PREMA BHAGTI/DIVINE LOVE
“ਜਿਨੑੀ ਤੂੰ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਭਾਉ ਕਰਿ ਸੇ ਤੁਧੁ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰਿਆ ॥
(Those who serve You with Love – You carry them across – Ang 968)
Sangat Ji
The Gurus and Bhagats have stated in numerous places in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (SGGS Ji), that God is Formless – Nirankar Ji, and is Everywhere – Rameiya Hoya.
As it is virtually impossible to express Love for someone who is Formless, the Gurus have stressed that a Sikh should develop Love for Gurbani, which in essence, is Formless, Nirankar Ji, Himself.
“Wah Wah Bani Nirankar hai Tis Jewad avar no koye.”
He sits in all mortals, and is the Driving Force in all, the “Karan Karavanhaar Suami.”
Gurbani also tells us the only way to Unite with God is to take Sharan of a Satguru, use only Naam as your Support – “Sacha Naam mera adharo.” One who is in the Sharan of a Satguru, and uses only Naam as his Support is known as a gurmukh.
The Gurus also say, that the journey to Union is within our bodies. If we look for Him outside, we are bound to go astray. “Bahar tolay so bharam bhulahi.”
Besides that, Gurbani repeatedly emphasizes that He cannot be found by any cleverness, device, or method, i.e., He is – “Upaav Sianap saggal te rehat.”
The Path to Union with God is “Prema Bhagti“ i.e. Loving Devotion to God. As God is the Only Doer, Love for the One Divine is also infused by Him.
“Nanak preet laayi Prabh Aape.”
To drive home the point that the Pathway to God is through Prema Bhagti, Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji has listed aspects of Prema Bhagti under 5 headings:
1.Love for Shabad, Bani as the only way to salvation.
2.A list of some words used in SGGS Ji to express Love for God.
3.The phrase Bhae Bhagat, i.e. Loving Devotion is used many times in SGGS Ji.
4.The phrase Prema Bhagti is used many times in SGGS Ji.
5.Sukhmani Sahib. Bhai Ji goes through each of the 24 Astpadhis to trace Prema Bhagti, Bhae Bhagat stated in all the Astpadhis to emphasize that Loving Devotion with Naam is the base of the Journey to Union with God within ourselves.
To listen to the Audio, please click the link below:
Guru Arjun Dev Ji in Bawan Akhri, at SGGS Ji Ang 253 (Raag Gauree) tells us that:
“ਅਤਿ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਕੁਲੀਨ ਚਤੁਰ ਮੁਖਿ ਙਿਆਨੀ ਧਨਵੰਤ ॥
He may be very handsome, born into a highly respected family, very wise, a famous spiritual teacher, prosperous and wealthy
ਮਿਰਤਕ ਕਹੀਅਹਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ॥੧॥
but even so, he is looked upon as a corpse, O Nanak! if he does not love the Lord God. ||1||.’’
1.PYAR FOR SHABAD/BANI
At Ang 1335:
“ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਿਉ ਲਾਇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
So embrace love for the Word of the Guru’s Bani.”
“ਐਥੈ ਓਥੈ ਏਹੁ ਅਧਾਰੁ ॥
Here and hereafter, this is your only Support.”
“ਆਪੇ ਦੇਵੈ ਸਿਰਜਨਹਾਰੁ ॥੩॥
The Creator Lord Himself bestows it. ||3||”
Ang 387:
“ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਿਉ ਰੰਗੁ ਲਾਇ ॥
Embrace love for the Word of the Guru’s Bani.
ਗੁਰੁ ਕਿਰਪਾਲੁ ਹੋਇ ਦੁਖੁ ਜਾਇ ॥੨॥
When the Guru shows His Mercy, pain is destroyed. ||2||”
Ang 507:
“ਜਿਉ ਬੋਲਾਵਹਿ ਤਿਉ ਬੋਲਹ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਨ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥
As You cause me to speak, so do I speak, O Lord Master. What other power do I have?
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਇਓ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਅਤਿ ਪਿਆਰੀ ॥੮॥੧॥੮॥
In the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, O Nanak! sing His Praises; they are so very dear to God. ||8||1||8||”
Ang 186
“ਅਨਹਤ ਬਾਣੀ ਥਾਨੁ ਨਿਰਾਲਾ ॥
The unstruck melody of the Guru’s Bani vibrates in that most special place.
ਤਾ ਕੀ ਧੁਨਿ ਮੋਹੇ ਗੋਪਾਲਾ ॥੨॥
The Lord of the World is fascinated with this melody. ||2||”
Ang 312
“ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਲਏ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਾਏ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥੩॥
O Nanak! the Lord absorbs into Himself those whom He inspires to love the Word of His Shabad. ||3||”
Ang 4 (what can we say to get Your Pyar?)
“ਫੇਰਿ ਕਿ ਅਗੈ ਰਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਦਿਸੈ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥
So what offering can we place before Him, by which we might see the Darbaar of His Court?
ਮੁਹੌ ਕਿ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਬੋਲੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਸੁਣਿ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
What words can we speak to evoke His Love?”
Ang 246 (Maya gives us a lot of challenges. These challenges diminish when you have Love for Bani)
“ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਤਦੇ ਚੂਕੈ ਜਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਏ ॥੩॥
O Nanak! the pain of Maya is taken away by focusing one’s consciousness on the Word of the Guru’s Shabad. ||3||”
Ang 661 (All wishes are fulfilled if there is love for Bani)
“ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਵਸਾਏ ॥
He enshrines the image of the True Guru in his heart.
ਜੋ ਇਛੈ ਸੋਈ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਏ ॥
He obtains the rewards which he desires.”
Ang 661 (Love can lead you to gates of salvation)
“ਸਾਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਿਉ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
and enshrine love for the True Word of His Bani.
ਤਾ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
Then, you shall find the Gate of Salvation.”
Ang 968 (Do your sewa with Pyar and He will take you across)
“ਜਿਨੑੀ ਤੂੰ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਭਾਉ ਕਰਿ ਸੇ ਤੁਧੁ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰਿਆ ॥
Those who serve You with love – You carry them across.”
