The ideals of the Sikh faith advise the devotee to rise early in the morning and meditate on God. Sikhs normally do not say prayers while kneeling as Christians or Catholics do. Prayer or meditation, known as naam jap or naam simran, is usually done while sitting comfortably, cross-legged, on the floor. Some Sikhs occasionally use steel prayer beads, called a mala, to help with concentration.
Prayer may take the form of Paath or devotional reading.
Nitnem paath is a set of morning, evening, and bedtime prayers which are read or recited daily, while sitting or standing.
Extended prayer may involve a complete reading of the entire 1430 page Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture:
- Akhand Paath - uninterrupted reading.
- Sejh, or Sidharan Paath - intermittent reading.
A formal prayer of supplication, called Ardas, is offered while standing. Prayer and meditation focuses on praising God, and may take the form of singing as in kirtan. Sikhs believe prayer and meditation to be essential in attaining desirable qualities and overcoming ego. Sikh scripture counsels that each breath is an opportunity for prayer.
Guru Arjun wrote: "Twenty-four hours a day, O Nanak, meditate on the Guru, the path to enlightenment." SGGS||387
Read More:
Ardas, the Sikh Prayer of Supplication
Nitnem, the Daily Observance of Prayer
Panj Bania, the Five Daily Prayers of the Sikhs
Simran, Contemplative Meditation
