NITNEM

For every Sikh, to be one with God it is imperative that one should remember God- the creator of human beings as well as all Prakariti- observable universe. which is visible to the naked eve. Human mind cannot grasp the immenseness and creative power of God. The Guru is the medium who facilitates this process, opens our eyes and makes us see and feel the boundless creative power of God. For Sikhs all the Gurus were bestowed, with the revelatory power and they gave us the gift of Naam in the form of Gurbani From Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s days, the recitation of Jupji in the morning, Sodar in the evening and Sohila before retiring to bed were the routine. Later on some additions were made by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and at the time of Baptism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji made five banis for daily recitation mandatory for every Sikh. The five banis are Jupji Sahib, Jaap Sahib and ten Swaiyeeas in the morning, Sodar Rehras in the evening and Kirtan Sohila before retiring for the day. The contents are prescribed in Rehat Maryada issued by the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee.

Jupji Sahib addresses the fundamental issue of theology about "What is God". It proceeds with commentaries on issues and practices observed in other religions and prescribes its own system. It lays down the procedures of Gaweeai(Singing), Suniai(Listening), and Muniai(Acceptance)- an evolutionary learning state of mind. It brings you to the Gate of Waheguru and makes you observe who else is present there and taking you to the realm of Gian(Enlightenment), Dharam(Righteousness), Karam(Grace) and finally to Suchkhand(Eternity). Jaap Sahib further elaborates the same issue but exhorting the seekers that neither a quantitative approach in counting names of God nor a limit of books which contain HIS analysis can measure HIS immenseness. Swaiyeeai Sahib emphasize that Love and Devotion are the prerequisites to entry in the realm of comprehension. Enjoy your day keeping in mind that God is omnipresent and is always with you and within you.

After day's labor, in the company of your family members, you recite Rehras Sahib which addresses the issue of HIS ABODE and your anxiety to take care of your family. It reminds you of your mission in life and be thankful to what you have got. In the same spirit, before retirement it takes your imagination to the vastness of cosmology, His creation brings awesome power and makes you humble . Be thankful for the gifts HE has bestowed, and pray for His forgiveness.

Why NitNem is essential to recite every day? Some of the answers are:

• Our instincts are capable of taking us away from HIM. Routine serves as a reminder.
• It helps overcome fear and bring hope -stimulates initiative and generates internal strength.
• It eliminates superstitions .
• Issues central to our thought and day to day dealings are brought to focus. Bani becomes part of our memory which survives.
• Mission of life is better understood and properly appreciated.
• HIS blessing is central to our success otherwise we can not overcome our powerful ego.
• Music which is permanent, is appreciated and better understood in its different dimensions.
• Virtues like sweetness, kindness, forgiveness, truthfulness, and compassion become integral part of your decision making process over time.
• It helps you to think (vichar) concentrate (jup), focus and discriminate (vivek).
• Nitnem is meditation, food for spirituality and makes you a perfect person- holistic approach.

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