Simrani

Simrani (Punjabi: ਸਿਮਰਣੀ) in Gurmat ideology refers to Yaaddasht or the power of remembrance, understood as the faculty of Buddhi (intellect) through which one holds the Supreme awareness. Simrani is not merely mechanical repetition, but the awakened inner power of remembrance that connects Buddhi with the Divine voice (Ram).

Etymology

The word Simrani comes from the root Simran, meaning remembrance or contemplation. In Gurmat, Simrani is not the act of outward chanting but the inner cognitive power—“Yaad rakhan wali shakti”—that dwells in Buddhi.

Gurbani References

Guru Granth Sahib and Bhagat Bani highlight the central role of Simrani. Bhagat Kabir says:

ਕਬੀਰ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਿਮਰਨੀ ਰਸਨਾ ਊਪਰਿ ਰਾਮੁ ॥
ਆਦਿ ਜੁਗਾਦੀ ਸਗਲ ਭਗਤ ਤਾ ਕੋ ਸੁਖੁ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੁ ॥੧॥

Here, Rasna represents the “rass lain wali shakti” (the faculty of relishing) i.e Buddhi. In Simrani, Ram (the Divine Voice) resides above, and Akal (Buddhi) below, indicating interaction between the two.

Critique of Rosary (Mala)

Kabir, as understood in Gurmat, rejected the ritual of mechanical rosary (mala) repetition:

Kabir narrates that when he practiced mala pherna, he found no sukh (peace), only chinta (disturbance), as no true output was gained.

This practice was compared to “paani ko ridhkana”—an act of futility.

Thus, outward mala is declared useless. True Simrani arises not from physical beads but from awakened Buddhi tuned to the Divine.

Gurmat Understanding of Simrani

Simrani gives Rass: The essence of remembrance is rass (spiritual relish). Through this, the manmukh (self-centered mind) transforms into gurmukh (one aligned with Gurmat).

Ram as Inner Voice: Ram is the voice of the inner self (antar atma).

Story of Raja Ram: To understand the story of Raja Ram is Simrani itself—awareness of Divine play within creation. Kabir says, “Aise greh bahut basaye raam garab hoye aaye”, which reflects realization gained through Simrani.

Awakening of Simran Shakti: When this power of remembrance (Simran Shakti) awakens, Buddhi attains its true purpose and remains centered in Akal.