Truthseeker

I found a similar source from gyani sant Maskeen ji's blog.

Naam Abhiyaas
Gyani Sant Ji Maskeen's Naam abihyaas translated By: Mr. Prabhjot Singh

The tongue is doing the JAP of Waheguru, but the thought of uttering Waheguru mantra takes place in the mind. The navel is natively referred to as Dhunni because it is this place where sound (dhun) emerges from. The air strikes the Dhuni when a thought of saying something takes place in the mind. Naabhi (Navel) is like a wind instrument – For example, a harmonium, flute, shainai, etc. can only produce sound if it is pumped with some air, otherwise one cannot produce any sound out of them. Naabhi is one such instrument Waheguru has planted in our body that only produces sound if wind is applied to it. It is the wind that is an important element in the whole procedure. That is why, Guru Nanak Dev Ji has called wind a Guru because it is the Guru that creates associations for us. Wind produces speech, and with speech we are able to make associations with others. In the worldly affairs, we first see and then speak about it. In the case of Waheguru, we will HAVE to speak to create the association.

ਕਬੀਰ ਕੇਸੋ ਕੇਸੋ ਕੂਕੀਐ ਨ ਸੋਈਐ ਅਸਾਰ ॥
kabeer kaeso kaeso kookeeai n soeeai asaar ||
Kabeer, chant the Name of the Beautifully-haired Lord; do not sleep unaware.

ਰਾਤਿ ਦਿਵਸ ਕੇ ਕੂਕਨੇ ਕਬਹੂ ਕੇ ਸੁਨੈ ਪੁਕਾਰ ॥੨੨੩॥
raath dhivas kae kookanae kabehoo kae sunai pukaar ||223||
Chanting His Name night and day, the Lord will eventually hear your call. ||223|| (Ang 1376, SGGS Ji)

Kabir Ji says no matter what, I will keep on saying Lord’s name, eventually my call will be heard. On the worldly level, we see and then speak, but here one has to just keep saying His name, one day we will be able to see Him standing right in front of us.
When wind strikes the Naabhi, it produces a sound, that sound is called Parra. When that sound rises up and reaches the heart, it is called Basanti; this is where that sound recieves its words. When the words reach the throat, that state is called Madhmaa, this is where a complete sentence is formed. Eventually, tongue expresses it outside the body; this state is called Bekhari. So these are the stages of speech:
1. Parra
2. Basanti
3. Madhmaa
4. Bekhari
Now, one has to reverse the process and take that sound back to the Dhunni, the place where the sound arose from. Kabir Ji refers to this as:

ਉਲਟੀ ਗੰਗਾ ਜਮੁਨ ਮਿਲਾਵਉ ॥
oulattee gangaa jamun milaavo ||
Turn your breath away from the left channel, and away from the right channel, and unite them in the central channel of the Sushmanaa. (Ang 327, SGGS Ji)

One has to reverse the cycle and merge Ganges back into Yamunaa – The sound that was created at the Naabhi, and came out of the body via the tongue has to reversed and sent back to the Naabhi. Of course, this process is very difficult. One can keep saying Waheguru Waheguru thousands of times, the effort will be fruitless until one is able to reverse the sound and take it back to where it emerged from i.e. the Dhunni. In order to do that, Bekhari must be converted to Madhmaa, Madhmaa to Basanti, and finally Basanti to Parra. The inner revolution will start only when the process of utterence of Waheguru is reversed.
When Waheguru is uttered and reversed this way, it takes away all the clingling pains and sufferings; this sound provides supreme bliss. However, in order to be able to say Waheguru in the above way, one has to utter Waheguru a lot of times and meditate on it until the state is reached where the process of reversal is finally accomplished.
How to achieve the revesal? The sound came out from the inside via the tongue, so it cannot take it back in; one has to use the ears to take the sound back inside. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji says:

ਰੇ ਮਨ ਰਾਮ ਸਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
rae man raam sio kar preeth ||
O mind, love the Lord.

ਸ੍ਰਵਨ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਗੁਨੁ ਸੁਨਉ ਅਰੁ ਗਾਉ ਰਸਨਾ ਗੀਤਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
sravan gobindh gun suno ar gaao rasanaa geeth ||1|| rehaao ||
With your ears, hear the Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe, and with your tongue, sing His song. ||1||Pause|| (Ang 631, SGGS Ji)

Keep on singing Waheguru matra, but do not let it get wasted in the thin air, the purpose is to listen with ears and take the sound back inside the body. Just like food is taken in with mouth and eventually becomes blood, similarly when praises of the Lord are taken back inside, the person will be blessed with salvation; this absorbed sound will give supreme bliss, and result in Samadhi Avastha. However, one has to really LISTEN to the sound of Waheguru matra; when one LISTENS with utmost concentration, millions of pains and sufferings are elimination by just one Waheguru Jap.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
naanak bhagathaa sadhaa vigaas ||
O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੧੦॥
suniai dhookh paap kaa naas ||10||
Listening-pain and sin are erased. ||10|| (Ang 3, SGGS Ji)

When one really LISTENS with love and concentration, then ears will absorb the sound inside and take it to the throat i.e. Madhmaa. When one is able to convert Waheguru sound back to Madhmaa, it will give immense joy to such a person – he will be able to actually enjoy the rass of Gurbani. If the concentration and love is maintained, the sound reaches from Madhmaa to the heart (Basanti); one starts hearing the Anhad Naad at this stage. This stages takes that person to the doorsteps of God. Guruji describes it as follows:

ਸੋ ਦਰੁ ਕੇਹਾ ਸੋ ਘਰੁ ਕੇਹਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਬਹਿ ਸਰਬ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥
so dhar kaehaa so ghar kaehaa jith behi sarab samaalae ||
Where is that Gate, and where is that Dwelling, in which You sit and take care of all?

ਵਾਜੇ ਨਾਦ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਸੰਖਾ ਕੇਤੇ ਵਾਵਣਹਾਰੇ ॥
vaajae naadh anaek asankhaa kaethae vaavanehaarae ||
The Sound-current of the Naad vibrates there, and countless musicians play on all sorts of instruments there.

