Maroo Ki Vaar Mehala 3

Vaars are Ballads or Odes. Normally Ballads are sung to proclaim the valor and bravery of heroes in a battle or war.

There are 22 Vaars in Gurbani. The Gurus gave these Vaars a Spiritual theme. The Vaars in Gurbani do not sing of any worldly battle or victory. 

A war setting is used to show the Victory of Naam, Gurmukhs, Satsanggat, Sewa against the terrible armies of manmukhs, kaam, krodh, lobh, moh, ahangkar, nindiya chugli and all vikaars. It celebrates the Victory of Gurmat over manmat. The Victor is always Naam, accompanied by Gur Parsad.

A Sikh has come to the Guru. He has heard that he has to engage in some battles before he can Unite with God. He says he is ready to wage war against all and fight his way towards Union.

In the 1st Slok of Maroo/Maru Ki Vaar M3, the Guru tells the Sikh. Yes. There will be many battles. But these battles are fought with Gunn (Naam, Attributes of God). These Gunn are acquired from a Satguru and these Gunn are Priceless. If one recites these Gunn without the Sharan of a Satguru, they will not help the Sikh in any way. The Satguru is the True Gahak, Buyer, of these Gunn and appreciates their True Value. Enter the Sharan of a Satguru first before embarking on these battles.

“ਵਿਣੁ ਗਾਹਕ ਗੁਣੁ ਵੇਚੀਐ ਤਉ ਗੁਣੁ ਸਹਘੋ ਜਾਇ ॥

If virtue is sold when there is no buyer, then it is sold very cheap.”

“ਗੁਣ ਕਾ ਗਾਹਕੁ ਜੇ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਉ ਗੁਣੁ ਲਾਖ ਵਿਕਾਇ ॥

But if one meets a buyer of virtue, then virtue sells for hundreds of thousands.”

“ਗੁਣ ਤੇ ਗੁਣ ਮਿਲਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਜੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥

Meeting with a virtuous person, virtue is obtained, and one is immersed in the True Guru.”

“ਮੋੁਲਿ ਅਮੋੁਲੁ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਵਣਜਿ ਨ ਲੀਜੈ ਹਾਟਿ ॥

Priceless virtues are not obtained for any price; they cannot be purchased in a store.”

“ਨਾਨਕ ਪੂਰਾ ਤੋਲੁ ਹੈ ਕਬਹੁ ਨ ਹੋਵੈ ਘਾਟਿ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, their weight is full and perfect; it never decreases at all. ||1||”

In the 2nd Slok, the Guru Ji tells the Sikh – If you are not armed with Naam, you suffer all kinds of bondages. You must have True Faith in Naam as your Weapon, and live an honest life, practicing Truthful living.

“ਨਾਮ ਵਿਹੂਣੇ ਭਰਮਸਹਿ ਆਵਹਿ ਜਾਵਹਿ ਨੀਤ ॥

Without the Naam, the Name of the Lord, they wander around, continually coming and going in reincarnation.

ਇਕਿ ਬਾਂਧੇ ਇਕਿ ਢੀਲਿਆ ਇਕਿ ਸੁਖੀਏ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥

Some are in bondage, and some are set free; some are happy in the Love of the Lord.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਮੰਨਿ ਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਚੁ ਰੀਤਿ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, believe in the True Lord, and practice Truth, through the lifestyle of Truth. ||2||”

The 1st pauri carries the Imagery of Guun/Naam as arming the Sikh with the Powerful sword of Spiritual Wisdom. This destroys the fortress of maya, doubt, attachment, greed and egotism.

The True Lord is Sach and He Operates Everywhere and is All Pervading.

“ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਅਤਿ ਖੜਗੁ ਕਰਾਰਾ ॥

From the Guru, I have obtained the supremely powerful sword of spiritual wisdom.

ਦੂਜਾ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਗੜੁ ਕਟਿਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਾ ॥

I have cut down the fortress of duality and doubt, attachment, greed and egotism.

ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਾ ॥

The Name of the Lord abides within my mind; I contemplate the Word of the Guru’s Shabad.

ਸਚ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਮਤਿ ਊਤਮਾ ਹਰਿ ਲਗਾ ਪਿਆਰਾ ॥

Through Truth, self-discipline and sublime understanding, the Lord has become very dear to me.

ਸਭੁ ਸਚੋ ਸਚੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਸਚੁ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰਾ ॥੧॥

Truly, truly, the True Creator Lord is all-pervading. ||1||”

In the 1st Slok, Guru Ji tells the Sikh that to acquire Gunn it is perfectly alright to use musical measures like Raag Kedara. (Raag Kedara is very close in metre, almost like Raag Maru, the Raag in which this Vaar appears). The Sikh is told to attend satsanggat, develop love for God, wash away his sins, arm himself by gathering  as many Gunn as possible. He is also told never to forsake the Guru, nor ever look to others to arm himself with energies of maya.

“ਕੇਦਾਰਾ ਰਾਗਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਭਾਈ ਸਬਦੇ ਕਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥

Among the ragas, Kaydaaraa Raga is known as good, O Siblings of Destiny, if through it, one comes to love the Word of the Shabad,

ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਮਿਲਦੋ ਰਹੈ ਸਚੇ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥

and if one remains in the Society of the Saints, and enshrines love for the True Lord.

ਵਿਚਹੁ ਮਲੁ ਕਟੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਕੁਲਾ ਕਾ ਕਰੇ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥

Such a person washes away the pollution from within, and saves his generations as well.

ਗੁਣਾ ਕੀ ਰਾਸਿ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਹੈ ਅਵਗਣ ਕਢੈ ਵਿਡਾਰਿ ॥

He gathers in the capital of virtue, and destroys and drives out unvirtuous sins.

ਨਾਨਕ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਸੋ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਗੁਰੂ ਨ ਛੋਡੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਦੂਜੈ ਨ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, he alone is known as united, who does not forsake his Guru, and who does not love duality. ||1||’’

The 2nd Slok is voiced by the Sikh now. He says the world ocean terrifies all, but Lord, fear of being in breach of Your Hukam, has removed all my other fears. The Guru’s Shabad gives me contentment and makes me blossom in Your Name.

“ਸਾਗਰੁ ਦੇਖਉ ਡਰਿ ਮਰਉ ਭੈ ਤੇਰੈ ਡਰੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥

Gazing upon the world-ocean, I am afraid of death; but if I live in the Fear of You, God, then I am not afraid.

ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੀਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਗਸਾ ਨਾਇ ॥੨॥

Through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, I am content; O Nanak, I blossom forth in the Name. ||2||”

In the 3rd Slok, the Sikh shares some of his early experiences. I set out on the Boat of Naam. There were many waves and the ocean was choppy. I was on the Boat of Sach and the Guru gave me encouragement. The Guru is Ever Alert and can safely take me to the other shore. But this can only happen by His Glance of Grace, which will take me with honor to the Lord’s Court.

“ਚੜਿ ਬੋਹਿਥੈ ਚਾਲਸਉ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਲਹਰੀ ਦੇਇ ॥

I get on board the boat and set out, but the ocean is churning with waves.

ਠਾਕ ਨ ਸਚੈ ਬੋਹਿਥੈ ਜੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਧੀਰਕ ਦੇਇ ॥

The boat of Truth encounters no obstruction, if the Guru gives encouragement.

