An “Amrit Vela” State of Mind
After following some of the recent on-line debates, and discussing the topic at our local Gurbani Veechar meeting, I’ve been reflecting a bit on the concept of amrit vela in Sikhi.
To summarize the debate, many feel that amrit vela is a specific time of day (roughly three hours before dawn) where one is most attuned to Waheguru. It is the time of day where there are few distractions and one’s mind can fully focus on reflection and remembrance of Waheguru. Then there are others who feel that spirituality and reflection cannot be tied to a time of day…any time is perfect for simran, and amrit vela is more of a “state of mind” rather than a specific time. Both sides interpret various lines from Gurbani to defend their case.
I am by no means an expert on the topic. My only extended period of time waking up at amrit vela was many years ago and only for a few weeks. I’ll admit, I really enjoyed waking up before the rest of the world and designating a block of time to sit and do my paath properly, with full concentration and no other distractions – unlike now, where I often multi-task as a I rattle through my paath. However, with my poor time management as a university student, waking up at amrit vela became tougher and tougher. And after a few scary moments at the wheel driving home late at night…I decided to defer this personal goal of mine until it better suited my schedule…unfortunately, that day has yet to come.
As I got older and broadened my views on Sikhi a bit…I felt we couldn’t look at spiritual matters so mechanically. In my cursory research on the topic of amrit vela in the Guru Granth Sahib and Bhai Gurdas Ji’s Vaars, I saw many references to amrit vela, but very little explanation of it. Maybe that was on purpose. I started to wonder, when Guru Sahib says, “amrit vela sach naao vaddiaaee veechaar“, perhaps we are spending too much time quibbling over the definition of amrit vela and not enough effort on the vaddiaaee veechaar.” To me, amrit vela was more of a concept than a specific time…it is in fact the “Ambrosial Hours” the translation often states…and that time of “fragrance”, where one can concentrate on paath and simran could be any time…and certainly shouldn’t be limited to 4:30am.
I remember sharing these thoughts with a group of like-minded Sikh friends years ago…and we all agreed that this was in fact what Guru Sahib meant.
But now I’m not so sure…
Now when it comes to issues of Gurmat, and I remember those rooms full of nodding heads where we all were in agreement, I start to think to myself…what if we were all wrong?
Why do I believe that Guru Sahib was downplaying the idea of amrit vela, when there are so many references to it? Should I really be picking and choosing when Guru Sahib is being literal or not based on my own convenience? Furthermore, If a Sikh is a “disciple” and a disciple is to be…well…disciplined – then what more disciplined way can one start off their day then by waking up early?
When I think about the handful of times over the years at camps and retreats where I did wake up at amrit vela and joined together with my sangat for paath and simran before sunrise…it was so powerful. Isn’t this what my Guru wanted me to experience? And when I think about my elders and other Sikh role models who’ve influenced me over the years, why is it they all woke up before dawn as well? I guess what I’m saying is…maybe there is something to it. And unless I’ve really given it an honest try and experienced it for myself…who am I to really say what amrit vela is or isn’t?
This “literal” view of looking at amrit vela may not be popular with my friends, who still tend to see things a little “grey”, but maybe I need to start looking at my Gurmat issues like I do my politics…a little less republican…a little less democrat…and a lot more independent. It’s refreshing to see so much debate on Sikhi and Gurmat issues on the internet, but I think it’s important to look at each issue in its own context without bias, and form educated opinions accordingly – rather than just blindly attaching to a single school of thought.
So the journey continues…one day at time…and a few hours earlier 
I would love to hear some personal experiences of others who have transitioned to an amrit vela lifestyle…
35 Responses to “An “Amrit Vela” State of Mind”
refreshing post, veer.
refreshing post, veer.
