Many Gursikhs do ਪਾਠ (recitations) of Gurbani by counting, aiming to complete a certain number of recitations of Sri Japji Sahib, Sri Sukhmani Sahib, or Sri Anand Sahib in a day. Many recite the Mool Mantar for hours, and many Sikhs chant the name of Waheguru for two, three, four, or more hours daily. 

Is it right to do this? Until some time ago, there were no objections, but recently some new preachers have started promoting the idea that counted recitations should not be done because the Akal Purakh (Timeless Being) is beyond numbers and only love should be there.  

ਆਇਓ ਸੁਨਨ ਪੜਨ ਕਉ ਬਾਣੀ ॥
ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਲਗਹਿ ਅਨ ਲਾਲਚਿ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਰਾਣੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
But according to Gurmat the primary purpose of a Sikh’s arrival in this world is to engage as deeply as possible in the recitation and singing of Gurbani and in chanting the Naam. This is called Prema-Bhagti or Bandagi. Our main goal in the world is to contemplate the Name of the Almighty through the Bani so that the attainment of the Almighty can be achieved. 

Any method or technique used to fulfill this purpose is blessed if it is accepted within the Guru’s house. First and foremost, a Sikh should conduct themselves in the world like a guest. Being a traveler in the world implies controlling one’s desires and living life without attachment. While fulfilling household duties, one should earn an honest living and utilize any extra time to immerse oneself more deeply in Naam Simran, maintaining a focused mind in remembrance of the Almighty.  

It has been observed that if a Sikh sets some goals or targets and achieves them, they can accomplish more recitations. If he keeps mind of time and sets a goal then a Gursikh even while working can do Panj Granthi and 5 or 10 Sukhmani Sahibs daily or can easily do 25 to 50 Siri Japjee Sahib Paaths. You don’t even notice how the Paaths get done the bliss is indescribable and you stay clear of Vikaars. The point is, by setting targets, Naam practice can also increase significantly. If someone sets a target and spends two or three or more hours chanting the Naam with focus, they can achieve more in Naam Simran.  

Our many brothers say that in love, counting doesn’t matter, and they are correct in their assertion. However, this Avastha of love doesn’t come in one day. Some efforts need to be made to reach this Avastha. Without setting any targets, only rare people can spend the entire day in recitation. Sant Attar Singh Ji Mastuana Sahib and many other Gursikhs used to recite Sri Japji Sahib first thing in the morning, and they used to recite 175 Paaths Sri Japji Sahib daily. From the life of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh we also get lesson that before Jot Vigaas he used to do 5 Japjee Sahibs before Nitnem everyday, and throughout the day, they continuously recited Sri Sukhmani Sahib without any break. He wrote in his letters from jail that while doing Naam Jaap when his mind would get bored he would make himself re-engage in Naam by setting a certain amount of Malas to do, by doing this his mind would again stablize and by doing this he obtained Waheguru ji. 

ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਜਿਹਵੇ ਆਰਾਧਿ ॥
ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਆਗਾਧਿ ॥
It is the Hukam of the Guru Ji that we are to do Bandagi 24 hours a day, and if we set some targets or goals for recitation and meditation, then this target can be achieved, with the grace of the Guru. If Parents want to instill a sense of achievement in their children, first give them small targets or goals, and upon fulfilling these small targets, reward them and show love to encourage them. Same way you have to start somewhere to get to the 24-hour goal. 

Some people argue that there’s no need to recite Naam using rosary or count Paaths, just saying “Waheguru” with love once is enough. It’s hard to understand what kind of love it is that takes the beloved’s name just once and then stops. They say Waheguru doesn’t like it if you keep saying His name over and over. What a weird argument, if a child were to get separated from his parents in some forest, then wouldn’t he call out to his mother repeatedly? and by his doing this will his mother be angry or give him love? We too are separated from our Father Vaheguru and stuck in this big scary jungle, why would we not cry out to Him and call him to us. 

People who work jobs know very well that quotas are set for work. It’s like how laborers have to produce a certain number of items, and only then they receive their wages. In such circumstances, our skeptical brothers never say that those doing the work are wrong; they themselves also work. They also complete these quotes, but I don’t understand why they think love and devotion should only be expressed once. If they repeatedly express love and devotion to the beloved with affection and detachment, then it wouldn’t harm our faith. Similarly, to engage in devotion with discipline, they must set targets and maintain discipline above counting. When the Avastha of love gets obtained. then there is no need to count Paaths anymore. But in adolescent and beginning Avastha counting Paath is helpful. We should look for our benefit, whatever method works use it. If someone doesn’t want to count Paaths then there is no bondage on him. But, if someone counts Paaths, they shouldn’t criticize them for doing so.