The Habit of Simran

When we are initiated, we may think of simran as something new that we have to learn. But it’s not something new at all. We do simran all the time – around the clock – but since we usually do simran of the world, our thoughts stay confined to the world.

How do we disentangle ourselves and fight the temptations of the world? We do this by controlling our thoughts, by switching from worldly simran to Master’s simran, by learning to keep it going as much as possible, and eventually all the time. Maharaj Charan Singh says in Quest for Light:

Try to perfect the simran to such an extent that the holy names remain with you all the time, even when you are not conscious of them. This repetition should become as much a part of your life as breathing.

Simran moves our thoughts in a positive direction and helps us to develop our ability to steer clear of negative thoughts. If negative thoughts arise and are not cut off immediately, they will grow. A fleeting thought can become a strong desire, and a very strong desire can lead to action and new karma, which ultimately may result in a new birth.

The habit of doing ceaseless simran takes effort and determination. But those who have developed this habit tell us that once we get accustomed to doing simran, it feels both natural and pleasant. There is a quote attributed to Plutarch that says, “Choose what is best, and habit will make it pleasant and easy.”

Maharaj Jagat Singh says in The Science of the Soul:

A young sadhu is like a young widow. Both should live in a fortress. Your Guru is your fort. Always remain under his protection.

What is a fort? A fort is something with heavy walls that keeps out the enemy. And the fort that keeps out the enemy for a satsangi is simran. So with constant simran we can maintain that mental fort, that mental habit, in which we remain throughout the day.

Perhaps best of all, this habit of doing simran during the day prepares us for the time of meditation. Masters tell us that the focus we develop through simran helps us to come to the eye centre where we are in touch with the Shabd.

In Spiritual Discourses, Vol. I, Maharaj Charan Singh says:

The five holy names must continually revolve on their axis. It is only thus that the mind gradually gives up its ceaseless activity. Moreover, the practice of simran will facilitate concentration at the eye focus when we sit for meditation.

Simran gives us a huge amount of practical benefit in going through life. If we are immersed in simran, do we have time to focus on negative thoughts? Do we have time to think about and indulge in the five passions? How can we when we are busy doing simran?

In The Way of a Pilgrim the author says:

Suppose a man continually fulfils this one commandment of God about ceaseless prayer, then in that one thing he would have fulfilled all; for if he uninterruptedly, at all times, and in all circumstances offers the prayer, calling in secret upon the most holy Name of Jesus (although at first he may do so without spiritual ardour and zeal, even forcing himself), then he will have no time for vain conversation, for judging his neighbours, for useless waste of time in sinful pleasures of the senses. Every evil thought of his would meet opposition to its growth. Every sinful act he contemplated would not come to fruition so readily as with an empty mind.

So what does it take to practise frequent simran? It takes a determined will to do it, a “never give up” attitude, and a recognition of the value of the practice of simran. It is essential on a spiritual path that we never quit. This is our duty and we must do it. Whether we succeed or not, our job is to strive. So we hang in there with our simran every day in hope of attracting the grace of the Master who has promised to take us to our true home.

What do we have to do to make progress on this path? What do we have to do to perfect our simran? What do we have to do to realize that precious grace of the Master? Complain less, expect less, and work more at developing the habit of carrying simran with us as we go through our life.

Keep knocking, and the joy inside
  will eventually open a window
  and look out to see who’s there.
_{Rumi, A Year With Rumi, rendered by Coleman Barks}