Sarangh Ki Vaar
Sarangh Ki Vaar has 36 Pauris and 74 Sloks. Of these, 33 are by M.1, 9 by M.2, 23 by M.3, 6 by M.4 and 3 by M.5.
All Pauris are by M4, except Pauri no. 35, which has been inserted by Guru Arjun Dev Ji. Guru Ji had inserted the Sloks and in his Divine Wisdom inserted Pauri no. 35 to maintain the Divine Flow of the Vaar.
Out of the 22 Vaars in SGGS Ji, 9 Vaars are to be sung to certain dhunis, folk beats.
Sarangh Ki Vaar M.4 is to be sung to the dhuni of Rae Mehme Hasne Ki Dhuni.
Mehma and Hasna were Rajput Rajas of small kingdoms. They were related by blood. Mehma had a great territory. He was honest and sincere. Both paid taxes in tribute to Akbar.
Whenever Hasna used to go to pay his taxes, Mehma used to send his own taxes through Hasna. Hasna was crafty. He used Mehma’s money to pay his own taxes and used to mark Mehma as absent on the Register of Taxes.
After a few months Akbar attacked Mehma and imprisoned him for failure to pay tax tribute. Mehma managed to convince Akbar of his innocence. Now Akbar joined forces with Mehma and attacked Hasna. Hasna was killed in the battle. The ministrels wrote an Ode about Mehma and his honesty. This Ode has a particular folk beat. Sarang Ki Vaar is to be sung to this folk beat (dhuni).
The Vaar starts with a salutation to the Guru (Shabad). The Guru Shabad is the Divine Key to the Divine Mystery housed in the mann. Without the Guru (Shabad), the door to the mind cannot be opened. No one besides the Guru holds such a Key.
“ਗੁਰੁ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਪਾਹੂ ਨਿਵਲੁ ਮਨੁ ਕੋਠਾ ਤਨੁ ਛਤਿ ॥
The key of the Guru opens the lock of attachment, in the house of the mind, under the roof of the body.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਤਾਕੁ ਨ ਉਘੜੈ ਅਵਰ ਨ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਹਥਿ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, without the Guru, the door of the mind cannot be opened. No one else holds the key in hand. ||1||”
To please the Guru to get Him to open the door to the Dasva Duar, the 2nd Slok says, He cannot be pleased by any other methods except through love in the mind and with Naam.
“ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਰਾਗੀ ਨਾਦੀ ਬੇਦਿ ॥
He is not won over by music, songs or the Vedas.
ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜੋਗਿ ॥
He is not won over by intuitive wisdom, meditation or Yoga.
ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਸੋਗੀ ਕੀਤੈ ਰੋਜਿ ॥
He is not won over by feeling sad and depressed forever.
ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਰੂਪੀ ਮਾਲੀ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
He is not won over by beauty, wealth and pleasures.
ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਭਵਿਐ ਨੰਗਿ ॥
He is not won over by wandering naked at sacred shrines.
ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਦਾਤੀ ਕੀਤੈ ਪੁੰਨਿ ॥
He is not won over by giving donations in charity.
ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਬੈਠਿਆ ਸੁੰਨਿ ॥
He is not won over by living alone in the wilderness.
ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਭੇੜਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਭਿੜਿ ਸੂਰ ॥
He is not won over by fighting and dying as a warrior in battle.
ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਕੇਤੇ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਧੂੜ ॥
He is not won over by becoming the dust of the masses.
ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਮਨ ਕੈ ਭਾਇ ॥
The account is written of the love of the mind.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭੀਜੈ ਸਾਚੈ ਨਾਇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, the Lord is won over only by His Name. ||2||
The 3rd Slok tells us that Naam is received in the Guru’s Sharan by a gurmukh.”
“ਨਵ ਛਿਅ ਖਟ ਕਾ ਕਰੇ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
You may study the nine grammars, the six Shaastras and the six divisions of the Vedas.
ਨਿਸਿ ਦਿਨ ਉਚਰੈ ਭਾਰ ਅਠਾਰ ॥
You may recite the Mahaabhaarata.
ਤਿਨਿ ਭੀ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੋਹਿ ॥
Even these cannot find the limits of the Lord.
ਨਾਮ ਬਿਹੂਣ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕਿਉ ਹੋਇ ॥
Without the Naam, the Name of the Lord, how can anyone be liberated?
ਨਾਭਿ ਵਸਤ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੈ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਿਆ ॥
Brahma, in the lotus of the navel, does not know the limits of God.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ॥੩॥
The Gurmukh, O Nanak, realizes the Naam. ||3||”
The 1st Pauri says God is Niranjan – not affected by maya. All creation has some aspects of maya moh. Only Gur Parsad can save you as you live in His Bhana, His Will and you will merge into Him.
“ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਆਪੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥
The Immaculate Lord Himself, by Himself, created Himself.
ਆਪੇ ਖੇਲੁ ਰਚਾਇਓਨੁ ਸਭੁ ਜਗਤੁ ਸਬਾਇਆ ॥
He Himself created the whole drama of all the world’s play.
ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਆਪਿ ਸਿਰਜਿਅਨੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਵਧਾਇਆ ॥
He Himself formed the three gunas, the three qualities; He increased the attachment to Maya.
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਉਬਰੇ ਜਿਨ ਭਾਣਾ ਭਾਇਆ ॥
By Guru’s Grace, they are saved – those who love the Will of God.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਸਭ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, the True Lord is pervading everywhere; all are contained within the True Lord. ||1||”
1st Slok tells us about the amazing variety of the world. We must not lose sight that this vastness is created by One God. To reach Him you need to understand His Hukam.
“ਆਪਿ ਉਪਾਏ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਆਪੇ ਰਖੈ ਵੇਕ ॥
He Himself creates, O Nanak; He establishes the various creatures.
ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਸਭਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਏਕੁ ॥
How can anyone be called bad? We have only One Lord and Master.
ਸਭਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਵੇਖੈ ਧੰਧੈ ਲਾਇ ॥
There is One Lord and Master of all; He watches over all, and assigns all to their tasks.
ਕਿਸੈ ਥੋੜਾ ਕਿਸੈ ਅਗਲਾ ਖਾਲੀ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
Some have less, and some have more; no one is allowed to leave empty.
ਆਵਹਿ ਨੰਗੇ ਜਾਹਿ ਨੰਗੇ ਵਿਚੇ ਕਰਹਿ ਵਿਥਾਰ ॥
Naked we come, and naked we go; in between, we put on a show.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਅਗੈ ਕਾਈ ਕਾਰ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, one who does not understand the Hukam of God’s Command – what will he have to do in the world hereafter? ||1||”
The 2nd Slok tells us whatever we do or say is recorded as lekha. Every single action is judged and you will receive the fruit of your conduct.
“ਜਿਨਸਿ ਥਾਪਿ ਜੀਆਂ ਕਉ ਭੇਜੈ ਜਿਨਸਿ ਥਾਪਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਵੈ ॥
He sends out the various created beings, and he calls back the various created beings again.
ਆਪੇ ਥਾਪਿ ਉਥਾਪੈ ਆਪੇ ਏਤੇ ਵੇਸ ਕਰਾਵੈ ॥
He himself establishes, and He Himself disestablishes. He fashions them in various forms.
ਜੇਤੇ ਜੀਅ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਅਉਧੂਤੀ ਆਪੇ ਭਿਖਿਆ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
And all the human beings who wander around as beggars, He Himself gives in charity to them.
ਲੇਖੈ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਲੇਖੈ ਚਲਣੁ ਕਾਇਤੁ ਕੀਚਹਿ ਦਾਵੇ ॥
As it is recorded, the mortals speak, and as it is recorded, they walk. So why put on all this show?
ਮੂਲੁ ਮਤਿ ਪਰਵਾਣਾ ਏਹੋ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥
This is the basis of intelligence; this is certified and approved. Nanak speaks and proclaims it.
ਕਰਣੀ ਉਪਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਤਪਾਵਸੁ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਕਹਾਏ ॥੨॥
By past actions, each being is judged; what else can anyone say? ||2||”
In the 2nd Pauri, Guru Ji says to detach yourself from maya you need to be a gurmukh to enshrine His Bani in your mind.
“ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚਲਤੁ ਰਚਾਇਓਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਪਰਗਟੀ ਆਇਆ ॥
The Guru’s Word makes the drama play itself out. Through virtue, this becomes evident.
ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਸਦ ਉਚਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਇਆ ॥
Whoever utters the Word of the Guru’s Bani – the Lord is enshrined in his mind.
ਸਕਤਿ ਗਈ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਕਟਿਆ ਸਿਵ ਜੋਤਿ ਜਗਾਇਆ ॥
Maya’s power is gone, and doubt is eradicated; awaken to the Light of the Lord.
ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਪੋਤੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥
Those who hold onto goodness as their treasure meet the Guru, the Primal Being.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਹਜੇ ਮਿਲਿ ਰਹੇ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, they are intuitively absorbed and blended into the Name of the Lord. ||2||”
Slok no.1 tells us we are all traders and are driven in our actions and our lekha. Those who trade carefully and do not waste time in collecting perishables, but instead collect Naam, are blessed and they leave with their investment intact.
“ਸਾਹ ਚਲੇ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਦੇਵੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
The merchants come from the Banker; He sends the account of their destiny with them.
ਲਿਖੇ ਉਪਰਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੋਇ ਲਈਐ ਵਸਤੁ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲਿ ॥
On the basis of their accounts, He issues the Hukam of His Command, and they are left to take care of their merchandise.
ਵਸਤੁ ਲਈ ਵਣਜਾਰਈ ਵਖਰੁ ਬਧਾ ਪਾਇ ॥
The merchants have purchased their merchandise and packed up their cargo.
ਕੇਈ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈ ਚਲੇ ਇਕਿ ਚਲੇ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇ ॥
Some depart after having earned a good profit, while others leave, having lost their investment altogether.
ਥੋੜਾ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਮੰਗਿਓ ਕਿਸੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਾਬਾਸਿ ॥
No one asks to have less; who should be celebrated?
ਨਦਰਿ ਤਿਨਾ ਕਉ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿ ਸਾਬਤੁ ਲਾਏ ਰਾਸਿ ॥੧॥
The Lord casts His Glance of Grace, O Nanak, upon those who have preserved their capital investment. ||1||”
Slok no. 2 tells us the whole process of chaurasi lakh joon continues on endlessly based on each person’s conduct. Only the gurmukhs break from the cycle and swim across the world ocean with His Grace.
“ਜੁੜਿ ਜੁੜਿ ਵਿਛੁੜੇ ਵਿਛੁੜਿ ਜੁੜੇ ॥
United, the united separate, and separated, they unite again.
ਜੀਵਿ ਜੀਵਿ ਮੁਏ ਮੁਏ ਜੀਵੇ ॥
Living, the living die, and dying, they live again.
ਕੇਤਿਆ ਕੇ ਬਾਪ ਕੇਤਿਆ ਕੇ ਬੇਟੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਗੁਰ ਚੇਲੇ ਹੂਏ ॥
They become the fathers of many, and the sons of many; they become the gurus of many, and the disciples.
ਆਗੈ ਪਾਛੈ ਗਣਤ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਕਿਆ ਜਾਤੀ ਕਿਆ ਹੁਣਿ ਹੂਏ ॥
No account can be made of the future or the past; who knows what shall be, or what was?
ਸਭੁ ਕਰਣਾ ਕਿਰਤੁ ਕਰਿ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਕਰੇ ॥
All the actions and events of the past are recorded; the Doer did, He does, and He will do.
ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਮਰੀਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਤਰੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ॥੨॥
The self-willed manmukh dies, while the Gurmukh is saved; O Nanak, the Gracious Lord bestows His Glance of Grace. ||2||”
Pauri no. 3 tells us of the manmukhs. In contrast with the gurmukhs, the manmukhs do not deal in Sach. They are driven by greed and attachment to maya.
“ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਦੂਜਾ ਭਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਦੂਜੈ ਲੋਭਾਇਆ ॥
The self-willed manmukh wanders in duality, lured and enticed by duality.
ਕੂੜੁ ਕਪਟੁ ਕਮਾਵਦੇ ਕੂੜੋ ਆਲਾਇਆ ॥
He practices falsehood and deception, telling lies.
ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਲਤ੍ਰੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਹੇਤੁ ਹੈ ਸਭੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਸਬਾਇਆ ॥
Love and attachment to children and spouse is total misery and pain.
ਜਮ ਦਰਿ ਬਧੇ ਮਾਰੀਅਹਿ ਭਰਮਹਿ ਭਰਮਾਇਆ ॥
He is gagged and bound at the door of the Messenger of Death; he dies, and wanders lost in reincarnation.
ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਇਆ ॥੩॥
The self-willed manmukh wastes his life; Nanak loves the Lord. ||3||”
Slok no. 1 says the whole process of dying and being reborn can only be cut if you take Amrit. Amrit is Naam, which is drunk by the mann.
“ਜਿਨ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਤੇ ਰਤੇ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Those who are blessed with the glorious greatness of Your Name – their minds are imbued with Your Love.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਦੂਜਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
O Nanak, there is only One Ambrosial Nectar; there is no other nectar at all.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਮਨੈ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
O Nanak, the Ambrosial Nectar is obtained within the mind, by Guru’s Grace.
ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਪੀਤਾ ਰੰਗ ਸਿਉ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਉ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਆਦਿ ॥੧॥
They alone drink it in with love, who have such pre-ordained destiny. ||1||”
Slok 2 tells us that Amrit Naam contains praises of God. So, one must sing God’s Glories, not the glories of created ones.
“ਕੀਤਾ ਕਿਆ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਕਰੇ ਸੋਇ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ॥
Why praise the created being? Praise the One who created all.
ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕੀ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਦੂਜਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
O Nanak, there is no other Giver, except the One Lord.
ਕਰਤਾ ਸੋ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
Praise the Creator Lord, who created the creation.
ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਜਿ ਸਭਸੈ ਦੇ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥
Praise the Great Giver, who gives sustenance to all.
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪਿ ਸਦੀਵ ਹੈ ਪੂਰਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਭੰਡਾਰੁ ॥
O Nanak, the treasure of the Eternal Lord is over-flowing.
ਵਡਾ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਰਾਵਾਰੁ ॥੨॥
Praise and honor the One, who has no end or limitation. ||2||”
The 1st Pauri lovingly spoke of God as Niranjan. The 2nd Pauri spoke of the Gurmukhs, while the 3rd Pauri spoke of the manmukhs. The 4th Pauri tells us His Naam is also Niranjan and is the Real Treasure. With His Grace this Naam lodges in the mann.
“ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਸੇਵਿਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈ ॥
The Name of the Lord is a treasure. Serving it, peace is obtained.
ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਉਚਰਾਂ ਪਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਘਰਿ ਜਾਂਈ ॥
I chant the Name of the Immaculate Lord, so that I may go home with honor.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਵਸਾਈ ॥
The Word of the Gurmukh is the Naam; I enshrine the Naam within my heart.
