Simran
Simran (Gurmukhi: ਸਿਮਰਨ; Hindi: सिमरण, सिमरन; from Sanskrit: स्मरण, smaraṇa, 'to remember, reminisce, recollect'), in spirituality, is a Punjabi word referring to the continuous remembrance of the finest aspect of the self, and/or the continuous remembrance (or feeling) of God. This state is maintained continuously while carrying out the worldly works outside.[1]
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Sikhism
Simran—commonly used as a verb in Gurmukhi—refers to 'meditating' on the name (nām) of God. Sikhism is a distinct faith, whereby God can be realized purely through individual devotion, without subjection to rites and rituals by priests or other intermediaries.
According to the Guru Granth Sahib, through simran, one is purified and attains salvation (mukti). This is because si-mar means 'to die over', thus indicating to death of ego, allowing truth ultimate truth (sat) to appear.
On page 202 of the Guru Granth Sahib:
Simar simar sukh paa-i-aa |
Meditating, meditating in remembrance, I have found peace |
This hymn teaches a person who wishes to gain from this human life, one must attain a higher spiritual state by become free of attachment by realizing that all that is, is empty. Thereby, merit is acquired by devoutly repeating, comprehending and living by the sacred word every day so as to progressively reveal the divine and ultimate truth to the person who earnestly seeks it:
Guru Ram Das says in Sarang ki var (Guru Granth Sahib, 1242):
Nām, the incorruptible is beyond our comprehending. At the same time, it is our constant companion and preserves all creation. Therefore, truth will disclose itself unto us and lets us perceive it in our hearts. It is through earnestness that we can meet with such a truth.
Sant Mat
In Sant Mat, the word simran is used for the spiritual practice of repeating the mantra given by the Satguru during initiation. The mantra itself is also called Simran. Simran repetition is done during meditation and also outside it,[2] however this mantra is later dropped in favor of real feeling of self or the God, which happens due to breaking out of monotony through Jap. Thus mantra is used only until the point, monotony and previously formed patterns are broken. After it pure Simran is carried by the sadhak.