ਤਿਤੁ ਦਰਿ ਜਾਇ ਉਤਾਰੀਆ ਗੁਰੁ ਦਿਸੈ ਸਾਵਧਾਨੁ ॥

He takes us across to the door on the other side, as the Guru keeps watch.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਦਰਗਹ ਚਲੈ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੩॥

O Nanak, if I am blessed with His Grace, I shall go to His Court with honor. ||3||’’

In the 2nd pauri, the Guru assures the Sikh that as a gurmukh, you can enjoy life in the Kingdom of Purity. The Lord sits on an Eternal Throne, administers True Justice and leads mortals towards Union by blessing them with satsanggat. As He begins to dwell in your mind through Bani, you will realise that He will be your Savior at your final moments. The Guru gives wisdom that you should develop love for the Lord.

“ਨਿਹਕੰਟਕ ਰਾਜੁ ਭੁੰਚਿ ਤੂ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਈ ॥

Enjoy your kingdom of bliss; as Gurmukh, practice Truth.

ਸਚੈ ਤਖਤਿ ਬੈਠਾ ਨਿਆਉ ਕਰਿ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਈ ॥

Sitting upon the throne of Truth, the Lord administers justice; He unites us in Union with the Society of the Saints.

ਸਚਾ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਾਪਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਬਣਿ ਆਈ ॥

Meditating on the Lord, through the True Teachings, we become just like the Lord.

ਐਥੈ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਅੰਤਿ ਹੋਇ ਸਖਾਈ ॥

If the Lord, the Giver of peace, abides in the mind, in this world, then in the end, He becomes our help and support.

ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਊਪਜੀ ਗੁਰਿ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਈ ॥੨॥

Love for the Lord wells up, when the Guru imparts understanding. ||2||”

In the 1st Slok the Sikh expresses his earlier condition (without Sharan and Advice from the Guru). I was lost and confused. No one showed me the True Path. I asked the Wise Ones and they said the True Guru (Shabad) resides in your mind and your True Friend, the Lord dwells there too. The mind becomes satiated by singing His Praises through Naam.

“ਭੂਲੀ ਭੂਲੀ ਮੈ ਫਿਰੀ ਪਾਧਰੁ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

Confused and deluded, I wander around, but no one shows me the way.

ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਇ ਸਿਆਣਿਆ ਦੁਖੁ ਕਾਟੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਕੋਇ ॥

I go and ask the clever people, if there is anyone who can rid me of my pain.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਸਾਜਨੁ ਉਤ ਹੀ ਠਾਇ ॥

If the True Guru abides within my mind, then I see the Lord, my best friend, there.

ਨਾਨਕ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਾਸੀਐ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਸਾਚੈ ਨਾਇ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, my mind is satisfied and fulfilled, contemplating the Praises of the True Name. ||1||”

In the 2nd Slok, the Guru says, the Lord is the Doer, He blesses as He Pleases, but this Light of Understanding will only dawn upon you from the Guru as you burn away suffering and sin through Naam.

“ਆਪੇ ਕਰਣੀ ਕਾਰ ਆਪਿ ਆਪੇ ਕਰੇ ਰਜਾਇ ॥

He Himself is the Doer, and He is the deed; He Himself issues the Command.

ਆਪੇ ਕਿਸ ਹੀ ਬਖਸਿ ਲਏ ਆਪੇ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਇ ॥

He Himself forgives some, and He Himself does the deed.

ਨਾਨਕ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲੇ ਦੁਖ ਬਿਖੁ ਜਾਲੀ ਨਾਇ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, receiving the Divine Light from the Guru, suffering and corruption are burnt away, through the Name. ||2||”

The 3rd pauri is a direct scolding to manmukhs and foolish ones. Do not be misled by the attractions of maya, it will not go with you, and all wealth is illusory. The foolish ones do not realise the Sword of Death hovers over their heads. Only through Gur Parsad can you be saved. This is the Play of the Lord.

“ਮਾਇਆ ਵੇਖਿ ਨ ਭੁਲੁ ਤੂ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੂਰਖਾ ॥

Don’t be fooled by gazing at the riches of Maya, you foolish self-willed manmukh.

ਚਲਦਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ਨ ਚਲਈ ਸਭੁ ਝੂਠੁ ਦਰਬੁ ਲਖਾ ॥

It shall not go along with you when you must depart; all the wealth you see is false.

ਅਗਿਆਨੀ ਅੰਧੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਈ ਸਿਰ ਊਪਰਿ ਜਮ ਖੜਗੁ ਕਲਖਾ ॥

The blind and ignorant do not understand that the sword of death is hanging over their heads.

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਉਬਰੇ ਜਿਨ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਖਾ ॥

By Guru’s Grace, those who drink in the sublime essence of the Lord are saved.

ਆਪਿ ਕਰਾਏ ਕਰੇ ਆਪਿ ਆਪੇ ਹਰਿ ਰਖਾ ॥੩॥

He Himself is the Doer, and He Himself is the Cause; the Lord Himself is our Saving Grace. ||3||”

In the 1st Slok, the Guru warns the Sikh further. Those who do not Unite with the True Guru (Shabad) in their minds, nor have any fear of God, continue their reincarnation and suffer terrible pain. Their anxieties do not cease and they suffer terribly. Without Naam, one can never find release from bondages.

“ਜਿਨਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਭੇਟਿਆ ਭੈ ਕੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਬਿੰਦ ॥

Those who do not meet with the Guru, who have no Fear of God at all,

ਆਵਣੁ ਜਾਵਣੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਘਣਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਚੂਕੈ ਚਿੰਦ ॥

continue coming and going in reincarnation, and suffer terrible pain; their anxiety is never relieved.

ਕਾਪੜ ਜਿਵੈ ਪਛੋੜੀਐ ਘੜੀ ਮੁਹਤ ਘੜੀਆਲੁ ॥

They are beaten like clothes being washed on the rocks, and struck every hour like chimes.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਰਹੁ ਨ ਚੁਕੈ ਜੰਜਾਲੁ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, without the True Name, these entanglements are not removed from hanging over one’s head. ||1||”

In the 2nd Slok, the Sikh has some realisation now. He reassures his inner self. I have searched throughout the three worlds and find egotism is bad (is the real enemy). Do not despair my soul, speak (recite) the Truth, and only the Truth.

“ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਢੂਢੀ ਸਜਣਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਬੁਰੀ ਜਗਤਿ ॥

I have searched throughout the three worlds, O my friend; egotism is bad for the world.

ਨਾ ਝੁਰੁ ਹੀਅੜੇ ਸਚੁ ਚਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੋ ਸਚੁ ॥੨॥

Don’t worry, O my soul; speak the Truth, O Nanak, the Truth, and only the Truth. ||2||”

In the 4th pauri, the Guru Advises the Sikh that He saves the gurmukhs and  blesses them with Merger into Naam. He Himself inspires the gurmukhs towards bhagti and the Shabad becomes their Insignia. They become renowned in the Lord’s Court and are liberated (mukat) here and hereafter.

“ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸਿਓਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਣੇ ॥

The Lord Himself forgives the Gurmukhs; they are absorbed and immersed in the Lord’s Name.

ਆਪੇ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਇਓਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਨੀਸਾਣੇ ॥

He Himself links them to devotional worship; they bear the Insignia of the Guru’s Shabad.

ਸਨਮੁਖ ਸਦਾ ਸੋਹਣੇ ਸਚੈ ਦਰਿ ਜਾਣੇ ॥

Those who turn towards the Guru, as sunmukh, are beautiful. They are famous in the Court of the True Lord.

