AMRIT

derived from Sanskrit amrta, defined variously as not dead, immortal, imperishable; beautiful, beloved; world of immortality, heaven; immortality, eternity; final emancipation; nectar, ambrosia; nectar-like food; antidote against poison; or anything sweet, commonly means a liquid or drink by consuming which one attains everlasting life or immortality. It is in this sense that the word was first used in the Vedic hymns. According to Hindu mythology, amrit was extracted by the gods by churning the ocean with the assistance of the demons and it was by drinking it that the gods became immortal. A similar concept of an immortalizing drink also exists in Greek and Semitic mythologies wherein it is variously called ambrosia, nectar or ab-i-hayat. In the Sikh tradition, amrit is not some magical potion that would confer upon the consumer an unending span of life or bring about automatic release from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The term is however retained figuratively to signify what leads to such release. In this sense, amrit is not something external to man but is within him and is received by Gods grace’s

Amrit is also used in gurbani in the adjectival sense of sweet, delicious, good, sweet-sounding, etc. in phrases such as amritu bhojanu namu hari — God’s Name is delicious food, amrit katha — dulcet discourse, amrit dristi-.immortalizing glance, amrita pria bachan tuhare — sweet are Thy words, 0' Dear One. Guru Amar Das in an astpadi (eight-stanza hymn) in Majh measure describes different characteristics of amrit such as eradicator of egoity, producer of amrt effect, a means to liv (concentration,) and giver of happiness

This amrit of Gods Name is realized from within the self and can be realized at any hour of day or night, but the best time conducive to realization is the last quarter of night or the early morning to which Guru Nanak refers as amrit vela when the devotee may contemplate the greatness of God. Guru Angad says that during early morning, the last quarter of night, the awakened ones develop a fondness for cultivating the True Name. Historically, amrit in the Sikh tradition refers to the baptismal water Guru Gobind Singh crated for the initiatory rites promugated in supersession of charan amrit at the time of the creation of the Khalsa brotherhood. This is called Khande da Amrit or nectar touched with the double-edged sword.
 

KHANDE DA AMRIT

The first nine Gurus of the Sikhs i.e. from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Tegh Bahadur at the time of initiating some one as a Sikh, into their fold, called dikhia, used to administer, charan-amrit, also called charan-pahul, prepared by washing their Sacred Feet. Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, modified the prevailing practice and introduced a novel method of initiation into the Order of Khalsa.

Guru Gobind Singh continued with the practice of administering amrit as a prerequisite for becoming a disciple. But, now, the amrit was of different kind and it was to be prepared in a different way. The Five, who had already been baptized, are to dissolve sugar plums (patasha) in pure water contained in a round bowl of steel while stirring it with the double-edged dagger called Khanda. These Five, called amritadhari, while preparing amrit, must also recite Japu Ji, Jap Sahib, Chaupai, Sawaiyai and portion of Anand Sahib, while sitting in vir-asan and in the Divine Presence of Guru Granth Sahib. These Five, moreover, ought to be perfect in physique, health and bearing.

Amrit, historically, therefore, in the Sikh tradition with its shifting of emphasis from charan (foot) to double edged dagger or Khanda, signifies a new kind of metamorphism, transforming a Sikh into Singh - a martial being - deified as Saint-solider enjoined to serve One and All.
 

AMRIT VELA

lit, ambrosial hour (vela=time or hour), the last quarter of night or predawn morning hours, is reckoned in Sikh spirituality as period of time most conducive to concentration and appropriate for meditation and practicing nam, i.e. repetition of God’s Name. Says Guru Nanak in the Japu: amrit vela sachu nau vadiai vicharu (early morning is the time for practicing nam, God’s Name synonymous with God Himself, and for contemplating His greatness. Guru Angad, says:chauthai pahari sabah kai surtia upajai chau/ tina dariava siu dosti mani mukhi sacha nau (during fourth quarter of night, joy sprouts forth in the hearts of awakened ones; they go, befriend the rivers and brooks (for ablution) and have the True Name in their minds and on their lips. Shaikh Farid the Muslim saint, whose compositions are also included in the Sikh Scripture, is more forthright. Says he, "If you lose the last part of night to sleep, O Farid! count yourself as dead even as you live. (Remember that) if you have forgotten God, He has not forgotten thee. Guru Ram Das, laying down the daily regimen for a Sikh accorded primacy to early-rising to contemplate God’s Name, "Let him who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, rise early and meditate on God" And, Guru Arjan, says: "Rise early in the morning and repeat God’s Name". To quote Bhai Gurdas: "The Guru’s Sikh rises early in the morning, performs ablutions at amrit vela and recites the Guru’s word"

Amrit vela in Sikhism is the prime hour not for its own sake, but because of its suitability for practicing nam, i.e. for remembering God and contemplating His greatness. No special auspiciousness attaches to amrit vela. Every moment of one’s life is meant for the remembrance of God. As Guru Arjan says, "Blessed is the hour (vela) when one gets absorbed in contemplation of Him".

Your References Comments Suggestions Feedback

E-MAIL this Page Link to Yourselves or a Friend Just Enter recipient's e-mail: The information goes directly from you to your friend.

Please send us Your Comments and Suggestions             to help make SIKH.NET more useful for every one | Sikh.net Homepage | Community | Network | Juniors | Why-What-When & How's | Sikhism | | The Sikh Collection | Hemkunt | Gurdwaras |  Sikh Publications | Sikh Sites Links | FreeStuff | | TerCentennial | Your Feeback | Seva | References | About Sikhnet | Search the Sikh.net Website |