ਮਤਿ ਪੰਖੇਰੂ ਵਸਿ ਹੋਇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਧਿਆਈ ॥
The bird of the intellect comes under one’s control, by meditating on the True Guru.
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪਿ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਹੋਇ ਨਾਮੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥੪॥
O Nanak, if the Lord becomes merciful, the mortal lovingly tunes in to the Naam. ||4||”
Slok no. 1 tells us whatever is written by God has to happen and cannot be challenged. We come and go in human life as is decided by Him.
“ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਉ ਕੈਸਾ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਜਾਣੁ ॥
How can we speak of Him? Only He knows Himself.
“ਚੀਰੀ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਨਾ ਫਿਰੈ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸੋ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥
His decree cannot be challenged; He is our Supreme Lord and Master.
ਚੀਰੀ ਜਿਸ ਕੀ ਚਲਣਾ ਮੀਰ ਮਲਕ ਸਲਾਰ ॥
By His Decree, even kings, nobles and commanders must step down.
ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
Whatever is pleasing to His Will, O Nanak, is a good deed.
ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਚੀਰੀ ਚਲਣਾ ਹਥਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
By His Decree, we walk; nothing rests in our hands.
ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਾ ਫੁਰਮਾਣੁ ਹੋਇ ਉਠੀ ਕਰਲੈ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
When the Order comes from our Lord and Master, all must rise up and take to the road.
ਜੇਹਾ ਚੀਰੀ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਤੇਹਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
As His Decree is issued, so is His Command obeyed.
ਘਲੇ ਆਵਹਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਦੇ ਉਠੀ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੧॥
Those who are sent, come, O Nanak; when they are called back, they depart and go. ||1|”
In Slok no. 2, we are told He blesses some with sifat salah – singing of His Praises. As Naam becomes their hallmark, they get blessed with His Grace.
“ਸਿਫਤਿ ਜਿਨਾ ਕਉ ਬਖਸੀਐ ਸੇਈ ਪੋਤੇਦਾਰ ॥
Those whom the Lord blesses with His Praises, are the true keepers of the treasure.
ਕੁੰਜੀ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਦਿਤੀਆ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮਿਲੇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥
Those who are blessed with the key – they alone receive the treasure.
ਜਹ ਭੰਡਾਰੀ ਹੂ ਗੁਣ ਨਿਕਲਹਿ ਤੇ ਕੀਅਹਿ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥
That treasure, from which virtue wells up – that treasure is approved.
ਨਦਰਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਕਉ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥੨॥
Those who are blessed by His Glance of Grace, O Nanak, bear the Insignia of the Naam. ||2||”
Pauri no. 5 tells us, Naam is Niranjan just like God is. Naam is also Pure and Unstained. This Naam is the support of the Saints. This Naam has to be ਸੁਣਿ (sunn) by the mann. You have to pay attention to the wisdom of Naam and enshrine Naam in the mind.
“ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲਾ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is immaculate and pure; hearing it, peace is obtained.
ਸੁਣਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਈਐ ਬੂਝੈ ਜਨੁ ਕੋਈ ॥
Listening and hearing, It is enshrined in the mind; how rare is that humble being who realizes it.
ਬਹਦਿਆ ਉਠਦਿਆ ਨ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਚੁ ਸੋਈ ॥
Sitting down and standing up, I shall never forget Him, the Truest of the true.
ਭਗਤਾ ਕਉ ਨਾਮ ਅਧਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
His devotees have the Support of His Name; in His Name, they find peace.
ਨਾਨਕ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥੫॥
O Nanak, He permeates and pervades mind and body; He is the Lord, the Guru’s Word. ||5||”
Slok no. 1 speaks of weight. Every action of ours is weighted/assessed. To merge with God, your inner being (jeev) is weighed. The greatest weight is attached to His Praises. The entire weight of the world is held up by God’s Will.
“ਨਾਨਕ ਤੁਲੀਅਹਿ ਤੋਲ ਜੇ ਜੀਉ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
O Nanak, the weight is weighed out, when the soul is placed on the scale.
ਇਕਸੁ ਨ ਪੁਜਹਿ ਬੋਲ ਜੇ ਪੂਰੇ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰਿ ਮਿਲੈ ॥
Nothing is equal to speaking of the One, who perfectly unites us with the Perfect Lord.
ਵਡਾ ਆਖਣੁ ਭਾਰਾ ਤੋਲੁ ॥
To call Him glorious and great carries such a heavy weight.
ਹੋਰ ਹਉਲੀ ਮਤੀ ਹਉਲੇ ਬੋਲ ॥
Other intellectualism is lightweight; other words are lightweight as well.
ਧਰਤੀ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਰਬਤ ਭਾਰੁ ॥
The weight of the earth, water and mountains
ਕਿਉ ਕੰਡੈ ਤੋਲੈ ਸੁਨਿਆਰੁ ॥
NAME?
ਤੋਲਾ ਮਾਸਾ ਰਤਕ ਪਾਇ ॥
What weights can balance the scale?
ਨਾਨਕ ਪੁਛਿਆ ਦੇਇ ਪੁਜਾਇ ॥
O Nanak, when questioned, the answer is given.
ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਧਿਆ ਅੰਧੀ ਧਾਤੁ ॥
The blind fool is running around, leading the blind.
ਕਹਿ ਕਹਿ ਕਹਣੁ ਕਹਾਇਨਿ ਆਪੁ ॥੧॥
The more they say, the more they expose themselves. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, we are told it is difficult to recite His Naam and to listen to Naam. The One whose praises are sung is Formless.
“ਆਖਣਿ ਅਉਖਾ ਸੁਨਣਿ ਅਉਖਾ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਜਾਪੀ ਆਖਿ ॥
It is difficult to chant it; it is difficult to listen to it. It cannot be chanted with the mouth.
ਇਕਿ ਆਖਿ ਆਖਹਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਭਾਖਹਿ ਅਰਧ ਉਰਧ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤਿ ॥
Some speak with their mouths and chant the Word of the Shabad – the low and the high, day and night.
ਜੇ ਕਿਹੁ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਕਿਹੁ ਦਿਸੈ ਜਾਪੈ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਜਾਤਿ ॥
If He were something, then He would be visible. His form and state cannot be seen.
ਸਭਿ ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਘਟ ਅਉਘਟ ਘਟ ਥਾਪਿ ॥
The Creator Lord does all deeds; He is established in the hearts of the high and the low.
ਆਖਣਿ ਅਉਖਾ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਆਖਿ ॥੨॥
It is so difficult to chant it, O Nanak; it cannot be chanted with the mouth. ||2||”
After 4 introductory Pauris, Pauris 5, 6, 7 and 8 (i.e 4 Pauris) speak of the power and blessings of ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ (suniyei) – to listen intently to the Wisdom of Naam.
“ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮਨੁ ਰਹਸੀਐ ਨਾਮੇ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਆਈ ॥
Hearing the Name, the mind is delighted. The Name brings peace and tranquility.
ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤੀਐ ਸਭ ਦੁਖ ਗਵਾਈ ॥
Hearing the Name, the mind is satisfied, and all pains are taken away.
ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਨਾਉ ਊਪਜੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
Hearing the Name, one becomes famous; the Name brings glorious greatness.
ਨਾਮੇ ਹੀ ਸਭ ਜਾਤਿ ਪਤਿ ਨਾਮੇ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਈ ॥
The Name brings all honor and status; through the Name, salvation is obtained.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥੬॥
The Gurmukh meditates on the Name; Nanak is lovingly attuned to the Name. ||6||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji tells us God is Pure. We often fear we are not purifying ourselves enough to reach Him. Guru Ji explains that inner impurity cannot come to you in any way. Only if you distance yourself and turn away from Naam, Guru, God, your inner being becomes dirtied and impure.
“ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਰਾਗੀ ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਵੇਦੀ ॥
Impurity does not come from music; impurity does not come from the Vedas.
ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਚੰਦ ਸੂਰਜ ਕੀ ਭੇਦੀ ॥
Impurity does not come from the phases of the sun and the moon.
ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਅੰਨੀ ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਨਾਈ ॥
Impurity does not come from food; impurity does not come from ritual cleansing baths.
ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਮੀਹੁ ਵਰ੍ਹਿਐ ਸਭ ਥਾਈ ॥
Impurity does not come from the rain, which falls everywhere.
ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਧਰਤੀ ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਪਾਣੀ ॥
Impurity does not come from the earth; impurity does not come from the water.
ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਪਉਣੈ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ॥
Impurity does not come from the air which is diffused everywhere.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਗੁਰਿਆ ਗੁਣੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥
O Nanak, the one who has no Guru, has no redeeming virtues at all.
ਮੁਹਿ ਫੇਰਿਐ ਮੁਹੁ ਜੂਠਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥
Impurity comes from turning one’s face away from God. ||1||”
Slok no. 2 says some try to purify themselves with water by rinsing their mouth before any utterance. Water cannot purify you internally. Only Enlightenment through Naam can make your suratt consciousness be pure.
“ਨਾਨਕ ਚੁਲੀਆ ਸੁਚੀਆ ਜੇ ਭਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
O Nanak, the mouth is truly cleansed by ritual cleansing, if you really know how to do it.
ਸੁਰਤੇ ਚੁਲੀ ਗਿਆਨ ਕੀ ਜੋਗੀ ਕਾ ਜਤੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
For the intuitively aware, cleansing is spiritual wisdom. For the Yogi, it is self-control.
ਬ੍ਰਹਮਣ ਚੁਲੀ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਕੀ ਗਿਰਹੀ ਕਾ ਸਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥
For the Brahmin, cleansing is contentment; for the householder, it is truth and charity.
ਰਾਜੇ ਚੁਲੀ ਨਿਆਵ ਕੀ ਪੜਿਆ ਸਚੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥
For the king, cleansing is justice; for the scholar, it is true meditation.
ਪਾਣੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਨ ਧੋਪਈ ਮੁਖਿ ਪੀਤੈ ਤਿਖ ਜਾਇ ॥
The consciousness is not washed with water; you drink it to quench your thirst.
ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਜਗਤ ਕਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਪਾਣੀ ਸਭੁ ਖਾਇ ॥੨॥
Water is the father of the world; in the end, water destroys it all. ||2|”
Pauri no. 7 further elaborates on the blessings of listening to Naam. It gives you spiritual powers, inner wealth and fulfills your wishes.
“ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਭ ਸਿਧਿ ਹੈ ਰਿਧਿ ਪਿਛੈ ਆਵੈ ॥
Hearing the Name, all supernatural spiritual powers are obtained, and wealth follows along.
ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਮਨ ਚਿੰਦਿਆ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
Hearing the Name, the nine treasures are received, and the mind’s desires are obtained.
ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਹੋਇ ਕਵਲਾ ਚਰਨ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥
Hearing the Name, contentment comes, and Maya meditates at one’s feet.
ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਹਜੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਹਜੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
Hearing the Name, intuitive peace and poise wells up.
ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ॥੭॥
Through the Guru’s Teachings, the Name is obtained; O Nanak, sing His Glorious Praises. ||7||”
Slok no. 1 says dukh is an essential aspect of each life. It is designed as a cure to steer you back to His Hukam.
“ਦੁਖ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੰਮਣੁ ਦੁਖਿ ਮਰਣੁ ਦੁਖਿ ਵਰਤਣੁ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥
In pain, we are born; in pain, we die. In pain, we deal with the world.
ਦੁਖੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਅਗੈ ਆਖੀਐ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਪੁਕਾਰ ॥
Hereafter, there is said to be pain, only pain; the more the mortals read, the more they cry out.
ਦੁਖ ਕੀਆ ਪੰਡਾ ਖੁਲ੍ਹ੍ਹੀਆ ਸੁਖੁ ਨ ਨਿਕਲਿਓ ਕੋਇ ॥
The packages of pain are untied, but peace does not emerge.
ਦੁਖ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੀਉ ਜਲਾਇਆ ਦੁਖੀਆ ਚਲਿਆ ਰੋਇ ॥
In pain, the soul burns; in pain, it departs weeping and wailing.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਰਤਿਆ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਹਰਿਆ ਹੋਇ ॥
O Nanak, imbued with the Lord’s Praise, the mind and body blossom forth, rejuvenated.
ਦੁਖ ਕੀਆ ਅਗੀ ਮਾਰੀਅਹਿ ਭੀ ਦੁਖੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥
In the fire of pain, the mortals die; but pain is also the cure. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says, what you see as worldly sukh and happiness is mere dust or ashes i.e. it does not bring any spiritual benefit, nor does it last forever. The more one loads himself with worldly sukh and chases after it, you only load yourself with more lekha.
“ਨਾਨਕ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਭਸੁ ਰੰਗੁ ਭਸੂ ਹੂ ਭਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥
O Nanak, worldly pleasures are nothing more than dust. They are the dust of the dust of ashes.
ਭਸੋ ਭਸੁ ਕਮਾਵਣੀ ਭੀ ਭਸੁ ਭਰੀਐ ਦੇਹ ॥
The mortal earns only the dust of the dust; his body is covered with dust.
ਜਾ ਜੀਉ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਕਢੀਐ ਭਸੂ ਭਰਿਆ ਜਾਇ ॥
When the soul is taken out of the body, it too is covered with dust.
ਅਗੈ ਲੇਖੈ ਮੰਗਿਐ ਹੋਰ ਦਸੂਣੀ ਪਾਇ ॥੨॥
And when one’s account is called for in the world hereafter, he receives only ten times more dust. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 8, Guru Ji stresses that listening to Naam, i.e. living in shukrana whilst in dukh or sukh will cleanse you, purify you and give you enlightenment.
“ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੁਚਿ ਸੰਜਮੋ ਜਮੁ ਨੇੜਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥
Hearing the Name, one is blessed with purity and self-control, and the Messenger of Death will not draw near.
ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਘਟਿ ਚਾਨਣਾ ਆਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੇਰੁ ਗਵਾਵੈ ॥
Hearing the Name, the heart is illumined, and darkness is dispelled.
ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਆਪੁ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਲਾਹਾ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
Hearing the Name, one comes to understand his own self, and the profit of the Name is obtained.
ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪਾਪ ਕਟੀਅਹਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
Hearing the Name, sins are eradicated, and one meets the Immaculate True Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਨਾਉ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥੮॥
O Nanak, hearing the Name, one’s face becomes radiant. As Gurmukh, meditate on the Name. ||8||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says, prayer to idols or any material form is a blind and foolish act.
“ਘਰਿ ਨਾਰਾਇਣੁ ਸਭਾ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
In your home, is the Lord God, along with all your other gods.
ਪੂਜ ਕਰੇ ਰਖੈ ਨਾਵਾਲਿ ॥
You wash your stone gods and worship them.
