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Summary of Question:	Paath And Meditation
Category:	Gurbani
Date Posted:	Thursday, 10/23/2003 7:54 PM MDT

Hi, MY first question is that is it better to do Japji Sahib than just meditation and is it better to read and say Japji Sahib rather than listen to it on a CD

1. The reason why I am asking is because sometimes I feel I can concentrate better with just meditating and focussing on my breathing than actually doing Paath. Maybe its because I am being lazy and to be honest, for me its hard to concentrate on Paath as I have to really understand the words.
So, is it better to do Paath?
2. Secondly, is it equally good to listen to Patth(and that of course sitting at home and giving full conc.) rather than read it from th e Gutka Sahib. Again,I feel I can concentrate while listening to this Particular CD that I have.
Thanks so much.
Note: just in case anybody is looking for a good CD, I would highly recommend "Amritvela Nitnem: On the Move" by Bhai Dya Singh.
It was given to me by someone at the Gurudwara and its just great. It includes Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib and Tva Prasad Swayiyas and its all with a great music. Everbody who has heard it has wanted a copy of it. Even my 12 year old cousin, so great for youngsters too.

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal. MEDITATING on Paath is better than pure recitation, but don't think that recitation is worthless. Concentrating on the meaning or the words, whether via CD or Gutka, is good. It is not about 'which is better.' It is about developing a practice that (1) helps your being incorporate the bani so that it becomes part of you and you understand it more and more daily; (2) that lets your neutral mind develop. The breathing and focus while listening to paath is a meditation, though it is not a recitation.

Listening is better than not listening, recitation and concentration on paath is better than listening in the sense of hearing. HOWEVER, if you can develop a listening where the words and their inspiration go deep into your psyche (a focused listening, not just hearing it) then you have mastered the 'suni-ai' Guru Nanak writes of in Japji. Find the practice that works for you and DO IT everyday. Guru ang sang,
-DKK