But, communion with Naam is hindered by the earthly desires that pull at our hearts; and lead us away from the subjective Truth to the outside World. How then is one to overcome these desires? Nanak enjoins that the way lies through Simran or constant remembrance of the Lord. Other Saints and sages have said the same thing. The subject of Simran has been dealt with in more detail in the introduction.
There are two powers working in man: the Pranas or motor currents and the Spiritual or sensory Currents. Many yogins endeavouring to reach the Highest have sought to withdraw both these currents. But the Masters – Guru Nanak among Them – have taught that it is unnecessary to control the Pranas. One may withdraw the sensory currents without touching the Pranas, through Simran and through focusing one’s attention behind the eyes at the seat of the soul. Once one has withdrawn the entire sensory currents – the body continues to function normally as regards respiration, digestion and circulation, etc. – to this point, the soul may travel further on the Spiritual Path. This is an easy and natural Way.
The Master says:
Oh Nanak, learn to withdraw the Life-current whilst alive, learn ye to practise such a yoga.
Again,
Learn to die so that you may begin to live.
Bible
It is this technique of withdrawal that Nanak is referring to in this stanza, though He does not analyse it in detail, as He has done this elsewhere in His teachings. He also reiterates that to achieve salvation through Naam, needs not only effort but also His Grace and Will.
Stanza XXXII
Let one tongue grow into a hundred thousand, nay even twenty times more, and each of them endlessly chant His holy name. In this way lie the steps that lead Godwards,l by ascending which one becomes one with Him. On hearing of the Heavens, even worms aspire to reach them, not knowing that salvation comes only through His Grace,2 and those who say otherwise, are vain babblers and liars.
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Explanation: 1) Ekis: The term used in the original text is Ekis or Ek-Ish: Ek means one and Ish means God, i.e. at-one-ment with God or union with One God. 2) Again, Nanak, is emphasising that for salvation, we need not only effort but also His Grace and His Will.