ਕੁੰਗੂ ਚੰਨਣੁ ਫੁਲ ਚੜਾਏ ॥
You offer saffron, sandalwood and flowers.
ਪੈਰੀ ਪੈ ਪੈ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਮਨਾਏ ॥
Falling at their feet, you try so hard to appease them.
ਮਾਣੂਆ ਮੰਗਿ ਮੰਗਿ ਪੈਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਖਾਇ ॥
Begging, begging from other people, you get things to wear and eat.
ਅੰਧੀ ਕੰਮੀ ਅੰਧ ਸਜਾਇ ॥
For your blind deeds, you will be blindly punished.
ਭੁਖਿਆ ਦੇਇ ਨ ਮਰਦਿਆ ਰਖੈ ॥
Your idol does not feed the hungry, or save the dying.
ਅੰਧਾ ਝਗੜਾ ਅੰਧੀ ਸਥੈ ॥੧॥
The blind assembly argues in blindness. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says every action of the mortal is caught under His Hukam. Every thought, action and speech has some lekha attached. Only Naam is free from lekha. In fact, Naam is Sach and erodes lekha.
“ਸਭੇ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਜੋਗ ਸਭਿ ਸਭੇ ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਣ ॥
All intuitive understanding, all Yoga, all the Vedas and Puraanas.
ਸਭੇ ਕਰਣੇ ਤਪ ਸਭਿ ਸਭੇ ਗੀਤ ਗਿਆਨ ॥
All actions, all penances, all songs and spiritual wisdom.
ਸਭੇ ਬੁਧੀ ਸੁਧਿ ਸਭਿ ਸਭਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਸਭਿ ਥਾਨ ॥
All intellect, all enlightenment, all sacred shrines of pilgrimage.
ਸਭਿ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀਆ ਅਮਰ ਸਭਿ ਸਭਿ ਖੁਸੀਆ ਸਭਿ ਖਾਨ ॥
All kingdoms, all royal commands, all joys and all delicacies.
ਸਭੇ ਮਾਣਸ ਦੇਵ ਸਭਿ ਸਭੇ ਜੋਗ ਧਿਆਨ ॥
All mankind, all divinities, all Yoga and meditation.
ਸਭੇ ਪੁਰੀਆ ਖੰਡ ਸਭਿ ਸਭੇ ਜੀਅ ਜਹਾਨ ॥
All worlds, all celestial realms; all the beings of the universe.
ਹੁਕਮਿ ਚਲਾਏ ਆਪਣੈ ਕਰਮੀ ਵਹੈ ਕਲਾਮ ॥
According to His Hukam, He commands them. His Pen writes out the account of their actions.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਸਚਿ ਨਾਇ ਸਚੁ ਸਭਾ ਦੀਬਾਨੁ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, True is the Lord, and True is His Name. True is His Congregation and His Court. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 9, Guru Ji now stresses the blessings of ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ . The earlier four pauris – 5, 6, 7 and 8 stressed ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ. To have full faith and belief in the Power, Sanctity, Blessings and Divinity of Naam gives you inner peace and mukti and merges you into the Satguru (Shabad).
“ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਗਤਿ ਹੋਈ ॥
With faith in the Name, peace wells up; the Name brings emancipation.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਪਤਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥
With faith in the Name, honor is obtained. The Lord is enshrined in the heart.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਲੰਘੀਐ ਫਿਰਿ ਬਿਘਨੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
With faith in the Name, one crosses over the terrifying world-ocean, and no obstructions are ever again encountered.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਪੰਥੁ ਪਰਗਟਾ ਨਾਮੇ ਸਭ ਲੋਈ ॥
With faith in the Name, the Path is revealed; through the Name, one is totally enlightened.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਨਾਉ ਮੰਨੀਐ ਜਿਨ ਦੇਵੈ ਸੋਈ ॥੯॥
O Nanak, meeting with the True Guru, one comes to have faith in the Name; he alone has faith, who is blessed with it. ||9||”
Slok no. 1 says in our egos, we foolishly forget that all Power emanates from God and He keeps us alive. By doing certain rituals or penances, we think we have done something spiritual and empowered ourselves, but in reality, all Power rests with God in His Hukam.
“ਪੁਰੀਆ ਖੰਡਾ ਸਿਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਇਕ ਪੈਰਿ ਧਿਆਏ ॥
The mortal walks on his head through the worlds and realms; he meditates, balanced on one foot.
ਪਉਣੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਜਪੁ ਕਰੇ ਸਿਰੁ ਮੁੰਡੀ ਤਲੈ ਦੇਇ ॥
Controlling the wind of the breath, he meditates within his mind, tucking his chin down into his chest.
ਕਿਸੁ ਉਪਰਿ ਓਹੁ ਟਿਕ ਟਿਕੈ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਜੋਰੁ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
What does he lean on? Where does he get his power?
ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਹੀਐ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਦੇਇ ॥
What can be said, O Nanak? Who is blessed by the Creator?
ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਹਾਏ ਆਪਣੈ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਆਪੁ ਗਣੇਇ ॥੧॥
God keeps all under His Command, but the fool shows off himself. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says you must acknowledge God’s Existence and Presence in wonder and gratitude. Even if you constantly Praise Him, in the face of His Infinite Greatness, such Praise is only a tiny bit.
“ਹੈ ਹੈ ਆਖਾਂ ਕੋਟਿ ਕੋਟਿ ਕੋਟੀ ਹੂ ਕੋਟਿ ਕੋਟਿ ॥
He is, He is – I say it millions upon millions, millions upon millions of times.
ਆਖੂੰ ਆਖਾਂ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਕਹਣਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਤੋਟਿ ॥
With my mouth I say it, forever and ever; there is no end to this speech.
ਨਾ ਹਉ ਥਕਾਂ ਨ ਠਾਕੀਆ ਏਵਡ ਰਖਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ॥
I do not get tired, and I will not be stopped; this is how great my determination is.
ਨਾਨਕ ਚਸਿਅਹੁ ਚੁਖ ਬਿੰਦ ਉਪਰਿ ਆਖਣੁ ਦੋਸੁ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, this is tiny and insignificant. To say that it is more, is wrong. ||2||”
Pauri 10 stresses that belief in Naam can lead to salvation of your entire ancestral lineage.
“ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਕੁਲੁ ਉਧਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਸਬਾਇਆ ॥
With faith in the Name, all one’s ancestors and family are saved.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਉਧਰੈ ਜਿਨ ਰਿਦੈ ਵਸਾਇਆ ॥
With faith in the Name, one’s associates are saved; enshrine it within your heart.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸੁਣਿ ਉਧਰੇ ਜਿਨ ਰਸਨ ਰਸਾਇਆ ॥
With faith in the Name, those who hear it are saved; let your tongue delight in it.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਦੁਖ ਭੁਖ ਗਈ ਜਿਨ ਨਾਮਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇਆ ॥
With faith in the Name, pain and hunger are dispelled; let your consciousness be attached to the Name.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਿਨੀ ਸਾਲਾਹਿਆ ਜਿਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥੧੦॥
O Nanak, they alone Praise the Name, who meet with the Guru. ||10||”
In Slok no.1, Guru Ji says, all time, space, the entire vastness of His Creation is caught in His Hukam, which is Infinite. By your own efforts you cannot fathom even an iota of His Hukam.
“ਸਭੇ ਰਾਤੀ ਸਭਿ ਦਿਹ ਸਭਿ ਥਿਤੀ ਸਭਿ ਵਾਰ ॥
All nights, all days, all dates, all days of the week;
ਸਭੇ ਰੁਤੀ ਮਾਹ ਸਭਿ ਸਭਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਸਭਿ ਭਾਰ ॥
All seasons, all months, all the earth and everything on it.
ਸਭੇ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਉਣ ਸਭਿ ਸਭਿ ਅਗਨੀ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥
All waters, all winds, all fires and underworlds.
ਸਭੇ ਪੁਰੀਆ ਖੰਡ ਸਭਿ ਸਭਿ ਲੋਅ ਲੋਅ ਆਕਾਰ ॥
All solar systems and galaxies, all worlds, people and forms.
ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੀ ਕੇਤੜਾ ਕਹਿ ਨ ਸਕੀਜੈ ਕਾਰ ॥
No one knows how great the Hukam of His Command is; no one can describe His actions.
ਆਖਹਿ ਥਕਹਿ ਆਖਿ ਆਖਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਵੀਚਾਰ ॥
Mortals may utter, chant, recite and contemplate His Praises until they grow weary.
ਤ੍ਰਿਣੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਬਪੁੜੀ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਗਵਾਰ ॥੧॥
The poor fools, O Nanak, cannot find even a tiny bit of the Lord. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji elaborates further that by even singing His Praises and all inquiries, you cannot fathom Him. It is only by His Bandgi, sincere loving prayer and His Grace which will give you enlightenment about His Hukam.
“ਅਖੀ ਪਰਣੈ ਜੇ ਫਿਰਾਂ ਦੇਖਾਂ ਸਭੁ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
If I were to walk around with my eyes wide open, gazing at all the created forms;
ਪੁਛਾ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਪੰਡਿਤਾਂ ਪੁਛਾ ਬੇਦ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥
I could ask the spiritual teachers and religious scholars, and those who contemplate the Vedas;
ਪੁਛਾ ਦੇਵਾਂ ਮਾਣਸਾਂ ਜੋਧ ਕਰਹਿ ਅਵਤਾਰ ॥
I could ask the gods, mortal men, warriors and divine incarnations;
ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧੀ ਸਭਿ ਸੁਣੀ ਜਾਇ ਦੇਖਾਂ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥
I could consult all the Siddhas in Samaadhi, and go to see the Lord’s Court.
ਅਗੈ ਸਚਾ ਸਚਿ ਨਾਇ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਭੈ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥
Hereafter, Truth is the Name of all; the Fearless Lord has no fear at all.
ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਮਤੀ ਕਚੁ ਪਿਚੁ ਅੰਧਿਆ ਅੰਧੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
False are other intellectualisms, false and shallow; blind are the contemplations of the blind.
ਨਾਨਕ ਕਰਮੀ ਬੰਦਗੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਲੰਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, by the karma of good actions, the mortal comes to meditate on the Lord; by His Grace, we are carried across. ||2||”
Pauri no. 11 continues the narrative about belief in Naam. ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ removes evil mindedness and gives peace and contentment to the mind. Naam is a precious jewel.
“ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਗਈ ਮਤਿ ਪਰਗਟੀ ਆਇਆ ॥
With faith in the Name, evil-mindedness is eradicated, and the intellect is enlightened.
ਨਾਉ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਹਉਮੈ ਗਈ ਸਭਿ ਰੋਗ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
With faith in the Name, egotism is eradicated, and all sickness is cured.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਨਾਮੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਹਜੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Believing in the Name, The Name wells up, and intuitive peace and poise are obtained.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਊਪਜੈ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਇਆ ॥
Believing in the Name, tranquility and peace well up, and the Lord is enshrined in the mind.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਤੰਨੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਇਆ ॥੧੧॥
O Nanak, the Name is a jewel; the Gurmukh meditates on the Lord. ||11||”
Slok no. 1 says no one can compare to God. The best we can do is to sing His praises and Pray for His Grace.
“ਹੋਰੁ ਸਰੀਕੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਕੋਈ ਤੇਰਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਅਗੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਖਾਂ ॥
If there were any other equal to You, O Lord, I would speak to them of You.
ਤੁਧੁ ਅਗੈ ਤੁਧੈ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਮੈ ਅੰਧੇ ਨਾਉ ਸੁਜਾਖਾ ॥
You, I praise You; I am blind, but through the Name, I am all-seeing.
ਜੇਤਾ ਆਖਣੁ ਸਾਹੀ ਸਬਦੀ ਭਾਖਿਆ ਭਾਇ ਸੁਭਾਈ ॥
Whatever is spoken, is the Word of the Shabad. Chanting it with love, we are embellished.
ਨਾਨਕ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਏਹੋ ਆਖਣੁ ਸਭ ਤੇਰੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥੧॥
Nanak, this is the greatest thing to say: all glorious greatness is Yours. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji stresses that every article we use in the material world is actually provided by God. He is the real Dataaa. The Divine Giver who lives forever.
“ਜਾਂ ਨ ਸਿਆ ਕਿਆ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਜਾਂ ਜੰਮੇ ਕਿਆ ਕਾਰ ॥
When there was nothing, what happened? What happens when one is born?
ਸਭਿ ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਦੇਖੈ ਵਾਰੋ ਵਾਰ ॥
The Creator, the Doer, does all; He watches over all, again and again
ਜੇ ਚੁਪੈ ਜੇ ਮੰਗਿਐ ਦਾਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਦਾਤਾਰੁ ॥
. Whether we keep silent or beg out loud, the Great Giver blesses us with His gifts.
ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸਭਿ ਮੰਗਤੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਦੇਖਹਿ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
The One Lord is the Giver; we are all beggars. I have seen this throughout the Universe.
ਨਾਨਕ ਏਵੈ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜੀਵੈ ਦੇਵਣਹਾਰੁ ॥੨॥
Nanak knows this: the Great Giver lives forever. ||2||”
Pauri no. 12 tells us belief-faith in Naam will give you inner awareness and remove all superstition. This power of faith in Naam is also a Gift from God.
“ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਊਪਜੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਮਤਿ ਹੋਈ ॥
With faith in the Name, intuitive awareness wells up; through the Name, intelligence comes.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਗੁਣ ਉਚਰੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਸੁਖਿ ਸੋਈ ॥
With faith in the Name, chant the Glories of God; through the Name, peace is obtained.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਕਟੀਐ ਫਿਰਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
With faith in the Name, doubt is eradicated, and the mortal never suffers again.
ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਪਾਪਾਂ ਮਤਿ ਧੋਈ ॥
With faith in the Name, sing His Praises, and your sinful intellect shall be washed clean.
ਨਾਨਕ ਪੂਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਨਾਉ ਮੰਨੀਐ ਜਿਨ ਦੇਵੈ ਸੋਈ ॥੧੨॥
O Nanak, through the Perfect Guru, one comes to have faith in the Name; they alone receive it, unto whom He gives it. ||12||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says many read the Scriptures aloud and recite them. When Divine Understanding dawns upon him, he will be rendered speechless.
“ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਣ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹੰਤਾ ॥
Some read the Shaastras, the Vedas and the Puraanas.
ਪੂਕਾਰੰਤਾ ਅਜਾਣੰਤਾ ॥
They recite them, out of ignorance.
ਜਾਂ ਬੂਝੈ ਤਾਂ ਸੂਝੈ ਸੋਈ ॥
If they really understood them, they would realize the Lord.
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖੈ ਕੂਕ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੧॥
Nanak says, there is no need to shout so loud. ||1||”
Slok no. 2 says you must surrender yourself to Him and belong to Him alone. This surrender can only be done though Naam.
