The Miracle of the World

Such is the importance of Nam simran in Sikhism that Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith, proclaims, “I have no miracles except the name of God.” Nam japna or Nam simran is the repetitive remembrance of the Supreme, the Satnam, the only true word. Nam is the Ultimate reality which manifests itself in the form of Creation and Nam, like Nature, is all-pervasive.

Nam is not name, identification or combination of words to address God like Hari, Ram, Allah; it is more than that. Nam is the representation of the Almighty, manifestation of His attributes. Nam is expression for the whole nature of Akal Purakh, the timeless, infinite and all-pervasive. To be linked with the divine name is to grow in likeness to God – being merciful, compassionate and loving until it results in divine union.

Satnam is not eternal silence; it takes the form of the divine word, Vaheguru, the diving light, dispeller of darkness. In Sikh tradition, the Supreme is referred to as Vahheguru. Absorption in Nam, constant remembrance of Vaheguru, is recommended. As the believer meditates on the word, bondage to the world, fear and injustice is overcome. Nam simran has the power of freeing us from the self-centeredness that leads to endless and material, flow from concentration on guru’ in congregation or in solitude is one of along with kirat karni or honest labor and chhakna or sharing with the needy.

Nam japna can be performed at the individual level, in private meditation. It involves the practice of repeating the sacred word which helps you internalize the meaning of the word. Guru Nanak believed that by repetition of Nam one can overcome the ego. Nama marga, the path of the divine word, is the way to liberation.

Nam simran can also be performed collectively in sadhsangat, when devotees sing together hymns of praise or the shabad in the form of kiratan. Guru Nanak says satsangat is where the divine Nam is cherished. This is where virtues are learnt, where godlike qualities are cultivated. In sangat devotees seek unity with God through recitation of Bani as well as hearing His word. Nam simran is related to hearing or listening to the word as well as becoming aware of what has been heard.

Remembrance of Nam does not gind the person to any place or time. One can recite it while walking, driving or while performing household chores. It sets you free. Guru Arhan says, “Nam is mukti, liberation, jugati way to attain liberation, fulfillment, tripati as well as bhugati, enjoyment. All who follow the pathway of Nam experience vismad, the incredible awe and wonder of knowing the greatness of the Supreme Being – Vismad nad vismad ved, wondrous is the sound, wondrous the wisdom.

But mechanical repetition of Nam is not enough. One has to realize the Divine as a recite gurbani or the divine word we are in fact remembering the attributes of God and as a result the followers also try to imbibe good qualities like love for all creatures, sewa, forgiveness, universal brotherhood, fearlessness etc. Nam simran is the ultimate path of bliss, of liberation.