Frequently Asked Questions

GROUP INFORMATION

What is Gurmat Meditation?

Gurmat refers to a way of thinking, obtained via following and practising the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Gurbani. Meditation refers to the actions and techniques that are consciousness evolving and help to create a heightened awareness and focus. Gurbani is synonymous with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, or any other writings that are considered customary to reference in Sangat according to the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Decorum) 

What are your groups goals?

Goal: Research, teach and share techniques of Gurmat Meditation

Keeping qualities and attitudes of openness, non-judgement, respect, Sewa (selfless, love-inspired service), Sarbat da Bhalla (welfare and wellbeing of all), and Chardi Kala (high spirits and optimism) our goal is to research, teach and share the techniques of Gurmat Meditation for the benefit of all, and to apply the lessons and instructions of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Holy Sikh Scripture in Gurmukhi Script/Punjabi Language) practically 


What are your groups activities to achieve your goals?

Activities: both virtual and in-person - open to all, free and easily accessible

See more under Virtual Sewa Assignments

What is the Gurmat Meditation System? Why is there a need to research, teach and share Gurmat Meditation?

The Gurmat system refers to the teaching and guidance done in accordance with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in a Sangat (congregation) decorum. 

On going research is required to continually re-assess ones biases, and to ensure teachers and learners continue to grow by challenging their biases.

Teaching and guidance is required to ensure a practitioner of Gurmat Meditation is able to unlearn harmful habits or avoid hindrances in their progression. Meditation can be personal or communal. The mind can either be in Gurmat or Manmat. Manmat, by comparison with Gurmat, is the behaviour and actions that one takes according to their own wisdom, not the Guru’s wisdom. Sometimes subtle differences exist between Manmat and Gurmat. 

How can I access your resources and activities?

Access our resources via:

BACKGROUND

What is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji?

Guru Granth Sahib ji is a Collection of revered and divine teachings of different writers from various backgrounds during different timelines and ages, who preached a unified message. These were those blessed souls sent by the Lord himself who had understood the purpose of human life and met their goal- the formless, timeless, Ek (One) Akal Purakh. Starting in the 15th century with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the writings of Guru Granth Sahib ji feature the words of 6 Sikh Gurus and 15 bhagats (13 Hindu and 2 Muslim saints), representing the interfaith nature of Sikh Congregations. They were compiled by the 5th Sikh Guru Arjan Dev ji. The 10th and final human Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, stated that the 11th and eternal Guru would be Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Just as each of the ten Gurus were referred to as Sateguru (True Guru), so will Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, ie Sateguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, or simply Sateguru Ji. The writings are from many linguistic backgrounds (but are written in the same phonetic script of Gurmukhi), are in musical rhyme and rhythm, and follow a structure. The writings start with the digit one with the character Ek Onkar, in reference to The One Almighty Lord - the Ultimate Akal Purakh. 

Who is Ek Akal Purakh (Waheguru) Ji?

Ek (One), pervading power (The Truth), without shape, without form, there in the beginning, now, ever present, and always into the future, in everything and everyone, who is our mind's origin, who we are estranged from, and who we are trying to re-establish our connection with. 

What is the goal of our mind? Our life?

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ - ਅੰਗ 12 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 12


ਆਸਾਮਹਲਾ੫॥

Aasaa, Fifth Mehla:

ਭਈਪਰਾਪਤਿਮਾਨੁਖਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ॥

This human body has been given to you.

ਗੋਬਿੰਦਮਿਲਣਕੀਇਹਤੇਰੀਬਰੀਆ॥

This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.

ਅਵਰਿਕਾਜਤੇਰੈਕਿਤੈਨਕਾਮ॥

Nothing else will work.

ਮਿਲੁਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿਭਜੁਕੇਵਲਨਾਮ॥੧॥

Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam. ||1||

ਸਰੰਜਾਮਿਲਾਗੁਭਵਜਲਤਰਨਕੈ॥

Make every effort to cross over this terrifying world-ocean.

ਜਨਮੁਬ੍ਰਿਥਾਜਾਤਰੰਗਿਮਾਇਆਕੈ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ॥

You are squandering this life uselessly in the love of Maya. ||1||Pause||

ਜਪੁਤਪੁਸੰਜਮੁਧਰਮੁਨਕਮਾਇਆ॥

I have not practiced meditation, self-discipline, self-restraint or righteous living.

ਸੇਵਾਸਾਧਨਜਾਨਿਆਹਰਿਰਾਇਆ॥

I have not served the Holy; I have not acknowledged the Lord, my King.

