The power of the Name of God has been extoled in many
scriptures. Here is an extract from Sukhmani Sahib (a holy script of Sikhs,
composed by Guru Arjan Dev ji, their fifth Guru):
Chanting, intense meditation, spiritual wisdom and all
meditations;
six schools of philosophy and sermons on the scriptures;
practice of Yoga and righteous conduct;
renunciation of everything and wandering around in the
wilderness;
performance of all sorts of works;
donations to charities and offerings of jewels to fire;
cutting the body apart and making the pieces into
ceremonial fire offerings;
keeping fasts and making vows of all sorts
- none of these are equal to the contemplation of the
Name of the Lord.
If one chants the Name of the Lord, even once, one obtains
salvation. There is nothing equal to the Name of the Lord.
The Glorious Praise of the Name of the Lord is the highest;
the Name has saved so many of the worst sinners.
Chanting the Name of the Lord, sorrow is dispelled, chant
it with intuitive ease. If you wish to erase your sorrows, sing the Name of the
Lord, Har, Har, within your heart.
To the poor, God’s Name is wealth.
To the homeless, God’s Name is home.
To the dishonored, You, O God, are honor.
To all, You are the Giver of gifts.
Of all religions, the best religion is to chant the Name
of the Lord and maintain pure conduct.
Of all efforts, the best effort is to chant the Name of
the Lord in the heart, forever.
Of all speech, the most ambrosial speech is to hear the
Lord's Praise and chant it with the tongue.
Of all places, the
most sublime place, is that heart in which the Name of the Lord abides.
