Meditation and prayer are a central part of a Sikh's life. For a Sikh, meditation and prayer are not separate from daily life and every act should be done in a way that honors God. The purpose of meditation within Sikhism is to make the mind receptive to and conscious of God's presence. Ultimately, it purifies the mind so that a natural, constant remembrance of God Simran is attained. Through this constant remembrance, ultimate peace and happiness is found. An inner conflict is eliminated forever. Meditate on the Lord and find peace. All inner conflict will be erased. To become conscious of God's presence and to erase the doubts of the mind, the guru enlightens the Sikh through the shabd or Holy word.
The shabd or Holy word can mean both the word of God Gurbani and the divine name of God. Wahey Guru. The Sikh name for God waihe guru literally means wondrous master.
Repeating the name of God Naam jap and singing God's praises through Gurbani Kirtan is the supreme method of meditation in Sikhism.
"Kalyug meh kirtan pardhaana Gurmukh japiey laaye dhyaanaa"
In the Current age Kirtan is the supreme meditation. Those who follow the Guru's way, recited with attention as a Sikh performed sharp a recitation of the Holy word shabd and listens to it attentively the inner consciousness Surat is awakened. A mind that is burdened with thoughts cannot enjoy peace. Thus the guru start to channel the mind to God's name Wahey Guru and the Holy Word of God in Gurbani. How do we recite God's name in Gurbani? The Guru teaches us to follow the example of the child sages through and Prahlad who recited God's name with complete innocence and devotion.
The Sikh's system of meditation is not separate from daily life and at all times Sikh's are expected to remember God. Guru Ram Das ji, the fourth guru, explains the life's tile of a Sikh's with Gurbani.
"Gur Satgur ka jo sikh akhaaye so bhalke uth har naam dhiaavey"
Sikhs of the true Guru, shall arise early in the morning and meditate on God's name. Meditation in the early morning is considered especially beneficial because at this time the mind is less burdened with thoughts. A Sikh's daily routine also includes reciting the Bani's or sacred prayers from the Holy Scripture. This includes five Bani's in the morning and evening prayer and night time prayer.
"Jaapji Sahib" is the first Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib and summarizes all of the teachings, the nature of God and his qualities, the emptiness of rituals, the supremacy of God's will, the importance of devotion to God, and the status to meeting God. Jap Sahib tells about all of the virtues of God and the names through which God is known. "Chaupai Sahib" Asks for the protection of God in every aspect of life and the supremacy of God over all deities.
"Anand Sahib" Speaks of the bliss of meeting the true Guru and instructs the Sikh's in the devotion to the Guru. "Tav Parsad Savieyey" explains the emptiness of all rituals and explains the greatness of devotion as the easiest path to God. "Rehras Sahib" is the evening Prayer and contains many hymns which guide the mind to singing the praises of God. "Sohila Sahib" A nighttime Prayer contains a few hymns which further emphasize devotion to God and singing God's praises. Through these meditative practices, the Guru's presence can be felt at all places and at all times. Meditation establishes the link between the Sikh and the Guru.
"Gur mere sang sada hai naaley Simar simar tis sadaa samaaley"
The Guru is always with me and through meditation I forever feel his presence. A Sikh is taught to always be humble and to Ardaas to God for spiritual enlightenment through meditation on God's name and reciting the daily regimen of Bani's. A Sikh Earns the Guru's Grace. This is the system of meditation within seconds and the role of meditation and prayer within Sikhism.