2. SOME WORDS USED IN SGGS JI TO EXPRESS PYAR FOR GOD
- Sanehi, Seneh
- Pyar, Piara, Pyare
- Pritam, Pritama, Preatam
- Preet, Pritpaleh
- Laal, Lalan
- Prem, Prema
- Magaan (to be inflamed with love)
- Rangan, Rang
- Haeth, Haethkari
- Raati, Raate, Rang Raata
- Ishak
- Mohaabat
- Mangal
- Pirrhari
- Aashik, Aashiqui
- Neo, Neha
- Asnahe, Asnaha
- Ahi, Aihe, Aihee, Ahiai, Ahia
- Prio Prio
- Chaoo
- Bairaag
- Birha
- Nihal
- Sharda
- Bhagat Haeth Gaave Ravidas, Bhagat Vashal
- Bharosa, Laad Ladaya
- Har Naama Hai Meetha
- Aradhana
- Vismaad, Bismaad
- Bhinnee Rainarreeai Chamakan Thare
- Anand, Bliss, Loving Bliss
- Vigh, Vighse
- Bhae
- Bhaaj, Bhaajan
- Torī na tutai chhorī na chhutai aisi madho khinch tanī. ||1|
3. BHAE BHAGAT -LOVING DEVOTION
Ang 34
“ਭੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਵੇਖੈ ਸਦਾ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥
One who fears, loves, and is devoted to the Dear Lord day and night, sees Him always close at hand.”
Ang 75
“ਨਾਨਕ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਵਿਆਪੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੨॥
O Nanak! emancipation comes only by loving devotional worship; through duality, people are engrossed in duality. ||2||”
Ang 76
“ਕਾਲੁ ਜਾਲੁ ਜਮੁ ਜੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਾਕੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੈ ਤਰਣਾ ॥
The Messenger of Death and his trap cannot touch him; through loving devotional worship, he crosses over the ocean of fear.”
Ang 111
“ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਤੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਏ ॥
Through loving devotional worship, they become pleasing to Your Mind.”
Ang 112
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਸਦਾ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਭੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੪॥
with love and affection, meditate forever on Him. He implants the Fear of God and loving devotional worship within us. ||4||”
Ang 124
“ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਸੋਖੈ ॥
Through loving devotion, their ego evaporates.”
Ang 406
“ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਰਮ ਭਉ ਨਾਸੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦਾ ਹਜੂਰਿ ॥੪॥੪॥੧੩੯॥
By loving devotional worship, doubt and fear depart; O Nanak! the Lord is Ever-present. ||4||4||139||”
Ang 505
“ਭੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਤਰੁ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਮਨਾ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣੀ ॥
By the Fear of God, and Love of God, and by devotion, man crosses over the terrifying world-ocean, focusing his consciousness on the Lord’s Lotus Feet.”
Ang 689
“ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਸੁਹਾਵੀ ਸਾਚੇ ਭਾਵੀ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਰਾਤੀ ॥
Devotional worship of the Lord is beautiful; the True Lord loves it. So immerse yourself in loving devotional worship of God.”
Ang 779
“ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਆਪਣੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵਾ ॥
With loving devotional worship, I meditate intuitively on the Lord, and my God is pleased.”
Ang 869
“ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀਰਤਨਿ ਲਾਗੈ ॥
One who is committed to loving devotional worship of God, and the Kirtan of His Praises,
ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕਾ ਸੋਇਆ ਜਾਗੈ ॥੩॥
awakens from the sleep of countless incarnations. ||3||”
Ang 877
“ਭਿਖਿਆ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੈ ਚਲੈ ॥
He begs for loving devotion to the Lord, and lives in the Fear of God.”
Ang 911
“ਭੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ਕਬ ਹੀ ਭੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਵਾਰੀ ॥੬॥
Without the Fear of God, devotional worship is never performed; through the Love and the Fear of God, devotional worship is embellished. ||6|”
Ang 985
“ਭੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਲਾਗੋ ਮੇਰਾ ਹੀਅਰਾ ਮਨੁ ਸੋਇਓ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਜਾਗਾ ॥
In the Fear of God, my heart is committed in loving devotion to Him; following the Guru’s Teachings, my sleeping mind has awakened”
Ang 1034
“ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਾਚੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਾ ॥
In loving devotional worship, O True Lord, I sing Your Glorious Praises.”
Ang 1046
“ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਸਦਾ ਰਹਹਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤੇ ਭੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੭॥
Night and day, they remain forever attuned to His Love; they focus their consciousness on loving devotion and the Fear of God. ||7||”
Ang 1059
“ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਦਾ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤਾ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਸਮਾਇਦਾ ॥੮॥
Through loving devotion, he remains forever imbued with the Lord’s Love; eradicating self-conceit, he merges into the Lord. ||8||”
Ang 1308
“ਭੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ॥੨॥੪॥੪੯॥
In the Fear of God and loving devotion, Nanak is exalted and enraptured, forever and ever a sacrifice to Him. ||2||4||49||”
Ang 1331
“ਮਤਿ ਸਤ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਗੋਬਿੰਦਾ ॥
wisdom, truth and love all come from devotion to the Lord of the Universe.”
Ang 1339
“ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਾਂ ॥੩॥
Through loving devotional worship, my mind is pleased and appeased with the Lord. ||3||”
4. PREMA BHAGTI
Ang 80
“ਮਨ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਜੀਉ ਮਿਤ੍ਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਮਨੁ ਲੀਨਾ ॥
O dear beloved mind, my friend, let your mind remain absorbed in loving devotion to the Lord.’
Ang 80
“ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿਖ ਸੰਤ ਸਮਝਾਈ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਮਨੁ ਲੀਨਾ ॥੫॥੧॥੨॥
Nanak instructs the Saints to teach, that the mind is imbued with loving devotion to the Lord. ||5||1||2||”
Ang 109
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਿਸ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਲਾਗੀ ॥
One whose mind is dedicated to loving devotional worship”
Ang 136
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਤਿਨ ਪਾਈਆ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਹਿ ਜਰੇ ॥
They obtain love and devotion, and they do not burn in corruption.”