ਐਥੈ ਓਥੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਹੈ ਜਿਨ ਰਾਮ ਪਛਾਣੇ ॥

In this world, and in the world hereafter, they are liberated; they realize the Lord.

ਧੰਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਜਿਨ ਹਰਿ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਹਉ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੇ ॥੪॥

Blessed, blessed are those humble beings who serve the Lord. I am a sacrifice to them. ||4||”

In the 1st Slok, Guru Ji describes a jeev isteri without Gunn. 

(The Vaar started with the utmost need to acquire Gunn in the Guru’s Sharan). Without Gunn she is just a rude, ill-mannered bride, encased in a body tomb. Only if she acquires Gunn will the Lord Sport with her as a Virtuous bride.

“ਮਹਲ ਕੁਚਜੀ ਮੜਵੜੀ ਕਾਲੀ ਮਨਹੁ ਕਸੁਧ ॥

The rude, ill-mannered bride is encased in the body-tomb; she is blackened, and her mind is impure.

ਜੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਤਾ ਪਿਰੁ ਰਵੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਅਵਗੁਣ ਮੁੰਧ ॥੧॥

She can enjoy her Husband Lord, only if she is virtuous. O Nanak, the soul-bride is unworthy, and without virtue. ||1||”

In striking contrast, the 2nd Slok describes a jeev isteri who loves her Husband Lord. She has good conduct, and acts with decency day and night, and has a perfect family. (her body family is chaste and focused upon God).

“ਸਾਚੁ ਸੀਲ ਸਚੁ ਸੰਜਮੀ ਸਾ ਪੂਰੀ ਪਰਵਾਰਿ ॥

She has good conduct, true self-discipline, and a perfect family.

ਨਾਨਕ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਸਦਾ ਭਲੀ ਪਿਰ ਕੈ ਹੇਤਿ ਪਿਆਰਿ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, day and night, she is always good; she loves her Beloved Husband Lord. ||2||”

In pauri no. 5, the Guru says the Sikh should recognize his true worth i.e. he is a particle of the Divine. Such a one enjoys the Treasure of Naam, merges with the Shabad, and becomes purified through the Guru’s Bani. An inner exhilaration (rass) wells up and He drinks the Sublime Blessings of the Lord. This exalted Drink of Har Rass (Naam Amrit), gives full satisfaction and all worldly desires are doused out.

“ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

One who realizes his own self, is blessed with the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord.

ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਆਪਣੀ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥

Granting His Mercy, the Guru merges him in the Word of His Shabad.

ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰਮਲੀ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪੀਆਇਆ ॥

The Word of the Guru’s Bani is immaculate and pure; through it, one drinks in the sublime essence of the Lord.

ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਜਿਨੀ ਚਾਖਿਆ ਅਨ ਰਸ ਠਾਕਿ ਰਹਾਇਆ ॥

Those who taste the sublime essence of the Lord, forsake other flavors.

ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪੀ ਸਦਾ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਭਏ ਫਿਰਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਭੁਖ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥੫॥

Drinking in the sublime essence of the Lord, they remain satisfied forever; their hunger and thirst are quenched. ||5||”

This Vaar is in Raag Maru. Of the 31 Raags in SGGS Ji, this is the 21st Raag. Maru is a Raag with a martial beat. When a warrior goes to battle he has to arm himself appropriately and prepare himself mentally. Throughout the Vaar, Guru Ji gently advises the warrior Sikh that the real battle is internal, against all vices and insecurities. The only effective weapon for this internal battle is Naam, which must be recited and practiced in the Sharan of a Satguru.

As one reads the Vaar, it leads to bairaag, an inner intense yearning for Darshan coupled with detachment from all worldliness. Maru Raag is only considered fruitful if the Shabad sung in that musical measure invokes bairaag within you, and leads to conquest over the five evils within ourselves. Thus, at Angg 1425,

Guru Arjun Dev Ji tells us in Slok Vaaran Tey Vadheek:

“ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਅਰਾਧੀਐ ਨਾਮਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਬੈਰਾਗੁ ॥ ਜੀਤੇ ਪੰਚ ਬੈਰਾਈਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਫਲ ਮਾਰੂ ਇਹੁ ਰਾਗੁ ॥੩॥

Gur ke Shabad aradhiye Naam rang bairaag; jitay panch berraiya Nanak saffal Maru eh raag.”

Proceeding to the Sloks before pauri no. 6, Guru Ji advises the Sikh jeev isteri that it is part of the battle that she must win the heart of her Beloved. This, she can only do, if she decorates her heart with His Gunn, and she is most noble and respectable and stands in humility before His Presence.

ਪਿਰ ਖੁਸੀਏ ਧਨ ਰਾਵੀਏ ਧਨ ਉਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੀਗਾਰੁ ॥

Her Husband Lord is pleased, and He enjoys His bride; the soul-bride adorns her heart with the Naam, the Name of the Lord.

ਨਾਨਕ ਧਨ ਆਗੈ ਖੜੀ ਸੋਭਾਵੰਤੀ ਨਾਰਿ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, that bride who stands before Him, is the most noble and respected woman. ||1||”

The Sikh warrior’s inner jeev isteri is further told that this world (Father’s Home) and the world hereafter (Father-In-Law’s Home), belong to the Lord who is Beyond Fathom and is Inaccessible by physical means. She is indeed a most fortunate soul bride if she becomes Pleasing to such a Majestic, Independent Divine Husband.

“ਸਸੁਰੈ ਪੇਈਐ ਕੰਤ ਕੀ ਕੰਤੁ ਅਗੰਮੁ ਅਥਾਹੁ ॥.

In her father-in-law’s home hereafter, and in her parents’ home in this world, she belongs to her Husband Lord. Her Husband is inaccessible and unfathomable.

ਨਾਨਕ ਧੰਨੁ ਸੋੁਹਾਗਣੀ ਜੋ ਭਾਵਹਿ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, she is the happy soul-bride, who is pleasing to her carefree, independent Lord. ||2||”

In pauri no. 6, the Guru Advises the Sikh. Most wars are for some throne. One can only occupy a Spiritual Throne if one is worthy of it. One becomes worthy by recognising Sach i.e. God, and such a one becomes a True King. These earthly Kings are Kings merely in name. In the love of maya, they suffer greatly. Praises of such created ones should not be sung as they have to depart after short spans. The Sikh is told to aspire to be an Enlightened gurmukh. The Lord is Eternal and an Enlightened gurmukh becomes Eternal too.

“ਤਖਤਿ ਰਾਜਾ ਸੋ ਬਹੈ ਜਿ ਤਖਤੈ ਲਾਇਕ ਹੋਈ ॥

That king sits upon the throne, who is worthy of that throne.

ਜਿਨੀ ਸਚੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ਸਚੁ ਰਾਜੇ ਸੇਈ ॥

Those who realize the True Lord, they alone are the true kings.

ਏਹਿ ਭੂਪਤਿ ਰਾਜੇ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਦੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ ॥

These mere earthly rulers are not called kings; in the love of duality, they suffer.

ਕੀਤਾ ਕਿਆ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਜਿਸੁ ਜਾਦੇ ਬਿਲਮ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥

Why should someone praise someone else who is also created? They depart in no time at all.

ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਸਚਾ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਸੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਹੋਈ ॥੬॥

The One True Lord is eternal and imperishable. One who, as Gurmukh, understands becomes eternal as well. ||6||”

In the 1st Slok, Guru Ji Advises the Sikh in jeev isteri terms that the Lord is Husband to all. No one is without the Husband Lord i.e. all have a chance to Unite with Him. To become a happily married bride soul however, she has to Merge into the True Guru (Shabad).