“ਜਾਂ ਹਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਤਾਂ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਹਉ ਨਾਹੀ ਤੂ ਹੋਵਹਿ ॥
When I am Yours, then everything is mine. When I am not, You are.
ਆਪੇ ਸਕਤਾ ਆਪੇ ਸੁਰਤਾ ਸਕਤੀ ਜਗਤੁ ਪਰੋਵਹਿ ॥
You Yourself are All-powerful, and You Yourself are the Intuitive Knower. The whole world is strung on the Power of Your Shakti.
ਆਪੇ ਭੇਜੇ ਆਪੇ ਸਦੇ ਰਚਨਾ ਰਚਿ ਰਚਿ ਵੇਖੈ ॥
You Yourself send out the mortal beings, and You Yourself call them back home. Having created the creation, You behold it.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਸਚੀ ਨਾਂਈ ਸਚੁ ਪਵੈ ਧੁਰਿ ਲੇਖੈ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, True is the Name of the True Lord; through Truth, one is accepted by the Primal Lord God. ||2||”
Pauri no. 13 concludes the ਸੁਣਿਐ and ਮੰਨਿਐ Pauris and declares that Naam is Infinite and Niranjan like God Himself. This Naam is given by the Pura Guru and it can lead to Grace and union with God.
“ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਅਲਖੁ ਹੈ ਕਿਉ ਲਖਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥
The Name of the Immaculate Lord is unknowable. How can it be known?
ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਨਾਲਿ ਹੈ ਕਿਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਭਾਈ ॥
The Name of the Immaculate Lord is with the mortal being. How can it be obtained, O Siblings of Destiny?
ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਰਵਿਆ ਸਭ ਠਾਂਈ ॥
The Name of the Immaculate Lord is all-pervading and permeating everywhere.
ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਤੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਦੇਇ ਦਿਖਾਈ ॥
Through the Perfect Guru, it is obtained. It is revealed within the heart.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮੁ ਹੋਇ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਭਾਈ ॥੧੩॥
O Nanak, when the Merciful Lord grants His Grace, the mortal meets with the Guru, O Siblings of Destiny. ||13||”
After the basic setting until Pauri 13, Guru Ji now looks at what happens in the world.
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says, humans act like greedy dogs and eat carcasses i.e. without gratitude to God and by dishonest means. They lead ignoble lives and die without any spiritual honor.
“ਕਲਿ ਹੋਈ ਕੁਤੇ ਮੁਹੀ ਖਾਜੁ ਹੋਆ ਮੁਰਦਾਰੁ ॥
In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, people have faces like dogs; they eat rotting carcasses for food.
ਕੂੜੁ ਬੋਲਿ ਬੋਲਿ ਭਉਕਣਾ ਚੂਕਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
They bark and speak, telling only lies; all thought of righteousness has left them.
ਜਿਨ ਜੀਵੰਦਿਆ ਪਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਮੁਇਆ ਮੰਦੀ ਸੋਇ ॥
Those who have no honor while alive, will have an evil reputation after they die.
ਲਿਖਿਆ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥
Whatever is predestined, happens, O Nanak; whatever the Creator does, comes to pass. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says not only men live ignoble lives. Women too do not act with conscience to advise their men. They abandon modesty and dignity leaves the household. Only the One True Lord can restore all affairs.
“ਰੰਨਾ ਹੋਈਆ ਬੋਧੀਆ ਪੁਰਸ ਹੋਏ ਸਈਆਦ ॥
Women have become advisors, and men have become hunters.
ਸੀਲੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਸੁਚ ਭੰਨੀ ਖਾਣਾ ਖਾਜੁ ਅਹਾਜੁ ॥
Humility, self-control and purity have run away; people eat the uneatable, forbidden food.
ਸਰਮੁ ਗਇਆ ਘਰਿ ਆਪਣੈ ਪਤਿ ਉਠਿ ਚਲੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
Modesty has left her home, and honor has gone away with her.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਅਉਰੁ ਨ ਸਚਾ ਭਾਲਿ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, there is only One True Lord; do not bother to search for any other as true. ||2||”
To recap, in Pauris no. 1 to 4, Guru Ji talks about God, beginnings of Creation, Naam, gurmukhs and manmukhs. Pauris no. 5, 6, 7, and 8 (4) spoke of the blessings of Naam “suniyie.’’ Pauris no. 9, 10, 11, and 12 (4) spoke of Naam and “maniyie.’’ Pauri no. 13 spoke of Niranjan Naam.
In Pauri no. 14, Guru Ji now speaks of misguided external rituals used as spiritual tools instead of Naam. Such persons waste their lives.
“ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭਸਮ ਲੇਪਨ ਕਰੇ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਬਾਰੀ ॥
You smear your outer body with ashes, but within, you are filled with darkness.
ਖਿੰਥਾ ਝੋਲੀ ਬਹੁ ਭੇਖ ਕਰੇ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੀ ॥
You wear the patched coat and all the right clothes and robes, but you are still egotistical and proud.
ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਊਚਰੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹ ਪਸਾਰੀ ॥
You do not chant the Shabad, the Word of Your Lord and Master; you are attached to the expanse of Maya.
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਲਾਲਚੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਭਰਮੈ ਗਾਵਾਰੀ ॥
Within, you are filled with greed and doubt; you wander around like a fool.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਈ ਜੂਐ ਬਾਜੀ ਹਾਰੀ ॥੧੪॥
Says Nanak, you never even think of the Naam; you have lost the game of life in the gamble. ||14||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says excessive external pleasures and love will only land to ruin and people exhaust themselves in the pursuit of such shallow happinesses.
“ਲਖ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਲਖ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਕਿਆ ਖੁਸੀਆ ਕਿਆ ਚਾਉ ॥
You may be in love with tens of thousands, and live for thousands of years; but what good are these pleasures and occupations?
ਵਿਛੁੜਿਆ ਵਿਸੁ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਛੋੜਾ ਏਕ ਘੜੀ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
And when you must separate from them, that separation is like poison, but they will be gone in an instant.
ਜੇ ਸਉ ਵਰ੍ਹਿਆ ਮਿਠਾ ਖਾਜੈ ਭੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਕਉੜਾ ਖਾਇ ॥
You may eat sweets for a hundred years, but eventually, you will have to eat the bitter as well.
ਮਿਠਾ ਖਾਧਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਕਉੜਤਣੁ ਧਾਇ ਜਾਇ ॥
Then, you will not remember eating the sweets; bitterness will permeate you.
ਮਿਠਾ ਕਉੜਾ ਦੋਵੈ ਰੋਗ ॥
The sweet and the bitter are both diseases.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਤਿ ਵਿਗੁਤੇ ਭੋਗ ॥
O Nanak, eating them, you will come to ruin in the end.
ਝਖਿ ਝਖਿ ਝਖਣਾ ਝਗੜਾ ਝਾਖ ॥
It is useless to worry and struggle to death.
ਝਖਿ ਝਖਿ ਜਾਹਿ ਝਖਹਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੧॥
Entangled in worries and struggles, people exhaust themselves. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says all enjoyments no matter how sweet last a short while and soon turn bitter. Only the gurmukh receives true everlasting sweetness in His Grace.
“ਕਾਪੜੁ ਕਾਠੁ ਰੰਗਾਇਆ ਰਾਂਗਿ ॥
They have fine clothes and furniture of various colors.
ਘਰ ਗਚ ਕੀਤੇ ਬਾਗੇ ਬਾਗ ॥
Their houses are painted beautifully white.
ਸਾਦ ਸਹਜ ਕਰਿ ਮਨੁ ਖੇਲਾਇਆ ॥
In pleasure and poise, they play their mind games.
ਤੈ ਸਹ ਪਾਸਹੁ ਕਹਣੁ ਕਹਾਇਆ ॥
When they approach You, O Lord, they shall be spoken to.
ਮਿਠਾ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਕਉੜਾ ਖਾਇਆ ॥
They think it is sweet, so they eat the bitter.
ਤਿਨਿ ਕਉੜੈ ਤਨਿ ਰੋਗੁ ਜਮਾਇਆ ॥
The bitter disease grows in the body.
ਜੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਮਿਠਾ ਪੇੜੈ ਪਾਇ ॥
If, later on, they receive the sweet,
ਤਉ ਕਉੜਤਣੁ ਚੂਕਸਿ ਮਾਇ ॥
then their bitterness shall be gone, O mother.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
O Nanak, the Gurmukh is blessed to receive
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥
what he is predestined to receive. ||2||”
In Pauri 15, Guru Ji tells us the focus should not be on external cleansing. It is a clean, pure heart that is needed. If you plant evil, you will have to reap the fruits (lekha) of your own actions.
ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਕਪਟੁ ਹੈ ਬਾਹਰੁ ਧੋਵਾਇਆ ॥
Those whose hearts are filled with the filth of deception, may wash themselves on the outside.
“ਕੂੜੁ ਕਪਟੁ ਕਮਾਵਦੇ ਕੂੜੁ ਪਰਗਟੀ ਆਇਆ ॥
They practice falsehood and deception, and their falsehood is revealed.
ਅੰਦਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਨਿਕਲੈ ਨਹ ਛਪੈ ਛਪਾਇਆ ॥
That which is within them, comes out; it cannot be concealed by concealment.
ਕੂੜੈ ਲਾਲਚਿ ਲਗਿਆ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੂਨੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Attached to falsehood and greed, the mortal is consigned to reincarnation over and over again.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੋ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਖਾਵਣਾ ਕਰਤੈ ਲਿਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧੫॥
O Nanak, whatever the mortal plants, he must eat. The Creator Lord has written our destiny. ||15||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says the Vedas only speak of good and evil actions. If good is done some reward is received. But all good actions are still in haumai. Gurbani goes beyond good and bad actions, erodes your haumai and lodges you at a higher plane with Naam, which is beyond any lekhas.
“ਕਥਾ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਬੇਦੀ ਆਣੀ ਪਾਪੁ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
The Vedas bring forth stories and legends, and thoughts of vice and virtue.
ਦੇ ਦੇ ਲੈਣਾ ਲੈ ਲੈ ਦੇਣਾ ਨਰਕਿ ਸੁਰਗਿ ਅਵਤਾਰ ॥
What is given, they receive, and what is received, they give. They are reincarnated in heaven and hell.
ਉਤਮ ਮਧਿਮ ਜਾਤੀਂ ਜਿਨਸੀ ਭਰਮਿ ਭਵੈ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
High and low, social class and status – the world wanders lost in superstition.
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਣੀ ਤਤੁ ਵਖਾਣੀ ਗਿਆਨ ਧਿਆਨ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਈ ॥
The Ambrosial Word of Gurbani proclaims the essence of reality. Spiritual wisdom and meditation are contained within it.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਖੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਤੀ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਧਿਆਈ ॥
The Gurmukhs chant it, and the Gurmukhs realize it. Intuitively aware, they meditate on it.
ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਾਜਿ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਖੈ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ॥
By the Hukam of His Command, He formed the Universe, and in His Hukam, He keeps it. By His Hukam, He keeps it under His Gaze.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅਗਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਤਾਂ ਕੋ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਲੇਖੈ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, if the mortal shatters his ego before he departs, as it is pre-ordained, then he is approved. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says instead of paap and punn, our focus should be on Sach. So we should rise above paap and punn and rely only on Naam and pray for Enlightenment and His Grace.
“ਬੇਦੁ ਪੁਕਾਰੇ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਪਾਪੁ ਸੁਰਗ ਨਰਕ ਕਾ ਬੀਉ ॥
The Vedas proclaim that vice and virtue are the seeds of heaven and hell.
ਜੋ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਉਗਵੈ ਖਾਂਦਾ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੀਉ ॥
Whatever is planted, shall grow. The soul eats the fruits of its actions, and understands.
ਗਿਆਨੁ ਸਲਾਹੇ ਵਡਾ ਕਰਿ ਸਚੋ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
Whoever praises spiritual wisdom as great, becomes truthful in the True Name.
ਸਚੁ ਬੀਜੈ ਸਚੁ ਉਗਵੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਈਐ ਥਾਉ ॥
When Truth is planted, Truth grows. In the Court of the Lord, you shall find your place of honor.
ਬੇਦੁ ਵਪਾਰੀ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਰਾਸਿ ਕਰਮੀ ਪਲੈ ਹੋਇ ॥
The Vedas are only merchants; spiritual wisdom is the capital; by His Grace, it is received.
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਸੀ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਲਦਿ ਨ ਚਲਿਆ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, without capital, no one has ever departed with profit. ||2||”
Pauri no. 16 says the internal evil and poison in your minds cannot be removed by external methods. This internal bitterness and poison is solely removed by sadhsanggat.
“ਨਿੰਮੁ ਬਿਰਖੁ ਬਹੁ ਸੰਚੀਐ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਰਸੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
You can water a bitter neem tree with ambrosial nectar.
ਬਿਸੀਅਰੁ ਮੰਤ੍ਰਿ ਵਿਸਾਹੀਐ ਬਹੁ ਦੂਧੁ ਪੀਆਇਆ ॥
You can feed a venomous snake lots of milk.
ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਅਭਿੰਨੁ ਨ ਭਿਜਈ ਪਥਰੁ ਨਾਵਾਇਆ ॥
The self-willed manmukh is resistant; he cannot be softened. You might as well water a stone.
ਬਿਖੁ ਮਹਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਿੰਚੀਐ ਬਿਖੁ ਕਾ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Irrigating a poisonous plant with ambrosial nectar, only poisonous fruit is obtained.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਭ ਬਿਖੁ ਲਹਿ ਜਾਇਆ ॥੧੬॥
O Lord, please unite Nanak with the Sangat, the Holy Congregation, so that he may be rid of all poison. ||16||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says death can strike any time. A life spent without Naam gets reduced to a pile of ignoble dust.
“ਮਰਣਿ ਨ ਮੂਰਤੁ ਪੁਛਿਆ ਪੁਛੀ ਥਿਤਿ ਨ ਵਾਰੁ ॥
Death does not ask the time; it does not ask the date or the day of the week.
ਇਕਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਲਦਿਆ ਇਕਿ ਲਦਿ ਚਲੇ ਇਕਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਬਧੇ ਭਾਰ ॥
Some have packed up, and some who have packed up have gone.
ਇਕਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਹੋਈ ਸਾਖਤੀ ਇਕਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਹੋਈ ਸਾਰ ॥
Some are severely punished, and some are taken care of.
ਲਸਕਰ ਸਣੈ ਦਮਾਮਿਆ ਛੁਟੇ ਬੰਕ ਦੁਆਰ ॥
They must leave their armies and drums, and their beautiful mansions.
ਨਾਨਕ ਢੇਰੀ ਛਾਰੁ ਕੀ ਭੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਹੋਈ ਛਾਰ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, the pile of dust is once again reduced to dust. ||1||”
Slok no. 2 says we wrongly assume the body is a strong fortress. It houses a thief – the mann, which makes the entire construction false, unworthy and perishable.