Ang 196
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਜੁ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥
With loving devotional worship, meditate on the treasure of excellence.”
Ang 198
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਰਾਤੇ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥
Imbued with loving devotional worship of the Sustainer of the Universe,
ਨਾਨਕ ਜਾਚੈ ਸਾਧ ਰਵਾਲ ॥੪॥੯੨॥੧੬੧॥
Nanak asks for the dust of the feet of the Holy. ||4||92||161||”
Ang 200
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਉ ॥੪॥੧੦੦॥੧੬੯॥
With loving devotional worship, O Nanak! Sing His Glorious Praises. ||4||100||169||”
Ang 335
“ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਤ ਮਹਾ ਰਸੁ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਿਓ ਰੇ ॥੪॥੧॥੫॥੫੬॥
Says Kabeer, meeting with the Guru, I have obtained supreme joy; my love and devotion have saved me. ||4||1||5||56||”
Ang 346
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੈ ਕਾਰਣੈ ਕਹੁ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਚਮਾਰ ॥੩॥੧॥
I am dedicated to Your loving devotional worship, says Ravi Daas the tanner. ||3||1||”
Ang 346
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਊਪਜੈ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਉਦਾਸ ॥੮॥੧॥
Love and devotion have not welled up within me, and so Ravi Daas is sad and depressed. ||8||1|”
Ang 384
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੪॥੧੨॥੫੧॥
Through loving devotional worship, O Nanak! I have obtained peace; in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, I am absorbed into the Lord. ||4||12||51||”
Ang 407
“ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਰਚੈ ॥੧॥
He remains absorbed in the loving devotional worship of the Lord, in the Love of the Lord. ||1||”
Ang 414
“ਐਸੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥
Such is the loving devotional worship of the Lord’s contemplation.”
Ang 487
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਮਾਨੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਅਘਾਨੇ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਭਏ ॥੩॥
Embracing loving devotional worship for the Lord, I have come to know peace; satisfied and satiated, I have been liberated. ||3||”
Ang 502
“ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਗੁਪਾਲ ਸਿਮਰਣ ਮਿਟਤ ਜੋਨੀ ਭਵਣ ॥੩॥
By loving devotional worship to God, and meditative remembrance of the Lord of the World, one’s wandering in reincarnation is ended. ||3||”
Ang 615
“ਭਜੁ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਨੇਰਾ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Remember God with love and devotion; He is near at hand. ||Pause||”
Ang 622
“ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਮਨੁ ਲੀਨਾ ॥
My mind is absorbed in loving devotional worship of the Lord,
ਨਿਤ ਬਾਜੇ ਅਨਹਤ ਬੀਨਾ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
and the unstruck melody of the celestial sound current ever resounds within me. ||Pause||”
Ang 627
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਲਾਗੀ ॥
He alone is attached in loving devotion to God,
ਸੋ ਪਾਏ ਜਿਸੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ॥
who realizes his great destiny.”
Ang 628
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਲੀਣਾ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵੈ ॥੨॥
His soul is absorbed in loving devotional worship; his mind is pleasing to the Supreme Lord God. ||2||”
Ang 655
“ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਭਏ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਿਹ ਜਾਨੀ ॥੪॥੩॥
Says Kabeer, those humble people become pure – they become Khalsa – who know the Lord’s loving devotional worship. ||4||3||”
Ang 685
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
In loving devotional worship, they merge in the Celestial Lord”
Ang 686
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਮਨੁ ਪਤੀਆਇਆ ॥੪॥
God’s Mind is pleased only by loving devotional worship. ||4||”
Ang 702
“ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਸਿੰਧੁ ਕਰੁਣਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਧਾਰਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੋ ਨੇਂਹ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
O God, ocean of mercy, shower Your mercy on me, that I may yearn for loving devotional worship of the Lord. ||1||Pause||”
Ang 717
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਰਾਚੇ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਦਹਨ ਭਏ ਮਲ ॥੨॥੭॥੨੬॥
Servant Nanak is absorbed in loving devotional worship; meditating in remembrance of the Lord, one’s dirt is burnt away. ||2||7||26||”
Ang 841
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥
He worships the Lord in loving devotion.”
Ang 867
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਇ ॥
One whom the Lord Himself blesses with loving devotional worship,
ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥੩॥
is very rare in this world. ||3||”
Ang 899
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜੋਰੀ ਸੁਖ ਮਾਨਿ ॥੨॥
Linked to His loving devotional worship, I enjoy peace. ||2||”
Ang 916
“ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਰਾਤਾ ਰਾਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਬਣਿ ਆਈ ਸੰਤਹੁ ॥੧॥
My mind and body are imbued with my Beloved Lord; I have been blessed with loving devotion to the Lord, O Saints. ||1|”
Ang 1005
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਹੋਵਤ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ॥
Emancipation comes through loving devotional worship.”
Ang 1122
“ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਨ ਬੇਧਿਆ ਸੇ ਆਨ ਕਤ ਜਾਹੀ ॥
The Lord’s humble servant is pierced through with loving devotion to Him; where else can he go?”
Ang 1222
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵਨ ਗੀਧੇ ਪੋਹਤ ਨਹ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Imbued with loving devotional worship, I sing His Glorious Praises; I am not affected by worldly affairs. ||1||Pause||”
Ang 1268
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਅਪਨੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਦਇਆਲ ਅਨੁਗ੍ਰਹੁ ਧਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Please bless me with the loving devotional worship of the Naam, O Kind and Compassionate Lord. ||1||Pause||”
Ang 1278
“ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੇ ਦਾਤੇ ॥
My Beloved Lord is the Giver of loving devotional worship.”
Ang 1348
“ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਸਦ ਰਾਤਾ ॥
My mind and body are forever imbued with loving devotion to the Lord.”