ਕੇਤੇ ਰਾਗ ਪਰੀ ਸਿਉ ਕਹੀਅਨਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਗਾਵਣਹਾਰੇ ॥
kaethae raag paree sio keheean kaethae gaavanehaarae ||
So many Ragas, so many musicians singing there. (Ang 6, SGGS Ji)

There is immense celebration at the doorsteps of the Lord. Ancient Kings and Maharajahs would order music to be played at the doors of their palace during mornings and evenings. Bhagats would hear the Anhad Naad inside, and created instruments to try to reproduce that sound. This stage is immensly enjoyable, but there is only one more step left to be taken further – the sound that has become Madhmaa has to strike the Naabhi and become Parra again.
If the required concentration is maintained and one keeps keeps the Jap going, the sound will strike the Naabhi; the Naabhi that opened to create the sound in the first stage will fully open up. At this stage, body lives but mind (mann) dies. Such a person starts existing on the same level as Waheguru Himself. Kabir Ji clearly declares:

ਬਿਗਰਿਓ ਕਬੀਰਾ ਰਾਮ ਦੁਹਾਈ ॥
bigariou kabeeraa raam dhuhaaee ||
Just so, Kabeer has changed.

ਸਾਚੁ ਭਇਓ ਅਨ ਕਤਹਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
saach bhaeiou an kathehi n jaaee ||1|| rehaao ||
He has become the Embodiment of Truth, and he does not go anywhere else. ||1||Pause|| (Ang 1158, SGGS Ji)

ਅਬ ਤਉ ਜਾਇ ਚਢੇ ਸਿੰਘਾਸਨਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਹੈ ਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਨੀ ॥
ab tho jaae chadtae singhaasan milae hai saaringapaanee ||
Now, I have mounted to the throne of the Lord; I have met the Lord, the Sustainer of the World.

ਰਾਮ ਕਬੀਰਾ ਏਕ ਭਏ ਹੈ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਪਛਾਨੀ ॥੬॥੩॥
raam kabeeraa eaek bheae hai koe n sakai pashhaanee ||6||3||
The Lord and Kabeer have become one. No one can tell them apart. ||6||3|| (Ang 969, SGGS Ji)

A Gurmukh Bhram Gyaani who has reached such an Avastha then does not need to recite Waheguru mantra, the sound constantly vibrates inside him with every breath taken – he/she becomes the roop of Akal Purakh Waheguru.

Keep going Kukkar the sounds will slowly change... I also sometimes hear that. The more jaap you do with focus, the finer the listening ability of your ears will become. Enjoy.

What is ajapa jap ? I had never found the answer even though I have seen it mentioned in a few books.


Japa and Ajapa-Japa
Japa means repeating or remembering the mantra, and Ajapa-Japa means constant awareness. The letter A in front of the word Japa means without. Thus, Ajapa-Japa is the practice of Japa without the mental effort normally needed to repeat the mantra. In other words, it has begun to come naturally, turning into a constant awareness. The practice of constant remembrance evolves in stages:
At first, you intentionally repeat the syllables of the mantra internally, as if you are talking to yourself in your mind. You allow the inner sound to come at whatever speed feels comfortable to the mind. Sometimes it is very slow, as if the mind were wading through a vat of honey. At other times it is very fast, as if flying through the sky without restraint.
With practice, the mantra japa is repeated automatically, like a song that you have heard many times, which just comes on its own. (Some practitioners consider this automatic repeating to be the meaning of Ajapa-Japa, though there is a subtler meaning, as described below.)
Gradually, you merely remember the mantra with attention drawn to it. It is more like noticing what is already happening, rather than causing it to happen. It is somewhat like the attention stance of listening rather than speaking, though you might not literally hear the sound.
In time, the feeling of the mantra is there, even when the sound or remembering of the syllables is not there. For example, sometimes people will say, "OM, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti," where the word Shanti means peace or tranquility. During the remembering of the word there may be two things--the word and the feeling of peace or tranquility. When the syllables fade away, the feeling may still be there; this is remembrance of the feeling of the mantra.
As the practice evolves, there comes a pervasive awareness of the mantra, subtler than both the syllables and any surface level meaning or definition. This constant awareness is the meaning of Ajapa-Japa of the mantra.
Gosh that is going to involve a lot of chanting to get to that avasta. Going foward I'm going to focus on two things.
1) try and reach the stage of ajapa jap with the Waheguru Gurmantar. Although this has got me wondering what will the feeling be associated with chanting waheguru. Maybe the sweetness is it because it does pull the mind towards it.
2) try and awaken or observe the Sushmana/sukhmana nari. Doesn't sound too difficult if all you got to do is focus on the bridge of the nose between the two nostrils. Not sure if it meant underside of nose though.

Another tip I picked up recently is try and live in the present, not the past or the future. Keep the mind with with you in the here and Now.

That's fine. But what I meant is that it quite common for people to experience pain in that region which is not supposed to be the case. Either the individual is trying to solely focus on this area and straining too much causing pressure at that point or as previously stated it is said that there is a knot at that point which needs to be untied before one progresses further. I haven't mastered this yet so can't comment too much but I believe its something along the lines of balancing the air flow through both nostrils to transcend the trikuti. When this happens naturally in it's own time through saas saas simran the air flow will automatically balance out and at that time you will be breathing through both nostrils at the same time which is not common. Normally one nostril is dominant at any given time. When this happens there should be no pressure at that point and the mind will be still. To cross the trikuti one's conscientiousness must take the aid of the shabad that manifests here. Focusing your mind on the shabad I'm guessing here will lead you to cross the trikuti, which is not going to be easy as it will present it's own set of challenges. You won't be able to cross if your mind is active in thoughts.

There might be numerous ways to progress because even I have heard some sant's state, say waheguru and put your dhyaan on the trikuti. Even to the extent of try and look upwards. I think N3O posted a video of Sant Ranjit Singh Ji explaining this method. Each person has their own way, but from what I have learned one should not focus on this location until one hears the shabad. I am sure I read this in Discourses on the Beyond as instructed by Sant Baba Isher Singh (Rare wale). Will try and put it up. It was only a couple of days ago Sant Ranjit Singh ji did a kirtan programme here in the UK where he also stated just focus on the sound of the gurmantar, nothing else. Just made me smile when I heard this.

I avoid putting my dhyaan on the trikuti but on the sound of the gurmantar which is primarily in front of my mouth when reciting verbally. When japping mentally then on the ears. In my case the shabads appear to be manifesting more on the right side than in the center. Occasionally on the left. I'm expecting something along the lines of first one ear, then both ears, then trikuti. I await that day, then we shall see... So far this method seems to be leading to progress so I plan to stick with it.

My Guru is telling me to do one thing and one thing only and I do so many others..... Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru

Ang 426

They are occupied with the Naam, and only the Naam; they deal only in the Naam.
naamay hee naam varatday naamay vartaaraa.

Deep within their hearts is the Naam; upon their lips is the Naam; they contemplate the Word of God, and the Naam.
antar naam mukh naam hai naamay sabad veechaaraa.

They listen to the Naam, believe in the Naam, and through the Naam, they obtain glory.
naam sunee-ai naam mannee-ai naamay vadi-aa-ee.

