Japji Sahib
Mool Mantar
Waheguru (God) has infinite qualities, but Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) delineates the Supreme Force (Ik Onkar) using a few of the main attributes of the Sargun, followed by the Eternity Aspect of the One’s (ੴ ) Existence (The Truth). Sikhs refer to this as Mool Mantar. The term ‘Mool‘ means the root, origin, source, chief or main. Thus, ‘Mool Mantar’ translates as, the Verse describing The Source, the Root of Creation. The term ‘Mantar‘ appears in the English dictionary as ‘mantra’, described as chanting, repeating a word, phrase or an expression. However, the term ‘Mool Mantar’, in this context, must not be seen as a chanting exercise. It emphasises the Unity of the Force that creates, expands, contracts at Will. It also mentions the chief qualities which form the theme of the Verse to follow in the 38 Pauris of the Japji Sahib, concluded by the Salok. The rest of the SGGS expands on and elucidates Guru Nanak’s message by his successors.
These, apart from Guru Nanak, include contributions from the successor Gurus (6 including Guru Nanak), 15 Bhagsts (saints), 11 Bhatts and 4 Gursikhs.
Whilst mantra means to chant, this doesn’t appear to be the main purpose of it. Guru Ji added ‘Mool’ before it, indicating it must become an innate part of a Sikh’s spiritual identity, i.e, a 24/7 focus on the ‘Source Verse‘. Initially, it will require regular reciting, but in time it must transform into the unspoken deliberation, effortless focus (Ajappaa Japp). Many devotees set times and a number of recitations. Whilst this may not do any harm, merely parroting the Mool Mantar for a fixed time, may connect one for only its duration; the effect will wither away on return to normal routine life. Such forced, deliberate attempts to meditate can become a hurdle in spiritual progression. The concept of ajjappa jap (automatic effortless churning within) enables one to imbibe some of the qualities, attributes of the Sargun.
Focus on Mool Mantar is critical in keeping on track in our search for the Truth, and more importantly, in cultivating Truthful Living. Let us begin with the Divine Theme, we know as Mool Mantar.
ੴ
There is One Supreme Power (Multiverse Force, Reality, God).
(Guru Ji rejects the many faceted functionaries of God as expounded by some schools of thought, no disrespect to other faiths.)
ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ
Truth is the One’s Name.
(There are infinite characteristics of Truth, but in its diversity it is still ONE – “anek hain phir eik hain”. We must imbibe and practice as many as possible of these qualities, to engage in Truthful Living.)
ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ
The Creator.
(Waheguru’s Creation is limitless and ongoing. The Multiverse Force, retracts and expands by Will.)
ਨਿਰਭਉ
Without Fear.
(In awe of no one.)
ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ
Devoid of Enmity.
(Waheguru is kind, merciful and compassionate. God does no harm, hurts no one. Our dukh-sukh – pain & pleasure – are ramifications of our own karma, past and present.)
ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ
Timeless is the Image.
(Whether in the state of Sunya, profound samadhi, or manifest in His infinite creation, the Lord’s Existence is Eternal.)
ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ
Not begotten, beyond the cycle of life and death.
(The Immaculate One is Self-Existent.)
ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
Realised, only, by the grace of the Guru.
(Only the Guru, the Enlightener, can connect us with the Truth.)
॥ ਜਪੁ ॥
Jap
Recite (focus, comprehend, assimilate).
Note: Jap or Japu, is referred to by Sikhs, as the name of Guru Nanak’s masterpiece, recited in the early hours of the morning. Throughout Sri Guru Granth Sahib, it’s been emphasised that recital alone cannot lead to enlightenment and liberation. Guru’s message must be imbibed and adopted in our daily dealings, that is, it must become an integral part of a seeker’s life.
ਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁ ॥ ਹੈ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੋਸੀ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ॥੧॥
The Truth, Waheguru, existed from Aad (Primordial Source, not within the expanse of time). Throughout the ages it has been the Truth. Even now, and forever, O Nanak, the Truth will prevail. [1]
Note: Whether Formless, in Primal Samadhi (Nirgun) or pervading His creation in myriad forms and sublime qualities (Sargun), the Truth will always, exist. Before any creation and its ramifications, the Lord sat in profound Samadhi (SGGS 1035). Guru Ji mentions the ramifications of His creative manifestations, viz, the solar system, the planets, the realms, different castes, religions & forms of worship, scriptures etc.
There can be no rational definition of Aad in the realm of human intelligence. The human mind is too constrained to, even, attempt defining it. It requires omniscient vision of an enlightened soul to do any justice to it. At the end of the day, we mustn’t worry too much about what’s not within our reach and do/follow what we can with the blessings of the Guru.
ਵਿਰਲੇ ਕਉ ਗੁਰਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣਾਇਆ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਬਾਇਆ ॥ (1036)
Only to a select few, Waheguru reveals the Shabad (Divine Vision).The chosen ones are then able to see how the Lord, the Architect of Creation, watches over it, and that His Will is supreme over all.
ਖੰਡ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਅਰੰਭੇ ਗੁਪਤਹੁ ਪਰਗਟੀ ਆਇਦਾ ॥੧੫॥ (1036)
From the Hidden State, the Lord reveals Himself in myriad forms, through His creation.
Pauri 1
ਸੋਚੈ ਸੋਚਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਸੋਚੀ ਲਖ ਵਾਰ ॥
The mind cannot be purified even if one bathes hundreds of thousands of times, that is, the mind’s purity cannot be achieved, just, through physical cleanliness.
Note: An alternative interpretation by some scholars is that God cannot be comprehended by mere thought, even if we try to focus on Him numerous times. But, more and more scholars are leaning towards the ‘bathing’ interpretation, on the basis that the term ‘soch’ derives from ‘sochalay’, bathroom in English. The interpretation that God cannot be reached through intellect or meditation is covered by the next pankti, giving further credence to the bathing interpretation.
Thinking v Cleaning
Soch has two meanings.
(1) Soch = thought; Sochna = to think
(2) Soch (as a derivative of sucham) = to clean, bathe. Sucham (a very common Panjabi word) = cleanliness, purity.
And furthermore, Sochalay is a common Hindi word for toilet / bathroom. You hear regularly these days the Indian government trying to build sochalay in rural and urban areas for sound sanitary and cleanliness conditions, purity.
Below from Sukhmani Sahib (265):
ਸੋਚ ਕਰੈ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਅਰੁ ਰਾਤਿ ॥ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਜਾਤਿ ॥
Despite the cleansing ritual, day and night, the mind’s filth doesn’t leave the body. Besides. the ‘thinking’ aspect is covered in the next few lines.
ਚੁਪੈ ਚੁਪ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਲਾਇ ਰਹਾ ਲਿਵ ਤਾਰ ॥
One cannot silence the mind, sitting in a fixed trance or immersed in deep, prolonged meditation.
Note: Focus and concentration on divine values can, no doubt, help calm the mind, but at the end of the day it’s our actions that count. Limiting the exercise to mere meditation can become no more than a habit-forming routine. Dharam Khand (The Realm of Righteous Living) is a field of thought and action, the arena where one’s character is tested. In the Lord’s Court of Justicea and Righteousness one is judged on the actions performed in the arena of karma.
ਭੁਖਿਆ ਭੁਖ ਨ ਉਤਰੀ ਜੇ ਬੰਨਾ ਪੁਰੀਆ ਭਾਰ ॥
Even if we are able to pile up all the worldly treasures, our desire for more will never cease.
Note: Our incessant desire for more is like a bottomless well, This can only be filled by a regular diet of Truth, contentment and contemplation, laced with the Elixir of Naam.
ਸਹਸ ਸਿਆਣਪਾ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਤ ਇਕ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
Endowed with acute intelligence, we may acquire and possess numerous tricks, conjure up ingenious schemes, but none will come to our rescue in the end.
Note: Humility and faith in the Guru and forbearance to accept God’s Will are the qualities every seeker ought to cultivate. We are given the will to be creative and serve humanity by the sheer force of our wit and intelligence, but discerning self-restraint is essential not to invite egotism, the downfall of many a great achiever.
ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥
How do we become truthful (spiritually adept in receiving Lord’s Grace)? How do we demolish the screen of falsehood?
Note: Guru Nanak raises a rhetoric question:
How does one prepare one’s ‘inner-self’ to enjoy God’s Grace? In the earlier panktis, Guru Ji rejects empty rituals, punitive penances, excessive thought and meditation as the means for realising God.
ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥
Abide by Lord’s Will, says Nanak, as ordained at the origin. [1]
Note: In the First Pauri, Guru Nanak dwells on the futility of the various rituals to still the mind for inner peace. Tranquility of mind and inner bliss lie in performing righteous deeds and accepting God’s Will (the theme of the Second Pauri).
Pauri 2
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਆਕਾਰ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਹਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥
According to the Lord’s Will, is all life created. It is impossible to describe or define His Will, His Command is beyond human comprehension.
Note: in a subsequent Pauri, Guru Ji, clarifies that only the one who attains the same level of greatness as the Creator can know or define Him, but there isn’t, nor can there ever be, such an entity. The Lord has no equal.
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਜੀਅ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
As per His Will all forms come into being; by His Will, are glory and greatness bestowed upon beings.
Note: Waheguru alone is the Creator, the Provider, the Sustainer and the Bestower of gifts and glory.
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਉਤਮੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ॥
As the Lord commands, some attain high status, whilst others, as per His Written Command experience pain and pleasure.
