The True Spirit of Simran Practice is Love (Bhakti), by James Bean

“Simran” is a term which means “Remembrance”, the spiritual practice of remembering or being mindful of God by repeating or chanting various sacred names or one special name of God. Devotees sing or chant various names for God. Higher spiritually, and more “within” is the practice of “manas jap”, the mental repetition of God’s name or names “with the tongue of thought” — in other words, chanting names of God within one’s mind. The Sants have always placed much greater emphasis upon mental Simran over vocal chant.

There is however, more to Simran than the repeating of sacred divine words. Simran is a spiritual exercise that must be approached with the right attitude, the right spirit, for one’s intent determines how successful the practice will be, and what effect it will have upon one’s consciousness. Simran has never been intended to be a dry or lifeless mantra practice. The path of the Sants is a bhakti path, a path of love and devotion for the Supreme Being. Thus, the true Masters have always instructed their students to repeat God’s name with love and devotion, as a lover calling out to one’s Beloved, the Lord of Love.

“Without bhakti it is difficult to concentrate at the spirit pole.” (A Spiritual Seekers Guide)

“Repeat the name of your Beloved, day and night, again and again. With care in thought, word and deed, you will cross to the other shore.” (Sant Dadu Dayal)