They praise the Naam, forever and ever, and through the Naam, they obtain the Mansion of the Lord`s Presence.
naam salaahay sadaa sadaa naamay mahal paa-ee.

Through the Naam, their hearts are illumined, and through the Naam, they obtain honor.
naamay hee ghat chaannaa naamay sobhaa paa-ee.

Through the Naam, peace wells up; I seek the Sanctuary of the Naam.
naamay hee sukh oopjai naamay sarnaa-ee.

Without the Naam, no one is accepted; the self-willed manmukhs lose their honor.
bin naavai ko-ay na mannee-ai manmukh pat gavaa-ee.

In the City of Death, they are tied down and beaten, and they lose their lives in vain.
jam pur baaDhay maaree-ah birthaa janam gavaa-ee.

Those Gurmukhs who realize the Naam, all serve the Naam. (To serve Naam is to LISTEN TO IT!!!!!)
naamai kee sabh sayvaa karai gurmukh naam bujhaa-ee.

So believe in the Naam, and only the Naam; through the Naam, glorious greatness is obtained.
naamhu hee naam mannee-ai naamay vadi-aa-ee.

He alone receives it, unto whom it is given. Through the Guru`s Teachings, the Naam is realized.
jis no dayvai tis milai gurmatee naam bujhaa-ee.

O Nanak, everything is under the influence of the Naam; by perfect good destiny, a few obtain it.
naanak sabh kichh naavai kai vas hai poorai bhaag ko paa-ee.

I have to die in that shabad. Kill the mind/thoughts completely as guru ji instructs on ang 429.

Ego, self-centeredness, excessive anger and pride are the lot of mankind.
ha-umai mayraa jaat hai at kroDh abhimaan.

If one dies in the Word of the Shabad, then he is rid of this, and his light is merged into the Light of the Lord God. ||2||
sabad marai taa jaat jaa-ay jotee jot milai bhagvaan.

Waheguru waheguru waheguru.....

I justed wanted to write a little example to help understand what I believe Guru ji is trying to instruct us with, because if you learn you apply this jugti then you watch how much more stable you mind becomes. You will then notice how when you don’t, you will automatically see how it breaks your inner peace.

I am sure you have heard countless saakhi’s of bhagats, mahapursh calling everyone they see WaheGuru. When I first heard this I found it a little strange, why on earth are they calling a person waheguru. I have even been to gurdwaras where this is normal practise. First I thought maybe they are japping naam after ever little phrase. Then when I started listening more and reading SGGS the light dawned.

These people are trying to develop what I believe is called bibek bhuddie. As guru ji instructs us to do in the pangti’s above and probably countless others. If you train your mind to see Waheguru in everyone who will you hate? who will you curse? who will you swear at? Who will you do nindiya off?

Then this is not just limited to people, look at Waheguru’s whole creation. Waheguru is inside that too but we just don’t have that divine sight to see his parkash in it yet, myself included. But slowly when you start bringing this line of thought into your mind you develop more peace/shanty of mind because you don’t want to hurt anyone or do their nindeya because indirectly your only adding more sins into your basket. And boy do we have millions of them already. This is how guru ji is instructing us how to conquer Krodh and the other vices gurbani talks about.

The day the penny dropped for me, I was waling down an escalator and below I saw hundreds of people, and the more I looked at them the more I smiled and just said Waheguru. Then I walked home I saw a tree and I looked at that tree and said to myself guru ji your in their too but one day please show yourself in your true light.

The more I remember to put this at the forefront of my mind, when ever a confrontation starts I have now come to hate it and think this person is has lost it and I wont let him destroy my inner piece which with his kirpa I am trying to so hard to develop. Just silently start japping waheguru in your mind and do not be drawn into any kind of confrontation. You see how most times the situation just dissolves itself.

If the other person doesn't stop, just step back with nimerta and say "Tuwno Jaadha Patha Ji" and walk away.

Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Waheguru.

Appologies for my spelling mistakes...

That night I never slept a wink. I had a constant sound in my ear. My state of mind has become quite biragee and whilst listening to kirtan/simran yesterday the tears were just flowing. When I now say Waheguru it definitely feels as if the voice is coming from the chest. The anand from the simran feels a lot more sweet. Don't feel like working or doing anything. Just feel like reading gurbani and listening to Waheguru Mantar.