With regard to waking up before the sunrise, i believe Guroo Jee has already stated the necessity of it with "Gur Satgur Ka Jo sikh akayi so palke utth har naam dhiavai. Udham kar palke parbhatee ishnaan kar amritsar navai"….anyone with a good-ish grasp of punjabi understands that 'palke' mean very early in the morning
My personal belief is that Amrit Vela is both before sunrise and Amrit Vela is also anytime…a paradox…well isn't life just full of them? But the reason so much emphasis is put on Amrit Vela is due to the effort required and due to the sacrifice of ones sleep. To wakeup early everyday requires a complete lifestyle change….didn't Guru Jee say 'Rehit pyaree muj ko, Sikh pyara nahee'
But i do feel you've answered it when you wrote…"unless I’ve really given it an honest try and experienced it for myself…who am I to really say what amrit vela is or isn’t?"
Open discussion is a positive thing, its only throuh it will we learn. Taking a narrow minded approach to Gurmat is detrimental and i do believe everyone is truly entitled to their own opinion.
With regard to waking up before the sunrise, i believe Guroo Jee has already stated the necessity of it with "Gur Satgur Ka Jo sikh akayi so palke utth har naam dhiavai. Udham kar palke parbhatee ishnaan kar amritsar navai"….anyone with a good-ish grasp of punjabi understands that 'palke' mean very early in the morning
My personal belief is that Amrit Vela is both before sunrise and Amrit Vela is also anytime…a paradox…well isn't life just full of them? But the reason so much emphasis is put on Amrit Vela is due to the effort required and due to the sacrifice of ones sleep. To wakeup early everyday requires a complete lifestyle change….didn't Guru Jee say 'Rehit pyaree muj ko, Sikh pyara nahee'
But i do feel you've answered it when you wrote…"unless I’ve really given it an honest try and experienced it for myself…who am I to really say what amrit vela is or isn’t?"
Open discussion is a positive thing, its only throuh it will we learn. Taking a narrow minded approach to Gurmat is detrimental and i do believe everyone is truly entitled to their own opinion.
"Should I really be picking and choosing when Guru Sahib is being literal or not based on my own convenience?"
RP Singh ji, interpreting a text in the absence of the live Gurus is an important way in which we can ensure that the religion keeps being relevant and responsive to the needs of people for the times to come. Not for this particular issue, but in general I feel that there is no harm in picking, choosing, discussing, interpreting and incorporating rather than purely accepting.
"Should I really be picking and choosing when Guru Sahib is being literal or not based on my own convenience?"
RP Singh ji, interpreting a text in the absence of the live Gurus is an important way in which we can ensure that the religion keeps being relevant and responsive to the needs of people for the times to come. Not for this particular issue, but in general I feel that there is no harm in picking, choosing, discussing, interpreting and incorporating rather than purely accepting.
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh,
Amrit Vella topic has been in discussion umpteen number of times. Like veerji above quoted – " Gur satguru…… uth ker palke prabhati ishnaan kar amritsar nivai." Guruji is asking us sikhs to get up early in the morning which is the 2nd "pehar" of the day and after taking ishnan take the name of god. The time is choosen cz its that time of the night when even the "sickest" of the person – who is not able to sleep in the night – goes to sleep. Its that time of the night when all the animals and birds are also asleep. We are being challanged to change that. Its the QUIETEST time of the day when the consentration is the easiest.
I hope you will excuse me if someone doesnot agree to my observations.
Regards
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh,
Amrit Vella topic has been in discussion umpteen number of times. Like veerji above quoted – " Gur satguru…… uth ker palke prabhati ishnaan kar amritsar nivai." Guruji is asking us sikhs to get up early in the morning which is the 2nd "pehar" of the day and after taking ishnan take the name of god. The time is choosen cz its that time of the night when even the "sickest" of the person – who is not able to sleep in the night – goes to sleep. Its that time of the night when all the animals and birds are also asleep. We are being challanged to change that. Its the QUIETEST time of the day when the consentration is the easiest.
I hope you will excuse me if someone doesnot agree to my observations.
Regards
RP Veerji,
You've provided me with another glimpse into my daily struggle – I've discussed (and continue to discuss) the context and meanings of many Sikh concepts. Now, as I struggle to get up every morning and simply read Nitnem or work on Sehaj Paat – I think to myself the camps, retreats, and discussions are wonderful. They showed me what I can experience daily – if – instead of discussing, I start applying.