Ang 1388
“ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਉਧਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਸੰਤੁ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਿਓ ਹੈ ॥੮॥
O Nanak! Those whom the Saint mercifully takes as his own, are carried across by their loving devotional worship. ||8||”
5. SUKHMANI SAHIB – Tracing Prema Bhagti, Bhae Phagat in all the Astpadhis to emphasize that Loving Devotion with Naam is the base of the Journey to Union with God within ourselves.
In contrast with Love for God, Guru Ji also warns of the pitfalls of worldly love in the Astpadhis.
Astpadhi No. 1
“ਕਾਂਖੀ ਏਕੈ ਦਰਸ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ॥
Those who yearn only for the blessing of Your Darshan –
ਨਾਨਕ ਉਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਮੋਹਿ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥੧॥
Nanak: save me along with them! ||1||”
“ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥
The meditative remembrance of God is in the Company of the Holy.
ਸਰਬ ਨਿਧਾਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗਿ ॥੨॥
All treasures, O Nanak! Are in the Love of the Lord. ||2||”
Astpadhi no. 2
“ਅਨਿਕ ਮਾਇਆ ਰੰਗ ਤਿਖ ਨ ਬੁਝਾਵੈ ॥
By the countless pleasures of Maya, your thirst shall not be quenched.
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਆਘਾਵੈ ॥
Chanting the Name of the Lord, you shall be satisfied.”
“ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਮਨ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
Chant such a Name with love, O my mind.
ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥੩॥
O Nanak! It is obtained in the Company of the Holy. ||3||”
“ਮਨ ਤਨ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਤੇ ਰੰਗ ਏਕੈ ॥
Mind and body are imbued with ecstasy in the Love of the One Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਕੈ ਬਿਰਤਿ ਬਿਬੇਕੈ ॥੫॥
O Nanak! Careful and discerning understanding is the way of the Lord’s humble servant. ||5||”
Astpadhi no. 3
“ਜਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦਰਸ ਪਿਆਸਾ ॥
Those who thirst for the Blessed Vision of God’s Darshan –
ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਸਾ ॥੫॥
Nanak is a sacrifice, a sacrifice to them. ||5||”
“ਅਪਨੀ ਗਤਿ ਮਿਤਿ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਆਪੇ ॥
You alone know Your own condition and state.
ਆਪਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਆਪਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਰਾਤੇ ॥
You Yourself, God, are imbued with Yourself.”
Astpadhi no. 4
“ਆਦਿ ਅੰਤਿ ਜੋ ਰਾਖਨਹਾਰੁ ॥
From beginning to end, He is our Protector,
ਤਿਸ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਨ ਕਰੈ ਗਵਾਰੁ ॥
and yet, the ignorant do not give their love to Him.”
“ਚੰਦਨ ਲੇਪੁ ਉਤਾਰੈ ਧੋਇ ॥
They wash off the sandalwood paste;
ਗਰਧਬ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਭਸਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਹੋਇ ॥
like donkeys, they are in love with the mud.”
“ਸੰਗਿ ਸਹਾਈ ਸੁ ਆਵੈ ਨ ਚੀਤਿ ॥
The Lord, our Help and Support, is always with us, but the mortal does not remember Him.
ਜੋ ਬੈਰਾਈ ਤਾ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
He shows love to his enemies.”
“ਬਲੂਆ ਕੇ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਬਸੈ ॥
He lives in a castle of sand.
ਅਨਦ ਕੇਲ ਮਾਇਆ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਸੈ ॥
He enjoys the games of pleasure and the tastes of Maya.”
Astpadhi no. 5
“ਜਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਲਾਗਾ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮੀਠਾ ॥
That one, unto whose mind God seems sweet –
ਸਰਬ ਸੂਖ ਤਾਹੂ ਮਨਿ ਵੂਠਾ ॥
all pleasures come to abide in his mind.”
“ਅਨਿਕ ਭਾਤਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਹੇਤ ॥
The many forms of attachment to Maya,
ਸਰਪਰ ਹੋਵਤ ਜਾਨੁ ਅਨੇਤ ॥
shall surely pass away – know that they are transitory.”
“ਬਿਰਖ ਕੀ ਛਾਇਆ ਸਿਉ ਰੰਗੁ ਲਾਵੈ ॥
People fall in love with the shade of the tree,
ਓਹ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਉਹੁ ਮਨਿ ਪਛੁਤਾਵੈ ॥
and when it passes away, they feel regret in their minds.”
“ਬਟਾਊ ਸਿਉ ਜੋ ਲਾਵੈ ਨੇਹ ॥
One who gives her love to a passing traveler –
ਤਾ ਕਉ ਹਾਥਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਕੇਹ ॥
nothing shall come into her hands in this way.
ਮਨ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਸੁਖਦਾਈ ॥
O mind, the love of the Name of the Lord bestows peace.
ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪਿ ਲਏ ਲਾਈ ॥੩॥
O Nanak! The Lord, in His Mercy, unites us with Himself. ||3||”
“ਮਿਥਿਆ ਰੰਗ ਸੰਗਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਪੇਖਿ ਹਸਤਾ ॥
False is the love of gathering wealth, and reveling in the sight of it.”
“ਰਹਤ ਅਵਰ ਕਛੁ ਅਵਰ ਕਮਾਵਤ ॥
He says one thing, and does something else.
ਮਨਿ ਨਹੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਮੁਖਹੁ ਗੰਢ ਲਾਵਤ ॥
There is no love in his heart, and yet with his mouth he talks tall.
ਜਾਨਨਹਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਪਰਬੀਨ ॥
The Omniscient Lord God is the Knower of all.
ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਨ ਕਾਹੂ ਭੀਨ ॥
He is not impressed by outward display.”
Astpadhi no. 6
“ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਰੰਗ ਰਸ ਭੋਗ ॥
By His Grace, you enjoy tastes and pleasures;
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦਾ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਧਿਆਵਨ ਜੋਗ ॥੧॥
O Nanak! Meditate forever on the One, who is worthy of meditation. ||1||”
“ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਆਰੋਗ ਕੰਚਨ ਦੇਹੀ ॥
By His Grace, you have a healthy, golden body;
ਲਿਵ ਲਾਵਹੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਰਾਮ ਸਨੇਹੀ ॥
attune yourself to that Loving Lord.”
“ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਤੂੰ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਸਾਚੁ ॥
By His Grace, you find the Truth;
ਰੇ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਤਾ ਸਿਉ ਰਾਚੁ ॥
O my mind! Merge yourself into Him.”
Astpadhi no. 7
“ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਭਿੰਨ ॥
In the Company of the Holy, one is rid of Maya.
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ॥੨॥
In the Company of the Holy, O Nanak! God is totally pleased. ||2||”
“ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਨਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਘਾਲ ॥
In the Company of the Holy, there is no suffering.
ਦਰਸਨੁ ਭੇਟਤ ਹੋਤ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥
The Blessed Vision of their Darshan brings a sublime, happy peace.”
“ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਲਗੈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮੀਠਾ ॥
In the Company of the Holy, God seems very sweet.
ਸਾਧੂ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਡੀਠਾ ॥
In the Company of the Holy, He is seen in each and every heart.”
Astpadhi no. 8
“ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਤ੍ਰੁ ਸਮਾਨਿ ॥
To the God-conscious being, friend and foe are the same.
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਅਭਿਮਾਨ ॥
The God-conscious being has no egotistical pride.”
“ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਏਕੈ ਰੰਗ ॥
The God-conscious being loves the One Lord alone.
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਬਸੈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੰਗ ॥
The God-conscious being dwells with God.”
“ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕਾ ਬੇਤਾ ॥
The God-conscious being knows God.
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਏਕ ਸੰਗਿ ਹੇਤਾ ॥
The God-conscious being is in love with the One alone.”
Astpadhi no. 9
“ਮਿਥਿਆ ਨਾਹੀ ਰਸਨਾ ਪਰਸ ॥
One whose tongue does not touch falsehood
ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਦਰਸ ॥
whose mind is filled with love for the Blessed Vision of the Pure Lord”
“ਬੈਸਨੋ ਸੋ ਜਿਸੁ ਊਪਰਿ ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ॥
The true Vaishnaav, the devotee of Vishnu, is the one with whom God is thoroughly pleased.
ਬਿਸਨ ਕੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਹੋਇ ਭਿੰਨ ॥
He dwells apart from Maya.”
“ਕਾਹੂ ਫਲ ਕੀ ਇਛਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਾਛੈ ॥
he has no desire for the fruits of his labors.
ਕੇਵਲ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਚੈ ॥
He is absorbed in devotional worship and the singing of Kirtan, the songs of the Lord’s Glory.”
“ਭਗਉਤੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਾ ਰੰਗੁ ॥
The true Bhagaautee, the devotee of Adi Shakti, loves the devotional worship of God.
ਸਗਲ ਤਿਆਗੈ ਦੁਸਟ ਕਾ ਸੰਗੁ ॥
He forsakes the company of all wicked people.”
“ਭਗਵੰਤ ਕੀ ਟਹਲ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਤ ਨੀਤਿ ॥
He constantly performs the service of the Supreme Lord God.
ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਅਰਪੈ ਬਿਸਨ ਪਰੀਤਿ ॥
He dedicates his mind and body to the Love of God.”
“ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਸਾਰੁ ਰਸੁ ਪੀਵੈ ॥
He drinks in the Exquisite Nectar of the Lord’s Name.
ਉਸੁ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਕੈ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਵੈ ॥
By that Pandit’s teachings, the world lives.”
“ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਅਉਖਦੁ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
The Naam is the panacea, the remedy to cure all ills.
ਕਲਿਆਣ ਰੂਪ ਮੰਗਲ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਮ ॥
Singing the Glory of God is the embodiment of bliss and emancipation.”
“ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਤਿ ਰਾਮਦਾਸੁ ॥
his name is truly Ram Das, the Lord’s servant.
ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਦਰੀ ਆਇਆ ॥
He comes to have the Vision of the Lord, the Supreme Soul.
ਦਾਸ ਦਸੰਤਣ ਭਾਇ ਤਿਨਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Deeming himself to be the slave of the Lord’s slaves, he obtains it.”
“ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਆਤਮ ਹਿਤਾਵੈ ॥
One who, in his soul, loves the Will of God,
ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਸੋਊ ਕਹਾਵੈ ॥
is said to be Jivan Mukta – liberated while yet alive.”
“ਪਸਰਿਓ ਆਪਿ ਹੋਇ ਅਨਤ ਤਰੰਗ ॥
He Himself is All-pervading, in endless waves.
ਲਖੇ ਨ ਜਾਹਿ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕੇ ਰੰਗ ॥
The playful sport of the Supreme Lord God cannot be known.”
“ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਦਇਆਲ ॥
Forever, forever and ever, He is merciful.
ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਏ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੮॥੯॥
Remembering Him, remembering Him in meditation, O Nanak! One is blessed with ecstasy. ||8||9||”
Astpadhi no. 10
“ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਦਰਸਨ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਿਆਸ ॥
Many million thirst for the Blessing of God’s Darshan.
ਤਿਨ ਕਉ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਬਿਨਾਸ ॥
They meet with God, the Eternal.”
“ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਮਾਗਹਿ ਸਤਸੰਗੁ ॥
Many million pray for the Society of the Saints.
ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਤਿਨ ਲਾਗਾ ਰੰਗੁ ॥
They are imbued with the Love of the Supreme Lord God.”
“ਅਪੁਨੇ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਸਾਸਿ ਸਾਸਿ ਸਮਾਰੇ ॥
He remembers His servants with each and every breath.
ਨਾਨਕ ਓਇ ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ਕੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥੮॥੧੦॥
O Nanak! They are the beloved ones of the Transcendent Lord God. ||8||10||”
Astpadhi no. 11
“ਮਨ ਤਨ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਇਕ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
The mind and body are imbued with the Love of the Naam, the Name of the One Lord.
