Gurudwaras of World
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches
Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com on auspicious day of Khalsa Sajna Divas , Vaisakhi April 14th 2012. Worldgurudwaras.com will strive to be most comprehensive directory of Historical Gurudwaras and Non Historical Gurudwaras around the world.
The etymology of the term 'gurdwara' is from the words 'Gur (ਗੁਰ)' (a reference to the Sikh Gurus) and 'Dwara (ਦੁਆਰਾ)' (gateway in Gurmukhi), together meaning 'the gateway through which the Guru could be reached'. Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras.
It is a work in progress and We strongly urge the Sikh Cyber Community to contribute to this project by submitting contact information, details, images of Gurudwaras around the world to make this a comprehensive directory.
Sikhism FAQs
Sikhism FAQs:What is the Name (Naam)?
Q56. What is the Name (Naam)? |
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The word 'Nam' is derived from the Sanskrit Naman which means the practice of remembrance. It is a word used to describe the spiritual manifestations of God i.e. His Holy spirit. So the remembrance of God - Nam Marg is the essence of Sikhism. The repetition of the Sikh mantra "Waheguru" is an invocation of this Holy Spirit. Life without "The Name" or "The Word", or nam simran(The remembrance of "The Name", invoking the Holy Spirit) is barren and meaningless. "The Name" alone brings true peace of mind. The obstacles to "The Name" are worldy thoughts, sleep and occult powers.
"The Name" is inside every individual. The Guru reveals it
to the devotee. The devotee does his normal duties with hands and feet,
but he keeps his conscious mind in tune with His Lord. Some men practise
"The Name" with the regulation of breath; they utter 'Wah' with
inhalation and 'Guru' with exhalation. But this reflects individual convenience.
"The Name" performs three functions - it is purgative for the
removal of evil; it is illuminative, because it gives us knowledge of
"The Truth", Beauty and Goodness; it is unitive since it may
bring one in tune with God. The remembrance is three-fold: with words,
with the mind and with action. The repetition of Gurbani helps the mind
to concentrate on God. It is food for the soul.
The technique of "The Name" follows certain phases - first
the repetition of "The Nam": Wahguru by mouth; secondly, the
percolation of "The Name" into the mind, (mental remembrance);
thirdly, the longing for God like a lover waiting for his beloved; fourthly
the awareness of God every-where; then finally, the ulimate union with
Him.
Sikhism recommends the following plan as the easiest way to practice "Nam
marg". Get up early morning and meditate during the ambrosial hours
of the dawn. Avoid idleness and the five great vices. Seek the company
of holy men, this is a great help to meditation. Try to maintain strict
moral conduct, this too, helps you to a spiritual plan. Even then Divine
Grace is necessary for the practice in humility of Nam Simran.
"The Name", apart from meditative aspect also means the "All pervading Spirit". The entire world depends on "The Name" - God's own Holy Spirit. Therefore, to meditate on 'Nam', is to practise the presence of God by keeping Him ever in one's mind as also by singing His praises or dwelling on His excellances. From this may come the feelings of wonder and bliss
