Guru Nanak spoke the words "Ek Ong Kaar Sat Naam" and shared with us the Mool Mantra. He gave us "Sat Naam" to build our lives upon. Living truthfully ensures that when we die, we merge happily and consciously into truth and light.
How to chant Sat Naam?
"Inhale Sat, Exhale Naam" guides us in preparing to shed our physical form fearlessly. It was among the first mantras taught by Siri Singh Sahib (Harbhajan Singh Khalsa) upon his arrival in the United States. He encouraged us to recite it when greeting or parting and as the opening line in letters. Today, countless individuals resonate with this sound of truth. Some are Sikhs, while others may not be, yet they echo the sound of truth. They sing about it, reflect it in art, wear it on clothes, and display it on bumper stickers.
Delving deep into the meaning
In the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, 'Sat' means Truth, which is eternal and indestructible. Finding truth might seem difficult, but if something cannot be destroyed, it is true. Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of truth, humility, and love over falsehood, pride, and hatred. He taught, "Truth is high, but highest is truthful living." Honoring truth in all our actions brings honor to our words and brings us honor in this world and the next.
In the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, 'Naam' means Name, which is often equated with shabad or word. It's not separate from the Divine; instead, chanting it connects one directly with the infinite and the One. Reciting the name expresses the nature of the Almighty in ways we can grasp. Guru Nanak Ji believed that before the universe, the One meditated on the name. When the universe was created, the Divine breathed light into it.
“Whatever was created was manifest of the name; There is no place where the Divine Name does not pervade.” (Guru Nanak, Jaapji Sahib, 19th Pauri)
In the spiritual realm, 'Naam' is like a universal light that exists everywhere, embodying the divine spirit within all of creation. By focusing on this Divine Naam, one can attain a profound realization of the Divine One residing within oneself. When we chant the 'Naam,' it ignites our inner light, causing it to merge with the Supreme light.
The Siri Guru Granth Sahib contains numerous names, often interpreted as various names of God, like 'Bhagvan,' 'Gobind,' 'Gopal,' 'Ishwar,' 'Ram,' 'Allah,' and 'Rahim.' These names represent different facets of God, some vast and magnanimous. Yet, it's the term 'Naam' that Guru Nanak bestowed upon us, encapsulating the complete expression of the Divine One, both manifest and unmanifest. Sat Naam, specifically, embodies the light of the Divine and the pervasive spirit present throughout all creation.
Guru Nanak offered a simple way for us to grasp the idea that every being is a part of the Divine creation. The Creator exists within each individual. By chanting Sat Naam with every breath, we can come to realize the 'ONE' within ourselves—the 'True-Name' of the infinite spirit, known as 'Sat-Naam.'
*Based on article written by Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, published on 9th April 2013