“ਸਭਨਾ ਕਾ ਪਿਰੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਪਿਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਖਾਲੀ ਨਾਹਿ ॥

The One Lord is the Husband of all. No one is without the Husband Lord.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸੇ ਸੋਹਾਗਣੀ ਜਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, they are the pure soul-brides, who merge in the True Guru. ||1||”

In the 2nd Slok, the Sikh poses a question to the Guru. My mind churns many distracting waves of desire. Master, how can I be freed from such distractions? The Guru replies that in the journey inwards, one has to be absorbed in love for the Lord and aspire to receive His Infinite Love. As your heart gets drenched in love for God, you will be blessed with Gur Parsad, leading to emancipation from all desires and bondages. 

“ਮਨ ਕੇ ਅਧਿਕ ਤਰੰਗ ਕਿਉ ਦਰਿ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਛੁਟੀਐ ॥

The mind is churning with so many waves of desire. How can one be emancipated in the Court of the Lord?

ਜੇ ਰਾਚੈ ਸਚ ਰੰਗਿ ਗੂੜੈ ਰੰਗਿ ਅਪਾਰ ਕੈ ॥

Be absorbed in the Lord’s True Love, and imbued with the deep color of the Lord’s Infinite Love.

ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਛੁਟੀਐ ਜੇ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਗੈ ਸਚਿ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, by Guru’s Grace, one is emancipated, if the consciousness is attached to the True Lord. ||2||”

In pauri no. 7, Guru Ji tells the Sikh about Naam. It is Priceless. Naam created the Universe and Pervades the entire Cosmos. It is Gurmukhs who continuously sing His Praises through Naam and truly appreciate the Worth of Naam. Their heart lotus blossoms and they drink the Sublime Essence of Naam. Their cycle of reincarnation is cut and they sleep in peace and dignity.

“ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਮੋਲੁ ਹੈ ਕਿਉ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਕੀਜੈ ॥

The Name of the Lord is priceless. How can its value be estimated?

ਆਪੇ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਭ ਸਾਜੀਅਨੁ ਆਪੇ ਵਰਤੀਜੈ ॥

He Himself created the entire universe, and He Himself is pervading it.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਹੀਐ ਸਚੁ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਕੀਜੈ ॥

The Gurmukhs praise the Lord forever, and through the Truth, they assess Him.

ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਕਮਲੁ ਬਿਗਾਸਿਆ ਇਵ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪੀਜੈ ॥

Through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, the heart-lotus blossoms forth, and in this way, one drinks in the sublime essence of the Lord.

ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣਾ ਠਾਕਿਆ ਸੁਖਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਵੀਜੈ ॥੭॥

Coming and going in reincarnation ceases, and one sleeps in peace and poise. ||7||”

In Slok no. 1, Guru Ji describes the color of Love for God. It is an internal color. It cannot be dirtied, it is neither dull nor murky nor saffron (i.e. it is not limited to any particular religion or caste) and such color never fades. One who is drenched with Love for God, his inner color is deep crimson red.

“ਨਾ ਮੈਲਾ ਨਾ ਧੁੰਧਲਾ ਨਾ ਭਗਵਾ ਨਾ ਕਚੁ ॥

Neither dirty, nor dull, nor saffron, nor any color that fades.

ਨਾਨਕ ਲਾਲੋ ਲਾਲੁ ਹੈ ਸਚੈ ਰਤਾ ਸਚੁ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, crimson – deep crimson is the color of one who is imbued with the True Lord. ||1||

In the 2nd Slok Guru Ji says, in the world jungle, the bhavar, the bumble bee like jee isteri, dwells fearlessly. Despite the vast variety of vegetation, the jeev isteri realises, there is really only One Tree, One Flower and One Pollen.

“ਸਹਜਿ ਵਣਸਪਤਿ ਫੁਲੁ ਫਲੁ ਭਵਰੁ ਵਸੈ ਭੈ ਖੰਡਿ ॥

The bumble bee intuitively and fearlessly dwells among the vegetation, flowers and fruits.

ਨਾਨਕ ਤਰਵਰੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਏਕੋ ਫੁਲੁ ਭਿਰੰਗੁ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, there is only one tree, one flower, and one bumble bee. ||2||”

In pauri no. 8, Guru Ji makes it clear that the true warrior has to wrestle with his mind and emerge as a brave and distinguished hero. Such a one realises his Divine roots and remains absorbed in the Lord. The wise ones are renowned because they remain absorbed in their own minds. Their spirituality rises to the Mansion of the Lord and their focus is only upon Him. Those who attract Gur Parsad i.e. the Guru’s Blessings, conquer their minds, and the entire world.

“ਜੋ ਜਨ ਲੂਝਹਿ ਮਨੈ ਸਿਉ ਸੇ ਸੂਰੇ ਪਰਧਾਨਾ ॥

Those humble beings who struggle with their minds are brave and distinguished heroes.

ਹਰਿ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਦਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਰਹੇ ਜਿਨੀ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥

Those who realize their own selves, remain forever united with the Lord.

ਗਿਆਨੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਹੁ ਮਹਤੁ ਹੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਨਾ ॥

This is the glory of the spiritual teachers, that they remain absorbed in their mind.

ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਕਾ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਚੁ ਲਾਇ ਧਿਆਨਾ ॥

They attain the Mansion of the Lord’s Presence, and focus their meditation on the True Lord.

ਜਿਨ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਮਨੁ ਜੀਤਿਆ ਜਗੁ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਜਿਤਾਨਾ ॥੮॥

Those who conquer their own minds, by Guru’s Grace, conquer the world. ||8||”

In the 1st Slok before pauri 9, Guru Ji warns those who beg from door to door. That is not how a true yogi should conduct himself. By such begging you will have to give accounts for each act of begging from others. Instead of begging from others, the true charity to beg for inwards, should be of Naam. The niche of your mind will get contentment, and the True Lord will always be with you. Outward show of religiosity will only lead to karmic bondages. Guru Ji says, all other prattling is false. One should only contemplate upon the True Name.

“ਜੋਗੀ ਹੋਵਾ ਜਗਿ ਭਵਾ ਘਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਭੀਖਿਆ ਲੇਉ ॥

If I were to become a Yogi, and wander around the world, begging from door to door,

ਦਰਗਹ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਕਿਸੁ ਕਿਸੁ ਉਤਰੁ ਦੇਉ ॥

then, when I am summoned to the Court of the Lord, what answer could I give?

ਭਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਮੜੀ ਸਦਾ ਸਚੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥

The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is the charity I beg for; contentment is my temple. The True Lord is always with me.

ਭੇਖੀ ਹਾਥ ਨ ਲਧੀਆ ਸਭ ਬਧੀ ਜਮਕਾਲਿ ॥

Nothing is obtained by wearing religious robes; all will be seized by the Messenger of Death.

ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲਾ ਝੂਠੀਆ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਮਾਲਿ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, talk is false; contemplate the True Name. ||1||”

The 2nd Slok tells the Sikh, he should not serve anyone where you still have to give lekha. One should serve a Satguru, who has no equal. In His Sanctuary, you can get salvation and you will have no accounts to render.

The Satgur gives you the True Shabad and implants Truth within you. As Sach settles in your heart, your mind and body are rendered Sach, Pure. One begins to live in His Hukam and as Gur Parsad is received, he Merges into the True Lord.

