Naam Japo means remembering God by repeating and meditating by focusing the mind on His name. It is also called Naam, Naam Japo, Naam Jaap or Naam Japna. In Sikhism, it refers to the vocal singing of hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib or contemplating the various Names of God especially the chanting of the word Waheguru, which means "Wonderful Lord". Waheguru represents the formless being the creator of all the forms and being omnipresent in all forms. Singing of hymns generally is also referred to as Nam Jap, sometimes also called Nam Simran. When musical instruments accompany this singing of hymns it is called Kirtan.
Practice of Naam Japo
The devotee can practice Naam Japo by remembering God or the Akal Purkh, the supreme formless power that is timeless and deathless. One can also repeat various names and qualities of God. Some of the names of Gods can be found in the Mul Mantar, which is repeated throughout the Guru Granth Sahib, and also found in Guru Gobind Singh`s Jaap Sahib, which contains 950 names of God. According to the guideline in the Rehit Mariyada of Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh should engage in Naam Simran as part of his or her everyday routine. The Sikhs practice both the quiet individual recitation of naam and the loud and communal recitation of Naam. The quiet individual recitation is commonly called Naam Simran and the communal recitation is called Naam Jaap.
Significance of Naam Japo
It is believed that Naam Japo has the power to bring positivity in life. The believers of Naam Japo opine that while remembering God`s names a devotee is able to establish the divine connection with God. Nam is able to fulfill all desires and cleanse the mind of its impurities. Through these hymns, the disciples are able to harness Godly qualities and remove the five thieves or evils which are kaam (lust), krodh (rage), lobh (greed), moh (attachment) and hankaar (ego). By removing these evils, Naam Japo brings peace and tranquility into ones mind.
Thus, this act of meditation, singing and chanting is a one of three main pillars of Sikhism.
