For the vast majority of 'Khalsa Sikhs'
today, they rise early in morning during a time termed as 'Amrit
Vela'(Ambrosial time) since ancient times in India.
After ablutions and reciting the mantra 'Vaeh-Guru'
, they read the set daily liturgy from a 'Gutka'
(prayer book) or recite it from memory. This is considered Naam
Jaap/Simran by them.
The Durbar
A photograph of the Akali Nihang Singh warriors reciting (right)
sacred scriptures to the congregation
The Khalsa daily liturgy, which is near enough the
same in all present Khalsa Sikh institutions S.G.P.C., A.K.J., Taksal,
Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa, etc., is read or recited three times
a day:
1. Amrit Vela – In early morning
just before sunrise ideally.
2. Rehras – Around sun set.
3. Kirtan Sohila – Before going to sleep.
After the morning and evening liturgy,
Khalsa Sikhs also say a formal Sikh prayer, ‘Ardas’,
addressed to God. All of this for many Khalsa Sikhs, many modern
Nihang Singhs included, represents the totality of Naam Jaap/Simran.
Ardas
A photograph of Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa warriors engaged in Ardas
(invocation to the Almighty) after conducting their morning prayers
and services
However, this is but the initial
step towards Naam Simran which harnesses the positive Karma and
induces 'Gur Kirpa' (divine grace of Guru/God).
Positive Karma and 'Gur Kirpa' are essential for Naam Simran.
‘Raam Raam [name of all pervasive God] all may repeat
but Raam [peace of mind] does not come to be.
Only with God's grace does Raam [all-pervasive God] reside in
one's heart and one attains the merit [of Naam Jaap].’
(‘Adi Guru Durbar’, Raag Gujri Mahalla 3)
Once, the late great Shastar Vidiya Gurdev (master)
Akali Nihang Baba Mohinder Singh commented upon hearing the horrible
machine-like recitation of early morning liturgy by a Sikh Granthi
(scripture reader):
‘On considering the amount of scripture these Granthis
read they should be the most enlightened but is that the case?
No. The fact today is even so-called 'Brahmgianis' (so-called
great holy men in touch with God) cannot agree with each other.
Now, many may do ‘Nitnem’ (daily
Khalsa liturgy), yet Naam Simran is a rare jewel,
and only few in the world ever progress to it from Nitnem.
The Guru has said:
“From their mouths Har Har [name of eternal God] all
say but only very rare ones have placed God in their heart.
Oh, in who's heart God comes to reside they attain salvation.”
('Adi Guru Durbar', Raag Vadhans Mahalla 3)
Recitation of prayers
A photograph taken in a modern-day mainstream Sikh Gurudwara
of a Granthi (one who reads the scriptures) reading the Adi Guru
Durbar
