Naam the Name of God

The Word used as incantation for becoming one with God is the Name of God itself. Naam is the Name of God. There is no need to move around in vain in search of this Word. Nothing else is greater than His Name. It is impossible to explain what Naam is without

actually practicing it. As we repeat God's Name, the picture grows clearer. God's attributes are visualized and by constant practice, His attributes are slowly assimilated by us. "Jaisaa sevai taisaa hoe" we become like the one we serve. Naam is a sort of ladder that we climb to reach toward God. It is the key that unlocks the gate of heaven. Adoration begins with Naam and leads to perfection.

In the Holy Granth Ji, Naam has been used in more than one sense. It is used as Naam simran which is continuous mindful repetition and also for the spiritual stages that result from it. Naam can be practiced at any time and any place. In the beginning it is helpful to set a quiet time and place for this practice. In the ambrosial period of early morning when there are no outer noises and activities it is easier for the mind to attune to Naam simran. It

is important to sit up straight and remain as alert as possible.

According to Bhai Ragbir Singh Ji the three stages of Naam simran can be described as:

In the first stage we should practice simran by uttering the Divine Name aloud. If this does not result in mental concentration, we should use the rosary or mala. Subdued 'Utterance of the Divine Name and listening to its sound help us connect. Many thoughts will disturb us, but we must remain persistent and ignore them. It is important to reflect on the formless God and not any images. In the second stage repetition of the Name leads to automatic

mental simran. The lips are not used for uttering yet mental simran progresses.

This repetition continues from day to day. External attractions and distractions begin to drop and mental harmony begins. The mind comes to rest and mental simran keeps going. We begin to practice with every breath. As we inhale we, we might mentally utter "Wah" and "Gum" when we exhale. Thus we practice Naam with every breath. In the third stage of Naam simran the gentle sound of mental simran becomes audible within our being. The mind reaches the stage of Sehaj or peace and poise. Simran becomes the welding

link between man and God.

This state of sehaj is obtained through the grace of Guru. We must not become anxious if we feel that we are not experiencing anything. The object of this practice is to love God. Trust in Him to lead you through Naam simran. Our Gurus hold that we must continue to serve humanity throughout our life even while steeped in the blissful state of sehaj.

Examples from the Holy Granth Ji:

Guru Teg Bahadur Ji said - The only person to attain true bliss is the one who repeats the Name of God and sings His praises. The remainder of the Universe is totally captivated by maya and its illusions, hence unable to achieve the state of fearlessness. In Gauri Sukhmani Guru Arjan Dev ji says that having searched the great books on Divine philosophy, it has been established that nothing in them can compare to the Name of God which is a priceless element.

Understanding the significance of Naam is an essential part of becoming a better human being. Through this we begin to understand the real meaning of our existence.