I was reading SGGS when I came to Ang 152. My jaw dropped and I nearly fell over. I am sure you have all read this but if you haven't I hope you find it as enlightening and inspiring as I did. A few pangti's may be missing because they are taken from my own notes. The baani has been written by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Waheguru.....
The union of air, water and fire
pa-unai paanee agnee kaa mayl.
- the body is the play-thing of the fickle and unsteady intellect.
chanchal chapal buDh kaa khayl.
It has nine doors, and then there is the Tenth Gate.
na-o darvaajay dasvaa du-aar.
Reflect upon this and understand it, O wise one. ||1||
bujh ray gi-aanee ayhu beechaar. ||1||
The Lord is the One who speaks, teaches and listens.
kathtaa baktaa suntaa so-ee.
One who contemplates his own self is truly wise. ||1||Pause||
aap beechaaray so gi-aanee ho-ee. ||1|| rahaa-o
The body is dust; the wind speaks through it.
dayhee maatee bolai pa-un
Understand, O wise one, who has died.
bujh ray gi-aanee moo-aa hai ka-un.
Awareness, conflict and ego have died,
moo-ee surat baad ahaNkaar.
but the One who sees does not die. ||2||
oh na moo-aa jo daykhanhaar. ||2||
For the sake of it, you journey to sacred shrines and holy rivers;
jai kaaran tat tirath jaahee
but this priceless jewel is within your own heart.
ratan padaarath ghat hee maahee.
The Pandits, the religious scholars, read and read endlessly; they stir up arguments and controversies,
parh parh pandit baad vakhaanai.
but they do not know the secret deep within. ||3||
bheetar hodee vasat na jaanai. ||3||
I have not died - that evil nature within me has died.
ha-o na moo-aa mayree mu-ee balaa-ay
The One who is pervading everywhere does not die.
oh na moo-aa jo rahi-aa samaa-ay
Says Nanak, the Guru has revealed God to me,
kaho naanak gur barahm dikhaa-i-aa
and now I see that there is no such thing as birth or death. ||4||4||
martaa jaataa nadar na aa-i-aa. ||4||4||
I am forever a sacrifice to the one who listens and hears, who understands and believes in the Name.
sun sun boojhai maanai naa-o. taa kai sad balihaarai jaa-o.
When the Lord Himself leads us astray, there is no other place of rest for us to find.
aap bhulaa-ay tha-ur na thaa-o.
You impart understanding, and You unite us in Your Union. ||1||
tooN samjhaavahi mayl milaa-o. ||1
I obtain the Naam, which shall go along with me in the end.
naam milai chalai mai naal.
Without the Name, all are held in the grip of Death. ||1||Pause||
bin naavai baaDhee sabh kaal. ||1|| rahaa-o
My farming and my trading are by the Support of the Name.
khaytee vanaj naavai kee ot.
This is the true mark of wisdom: that one remains detached, like the water-lily, or the lotus upon the water.
jal puraa-in ras kamal pareekh.
Attuned to the Word of the Shabad, one becomes sweet, like the juice of the sugar cane. ||3||
sabad ratay meethay ras eekh. 
By the Hukam of the Lord`s Command, the castle of the body has ten gates.
hukam sanjogee garh das du-aar.
The five passions dwell there, together with the Divine Light of the Infinite.
panch vaseh mil jot apaar.
The Lord Himself is the merchandise, and He Himself is the trader.
aap tulai aapay vanjaar.
O Nanak, through the Naam, the Name of the Lord, we are adorned and rejuvenated. 
naanak naam savaaranhaar.
How can we know where we came from?
jaato jaa-ay kahaa tay aavai
Where did we originate, and where will we go and merge?
kah upjai kah jaa-ay samaavai
How are we bound, and how do we obtain liberation?
ki-o baaDhi-o ki-o muktee paavai
How do we merge with intuitive ease into the Eternal, Imperishable Lord? ||1||
ki-o abhinaasee sahj samaavai. ||1
With the Naam in the heart and the Ambrosial Naam on our lips,
naam ridai amrit mukh naam.
through the Name of the Lord, we rise above desire, like the Lord. ||1||Pause||
narhar naam narhar nihkaam. ||1|| rahaa-o.
With intuitive ease we come, and with intuitive ease we depart.
sehjay aavai sehjay jaa-ay.
From the mind we originate, and into the mind we are absorbed.
man tay upjai man maahi samaa-ay.
As Gurmukh, we are liberated, and are not bound.
gurmukh mukto bandh na paa-ay.
Contemplating the Word of the Shabad, we are emancipated through the Name of the Lord. 
sabad beechaar chhutai har naa-ay. ||2||
Ang 153
Meeting the Gur (a.k.a. Shabad Guru within), the hard and heavy doors are opened. 
gur mil kholay bajar kapaat. 
One meets the Holy Saint only through perfect destiny.
saadh milai poorab sanjog.
The Lord`s perfect people rejoice in the Truth.
sach rahsay pooray har log.
Surrendering their minds and bodies, they find the Lord with intuitive ease.
man tan day lai sahj subhaa-ay.
Nanak falls at their feet. 
naanak tin kai laaga-o paa-ay. 
Conquering self-conceit, one obtains the Name. 
aap maaray taa paa-ay naa-o. 
One who dies in the Word of the Shabad, shall never again have to die.
sabad marai,,fir maran na ho-ay.
Without such a death, how can one attain perfection?
bin moo-ay ki-o pooraa ho-ay.
So get aboard that boat when your turn comes.
bohith charha-o jaa aavai vaar.
Those who fail to embark upon that boat shall be beaten in the Court of the Lord.
thaakay bohith dargeh maar.
Blessed is that Gurdwara, the Guru`s Gate, where the Praises of the True Lord are sung.
sach saalaahee Dhan gurdu-aar.
O Nanak, the One Creator Lord is pervading hearth and home. 
naanak dar ghar aykankaar.
The inverted heart-lotus has been turned upright, through reflective meditation on God.
ulti-o kamal barahm beechaar.
From the Sky of the Tenth Gate, the Ambrosial Nectar trickles down.
amrit Dhaar gagan das du-aar.
The Lord Himself is pervading the three worlds. ||1||
taribhavan bayDhi-aa aap muraar. ||1||
O my mind, do not give in to doubt.
ray man mayray bharam na keejai.
When the mind surrenders to the Name, it drinks in the essence of Ambrosial Nectar. Pause
man maanee-ai amrit ras peejai. rahaa-o.
When the self dies, the individual mind comes to know the Supreme Mind.
aap moo-aa man, man tay jaani-aa.
As the inner vision is awakened, one comes to know one`s own home, deep within the self. 
najar bha-ee ghar ghar tay jaani-aa. 
The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is austerity, chastity and cleansing baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage. (Listening to the Naam is cleansing baths)
jat sat tirath majan naam.
Meeting the True Guru, we are shown the way to die.
satgur milai so maran dikhaa-ay.
Remaining alive in this death brings joy deep within.
maran rahan ras antar bhaa-ay.
Overcoming egotistical pride, the Tenth Gate is found. 
garab nivaar gagan pur paa-ay.
So chant and meditate on the Lord, and remain in the Sanctuary of the Lord. ||1||Pause||
har jap jaap rahan har sarnaa.
Meeting the True Guru, duality is dispelled.
satgur milai ta dubiDhaa bhaagai.
The heart-lotus blossoms forth, and the mind is attached to the Lord God.
kamal bigaas man har parabh laagai.
One who remains dead while yet alive obtains the greatest happiness hereafter. 
jeevat marai mahaa ras aagai. 
Meeting the True Guru, one becomes truthful, chaste and pure.
satgur mili-ai sach sanjam soochaa.
Climbing up the steps of the Guru`s Path, one becomes the highest of the high.
gur kee pa-orhee oocho oochaa.
When the Lord grants His Mercy, the fear of death is conquered. 
karam milai jam kaa bha-o moochaa. 
Uniting in Guru`s Union, we are absorbed in His Loving Embrace.
gur mili-ai mil ank samaa-i-aa.
Granting His Grace, He reveals the Mansion of His Presence, within the home of the self.
kar kirpaa ghar mahal dikhaa-i-aa.

About 6 months focus on naam simran now and before that about 1 year on mool mantar. Before that it was just reading books and listening to kirtan katha but I was still lacking inspiration do the practical myself. Only over the past 2 years have I moved up a gear and more so in the last 6 months.

If my post inspires even just one person then I really consider it worth while. Go for it Singh!!!

I'm reading Guru Granth Sahib Ji (english translation) along side naam simran and its really giving me the push I need. The amount of focus that is placed on naam/shabad unity with Almighty is just really shocking me to the max. To the point i'm getting quite annoyed by the fact that if Guru Granth Sahib Ji placed so much focus on naam simran being the only means by which we will reach Waheguru why weren't we told about it in Gurdwaras more. Maybe it was me who just wasn't taking it in. Why aren't we told this is what you need to do and this is how you go about doing it....

