According to Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org, Chardi Kalaa is elaborated as given below:-

In Sikhism, ‘Chardi Kalaa’ is the Punjabi term for aspiring to maintain a mental state of eternal optimism and joy. Sikhs are ideally expected to be in this positive state of mind as a sign of their contentment with the will of God (bhana), even during the times of adversity.
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The Sikh concept of sarbat da bhala which means “blessings for everyone” or literally “may everyone prosper”. … Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, teraa bhane sarbat da bhala. Nanak, with Naam comes Chardi Kala and with your blessings, peace for everyone.

Sikhi revolves around Naam. Let us examine the following Tuks that show a connection of Naam with Niranjan (Akalpurak/Waheguru): –

ਏਕੋ ਏਕੁ ਏਕੁ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥ (Raau Gauri M. 5, GSS. 281-11).
Eaeko Eaek Eaek Pashhaanai ||
One who recognizes the One and only Lord as One,e

ਇਤ ਉਤ ਕੀ ਓਹੁ ਸੋਝੀ ਜਾਨੈ ॥
Eith Outh Kee Ouhu Sojhee Jaanai ||
Understands this world and the next.

ਨਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥
Naam Sang Jis Kaa Man Maaniaa ||
One whose mind accepts the Company of the Naam,

ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੩॥
Naanak Thinehi Niranjan Jaaniaa ||3||
He/she draws closer, O Nanak, the Immaculate Lord. ||3||

It appears that Naam is Divine Sojhee which comes when one recognizes one and only one God (Waheguru) by losing ‘aappa’ (personal ego).

Since no one knows Niranjan (Waheguru) fully, similarly it is hard to understand the full depth of Naam fully as well. Naam and Waheguru are both immeasurable entities.

Churning of Gurbani and or Simran on the various names of God (Waheguru) unfolds the power of Naam leading to the understanding of Divine Hukum of Waheguru. This achievement is elaborated in Gurbani and Bani of Bhagats (who existed before the Sikh Gurus and who were not exposed to Gurbani of the Sikh Gurus).

In brief, Naam is Divine Sohjee that leads to knowing God (Waheguru) to some extent and followed by understanding Divine Universal Hukum that operates.

In order to understand Naam, I am afraid, one has to quote pankties that refer to Naam. Moreover, any length of discussion on a forum will not be enough to grasp Naam like Waheguru (inexhaustible topics).

To say that one understands the vastness of Naam is belittling oneself.

The best we can talk is what we understand based on Kirpa/Gurparsad/Nadr that we enjoy at a particular point.

ਉਨ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਸੋਈ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. GGS. 282-4).
Oun Kee Saevaa Soee Laagai ||
He alone is committed to serve Waheguru

ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਡਭਾਗੈ ॥
Jis No Kirapaa Karehi Baddabhaagai ||
Upon whom Waheguru bestows His Mercy, by great good fortune.

2. ਅਤਿ ਸੂਰਾ ਜੇ ਕੋਊ ਕਹਾਵੈ ॥ ((Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 282-14)
Ath Sooraa Jae Kooo Kehaavai ||
One may call himself a great hero,

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਕਲਾ ਬਿਨਾ ਕਹ ਧਾਵੈ ॥
Prabh Kee Kalaa Binaa Keh Dhhaavai ||
But without Waheguru’s Power, what can anyone do?

3. ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਅਪਨੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 285-18).
Jo Prabh Apanee Saevaa Laaeiaa ||
One whom Waheguru applies to His own service, O Nanak

ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਦਹ ਦਿਸਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਇਆ ॥੪॥
Naanak So Saevak Dheh Dhis Pragattaaeiaa ||4||
– that servant is famous in the ten directions. ||4||

In short, in Sikhi “Nanak naam chardi kalla, tere bhanne sarbat da bhalla” – Naam is the greatest tool to possess in order to serve the humanity with a true spirit of love and reconciliation.

Now where and how to obtain Naam? Gurbani guides as follows:-

ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਊਪਜੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ (Raag Thitee Gauri M. 3, GGS. 424-11).
Gur Thae Saanth Oopajai Jin Thrisanaa Agan Bujhaaee ||
Peace emanates from the Guru; He puts out the fire of desire.

ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਵਡੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥੧॥
Gur Thae Naam Paaeeai Vaddee Vaddiaaee ||1||
The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is obtained from the Guru; it is the greatest greatness. ||1||

Need is to follow the Guru (Gurbani/Sabd-Guru) with faith and trust to become a Gurmukh to be able to appreciate the following as a TRUTH:-

ਸਭ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਇਕੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਕਿਨੈ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਲਾਖਿਆ ॥ (Raag Vadhans M. 1, GGS. 594-9).
Sabh Andhar Eik Varathai Kinai Viralai Laakhiaa ||
The One Lord is pervading in all, but rare are those who realize this.

I do believe theoretically in the above Truth but in actual life I keep moving away by recognizing people as different from Waheguru by continually considering some as friends and some as foes.

I am currently struggling to come to grip with the Truth that ‘ਸਭ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਇਕੁ ਵਰਤੈ – but at present It is hard to accept.

My next resort is Ardas for Sohjee to grasp this Truth in day to day life – a key to Sahaj and Anand and Universal equality to invite lasting peace in the World.
Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com