Daily worship is vital part of a Sikh's daily life. Creating a sacred space to practice morning meditation, devotional reading, singing hymns, prayer, and fellowship are all important to a soul on the spiritual path of Sikhism. Arranging a a serene place for meditation room in your home allows you to take time away from worldly cares, to relax, rejuvenate and, refresh as you focus on the divine in a calming atmosphere either by yourself, or with family and friends. A clean, quiet environment is also a practical place to keep Sikh scriptures, and instruments used to play devotional music.

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1. Amritvela - Morning Meditation

Morning worship is essential to Sikhism. Fourth Guru Raam Das wrote the hymn:

• Gur satigur kaa jo sikh akhaa-ae
  one who calls them self a Sikh of the Guru should rise before dawn, bathe, and meditate.

The Sikhism code of conduct outlines a daily practice of morning meditation for all Sikhs. At the time of initiation the Panj Pyare admonish Khalsa initiates to wake up before sunrise, and remember the divine in contemplation.

Having a sacred space in your home set aside just for meditation is conducive to forming the habit of waking up for Amritvela, and engaging in the spiritual practice of naam simran in the wee hours before daybreak.

One purpose of meditation is to have an uncluttered mind free of the effects of ego. The physical environment of the meditation room should also be clean, and clutter free.

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2. Ardas - Daily Prayer

The formal prayer Ardas provides the means for a Sikh to petition the Guru. The code of conduct advises every Sikh to perform Ardas after reading the evening prayer of Rehras as well as before undertaking any important endeavor, or task. Also it is mandatory to perform Ardas before ceremonially opening the holy scripture of Guru Granth Sahib, and again upon closing.

The serene environment of a meditation room dedicated to worship helps to establish sacred space within the mind while preparing for, and uttering, the prayer of Ardas.

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3. Kirtan - Devotional Singing

Adoration meditatively expressed in singing kirtan to give praise the divine is integral to worship in Sikhism. The poetic scripture of Guru Granth Sahib is written in musical phrases of classic raag. the compositions of Gurbani are meant to be sung as hymns. Guru Arjun Dev wrote:

• Har keetan gavho din taatee saphal aehaa hai kaaree jeeo
  Singing praise day and night, is the highest most fruitful occupation.
• Atth paher govind gunn gaeeai bisar na loee saasaa jeeoo ||
  Eight watches of the day (24 hours) sing the praises of the Universal Lord, and forget him not for even a breath.

Devotional singing of kirtan hymns requires diligent practice, and an understanding of sacred Gurbani. A dedicated meditation room provides space to keep musical instruments, and a tranquil environment for singing soulfully alone, or with others.

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4. Paath - Devotional Reading

Devotional reading of daily nitnem prayers and scripture, or paath, is central to the spiritual life of a Sikh. The code of conduct and conventions stipulates that an area be set apart to house Guru Granth Sahib. The room must be absolutely clean, and quiet, with no other rooms overhead. The environment should be conducive to meditation without disturbance of out influences. Certain endeavors such as an Akhand paath require that reading be uninterrupted.

Listening to the soothing sacred sounds of Gurbani while reading aloud results in a sense of sublime inner peace, akin to waves of tranquility lapping gently at the shore of consciousness.

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5. Sangat - Fellowship

A room set aside where morning meditation can be enjoyed, ardas performed, daily nitnem prayers, and paath of Guru Granth Sahib can be read, and kirtan can be sung, is a perfect place to create sacred space and get together for intimate fellowship with sangat for small scale kirtan or Akhand Paath programs.

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