being is the essence of Bhav Prabh Milnai Ka Chao, creating a longing to connect with the timeless divine. This process initiates the quest for merging with the eternal essence, Akal Purakh, through meditation practices that cultivate inner awakening and focused attention.
Gurbani guides Sikhs to lead a life characterized by divine principles. For a Sikh, meditation is not confined to a set of rituals but extends to the entirety of their practical life. Living in accordance with the divine wisdom of Gurbani becomes a form of continuous meditation, where every action is an expression of truth and righteousness. In essence, Gurbani advocates a meditative lifestyle that transcends mere verbal repetition and delves into the profound realm of truthful existence.
In this guide, we’ll explore key points on how Sikhi encourages going beyond the mind through meditation.
- Understanding the Turbulent Mind: Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), describe the mind as turbulent, constantly agitated by desires, fears, and attachments. Gurbani emphasizes the need to face and deal decisively with the mind’s disturbances to attain peace and balance.
ਮਾਇਆ ਸਰੁ ਸਬਲੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਜੀਉ ਕਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਦੁਤਰੁ ਤਰਿਆ ਜਾਇ ॥ (SGGS 245)
Sikh wisdom offers profound insights into comprehending the nature of this turbulence and provides guidance on how to navigate through its challenges.- Acknowledging the Nature of the Mind: Sikh teachings begin by acknowledging the inherent nature of the mind as restless and constantly in motion. The mind is described as being influenced by desires, fears, attachments, and the continuous stream of thoughts.
ਮਨਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਤ੍ਰਿਗੁਣ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਾਇਆ ਬਹੁਤੇ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ (SGGS 109) - Challenges Posed by the Restless Mind:The turbulence of the mind brings forth various challenges, including the struggle with desires, ego, and the constant pull towards worldly distractions. Sikh scriptures identify these challenges as hurdles on the path to spiritual realization.
ਮਨਿ ਚੰਚਲੁ ਚਪਲੁ ਅਤਿ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਜਾ ਤੇ ਭਇਆ ਭਗਤਿ ਮਾਰਗਿ ॥ (SGGS 868) - Importance of Confronting the Mind’s Disturbances: Sikhi emphasizes the importance of confronting and understanding the disturbances of the mind. Rather than avoiding or suppressing these disturbances, the path of Gurmat encourages individuals to face them with courage and wisdom.
ਮਨਿ ਭਇਆ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਸਿਖ ਕਉ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ ਨਿਰਾਰੀ ॥ (SGGS 1088) - Inner Strife and Yogic Postures: Sikh teachings caution against the mere outward display of yogic postures without addressing the inner turmoil of the mind. True spirituality is not found in external rituals but in conquering the inner strife through connection with the divine.
ਚਲ ਚਿਤ ਜੋਗੀ ਆਸਣੁ ਤੇਰਾ ॥ ਸਿੰਙੀ ਵਾਜੈ ਨਿਤ ਉਦਾਸੇਰਾ ॥ (SGGS 886) - Overcoming the Restless Mind through Shabad: Gurbani presents the Guru’s Shabad as a powerful tool to overcome the restlessness of the mind. The divine Word serves as medicine that heals the mind, keeping it steady and untouched by the transient influences of Maya.
ਮਨੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਬੂਝੈ ਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥ (SGGS 665) - The Need for a Shift in Perspective: Sikh wisdom encourages a shift in perspective – viewing the world through the lens of Gurbani. By understanding the transient nature of the material world, one can attain a sense of calm and detachment, leading to a serene mind.
ਮਨੁ ਬੂਝਾ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਉਰਾ ॥ (SGGS 515)
- Acknowledging the Nature of the Mind: Sikh teachings begin by acknowledging the inherent nature of the mind as restless and constantly in motion. The mind is described as being influenced by desires, fears, attachments, and the continuous stream of thoughts.
- Restless Mind in Yogic Practices:Gurbani critiques the outward display of yogic postures without true inner focus. The emphasis is on calming the mind rather than performing external rituals.ਚਲ ਚਿਤ ਜੋਗੀ ਆਸਣੁ ਤੇਰਾ ॥ ਸਿੰਙੀ ਵਾਜੈ ਨਿਤ ਉਦਾਸੇਰਾ ॥ (SGGS 886)
- The Influence of Five Thieves:Gurbani identifies the five thieves – lust, anger, greed, attachment, and pride – as captivators of the mind, making it restless. Overcoming these negative traits is crucial in achieving mental stability.ਪੰਚ ਚੋਰ ਚੰਚਲ ਚਿਤੁ ਚਾਲਹਿ ॥ (SGGS 1021)
- Annihilation of the Mind Through Shabad:The Guru’s Shabad is presented as the medicine that annihilates the negative impact of ego and vices on the mind. It is through the Guru’s Wisdom that the mind remains untouched by the influences of Maya.ਮਨੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਬੂਝੈ ਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥ (SGGS 665)
- Seeing the World Through Gurbani:The Gurbani encourages viewing the world through the lens of its teachings, leading to a deep calm and serenity. This shift in perspective becomes the gateway to abiding in one’s Original Nature.
- Gurmat’s Call to Avoid Blindly Following the Crowd:Gurmat wisdom urges individuals not to follow the crowd blindly. The Sikh way encourages rational thinking and discernment rather than conforming to societal norms without question.
- Reinterpreting Meditation in Gurmat:Gurmat rejects traditional interpretations of meditation as mere chanting or repetition of mantras. True meditation, according to Gurbani, involves a profound shift in thinking, living by the Guru’s wisdom, and attuning the mind to the Shabad.ਅਖੀ ਤ ਮੀਟਹਿ ਨਾਕ ਪਕੜਹਿ ਠਗਣ ਕਉ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ (SGGS 662)
- Gurmat’s Definition of Dhiaan, Simran, and Jap:Gurmat provides a clear distinction of terms like Dhiaan, Simran, and Jap, emphasizing their true meanings. Dhiaan is the contemplation of the Guru’s Shabad, Simran is the constant remembrance of virtues, and Jap is the realization and application of spiritual wisdom in daily life.ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥ (SGGS 1154)
- Humility as the Essence of Virtues:Gurbani teaches that humility is the essence of all virtues, emphasizing that meditation should lead to self-awareness and humility rather than self-aggrandizement.ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥ (SGGS 141)
- Sikh Meditation as a Dissection of the Self:Sikh meditation is described as a process of self-dissection. It involves using one’s mind to delve deep within its layers and dimensions, leading to a profound understanding of the self.
Sikh meditation practices, guided by Gurbani Shabads, offer a unique and transformative approach to transcending the mind. The emphasis is not on outward rituals but on inner contemplation, realization, and living by the Guru’s wisdom. Sikhi encourages individuals to go beyond the limitations of the mind and connect with their true, eternal nature. In the next segment, we can explore specific Sikh meditation techniques and delve deeper into their practical applications.
