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Summary of Question:	Doing Prakash
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Thursday, 1/23/2003 8:16 AM MST

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Hello, I am 14 years old, and I have started to get up everymorning at amrit vela time between 4-5 am. I just wanted to know, if there are certain procedures to doing prakash. I cannot read punjabi very well, so I recite Jap Ji Sahib through the english gutka. My chachaji told me that I should recite the mool manther upto Gurprasad, untill I am finished. Are there any specific ways of doing prakash or vital procedures that need to be taken. Also, I cannot do the valk, after the ardaas. What should I do. The same for doing sukhasin in the evening. Also, is it necessary to do the paanj bania everyday, or can I just do my Jap Ji in the morning and Rehras with Kirtan sohila at night.
Thank you for your time!
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

(REPLY) Sat Nam. You ask if it's "necessary" to recite the five banis every day. It depends upon how eager you are to give yourself every possible strength and connection to the Guru! Each bani has its special power and effect. Ideally, recite them all! Definitely do the complete Japji Sahib first thing in the morning. You know there's an English translation of the entire Siri Guru Granth Sahib on Sikhnet website, so after your Ardas you can take a hukam on line! After the morning banis, then a "vital procedure" before you do Ardas, would be to chant God's Name (Nam japo , or Nam simran) for one hour. This can be done by using the series of mantras that we have been chanting throughout USA and western hemisphere, (these are availble on many CD's you could chant along with- check out the links on Sikhnet to music sources) or just one that appeals to you, Wahe Guru, or Sat Nam. It's most effective to link your breath and your mind to the mantra. -- Then you're ready to create your own sort of "Gurdwara" by singing Anand Sahib (first five verses) and then doing the Ardas and taking a hukam. (I assume there is no Gurdwara available in your neighborhood, because if there were, it would be great to go there every morning and bow to the Guru "in person.") Many blessings to you! SP