“ਨਾਨਕ ਢੇਰੀ ਢਹਿ ਪਈ ਮਿਟੀ ਸੰਦਾ ਕੋਟੁ ॥
O Nanak, the pile shall fall apart; the fortress of the body is made of dust.
ਭੀਤਰਿ ਚੋਰੁ ਬਹਾਲਿਆ ਖੋਟੁ ਵੇ ਜੀਆ ਖੋਟੁ ॥੨॥
The thief has settled within you; O soul, your life is false. ||2||”
Pauri no. 17 says we must avoid the company of slanderers and evil ones. Evil persons will surely have to pay and suffer for their evil ways.
“ਜਿਨ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਦੁਸਟੁ ਹੈ ਨਕ ਵਢੇ ਨਕ ਵਢਾਇਆ ॥
Those who are filled with vicious slander, shall have their noses cut, and be shamed.
ਮਹਾ ਕਰੂਪ ਦੁਖੀਏ ਸਦਾ ਕਾਲੇ ਮੁਹ ਮਾਇਆ ॥
They are totally ugly, and always in pain. Their faces are blackened by Maya.
ਭਲਕੇ ਉਠਿ ਨਿਤ ਪਰ ਦਰਬੁ ਹਿਰਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਚੁਰਾਇਆ ॥
They rise early in the morning, to cheat and steal from others; they hide from the Lord’s Name.
ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤਿਨ ਕੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਤ ਕਰਹੁ ਰਖਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇਆ ॥
O Dear Lord, let me not even associate with them; save me from them, O my Sovereign Lord King.
ਨਾਨਕ ਪਇਐ ਕਿਰਤਿ ਕਮਾਵਦੇ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧੭॥
O Nanak, the self-willed manmukhs act according to their past deeds, producing nothing but pain. ||17||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji advises us to be gurmukhs and not to judge others as bad or wish bad for others as all belong to God.
“ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਹੈ ਖਸਮ ਕਾ ਖਸਮਹੁ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਹੋਇ ॥
Everyone belongs to our Lord and Master. Everyone came from Him.
ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਖਸਮ ਕਾ ਤਾ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
Only by realizing the Hukam of His Command, is Truth obtained.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੀਐ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਦੀਸੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
The Gurmukh realizes his own self; no one appears evil to him.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਸਹਿਲਾ ਆਇਆ ਸੋਇ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, the Gurmukh meditates on the Naam, the Name of the Lord. Fruitful is his coming into the world. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji further says all come from Him and union with Him comes only from the Guru’s Shabad.
“ਸਭਨਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਆਪਿ ਹੈ ਆਪੇ ਮੇਲਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
He Himself is the Giver of all; He unites all with Himself.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਨ ਵਿਛੁੜਹਿ ਜਿਨਾ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਦਾਤਾਰੁ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, they are united with the Word of the Shabad; serving the Lord, the Great Giver, they shall never be separated from Him again. ||2||”
After the initial base set until Pauris no. 13, Pauris no. 14, 15, 16 and 17 spoke of the futility of empty rituals and the fate of the manmukhs.
In Pauri no. 18, Guru Ji now speaks of the blessings received by the gurmukhs. They receive inner peace and are exalted.
“ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਹੈ ਨਾਉ ਉਗਵਿ ਆਇਆ ॥
Peace and tranquility fill the heart of the Gurmukh; the Name wells up within them.
ਜਪ ਤਪ ਤੀਰਥ ਸੰਜਮ ਕਰੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਇਆ ॥
Chanting and meditation, penance and self-discipline, and bathing at sacred shrines of pilgrimage – the merits of these come by pleasing my God.
ਹਿਰਦਾ ਸੁਧੁ ਹਰਿ ਸੇਵਦੇ ਸੋਹਹਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਇਆ ॥
So serve the Lord with a pure heart; singing His Glorious Praises, you shall be embellished and exalted.
ਮੇਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਏਵੈ ਭਾਵਦਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਤਰਾਇਆ ॥
My Dear Lord is pleased by this; he carries the Gurmukh across.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੇਲਿਅਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਿ ਸੋਹਾਇਆ ॥੧੮॥
O Nanak, the Gurmukh is merged with the Lord; he is embellished in His Court. ||18||”
In Slok no. 1 Guru Ji says we tend to measure wealth by physical show and push for material wealth. Guru Ji says the true everlasting wealth is Naam, and without Naam, one is a pauper.
“ਧਨਵੰਤਾ ਇਵ ਹੀ ਕਹੈ ਅਵਰੀ ਧਨ ਕਉ ਜਾਉ ॥
Thus speaks the wealthy man: I should go and get more wealth.
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਨਿਰਧਨੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਦਿਨਿ ਜਿਤੁ ਦਿਨਿ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਨਾਉ ॥੧॥
Nanak becomes poor on that day when he forgets the Lord’s Name. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says humans walk about puffed up with pride. It can be removed in an instant when He pulls away the life force of your breath.
“ਸੂਰਜੁ ਚੜੈ ਵਿਜੋਗਿ ਸਭਸੈ ਘਟੈ ਆਰਜਾ ॥
The sun rises and sets, and the lives of all run out.
ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਤਾ ਭੋਗਿ ਕੋਈ ਹਾਰੈ ਕੋ ਜਿਣੈ ॥
The mind and body experience pleasures; one loses, and another wins.
ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਭਰਿਆ ਫੂਕਿ ਆਖਣਿ ਕਹਣਿ ਨ ਥੰਮ੍ਹ੍ਹੀਐ ॥
Everyone is puffed up with pride; even after they are spoken to, they do not stop.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵੇਖੈ ਆਪਿ ਫੂਕ ਕਢਾਏ ਢਹਿ ਪਵੈ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, the Lord Himself sees all; when He takes the air out of the balloon, the body falls. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 19, Guru Ji says the gurmukhs do satsanggat and receive inner wisdom. If they get truly blessed, they actually can receive Darshan of God.
“ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਥਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
The treasure of the Name is in the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation. There, the Lord is found.
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਘਟਿ ਚਾਨਣਾ ਆਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੇਰੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
By Guru’s Grace, the heart is illumined, and darkness is dispelled.
ਲੋਹਾ ਪਾਰਸਿ ਭੇਟੀਐ ਕੰਚਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਆਇਆ ॥
Iron is transformed into gold, when it touches the Philosopher’s Stone.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਮਿਲਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ॥
O Nanak, meeting with the True Guru, the Name is obtained. Meeting Him, the mortal meditates on the Name.
ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕੈ ਪੋਤੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਹੈ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧੯॥
Those who have virtue as their treasure, obtain the Blessed Vision of His Darshan. ||19||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says Naam is a Gift from Guru Ji/God. Some people trade in Naam for profit. Such a practice is accursed. Instead of relying on such persons, we must use our inner wisdom and act carefully in every action we do.
“ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਕਾ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਵੇਚਹਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
Cursed are the lives of those who read and write the Lord’s Name to sell it.
ਖੇਤੀ ਜਿਨ ਕੀ ਉਜੜੈ ਖਲਵਾੜੇ ਕਿਆ ਥਾਉ ॥
Their crop is devastated – what harvest will they have?
ਸਚੈ ਸਰਮੈ ਬਾਹਰੇ ਅਗੈ ਲਹਹਿ ਨ ਦਾਦਿ ॥
Lacking truth and humility, they shall not be appreciated in the world hereafter.
ਅਕਲਿ ਏਹ ਨ ਆਖੀਐ ਅਕਲਿ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਬਾਦਿ ॥
Wisdom which leads to arguments is not called wisdom.
ਅਕਲੀ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸੇਵੀਐ ਅਕਲੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
Wisdom leads us to serve our Lord and Master; through wisdom, honor is obtained.
ਅਕਲੀ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਕੈ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਅਕਲੀ ਕੀਚੈ ਦਾਨੁ ॥
Wisdom does not come by reading textbooks; wisdom inspires us to give in charity.
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖੈ ਰਾਹੁ ਏਹੁ ਹੋਰਿ ਗਲਾਂ ਸੈਤਾਨੁ ॥੧॥
Says Nanak, this is the Path; other things lead to Satan. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says your actions and your daily conduct will determine your reputation and what blessings you receive.
“ਜੈਸਾ ਕਰੈ ਕਹਾਵੈ ਤੈਸਾ ਐਸੀ ਬਨੀ ਜਰੂਰਤਿ ॥
Mortals are known by their actions; this is the way it has to be.
ਹੋਵਹਿ ਲਿੰਙ ਝਿੰਙ ਨਹ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਐਸੀ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੂਰਤਿ ॥
They should show goodness, and not be deformed by their actions; this is how they are called beautiful.
ਜੋ ਓਸੁ ਇਛੇ ਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਏ ਤਾਂ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਹੀਐ ਮੂਰਤਿ ॥੨॥
Whatever they desire, they shall receive; O Nanak, they become the very image of God. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 20, Guru Ji speaks of the amazing Satguru (Shabad).
“ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਿਰਖੁ ਹੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਰਸਿ ਫਲਿਆ ॥
The True Guru is the tree of ambrosia. It bears the fruit of sweet nectar.
ਜਿਸੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੋ ਲਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮਿਲਿਆ ॥
He alone receives it, who is so pre-destined, through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਜੋ ਚਲੈ ਹਰਿ ਸੇਤੀ ਰਲਿਆ ॥
One who walks in harmony with the Will of the True Guru, is blended with the Lord.
ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ਜੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਕਈ ਘਟਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਬਲਿਆ ॥
The Messenger of Death cannot even see him; his heart is illumined with God’s Light.
ਨਾਨਕ ਬਖਸਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਅਨੁ ਫਿਰਿ ਗਰਭਿ ਨ ਗਲਿਆ ॥੨੦॥
O Nanak, God forgives him, and blends him with Himself; he does not rot away in the womb of reincarnation ever again. ||20||”
Slok no. 1, Guru Ji speaks of the inner qualities a true sadhu should have. External rituals bring no spiritual benefit.
“ਸਚੁ ਵਰਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥
Those who have truth as their fast, contentment as their sacred shrine of pilgrimage, spiritual wisdom and meditation as their cleansing bath,
ਦਇਆ ਦੇਵਤਾ ਖਿਮਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀ ਤੇ ਮਾਣਸ ਪਰਧਾਨ ॥
kindness as their deity, and forgiveness as their chanting beads – they are the most excellent people.
ਜੁਗਤਿ ਧੋਤੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਚਉਕਾ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਹੋਇ ॥
Those who take the Way as their loincloth, and intuitive awareness their ritualistically purified enclosure, with good deeds their ceremonial forehead mark,
ਭਾਉ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਤ ਕੋਈ ਕੋਇ ॥੧॥
and love their food – O Nanak, they are very rare. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji speaks to a pandit who observed fasts on the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th day of the moon phase. Guru Ji says, his true fasting discipline would be if he spoke the truth, controlled his evil passions, subdued his mind and focussed on One God.
“ਨਉਮੀ ਨੇਮੁ ਸਚੁ ਜੇ ਕਰੈ ॥
On the ninth day of the month, make a vow to speak the Truth,
ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਉਚਰੈ ॥
and your sexual desire, anger and desire shall be eaten up.
ਦਸਮੀ ਦਸੇ ਦੁਆਰ ਜੇ ਠਾਕੈ ਏਕਾਦਸੀ ਏਕੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ॥
On the tenth day, regulate your ten doors; on the eleventh day, know that the Lord is One.
ਦੁਆਦਸੀ ਪੰਚ ਵਸਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਖੈ ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ॥
On the twelfth day, the five thieves are subdued, and then, O Nanak, the mind is pleased and appeased.
ਐਸਾ ਵਰਤੁ ਰਹੀਜੈ ਪਾਡੇ ਹੋਰ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਸਿਖ ਕਿਆ ਦੀਜੈ ॥੨॥
Observe such a fast as this, O Pandit, O religious scholar; of what use are all the other teachings? ||2||”
In Pauri no. 21, Guru Ji speaks of the wealthy and powerful rulers. Instead of gathering the true wealth of Naam, they chase after maya. As their life ends, regret sets in.
“ਭੂਪਤਿ ਰਾਜੇ ਰੰਗ ਰਾਇ ਸੰਚਹਿ ਬਿਖੁ ਮਾਇਆ ॥
Kings, rulers and monarchs enjoy pleasures and gather the poison of Maya.
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਹੇਤੁ ਵਧਾਇਦੇ ਪਰ ਦਰਬੁ ਚੁਰਾਇਆ ॥
In love with it, they collect more and more, stealing the wealth of others.
ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਲਤ੍ਰ ਨ ਵਿਸਹਹਿ ਬਹੁ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਲਗਾਇਆ ॥
They do not trust their own children or spouses; they are totally attached to the love of Maya.
ਵੇਖਦਿਆ ਹੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਧੁਹਿ ਗਈ ਪਛੁਤਹਿ ਪਛੁਤਾਇਆ ॥
But even as they look on, Maya cheats them, and they come to regret and repent.
ਜਮ ਦਰਿ ਬਧੇ ਮਾਰੀਅਹਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਇਆ ॥੨੧॥
Bound and gagged at Death’s door, they are beaten and punished; O Nanak, it pleases the Will of the Lord. ||21||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says lots of people do a show of prayer. True prayer is by good honest living and sharing with others. Such a person recognises the path towards God.
“ਗਿਆਨ ਵਿਹੂਣਾ ਗਾਵੈ ਗੀਤ ॥
The one who lacks spiritual wisdom sings religious songs.
ਭੁਖੇ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਘਰੇ ਮਸੀਤਿ ॥
The hungry Mullah turns his home into a mosque.
ਮਖਟੂ ਹੋਇ ਕੈ ਕੰਨ ਪੜਾਏ ॥
The lazy unemployed has his ears pierced to look like a Yogi.
ਫਕਰੁ ਕਰੇ ਹੋਰੁ ਜਾਤਿ ਗਵਾਏ ॥
Someone else becomes a pan-handler, and loses his social status.
ਗੁਰੁ ਪੀਰੁ ਸਦਾਏ ਮੰਗਣ ਜਾਇ ॥
One who calls himself a guru or a spiritual teacher, while he goes around begging
ਤਾ ਕੈ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਲਗੀਐ ਪਾਇ ॥
– don’t ever touch his feet.
ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥
– O Nanak, he knows the Path. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says most people are spiritually blind and full of pride. Such persons are in essence asses.
“ਮਨਹੁ ਜਿ ਅੰਧੇ ਕੂਪ ਕਹਿਆ ਬਿਰਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ॥
Those mortals whose minds are like deep dark pits do not understand the purpose of life, even when it is explained to them.
ਮਨਿ ਅੰਧੈ ਊਂਧੈ ਕਵਲਿ ਦਿਸਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਖਰੇ ਕਰੂਪ ॥
Their minds are blind, and their heart-lotuses are upside-down; they look totally ugly.
