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THE SIKH DOCTRINE OF LIBERATION
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deeds, it is the best one.26 In Sikhism greater importance is given to the contemplation of God's name than to all the other forms of devotion. The Guru remarks :
"Happiness cometh to him who meditateth on the word, perfect happiness to him who is imbued with God--were I to perform hundreds of thousands and millions of religious cere
monies, all would not be equal to Gods's name.”:27 And one is indeed saved through the name. Guru Nānak says that "they who forget not the nām, and who act according to the word shall be delivered."23
What is meant by the remembrance of nām or sabad ? Is it mere repetition of God's name or something else? The doctrine of nām
imran does not appear to mean merely repetition of God's name; it needs total commitment to God by feeling and realising His presence at every moment in one's life and at all places in the world. It also includes worship of and wholehearted devotion to God in such a way that the true devotee of nām always feels oneness with God. Nam is a symbol of God's mystery and majesty.
The practice of nāmsimran is like the aesthetic experience which can never be described; the practice of nāmsimran is possible through development of devotional outlook under the guidance of a teacher. In fact, the sacred sabad or nām is a kind of mantra which is usually imparted by the teacher. In Sikhism, Guru Nānak, is the first teacher who imparted this mantra. The subsequent nine gurus continued the same tradition.
The guru therefore plays an important role in the process of realisation of God and attainment of liberation. The Adi Granth states that the vision of the guru is the pathway to liberation.20 Guru is called the father, the mother, the master and the god of gods.30 To discriminate between real teacher and false teacher, the term sat guru is used in Sikhism. Satguru means the true guru commissioned by God to propagate the dharma in the world. The guru is the dispeller of darkness and revealer of light. He is the teacher of God's glory and righteous way of life.
26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
Ibid., p. 266. M.A. Macauliffe, op. cit., vol. I, p. 273. lbid., p. 275. Adi Granth, vel. II, p. 361. ibid., vol. I, p. 262.
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