INSIDE THE GURU'S GATE - Anpere

Simran sadhna on cassette
In addition to the nam simran programs, verbal repetitions with breathing control
can certainly be exercised without any instructor. An even more disciplinary
simran method is the so-called akhand jap, or “unbroken repetition” of the name of
Vahiguru for all from 4 to 24 hours uninterruptedly. These events are typically organized
on special occasions, such as in connection with anniversary days commemorating
the Sikh Gurus or the Christian New Year. 552 The unbroken simran can be commenced
after the obligatory reading of Rahiras Sahib at dusk and continue for the
whole night until the break of ambrosial hours (amritvela), or be scheduled as a one
day-program between the rising and setting of the sun. Participants will then take
turns in keeping the simran unbroken and sometimes divide the chanting assembly so
that women are doing akhand jap in the day time and men throughout the night. All of
these events are referred to as sadhna, or a spiritual practice or exercise which individuals
do in company with likeminded people.
In the evening of December 31 in 2000, a smaller group of young and old Sikh
men got together in Nichibagh Gurdwara to do shabad kirtan and simran for the beginning
of a new year. In the subdued light all participants were seated on the floor
outside tapasthan – the place at which Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated ‒ with microphones
and gutkas resting on bookstands in front of them. As the stroke of twelve was
getting nearer, the singing passed into an intensive chanting of Vahiguru that created
simran to the videotape in his absence. Whether live or on videocassette, the saintly person
provides instructions.
552
A similar practice is found among Vaishnava Hindus. In connection with major Hindu festivals,
like Gayatri Jayanti, Vasant Panchami, etc., non-stop recitation of the name of Ram during
selected periods of time, sometimes up to 21 or more days are arranged. These recitation events
are often termed maha yajna, “the great sacrifice”, alluding to the Vedic fire sacrifice and intensive
austerity practice that will burn off one’s karma. Keeping burning oil-lamps beside the
practitioners symbolically represents this austerity. See e.g. The Tribune 2002-12-10, and the web
site: www.akhandjaap.com.
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Published on www.anpere.net in May 2008