There are days when I run out of steam and the desire isn't there but when I read a few more angs it gives me the kick I need to get me going again. Actually i'm hooked reading Guru Ji. Can't even focus at work, just want to keep reading. My respect for my Gurus is increasing daily. Guru Amar Das ji' belows me away every time, actually they all do. Going to get shitter at work if they find out what I'm doing. I find myself totally becoming withdrawn from what is going on in the outside world. Don't care about news, tv, movies, family etc either i'm holding my phone or ipad. I'm really seeing a difference in me. Its growing to such an extent that my own mother is getting concerned and telling me to slow down and keep my feet on the ground and says I got my whole life ahead of me yet.

The only advice I'm able to give anyone is keep the simran going throughout the day whilst your doing your day to day stuff. From the moment I get up I try and start. Getting ready, journey to work, lunch times, take a few minutes off during work and just do simran eyes open or closed, journey home. I bet the other travelers are saying what is that guy mumbling to himself. If your able to dedicate fix time to it then so much the better. This is the part I'm really finding difficult to do. My legs and backside ache and I can't sit for long and the discomfort over powers the concentration your trying to reach. I find myself looking at the clock to see if times up or my thoughts just keep coming and I get frustrated but there are times when you know you had a good session even if it was just for a few moments.

Lucky gave a good explanation in this post.



Generally it is much easier to do swas swas simran when one moves towards madhma jaap. (i.e. dull whisper) or internally with the mind. Lucky covers stage 1 and stage 2 in the post linked above.

What your asking about is swas swas jaap out aloud. This question also puzzled me a lot so in the end I gave up try to achieve what seemed impossible task considering with the way vocal cords and breathing work. Some will till you its impossible and some will tell it needs to be done. On some occasions I do feel it is slightly kicking in but I can't say it feels smooth and comfortable. Like Guru with exhale.

When I'm doing my jaap out aloud I do try and say Guru with the exhale breath. As that is easily achievable.

Exhale
-- -------->
G U R UU

If you persevere to say Wahe with inhale you might sometimes achieve some of the following with a little bit of jerkiness in the breath or a slightly distorted Wahe.

Inhale
< - - - - ------
W A H E


Inhale
< ----- - - ------
W A H E


Inhale
< ------ - - --
W A H E

If you listen to
you will hear him say just forget about the breathing and just say the words with wahe slight navel pump in and guru navel out. In subsequent videos he says forget about the breathing and let it happen on its own. He will go as far to say we are to connect with the sound of the gurmantar and not the pavan/air.
One has to understand that true simran is done with the mind internally. That is the stage we are trying to achieve. However since we are not accustomed to listening with full attention to the words our mind is saying and we get bombarded with thoughts. We start with bhakhri jaap (out aloud) where we first learn to listen to our voice without letting the mind wonder off. When you have perfected that then you start lowering the volume and transition towards swas swas.

Recently "TruthSeeker" has posted one youtube link under "Meditation - My experience, Am I Allowed to Share". So, instead of posting message there, I've created this new thread with some additional links:

First of thanks very much "TruthSeeker" for the listing.

Here are some more videos from Ishwar Puri:

What Is Outside is Merely Reflection Of What Is Inside :


Time Is the Biggest Trap :

Very interesting video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVCGbt8KC4

I must admit that video was very inspiring indeed. Many thanks for sharing. I liked the way he clarified the lower level sounds and how the true upward pulling sound/naad is the one you need to find and connect with. This should sound like a Bell and with progress should become an elongated sound.

He once again confirmed the technique of listening to the gurmantar internally and how the purpose of a mantar is help bring back and control a wondering mind.

Reminded me once again of Bhagat Baynees bani in Guru Maharaj on Ang 974

The energy channels of the Ida, Pingala and Shushmanaa: these three dwell in one place.
irhaa pingulaa a-or sukhmanaa teen baseh ik thaa-ee.

This is the true place of confluence of the three sacred rivers: this is where my mind takes its cleansing bath.
baynee sangam tah piraag man majan karay tithaa-ee.

O Saints, the Immaculate Lord dwells there;
santahu tahaa niranjan raam hai.

how rare are those who go to the Guru, and understand this.
gur gam cheenai birlaa ko-ay.

The all-pervading immaculate Lord is there. Pause
tahaaN niranjan rama-ee-aa ho-ay. Rahaa-o

What is the insignia of the Divine Lord`s dwelling?
dayv sathaanai ki-aa neesaanee.

The unstruck sound current of the Shabad vibrates there.
tah baajay sabad anaahad banee.

There is no moon or sun, no air or water there.
tah chand na sooraj pa-un na paanee.

The Gurmukh becomes aware, and knows the Teachings.
saakhee jaagee gurmukh jaanee.

Spiritual wisdom wells up, and evil-mindedness departs;
upjai gi-aan durmat chheejai.

the nucleus of the mind sky is drenched with Ambrosial Nectar.
amrit ras gagnantar bheejai.

One who knows the secret of this device,
ays kalaa jo jaanai bhay-o.

meets the Supreme Divine Guru.
bhaytai taas param gurday-o.

The Tenth Gate is the home of the inaccessible, infinite Supreme Lord.
dasam du-aaraa agam apaaraa param purakh kee ghaatee.

Above the store is a niche, and within this niche is the commodity.
oopar haat haat par aalaa aalay bheetar thaatee.

One who remains awake, never sleeps.
jaagat rahai so kabahu na sovai.
The three qualities and the three worlds vanish, in the state of Samaadhi.
teen tilok samaaDh palovai.
He takes the Beej Mantra, the Seed Mantra, and keeps it in his heart.
beej mantar lai hirdai rahai.

Turning his mind away from the world, he focuses on the cosmic void of the absolute Lord.
manoo-aa ulat sunn meh gahai.

He remains awake, and he does not lie.
jaagat rahai na alee-aa bhaakhai.
He keeps the five sensory organs under his control.
paacha-o indree bas kar raakhai.
He cherishes in his consciousness the Guru`s Teachings.
gur kee saakhee raakhai cheet.

He dedicates his mind and body to the Lord`s Love.
man tan arpai krisan pareet.
He considers his hands to be the leaves and branches of the tree.
kar palav saakhaa beechaaray.

He plugs up the source of the river of evil tendencies.
asur nadee kaa banDhai mool.

Turning away from the west, he makes the sun rise in the east.
pachhim fayr charhaavai soor.
I know understand "pachhim" to be a reference to the back of the head.

He bears the unbearable, and the drops trickle down within;
ajar jarai so nijhar jharai.

then, he speaks with the Lord of the world.
jagannaath si-o gosat karai

The four-sided lamp illuminates the Tenth Gate.
cha-umukh deevaa jot du-aar.

The Primal Lord is at the center of the countless leaves.
paloo anat mool bichkaar.

He Himself abides there with all His powers.
sarab kalaa lay aapay rahai.