Guru Nanak Sahib's words have been running through my head for the past few days: ?????? ????? ??? ????? ? ????? ??? ??? ???? ?? ? ?????? ? ??? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ??? ?????? ? ?? ??? ???? ????? ???? ??? ?? ??? ?????? ? ?? ??????? ????? ???? ?? ??? ??? ????? ???
Especially the "Divine is near, blessed crazy one, why look outside?"… Thanks for reminding me that I need to open my eyes…
Thanks RP Singh, very well put. I almost think that there has been many schools of thought out there that have been teaching the young Sikh kids to question Sikhi a bit too much which has definitely not yielded many positive results over the long haul.
I like really like your approach to this and hope you continue to spread the guru's message.
RP Veerji,
You've provided me with another glimpse into my daily struggle – I've discussed (and continue to discuss) the context and meanings of many Sikh concepts. Now, as I struggle to get up every morning and simply read Nitnem or work on Sehaj Paat – I think to myself the camps, retreats, and discussions are wonderful. They showed me what I can experience daily – if – instead of discussing, I start applying.
Guru Nanak Sahib's words have been running through my head for the past few days: ?????? ????? ??? ????? ? ????? ??? ??? ???? ?? ? ?????? ? ??? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ??? ?????? ? ?? ??? ???? ????? ???? ??? ?? ??? ?????? ? ?? ??????? ????? ???? ?? ??? ??? ????? ???
Especially the "Divine is near, blessed crazy one, why look outside?"… Thanks for reminding me that I need to open my eyes…
Thanks RP Singh, very well put. I almost think that there has been many schools of thought out there that have been teaching the young Sikh kids to question Sikhi a bit too much which has definitely not yielded many positive results over the long haul.
I like really like your approach to this and hope you continue to spread the guru's message.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment on this post. Just to clarify, I do feel we must question, discuss, and interpret. But too many times I see how we (including me) take such liberty with interpretations in order to justify our own personal practices and decisions…essentially, following Manmat (my way) versus Gurmat (the Guru's way). I believe discussion and interpretation is very useful, but it needs "Gurmat" context – and how do we do that? Still trying to figure that out, but I do believe that simran, paath, discipline, and reflection helps bridge the gap and brings a diffferent perspective to understanding and interpreting Gurbani…just a thought
Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment on this post. Just to clarify, I do feel we must question, discuss, and interpret. But too many times I see how we (including me) take such liberty with interpretations in order to justify our own personal practices and decisions…essentially, following Manmat (my way) versus Gurmat (the Guru's way). I believe discussion and interpretation is very useful, but it needs "Gurmat" context – and how do we do that? Still trying to figure that out, but I do believe that simran, paath, discipline, and reflection helps bridge the gap and brings a diffferent perspective to understanding and interpreting Gurbani…just a thought
When I was young, my mom used to tell me a saakhi about Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I am not sure if this is true or myth but this is how it went. Guru ji went to Mecca and wanting to take a rest, lay down on the ground. His feet were towards the Ka'aba. A man came to him and said that you can't lie here with your feet towards our God. To this Guruji replied, please move my feet to where your God is not. I was thinking that we could think of amrit vela in a similar way. I am sure if there was such a question, Guru ji would have replied and said ke tell me a vela in which you don't feel the Lord's amrit.
When I was young, my mom used to tell me a saakhi about Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I am not sure if this is true or myth but this is how it went. Guru ji went to Mecca and wanting to take a rest, lay down on the ground. His feet were towards the Ka'aba. A man came to him and said that you can't lie here with your feet towards our God. To this Guruji replied, please move my feet to where your God is not. I was thinking that we could think of amrit vela in a similar way. I am sure if there was such a question, Guru ji would have replied and said ke tell me a vela in which you don't feel the Lord's amrit.
