Simran Meditation is a Sikh technique that requires the meditators to focus on the Divine Name to attain stillness of thought, awakened consciousness, and relevance in actions(1).
Owing to ignorance of the rope, the rope appears to be a snake; owing to ignorance of the Self the transient state arises of the individualized, limited, phenomenal aspect of the Self.
-Guru Nanak
Simran Meditation involves the repetition of the Name of God, which helps the practitioners to realize the Almighty, the Truth, and the Reality(2). Through this practice, one can achieve freedom from the cycle of life and death. It also assists the meditators to find peace in their life(2).
As per Sikhism, Simran Meditation is essential to spiritual goals(3). During the practice, the meditators aim to feel God’s presence along with immersing themselves in the Almighty’s Divine Light(3). Simran Meditation is a transformative method that holds the power to diminish your ego(1). The method helps the meditators to rise above dualities, allowing them to subside their fears and hurdles(1).
It is an emotional and spiritual experience to practice Simran Meditation, which illuminates and energizes your life(1). By practicing this technique, the meditators can hope to live a life of fulfilment and attain enlightenment(1). However, it can take anywhere from days, to an entire lifetime, or beyond to achieve the result. It depends on the spiritual evolution of the practitioner’s soul.
History/Origins
It is believed in the Sikh tradition that the practice of Simran Meditation and good deeds are necessary for a devotee to achieve their spiritual goals(3). In the Japji Sahib daily Sikh scripture, Guru Nanak, a religious teacher, a social reformer, a poet, and the founder of Sikhism, explains, “Visits to temples, penance, compassion and charity gain you but a sesame seed of credit. It is hearing His Name, accepting and adoring Him that obtains emancipation by bathing in the shrine of soul. All virtues are Yours, O Lord! I have none; without good deeds one can’t even meditate(3).”
Speak only that which will bring you honor.
-Guru Nanek
Benefits of Simran Meditation
A scientific research article by Jai Paul Dudeja(5) suggests that techniques such as Simran Meditation can oxygenate the brain while reducing heart rate, and blood pressure. It can also help the practitioners protect themselves against ailments and build immunity against outside mental disturbances. Another research paper published in the Evidence-Based Journal of Religion and Health(6) informs that contemplation-based meditation is capable of assisting the treatment of psychological disorders.
References
- Xlibris US | Spiritual Living: Eastern Wisdom for Today by Mohan K. Sood | Section 8
- Virsa Publications | Sikh Culture and Social Values by Dr Puspinder Singh
- Becomeshakespeare.com | Experiments with Meditation: An Integrated Western and Eastern Approach by Dr. Jagtar Singh Grewal and Jagtar Singh Grewal Brig | Sikhism
- allaboutsikhs.com | Naam Simran Made Easy by Dya Singh
- International Journal of Advanced Scientific Technologies in Engineering and Management Sciences | Volume 3, Issue 6 | 2017 | Scientific Analysis of Mantra-Based Meditation and Its Beneficial Effects: An Overview by Jai Paul Dudeja
- Journal of Religion and Health | Volume 57 | 2018 | Contemplative Meditation and Neuroscience: Prospects for Mental Health by Denis Larrivee and Luis Echarte