He weaves the jewels into the pearl of the mind.
man maanak ratnaa meh guhai.

The lotus is at the forehead, and the jewels surround it.
mastak padam du-aalai manee.

Within it is the Immaculate Lord, the Master of the three worlds.
maahi niranjan taribhavan Dhanee.

The Panch Shabad, the five primal sounds, resound and vibrate their in their purity.
panch sabad nirmaa-il baajay.

The chauris - the fly brushes wave, and the conch shells blare like thunder.
dhulkay chavar sankh ghan gaajay.

The Gurmukh tramples the demons underfoot with his spiritual wisdom.
dal mal daatahu gurmukh gi-aan.

Baynee longs for Your Name, Lord.
baynee jaachai tayraa naam.

Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru....

Very interesting video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVCGbt8KC4

Very interesting video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVCGbt8KC4

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ke Fateh!

I am new to this forum. I have read through all the posts and am very glad to read from such amazing Gurmukh's and their inspiring experiences, tips, and techniques.

I have just recently been practising Simran, less than a month. By God's Grace I was told about the practical methods of Simran by a Gursikh from Chicago who learned the practical from Bhai Sewa Singh from Moga.

I strongly suggest you check his website www.mysimran.info which provides lectures on the technique of Simran, the experiences one will have, lectures on maya, and many more.

Also, you should check when he will be coming to your town for a Simran (meditation) Camp http://mysimran.info/camps/

One question I have had for a while now is when do you know when to transition from Baikhari Bani (out loud with mouth and tongue) to Madhama (whispering) to Pasanti (internally) to Para (rom rom).
I usually practice the first three but not Para (rom rom).

Also, any tips on how to Listen to Gurmantar, dhyan on the sound (dhune). Is very hard for me to focus with so many thoughts. I try to focus on sound coming from my mouth but mind does not sit.

Thank you, very blessed to have found this forum and such blessed Gurmukhs.

WJKK WJKF

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ke Fateh!

I am new to this forum. I have read through all the posts and am very glad to read from such amazing Gurmukh's and their inspiring experiences, tips, and techniques.

I have just recently been practising Simran, less than a month. By God's Grace I was told about the practical methods of Simran by a Gursikh from Chicago who learned the practical from Bhai Sewa Singh from Moga.

I strongly suggest you check his website www.mysimran.info which provides lectures on the technique of Simran, the experiences one will have, lectures on maya, and many more.

Also, you should check when he will be coming to your town for a Simran (meditation) Camp http://mysimran.info/camps/

One question I have had for a while now is when do you know when to transition from Baikhari Bani (out loud with mouth and tongue) to Madhama (whispering) to Pasanti (internally) to Para (rom rom).
I usually practice the first three but not Para (rom rom).

Also, any tips on how to Listen to Gurmantar, dhyan on the sound (dhune). Is very hard for me to focus with so many thoughts. I try to focus on sound coming from my mouth but mind does not sit.

Thank you, very blessed to have found this forum and such blessed Gurmukhs.

WJKK WJKF

Here's something interesting I picked up recently. How does one know when your ready to progress from Baikhari Bani (verbally), Madhma (whisper) to doing it with internally with the voice of the mind (Pasanti)?

Start of with Baikhari i.e. doing it loudly until your mind is listening and not off wondering thinking about other things. Ensure your eyes are closed otherwise your mind will try and leave through the eyes and start looking around and your attention will be outside. You will know your mind is present because it will come to sit behind the two eye lids. Make it recite and focus on the sound of the gurmantar. You will be breathing through the mouth in Baikhari and Madhma stages. I do not believe it is physically possible to inhale and say Wahe at the same time. You can however still pull in the navel with Wahe, but it will not be synchronized with the breathing, this will just happen normally.

So,

Say “Wahe” pull navel in
Say “Guru” release navel i.e push back out

Stage 2.
If you feel you mind is becoming steady begin to lower the volume to a dull whisper so only you can hear it. (Madhma)

Continue with Baikhari and Madhma until your mind becomes steady thought free and your mind is listening to the shabad.

You should not need to focus your eyes on the trikuti. This will all happen naturally when the shabad/parkash begins to manifest itself. You should not force it. Learn to just listen to shabad and the sound of your own voice and stop the mind from wondering. (Very difficult to do).

Note when reciting WaheGuru, there is a slight pause (about 0.75-1 second) between saying Wahe and Guru.

When doing Madhma (whisper) you might find yourself going internal with the simran, i.e. no sound from the mouth and it beginning to synchronize with the breath and becoming swas swas simran.

Wahe (inhale) and (hold - about a second) say Guru (exhale).

This will have the effect of balancing the air flow between the two nostrils and help still the mind further.

Occasionally close the mouth and breathe through the nostrils. If you feel that both nostrils are active, which you can also check by placing your finger underneath your nose, then this is the ideal time then take your simran internally. (Didn't know that was possible as I thought only nostril is active at any given time.)

Stage 3. – Pasanti

Cease any speech and do simran synchronized with the breath and voice of the mind and listening with the inner ears.

Inhale into chest + pull in stomach/navel (very slightly) + “Wahe”
Hold (about a second)
Exhale + release stomach/navel + “Guru”

Some people do extreme thrusts with the stomach which is wrong and can have the adverse effect of your navel pulsating on its own which is not good. It will evoke too much agni in the pit of your stomach which is not good.

As your mind become more and more still your head will begin to relax and drop. Keep the jaap going on internally and try and stay awake rather than falling asleep.

The more and more simran your do synchronized with the breath the more you will learn to do it subconsciously, i.e. auto pilot, ajapa jaap.

As you mind goes deeper and deeper within, you might see different coloured lights. These are associated with the 5 primal elements/chakras.

Listening to Sant Hari Singh's explanation of letting it all happen automatically is another approach. :-)

I in no way profess to be an expert in the subject matter but in fact a absolute beginner who is looking for guidance to progress on this path. Like other people on this forum I believe that there shouldn't be so much secrecy behind simran. I am sure there are so many others out there like me desperate to be shown the way who are not in the regular service of mahapursh or affiliated with a single Jatha, although have satkaar for all. I am therefore merely sharing any knowledge I am gaining and posting it on this forum. The choice is entirely yours whether you choose to utilise any of it should you find it useful.

Welcome TruthSeeker,

MySimran.info is an excellent site and I have also found the knowledge imparted by the sevadar as highly beneficial and inspiring. It is so refreshing to learn about simran so openly and freely with out any of the stigmas, beliefs of secrecy that exist out there today. I also often try and tune into their camps online and wish I could have been sitting in the sangat at the actual location.

