Why Should I Do Nitnem?
Nitnem represents daily prayers through which Sikhs connect with God. It is a way to communicate with the Divine and build a deep relationship with God. Sikhs believe that one can connect and communicate with God in this life, and this is achieved through Gurbani—the sacred teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
God seeks a connection with each person. However, it is essential for individuals to nurture this connection actively through prayer, involving God in all aspects of life. Nitnem allows Sikhs to focus solely on God, setting aside time to grow spiritually. According to the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh Code of Conduct), Nitnem is an essential practice for Amritdhari Sikhs, and all Sikhs are encouraged to remember God through these prayers. The Guru Granth Sahib reminds us:
ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਚਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਨਿਤ ਬਿਉਹਾਰੁ ॥
Saḏā saḏā nām ucẖrai har nāmo niṯ bi▫uhār ॥
Reciting the Naam, forever and ever, make the name of God your daily occupation.ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਹਰਿ ਰਖਾ ਉਰ ਧਾਰਿ ॥੧॥
Kirpā kare je āpṇī ṯā har rakẖā ur ḏẖār ||1||
Through God’s grace, I keep God within me.~ Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Amar Das, Ang 589
Reasons to Engage in Nitnem
- To maintain a consistent spiritual practice.
- To deepen one’s understanding of Sikh beliefs and philosophy.
- To connect personally with God and build a meaningful relationship.
- To reaffirm one’s commitment to Sikhism.
- Because the Gurus practiced Nitnem and encouraged their followers to do the same.
- To gain spiritual merit and the blessings of Naam.
- To strengthen unity within the Sikh community.
- To memorise the Panj Banis used in the Amrit ceremony.
- To learn the proper pronunciation of Gurbani.
ਤੋਰਿ ਭਜਨ ਕੀ ਰਹੈ ਪਿਯਾਸਾ ॥੩੭੯॥
Tor bhajan ki rehei piyasa ॥379॥
Let me always be thirsty to sing your praises.~ Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Chaupai Sahib
The True Purpose of Nitnem
Nitnem is not a religious duty performed to earn blessings, avoid misfortune, or seek rewards. Rather, it is a conversation with the Guru, guiding Sikhs to walk the path of righteousness and spiritual growth. Each Bani, from Japji Sahib in the morning to Sohila Sahib at night, helps Sikhs reflect on life’s most profound questions and align themselves with God’s will.
For instance, in Japji Sahib—the first Bani recited in the morning—the Guru presents deep questions like, “How can one become truthful? How can falsehood be removed?” and provides the answer: “Align with the hukam, O Nanak, for it is already written with you.” As each Bani unfolds, the Guru leads the Sikh through a journey of spiritual insight, helping them understand life, its purpose, and the Divine.
To approach Nitnem as a mere ritual, expecting favors or to avoid challenges, would misinterpret the true spirit of Sikhism. Rather, Nitnem is a personal exchange between Guru and Sikh, with the Guru guiding the Sikh towards the peace and unity found in Waheguru.
Engaging with Gurbani: A Journey with the Guru
The Sikh Gurus conveyed their teachings through Gurbani, preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As Sikhs read Japji Sahib, they converse with Guru Nanak. In Anand Sahib, Guru Amar Das Ji shares his joy upon uniting with Waheguru. Through Chaupai Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji demonstrates strength and resilience, reminding Sikhs to draw upon the same divine source of courage.
Understanding and engaging with Nitnem takes time. It may be beneficial to start with one Bani, such as Japji Sahib or Kirtan Sohila, and build up gradually. This allows for a deeper, more meaningful engagement with each prayer, making it easier to appreciate the wisdom within Gurbani fully.
Nitnem is meant to be a heartfelt conversation with the Guru, helping Sikhs navigate life’s challenges while drawing closer to Waheguru. As the Guru Granth Sahib Ji says, “The word, the bani is guru, and guru is the bani. Within the bani, the ambrosial nectar is contained.” In this way, the ten Gurus continue to guide humanity through their timeless words.