Sat Nam

Sat Nam is a frequently-used mantra for meditation exercises and has become popularized by Kundalini yoga instructors. It is also used in Surat Shabd Yoga [http://santhakar.tripod.com/teachers/mast-1.htm] and, within Eckankar [http://www.iamuniversity.ch/Eckankar-The-Science-of-Soul?artpage=2-3] , Sat Nam is the personal name of the Cosmic Being who governs the Soul Plane of existence.

In Sanskrit, "sat" means "truth" and "nam" means "identity". There are many differing interpretations when you put the two together - some websites have given the following interpretations: “truth is my identity” and “The essence of God is within me.” [http://www.shaktakaur.com/Meditations/Long%20Sat%20Nam%20Meditation.htm Long Sat Nam Meditation]

Other common interpretations include: "in name there is truth" and "the light shines in you"; light being a metaphor for truth just like in mystical Kabbalistic teachings. The words themselves have a soothing and centering quality due to their monosyllabic nature, similar to sounds made by babies.