Since you have attended their camps I would firstly advise that you should contact them with specific questions if anything is unclear. I'm sure they would be more than willing to clear up any confusions you might have. Any views expressed by members here is from knowledge and tips we have picked up ourselves from a number of different sources which might include things we have learned from their teachings also.

According to my own understanding from what I have heard about when to transition from bhakri to madhma is as follows:

The primary objective of doing bhakri (out aloud) jaap is to get your mind used listening to the gurmatar without having flights of thought. It also helps teach the mind to sit in one spot and listen to the sound. It also helps balance the pavan/air flowing in both nostrils also known as sukhmana activation. I believe it was advised to do this for quite some time before transitioning to madhma (sass sass). From my own practical experience I quite enjoy doing jaap out aloud as I find it much easier to focus on the sound that way. It is much harder when you take it internal because the mind loves to think of other things instead.

Like yourself I also found it extremely difficult to listen to my own voice initially until one day it just clicked and locked in on it's own. It was even more difficult when sitting in sangat because I found myself listening to the sangat more than I could hear my own voice.
A technique that is advised was to put your dhyan in front of the mouth. This is an excellent and easy approach. Make all the attention in you ears focus on the sound just in front of your mouth. With practice it will tune into only the sound coming from the mouth. When that happens believe you me, you will know it. Then when you do simran in sangat no matter how loud it may get you will still be able to 80% your voice and 20% background sangat. The ultimate goal is to be so focused on your own voice and not know what is happening around you.That is what I believe they mean by closing off the 9 doors.

As your mind becomes more and more still and takes less flights of thought you can slowly begin to transition from sass-giras to sass-sass by lowering the volume till you reach the state of whispering with inhale/exhale method. I also believe it is advised to be breathing through the mouth at this point and not through the nose and it bypasses the ida/pinguala of the nose. Periodically you can check if both nostrils have opened up if you were to breath through the nose. If they are open, then sukhmana is active and one should move to pasanti which is totally internal with the voice of the mind.

Anyway that's my understanding and I'm sure others will be able add where I have gone wrong.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ke Fateh!

I am new to this forum. I have read through all the posts and am very glad to read from such amazing Gurmukh's and their inspiring experiences, tips, and techniques.

I have just recently been practising Simran, less than a month. By God's Grace I was told about the practical methods of Simran by a Gursikh from Chicago who learned the practical from Bhai Sewa Singh from Moga.

I strongly suggest you check his website www.mysimran.info which provides lectures on the technique of Simran, the experiences one will have, lectures on maya, and many more.

Also, you should check when he will be coming to your town for a Simran (meditation) Camp http://mysimran.info/camps/

One question I have had for a while now is when do you know when to transition from Baikhari Bani (out loud with mouth and tongue) to Madhama (whispering) to Pasanti (internally) to Para (rom rom).
I usually practice the first three but not Para (rom rom).

Also, any tips on how to Listen to Gurmantar, dhyan on the sound (dhune). Is very hard for me to focus with so many thoughts. I try to focus on sound coming from my mouth but mind does not sit.

Thank you, very blessed to have found this forum and such blessed Gurmukhs.

WJKK WJKF

I’m going to have a go explaining my interpretation of Rom Rom Simran. How to get started. This is just one method but with some gurmukhs it can mianifest spontaneously.
It's mentioned quite often in the order of saas graas, saas saas and then rom rom, but very rarely does any mahapursh give any details about it.
I get that impression because it is a very practical technique that involves sukham sareer compared to physical, and I assume that most teachers/mahapursh/sant show and demonstrate to an abyhasee only after he is adept in saas graas and saas saas.
It almost seems as it is kept hush hush and some sant/mahapursh don't reveal to student until x-amount of years have been spent doing the other vidhis/jugtees.
I found that I could get a little information from one place and another little idea from another,,,,, so basically, my interpretation is from gathering the little bits and putting them together from varying sources.
I must stress that as far as I understand it, one should be doing this only when they know how to maintain or get very close to a steadiness and when they are able to get breath balanced (ie,, via sukhmana channel)
Primarily,one has to do more abyhaas to get the nadhis cleansed and stimulated, and when this happens- the sukham sareer properties start coming into play.
I won't go into the vidhies of breath balancing or dhyian control for now,but will give you my understanding and how I've been doing the rom rom simran.
ROM ROM SIMRAN
This is pasanti bhani jap- which is mental,silent and completely from the sukham Mind.
and it is antar ghat (completely internal)
We are using sukham ears and sukham mouth to jap. (ie,,,sukham gyan and karam indries)
It is ALL sukham compared to the Physical breathing manoeuvres/inhalations/tongue use....etc.. in Saas graas & Saas saas
However, there is the beginning aspect of trying to feel the pulse or heartbeat, that is classed as physical. But once you master this, then it all becomes sukham.
A little point I would like to make is about some confusion for matching breathing with heartbeat - which can no doubt lead to hyperventilation
I really don't think that you should match your breath to heartbeat- since this is ALL sukham. If we start matching physical breath then we are going towards sargun/physical behaviour and hindering progress into sukham.
The way I see it is-
With simran we progress through the jugtees and techniques by gradually making our surti, dhyian and actions, to move from Sargun to Nirgun. So, if our surti can come out and away from the sargun body, then we move away from the grasps of kaal and his maya dominance. Therefore, we need to make surti/dhyian move from Sargun to Nirgun.
(remember- before creation there was just the nirgun shabad and all sargun manifested later. It makes sense to go back home in that reverse order!)
As for the rapid breathing technique that can lead to hyperventilation and hypoxia, I am aware that some keertan sangats practice this, but this is not to be confused with heartbeat & rom rom jugtee, or any other jugtee for that matter.
Hypoxia or oxygen deprivation from rapid hyperventilation can give someone a good feeling of being lightheaded. I have heard how some of these kirtan sangats(akj) claim to have feelings of divine anand from their fast paced kirtan samagams, but this is nothing much different than the 2 minute high that party students get with nitric 'poppers', because of same oxygen starvation effects.
Technique/method
1) 1st quieten and get that steady state where breath is balanced.
2) Try and feel your heart beat by putting the focus into that area
3) If this is difficult, then it may help if-
-a) you hold your breath for a few seconds and then try to locate/listen.
-b) Or you can instead ,try to feel your pulse on the wrist.
4) Once you find the beat and can follow it's beating rhythm, then putting some more dhyian there should make it more louder and prominent.
5) the anhad naad/dhun should also get more prominent if you have it present.
-I usually find that they both get more enhanced at the same time
6) Now, that the heart beating is clear and can be followed, you incorporate and match the gurmantar along with it to begin rom rom.
-this itself can be done in 2 ways
a) you should be able to identify an ''up'' beat and a ''down'' beat.
...then coincide the Wahe-with-Up, and the Guru-with-Down.
OR..
b) when the beat is too fast to differentiate the up/down, then you can match the whole gurmantar with this faster beat. For eg..you are saying waheguru,waheguru,waheguru, without any pause or breaks in wahe-and-guru.
With practice, you should eventually be able to locate the heartbeat without touching or feeling any pulse.
If you HOLD the breath for a few seconds, then this also make it easier to sense.
NEXT, the goal is to put the focus on navel, because when focusing at navel, one can be steady in the sukhmanna channel and trying to rise upwards.
The sukhmanna channel runs directly from navel area towards the nijh ghar. (in a straight line along the path of chakras)
Before we are born and in the womb, this connection is fully active and intune with waheguru. When the umbilical cord is cut and the first birth breath is taken, that's when the veil layers of maya world start their course. You could also say that the knot to maya is tied after cord is cut/breath is taken in atmosphere.
 