ਸਦਾ ਬਸਹਿ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥
He dwells forever with the Supreme Lord God.”
Astpadhi no. 12
“ਅਨਿਕ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਿ ਆਤਮ ਨਹੀ ਦ੍ਰਵੈ ॥
He makes all sorts of efforts, but his soul is still not softened –
ਹਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਕਹੁ ਕੈਸੇ ਗਵੈ ॥
how can he go to the Court of the Lord?”
“ਨਾਮ ਰੰਗਿ ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Through the love of the Naam, all peace is obtained.
ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ਕਿਸੈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥
Only a few obtain this, by great good fortune.”
“ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਪੁਨੀਤ ॥
Holy, Holy, Holy and Sublimely Pure
ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥੮॥੧੨॥
chant the Naam, O Nanak! With heart-felt love. ||8||12||”
Astpadhi no. 13
“ਸੰਤ ਦੋਖੀ ਕਾ ਥਾਉ ਕੋ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
For the slanderer of the Saint, there is no place of rest.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਤ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਾ ਓਇ ਭੀ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥੨॥
O Nanak! If it pleases the Saint, even then, he may be saved. ||2||”
“ਸੰਤ ਕੇ ਦੋਖੀ ਕਉ ਨਾਹੀ ਠਾਉ ॥
The slanderer of the Saint has no place of rest.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਤ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਾ ਲਏ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੪॥
O Nanak! If it pleases the Saint, then even such a one may merge in union. ||4||”
“ਸੰਤ ਕੇ ਦੋਖੀ ਕਉ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਰਾਖਨਹਾਰੁ ॥
The slanderer of the Saint cannot be saved by anyone else.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਤ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਾ ਲਏ ਉਬਾਰਿ ॥੫॥
O Nanak! If it pleases the Saint, then even he may be saved. ||5||”
“ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤਿ ॥
Praise God, day and night.
ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਸਾਸਿ ਗਿਰਾਸਿ ॥
Meditate on Him with every breath and morsel of food.”
Astpadhi no. 14
“ਉਸਤਤਿ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਕਰਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥
Praise the Formless Lord in your mind.
ਕਰਿ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਤਿ ਬਿਉਹਾਰ ॥
O my mind! Make this your true occupation.”
“ਨੈਨਹੁ ਪੇਖੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਰੰਗੁ ॥
With your eyes, see the wondrous play of your Lord and Master.
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਸਭ ਸੰਗੁ ॥
In the Company of the Holy, all other associations vanish.”
“ਨਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥
One whose mind accepts the Company of the Naam,
ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੩॥
the Name of the Lord, O Nanak! Knows the Immaculate Lord. ||3||”
“ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਭੂਖ ॥
One whose mind hungers for the Supreme Lord God,
ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਨ ਲਾਗਹਿ ਦੂਖ ॥੪॥
O Nanak! Shall not suffer pain. ||4||”
“ਜਿਸ ਕਉ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਨਿ ਚਿਤਿ ਆਵੈ ॥
One who focuses his conscious mind on the Lord God
ਸੋ ਸੰਤੁ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ਨਹੀ ਡੁਲਾਵੈ ॥
that Saint is at peace; he does not waver.”
“ਆਪੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਲਏ ਕਿਰਪਾਲ ॥
The Merciful Lord unites them with Himself.
ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਜਪਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥
Chanting the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, they become ecstatic.”
“ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰੈ ਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
Whatever you do, do it for the Love of God.
ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਬਸੈ ਹਰਿ ਸੰਗਿ ॥
Forever and ever, abide with the Lord.”
“ਸਹਜ ਸੁਭਾਇ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥
By its own natural course, whatever will be will be.
ਕਰਣੈਹਾਰੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
Acknowledge that Creator Lord;”
Astpadhi no. 15
“ਟੂਟੀ ਗਾਢਨਹਾਰ ਗੋੁਪਾਲ ॥
The Lord of the World is the Mender of the broken.
ਸਰਬ ਜੀਆ ਆਪੇ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲ ॥
He Himself cherishes all beings.”
“ਜਿਉ ਅੰਧਕਾਰ ਦੀਪਕ ਪਰਗਾਸੁ ॥
As the darkness is illuminated by the lamp,
ਗੁਰ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਮਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
so does the mind blossom forth, beholding the Blessed Vision of the Guru’s Darshan.”
“ਦੂਖ ਸੂਖ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦੇਵਨਹਾਰੁ ॥
God is the Giver of pain and pleasure.
ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਤੂ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਚਿਤਾਰੁ ॥
Abandon others, and think of Him alone.”
Astpadhi no. 16
“ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਨ ਰੰਗੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਿੰਨ ॥
He has no form, no shape, no color; God is beyond the three qualities.
ਤਿਸਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ॥੧॥
They alone understand Him, O Nanak! With whom He is pleased. ||1|”
“ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਖੁ ॥
Keep the Immortal Lord God enshrined within your mind.
ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕੀ ਤੂ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਤਿਆਗੁ ॥
Renounce your love and attachment to people.”
“ਸਾਧ ਤੇਰੇ ਕੀ ਚਰਨੀ ਪਾਉ ॥
To fall at the Feet of Your Holy Beings –
ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਇਹੁ ਅਨਰਾਉ ॥੧॥
this is the longing of Nanak’s mind. ||1||”
“ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸੁਖਦਾਈ ॥
The True Name of God is the Giver of peace.
ਬਿਸ੍ਵਾਸੁ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਪਾਈ ॥੬॥
Nanak has obtained true faith from the Guru. ||6||”
“ਬਿਸਮਨ ਬਿਸਮ ਭਏ ਬਿਸਮਾਦ ॥
Gazing upon His wondrous wonder, I am wonder-struck and amazed!
ਜਿਨਿ ਬੂਝਿਆ ਤਿਸੁ ਆਇਆ ਸ੍ਵਾਦ ॥
One who realizes this, comes to taste this state of joy.”
“ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਚਿ ਜਨ ਰਹੇ ॥
God’s humble servants remain absorbed in His Love.
ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਬਚਨਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਲਹੇ ॥
Following the Guru’s Teachings, they receive the four cardinal blessings.”
Astpadhi no. 17
“ਸਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥
One who believes in the Embodiment of Truth with all his heart
ਕਰਨ ਕਰਾਵਨ ਤਿਨਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਨਿਆ ॥
recognizes the Cause of all causes as the Root of all.”
“ਜਾ ਕੈ ਰਿਦੈ ਬਿਸ੍ਵਾਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਆਇਆ ॥
One whose heart is filled with faith in God –
ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਇਆ ॥
the essence of spiritual wisdom is revealed to his mind.”
“ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਉ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜਾਨੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥
The servant of the Lord Master knows that the Lord is with him.
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਨਾਮ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
God’s servant is attuned to the Naam, the Name of the Lord.”
“ਕਰਹਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਆਤਮ ਕੈ ਚਾਇ ॥
Performing devotional worship with heart-felt love,
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਅਪਨੇ ਸਿਉ ਰਹਹਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
they remain absorbed in God Himself.”
Astpadhi no. 18
“ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ਕੀ ਕਰੈ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲ ॥
The True Guru cherishes His Sikh.
ਸੇਵਕ ਕਉ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਦਾ ਦਇਆਲ ॥
The Guru is always merciful to His servant.”
“ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ਕਾ ਹਲਤੁ ਪਲਤੁ ਸਵਾਰੈ ॥
The True Guru arranges this world and the next for His Sikh.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ਕਉ ਜੀਅ ਨਾਲਿ ਸਮਾਰੈ ॥੧॥
O Nanak! With the fullness of His heart, the True Guru mends His Sikh. ||1||”
“ਸੋ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜਿਸੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
The True Guru’s Heart is filled with the Name of the Lord.
ਅਨਿਕ ਬਾਰ ਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
So many times, I am a sacrifice to the Guru.
ਸਰਬ ਨਿਧਾਨ ਜੀਅ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ॥
He is the treasure of everything, the Giver of life.
ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤਾ ॥
Twenty-four hours a day, He is imbued with the Love of the Supreme Lord Go”
“ਨਿਰਗੁਨੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਰਗੁਨੁ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥
He Himself is absolute and unrelated; He Himself is also involved and related.
ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਮੋਹੀ ॥
Manifesting His power, He fascinates the entire world.”
Astpadhi no. 19
“ਅਵਰਿ ਉਪਾਵ ਸਭਿ ਮੀਤ ਬਿਸਾਰਹੁ ॥
Forget all other efforts, O my friend –
ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਰਿਦ ਮਹਿ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਹੁ ॥
enshrine the Lord’s Lotus Feet within your heart.”
“ਭਉ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਪੂਰਨ ਹੋਇ ਆਸ ॥
Your fear shall be dispelled, and your hopes shall be fulfilled.
ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਇ ਆਤਮ ਪਰਗਾਸ ॥
By devotional worship and loving adoration, your soul shall be enlightened.”
“ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਇ ॥
Worship the Lord with whole-hearted devotion.
ਮਨਿ ਬੰਛਤ ਨਾਨਕ ਫਲ ਪਾਇ ॥੪॥
O Nanak! You shall obtain the fruits of your mind’s desire. ||4||”
“ਸਾਰ ਭੂਤ ਸਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਉ ॥
The essential reality is the True Name of the Lord.
ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਉ ॥੬॥
With intuitive ease, O Nanak! Sing His Glorious Praises. ||6||”
“ਏਕੋ ਜਪਿ ਏਕੋ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ॥
Meditate on the One, and worship the One.
ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਮਨ ਆਹਿ ॥
Remember the One, and yearn for the One in your mind.”
“ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਰਾਤਾ ॥
Mind and body within are imbued with the One God.
ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਇਕੁ ਜਾਤਾ ॥੮॥੧੯॥
By Guru’s Grace, O Nanak! The One is known. ||8||19||”
Astpadhi no. 20
“ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਮਾਗਉ ਧੂਰਿ ॥
I ask for the dust of the feet of the Holy.
ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਰਧਾ ਪੂਰਿ ॥
O Supreme Lord God, please fulfill my yearning;
ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵਉ ॥
may I sing the Glorious Praises of God forever and ever.
ਸਾਸਿ ਸਾਸਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੁਮਹਿ ਧਿਆਵਉ ॥
With each and every breath, may I meditate on You, O God.
ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਸਿਉ ਲਾਗੈ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
May I enshrine affection for Your Lotus Feet.
ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਨਿਤ ਨੀਤਿ ॥
May I perform devotional worship to God each and every day.”
“ਸੁਭਰ ਭਰੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਰਸ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
They are totally filled to overflowing with the sweet delight of His Love.
ਉਪਜੈ ਚਾਉ ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥
Spiritual delight wells up within, in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy.”
“ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ਜਪਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੋਇ ॥
Most fortunate are those who meditate on God.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥
O Nanak! Attuned to the Naam, they are at peace. ||2||”
“ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਇ ਤਰੀਐ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
By loving devotional worship, you shall cross over the world-ocean.
ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤੀ ਤਨੁ ਹੋਸੀ ਛਾਰੁ ॥
Without devotional meditation, the body will be just ashes.”
“ਉਪਜੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਉ ॥
Love and affection, and the taste of yearning, have welled up within;
ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਇਹੀ ਸੁਆਉ ॥
within my mind and body, this is my purpose:”
“ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਰੰਗੁ ॥
The minds and bodies of His devotees are infused with His Love.
ਬਿਰਲਾ ਕੋਊ ਪਾਵੈ ਸੰਗੁ ॥
Rare is the one who obtains their company.”
“ਪ੍ਰਭ ਬਖਸੰਦ ਦੀਨ ਦਇਆਲ ॥
God, the Forgiving Lord, is kind to the poor.