Note: Although, we’ve free will, to an extent, to perform our karma, the ultimate rewards lie in the Hands of Waheguru.
ਇਕਨਾ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਇਕਿ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਸਦਾ ਭਵਾਈਅਹਿ ॥
Some by the One’s Ordinance receive His gifts and blessings; others by His Command roam (revolve, gyrate) aimlessly forever (in the cycle of birth and death).
Note: We reap the rewards as per the Holy Writ, based not only on our past karmas, but also on how we account for ourselves in the present. With the blessings of Satguru, good deeds in the current life can wipe out transgressions of the past, thereby mitigating their adverse consequences.
ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
All are within the Command of the Creator; no one exists outside the Scope of His Command.
Note: Man in his egotism forgets God. Even the thrones and authority of Kings and emperors can be blown away with the puff of wind, if the Lord so commands.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, the mortal who acknowledges and accepts Lord’s Command will not be inflicted by egotism. [2]
Note: Of the five negative traits (The Five Thieves), egotism is the most difficult and stubborn one to rein in The sense of self importance, wealth and power are the main drivers of egotism. If only one realises that the Lord of Destiny can take it all away in the blink of an eye, me-ism will yield to humility.
Pauri 3
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਤਾਣੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਕਿਸੈ ਤਾਣੁ ॥
Those who are blessed, sing the Praises of Lord’s Might, but no one has the power to describe His infinite qualities.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਦਾਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥
Some sing of His abundant gifts, a symbol, a hallmark, of His generosity and magnanimity.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਗੁਣ ਵਡਿਆਈਆ ਚਾਰ ॥
Some sing of His glorious qualities, exalted status and incomparable beauty.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵਿਖਮੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
Others, with the help of wisdom and knowledge, gained from shastras and philosophical studies, sing of His immense, unfathomable qualities.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਸਾਜਿ ਕਰੇ ਤਨੁ ਖੇਹ ॥
Many sing that He creates life (comprising the five elements) and then reduces it to dust.
Note: The human body (panj bhutak sareer) comprises of the five elements, air, water, earth, fire and space.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਜੀਅ ਲੈ ਫਿਰਿ ਦੇਹ ॥
Others sing that the Lord takes life away and later reinstates it.
Note: People often speak of how the Lord, if He so wishes, can bring the dead back to life. This is also an indication of the cycle of life and death.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਜਾਪੈ ਦਿਸੈ ਦੂਰਿ ॥
Some sing He’s far away, beyond their reach and comprehension.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਵੇਖੈ ਹਾਦਰਾ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥
Some sing that He’s, very near, ever-present and omniscient, while others say He’s pervasive, constantly watching over us.
ਕਥਨਾ ਕਥੀ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਤੋਟਿ ॥
There’s no limit of those who give discourses on Him and on His infinite attributes.
ਕਥਿ ਕਥਿ ਕਥੀ ਕੋਟੀ ਕੋਟਿ ਕੋਟਿ ॥
Millions upon millions give millions of sermons and discourses on His sublime attributes.
ਦੇਦਾ ਦੇ ਲੈਦੇ ਥਕਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
The Magnanimous Provider gives freely and continually but the recipient grows weary of receiving.
ਜੁਗਾ ਜੁਗੰਤਰਿ ਖਾਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥
Through the ages, all beings receive their sustenance from the Lord.
Note: Waheguru is so Gracious, He never tires of giving, whilst we mortals grow weary of receiving His gifts. And, yet we worry, unnecessarily, craving for things we don’t really need. The Lord is so Compassionate, He provides sustenance for all living beings, including those created in rocks and stones.
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਰਾਹੁ ॥
The Lord, by His Ordinance runs our universe and His entire creation.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥੩॥
Nanak, the Lord goes about His work (creation and its sustenance) blissfully and nonchalantly. [3]
General note:
People perceive God in different ways. Guru Nanak, with great grace, enumerates some of the ways humans see the qualities of God, without lamenting or criticising the feebleness of the human mind.
Pauri 4
ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚੁ ਨਾਇ ਭਾਖਿਆ ਭਾਉ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥
The Lord is Eternal (Truth), as is His Law. His Language is saturated in unbounded Love.
ਆਖਹਿ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਦੇਹਿ ਦੇਹਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਦਾਤਾਰੁ ॥
People, constantly, beg for sustenance and gifts, the Great Provider showers these on all His creatures without hesitation or reservation.
ਫੇਰਿ ਕਿ ਅਗੈ ਰਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਦਿਸੈ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥
What can we offer Him to express our gratitude, so that we may have a Glimpse of His Darbar (Divine Court)?
ਮੁਹੌ ਕਿ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਬੋਲੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਸੁਣਿ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
What words must we speak, hearing which He may shower His Love upon us?
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
In the ambrosial hours of the early morning, meditate upon the Divine Name, and contemplate His Glorious Values
(see note).
Note: Because of the word ‘Amrit’, the term ‘Amrit Velaa’ has several interpretations. The main point here is the best time to meditate. It’s, without doubt, the time when the mind is most relaxed and in spiritual bloom, free of the ramifications of daily chores and duties. For the majority, these are the early hours of the day. However, Amrit Velaa can also be any time when the mind is spiritually in blossom. In this context, the following too can be classed as ‘Amrit Velaa’:
1. old age/retirement;
2. when in the company of seekers of Truth;
3. the tenure of the human form (a lifetime to do good and redeem ourselves).
Devout adherents of Gurbani can switch onto recital/spiritual mode at will. In time this transforms into the unspoken deliberation, effortless focus (Ajappaa Japp).
ਕਰਮੀ ਆਵੈ ਕਪੜਾ ਨਦਰੀ ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
By His Grace (Karam), are we bestowed the garment of true honour, and by His Grace, too, do we reach the Gate of Salvation.
ਨਾਨਕ ਏਵੈ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਆਪੇ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥੪॥
This is how, says Nanak, we come to understand that the Lord of Truth and Righteousness is omniscient and omnipresent. [4]
Note: In this pankti (line), Guru Nanak indicates that the answer to the questions raised in Pauris (3) and (4) lies in the final panktis of this Pauri, that is, in the ‘Amrit Velaa’ meditate upon His Naam.
Pauri 5
ਥਾਪਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਕੀਤਾ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
The Supreme Being cannot be installed, nor can He be created or placed like an idol.
ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥
The Immaculate One is Self Existent. transcending all and everything.
Note: Nothing, except the Supreme Command (Hukam) of the Formless Lord existed for endless eons, before our recorded time. The Lord of all Creation, sat in a Profound Samadhi. With One Utterance of the Lord came forth the entire creation of the infinite planets and galaxies, we call our universe.
ਜਿਨਿ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
Those who meditate upon Him are truly honoured and privileged.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਾਵੀਐ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥
Says Nanak, sing the praises of the Lord, the Treasure of Sublime Virtues.
ਗਾਵੀਐ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਮਨਿ ਰਖੀਐ ਭਾਉ ॥
By singing and listening to His Virtues, the love for the Lord will blossom within your heart, mind and soul.
ਦੁਖੁ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਘਰਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ ॥
Your pains and sorrows shall depart, and you will take home peace of mind and bliss within your soul.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ॥
Through the Guru’s Word, one hears the cosmic vibrations of Naad (the sound-current); through the Guru’s Word, one acquires the spiritual knowledge and the realisation that He is all pervasive.
ਗੁਰੁ ਈਸਰੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੋਰਖੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਰਬਤੀ ਮਾਈ ॥
Guru alone (for the mortal) personifies all the functionaries and deities, such as Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Parbati and Lakshmi.
Note: For the seeker, Shabad Guru, alone, is the guide, the medium, to connect with Waheguru (God, Param-Atma).
ਜੇ ਹਉ ਜਾਣਾ ਆਖਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਹਣਾ ਕਥਨੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
Even, if I were to know the One, I would not be able to describe Him, since He’s beyond description or definition.
ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
The Guru has revealed one cardinal truth.
Note: Here, ‘Guru‘ is perceived as Lord’s Light (Prakash) in the inner self (nijj ghar).
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੫॥
There is only One Provider, and may I never forget Him. [5]
Note: The Lord watches over and sustains life in every part, nook and corner, of His Creation. He alone is the Beneficent Master, the Bestower of all gifts.
Pauri 6
ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਾ ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਭਾਣੇ ਕਿ ਨਾਇ ਕਰੀ ॥
Pilgrimages and cleansing baths are rewarding, only if they please the Lord. Without His approval these are mere rituals.
Note: Pilgrimages, without true devotion, only boost egotism and do not help in our quest for spiritual advancement.
ਜੇਤੀ ਸਿਰਠਿ ਉਪਾਈ ਵੇਖਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਲਈ ॥
Of all the creation, worldly opulence, that we see, no one is entitled to more than their karma (reward for deeds), as decreed by the Lord.
Note: In the Arena of Dharma (Dharam Khand), karma (deeds) are not only the basis upon which we will be judged, they are also the means through which we progress to the next level of consciousness (spiritual attainment).
ਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਤਨ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਿਕ ਜੇ ਇਕ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣੀ ॥
One’s consciousness (inner self) abounds with pearls, gems and jewels, if only the seeker listens to the Guru.