ਮਨ ਰੇ ਪਵਨ ਦ੍ਰਿੜ ਸੁਖਮਨ ਨਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Man re pavan ḏariṛ sukẖman nārī. ||1|| rahā▫o.
O mind, hold your breath steady within the central channel of the Sushmanaa. ||1||Pause||
It's important to get the steady breath balance before you start rom rom.
This steadiness and control comes when there are no thoughts.
If any thoughts arise, then the breath balancing goes into either side of Ida or Pingala.
That’s why it is called the turbulent ocean (bhavsagar) because we rock from side to side (left to right), or from ida to pingala whilst trying to travel up the nadis and trying to maintain the steadiness in sukhmana throughout.
This 2nd stage of rom rom is to focus around navel area and feel the pulse there which is much more sukham.
The focus, I believe is not directly at the belly button, but you feel the pulse and rom rom vibration just below it and deeper inside.
It is the area called the DHARAN.- which is about 1 inch below and 1 inch inwards.
I often find it a little easier to locate this subtle area compared to the heartbeat sometimes. With practice it should become easier and almost instant.
The vibrations that I feel there can be In and Out and so I use the mental Wahe-in and Guru-out,
OR sometimes they may be going slightly up/down at an angle rather than in/out, but I still use the same method and have noticed that the rate of rom rom vibration is practically the same.
All the jap is done in complete sukham from the mind, and it can help if you do the internal, mental chant with the inner voice being raised with some power behind it. (as if your enforcing your internal chant)
The last check I usually make is to be sure that I am breathing slowly and normally, and not accidentally incorporating the breath into the jap rhythm-which can be very easily done (and then you can end up with the hyperventilating issue explained above). Again, with practice, this will become instant and second nature.
This practice takes you on a whole new quest with both mystical and spiritual experiences, that are individual and personally tailored to each of us. You will know that they can't be discussed openly.
I can seriously understand why it is of great importance to have the right sangat and experienced gurmukh/mahapursh/sant guidance/advisor to assist you along the encounters at this stage. This is probably the reason to why it has the "hush hush'' factor and doesn't get mentioned too often.
Sadly, I'm not in the company of any mahapursh and at certain times I have felt the desperate need to get questions answered.
So far, I seemed to have managed using gurbani, certain info sources, practice and of course, Waheguru's blessings.
 
Using the above practice method should eventually make Rom Rom fully manifest/pargat. There are a few nishanees that can help determine if it's pargat in full or not, but I won't go into those here.
 
 

I'm just going to share some personal info and tips of how to try and counteract our own personal obstacles in simran.

There are times when you just can't settle in, no matter how hard you try. On the other hand there are times when we settle right in without making much effort.

Like everyone else, I have had very early mornings where I get up all psyched and ready to go battle the 5 thieves in the day ahead. Then after doing japji when i try and settle in to the simran...........Nothing !!
The mind will wander.., i will start again........ and....... nothing again.. ...This then becomes an ongoing cycle and I will look at the clock and think ''why have i wasted 15 minutes trying to settle in.''?

Sometimes, I tell myself that it's not going to happen now and I should maybe attempt later on. Whereas other times I will be adamant that I should be doing it, because even if i try going back to sleep.....I won't.!

It almost becomes a corkscrew effect, because if I try and analyze what thoughts are coming in, they can be the thought of 'why can't I settle in, I was fine yesterday, i've slept, i'm fresh...''...etc
So you end up thinking about your reason of not focusing, which itself prevents you focusing further....


I'm sure we have our own suggestions of what may work for us personally, but I thought I might suggest a few that i've tried successfully, that maybe you could try and think of next time !

1) I start with just taking a real deep breath in and filling your chest up.
2) Hold your breath and suspend the chest, and try keep a stillness.
-You should feel a settling in silence from within.
3) Then let the breath out slowly when you feel comfortable.
(But don't hold it too long so that you reach a maximum point of where you have to get a massive sigh of relief when letting it out)
4) Repeat this about 4 times OR until you feel that little space of inner quietness and stillness when suspending/holding.

Usually this should work and give you that 'tuning in' kick to get going.


****If this doesn't help, then I usually think back to what I used to do when I started in the earlier days ?
For me, I tend to just picture a mental image of my favorite Guru Nanak portrait or some other Guruji picture in the house.

NOTE- this is not ''idol worship'' stuff,- but a point of focus.
The worship process starts when you bring the gurmantar in, in my opinion, i have never seen it as manmat !



****Another little tip that could be useful after you have started and then seem to drift away is to-
....Just open your eyes and gaze right in front of you without moving your eyes around or looking around the room.
- Just look at whatever object is in front of you for only a split second, and then close your eyes back.

****-I usually put my focus to a central point in between the eyebrows and slightly higher (agna chakra area).
-Just look for this little dot of light or even a dot that is darker than the background screen you see.
-When you see it keep your eyes on this, as it will help keep the eyes still.
.....I know it gets painful for some people to look at that point, if so you could just look at any central point lower down in stead. This can be the bridge between eyes or the tip of your nose.

****Another method that I sometimes revert to is to put your Dhian on navel whilst listening to the 'Waheguru' gurmantar.
This is useful if you are doing the saas graas /saas graas I explained in ealier post where the navel pull in/out is being used.
I used to find this very useful when i started saas graas because i would get the sequence of -'navel in and wahe'- the wrong way round. The dhian on navel would help keep the correct sequence as well as the simran itself.


NOTE- the above few techniques are about focus whilst paying attention to the sound/dhun of gurmantar.
It's not happening if your dhian is on the navel/3rd eye and you are not paying attention to ''Wahe-Guru''

I will add some more little tips/techniques that i have found useful if you guys find these useful.
Even now, I find that sometimes you forget what to do if you can't focus. So, it's a good idea to 'revise' these like a college student to remember them when needed.
I often read through tips/techniques every now and again as a little refresher course.