Simran (Gurmukhi: ਸਿਮਰਨ, pronunciation: [sɪmɾǝn]; Hindi: सिमरण, सिमरन; from Sanskrit: स्मरण, smaraṇa, 'to remember, reminisce, recollect'), in spirituality, is a Hindi and 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]
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][3]
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 the death of ego, allowing the realization of ultimate truth (sach) 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 that a person who wishes to gain from this human life must attain a higher spiritual state by becoming free of attachment by realizing emptiness of worldly phenomena. 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 let us perceive it in our hearts. It is through earnestness that we can meet with such a truth.
^Dalal, Roshen (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books India. p. 119. ISBN978-0-14-341421-6. The texts explain the path through meditation and the repetition of the name (Nama). After sometime repetition (simran) becomes internal, and the Name resounds in the heart.