Note: Our inner mind holds powers that most of us are unaware of. It derives it’s power from the real-self (the Inner-most consciousness) which is part of the Divine Light. However, it is not always easy to access it, due to the innumerable distractions that our conscious mind indulges in.
ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
The Guru has revealed one cardinal truth.
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੬॥
There is only One Provider and may I never forget Him. [6]
Pauri 7
ਜੇ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਆਰਜਾ ਹੋਰ ਦਸੂਣੀ ਹੋਇ ॥
If one were able to live for the equivalent of Four Yugas (Ages), and even ten times longer, …..
ਨਵਾ ਖੰਡਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥
and, even if one were known in the Nine Continents, respected by all;
ਚੰਗਾ ਨਾਉ ਰਖਾਇ ਕੈ ਜਸੁ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਜਗਿ ਲੇਇ II
and were he able to establish a high name and status in the world;
ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਤ ਵਾਤ ਨ ਪੁਛੈ ਕੇ ॥
all this will not earn him Lord’s Grace. In the Lord’s Court of Justice and Righteousness, no one will pay heed to his high status, worldly reputation and accolades.
ਕੀਟਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕੀਟੁ ਕਰਿ ਦੋਸੀ ਦੋਸੁ ਧਰੇ ॥
Amongst the worms he will be considered a parasite, and among the wrongdoers, a lowly contemptuous sinner.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਗੁਣਿ ਗੁਣੁ ਕਰੇ ਗੁਣਵੰਤਿਆ ਗੁਣੁ ਦੇ ॥
O Nanak, the Lord bestows virtue on the lowly and exalts the virtuous even further.
ਤੇਹਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸੁਝਈ ਜਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਣੁ ਕੋਇ ਕਰੇ ॥੭॥
But, there is no one who can bestow virtue upon the Lord.[7]
Pauri 8
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥
Through ‘listening’ humble seekers achieve high spiritual status, such as, spiritual masters, supreme saint-soldiers, warriors and great yogis.
Note: Suni-ai (literally ‘listening’) is, in this context, translated as attentive listening and attuning the mind to Naam (Lord’s Name) through the potent power of the Word (Shabad). The term ‘listening’ should be interpreted likewise in the rest of this Pauri and, also, in Pauris 9 – 11.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਧਰਤਿ ਧਵਲ ਆਕਾਸ ॥
Through listening do the devotees understand that the earth and the skies are the creation of, and sustained by, the Supreme Being.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੀਪ ਲੋਅ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥
Through listening Is acquired the knowledge that the Lord is everywhere, in all regions and all spheres.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕਾਲੁ ॥
Through listening the fear of death is removed.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
O Nanak, the mind and the soul of His devotees are forever in blissful elation.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੮॥
Through listening are the influences of pain, sin and evil destroyed. [8]
Pauri 9
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਈਸਰੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਇੰਦੁ ॥
Through the divine art of listening, ordinary mortals acquire the godly qualities normally associated with deities like, Shiva, Brahma and Indra.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਲਾਹਣ ਮੰਦੁ ॥
Through listening even offenders and wrongdoers are transformed into singing Lord’s Praises.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਤਨਿ ਭੇਦ ॥
Through listening are revealed, the innermost secrets of the human form (mind, body and soul).
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਾਸਤ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਵੇਦ ॥
Through listening are revealed, the divine knowledge incorporated in the holy scriptures.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
O Nanak, the mind and the soul of His devotees are forever in blissful elation.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੯॥
Through attentive listening are the influences of pain, sin and evil destroyed. [9]
Pauri 10
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥
Through the medium of listening we seek Truth. find peace of mind and contentment.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਕਾ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥
Through listening we are able to accomplish the cleansing, of our inner-mind (higher consciousness), equal to that of the sixty eight places of pilgrimage.
Note: A mind gathering ‘dust’ in its daily battles and temptations of life, can only be cleansed by attuning it (mind) to Naam, through the potent power of the Shabad. It lights up the lamp of wisdom, sparkles the inner-beauty of the mind.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
Through listening we attain scholarly status, repute and honour.
Note: Connecting with the Shabad (mind and spirit in sync) enhances inner-wisdom, sharpens the mind and its faculties of sorting, sifting and analysing information.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥
Through listening we can meditate (focus on Naam) with subliminal ease.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
O Nanak, the mind and soul of His devotees are, forever, in blissful elation.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੧੦॥
Through listening the influences of pain, sin and evil are destroyed. [10]
Pauri 11
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਰਾ ਗੁਣਾ ਕੇ ਗਾਹ ॥
Through listening mortals can dive into the deep ocean of countless virtues, and, from therein, drink the nectar of divine knowledge.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੇਖ ਪੀਰ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹ ॥
Through listening common people become sheikhs, mystics and emperors.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅੰਧੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਰਾਹੁ ॥
Through listening the spiritually ignorant and blind can see the path leading to liberation.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਹਾਥ ਹੋਵੈ ਅਸਗਾਹੁ ॥
Through listening we can fathom the deepest of oceans, and access unreachable worlds.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
O Nanak, the mind and the soul of His devotees are forever in blissful elation.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੧੧॥
Through listening are the influences of pain, sin and evil destroyed. [11]
Pauri 12
ਮੰਨੇ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
The divine, spiritual splendour of the ‘believer’ cannot be put into words.
Note: ‘Mannai‘ (ਮੰਨੇ), literally means to accept, agree, submit or believe. In this context, the term has a deeper, spiritual hue, in that the believer is in an advanced stage of spirituality, immersed and saturated in the nectar of Naam, in total submission to the Will of the Lord.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਇ ॥
Anyone who tries to describe the spiritual state and ecstasy of the believer will only risk failure and embarrassment.
ਕਾਗਦਿ ਕਲਮ ਨ ਲਿਖਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
Even if a scribe were to sit down with a pen and paper, …
ਮੰਨੇ ਕਾ ਬਹਿ ਕਰਨਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
he cannot narrate the spiritual state or the fervent ecstasy of the believer.
ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੨॥
Only the believer can appreciate His Qualities. [12]
Pauri 13
ਮੰਨੈ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
By submitting to the Lord’s Will, the believer raises his consciousness and spiritual awareness.
ਮੰਨੈ ਸਗਲ ਭਵਣ ਕੀ ਸੁਧਿ ॥
The believer begins to appreciate and understand Lord’s Creation (the myriads of worlds and galaxies).
ਮੰਨੈ ਮੁਹਿ ਚੋਟਾ ਨਾ ਖਾਇ ॥
The believer will not suffer the grief of succumbing to the temptation of worldly pleasures.
ਮੰਨੈ ਜਮ ਕੈ ਸਾਥਿ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
The believer will not fear the Yama (the messenger of death), that Is, he’s free of the cycle of life and death.
ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੩॥
Only the believer can appreciate His Qualities. [13]
Pauri 14
ਮੰਨੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਠਾਕ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥
A believer will never stray from his righteous path, nor will he face any unsurmountable obstacles.
Note: Undoubtedly there are hurdles in the path of the most pious of people, but the mere drive and strength of faith and purpose will, with Lord’s Grace, overcome such obstacles.
ਮੰਨੈ ਪਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਜਾਇ ॥
The believer will acquit himself with honour and distinction.
ਮੰਨੈ ਮਗੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਪੰਥੁ ॥
The believer will not drift from his faith, nor tread the path of vain, empty ritualism.
ਮੰਨੈ ਧਰਮ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਨਬੰਧੁ ॥
The believer will always remain attached to the laws of righteous living.
ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੪॥
Only the believer can appreciate His Qualities. [14]
Pauri 15
ਮੰਨੈ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
The believer will enter the door of liberation.
Note: A seeker who submits to the Shabad Guru, and immerses himself in the nectar of Naam, will crossover to the realm of bliss and liberation.
ਮੰਨੈ ਪਰਵਾਰੈ ਸਾਧਾਰੁ ॥
The believer will inspire his family, friends and associates, to the path of truthful living.
ਮੰਨੈ ਤਰੈ ਤਾਰੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ॥
The believer swims across the ocean of Maya and Darkness, and with the grace of the Guru he will ferry across many more.
ਮੰਨੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਵਹਿ ਨ ਭਿਖ ॥
A believer, O Nanak, does not wander, door to door, for alms.
ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੫॥
Only the believer can appreciate His Qualities. [15]
Pauri 16
ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ ॥
The ‘blessed‘ (see note) are supreme, accepted and acknowledged (in this world and the realms beyond).
Note: The term, as per my, meagre understanding, refers to those enlightened souls who have ‘listened‘ to their ‘inner voices’, and, who believe in and accept Waheguru’s Hukam (Ordinance) without reservation. These ‘blessed’ beings are attuned to His Will. I cannot think of an appropriate word to represent such a soul; the term blessed is used here to denote such a person.
ਪੰਚੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਦਰਗਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
The blessed receive honour in the Lord’s Court of Truth and Righteousness.
ਪੰਚੇ ਸੋਹਹਿ ਦਰਿ ਰਾਜਾਨੁ ॥
The blessed adorn and grace the courts of emperors.
ਪੰਚਾ ਕਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਏਕੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥
The blessed focus, single-mindedly, on the teachings of their Guru.
Note : ‘Single -mindedness‘, means total focus, shutting out the distractions, which derail the seeker off his righteous path. The seeker’s mind is fixed on Satguru’s teachings, saturated in the elixir of Naam.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਕਰੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
No matter how hard someone tries to contemplate and explain,
ਕਰਤੇ ਕੈ ਕਰਣੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੁਮਾਰੁ ॥
there is no limit to the Creator’s activities.
ਧੌਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਾ ਪੂਤੁ ॥
Dharma, and not the mythical bull, is the son of Compassion,
ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖਿਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਸੂਤਿ ॥
which, as per the laws of nature, patiently sustains and holds the earth (and the life on it) in place.
Note: Dharma, here, denotes, contentment of mind, body and spirit, which are conducive to truthful living.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬੁਝੈ ਹੋਵੈ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥
One who understands this secret merges in the Truth.
ਧਵਲੈ ਉਪਰਿ ਕੇਤਾ ਭਾਰੁ ॥
Otherwise, how can the mythical bull balance and sustain so much load?
ਧਰਤੀ ਹੋਰੁ ਪਰੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਹੋਰੁ ॥
There are worlds beyond worlds, planets upon planets, and many, many more.
ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਭਾਰੁ ਤਲੈ ਕਵਣੁ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
Even, if we were to believe in the mythical bull, there being so many earths, planets upon planets, then what force, sustains the weight of the bull and the planets above it?
ਜੀਅ ਜਾਤਿ ਰੰਗਾ ਕੇ ਨਾਵ ॥
The nature supports life of many names, types and colours.
ਸਭਨਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਵੁੜੀ ਕਲਾਮ ॥
This is spontaneously and lucidly written by many.
ਏਹੁ ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
But, only a precious few realise the infinite dimension of God’s Creation.
ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਕੇਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
How can any one write this account?
ਕੇਤਾ ਤਾਣੁ ਸੁਆਲਿਹੁ ਰੂਪੁ ॥
How can anyone describe the infinite beauty of the Creation of the All-powerful Lord?
ਕੇਤੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੌਣੁ ਕੂਤੁ ॥
Who can measure the extent of His limitless gifts?
ਕੀਤਾ ਪਸਾਉ ਏਕੋ ਕਵਾਉ ॥
With One Word the Lord created the vast expanse, we call and know as nature.
ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਹੋਏ ਲਖ ਦਰੀਆਉ ॥
From it flowed numerous, meandering, rivers.
ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
How can one, even, envisage a description of Your infinite nature?
ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥
O Lord, there is nothing, of mine, that I can offer You, in return for Your endless gifts.
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
Whatever pleases You, are unto me, Your divine blessings.
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੬॥
O Formless, Immaculate Lord, You are the Eternal Truth. [16]
Pauri 17
ਅਸੰਖ ਜਪ ਅਸੰਖ ਭਾਉ ॥
Countless meditate on You, and countless contemplate You with intense love and devotion.
ਅਸੰਖ ਪੂਜਾ ਅਸੰਖ ਤਪ ਤਾਉ ॥
Countless worship You, and countless undergo penances to appease You.
ਅਸੰਖ ਗਰੰਥ ਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਦ ਪਾਠ ॥
Countless recite scriptures, and Vedas from memory.
ਅਸੰਖ ਜੋਗ ਮਨਿ ਰਹਹਿ ਉਦਾਸ ॥
Countless yogis remain detached and withdrawn from the world (isolated from its vibrant life and household duties/affairs).
ਅਸੰਖ ਭਗਤ ਗੁਣ ਗਿਆਨ ਵੀਚਾਰ ॥
Countless saintly people discuss, contemplate and reflect on the wisdom and virtues of the Supreme Being.
ਅਸੰਖ ਸਤੀ ਅਸੰਖ ਦਾਤਾਰ ॥
Countless tread the path of righteousness; countless charitable souls,serve humanity with humility and compassion.
ਅਸੰਖ ਸੂਰ ਮੁਹ ਭਖ ਸਾਰ ॥
Countless righteous warriors withstand the onslaught of deadly weapons in battles.
ਅਸੰਖ ਮੋਨਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ਤਾਰ ॥
Countless sages observe silence in contemplative trances and prayers.
ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
How can one, even, envisage a description of Your infinite nature?
ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥
O Lord, there is nothing, of mine, that I can offer You, in return for Your endless gifts.
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
Whatever pleases You, are unto me, Your divine blessings.
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੭॥
O Formless, Immaculate Lord You are the Eternal Truth. [17}
Pauri 18
ਅਸੰਖ ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਧ ਘੋਰ ॥
There are countless fools, blinded by ignorance.
ਅਸੰਖ ਚੋਰ ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ ॥
Countless thieves plunder and live on the honest earnings of others.
ਅਸੰਖ ਅਮਰ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ਜੋਰ ॥
Countless get away with bullying and exerting force on the innocent.
ਅਸੰਖ ਗਲਵਢ ਹਤਿਆ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
Countless cut-throats get away with violence and murder.
ਅਸੰਖ ਪਾਪੀ ਪਾਪੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Countless transgressors, shamelessly, engage in sinful activities.
ਅਸੰਖ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਕੂੜੇ ਫਿਰਾਹਿ ॥
Countless agents of falsehood wander around spreading lies and filth.
ਅਸੰਖ ਮਲੇਛ ਮਲੁ ਭਖਿ ਖਾਹਿ ॥
Countless people, with defiled minds, feed on thoughts of filth and debauchery.
ਅਸੰਖ ਨਿੰਦਕ ਸਿਰਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਭਾਰੁ ॥
Countless slanderers carry, on their shoulders, the weight of their scandalous lies and sophisteries.
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਕਹੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
O Lord, countless people are engaged in lowly activities, how can the humble Nanak describe them all?
ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥
O Lord, there is nothing, of mine, that I can offer You, in return for Your endless gifts.
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
Whatever pleases You, are unto me, Your divine blessings.
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੮॥
O Formless, Immaculate Lord You are the Eternal Truth. [18}
Pauri 19
ਅਸੰਖ ਨਾਵ ਅਸੰਖ ਥਾਵ ॥
There are countless forms and places of worship.
ਅਗੰਮ ਅਗੰਮ ਅਸੰਖ ਲੋਅ ॥
There are countless, inaccessible, worlds, galaxies and celestial realms.
ਅਸੰਖ ਕਹਹਿ ਸਿਰਿ ਭਾਰੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Any attempt to quantify the infinite aspects of God’s Creation, is tantamount to taking on the burden of sacrilege and profanity.
ਅਖਰੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਖਰੀ ਸਾਲਾਹ ॥
Humble mortals express your Name through the medium of words, and words are all they can offer in Your Praise.
ਅਖਰੀ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੀਤ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਹ ॥
Devotees are constrained by words in seeking and debating knowledge of Your infinite virtues and attributes. Words, too, are the only medium to sing Songs of Your Glory.
ਅਖਰੀ ਲਿਖਣੁ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਬਾਣਿ ॥
Through words we communicate in writing and by the same medium (words) we communicate orally.
ਅਖਰਾ ਸਿਰਿ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਖਾਣਿ ॥
Through words scholars describe, discuss and debate the writ of destiny.
ਜਿਨਿ ਏਹਿ ਲਿਖੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
The Writer of our destiny is Himself immune from such laws of destiny, the Lord’s Glory is beyond mere words.
ਜਿਵ ਫੁਰਮਾਏ ਤਿਵ ਤਿਵ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
As the Lord ordains and blesses, so we receive.
ਜੇਤਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਤੇਤਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
Your Infinite Creation is in awe of Your Name and Glory.
ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋ ਥਾਉ ॥
There is no refuge, except in the Sanctuary of Your Name.
ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
How can one, even, envisage a description of Your infinite nature?
ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥
O Lord, there is nothing, of mine, that I can offer You, in return for Your endless gifts.
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
Whatever pleases You, are unto me, Your divine blessings.
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੯॥
O Formless, Immaculate Lord You are the Eternal Truth. [19}
Pauri 20
ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥
Hands, feet and other parts of the body, covered with dirt,
ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥
can be washed away with water.
ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Clothes stained, with urine and excretion,
ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥
can be washed clean with soap and water.
ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥
A corrupt and a defiled mind (maleen mat)
ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
is cleansed with the Love of Ik O’nkar (Waheguru).
Note: Where the mind is polluted with sinful thoughts there’s no need for psychiatric treatment or correction centres.
ਪੁੰਨੀ ਪਾਪੀ ਆਖਣੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
Mere lip service (re: sin and virtue) does not make one virtuous.
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਣਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਹੁ ॥
The imprint of the day to day actions on our antehkaran (attachment to the quintessence self, the soul, of our recorded actions) has to be accounted for.
ਆਪੇ ਬੀਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਖਾਹੁ ॥
Therefore, what you sow, so must you reap.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਆਵਹੁ ਜਾਹੁ ॥੨੦॥
O Nanak, with the Lord’s Ordinance, a jeeva (mortal) comes and goes. [20]
Pauri 21
ਤੀਰਥੁ ਤਪੁ ਦਇਆ ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥
Pilgrimages, austere forms of worship, meditation, compassion and charitable work,
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
by themselves, earn little merit in Lord’s Court.
Note: Whilst the above are considered amongst noble qualities, without genuine spiritual enlightenment, they may earn only worldly accolades and recognition. They do not, by themselves, earn much credit in the Highest Court of Justice and Righteousness.
ਸੁਣਿਆ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ ॥
Reciting Naam, listening and enshrining its virtues, in our consciousness, generates divine love.
ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
The subtle inner being (Sooksham Sareer) transforms into a sacred shrine, cleansing our spiritual impurities (tantamount to a pilgrimage).
Note: Seekers do visit places of pilgrimages with good intentions, but often these only serve to boost their egotism, thus, defeating the purpose of the exercise. They forget that the consciousness (the inner self) abounds with pearls, gems and jewels, providing devotees listen to their Guru (see Pauri 7).
We also, saw in Pauris 8 to 15, the role of ‘listening’ and ‘believing’, in raising our consciousness to higher planes of spirituality. We are, then, able to tap into some of the virtues and special qualities associated with the Supreme Being.
ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥
O Lord, You are the Eternal Fountain of all virtues, I have none.
ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
Only, when You bestow virtues on me, am I able to meditate upon You and sing Your Praises.
ਸੁਅਸਤਿ ਆਥਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਬਰਮਾਉ ॥
Salutations to the Eternal Source. The Lord manifested in many forms, including Maya and its ramifications.
ਸਤਿ ਸੁਹਾਣੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ॥
Through the Utterance of the Word, Creation came into being, and through the Word (Shabad), seekers perceive Lord’s radiant splendour, filling their hearts with enduring and blissful joy.
Note: The Lord with the sheer force of Divine Thought (Word) created the vast expanse of nature, the universe, numerous solar systems, and amongst countless worlds and planets, He fashioned our earth … the wondrous drama ensued, thereafter.
ਕਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਵੇਲਾ ਵਖਤੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਕਵਣ ਥਿਤਿ ਕਵਣੁ ਵਾਰੁ ॥
What segment of the day, and what time, was it? What was the lunar positioning? What day of the week was it?
ਕਵਣਿ ਸਿ ਰੁਤੀ ਮਾਹੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਹੋਆ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
What was the season and the month, when, O Lord, You created the universe?
ਵੇਲ ਨ ਪਾਈਆ ਪੰਡਤੀ ਜਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਲੇਖੁ ਪੁਰਾਣੁ ॥
The Pandits couldn’t tell, if so, they would have recorded this in their scriptures.
ਵਖਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਕਾਦੀਆ ਜਿ ਲਿਖਨਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਕੁਰਾਣੁ ॥
The Qazis, too, didn’t know, or else, they have recorded it in the Koran.
ਥਿਤਿ ਵਾਰੁ ਨਾ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਾਣੈ ਰੁਤਿ ਮਾਹੁ ਨਾ ਕੋਈ ॥
The Yogis do not know the time, the day of the week, the season or the month of Creation.
ਜਾ ਕਰਤਾ ਸਿਰਠੀ ਕਉ ਸਾਜੇ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਈ ॥
Only the Divine Architect, who created and fashioned the universe, knows.
ਕਿਵ ਕਰਿ ਆਖਾ ਕਿਵ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਕਿਉ ਵਰਨੀ ਕਿਵ ਜਾਣਾ ॥
How can we speak of the One’s virtues? How do we praise Him? How do we describe Him, and how may we get to know the Lord?
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਖਣਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਆਖੈ ਇਕ ਦੂ ਇਕੁ ਸਿਆਣਾ ॥
O Nanak, numerous scholars give discourses on Lord’s virtues and qualities, each trying to outsmart the other.
ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਵਡੀ ਨਾਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਹੋਵੈ ॥
Great is the Master, Divine is His Name; all that happens Is as per His Will.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਪੌ ਜਾਣੈ ਅਗੈ ਗਇਆ ਨ ਸੋਹੈ ॥੨੧॥
O Nanak, he who claims to know it all, will not find favour in the world beyond (i.e. the Court of the Supreme Master). [21]
Pauri 22
ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥
There are numerous nether worlds below nether worlds, and equally, there are, numerous skies above skies.
ਓੜਕ ਓੜਕ ਭਾਲਿ ਥਕੇ ਵੇਦ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਕ ਵਾਤ ॥
After exhaustive search, the Vedas agree on one thing, that their (planets, space, cosmology) account is beyond human search and comprehension.
ਸਹਸ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਕਹਨਿ ਕਤੇਬਾ ਅਸੁਲੂ ਇਕੁ ਧਾਤੁ ॥
The Semitic scriptures mention only eighteen thousand worlds, but they do agree on the One Source, Ik Onkar.
ਲੇਖਾ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਲੇਖੈ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਣਾਸੁ ॥
The expanse of the cosmos world is beyond the scope of human counting, the number-crunchers come and go, but the counting continues.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਡਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੁ ॥੨੨॥
O Nanak, the Great One, alone, knows the expanse of His Creation. [22]
Pauri 23
ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਏਤੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਈਆ ॥
Whilst intense and continuous Praise of Waheguru raises our consciousness, it does not give us complete intuition into His True Greatness.
ਨਦੀਆ ਅਤੈ ਵਾਹ ਪਵਹਿ ਸਮੁੰਦਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੀਅਹਿ ॥
The streams, rivers and rivulets, steadily, flow towards the ocean, merge and lose their individuality. They are incapable of appreciating the deep and vast expanse of the ocean.
Note: Guru Ji is using the analogy of meandering rivers, seeking their way, from the wilderness, into the ocean, each on its own path. Some make it, others branch out as rivulets. Some correct their course after hitting rocks and other obstacles, whilst others lose their way into dry, barren land and get swallowed up by the soil to start their journey all over again. Similarly, the fortunate souls, with the blessing of their Guru, the Enlightener, merge into the Universal Soul, whilst others wander for the next opportunity to redeem themselves.
ਸਮੁੰਦ ਸਾਹ ਸੁਲਤਾਨ ਗਿਰਹਾ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਾਲੁ ਧਨੁ ॥
Sea lords, sultans and emperors, with mountains of wealth and property,
ਕੀੜੀ ਤੁਲਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਨੀ ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਨਹੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰਹਿ ॥੨੩॥
cannot match the greatness of an ant that keeps the Lord in its mind and heart. [23]
Note: The panktis clarify that one who is in loving awe of God is greater than the one riding the horse of egotism. Wealth and status play little or no role in spiritual advancement. Egotism drives our mind away from our Root, that is away from God, the Universal Soul.
Pauri 24
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਕਹਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
Endless are Lord’s Praises, and countless are those who utter them.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਕਰਣੈ ਦੇਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
His activities are endless, as are the Beneficent Lord’s countless gifts.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਵੇਖਣਿ ਸੁਣਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
His Vision and Hearing knows no limits.
Note: The Lord sees it all. He, constantly, watches over His Creation. He hears us all, even without us uttering a word. The Divine Reader of our inner-most thoughts, knows and hears them. Our prayers are, just a formal way of addressing the Lord, to put our own minds at rest, but He sees and hears us 24/7.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਕਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਮੰਤੁ ॥
O Lord, no one can perceive the countless thoughts of empathy and compassion You hold in Your boundless ambit of Grace.
Note: The mysterious ways in which the Lord serves all species of life are beyond human comprehension.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
The world, and various species of life, we see around us, are Lord’s Creation.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਪਾਰਾਵਾਰੁ ॥
It’s impossible to perceive the boundaries of His Creation.
ਅੰਤ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਬਿਲਲਾਹਿ ॥
Many crave, sweat and struggle to know its (Creation) limits.
ਤਾ ਕੇ ਅੰਤ ਨ ਪਾਏ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
But no can find the answer to the infinite expanse of Lord’s Creation.
ਏਹੁ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
These limits, no one knows.
ਬਹੁਤਾ ਕਹੀਐ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
No matter how much one says or perceives, It can never come close to the description of His Creation.
ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਊਚਾ ਥਾਉ ॥
Great is the Master and High is His Abode.
ਊਚੇ ਉਪਰਿ ਊਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
Higher than the highest is His Name.
ਏਵਡੁ ਊਚਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
Only, one of an equally elevated rank,
ਤਿਸੁ ਊਚੇ ਕਉ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
can appreciate the Greatness of the Supreme Master.
ਜੇਵਡੁ ਆਪਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪਿ ਆਪਿ ॥
No one can know the Exalted Status of the Lord, except the Lord Himself
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਦਾਤਿ ॥੨੪॥
O Nanak, it’s through His Glance of Grace that we receive gifts and blessings. [24}
Pauri 25
ਬਹੁਤਾ ਕਰਮੁ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾ ਜਾਇ ॥
The Magnanimity of Lord’s Grace and Blessings cannot be expressed in words.
ਵਡਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਤਿਲੁ ਨ ਤਮਾਇ ॥
The Magnanimous Giver is above greed and never holds anything back.
ਕੇਤੇ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਜੋਧ ਅਪਾਰ ॥
Countless brave warriors beg at His Door.
ਕੇਤਿਆ ਗਣਤ ਨਹੀ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
How many others plead, for His Grace, are outside the scope of counting.
ਕੇਤੇ ਖਪਿ ਤੁਟਹਿ ਵੇਕਾਰ ॥
Yet, there are countless others, who do misuse His gifts, and waste away in failure and frustration.
ਕੇਤੇ ਲੈ ਲੈ ਮੁਕਰੁ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
Many, ungrateful people, take His Gifts but live in denial.
ਕੇਤੇ ਮੂਰਖ ਖਾਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥
Countless fools live, only, to consume endlessly.
