Concept of Naam – Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki

Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki

Abstract

Naam is an ubiquitous theological concept. However, in the Sikh faith, it occupies a pivotal position.
Naam is not just a noun, it has been considered as a  as’ noumenon’ as contrasted to phenomenon (Emanuel Kant) as also as ‘essence’ins cotrast to form (Sankhya).
Its essential nature is transcendent (para) and it signifies the generative principle of the Divine. According to Gutu Nanak, it represents the Creator between His unmotivated and motivated states.
Although its fundamental form is ‘para’ i.e. transcendental, it ordinarily becomes available to man in common linguistic form or ‘baikhari’.
The practice of Naam begins with its ‘baikhari’ form through single-minded meditation ascending the spiritual ladder, rung by rung, passing through ‘madhyama’ or intermediary state and its earlier ‘pashyanti’ state to reach eventually ‘para’ state when the door unlocksitself  to permit the practitioner meregr with the Divine.

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Author Bio

Dr Jaswant Singh Neki, a psychiatrist of international standing, is currently, Professor of Eminence in Religious Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala. He represented the Sikh community at very many inter-religious meetings including the World Parliament of Religions, and Unesco Seminars. Lately, he participated as the leader of the Sikh delrgation in an inter-religious prayer meet invited by the Pope at the Vatican, Italy.He has authored several authentic books – the one on ‘Ardas’ has been described as an ‘All-time Classic’ by perceptive critics. An outstanding metaphysical poet in the Punjabi Language, he received the national Sahitya Akademi Award in 1980.