Thanks for the interesting topic and comments! The development of Sikhi over the last 2-3 centuries shows that the meaning of Sikhi has been steadily diminished by us because we have little bothered about applying the timeless wisdom of Gurbani in dailiy life. Amrit Vela is a vivid example. Every verse in Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a timeless updesh; means there is spiritual wisdom in it which enables every seeker to move forward on the spiritual and social journey – regardless of a specific place. That means that every verse must be true at all times and in every place of this universe.
The literal understanding of Amrit Vela is clearly linked to Punjabi understandings of it, i.e. to wake up before sunrise. Everyone who has done this, feels the calmness of this time and enjoys being undisturbed by noise etc. At the same time one has to keep in mind, that the link here is not to a specific time, but to the (calm) atmosphere. In Punjab the best time to be undisturbed is before sunrise (think of the farmers, who start their work very early because of the heat; they have to wake up before sunrise in order to have a productive day).
If our wise Guru Jis wanted to define a clock time they would have done so. But they were wise enough not to do this because it would have gone against the universality of their message. When is Amrit Vela on other planets? Surely one day we will live on other planets. When is Amrit Vela in nordic countries, where you have sometimes 24 hour daylight and in other seasons 24 hour no sun at all? So we need a universal understanding of Amrit Vela if we do not want to reduce the meaning to local understandings.
The Guru Jis say: "Amrit vela sach nao vadeayie vichaar." Amrit is the time when you take a bath in truth, praise, and reflect (upon the One). That could be any time where you are able to create this spiritual atmosphere. That doesn't mean one should negate the benefit of raising early and connect to the Divine before starting a day.
Therefore, it might be useful trying to understand the twofold meaning of Amrit Vela (and other practical concepts mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib Ji).
Thanks for the interesting topic and comments! The development of Sikhi over the last 2-3 centuries shows that the meaning of Sikhi has been steadily diminished by us because we have little bothered about applying the timeless wisdom of Gurbani in dailiy life. Amrit Vela is a vivid example. Every verse in Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a timeless updesh; means there is spiritual wisdom in it which enables every seeker to move forward on the spiritual and social journey – regardless of a specific place. That means that every verse must be true at all times and in every place of this universe.
The literal understanding of Amrit Vela is clearly linked to Punjabi understandings of it, i.e. to wake up before sunrise. Everyone who has done this, feels the calmness of this time and enjoys being undisturbed by noise etc. At the same time one has to keep in mind, that the link here is not to a specific time, but to the (calm) atmosphere. In Punjab the best time to be undisturbed is before sunrise (think of the farmers, who start their work very early because of the heat; they have to wake up before sunrise in order to have a productive day).
If our wise Guru Jis wanted to define a clock time they would have done so. But they were wise enough not to do this because it would have gone against the universality of their message. When is Amrit Vela on other planets? Surely one day we will live on other planets. When is Amrit Vela in nordic countries, where you have sometimes 24 hour daylight and in other seasons 24 hour no sun at all? So we need a universal understanding of Amrit Vela if we do not want to reduce the meaning to local understandings.
The Guru Jis say: "Amrit vela sach nao vadeayie vichaar." Amrit is the time when you take a bath in truth, praise, and reflect (upon the One). That could be any time where you are able to create this spiritual atmosphere. That doesn't mean one should negate the benefit of raising early and connect to the Divine before starting a day.
Therefore, it might be useful trying to understand the twofold meaning of Amrit Vela (and other practical concepts mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib Ji).
My question to all: When is NOT the time – vela – for amrit, gurbani vichaar, contemplation, introspection, to breed goodness within?
My question to all: When is NOT the time – vela – for amrit, gurbani vichaar, contemplation, introspection, to breed goodness within?
Wahe Guru Ji Kah Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh,
What about people who work during that time? What time would their Amrit Vela be? Mediation what is mediation is it a thought, an action, a discussion a good deed etc. I would not have an answer but this 20 minutes it took me to read this article and the out put of the Gurmukhs was my mediation.
May Wahe Guru Ji bless us with his Naam.