ਕੇਤਿਆ ਦੂਖ ਭੂਖ ਸਦ ਮਾਰ ॥
In contrast, so many, unfortunate beings, endure pain, hunger, deprivation and abuse.
ਏਹਿ ਭਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤਾਰ ॥
Such are the mysteries of Your Ordinance, rewards of pain and pleasure are, all, in Your Hands.
ਬੰਦਿ ਖਲਾਸੀ ਭਾਣੈ ਹੋਇ ॥
It’s only through Your Will that we mortals obtain freedom from the cycle of life and death (Mukti, Liberation).
ਹੋਰੁ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
No one, O Lord, can question Your Command.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਇਕੁ ਆਖਣਿ ਪਾਇ ॥
If some ignorant fool dares to question Lord’s Command,
ਓਹੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੇਤੀਆ ਮੁਹਿ ਖਾਇ ॥
he will only face shame and embarrassment.
ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਇ ॥
“He alone knows, and by His Own Will gives”,
ਆਖਹਿ ਸਿ ਭਿ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥
so say many, good souls.
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਬਖਸੇ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹ ॥
One, whom the Lord blesses with wisdom and discerning intellect, sings His Praises.
ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ॥੨੫॥
O Nanak, such a person is the King of Kings. [25]
Pauri 26
ਅਮੁਲ ਗੁਣ ਅਮੁਲ ਵਾਪਾਰ ॥
O Lord. priceless are Your virtues, and priceless are Your dealings.
ਅਮੁਲ ਵਾਪਾਰੀਏ ਅਮੁਲ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥
Priceless are those who deal in Your noble virtues and priceless are Your troves of treasures.
ਅਮੁਲ ਆਵਹਿ ਅਮੁਲ ਲੈ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Priceless are they who who come to this world to live meritorious lives, and priceless are the ones who then depart after virtuous living.
ਅਮੁਲ ਭਾਇ ਅਮੁਲਾ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥
Priceless are they who are soaked in the nectar of Your Love; priceless are the ones who are immersed in Your Name.
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥
Priceless is Your Divine Law; priceless is Your Court of Justice and Righteousness.
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਤੁਲੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥
Priceless are Your weighing scales and priceless are the measuring weights.
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥
Priceless are Your virtues of mercy, magnanimity and benevolence; priceless is Your Insignia, the symbol of infinite virtues.
approval and acceptance.
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਕਰਮੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਣੁ ॥
Priceless are Your acts of kindness and compassion; priceless are Your Directives.
ਅਮੁਲੋ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਆਖਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
The Supreme Master is beyond expression and evaluation. No one can tell His worth.
ਆਖਿ ਆਖਿ ਰਹੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇi ॥
Many, continually, speak of Lord’s priceless qualities and immerse themselves in His Divine Love.
Note: This pankti may be interpreted in several ways, but the gist of Guru Ji’s message is that continuous expression of Lord’s Greatness leaves the reciter in utter awe and ecstasy. There’s no limit to His virtues, they are beyond human comprehension. Whilst the seekers who meditate upon Him, in total devotion, may perceive His Vision, they cannot express it in words
ਆਖਹਿ ਵੇਦ ਪਾਠ ਪੁਰਾਣ ॥
O Lord, the scriptures, Vedas and Puranas speak of You.
ਆਖਹਿ ਪੜੇ ਕਰਹਿ ਵਖਿਆਣ ॥
So do the scholars who read the scriptures and give discourses on Your Greatness.
ਆਖਹਿ ਬਰਮੇ ਆਖਹਿ ਇੰਦ ॥
The deities, Brahma and Indra speak of Your virtues.
ਆਖਹਿ ਗੋਪੀ ਤੈ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ॥
Krishna and the milk-maids sing Your praises.
ਆਖਹਿ ਈਸਰ ਆਖਹਿ ਸਿਧ ॥ ਆਖਹਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਬੁਧ ॥
Shiva, Buddha, holders of occult powers and many others You created, speak of You.
ਆਖਹਿ ਦਾਨਵ ਆਖਹਿ ਦੇਵ ॥
The demons and demi-gods, alike, speak of Your Powers.
ਆਖਹਿ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਰ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਨ ਸੇਵ ॥
And, so do speak the angelic beings, sages, scholars and devotees of various denominations.
ਕੇਤੇ ਆਖਹਿ ਆਖਣਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
Countless speak, humbly, of how little they know about You, and countless are engaged in attempts to understand You more.
ਕੇਤੇ ਕਹਿ ਕਹਿ ਉਠਿ ਉਠਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Countless depart after years of attempts to understand and describe You.
ਏਤੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਹੋਰਿ ਕਰੇਹਿ ॥
Even the most earnest of attempts to describe You, O Lord, would be futile, regardless of how many devotees, do so.
ਤਾ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਸਕਹਿ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥
They all come and go, unsuccessful in grasping Your Greatness.
Note: Saints, Brahmgyanis, are enlightened souls, but despite gaining some knowledge of Your Greatness they are unable to narrate Your infinite virtues.
ਜੇਵਡੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤੇਵਡੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਾਣੈ ਸਾਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
O Nanak, only the All-powerful Lord knows His Greatness. He contracts and expands at Will
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਖੈ ਬੋਲੁਵਿਗਾੜੁ ॥
If some big mouth boasts he can describe God,
ਤਾ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਸਿਰਿ ਗਾਵਾਰਾ ਗਾਵਾਰੁ ॥੨੬॥
then such a person would go down as the biggest fool amongst fools. [26]
Pauri 27
ਸੋ ਦਰੁ ਕੇਹਾ ਸੋ ਘਰੁ ਕੇਹਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਬਹਿ ਸਰਬ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥
How awe-inspiring must be the splendour of the Gate to your Dwelling! How magnificent must be the grandeur of the Mansion from where You take care of all!
ਵਾਜੇ ਨਾਦ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਸੰਖਾ ਕੇਤੇ ਵਾਵਣਹਾਰੇ ॥
The sound of countless instruments, played by numerous musicians, in unison, resonates in the grandiose, awe-inspiring, cosmic realms of Your Creation.
ਕੇਤੇ ਰਾਗ ਪਰੀ ਸਿਉ ਕਹੀਅਨਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਗਾਵਣਹਾਰੇ ॥
Countless Ragas, with their consorts Raginis, are composed and arranged, into captivating melodies by countless singers and musicians.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਤੁਹਨੋ ਪਉਣੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੁ ਗਾਵੈ ਰਾਜਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਦੁਆਰੇ ॥
O Lord, the elements of nature, viz, air, water, fire sing the melodies of Your infinite qualities, as does, Your appointee, the icon of justice and righteousness.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਗੁਪਤੁ ਲਿਖਿ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਧਰਮੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ॥
Recording agents, like Chitra Gupt and other scribes sit at Your Door recording the accounts of karma, upon which the destiny of each Jeeva (mortal) is determined.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਈਸਰੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਦੇਵੀ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਸਦਾ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥
Shiva, Brahma, and many deities, as bedecked and adorned by You, sit in Your Court singing melodious hymns of praise.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਇੰਦ ਇਦਾਸਣਿ ਬੈਠੇ ਦੇਵਤਿਆ ਦਰਿ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
At Your Door, Indra, too, on his throne, with many deities in attendance, sings Your praises.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧੀ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਗਾਵਨਿ ਸਾਧ ਵਿਚਾਰੇ ॥
Spiritually exalted souls in meditative trance, sing and contemplate Your sublime qualities, as do many seekers of Truth.
ਗਾਵਨਿ ਜਤੀ ਸਤੀ ਸੰਤੋਖੀ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਵੀਰ ਕਰਾਰੇ ॥
The celebates, the charitable, the contented, fulfilled souls and the brave, unyielding warriors, too, sing in unison.
ਗਾਵਨਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਪੜਨਿ ਰਖੀਸਰ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਵੇਦਾ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
The scholars, highly enlightened sages, reciters of Vedas, have been singing Your Praises through the ages.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਮੋਹਣੀਆ ਮਨੁ ਮੋਹਨਿ ਸੁਰਗਾ ਮਛ ਪਇਆਲੇ ॥
Fair maidens, who beguile men with their captivating charms, in paradise, in this and the nether worlds, sing Your Virtues in a host of jewel-strung melodies.
ਗਾਵਨਿ ਰਤਨ ਉਪਾਏ ਤੇਰੇ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
The precious gems You created, and the sixty eight places of pilgrimage, resonate Your Name.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰਾ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਖਾਣੀ ਚਾਰੇ ॥
The doughty warriors, the righteous heros of great might, and the Four Sources from whence life came (egg, womb, sweat, seed), exalt Your Name.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਖੰਡ ਮੰਡਲ ਵਰਭੰਡਾ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਖੇ ਧਾਰੇ ॥
The regions of the world, the universe and the solar system, that You created, sustain and watch over, sing melodies of Your Grace.
ਸੇਈ ਤੁਧੁਨੋ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵਨਿ ਰਤੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਗਤ ਰਸਾਲੇ ॥
Souls, soaked in the nectar of Your Love, and pleasing to You, Sing of Thee.
ਹੋਰਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਗਾਵਨਿ ਸੇ ਮੈ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵਨਿ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ॥
How many others sing Your Praises, I cannot recall. How can Nanak remember Your countless devotees?