ਭਗਤਿ ਵਛਲ ਸਦਾ ਕਿਰਪਾਲ ॥
He loves His devotees, and He is always merciful to them”
“ਜੋ ਜੋ ਜਪੈ ਸੁ ਹੋਇ ਪੁਨੀਤ ॥
Whoever meditates on Him is sanctified,
ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਇ ਲਾਵੈ ਮਨ ਹੀਤ ॥
focusing the mind in loving devotional worship”
“ਅਨਿਕ ਰਾਜ ਭੋਗ ਬਡਿਆਈ ॥
So, many realms of power, pleasures and great glories,
ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਕਥਾ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਈ ॥
come to one whose mind is pleased with the Sermon of the Lord’s Name.”
Astpadhi no. 21
(Avasta Before Creation)
“ਜਬ ਨਿਰਗੁਨ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਹਜ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥
When God was without attributes, in absolute poise,
ਤਬ ਸਿਵ ਸਕਤਿ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਿਤੁ ਠਾਇ ॥
then where was mind and where was matter – where was Shiva and Shakti?”
“ਬਿਸਮਨ ਬਿਸਮ ਰਹੇ ਬਿਸਮਾਦ ॥
We are wonder-struck at the wondrous wonder of the Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅਪਨੀ ਗਤਿ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਆਪਿ ॥੫॥
O Nanak! He alone knows His own state. ||5||”
(After Creation)
“ਜਹ ਆਪਿ ਰਚਿਓ ਪਰਪੰਚੁ ਅਕਾਰੁ ॥
When He Himself fashioned the visible world of the creation,
ਤਿਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਮਹਿ ਕੀਨੋ ਬਿਸਥਾਰੁ ॥
he made the world subject to the three dispositions.”
“ਆਪਹਿ ਕਉਤਕ ਕਰੈ ਅਨਦ ਚੋਜ ॥
He Himself performs and plays His amusements and games.
ਆਪਹਿ ਰਸ ਭੋਗਨ ਨਿਰਜੋਗ ॥
He Himself enjoys pleasures, and yet He is unaffected and untouched.”
Astpadhi no. 22
“ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲੈ ਜੀਅਨ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਤਿ ॥
He cherishes His living beings in so many ways.
ਜੋ ਜੋ ਰਚਿਓ ਸੁ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਤਿ ॥
That which He has created meditates on Him.”
“ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥
With your mind and body, chant the Naam; lovingly attune yourself to it.
ਦੂਖੁ ਦਰਦੁ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਭਉ ਜਾਇ ॥
Sorrow, pain and fear shall depart from your mind.”
“ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਬਸੈ ਸੁ ਹੋਤ ਨਿਹਾਲੁ ॥
That one, within whose mind He abides, is blissfully happy.
ਤਾ ਕੈ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨ ਆਵਤ ਕਾਲੁ ॥
Death does not draw near him.”
Astpadhi no. 23
“ਸੰਤਸੰਗਿ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਡੀਠਾ ॥
In the Society of the Saints, I see God deep within my being.
ਨਾਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਕਾ ਲਾਗਾ ਮੀਠਾ ॥
God’s Name is sweet to me.”
“ਧਰਨਿ ਮਾਹਿ ਆਕਾਸ ਪਇਆਲ ॥
In the earth, in the Akashic ethers, and in the nether regions of the underworld
ਸਰਬ ਲੋਕ ਪੂਰਨ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲ ॥
in all worlds, He is the Perfect Cherisher.”
“ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਸੁਨਹਿ ਸੁਭ ਬਚਨ ॥
The Saint hears words of goodness.
ਸਰਬ ਬਿਆਪੀ ਰਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਚਨ ॥
He is absorbed in the All-pervading Lord.”
“ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਸੇ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥
He dwells inside, and outside as well.
ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਸਭ ਮੋਹੀ ॥੪॥
O Nanak! Beholding the Blessed Vision of His Darshan, all are fascinated. ||4||”
Astpadhi no. 24
“ਖੇਮ ਕੁਸਲ ਸਹਜ ਆਨੰਦ ॥
Happiness, intuitive peace, poise and bliss –
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਭਜੁ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦ ॥
in the Company of the Holy, meditate on the Lord of supreme bliss.”
“ਸਫਲ ਜੀਵਨੁ ਸਫਲੁ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਸੰਗੁ ॥
His life is prosperous, and his company is fruitful;
ਜਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਲਾਗਾ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗੁ ॥
his mind is imbued with the love of the Lord.”
“ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਭਏ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥
The Divine Guru is perfectly pleased;
ਪੂਰਨ ਹੋਈ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੀ ਸੇਵ ॥
the service of His servant has been rewarded.”
“ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਮੀਤ ॥
Sing the Praises of God, O Saints, O friends,
ਸਾਵਧਾਨ ਏਕਾਗਰ ਚੀਤ ॥
with total concentration and one-pointedness of mind.”
In the final Astpadhi, Guru Ji describes Sukhmani Sahib:
“ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਬਸੈ ਸੁਨੈ ਲਾਇ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
One, within whose mind it abides, and who listens to it with love –
ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਆਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਚੀਤਿ ॥
that humble person consciously remembers the Lord God.
ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਦੂਖੁ ਨਿਵਾਰੈ ॥
The pains of birth and death are removed.
ਦੁਲਭ ਦੇਹ ਤਤਕਾਲ ਉਧਾਰੈ ॥
The human body, so difficult to obtain, is instantly redeemed.
ਨਿਰਮਲ ਸੋਭਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਬਾਨੀ ॥
Spotlessly pure is his reputation, and ambrosial is his speech.
ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਨੀ ॥
The One Name permeates his mind.
ਦੂਖ ਰੋਗ ਬਿਨਸੇ ਭੈ ਭਰਮ ॥
Sorrow, sickness, fear and doubt depart.
ਸਾਧ ਨਾਮ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਕਰਮ ॥
He is called a Holy person; his actions are immaculate and pure.
ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਬਨੀ ॥
His glory becomes the highest of all.
ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹ ਗੁਣਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ॥੮॥੨੪॥
O Nanak! By these Glorious Virtues, this is named Sukhmani, Peace of mind. ||8||24||”
Gurfateh
Manjeet Singh
August 25, 2024.