ਇਕਿ ਕਹਿ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਕਹਿਆ ਬੁਝਹਿ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਸੁਘੜ ਸਰੂਪ ॥
Some know how to speak, and understand what they are told. They are wise and beautiful.
ਇਕਨਾ ਨਾਦ ਨ ਬੇਦ ਨ ਗੀਅ ਰਸੁ ਰਸ ਕਸ ਨ ਜਾਣੰਤਿ ॥
Some do not understand about the Sound-current of the Naad or the Vedas, music, virtue or vice.
ਇਕਨਾ ਸੁਧਿ ਨ ਬੁਧਿ ਨ ਅਕਲਿ ਸਰ ਅਖਰ ਕਾ ਭੇਉ ਨ ਲਹੰਤਿ ॥
Some are not blessed with understanding, intelligence, or sublime intellect; they do not grasp the mystery of God’s Word.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੇ ਨਰ ਅਸਲਿ ਖਰ ਜਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰੰਤਿ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, they are donkeys; they are very proud of themselves, but they have no virtues at all. ||2||”
In Pauri 22, in contrast to those who pursue maya, for the gurmukhs, even the use of maya is blessed and pure. For them their central focus is Naam, and not maya.
“ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਭ ਪਵਿਤੁ ਹੈ ਧਨੁ ਸੰਪੈ ਮਾਇਆ ॥
To the Gurmukh, everything is sacred: wealth, property, Maya.
ਹਰਿ ਅਰਥਿ ਜੋ ਖਰਚਦੇ ਦੇਂਦੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Those who spend the wealth of the Lord find peace through giving.
ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਦੇ ਤਿਨ ਤੋਟਿ ਨ ਆਇਆ ॥
Those who meditate on the Lord’s Name shall never be deprived.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਾਂ ਨਦਰੀ ਆਵਦਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਸੁਟਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
The Gurmukhs come to see the Lord, and leave behind the things of Maya.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾਂ ਹੋਰੁ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੨੨॥
O Nanak, the devotees do not think of anything else; they are absorbed in the Name of the Lord. ||22||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says sewa of the Satguru (Shabad) is very blessed.
“ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਨਿ ਸੇ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ॥
Those who serve the True Guru are very fortunate.
ਸਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਏਕ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਗੀ ॥
They are lovingly attuned to the True Shabad, the Word of the One God.
ਗਿਰਹ ਕੁਟੰਬ ਮਹਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਧੀ ॥
In their own household and family, they are in natural Samaadhi.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੇ ਸਚੇ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, those who are attuned to the Naam are truly detached from the world. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says the sewa should be sincere, without counting or special methods and should not be manhatt.
“ਗਣਤੈ ਸੇਵ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਥਾਇ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥
Calculated service is not service at all, and what is done is not approved.
ਸਬਦੈ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਸਚਿ ਨ ਲਗੋ ਭਾਉ ॥
The flavor of the Shabad, the Word of God, is not tasted if the mortal is not in love with the True Lord God.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਮਨਹਠਿ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ॥
The stubborn-minded person does not even like the True Guru; he comes and goes in reincarnation.
ਜੇ ਇਕ ਵਿਖ ਅਗਾਹਾ ਭਰੇ ਤਾਂ ਦਸ ਵਿਖਾਂ ਪਿਛਾਹਾ ਜਾਇ ॥
He takes one step forward, and ten steps back.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਜੇ ਚਲਹਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਭਾਇ ॥
The mortal works to serve the True Guru, if he walks in harmony with the True Guru’s Will.
ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਨੋ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਹਜੇ ਰਹੈ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
He loses his self-conceit, and meets the True Guru; he remains intuitively absorbed in the Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਸਚੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, they never forget the Naam, the Name of the Lord; they are united in Union with the True Lord. ||2||”
Pauri no. 23, speaks of those who do not do sewa of the Satguru (Shabad). They may call themselves powerful rulers and have imposing mansions, but all have to perish. The manmukhs fail to focus upon or serve the True Provider-God, and suffer pain.
“ਖਾਨ ਮਲੂਕ ਕਹਾਇਦੇ ਕੋ ਰਹਣੁ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥
They call themselves emperors and rulers, but none of them will be allowed to stay.
ਗੜ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਮੰਦਰ ਗਚ ਗੀਰੀਆ ਕਿਛੁ ਸਾਥਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
Their sturdy forts and mansions – none of them will go along with them.
ਸੋਇਨ ਸਾਖਤਿ ਪਉਣ ਵੇਗ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥
Their gold and horses, fast as the wind, are cursed, and cursed are their clever tricks.
ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪਰਕਾਰ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਹੁ ਮੈਲੁ ਵਧਾਈ ॥
Eating the thirty-six delicacies, they become bloated with pollution.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੋ ਦੇਵੈ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਨ ਜਾਣਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਈ ॥੨੩॥
O Nanak, the self-willed manmukh does not know the One who gives, and so he suffers in pain. ||23||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says prayer should be in utter humility and without any ulterior motives. Prayers should be with Naam.
ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੋੁਨੀ ਥਕੇ ਦੇਸੰਤਰ ਭਵਿ ਥਕੇ ਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ ॥
The Pandits, the religious scholars and the silent sages read and recite until they get tired. They wander through foreign lands in their religious robes, until they are exhausted.
“ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਨਾਉ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਪਾਇਨਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਅਤਿ ਭਾਰੀ ॥
In love with duality, they never receive the Name. Held in the grasp of pain, they suffer terribly.
ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਧੇ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਸੇਵਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੈ ਬਿਉਹਾਰੀ ॥
The blind fools serve the three gunas, the three dispositions; they deal only with Maya.
ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕਪਟੁ ਉਦਰੁ ਭਰਣ ਕੈ ਤਾਈ ਪਾਠ ਪੜਹਿ ਗਾਵਾਰੀ ॥
With deception in their hearts, the fools read sacred texts to fill their bellies.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੇ ਸੋ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ਜਿਨ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਮਾਰੀ ॥
One who serves the True Guru finds peace; he eradicates egotism from within.
ਨਾਨਕ ਪੜਣਾ ਗੁਨਣਾ ਇਕੁ ਨਾਉ ਹੈ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋ ਬੀਚਾਰੀ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, there is One Name to chant and dwell on; how rare are those who reflect on this and understand. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says even if your prayers are not being answered, accept His Bhana and continue singing His Praises.
“ਨਾਂਗੇ ਆਵਣਾ ਨਾਂਗੇ ਜਾਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਕਿਆ ਕੀਜੈ ॥
Naked we come, and naked we go. This is by the Lord’s Command; what else can we do?
ਜਿਸ ਕੀ ਵਸਤੁ ਸੋਈ ਲੈ ਜਾਇਗਾ ਰੋਸੁ ਕਿਸੈ ਸਿਉ ਕੀਜੈ ॥
The object belongs to Him; He shall take it away; with whom should one be angry.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੁ ਭਾਣਾ ਮੰਨੇ ਸਹਜੇ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪੀਜੈ ॥
One who becomes Gurmukh accepts God’s Will; he intuitively drinks in the Lord’s sublime essence.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਹਿਹੁ ਰਸਨਾ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਵੀਜੈ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, praise the Giver of peace forever; with your tongue, savor the Lord. ||2||”
Pauri no. 24 says all the pampering and care of the body fortress is a waste of time if it does not have Naam in its consciousness. In the end, it is Naam which will give salvation.
“ਗੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਕਾਇਆ ਸੀਗਾਰ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਂਤਿ ਬਣਾਈ ॥
The fortress of the body has been decorated and adorned in so many ways.
ਰੰਗ ਪਰੰਗ ਕਤੀਫਿਆ ਪਹਿਰਹਿ ਧਰ ਮਾਈ ॥
The wealthy wear beautiful silk robes of various colors.
ਲਾਲ ਸੁਪੇਦ ਦੁਲੀਚਿਆ ਬਹੁ ਸਭਾ ਬਣਾਈ ॥
They hold elegant and beautiful courts, on red and white carpets.
ਦੁਖੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਭੋਗਣਾ ਗਰਬੈ ਗਰਬਾਈ ॥
But they eat in pain, and in pain they seek pleasure; they are very proud of their pride.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਿਓ ਅੰਤਿ ਲਏ ਛਡਾਈ ॥੨੪॥
O Nanak, the mortal does not even think of the Name, which shall deliver him in the end. ||24||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji describes a jeev isteri who has attracted His Grace
“ਸਹਜੇ ਸੁਖਿ ਸੁਤੀ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
She sleeps in intuitive peace and poise, absorbed in the Word of the Shabad.
ਆਪੇ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਲਈ ਗਲਿ ਲਾਇ ॥
God hugs her close in His Embrace, and merges her into Himself.
ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਚੂਕੀ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥
Duality is eradicated with intuitive ease.
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥
The Naam comes to abide in her mind.
ਸੇ ਕੰਠਿ ਲਾਏ ਜਿ ਭੰਨਿ ਘੜਾਇ ॥
He hugs close in His Embrace those who shatter and reform their beings.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੋ ਧੁਰਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਸੇ ਹੁਣਿ ਆਣਿ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, those who are predestined to meet Him, come and meet Him now. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says any chant or recital without Naam is foolish and leads to further entanglements.
“ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ਕਿਆ ਜਪੁ ਜਾਪਹਿ ਹੋਰਿ ॥
Those who forget the Naam, the Name of the Lord – so what if they chant other chants?
ਬਿਸਟਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕੀਟ ਸੇ ਮੁਠੇ ਧੰਧੈ ਚੋਰਿ ॥
They are maggots in manure, plundered by the thief of worldly entanglements.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਝੂਠੇ ਲਾਲਚ ਹੋਰਿ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, never forget the Naam; greed for anything else is false. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 25, Guru Ji speaks of the gurmukhs whose sole support and focus is Naam. They are the blessed ones.
“ਨਾਮੁ ਸਲਾਹਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਅਸਥਿਰੁ ਜਗਿ ਸੋਈ ॥
Those who praise the Naam, and believe in the Naam, are eternally stable in this world.
ਹਿਰਦੈ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਚਿਤਵੈ ਦੂਜਾ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਈ ॥
Within their hearts, they dwell on the Lord, and nothing else at all.
ਰੋਮਿ ਰੋਮਿ ਹਰਿ ਉਚਰੈ ਖਿਨੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥
With each and every hair, they chant the Lord’s Name, each and every instant, the Lord.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਕਾਰਥਾ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਮਲੁ ਖੋਈ ॥
The birth of the Gurmukh is fruitful and certified; pure and unstained, his filth is washed away.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੀਵਦਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਅਮਰਾ ਪਦੁ ਹੋਈ ॥੨੫॥
O Nanak, meditating on the Lord of eternal life, the status of immortality is obtained. ||25||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says those who abandon Naam and do other rituals lose their berkat and end up being gagged, tied and beaten like common thieves.
“ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ਬਹੁ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਵਹਿ ਹੋਰਿ ॥
Those who forget the Naam and do other things,
ਨਾਨਕ ਜਮ ਪੁਰਿ ਬਧੇ ਮਾਰੀਅਹਿ ਜਿਉ ਸੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਉਪਰਿ ਚੋਰ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, will be bound and gagged and beaten in the City of Death, like the thief caught red-handed. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says although God’s kudrat is full of joy and life, if you do not have Naam, it is as if your life’s happiness is being pecked away by crows.
“ਧਰਤਿ ਸੁਹਾਵੜੀ ਆਕਾਸੁ ਸੁਹੰਦਾ ਜਪੰਦਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
The earth is beauteous, and the sky is lovely, chanting the Name of the Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਹੂਣਿਆ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਤਨ ਖਾਵਹਿ ਕਾਉ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, those who lack the Naam – their carcasses are eaten by the crows. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 25, Guru Ji spoke of those whose focus is Naam. In Pauri no. 26, Guru Ji speaks of those blessed ones who love Naam. This leads to Union with God.
“ਨਾਮੁ ਸਲਾਹਨਿ ਭਾਉ ਕਰਿ ਨਿਜ ਮਹਲੀ ਵਾਸਾ ॥
Those who lovingly praise the Naam, and dwell in the mansion of the self deep within,
ਓਇ ਬਾਹੁੜਿ ਜੋਨਿ ਨ ਆਵਨੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਹੋਹਿ ਨ ਬਿਨਾਸਾ ॥
do not enter into reincarnation ever again; they shall never be destroyed.
ਹਰਿ ਸੇਤੀ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹੇ ਸਭ ਸਾਸ ਗਿਰਾਸਾ ॥
They remain immersed and absorbed in the love of the Lord, with every breath and morsel of food.
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਰੰਗੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਰਗਾਸਾ ॥
The color of the Lord’s Love never fades away; the Gurmukhs are enlightened.
ਓਇ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਮੇਲਿਅਨੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਸਾ ॥੨੬॥
Granting His Grace, He unites them with Himself; O Nanak, the Lord keeps them by His side. ||26||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says true sewa is selfless, living in His Will and enshrining His Name in your heart.
“ਜਿਚਰੁ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲਹਰੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
As long as his mind is disturbed by waves, he is caught in ego and egotistical pride.
ਸਬਦੈ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਨਾਮਿ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
He does not find the taste of the Shabad, and he does not embrace love for the Name.
ਸੇਵਾ ਥਾਇ ਨ ਪਵਈ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਖਪਿ ਖਪਿ ਹੋਇ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
His service is not accepted; worrying and worrying, he wastes away in misery.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਸੋਈ ਆਖੀਐ ਜੋ ਸਿਰੁ ਧਰੇ ਉਤਾਰਿ ॥
O Nanak, he alone is called a selfless servant, who cuts off his head, and offers it to the Lord.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਭਾਣਾ ਮੰਨਿ ਲਏ ਸਬਦੁ ਰਖੈ ਉਰ ਧਾਰਿ ॥੧॥
He accepts the Will of the True Guru, and enshrines the Shabad within his heart. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says whatever sewa or action is done must be pleasing to His Will – Gur Parsad or such sewa and actions leads to inner Enlightenment.
“ਸੋ ਜਪੁ ਤਪੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਜੋ ਖਸਮੈ ਭਾਵੈ ॥
That is chanting and meditation, work and selfless service, which is pleasing to our Lord and Master.
ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਲਏ ਆਪਤੁ ਗਵਾਵੈ ॥
The Lord Himself forgives, and takes away self-conceit, and unites the mortals with Himself.
ਮਿਲਿਆ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਵੀਛੁੜੈ ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ॥
United with the Lord, the mortal is never separated again; his light merges into the Light.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਸੋ ਬੁਝਸੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਵੈ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, by Guru’s Grace, the mortal understands, when the Lord allows him to understand. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 27, Guru Ji says all, even the egotistical manmukhs who live in denial have to give lekhas. Only Naam and the Guru’s Grace can save you.
“ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਲੇਖੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਹੈ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੀ ॥
All are held accountable, even the egotistical self-willed manmukhs.
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਚੇਤਈ ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਮਾਰੀ ॥
They never even think of the Name of the Lord; the Messenger of Death shall hit them on their heads.
ਪਾਪ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਮਨੂਰ ਸਭਿ ਲਦੇ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਰੀ ॥
Their sin and corruption are like rusty slag; they carry such a heavy load.
ਮਾਰਗੁ ਬਿਖਮੁ ਡਰਾਵਣਾ ਕਿਉ ਤਰੀਐ ਤਾਰੀ ॥
The path is treacherous and terrifying; how can they cross over to the other side?
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ਸੇ ਉਬਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਉਧਾਰੀ ॥੨੭॥
O Nanak, those whom the Guru protects are saved. They are saved in the Name of the Lord. ||27||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says if you want true peace, you must engage in sincere loving sewa of the Satguru. Otherwise, one dies and is reborn again and again. As you go deep inwards in prayer you receive mokh dwar – salvation.
“ਵਿਣੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਮਰਿ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਵਾਰੋ ਵਾਰ ॥
Without serving the True Guru, no one finds peace; mortals die and are reborn, over and over again.
ਮੋਹ ਠਗਉਲੀ ਪਾਈਅਨੁ ਬਹੁ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥
They have been given the drug of emotional attachment; in love with duality, they are totally corrupt.
ਇਕਿ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਉਬਰੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਕਰਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਨਮਸਕਾਰ ॥
Some are saved, by Guru’s Grace. Everyone humbly bows before such humble beings.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇ ਤੂ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜਿਤੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, meditate on the Naam, deep within yourself, day and night. You shall find the Door of Salvation. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says although maya will distract you from the Path of God, sewa of the Satguru (Shabad), will lead you towards inner peace.
“ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ਸਚੁ ਮਰਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
Emotionally attached to Maya, the mortal forgets truth, death and the Name of the Lord.
ਧੰਧਾ ਕਰਤਿਆ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਇਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਸਹਾਮੁ ॥
Engaged in worldly affairs, his life wastes away; deep within himself, he suffers in pain.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਪੂਰਬਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਕਰਾਮੁ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, those who have the karma of such pre-ordained destiny, serve the True Guru and find peace. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 28, Guru Ji stresses if one Truly studies (believes and understands) Naam of The Lord all his karmic accounts will be erased and the True Guru will lead you to union with God.
“ਲੇਖਾ ਪੜੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਫਿਰਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
Read the account of the Name of the Lord, and you shall never again be called to account.
ਪੁਛਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕੋਇ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਿ ਸਦ ਢੋਈ ॥
No one will question you, and you will always be safe in the Court of the Lord.
ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਦੇ ਭੇਟ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਨਿਤ ਹੋਈ ॥
The Messenger of Death will meet you, and be your constant servant.
ਪੂਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਪਤਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਲੋਈ ॥
Through the Perfect Guru, you shall find the Mansion of the Lord’s Presence. You shall be famous throughout the world.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅਨਹਦ ਧੁਨੀ ਦਰਿ ਵਜਦੇ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥੨੮॥
O Nanak, the unstruck celestial melody vibrates at your door; come and merge with the Lord. ||28||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says following the Guru’s Teachings will give you true peace and living life in accordance with Gurmat will cut away all fears.
“ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਕਹਿਆ ਜੇ ਕਰੇ ਸੁਖੀ ਹੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥
Whoever follows the Guru’s Teachings, attains the most sublime peace of all peace.
ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਕਰਣੀ ਭਉ ਕਟੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਪਾਰੁ ॥੧॥
Acting in accordance with the Guru, his fear is cut away; O Nanak, he is carried across. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Amardas Ji stresses that Naam is eternal and pure and can never be stained. Naam can cut away reincarnation. Those who abandon Naam, come and go in reincarnation.
“ਸਚੁ ਪੁਰਾਣਾ ਨਾ ਥੀਐ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਮੈਲਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
The True Lord does not grow old; His Naam is never dirtied.
ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਜੇ ਚਲੈ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਨ ਆਵਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Whoever walks in harmony with the Guru’s Will, shall not be reborn again.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਐ ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣਾ ਦੋਇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, those who forget the Naam, come and go in reincarnation. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 29, Guru Ji says you must plead for Naam and His Darshan in utter humility, like a beggar.
“ਮੰਗਤ ਜਨੁ ਜਾਚੈ ਦਾਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਦੇਹੁ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥
I am a beggar; I ask this blessing of You: O Lord, please embellish me with Your Love.
ਹਰਿ ਦਰਸਨ ਕੀ ਪਿਆਸ ਹੈ ਦਰਸਨਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਾਇ ॥
I am so thirsty for the Blessed Vision of the Lord’s Darshan; His Darshan brings me satisfaction.
ਖਿਨੁ ਪਲੁ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਜੀਵਊ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੇਖੇ ਮਰਾਂ ਮਾਇ ॥
I cannot live for a moment, for even an instant, without seeing Him, O my mother.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਨਾਲਿ ਦਿਖਾਲਿਆ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਭ ਥਾਇ ॥
The Guru has shown me that the Lord is always with me; He is permeating and pervading all places.
ਸੁਤਿਆ ਆਪਿ ਉਠਾਲਿ ਦੇਇ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥੨੯॥
He Himself wakes the sleepers, O Nanak, and lovingly attunes them to Himself. ||29||”
In Slok no. 1. Guru Ji speaks of the manmukhs. They are driven by kaam, krodh and ahangkar. They are driven to ruin by God (Sachiar) Himself.
“ਮਨਮੁਖ ਬੋਲਿ ਨ ਜਾਣਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਓਨਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
The self-willed manmukhs do not even know how to speak. They are filled with sexual desire, anger and egotism.
ਥਾਉ ਕੁਥਾਉ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਚਿਤਵਹਿ ਬਿਕਾਰ ॥
They do not know the difference between good and bad; they constantly think of corruption.
ਦਰਗਹ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਓਥੈ ਹੋਹਿ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ॥
In the Lord’s Court, they are called to account, and they are judged to be false.
ਆਪੇ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਉਪਾਈਅਨੁ ਆਪਿ ਕਰੇ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
He Himself creates the Universe. He Himself contemplates it.
ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਆਪਿ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, whom should we tell? The True Lord is permeating and pervading all. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, in contrast, the gurmukhs are the blessed ones as they take to Naam and the Lord dwells in their minds and bodies.
“ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਅਰਾਧਿਆ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥
The Gurmukhs worship and adore the Lord; they receive the good karma of their actions.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਉ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, I am a sacrifice to those whose minds are filled with the Lord. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 30, Guru Ji says most people wish for long lives and do many things to stay in the world. Death will surely come to all. Only the Guru’s Sharan can protect you from the jaams.
“ਆਸ ਕਰੇ ਸਭੁ ਲੋਕੁ ਬਹੁ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਜਾਣਿਆ ॥
All people cherish hope, that they will live long lives.
ਨਿਤ ਜੀਵਣ ਕਉ ਚਿਤੁ ਗੜ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਮੰਡਪ ਸਵਾਰਿਆ ॥
They wish to live forever; they adorn and embellish their forts and mansions.
ਵਲਵੰਚ ਕਰਿ ਉਪਾਵ ਮਾਇਆ ਹਿਰਿ ਆਣਿਆ ॥
By various frauds and deceptions, they steal the wealth of others.
ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ਨਿਹਾਲੇ ਸਾਸ ਆਵ ਘਟੈ ਬੇਤਾਲਿਆ ॥
But the Messenger of Death keeps his gaze on their breath, and the life of those goblins decreases day by day.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਸਰਣਾਈ ਉਬਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਰਖਵਾਲਿਆ ॥੩੦॥
Nanak has come to the Sanctuary of the Guru, and is saved. The Guru, the Lord, is his Protector. ||30||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says the learned scholars engage in debates and raise all kinds of disputes. It is a sign that they are driven by maya and not by Naam.
“ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਵਾਦੁ ਵਖਾਣਦੇ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹ ਸੁਆਇ ॥
Reading and writing, the Pandits engage in debates and disputes; they are attached to the flavors of Maya.
ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ਮਨ ਮੂਰਖ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਜਾਇ ॥
In the love of duality, they forget the Naam. Those foolish mortals shall receive their punishment.
ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਤਿਸੈ ਨ ਸੇਵਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਦੇਦਾ ਰਿਜਕੁ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
They do not serve the One who created them, who gives sustenance to all.
ਜਮ ਕਾ ਫਾਹਾ ਗਲਹੁ ਨ ਕਟੀਐ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਆਵਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
The noose of Death around their necks is not cut off; they come and go in reincarnation, over and over again.
ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਪੂਰਬਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਆਇ ॥
The True Guru comes and meets those who have such pre-ordained destiny.
ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਦੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੧॥
Night and day, they meditate on the Naam, the Name of the Lord; O Nanak, they merge into the True Lord. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, in contrast to the learned scholars who stir up strife, the gurmukhs operate in Truth and merge into the True Lord.
“ਸਚੁ ਵਣਜਹਿ ਸਚੁ ਸੇਵਦੇ ਜਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪੈਰੀ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
Those Gurmukhs who fall at His Feet deal with the True Lord and serve the True Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਜੇ ਚਲਹਿ ਸਹਜੇ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, those who walk in harmony with the Guru’s Will are intuitively absorbed in the True Lord. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 31, Guru Ji says worldly desires invariably lead to lots of pain. The gurmukhs rise above desires and become detached. They attach themselves to God and His Will, and as they get absorbed, He unites them with Himself.
“ਆਸਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਅਤਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਘਣਾ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇਆ ॥
In hope, there is very great pain; the self-willed manmukh focuses his consciousness on it.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰਾਸ ਪਰਮ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
The Gurmukhs become desireless, and attain supreme peace.
ਵਿਚੇ ਗਿਰਹ ਉਦਾਸ ਅਲਿਪਤ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇਆ ॥
In the midst of their household, they remain detached; they are lovingly attuned to the Detached Lord.
ਓਨਾ ਸੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਵਿਆਪਈ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਣਾ ਭਾਇਆ ॥
Sorrow and separation do not cling to them at all. They are pleased with the Lord’s Will.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਦਾ ਰਵਿ ਰਹੇ ਧੁਰਿ ਲਏ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥੩੧॥
O Nanak, they remain forever immersed in the Primal Lord, who blends them with Himself. ||31||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says one should restore things to their true owner. This is a historical Shabad expressed by Guru Ji (M3) when Guru Ji was asked about the bestowal of Gurgaddi to Guru Ramdas Ji. Only the Truly wise ones will appreciate that the Guru’s Shabad manifests only from the True Guru; nowhere else. If a blind man were to receive a jewel (Naam) he would end up selling it and try to profit from it (instead of sharing God’s Gift). This Shabad belongs to God, but a fool will harbor pride in it and reveal his shallow nature.
“ਪਰਾਈ ਅਮਾਣ ਕਿਉ ਰਖੀਐ ਦਿਤੀ ਹੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Why keep what is held in trust for another? Giving it back, peace is found.
ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰ ਥੈ ਟਿਕੈ ਹੋਰ ਥੈ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
The Word of the Guru’s Shabad rests in the Guru; it does not appear through anyone else.
ਅੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੇ ਵਸਿ ਮਾਣਕੁ ਪਇਆ ਘਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਵੇਚਣ ਜਾਇ ॥
The blind man finds a jewel, and goes from house to house selling it.
ਓਨਾ ਪਰਖ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਅਢੁ ਨ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥
But they cannot appraise it, and they do not offer him even half a shell for it.
ਜੇ ਆਪਿ ਪਰਖ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਤਾਂ ਪਾਰਖੀਆ ਥਾਵਹੁ ਲਇਓੁ ਪਰਖਾਇ ॥
If he cannot appraise it himself, then he should have it appraised by an appraiser.
ਜੇ ਓਸੁ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਏ ਤਾਂ ਵਥੁ ਲਹੈ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥
If he focuses his consciousness, then he obtains the true object, and he is blessed with the nine treasures.
ਘਰਿ ਹੋਦੈ ਧਨਿ ਜਗੁ ਭੁਖਾ ਮੁਆ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੋਝੀ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
The wealth is within the house, while the world is dying of hunger. Without the True Guru, no one has a clue.
ਸਬਦੁ ਸੀਤਲੁ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਤਿਥੈ ਸੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
When the cooling and soothing Shabad comes to dwell in the mind and body, there is no sorrow or separation there.
ਵਸਤੁ ਪਰਾਈ ਆਪਿ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰੇ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਾਏ ॥
The object belongs to someone else, but the fool is proud of it, and shows his shallow nature.
ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਬੂਝੇ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਏ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, without understanding, no one obtains it; they come and go in reincarnation, over and over again. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says those who attach themselves internally to the Shabad, all their sufferings are erased. The manmukhs cannot erode the glory of those who are exalted by the Guru’s Shabad.
“ਮਨਿ ਅਨਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਸਰਸੇ ਸਜਣ ਸੰਤ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥
My mind is in ecstasy; I have met my Beloved Lord. My beloved friends, the Saints, are delighted.
ਜੋ ਧੁਰਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਨ ਵਿਛੁੜਹਿ ਕਬਹੂ ਜਿ ਆਪਿ ਮੇਲੇ ਕਰਤਾਰੇ ॥
Those who are united with the Primal Lord shall never be separated again. The Creator has united them with Himself.
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਰਵਿਆ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਗਲੇ ਦੂਖ ਨਿਵਾਰੇ ॥
The Shabad permeates my inner being, and I have found the Guru; all my sorrows are dispelled.
ਹਰਿ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਹੀ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਰਖਾਂ ਉਰ ਧਾਰੇ ॥
I praise forever the Lord, the Giver of peace; I keep Him enshrined deep within my heart.
ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਤਿਨ ਕੀ ਬਖੀਲੀ ਕਿ ਕਰੇ ਜਿ ਸਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥
How can the self-willed manmukh gossip about those who are embellished and exalted in the True Word of the Shabad?
ਓਨਾ ਦੀ ਆਪਿ ਪਤਿ ਰਖਸੀ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਸਰਣਾਗਤਿ ਪਏ ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੇ ॥
My Beloved Himself preserves the honor of those who have come to the Guru’s Door seeking Sanctuary.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੇ ਸੁਹੇਲੇ ਭਏ ਮੁਖ ਊਜਲ ਦਰਬਾਰੇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, the Gurmukhs are filled with joy; their faces are radiant in the Court of the Lord. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 32, all worldly relationships which are based on mere moh and not Naam lead to all kinds of dishonest acts and conflicts. Without Naam, all such attachments, even within the family, are accursed as they lead to suffering and pain.
