Simran
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Simran (Punjabi: ਸਿਮਰਨ, Hindi: सिमरण, सिमरन ) is a Punjabi word derived from the Sanskrit word स्मरण (smaraṇa, "the act of remembrance , remembrance, reminiscence, recollection") which leads to the realization of that which is of the highest aspect and purpose in one's life. It is the continuous remembrance of the finest aspect of the self, or the continuous remembrance (or feeling) of God, thus used for introducing spirituality. This state is maintained continuously while carrying out the worldly works outside.[1]
Gurmukhi
Simran is a commonly used term as a verb in Gurmukhi, which refers to 'meditating' of the Nām, the ultimate feeling of Ultimate. Sikhism is a distinct contemporary faith, whereby the Realization of God can be realized purely through individual devotion, without subjection to rites and rituals that have recently become the business of avaricious priests and that would impede the pure search for truth in Sikhism.
It says in the Guru Granth Sahib that through Simran one is purified and attains salvation or 'mukti'. This is because 'si-mar' means 'to die over', thus indicating to death of ego, allowing truth ultimate truth or sat to appear.
On page 202 of the Guru Granth Sahib, Guruji writes:
Meditating, meditating in remembrance, I have found peace.
(simar simar sukh paa-i-aa.)
This japna teaches a person who wishes to gain from this human life, one must attain a higher spiritual state by become free of attachment by realizing that all that is, is empty as outlined in the Heart Sutra. Thereby, merit is acquired by devoutly repeating, comprehending and living by the sacred word every day so as to progressively reveal the divine and ultimate truth to the person who earnestly seeks it:
Guru Ram Das says in Sarang ki var (Guru Granth Sahib, 1242):
Nām, the incorruptible is beyond our comprehending.At the same time, it is our constant companion and preserves all creation. Therefore, truth will disclose itself unto us and lets us perceive it in our hearts. It is through earnestness that we can meet with such a truth.
Sant Mat
In Sant Mat the word Simran is used for the spiritual practice of repeating the mantra given by the Satguru during initiation. The mantra itself is also called Simran. Simran repetition is done during meditation and also outside it.,[2] however this mantra is later dropped in favor of real feeling of self or the God, which happens due to breaking out of monotony through Jap. Thus mantra is used only till the point, monotony and previously formed patterns are broken. After it pure Simran is carried by the sadhak.
See also
- Vipassanā
- Dhyana
- Dhyana in Hinduism
- Self Remembering