Wahe Guru Ji Kah Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh,
What about people who work during that time? What time would their Amrit Vela be? Mediation what is mediation is it a thought, an action, a discussion a good deed etc. I would not have an answer but this 20 minutes it took me to read this article and the out put of the Gurmukhs was my mediation.
May Wahe Guru Ji bless us with his Naam.
Amrit Vela starts at 2.00 AM.
Many prominent personalities like Sant Ishar Singh ji (rarha sahib), Sant Waryam Singh ji (ratwara sahib ) . . . have repeatedly emphasized the importance of waking up at 2.00 am.
We find so many references to waking up 'at night'( well, that is almost a night, isn't it ?) "Bhinni rainarhiye, chamkan taare !" Jaage sant-janaa, mere Ram-piyare"
"Oi Jaagat rahai na sute disahe ! sangat kul taare saach parisahe!"
(Guru Nanak)
And idea of sleep is not very favourable among lovers. Guru Gobind Singh ji has advised "Alap ahaar, sulap si nidra"
Moreover, those who are in love feel pangs of separation . . .
as Kabir Sahib explains:
Sukhiya sab sansar hai khaye aur soye !
Dukhiya das kabir hai jaage aur !
Moreover, there is a great advantage in waking up early. Only at that time you can do your bhajan-simran uninterruptedly as no phone calls, no door bells … no urgent tasks etc are likely to happen. Besides, if we are to start a day what could be a better way than starting with reciting (wadeaayi) his holy Name ?
… in continuation of the above, let me quote Kabir sahib again :
Sukhiya sab sansar hai khaye aur soye!
Dukhiya das kabir hai jaage aur roye !
This surely explains the state of mind of those who are restless . . and those who are in love !
Jeo Machhli bin paniyai
kiyo jeewan pawai !
Boond vihoona chatriko kiyo kar triptawai !
Naad kurankeh bedheya sanmukh uth dhawai!
Bhanwar lobhi kusam baas ka mil aap bandhawai !
Teo sant janaa har preet hai
dekh dars aghaawai !
and
seene khich jina ne khadi
O kar araam na behinde !
Nehon wale naina kee neendar ?
O dine raat paye wahinde !
Ikko lagan laggi layi jaandi
hai tor anant onna di!
waslon urre muqam na koyi
so chal paye nit rehinde ! (Bhai Veer singh ji )
and lastly, may I quote our beloved Baba Farid ji ?
"uth farida uju saaj, subha niwaj guzar !
Jo sir sanyi na nibhai so sir kap uttar !"
He says : those who do not wake up early in the morning … those heads who do not bow before the Lord should be cut …!!! See ? Such is the importance !!!
Those who say they work at night have a legitimate issue. But, this is not a norm, only an exception. Right ? Any time spent in His memory is time counted. So they should meditate whenever they find some time.
I think there is no excuse for the rest of us.
Amrit Vela starts at 2.00 AM.
Many prominent personalities like Sant Ishar Singh ji (rarha sahib), Sant Waryam Singh ji (ratwara sahib ) . . . have repeatedly emphasized the importance of waking up at 2.00 am.
We find so many references to waking up ‘at night'( well, that is almost a night, isn’t it ?) “Bhinni rainarhiye, chamkan taare !” Jaage sant-janaa, mere Ram-piyare”
“Oi Jaagat rahai na sute disahe ! sangat kul taare saach parisahe!”
(Guru Nanak)
And idea of sleep is not very favourable among lovers. Guru Gobind Singh ji has advised “Alap ahaar, sulap si nidra”
Moreover, those who are in love feel pangs of separation . . .
as Kabir Sahib explains:
Sukhiya sab sansar hai khaye aur soye !
Dukhiya das kabir hai jaage aur !
Moreover, there is a great advantage in waking up early. Only at that time you can do your bhajan-simran uninterruptedly as no phone calls, no door bells … no urgent tasks etc are likely to happen. Besides, if we are to start a day what could be a better way than starting with reciting (wadeaayi) his holy Name ?
… in continuation of the above, let me quote Kabir sahib again :
Sukhiya sab sansar hai khaye aur soye!