ਕਹੁਨਾਨਕਹਮਨੀਚਕਰੰਮਾ॥

Says Nanak, my actions are contemptible!

ਸਰਣਿਪਰੇਕੀਰਾਖਹੁਸਰਮਾ॥੨॥੪॥

O Lord, I seek Your Sanctuary; please, preserve my honor! ||2||4||

BASICS

What is the Gurmantar?

Gur = meaning something given from Guru, Mantar = Mind tool

Gurmantar is a word that the Guru gave us to help our mind on its journey to meet Waheguru ji

For Gursikh’s, the Gurmantar is “Waheguru”. They have faith and love with the Gurmantar.

With Gurparsad "Gurus blessing" can the Gurmantar be a part of a Gursikhs life; the ability to acknowledge and accept this wisdom is divine and per-arranged.

It is the basis of Gurmat Meditation, where one practices this daily by oneself, and with sangat (congregation), in order to progress.

How to Practice and Chant with the Gurmantar? What are the variations in chanting? How to Progress with the Gurmantar?

The Gurmantar can be chanted in variations - loudly, quietly, slow, fast, drawn out or short. The speed and pace can change to stimulate and engage our ever ‘windy’/’wavey’ mind to be present, without thoughts, and listen to each time we speak. 

By engaging our mind at these three points, with Guru’s Kirpa (blessings) we are able to repel our continual stream of thoughts and progress to the point of thoughtlessness that will allow us to get to the next stages - progress to higher spiritual awareness and reception power to finally hear the Naam and have darshan (vision) of Waheguru Ji using our minds’ ears and eyes to look and listen

How to Practice the Gurmantar in Sangat? What about beginners in Sangat?

In sangat (congregation), the Gurmantar can be done regardless of beginner or advanced status; it allows the sangat congregation to meet and join together and have a multiplier effect of its power. To do Gurmantar Jaap with the sangat congregation, stay at the same pace as the rest of the sangat; this helps reduce the ego and create the multiplier effect. 

What is the Power of practising the Gurmantar daily with Love and Faith? 

By practicing the Gurmantar daily with love and faith, we start to become present of mind, and as the mind is continually connected in this way with the Gurmantar, the mind’s spiritual progress blossoms. Many blessings are bestowed on the mind. The power of the Gurmantar begins to manifest in the mind. 

How to go to sleep? How to lessen your ego via practicing the Gurmantar?

When going to sleep, Gurmantar should be chanted; albeit at a slower, drawn out almost silent pace as you become more in sehaj (peace). When you fall asleep while practicing the gurmantar, you are learning how to 'die' in the gurmantar - ie your mind is getting rid of its ego. Your mind will start to gain power via the Guru. This is a process that can take a short while or a long time - it depends on your faith and your love of the Gurmantar. 

How do we incorporate the Gurmantar in our daily lives?

The Gurmantar is a tool that we use to engage our mind daily, either with one focus, when we are free of work and responsibilities and going to sleep and waking, or via a balanced focus which can be utilized while we are out in the world doing our responsibilities. 

One focus service of Gurmantar must be done with with goal of minimal or no thoughts. 

The gurmantar gets us to the Naam. It is a continuum; you can do Gurmantar practice (abhyaas) and Naam can be present at the same time. Alternatively, one may not be able to hear Naam yet, but can use the gurmantar to achieve naam; the amount of time it takes is dependent on Gurparsad (blessing). Then, the Gurmukh can have both a daily practice of Gurmantar and Naam. This can be done in Sangat and by oneself.

What is the Naam?

Naam is the sound of Waheguru Ji Akal Purakh’s voice. 

As we continue to practice the Gurmantar, what will propagate? What to expect? 

The gurmantar gets us to the Naam. It is a continuum; you can do Gurmantar jaap and Naam can be present at the same time. Alternatively, one may not be able to hear Naam yet, but can use the gurmantar to achieve naam; the amount of time it takes is dependent on Gurparsad (blessing). Then, the Gurmukh can have both a daily practice of Gurmantar and Naam. This can be done in Sangat and by oneself. 

HURDLES IN GURMAT MEDITATION

What are hurdles in Gurmat Meditation?

1) Gossip, Slander, Insipid words, Condemnation
2) Jealousy, Hate
3) Ego / Arrogance
4) Shame / Afraid of who you are

VIRTUAL SEWA ASSIGNMENTS

What are the ways volunteers help run virtual activities?


Please see contact us section if interested in any and all of the above

Alternatively you may sign up using Virtual Sewa Form