Sikhism and Meditation
In Sikhism, the practices of simran and Nām Jap encourage quiet meditation. This is focusing one's attention on the attributes of God. Sikhs believe that there are ten gates to the body. Gate is another word for ‘indriyas’, five of gross action and five of subtle senses. When a seeker transcends these senses and reaches the upper most 'chakra' or energy centre called the ‘Sahasrar’ and also tenth gate or Dasam Dwar through continuous practice meditation becomes a habit that continues whilst walking, talking, eating, working, not only when one is awake but even in sleep. This is the state of perpetual bliss with its own distinct taste and flavor that is hard to express in words. When a seeker reaches this lofty stage of meditation he experiences the oneness and universal love that we read in scriptures. He also enjoys absolute peace and tranquillity inside and outside the body.
Followers of the Sikh religion believe that love comes through meditation on the lord's name since meditation conjures up positive pictures in which are portrayed through our actions. The first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached the equality of all humankind and stressed the importance of living a householder's life instead of wandering around in jungles meditating, the latter being a popular practice at the time. The Guru preached that we can get liberated from life and death by living a normal family life and by spreading love amongst all human beings regardless of cast, creep, color, and faith. He also emphasized the importance of service to those in need as a means of salvation!
In the Sikh religion, kirtan, singing the hymns of God is seen as one of the most beneficial ways of meditation. Kirtan is therefore very much part of routine of any Gurudwara.
Like other offshoots of Hinduism-Buddhism, Jainism etc. Sikhism also with some purged distortions that had crept up in the ancient religion was in essence a reform movement within Hinduism with focus on protecting it. However, with time, like other offshoots it has developed into separate sect though with lot of similarity in rituals, beliefs and practices.
Pushkar Meditation Temple (PMT) has drawn heavily from Shri Guru Granth Sahibji while developing its curriculum and Swamiji is an ardent follower and student of the sacred scripture.