Dukhiya das kabir hai jaage aur roye !
This surely explains the state of mind of those who are restless . . and those who are in love !
Jeo Machhli bin paniyai
kiyo jeewan pawai !
Boond vihoona chatriko kiyo kar triptawai !
Naad kurankeh bedheya sanmukh uth dhawai!
Bhanwar lobhi kusam baas ka mil aap bandhawai !
Teo sant janaa har preet hai
dekh dars aghaawai !
and
seene khich jina ne khadi
O kar araam na behinde !
Nehon wale naina kee neendar ?
O dine raat paye wahinde !
Ikko lagan laggi layi jaandi
hai tor anant onna di!
waslon urre muqam na koyi
so chal paye nit rehinde ! (Bhai Veer singh ji )
and lastly, may I quote our beloved Baba Farid ji ?
“uth farida uju saaj, subha niwaj guzar !
Jo sir sanyi na nibhai so sir kap uttar !”
He says : those who do not wake up early in the morning … those heads who do not bow before the Lord should be cut …!!! See ? Such is the importance !!!
Those who say they work at night have a legitimate issue. But, this is not a norm, only an exception. Right ? Any time spent in His memory is time counted. So they should meditate whenever they find some time.
I think there is no excuse for the rest of us.
Fantastic posts – all,
After learning benefits of Amrit Vela, been spending considerable time researching alarm clocks. Not everyone has the "alarm clock gene" that automatically opens eyelids at 2AM. Besides, since Kindergarten they keep teaching us to "Dream Big" !..
Thought I'll share the results and save you some time.
Although Clocky is quite robust, I am leaning towards the helicopter alarm clock which is very interesting. Check the live demo along with a demo of specs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_PvtlfQLOE
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMQzdbW8EHc
Fantastic posts – all,
After learning benefits of Amrit Vela, been spending considerable time researching alarm clocks. Not everyone has the "alarm clock gene" that automatically opens eyelids at 2AM. Besides, since Kindergarten they keep teaching us to "Dream Big" !..
Thought I'll share the results and save you some time.
Although Clocky is quite robust, I am leaning towards the helicopter alarm clock which is very interesting. Check the live demo along with a demo of specs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_PvtlfQLOE
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMQzdbW8EHc
Amrit Vela is a specific time window starting about 2-3 hours before sunrise and ending with the Sun crossing the horizon, which is very natural. It consists of waves of cosmic energy which are felt by all living creatures, and even by minerals at the very atomic level. The whole world refreshes its particle energies due to the astronomical more balanced conditions created by the position of the Sun at predawn. Every old culture along history celebrated this awakening time. It is not only the most appropriate time for meditation for yogis and alike, but it is the most appropriate time window for the penetration of subtle cosmic waves through the Earth atmosphere.
Amrit Vela is a specific time window starting about 2-3 hours before sunrise and ending with the Sun crossing the horizon, which is very natural. It consists of waves of cosmic energy which are felt by all living creatures, and even by minerals at the very atomic level. The whole world refreshes its particle energies due to the astronomical more balanced conditions created by the position of the Sun at predawn. Every old culture along history celebrated this awakening time. It is not only the most appropriate time for meditation for yogis and alike, but it is the most appropriate time window for the penetration of subtle cosmic waves through the Earth atmosphere.
Sat Sri Akal Everyone,
This is an interesting discussion and I have pondered over it many times. While I agree the times of the day makes a big difference in the intensity of Meditation or Path or Kirtan with early morning and sunset considered the best. I think the state of the mind, body and being also plays a very big role. I feel that sometimes we tend to ignore that the Guru ji's said that the divinity is within and to realize that divinity one must take a holistic approach.