“ਇਸਤਰੀ ਪੁਰਖੈ ਬਹੁ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਮਿਲਿ ਮੋਹੁ ਵਧਾਇਆ ॥
The husband and wife are very much in love; joining together, their love increases.
ਪੁਤ੍ਰੁ ਕਲਤ੍ਰੁ ਨਿਤ ਵੇਖੈ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ॥
Gazing on his children and his wife, the man is pleased and attached to Maya.
ਦੇਸਿ ਪਰਦੇਸਿ ਧਨੁ ਚੋਰਾਇ ਆਣਿ ਮੁਹਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Stealing the wealth of his own country and other lands, he brings it home and feeds them.
ਅੰਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਵੈਰ ਵਿਰੋਧੁ ਕੋ ਸਕੈ ਨ ਛਡਾਇਆ ॥
In the end, hatred and conflict well up, and no one can save him.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਲਗਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੩੨॥
O Nanak, without the Name, those loving attachments are cursed; engrossed in them, he suffers in pain. ||32||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Amardas Ji describes the blessed life of the gurmukhs who are drenched with Naam.
“ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਸਭ ਭੁਖ ਜਾਇ ॥
The Guru’s Word is the Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam. Eating it, all hunger departs.
ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥
There is no thirst or desire at all, when the Naam comes to dwell in the mind.
ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਜਿ ਹੋਰੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਤਿਤੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਲਗੈ ਤਨਿ ਧਾਇ ॥
Eating anything other than the Name, disease runs to afflict the body.
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਸ ਕਸ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਲਾਹਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਲਏ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, whoever takes the Praise of the Shabad as his spices and flavors – the Lord unites him in His Union. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji says mortals have the Shabad (Naam Jote) within themselves. It is through the Shabad that we unite with God within. Without Shabad (Naam), it is all darkness (ignorance) and union is only achieved with His Grace.
“ਜੀਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਹ ਮੇਲਾਵਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
The life within all living beings is the Word of the Shabad. Through it, we meet our Husband Lord.
ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਜਗਿ ਆਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੇਰੁ ਹੈ ਸਬਦੇ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Without the Shabad, the world is in darkness. Through the Shabad, it is enlightened.
ਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੋਨੀ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਥਕੇ ਭੇਖ ਥਕੇ ਤਨੁ ਧੋਇ ॥
The Pandits, the religious scholars, and the silent sages read and write until they are weary. The religious fanatics are tired of washing their bodies.
ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਦੁਖੀਏ ਚਲੇ ਰੋਇ ॥
Without the Shabad, no one attains the Lord; the miserable depart weeping and wailing.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, by His Glance of Grace, the Merciful Lord is attained. ||2||”
Continuing the thread of thought from Pauri 32, in Pauri 33, Guru Ji says if the family is not drenched in Naam, although husband and wife may be deeply in love with each other, all plans they hatch have evil tendencies. They are unable to fathom that all that is seen is perishable. Only, if they begin to serve the True Guru (Shabad) can they become stable and permanent. As they progress higher with Naam, He can forgive their lekhas and merge them with Himself.
“ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀ ਪੁਰਖੈ ਅਤਿ ਨੇਹੁ ਬਹਿ ਮੰਦੁ ਪਕਾਇਆ ॥
The husband and wife are very much in love; sitting together, they make evil plans.
ਦਿਸਦਾ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਚਲਸੀ ਮੇਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਇਆ ॥
All that is seen shall pass away. This is the Will of my God.
ਕਿਉ ਰਹੀਐ ਥਿਰੁ ਜਗਿ ਕੋ ਕਢਹੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥
How can anyone remain in this world forever? Some may try to devise a plan.
ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਕੀ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਥਿਰੁ ਕੰਧੁ ਸਬਾਇਆ ॥
Working for the Perfect Guru, the wall becomes permanent and stable.
ਨਾਨਕ ਬਖਸਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਅਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੩੩॥
O Nanak, the Lord forgives them, and merges them into Himself; they are absorbed in the Lord’s Name. ||33||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Amardas Ji says the manmukhs attach themselves to external love of maya. The gurmukhs attach themselves internally to Shabad, which leads to Union.
“ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਭਉ ਹੇਤੁ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥
Attached to Maya, the mortal forgets the Fear of God and Guru, and love for the Infinite Lord.
ਲੋਭਿ ਲਹਰਿ ਸੁਧਿ ਮਤਿ ਗਈ ਸਚਿ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
The waves of greed take away his wisdom and understanding, and he does not embrace love for the True Lord.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਿਨਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
The Word of the Shabad abides in the mind of the Gurmukhs, who find the Gate of Salvation.
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਲਏ ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸਣਹਾਰੁ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, the Lord Himself forgives them, and unites them in Union with Himself. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ramdas Ji says one should never forsake God even for a moment. He is your very life.
“ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਜੀਵਣਾ ਵਿਸਰੇ ਸਰੈ ਨ ਬਿੰਦ ॥
O Nanak, without Him, we could not live for a moment. Forgetting Him, we could not succeed for an instant.
ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਉ ਮਨ ਰੂਸੀਐ ਜਿਸਹਿ ਹਮਾਰੀ ਚਿੰਦ ॥੨॥
O mortal, how can you be angry with the One who cares for you? ||2||”
Slok no. 3, speaks of the inner pouring of Amrit Naam (as rain pours in Saawan rutt) as the gurmukh meditates upon Naam. There is plenty of bounty and blessings in all nature. Singing His Praises leads to Darshan of God Himself.
“ਸਾਵਣੁ ਆਇਆ ਝਿਮਝਿਮਾ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇ ॥
The rainy season of Saawan has come. The Gurmukh meditates on the Lord’s Name.
ਦੁਖ ਭੁਖ ਕਾੜਾ ਸਭੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਸੀ ਮੀਹੁ ਵੁਠਾ ਛਹਬਰ ਲਾਇ ॥
All pain, hunger and misfortune end, when the rain falls in torrents.
ਸਭ ਧਰਤਿ ਭਈ ਹਰੀਆਵਲੀ ਅੰਨੁ ਜੰਮਿਆ ਬੋਹਲ ਲਾਇ ॥
The entire earth is rejuvenated, and the grain grows in abundance.
ਹਰਿ ਅਚਿੰਤੁ ਬੁਲਾਵੈ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਆਪੇ ਪਾਵੈ ਥਾਇ ॥
The Carefree Lord, by His Grace, summons that mortal whom the Lord Himself approves.
ਹਰਿ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਜਨਹੁ ਜੁ ਅੰਤੇ ਲਏ ਛਡਾਇ ॥
So meditate on the Lord, O Saints; He shall save you in the end.
ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਹੈ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥
The Kirtan of the Lord’s Praises and devotion to Him is bliss; peace shall come to dwell in the mind.
ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਰਾਧਿਆ ਤਿਨਾ ਦੁਖ ਭੁਖ ਲਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
Those Gurmukhs who worship the Naam, the Name of the Lord – their pain and hunger departs.
ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤੈ ਗਾਇ ਗੁਣ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਹੁ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥੩॥
Servant Nanak is satisfied, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. Please embellish him with the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan. ||3||”
In Pauri no. 34, Guru Ji says as the True Guru (Shabad) showers blessings, they increase daily. This is unlike maya where the gifts keep on eroding daily. None can equal the Glory of the Satuguru.
“ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਕੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਨਿਤ ਦੇਵੈ ਚੜੈ ਸਵਾਈਆ ॥
The Perfect Guru bestows His gifts, which increase day by day.
ਤੁਸਿ ਦੇਵੈ ਆਪਿ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਨ ਛਪੈ ਛਪਾਈਆ ॥
The Merciful Lord Himself bestows them; they cannot be concealed by concealment.
ਹਿਰਦੈ ਕਵਲੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ਉਨਮਨਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈਆ ॥
The heart-lotus blossoms forth, and the mortal is lovingly absorbed in the state of supreme bliss.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਰੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਰੀਸ ਸਿਰਿ ਛਾਈ ਪਾਈਆ ॥
If anyone tries to challenge him, the Lord throws dust on his head.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅਪੜਿ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸਕਈ ਪੂਰੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਵਡਿਆਈਆ ॥੩੪॥
O Nanak, no one can equal the glory of the Perfect True Guru. ||34||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji warns us that God is Supreme. No one should ever try to challenge or outwit Him. One should accept His Will. The Gurmukhs are saved from all punishment by jamms.
“ਅਮਰੁ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ਹੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਾਲਿ ਸਿਆਣਪ ਨ ਚਲਈ ਨ ਹੁਜਤਿ ਕਰਣੀ ਜਾਇ ॥
The Order of the Lord is beyond challenge. Clever tricks and arguments will not work against it.
ਆਪੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਸਰਣਾਇ ਪਵੈ ਮੰਨਿ ਲਏ ਰਜਾਇ ॥
So abandon your self-conceit, and take to His Sanctuary; accept the Order of His Will.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਮ ਡੰਡੁ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਜਾਇ ॥
The Gurmukh eliminates self-conceit from within himself; he shall not be punished by the Messenger of Death.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਸੋਈ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿ ਸਚਿ ਰਹੈ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, he alone is called a selfless servant, who remains lovingly attuned to the True Lord. ||1||”
In Slok no. 2, Guru Ji advises that we should all address God in humility and thank Him for all His Gifts and the spark of life within us. One should acknowledge one’s faults and say, all cleverness and ego by me only lead to greed and attachments and all actions in ego do not break the cycle of reincarnation. God is the Real Doer and whatever He does is always Perfect.
“ਦਾਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਭ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ॥
All gifts, light and beauty are Yours.
ਬਹੁਤੁ ਸਿਆਣਪ ਹਉਮੈ ਮੇਰੀ ॥
Excessive cleverness and egotism are mine.
ਬਹੁ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਵਹਿ ਲੋਭਿ ਮੋਹਿ ਵਿਆਪੇ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਚੂਕੈ ਫੇਰੀ ॥
The mortal performs all sorts of rituals in greed and attachment; engrossed in egotism, he shall never escape the cycle of reincarnation.
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਾਏ ਕਰਤਾ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਗਲ ਚੰਗੇਰੀ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, the Creator Himself inspires all to act. Whatever pleases Him is good. ||2||”
Pauri no. 35 is an addition by Guru Arjun Dev Ji to the original Pauris by Guru Ramdas Ji. Guru Ji added the Sloks in the various Vaars and in His Divine Wisdom added this Pauri no. 35.
Pauri no. 35 tells us that if one continuously sings the Praises of Nirankar, the food he eats and the clothes he wears are True (Blessed) and Naam becomes his True Support. In any set of circumstances, the Victory always belongs to Naam and one should always sing His praises.
“ਸਚੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਸਚੁ ਪੈਨਣਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਧਾਰੁ ॥
Let Truth be your food, and Truth your clothes, and take the Support of the True Name.
ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਮੇਲਾਇਆ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਦੇਵਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
The True Guru shall lead you to meet God, the Great Giver.
ਭਾਗੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਤਿਨ ਜਾਗਿਆ ਜਪਿਆ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
When perfect destiny is activated, the mortal meditates on the Formless Lord.
ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਲਗਿਆ ਤਰਿਆ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
Joining the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, you shall cross over the world-ocean.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਲਾਹ ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਜੈਕਾਰੁ ॥੩੫॥
O Nanak, chant God’s Praises, and celebrate His Victory. ||35||”
In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji says we should wish well for all creation and pray for plenty for all. As He listens to your prayer, He Embraces you and removes all pain.
“ਸਭੇ ਜੀਅ ਸਮਾਲਿ ਅਪਣੀ ਮਿਹਰ ਕਰੁ ॥
In Your Mercy, You care for all beings and creatures.
ਅੰਨੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਮੁਚੁ ਉਪਾਇ ਦੁਖ ਦਾਲਦੁ ਭੰਨਿ ਤਰੁ ॥
You produce corn and water in abundance; You eliminate pain and poverty, and carry all beings across.
ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ਸੁਣੀ ਦਾਤਾਰਿ ਹੋਈ ਸਿਸਟਿ ਠਰੁ ॥
The Great Giver listened to my prayer, and the world has been cooled and comforted.
ਲੇਵਹੁ ਕੰਠਿ ਲਗਾਇ ਅਪਦਾ ਸਭ ਹਰੁ ॥
Take me into Your Embrace, and take away all my pain.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸਫਲੁ ਘਰੁ ॥੧॥
Nanak meditates on the Naam, the Name of the Lord; the House of God is fruitful and prosperous. ||1||”
Slok no. 2 described in physical forms, when God showers His Grace, lovely downpour of rain (His Grace) as the Lord Commands His Grace to pour. There is food in abundance and all are soothed and comforted. The mind and body are in full blossom and one is in awe and full of gratitude to God.
“ਵੁਠੇ ਮੇਘ ਸੁਹਾਵਣੇ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਕੀਤਾ ਕਰਤਾਰਿ ॥
Rain is falling from the clouds – it is so beautiful! The Creator Lord issued His Order.
ਰਿਜਕੁ ਉਪਾਇਓਨੁ ਅਗਲਾ ਠਾਂਢਿ ਪਈ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥
Grain has been produced in abundance; the world is cooled and comforted.
ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਹਰਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਅਗਮ ਅਪਾਰ ॥
The mind and body are rejuvenated, meditating in remembrance on the Inaccessible and Infinite Lord.
ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਆਪਣੀ ਸਚੇ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰ ॥
O my True Creator Lord God, please shower Your Mercy on me.
ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜਹਿ ਸੋ ਕਰਹਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰ ॥੨॥
He does whatever He pleases; Nanak is forever a sacrifice to Him. ||2||”
In Pauri no. 36, the final Pauri is in Praise of God and speaks of His Greatness and Glory. This Glory of God can be seen through the Guru’s Shabad. He pervades all spaces and everything. He is Master of all and all have to follow His Hukam. He does as He pleases and one should walk in harmony with His Will.
“ਵਡਾ ਆਪਿ ਅਗੰਮੁ ਹੈ ਵਡੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
The Great Lord is Inaccessible; His glorious greatness is glorious!
ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਵੇਖਿ ਵਿਗਸਿਆ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਆਈ ॥
Gazing upon Him through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, I blossom forth in ecstasy; tranquility comes to my inner being.
ਸਭੁ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ॥
All by Himself, He Himself is pervading everywhere, O Siblings of Destiny.
ਆਪਿ ਨਾਥੁ ਸਭ ਨਥੀਅਨੁ ਸਭ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਚਲਾਈ ॥
He Himself is the Lord and Master of all. He has subdued all, and all are under the Hukam of His Command.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਕਰੇ ਸਭ ਚਲੈ ਰਜਾਈ ॥੩੬॥੧॥ ਸੁਧੁ ॥
O Nanak, the Lord does whatever He pleases. Everyone walks in harmony with His Will. ||36||1|| Sudh||.”
GurFateh
Manjeet Singh
June 10, 2023.