ਸੋਈ ਸੋਈ ਸਦਾ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਚੀ ਨਾਈ ॥
The Lord is Eternal. He, alone, is the Supreme Master. Truth is the Name.
ਹੈ ਭੀ ਹੋਸੀ ਜਾਇ ਨ ਜਾਸੀ ਰਚਨਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਚਾਈ ॥
The Architect of the entire Creation is, shall always be, and will always remain, even after He retracts His Creation.
ਰੰਗੀ ਰੰਗੀ ਭਾਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਜਿਨਸੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਈ ॥
The Supreme Architect of Maya, made objects, created life, of many diverse colours, species and forms.
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਜਿਵ ਤਿਸ ਦੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
The Lord creates and beholds His Creation as He pleases.
ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਕਰਸੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਰਣਾ ਜਾਈ ॥
Whatever pleases the Lord He does; no mortal can question His doings.
ਸੋ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ਸਾਹਾ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਹਣੁ ਰਜਾਈ ॥੨੭॥
O Nanak, the Supreme Emperor of emperors is in total Command, all must abide by His Will. [27]
Pauri 28
ਮੁੰਦਾ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸਰਮੁ ਪਤੁ ਝੋਲੀ ਧਿਆਨ ਕੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਿਭੂਤਿ ॥
(O yogi) make contentment your earrings, self-esteem and modesty your begging pouch (bowl), apply the ashes of Lord’s meditation on your body.
ਖਿੰਥਾ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੁਆਰੀ ਕਾਇਆ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਡੰਡਾ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ॥
(O yogi) let the patched coat be a reminder of mortality, and let chastity be your lifestyle. Let unflinching faith in God be your moral code and your staff to lean on.
Note: ‘Kintha’ is a loosely made apparel, sown, using rags and remnants of cloth traditionally worn by yogis, sadhus and mendicants.
ਆਈ ਪੰਥੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਮਾਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥
(O yogi) seeing the whole mankind as one and equal, is the true worship. Victory over your mind is victory over the world.
Note: Victory over self, that is, over the five negative traits, lust, anger, greed, attachment and egotism, is deemed to be the conquest over the world, over Maya and its distractions. With Guru’s grace mortals are granted the vision of the Tenth Gate.
ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥ ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੨੮॥
My salutation, my humble obeisance to the Primordial Source, Immaculate, Self-Existent, Indestructible, Immutable throughout the ages, and before the recorded time. [28]
Pauri 29
ਭੁਗਤਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਦਇਆ ਭੰਡਾਰਣਿ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਵਾਜਹਿ ਨਾਦ ॥
Let divine knowledge be your food, mercy, compassion, the host and the server. Tune in to the divine rhythm that beats in every heart.
ਆਪਿ ਨਾਥੁ ਨਾਥੀ ਸਭ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਅਵਰਾ ਸਾਦ ॥
Let the Lord be your controlling master (Nath), Who controls the whole world. The propriety of occults, of the various classes of Siddhas, leads towards falsehood and worldly distractions.
ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਦੁਇ ਕਾਰ ਚਲਾਵਹਿ ਲੇਖੇ ਆਵਹਿ ਭਾਗ ॥
By the Writ of the Architect of Destiny, mortals meet, and by His Writ they separate. This is how the Lord runs the affairs of the world, and by their karma mortals receive their share of rewards.
ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥ ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੨੯॥
My salutation, my humble obeisance to the Primordial Source, Immaculate, Self-Existent, Indestructible, Immutable throughout the ages, and before the recorded time. [29]
Pauri 30
ਏਕਾ ਮਾਈ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਵਿਆਈ ਤਿਨਿ ਚੇਲੇ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥
Maya, the mythical Goddess, some say, emanated from the One, and that she appointed three disciples,
ਇਕੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੀ ਇਕੁ ਭੰਡਾਰੀ ਇਕੁ ਲਾਏ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥
as the approved functionaries, to create life (Brahma), sustain it (Vishnu) and administer death (Shiva).
ਜਿਵ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਵੈ ਚਲਾਵੈ ਜਿਵ ਹੋਵੈ ਫੁਰਮਾਣੁ ॥
However, the entire Creation is administered by, and as, the One Ordains. All walk as He Wills.
ਓਹੁ ਵੇਖੈ ਓਨਾ ਨਦਰਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਏਹੁ ਵਿਡਾਣੁ ॥
The Lord watches over all beings, but none can see Him (without His Grace), an awe-inspiring wonder, a divine phenomenon.
ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥ ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੩੦॥
My salutation, my humble obeisance to the Primordial Source, Immaculate, Self-Existent, Indestructible, Immutable throughout the ages, and before the recorded time. [30]
Pauri 31
ਆਸਣੁ ਲੋਇ ਲੋਇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥
The Omnipresent Lord established storehouses of sustenance, for all, in every region of His Creation.
ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੁ ਏਕਾ ਵਾਰ ॥
In a singular act, He deposited therein all that was required.
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
The Architect of it all, then, watches over His Creation.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਕੀ ਸਾਚੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
O Nanak Divine is the Benevolence of the True Lord.
ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥ ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੩੧॥
My salutation, my humble obeisance to the Primordial Source, Immaculate, Self-Existent, Indestructible, Immutable throughout the ages, and before the recorded time. [31]
Pauri 32
ਇਕ ਦੂ ਜੀਭੌ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਲਖ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਲਖ ਵੀਸ ॥
If from one, my tongue were to multiply into hundreds of thousands, and then twenty times over;
ਲਖੁ ਲਖੁ ਗੇੜਾ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਗਦੀਸ ॥
… and with each tongue, I were to do hundreds of thousands of rounds of Lord’s Name, all this, by itself, will not achieve enlightenment.
ਏਤੁ ਰਾਹਿ ਪਤਿ ਪਵੜੀਆ ਚੜੀਐ ਹੋਇ ਇਕੀਸ ॥
The ladder to the Bridegroom’s Home is ascended, step by step, with absolute surrender to His Will.
ਸੁਣਿ ਗਲਾ ਆਕਾਸ ਕੀ ਕੀਟਾ ਆਈ ਰੀਸ ॥
Hearing tales of the celestial world, even the worms and crawlers emulate flying.
Note: Just repeating the Holy Name millions of times, by itself, doesn’t appease the Master.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਕੂੜੀ ਕੂੜੈ ਠੀਸ ॥੩੨॥
O Nanak, the Lord’s Glance of Grace shows the way, towards merger with the Universal Light. A path, treaded with vanity and boastful claims, leads, only, to the world of falsehood.
Pauri 33
ਆਖਣਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਚੁਪੈ ਨਹ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
We cannot, always, forcefully say what’s in our mind, neither can we maintain silence by merely shutting our lips.
Note: While we do have limited free will, it is, only, by courtesy of the Universal Will. We are not in total control. Our mind is fickle by nature. To still it, we need to shut out the outside noise and listen to the voice within.
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਮੰਗਣਿ ਦੇਣਿ ਨ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
We do not have absolute power to take by force, neither can we impose charity on others.
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਜੀਵਣਿ ਮਰਣਿ ਨਹ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
It’s beyond us mortals to control life and death.
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਰਾਜਿ ਮਾਲਿ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਰੁ ॥
Mere mortal power cannot secure kingdoms and accumulate wealth, nor the pomp and ceremony that goes with it.
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
We cannot forcefully awaken our inner-consciousness to make it receptive to divine knowledge or meaningful debate.
Note: Sehaj awastha (spiritual equipoise, ease) is obtained with the blessings of the Guru,This is the only way to banish mind’s restlessness and, ultimately, obtain restitution.
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਜੁਗਤੀ ਛੁਟੈ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
We cannot by ingenious designs shake off the grip of attachment
Note: Attachment is the biggest bind on earth. Even after subduing kaam (lust) krodh (anger, rage) lobh greed, avarice), the grip of Moh (attachment) is hard to loosen. The only way to overcome attachment is to replace it with the Love of the Divine, striving to be one with the Lord and then await His Blessing.
ਜਿਸੁ ਹਥਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
Only the One, who has the power in His Hands, does and beholds it all.
ਨਾਨਕ ਉਤਮੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੩੩॥
Says Nanak, no one can raise or lower human status (worldly or spiritually) without divine intervention. [33]
Pauri 34
ਰਾਤੀ ਰੁਤੀ ਥਿਤੀ ਵਾਰ ॥ ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਗਨੀ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥
Ik O’nkar created nights, seasons, lunar days, air, water, fire and the expanse of nether worlds.
ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖੀ ਧਰਮ ਸਾਲ ॥
In the midst of all this the Lord fashioned and established the earth, the arena for the wondrous play to be enacted by humans (and other species).
ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੀਅ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਕੇ ਰੰਗ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਨੰਤ ॥
In this vast arena He placed various categories and colours of life, known by an endless list of names.
ਕਰਮੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਹੋਇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਚਾ ਆਪਿ ਸਚਾ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥
Each being is adjudged in His Court of Truth and Justice according to that being’s actions.
ਤਿਥੈ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਵੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥
Those who acquit themselves with merit and honour receive the glance of approval; they are bestowed a seat in His Court (Darbar). The insignia (symbol) of Akal Purkh’s Grace radiates on their faces.