From personal experience, I have mostly been waking up early for a few months now and doing path and meditation. How I spent my previous day had a very big impact on not just how early I could wake up(obviously) but more interestingly what I felt after waking up. Being more refreshed and clear headed helped me read and enjoy the banis a lot more. Here is a link to my experiences with reading the Jaap Sahib.
http://www.sikhsailor.com/2010/06/jaap-sahib-soun…
Also, we tend to sometimes forget or disregard the whole purpose of prayer and meditation. If we can wake up at Amrit Vela and be one with Wahe Guru ji, there is nothing like it. But lets accept the fact that we live a worldly, a Miri life and due to its demands waking up early is not always conducive. In such a situation, I like to avoid making this into a ritual or chore, that is being just done for the sake of it. Prayer to me is something done out of love, with devotion and not something out of fear or supplication out of desire for things.
http://www.sikhsailor.com/2010/07/naam-japo-medit…
I always try to speak from experience. It is 6:07pm here in Bangalore. Since I was working from home today I decided to meditate for a little while before all the evening plans started. After a long time I lasted for almost an hour in a still and tranquil position. Again, it might have been that I was into it and the Jap, the mantra were flowing seamlessly. But more importantly, I was doing to so I could enjoy it, so I could feel it in my entire being, because by repeating "Waheguru" I truly wanted to say "Wah" .. "he" …"Gu" … "Ru" ..
So In the end, go for the feeling, go for the rass, Waheguru ji is there forever, everywhere to help you, to embrace you, as long as we take an earnest first step.
Sat Sri Akal Everyone,
This is an interesting discussion and I have pondered over it many times. While I agree the times of the day makes a big difference in the intensity of Meditation or Path or Kirtan with early morning and sunset considered the best. I think the state of the mind, body and being also plays a very big role. I feel that sometimes we tend to ignore that the Guru ji's said that the divinity is within and to realize that divinity one must take a holistic approach.
From personal experience, I have mostly been waking up early for a few months now and doing path and meditation. How I spent my previous day had a very big impact on not just how early I could wake up(obviously) but more interestingly what I felt after waking up. Being more refreshed and clear headed helped me read and enjoy the banis a lot more. Here is a link to my experiences with reading the Jaap Sahib.
http://www.sikhsailor.com/2010/06/jaap-sahib-soun…
Also, we tend to sometimes forget or disregard the whole purpose of prayer and meditation. If we can wake up at Amrit Vela and be one with Wahe Guru ji, there is nothing like it. But lets accept the fact that we live a worldly, a Miri life and due to its demands waking up early is not always conducive. In such a situation, I like to avoid making this into a ritual or chore, that is being just done for the sake of it. Prayer to me is something done out of love, with devotion and not something out of fear or supplication out of desire for things.
http://www.sikhsailor.com/2010/07/naam-japo-medit…
I always try to speak from experience. It is 6:07pm here in Bangalore. Since I was working from home today I decided to meditate for a little while before all the evening plans started. After a long time I lasted for almost an hour in a still and tranquil position. Again, it might have been that I was into it and the Jap, the mantra were flowing seamlessly. But more importantly, I was doing to so I could enjoy it, so I could feel it in my entire being, because by repeating "Waheguru" I truly wanted to say "Wah" .. "he" …"Gu" … "Ru" ..
So In the end, go for the feeling, go for the rass, Waheguru ji is there forever, everywhere to help you, to embrace you, as long as we take an earnest first step.
Guru Fateh,
So I was totally searching for my peace of mind when I ran into this article. I'm sure everyone has experienced the constant struggles that I face now, wrapping up my last year in college…with those insane deadlines and exams..
I really wish I could make waking up during Amrit Vela a routine for myself, 'til the point where hopefully it becomes my lifestyle/habit. I know that not everything comes to us naturally, we do have to work for it.
And knowing that the few times I have woken up during Amrit Vela have made me experience so much peace, it's all the more exciting.
Thank you for your insightful post
Guru raakha
I’ve heard that amritvela is not related to any specific hour. Its different in everybody’s life and is different everyday. It comes twice in 24 hours. One is just before you get up in the morning , before getting conciousness(when neither you are slept nor woke up). Its just a fraction of time and you have to catch that time. And the same happens at night time, when you are about to lose your conciousness and just before falling asleep.
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