“ਜਿਤੁ ਦਰਿ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਸੋ ਦਰੁ ਸੇਵਿਹੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

Through that door, you will be called to account; do not serve at that door.

ਐਸਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਲੋੜਿ ਲਹੁ ਜਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

Seek and find such a True Guru, who has no equal in His greatness.

ਤਿਸੁ ਸਰਣਾਈ ਛੂਟੀਐ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

In His Sanctuary, one is released, and no one calls him to account.

ਸਚੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਏ ਸਚੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੁ ਸਚਾ ਓਹੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਦੇਇ ॥

Truth is implanted within Him, and He implants Truth within others. He bestows the blessing of the True Shabad.

ਹਿਰਦੈ ਜਿਸ ਦੈ ਸਚੁ ਹੈ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਭੀ ਸਚਾ ਹੋਇ ॥

One who has Truth within his heart – his body and mind are also true.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸਚੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਦੇਇ ॥

O Nanak, if one submits to the Hukam, the Command of the True Lord God, he is blessed with true glory and greatness.

ਸਚੇ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਵਸੀ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥੨॥

He is immersed and merged in the True Lord, who blesses him with His Glance of Grace. ||2||”

The 9th pauri cautions the Sikh that a true warrior does not harbor ego, nor does he suffer and die. Spiritually blind ones do not value their inner beings and rot away in the pursuit of maya. They grapple with anger and here and hereafter they suffer in pain. The Scriptures tell us the Lord does not like egotism. Those who die in their egos find no salvation. They die only to be born again in reincarnation.

“ਸੂਰੇ ਏਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ॥

They are not called heroes, who die of egotism, suffering in pain.

ਅੰਧੇ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਨੀ ਦੂਜੈ ਪਚਿ ਜਾਵਹਿ ॥

The blind ones do not realize their own selves; in the love of duality, they rot.

ਅਤਿ ਕਰੋਧ ਸਿਉ ਲੂਝਦੇ ਅਗੈ ਪਿਛੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ॥

They struggle with great anger; here and hereafter, they suffer in pain.

ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ਵੇਦ ਕੂਕਿ ਸੁਣਾਵਹਿ ॥

The Dear Lord is not pleased by egotism; the Vedas proclaim this clearly.

ਅਹੰਕਾਰਿ ਮੁਏ ਸੇ ਵਿਗਤੀ ਗਏ ਮਰਿ ਜਨਮਹਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਆਵਹਿ ॥੯॥

Those who die of egotism, shall not find salvation. They die, and are reborn in reincarnation. ||9||”

The 1st Slok tells the spiritual warrior that he cannot cleanse his being, nor cross over the world ocean by his own efforts.

The crow (symbol for evil) cannot become pure, nor can iron float across. As he lays belief in the Lord’s Love, he gets cleansed. As he starts to recognise His Hukam, he is rendered white (pure) and iron floats across when it is placed on wood. It is most excellent to remove greed, and to live in the fear of God.

“ਕਾਗਉ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਊਜਲਾ ਲੋਹੇ ਨਾਵ ਨ ਪਾਰੁ ॥

The crow does not become white, and an iron boat does not float across.

ਪਿਰਮ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਲੈ ਧੰਨੁ ਸਵਾਰਣਹਾਰੁ ॥

One who puts his faith in the treasure of his Beloved Lord is blessed; he exalts and embellishes others as well.

ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਊਜਲਾ ਸਿਰਿ ਕਾਸਟ ਲੋਹਾ ਪਾਰਿ ॥

One who realizes the Hukam of God’s Command – his face is radiant and bright; he floats across, like iron upon wood.

ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਛੋਡੈ ਭੈ ਵਸੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੧॥

Forsake thirst and desire, and abide in the Fear of God; O Nanak, these are the most excellent actions. ||1||”

The 2nd Slok tells the Sikh, it is pointless to run away to desert lands if you wish to subdue the mind. The mind can only be conquered by deep reflection upon the Shabad. The conquest of the mind is internal. The mind must conquer itself from within.

“ਮਾਰੂ ਮਾਰਣ ਜੋ ਗਏ ਮਾਰਿ ਨ ਸਕਹਿ ਗਵਾਰ ॥

The ignorant people who go to the desert to conquer their minds, are not able to conquer them.

ਨਾਨਕ ਜੇ ਇਹੁ ਮਾਰੀਐ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥

O Nanak, if this mind is to be conquered, one must contemplate the Word of the Guru’s Shabad.

ਏਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਨਾ ਮਰੈ ਜੇ ਲੋਚੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥

This mind is not conquered by conquering it, even though everyone longs to do so.

ਨਾਨਕ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਕਉ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਰਸੀ ਜੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟੈ ਸੋਇ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, the mind itself conquers the mind, if one meets with the True Guru. ||2||”

In pauri no. 10, Guru Ji says God created both Spirit and matter (maya). One can never reach the Lord through matter – shakti/maya. Only by sewa of the Satguru can you get peace as you continuously recite His Name. The humble slaves of the Lord are the most exalted ones. Without Naam, nothing can be rendered Permanent and one should adore Naam.

“ਦੋਵੈ ਤਰਫਾ ਉਪਾਈਓਨੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਕਤਿ ਸਿਵ ਵਾਸਾ ॥

He created both sides; Shiva dwells within Shakti (the soul dwells within the material universe).

ਸਕਤੀ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਫਿਰਿ ਜਨਮਿ ਬਿਨਾਸਾ ॥

Through the material universe of Shakti, no one has ever found the Lord; they continue to be born and die in reincarnation.

ਗੁਰਿ ਸੇਵਿਐ ਸਾਤਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਜਪਿ ਸਾਸ ਗਿਰਾਸਾ ॥

Serving the Guru, peace is found, meditating on the Lord with every breath and morsel of food.

ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸਾਸਤ ਸੋਧਿ ਦੇਖੁ ਊਤਮ ਹਰਿ ਦਾਸਾ ॥

Searching and looking through the Simritees and the Shaastras, I have found that the most sublime person is the slave of the Lord.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨਾ ਕੋ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਮੇ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਸਾ ॥੧੦॥

O Nanak, without the Naam, nothing is permanent and stable; I am a sacrifice to the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||10||”

Pauri no. 10 uses the Signature “Nanak” to indicate that it concludes one section of the Vaar. This first section stressed the need to arm oneself with Gunn/Naam internally.

The 1st Slok before pauri 11 says scholarship and learning, astrology are no substitutes for Sach. One may even be admired throughout the world for his knowledge, but it amounts to nothing. What is vital is that he does not forget the One Name and does not allow his inner being to be polluted. All external cooking squares marked to ward off impurities are false. Only He Alone is True and Imperishable.

 

“ਹੋਵਾ ਪੰਡਿਤੁ ਜੋਤਕੀ ਵੇਦ ਪੜਾ ਮੁਖਿ ਚਾਰਿ ॥

I might become a Pandit, a religious scholar, or an astrologer, and recite the four Vedas with my mouth;

ਨਵ ਖੰਡ ਮਧੇ ਪੂਜੀਆ ਅਪਣੈ ਚਜਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥

I might be worshipped throughout the nine regions of the earth for my wisdom and thought;

ਮਤੁ ਸਚਾ ਅਖਰੁ ਭੁਲਿ ਜਾਇ ਚਉਕੈ ਭਿਟੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

let me not forget the Word of Truth, that no one can touch my sacred cooking square.