ਕਚ ਪਕਾਈ ਓਥੈ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗਇਆ ਜਾਪੈ ਜਾਇ॥੩੪॥
The earthly titles and status have no relevance in His Court. The individual’s qualities are tested here based on the criteria as laid down by the Court of Truth and Justice.[34]
Pauri 35
ਧਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕਾ ਏਹੋ ਧਰਮੁ ॥ ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਕਾ ਆਖਹੁ ਕਰਮੁ ॥
Such (as illustrated in the preceding pauri 34) is the moral code of karma in the Arena of Righteousness (Dharam Khand) and its rewards. Now it’s time to talk about the Realm of Knowledge, where spiritual wisdom reigns supreme.
ਕੇਤੇ ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਵੈਸੰਤਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕਾਨ ਮਹੇਸ ॥
Herein, we learn, there are numerous worlds (lands, mountains, oceans), each with their own elements of nature (air, water, fire etc.), and deities like Krishna and Shiva.
ਕੇਤੇ ਬਰਮੇ ਘਾੜਤਿ ਘੜੀਅਹਿ ਰੂਪ ਰੰਗ ਕੇ ਵੇਸ ॥
Many brahmas are carved out in a variety of forms, colours and shapes.
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਕਰਮ ਭੂਮੀ ਮੇਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਧੂ ਉਪਦੇਸ ॥
There are many karam bhoomis (arenas of action) where mortals and other beings perform good and bad deeds, and there are many saints like Dhru and numerous spiritual discourses to guide you.
ਕੇਤੇ ਇੰਦ ਚੰਦ ਸੂਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਮੰਡਲ ਦੇਸ ॥
There are countless deities like Indra, just as there are countless galaxies with their own orbits, including the Sun and the Moon.
ਕੇਤੇ ਸਿਧ ਬੁਧ ਨਾਥ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਦੇਵੀ ਵੇਸ ॥
There are innumerate siddhas, buddhas, Naths, demi-gods and goddesses.
ਕੇਤੇ ਦੇਵ ਦਾਨਵ ਮੁਨਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਰਤਨ ਸਮੁੰਦ ॥
Whilst many devtas (knowledgeable and spiritually evolved souls) reside in this realm, there are also many daanavs (demons). There are numerous types of gems and vast oceans containing them.
Note: this is the sphere where souls are still tested, by mixing fully evolved spirits with those which are still evolving and those which may still entice the soul with false desires. However, guidance and help is available from many agents of God who come down to assist, that is, in this realm there are both disciples and gurus with divine knowledge.
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਖਾਣੀ ਕੇਤੀਆ ਬਾਣੀ ਕੇਤੇ ਪਾਤ ਨਰਿੰਦ ॥
There are many species, innumerable languages, scriptures, modes of meditation and disciples who follow them. There, too, are many dynasties of kings and emperors.
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੇਤੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥੩੫॥
There are countless men and women living on exalted spiritual plains, as there are countless seekers who serve God and humanity. [35]
Pauri 36
ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਰਚੰਡੁ ॥
In the Realm of Knowledge, spiritual wisdom reigns supreme. The lamp of knowledge, gradually, removes the darkness of falsehood and ignorance.
ਤਿਥੈ ਨਾਦ ਬਿਨੋਦ ਕੋਡ ਅਨੰਦੁ ॥
In this realm one experiences the bliss of the melodious sound-current and the ecstasy of exquisite drama and awe-inspiring events.
ਸਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਰੂਪੁ ॥
There is Grace and unparalleled beauty in this realm.
Note: Here the term ‘bani’ means structure or creation, that is. the Saram Khand is a creation of utmost beauty and grace.
ਤਿਥੈ ਘਾੜਤਿ ਘੜੀਐ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਅਨੂਪੁ ॥
Many forms of incomparable beauty are fashioned here.
ਤਾ ਕੀਆ ਗਲਾ ਕਥੀਆ ਨਾ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਇ ॥
These aspects of beauty and grace cannot be described and anyone who dares will only face regret and failure.
ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਾ ਸਿਧਾ ਕੀ ਸੁਧਿ ॥੩੬॥
Here, the spiritual awareness of mind and soul are shaped, moulded, and developed to a degree of perfection, equal to that of devtas (deities) and siddhas, who also undergo further refinement of their consciousness. [36]
Note: The cloud of falsehood gradually breaks away in this sphere of divinity. This stage is essential before devotes can enter Realm of Grace (Karam Khand).
Pauri 37
ਕਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
In the Realm of Grace (Karam Khand), the soul experiences the force of spiritual vibrations (joar).
Note: This is the realm where the mortal (manush) receives God’s approval. The jeeva’s performance in the earlier battles are rewarded here by receiving the Lord’s Grace.
ਤਿਥੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰੁ ॥
None, except saints of the highest order, imbued in the Lord’s Name, dwell here.
ਤਿਥੈ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥
Only the great spiritual warriors dwell here.
ਤਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰ ॥
The Lord resides in every particle of their souls, that is, they are drenched in the nectar of Lord’s Essence.
ਤਿਥੈ ਸੀਤੋ ਸੀਤਾ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Souls of the highest virtue, like Sita, reside here.
ਤਾ ਕੇ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਕਥਨੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Their souls are so beautiful and radiant, that, their resplendent glory cannot be described.
ਨਾ ਓਹਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਨ ਠਾਗੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
The majestic glory of those in whose minds the Lord resides is such, that, they can neither die nor can they be deceived.
ਤਿਥੈ ਭਗਤ ਵਸਹਿ ਕੇ ਲੋਅ ॥
Exalted souls of many worlds reside there.
ਕਰਹਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਇ ॥
The omniscient Lord in their minds, they are always in Divine Bliss
ਸਚ ਖੰਡਿ ਵਸੈ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
The Formless Lord resides in the Realm of Truth (Sach Khand).
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥
He creates and then watches over His creation with love and compassion.
ਤਿਥੈ ਖੰਡ ਮੰਡਲ ਵਰਭੰਡ ॥
With God’s Grace the blessed are able to see numerous planets, solar systems and galaxies.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਥੈ ਤ ਅੰਤ ਨ ਅੰਤ ॥
These scenes cannot be expressed as there is no limit to His Creations.
ਤਿਥੈ ਲੋਅ ਲੋਅ ਆਕਾਰ ॥
There, the blessed see, various worlds and various forms of life.
ਜਿਵ ਜਿਵ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਤਿਵੈ ਤਿਵ ਕਾਰ ॥
As He commands, so His creation unfolds.
ਵੇਖੈ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਕਰਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
He rejoices watching over these with His merciful Grace.
ਨਾਨਕ ਕਥਨਾ ਕਰੜਾ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੩੭॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 8}
Nanak says, it is impossible to describe these experiences, that is, these can be felt but not expressed. [37]
Note: Sach Khand is the ultimate spiritual plain. There is nothing else beyond this level of spiritual elevation and enlightenment . There is no limit to the expanse and reach of the Realm of Truth – in fact it encompasses the entire Creation of God, including the other four realms. Sach Khand is Waheguru and Waheguru is Sach Khand.
Pauri 38
ਜਤੁ ਪਾਹਾਰਾ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਸੁਨਿਆਰੁ ॥
Let self-restraint (control over sense organs) be the furnace; let patience be the goldsmith.
ਅਹਰਣਿ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਦੁ ਹਥੀਆਰੁ ॥
Let the goldsmith’s anvil be your wisdom, and discerning intellect (wisdom, bibek buddhi) be the tool to mould your understanding into pure divinity.
ਭਉ ਖਲਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਤਪ ਤਾਉ ॥
Let the love of God be the bellows, and let self-discipline be the inspirational fire for divine love and spiritual attainment.
ਭਾਂਡਾ ਭਾਉ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਢਾਲਿ ॥
In the crucible of love, melt the nectar of Divine Name.
ਘੜੀਐ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਚੀ ਟਕਸਾਲ ॥
Carve out your understanding of the Shabad in the True Mint (that is, in the company of God-oriented, spiritually enlightened souls).
ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥
This is the way of life of the blessed, who enjoy the Lord’s Glance of Grace.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥
O Nanak, the Merciful Lord’s Glance of Grace fills their hearts with joy. [38]
ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥ Salok
ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥
Air is our guru and guide, the water our father, the earth the cherished mother.
Note: Air is the supreme communicator of information. We constantly receive messages through it, but because we are so preoccupied with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we miss out on these vibes. Those who are able to silence their minds and focus within, can hear the nature whisper messages of divinity in their ears. Nature is truly a Guru.
ਦਿਵਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਦਾਈ ਦਾਇਆ ਖੇਲੈ ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤੁ ॥
The day and night are the two carers, in whose lap the world rejoices, in work and in play.
ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ਵਾਚੈ ਧਰਮੁ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥
Our karma (good and bad) leave indelible impressions on the casing of our soul, which are, subsequently, judged in the Court of Justice and Righteousness.
ਕਰਮੀ ਆਪੋ ਆਪਣੀ ਕੇ ਨੇੜੈ ਕੇ ਦੂਰਿ ॥
Good deeds inspire us to scale the higher plains of existence, and take us closer to divinity, whilst our bad actions drive us deeper and deeper into the mire of falsehood.
ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥
The Blessed, who focus and meditate on the Divine Name, justify their lives on earth.
ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਕੇਤੀ ਛੁਟੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, in the Lord’s Darbar, their faces are radiant with divine glory, many others in their company, also, cross over.1.
Translation: Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’