Simran,
or Jap, means recitation of a formula for inner development. It is
an ancient, tried and tested method of focussing. Buddhists, Hindus
and Sikhs place great emphasis on Jap. You need to know what Jap to
do, how to do Jap and when to do Jap.
Mantra, or Mantra-Shakti, is a power which lends itself impartially
to any use. Therefore, a Mantra is not necessarily holy or a prayer.
Mantra can consist of a word, sound or syllable or combination of words,
sounds or syllables. Mantras provide protection and guidance on the
inner journey. "Man" means to think and, in Sanskrit, is
the root word for "Man", as in Humankind. Humans, as we know
have accomplished a great deal through the power of thought. Many mantras
can be used for meditation.
Simran can be done by saying “Waheguru”, “wonderful
is that which dispels darkness for light”. You need to listen
to what you are reciting and embrace it in your heart. Jap, or Simran,
can be performed when you get up in the morning as well as before you
go to sleep.
"Nam" means noun, of which there are five kinds: Proper,
Common, Collective, Materia and Abstract. Everything has a name. Every
name is an assemblage of two or more sounds, and is called "a
word." A letter, or Akshara, is an imperishable, fundamental sound.
There are four stages of speech. These are cited below in reverse
order. Utterance with the aid of the tongue and mouth is known as "Biakhari",
before which comes “Madham,” communication to the tongue.
Before that there is "Pasanti," suggestion to the brain,
which starts from "Para" and has its origin in the abstract
mind. Through the performance of Simran, your awareness goes backwards
from "Biakhari" until it arrives in "Para," or
the beyond.
Spiritual evolution or the inner journey has defined stages. The first
stage comprises performing "Jap," or meditation/ remembrance,
consciously and regularly. The "Jap" gives rise to the state
of "Ajaap-jap," or automatic remembrance. In the state of
"Ajaap-Jap," Simran can constantly be heard within. "Ajaap-jap"
gives rise to "Vairag," or dispassion, which in turn, gives
rise to "Ardas," or “Beseeching”, and finally
to "Anand," or bliss. Mere recitation of the mantra will
only form a habitual pattern. Without deep feelings meditation will
not lead us to higher goals.
Meditation will gradually lead you to tranquil inner awareness. You
have to listen to the sound of your breathing and be aware of your
breath. Your breath is already in the state of Ajaap-Jap. The breath
itself is a constant Mantra from your conception to your death.
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