ਝੂਠੇ ਚਉਕੇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚਾ ਏਕੋ ਸੋਇ ॥੧॥

Such cooking squares are false, O Nanak; only the One Lord is True. ||1||”

 

The 2nd Slok tells the warrior he must rid himself of all thoughts that he is capable of doing anything. The Lord is the Real Doer and one should realise that He alone creates, grants His Glance of Grace, and the True One exalts you as it Pleases Him.

 

“ਆਪਿ ਉਪਾਏ ਕਰੇ ਆਪਿ ਆਪੇ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥

He Himself creates and He Himself acts; He bestows His Glance of Grace.

ਆਪੇ ਦੇ ਵਡਿਆਈਆ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥੨॥

He Himself grants glorious greatness; says Nanak, He is the True Lord. ||2||”

 

Pauri no. 11 reminds the Sikh that the real fight is within the mind. Death is very painful. It struts around the whole world and is unstoppable. It haunts the sinners.

If one recites His Name, one Merges into the Imperishable Lord through the Guru’s Shabad. One who fights with his mind in the Sanctuary of the Lord gets salvation. As one recites the Name, and reflects upon the Name, he gets exalted in the Lord’s Court.

 

“ਕੰਟਕੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਨ ਸੂਝੈ ॥

Only death is painful; I cannot conceive of anything else as painful.

ਅਫਰਿਓ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਪਾਪੀ ਸਿਉ ਲੂਝੈ ॥

It is unstoppable; it stalks and pervades the world, and fights with the sinners.

ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਹਰਿ ਭੇਦੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਬੂਝੈ ॥

Through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, one is immersed in the Lord. Meditating on the Lord, one comes to realize the Lord.

ਸੋ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣਾਈ ਛੁਟੀਐ ਜੋ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਜੂਝੈ ॥

He alone is emancipated in the Sanctuary of the Lord, who struggles with his own mind.

ਮਨਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਪੁ ਕਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਸੀਝੈ ॥੧੧॥

One who contemplates and meditates on the Lord in his mind, succeeds in the Court of the Lord. ||11||”

 

The 1st Slok to pauri 12 says you must live in His Will if you seek salvation. You must not let worldly attractions deviate you from your Path. He is a True Saint who watches over his heart and keeps it pure. The Lord is aware of the actual amount of Love you have for Him.

 

“ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਸਾਖਤੀ ਦਰਗਹ ਸਚੁ ਕਬੂਲੁ ॥

Submit to the Will of the Lord Commander; in His Court, only Truth is accepted.

ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗਸੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੇਖਿ ਨ ਭੂਲੁ ॥

Your Lord and Master shall call you to account; do not go astray on beholding the world.

ਦਿਲ ਦਰਵਾਨੀ ਜੋ ਕਰੇ ਦਰਵੇਸੀ ਦਿਲੁ ਰਾਸਿ ॥

One who keeps watch over his heart, and keeps his heart pure, is a dervish, a saintly devotee.

ਇਸਕ ਮੁਹਬਤਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਲੇਖਾ ਕਰਤੇ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੧॥

Love and affection, O Nanak, are in the accounts placed before the Creator. ||1||”

 

In Slok 2, Guru Ji uses the imagery of a detached bumble bee (human). He sees the Lord in all. The Diamond of the Lord’s Name pierces the diamond of his mind, and he spontaneously recites the Name.

 

“ਅਲਗਉ ਜੋਇ ਮਧੂਕੜਉ ਸਾਰੰਗਪਾਣਿ ਸਬਾਇ ॥

One who is unattached like the bumble bee, sees the Lord of the world everywhere.

ਹੀਰੈ ਹੀਰਾ ਬੇਧਿਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੰਠਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥੨॥

The diamond of his mind is pierced through with the Diamond of the Lord’s Name; O Nanak, his neck is embellished with it. ||2||”

 

Pauri 12 tells us about the manmukh. The manmukhs are stalked by death as they attach themselves to maya. Love of maya deceives them and they are quickly thrown to the ground and killed.

Their chance to Unite does not arise again and they suffer punishments from the jamms. Those who remain alert and attach themselves to Naam, death does not strike them any blows. Lord, the world belongs to You. Only those attached to You, get salvation.

 

“ਮਨਮੁਖ ਕਾਲੁ ਵਿਆਪਦਾ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਲਾਗੇ ॥

The self-willed manmukhs are afflicted by death; they cling to Maya in emotional attachment.

ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਮਾਰਿ ਪਛਾੜਸੀ ਭਾਇ ਦੂਜੈ ਠਾਗੇ ॥

In an instant, they are thrown to the ground and killed; in the love of duality, they are deluded.

ਫਿਰਿ ਵੇਲਾ ਹਥਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਜਮ ਕਾ ਡੰਡੁ ਲਾਗੇ ॥

This opportunity shall not come into their hands again; they are beaten by the Messenger of Death with his stick.

ਤਿਨ ਜਮ ਡੰਡੁ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਲਿਵ ਜਾਗੇ ॥

But Death’s stick does not even strike those who remain awake and aware in the Love of the Lord.

ਸਭ ਤੇਰੀ ਤੁਧੁ ਛਡਾਵਣੀ ਸਭ ਤੁਧੈ ਲਾਗੇ ॥੧੨॥

All are Yours, and cling to You; only You can save them. ||12||”

 

The 1st Slok says maya only brings pain. You should see the Imperishable Lord everywhere. You cannot go across the world ocean loaded with ashes, such a load brings no profits.

 

“ਸਰਬੇ ਜੋਇ ਅਗਛਮੀ ਦੂਖੁ ਘਨੇਰੋ ਆਥਿ ॥

See the imperishable Lord everywhere; attachment to wealth brings only great pain.

ਕਾਲਰੁ ਲਾਦਸਿ ਸਰੁ ਲਾਘਣਉ ਲਾਭੁ ਨ ਪੂੰਜੀ ਸਾਥਿ ॥੧॥

Loaded with dust, you have to cross over the world-ocean; you are not carrying the profit and capital of the Name with you. ||1||”

 

Slok 2 says if you have His Name as your capital, that is Truly an Inexhaustible Wealth. Such Riches are Pure and blessed is one who deals with it.

 

“ਪੂੰਜੀ ਸਾਚਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੂ ਅਖੁਟਉ ਦਰਬੁ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥

My capital is Your True Name, O Lord; this wealth is inexhaustible and infinite.

ਨਾਨਕ ਵਖਰੁ ਨਿਰਮਲਉ ਧੰਨੁ ਸਾਹੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, this merchandise is immaculate; blessed is the banker who trades in it. ||2||”

 

The 3rd Slok tells the warrior Sikh, always regard the Lord as Great and bask in His Love. Naam strikes down death even as it hovers around you, and Naam Unites you with the Lord.

 

“ਪੂਰਬ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਪਿਰਾਣਿ ਲੈ ਮੋਟਉ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਮਾਣਿ ॥

Know and enjoy the primal, eternal Love of the Great Lord and Master.

ਮਾਥੈ ਊਭੈ ਜਮੁ ਮਾਰਸੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੇਲਣੁ ਨਾਮਿ ॥੩॥

Blessed with the Naam, O Nanak, you shall strike down the Messenger of Death, and push his face to the ground. ||3||”

 

Pauri 13 tells us of God’s Wondrous Play where the gurmukhs flourish, while others go astray and do fruitless actions.

 

“ਆਪੇ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਸਵਾਰਿਓਨੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥

He Himself has embellished the body, and placed the nine treasures of the Naam within it.

