Walking the Path of Naam

Hisar, Satsang By Param Sant Kanwar Saheb Ji

What is Naam? Naam means the Name of God — the Name of the Lord. People often think that a two-letter, three-letter, or five-letter mantra is Naam. But in reality, every object has a name. Everything in this world is known by its name. However, the Naam spoken of by the saints refers to the Divine Name of the Lord.

The saints sing about the greatness of this Naam and describe it as divine nectar. Whoever drinks this nectar becomes immortal. Immortal means one who never dies after being born. In truth, if someone never takes birth again, then there will be no death either. Those who have tasted the nectar of Naam have destroyed the cycle of birth and death from its very root. Such a soul does not have to take birth again and again in this world.

The glory of Naam can be understood through an example. When a fire breaks out in a forest, it burns everything in its path. Yet after some time, new plants, trees, and grass grow again, and the forest becomes greener than before. In the same way, Naam burns away our bad qualities. When those faults are removed, good qualities naturally begin to grow in their place. This is the true greatness of Naam — it purifies a person from within.

However, if after taking Naam our habits do not change, if we do not abandon our bad qualities and harmful actions, then we must question whether we truly accepted Naam at all?

Some people say that they took Naam many years ago but later wandered away from the path. After some time they ask whether they can take Naam again. But what is the need to take it again? Naam never becomes spoiled, it never becomes old, and it never loses its power. Whenever a person awakens spiritually, that very moment itself is good.

If someone receives Naam in youth, that is excellent. Even if someone receives it in old age, it is still not wasted. Whoever truly receives Naam can have their sins, sorrows, and sufferings removed.

However, the path of Naam is not easy. Naam is meant for those devotees who truly love God, who are lovers of the Lord and who sincerely wish to uplift their lives. This path requires courage, like that of a warrior entering a battlefield. A warrior enters the battle with determination — either he will die or he will defeat the enemy. In the same way, unless we become warriors and destroy the evil tendencies within ourselves, we cannot experience the true benefit of Naam.

Kabir Sahib also said that a person cannot ride two horses at the same time. On one side is the path of devotion, and on the other side is the worldly path. If someone remains completely absorbed in worldly life, devotion will not happen. And if someone focuses only on devotion, worldly life may seem to disappear. But the beauty of the Sant-mat path is different. It teaches that a person can live in a household and still practice devotion.

In fact, it is not merely a matter of riding two horses — one can ride even four. These four are Dharma (righteousness), Artha (livelihood), Kaam (worldly responsibilities and desires), and Moksha (liberation). A person who walks on the path of devotion can remain within family and society, fulfill all responsibilities properly, and still practice devotion at the same time.

Kabir Sahib says that the one who earns the wealth of Naam becomes free from the worries and sorrows of worldly life. But before truly receiving Naam, a person must develop certain qualities. 

In every field of life, success requires ability and qualification. However, on this spiritual path, a person’s qualifications are not examined first; rather, the person is gradually made worthy.

Human beings live under the influence of the mind. The mind is like a minister of Kaal — the force that keeps the soul bound within the world. The mind does not easily allow a person to walk on the right path. But if we surrender our mind to the Satguru, then the Satguru can guide that mind onto the correct path.

That is why the path of becoming a Gurumukh is taught. Gurumukh means loving the Guru, following the Guru’s instructions, respecting the Guru’s words, reflecting deeply on what the Guru teaches, and living one’s life according to those teachings. When a person lives in this way, no obstacle remains in their path. However, the difficulty is that we do not become Gurumukh. Because of this, our faith remains weak. And without faith, no work in life can truly succeed.

There are many such examples in history. What Naam did Shravan Kumar chant? Which Guru formally initiated Eklavya? In some cases, there was no Guru physically present, yet their deep faith and unwavering dedication guided them forward. On the other hand, there have also been those who, despite having a Guru, could not progress. Many souls have attained spiritual upliftment simply by sincerely following even a single command of the Guru.

Therefore, human life should not be lived like animals and birds, merely eating, drinking, sitting, and passing time. Whenever you get the opportunity, sit in solitude and reflect deeply: What is the goal of our life? Why have we come into this world? What have we done so far, and what will we do before we leave?

We have received a very precious human life. The work that can be accomplished in this human life cannot be done by any other creature. 

Do not focus on others. Simply attach your mind to the feet of the Lord. As much as possible, practice the Simran of Naam.

Until Simran becomes steady and firm, meditation cannot truly happen. The first stage of spiritual progress is Simran. 

Just as knowing the name of a destination helps you find the road that leads to it, in the same way, Naam guides you toward your spiritual goal. If you begin your journey without even knowing the name of the place you wish to reach, you will wander aimlessly and lose your way. But if you know the name, even if you go astray, someone will help guide you back onto the right path.