ਇਕਿ ਆਪੇ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇਅਨੁ ਤਿਨ ਨਿਹਫਲ ਕਾਮੁ ॥

He confuses some in doubt; fruitless are their actions.

ਇਕਨੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੁਝਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ॥

Some, as Gurmukh, realize their Lord, the Supreme Soul.

ਇਕਨੀ ਸੁਣਿ ਕੈ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਊਤਮ ਕਾਮੁ ॥

Some listen to the Lord, and obey Him; sublime and exalted are their actions.

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਗਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੧੩॥

Love for the Lord wells up deep within, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord’s Name. ||13||”

 

The 1st Slok to pauri 14 says one must have a child like innocence and that will lead you straight towards God. Shrewdness and envy gets you accursed in the three worlds.


“ਭੋਲਤਣਿ ਭੈ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਹੇਕੈ ਪਾਧਰ ਹੀਡੁ ॥
The Fear of God abides in the mind of the innocent; this is the straight path to the One Lord.

ਅਤਿ ਡਾਹਪਣਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਘਣੋ ਤੀਨੇ ਥਾਵ ਭਰੀਡੁ ॥੧॥

Jealousy and envy bring terrible pain, and one is cursed throughout the three worlds. ||1||”

 

The 2nd Slok tells us of those who drum loudly about themselves and their learning. Guru Ji says only Naam is worth acquiring, nothing else.

“ਮਾਂਦਲੁ ਬੇਦਿ ਸਿ ਬਾਜਣੋ ਘਣੋ ਧੜੀਐ ਜੋਇ ॥The drum of the Vedas vibrates, bringing dispute and divisiveness.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਮਾਲਿ ਤੂ ਬੀਜਉ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, contemplate the Naam, the Name of the Lord; there is none except Him. ||2||”

 

The 3rd Slok says the world ocean is deep, of immeasurable depth. Only if you Unite with the Carefree Satguru (Shabad), can you cross over. The world ocean is full to the brim with pain and misery. Only True Naam can appease all hunger for worldliness.


“ਸਾਗਰੁ ਗੁਣੀ ਅਥਾਹੁ ਕਿਨਿ ਹਾਥਾਲਾ ਦੇਖੀਐ ॥
The world-ocean of the three qualities is unfathomably deep; how can its bottom be seen?

ਵਡਾ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਤ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਵਾ ॥

If I meet with the great, self-sufficient True Guru, then I am carried across.

ਮਝ ਭਰਿ ਦੁਖ ਬਦੁਖ ॥

This ocean is filled up with pain and suffering.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਲਥੀ ਭੁਖ ॥੩॥

O Nanak, without the True Name, no one’s hunger is appeased. ||3||”

Pauri 14 tells us the fortunate ones who looked for Him within themselves with the Guru’s Shabad. By meditating upon Naam, they obtain all they desire. As they are blessed further, they Merge with the Guru (Shabad) and sing His Praises. Dharam Raj does not punish them. Instead he becomes their friend and they are saved from the Path of ruin. Those who meditate upon the Naam day and night Merge into Naam.

“ਜਿਨੀ ਅੰਦਰੁ ਭਾਲਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਹਾਵੈ ॥

Those who search their inner beings, through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, are exalted and adorned.

ਜੋ ਇਛਨਿ ਸੋ ਪਾਇਦੇ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥

They obtain what they wish for, meditating on the Lord’s Name.

ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੋ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ॥

One who is blessed by God’s Grace, meets with the Guru; he sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord.

ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਤਿਨ ਕਾ ਮਿਤੁ ਹੈ ਜਮ ਮਗਿ ਨ ਪਾਵੈ ॥

The Righteous Judge of Dharma is his friend; he does not have to walk on the Path of Death.

ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵਹਿ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥੧੪॥

He meditates on the Lord’s Name, day and night; he is absorbed and immersed in the Lord’s Name. ||14||”

 

In any battle there will be a victor and a loser. Some will die, some live and celebrate their victory. In the 1st Slok to pauri 15, Guru Ji tells the Sikh that God’s Hukam cannot be erased. It has to be followed and will follow the mortal. The warrior should listen to and recite the Name of the One who Pervades the skies, the earth and the nether regions. Guru Ji prods the Sikh to examine some questions in his mind. In the spiritual battle towards victory and Union with God:

  1. Who dies?

  2. Who kills?

  3. Who comes?

  4. Who goes?

  5. Who rejoices (in victory)?

  6. Whose consciousness gets absorbed in the Lord?

“ਸੁਣੀਐ ਏਕੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ਸੁਰਗਿ ਮਿਰਤਿ ਪਇਆਲਿ ॥

Listen to and speak the Name of the One Lord, who permeates the heavens, this world and the nether regions of the underworld.

ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਮੇਟਿਆ ਜੋ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਸੋ ਨਾਲਿ ॥

The Hukam of His Command cannot be erased; whatever He has written, shall go with the mortal.

ਕਉਣੁ ਮੂਆ ਕਉਣੁ ਮਾਰਸੀ ਕਉਣੁ ਆਵੈ ਕਉਣੁ ਜਾਇ ॥

Who has died, and who kills? Who comes and who goes?

ਕਉਣੁ ਰਹਸੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਕਿਸ ਕੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੧॥

Who is enraptured, O Nanak, and whose consciousness merges in the Lord? ||1||”

 

These profound questions are answered by Guru Ji in the 2nd Slok:

 

  1. Egotism dies.

  2. Possessiveness – attachment to others and material things is killed.

  3. and 4. – The wind-like mind which used to flow ceaselessly, coming and going hither and thither, now flows into the Ocean of God.

  4. Desires are exhausted (killed) as the mind gets drenched in Naam.

  5. As the inner ears of the consciousness hear the Celestial sounds, the inner eyes get transfixed by viewing the Lord (His Jote).

An inner Priceless  fragrance engulfs him.

“ਹਉ ਮੁਆ ਮੈ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਪਉਣੁ ਵਹੈ ਦਰੀਆਉ ॥

In egotism, he dies; possessiveness kills him, and the breath flows out like a river.

ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਥਕੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਾ ਮਨੁ ਰਤਾ ਨਾਇ ॥

Desire is exhausted, O Nanak, only when the mind is imbued with the Name.

ਲੋਇਣ ਰਤੇ ਲੋਇਣੀ ਕੰਨੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥

His eyes are imbued with the eyes of the Lord, and his ears ring with celestial consciousness.

ਜੀਭ ਰਸਾਇਣਿ ਚੂਨੜੀ ਰਤੀ ਲਾਲ ਲਵਾਇ ॥

His tongue drinks in the sweet nectar, dyed crimson by chanting the Name of the Beloved Lord.

ਅੰਦਰੁ ਮੁਸਕਿ ਝਕੋਲਿਆ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੨॥

His inner being is drenched with the Lord’s fragrance; his worth cannot be described. ||2||”

 

Pauri 16 tells the warrior in all these fights, nothing of maya will remain with him. Only Naam will go with him. Naam is Inexhaustible, no matter how much one may consume or spend it. Naam ensures no enemies of jamms come near the humble servant of the Lord. These servants leave, enriched as True Bankers and Traders, with Naam as their True Everlasting Wealth. All this happens with His Grace which He Himself visits upon them.

“ਇਸੁ ਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਮੋ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਲੈ ॥

In this age, the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is the treasure. Only the Naam goes along in the end.

ਏਹੁ ਅਖੁਟੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਨਿਖੁਟਈ ਖਾਇ ਖਰਚਿਉ ਪਲੈ ॥

It is inexhaustible; it is never empty, no matter how much one may eat, consume or spend.

ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਨੇੜਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਜਮਕੰਕਰ ਜਮਕਲੈ ॥

The Messenger of Death does not even approach the humble servant of the Lord.

ਸੇ ਸਾਹ ਸਚੇ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਜਿਨ ਹਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਪਲੈ ॥

They alone are the true bankers and traders, who have the wealth of the Lord in their laps.

ਹਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਜਾ ਆਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਘਲੈ ॥੧੫॥

By the Lord’s Mercy, one finds the Lord, only when the Lord Himself sends for him. ||15||”

 

In the 1st Slok before pauri no. 16, Guru Ji warns that egoistic warriors, the manmukhs, do not trade or gather Gunn. Instead, they gather the poison of maya. They engage in all kinds of worldly battles and conflicts. They die polluted and impure. Some manmukhs have lots of learning and claim to be pandits/ scholars, but in truth, they are foolish and ignorant. They engage in arguments, thrive by fuelling strife and live by telling lies. Only Naam is Pure in this world, all else is polluted and false. Those who do not cherish Naam are filthy and die in ignorance.

“ਮਨਮੁਖ ਵਾਪਾਰੈ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ਬਿਖੁ ਵਿਹਾਝਹਿ ਬਿਖੁ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਹਹਿ ਬਿਖ ਸਿਉ ਧਰਹਿ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥

The self-willed manmukh does not appreciate the excellence of trading in Truth. He deals in poison, collects poison, and is in love with poison.

ਬਾਹਰਹੁ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਸਦਾਇਦੇ ਮਨਹੁ ਮੂਰਖ ਗਾਵਾਰ ॥

Outwardly, they call themselves Pandits, religious scholars, but in their minds they are foolish and ignorant.

ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਚਿਤੁ ਨ ਲਾਇਨੀ ਵਾਦੀ ਧਰਨਿ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥

They do not focus their consciousness on the Lord; they love to engage in arguments.

ਵਾਦਾ ਕੀਆ ਕਰਨਿ ਕਹਾਣੀਆ ਕੂੜੁ ਬੋਲਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਆਹਾਰੁ ॥

They speak to cause arguments, and earn their living by telling lies.

ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਿਰਮਲਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਮੈਲਾ ਸਭੁ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥

In this world, only the Lord’s Name is immaculate and pure. All other objects of creation are polluted.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਨੀ ਹੋਇ ਮੈਲੇ ਮਰਹਿ ਗਵਾਰ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, those who do not remember the Naam, the Name of the Lord, are polluted; they die in ignorance. ||1||”

 

In the 2nd Slok Guru Ji tells the Sikh that he should serve the True Lord. As one accepts His Hukam, suffering departs. He Himself bestows happiness and bestows pain too. Everything happens in His Will and His Will cannot be questioned.

“ਦੁਖੁ ਲਗਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਸੇਵਿਐ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਮੰਨੇ ਦੁਖੁ ਜਾਇ ॥

Without serving the Lord, he suffers in pain; accepting the Hukam of God’s Command, pain is gone.

ਆਪੇ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੁਖੈ ਦਾ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਇ ਸਜਾਇ ॥

He Himself is the Giver of peace; He Himself awards punishment.

ਨਾਨਕ ਏਵੈ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਰਜਾਇ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, know this well; all that happens is according to His Will. ||2||”

 

The pauri reminds the Sikh that true poverty is when one does not have the Wealth of Naam. Love for maya leads to further haumai and he suffers pain. No matter how much you yearn, you achieve nothing without His Grace. Such a one goes into the cycle of coming and going and finds release only through the Shabad. There is no other. He alone Does and there is no one else you can complain to.

“ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨਾ ਜਗਤੁ ਹੈ ਨਿਰਧਨੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ॥

Without the Lord’s Name, the world is poor. Without the Name, no one is satisfied.

ਦੂਜੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ਹਉਮੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਹੀ ॥

He is deluded by duality and doubt. In egotism, he suffers in pain.

ਬਿਨੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕਿਛੂ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਜੇ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਲੋਚਾਹੀ ॥

Without good karma, he does not obtain anything, no matter how much he may wish for it.

ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ਜੰਮੈ ਮਰੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਛੁਟਾਹੀ ॥

Coming and going in reincarnation, and birth and death are ended, through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad.

ਆਪਿ ਕਰੈ ਕਿਸੁ ਆਖੀਐ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋ ਨਾਹੀ ॥੧੬॥

He Himself acts, so unto whom should we complain? There is no other at all. ||16|”

The 1st Slok says Naam dhan is earned by the Saintly ones who meet the Lord through the Satguru (Shabad). The Wealth of Naam is Priceless. It removes all greed and peace comes to dwell in the mind. Those who have toiled hard earlier,  their preordained destiny now manifests. The manmukhs are poor and cry out for maya, wandering about day and night, yet their greed is never satisfied. They find no peace and are always restless. Without the Satguru, their minds are polluted. Only if they meet the Satguru (Shabad), will they practice the Guru’s Teachings, dwell in peace and Merge into the True One.

“ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਸੰਤੀ ਧਨੁ ਖਟਿਆ ਜਿਨਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਇ ॥

In this world, the Saints earn wealth; they come to meet God through the True Guru.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ਇਸੁ ਧਨ ਕੀ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥

The True Guru implants the Truth within; the value of this wealth cannot be described.

ਇਤੁ ਧਨਿ ਪਾਇਐ ਭੁਖ ਲਥੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥

Obtaining this wealth, hunger is relieved, and peace comes to dwell in the mind.

ਜਿੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਕਉ ਧੁਰਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਤਿਨੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਆਇ ॥

Only those who have such preordained destiny, come to receive this.

ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਜਗਤੁ ਨਿਰਧਨੁ ਹੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਨੋ ਬਿਲਲਾਇ ॥

The world of the self-willed manmukh is poor, crying out for Maya.

ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਫਿਰਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਰਹੈ ਭੁਖ ਨ ਕਦੇ ਜਾਇ ॥

Night and day, it wanders continually, and its hunger is never relieved.

ਸਾਂਤਿ ਨ ਕਦੇ ਆਵਈ ਨਹ ਸੁਖੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥

It never finds calm tranquility, and peace never comes to dwell in its mind.

ਸਦਾ ਚਿੰਤ ਚਿਤਵਦਾ ਰਹੈ ਸਹਸਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥

It is always plagued by anxiety, and its cynicism never departs.

ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਤਿ ਭਵੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਨੋ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਇ ॥

O Nanak, without the True Guru, the intellect is perverted; if one meets the True Guru, then one practices the Word of the Shabad.

ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖ ਮਹਿ ਰਹੈ ਸਚੇ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੧॥

Forever and ever, he dwells in peace, and merges in the True Lord. ||1||”

 

In the 2nd Slok the warrior is told not to worry about sustenance. He who created the world, also provides for it. Meditate upon the One Lord. Eat the Sublime food of Shabad Goodness and become satisfied forever. Clothe yourself with His Praises, which bring Eternal Radiance and cannot be polluted. Decorate the body with Gunn from the Shabad and get Eternal Peace. The gurmukh gets realisation as the Lord reveals Himself.

“ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਈ ਮੇਦਨੀ ਸੋਈ ਸਾਰ ਕਰੇਇ ॥

The One who created the world, takes care of it.

 ਏਕੋ ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਭਾਇਰਹੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

Meditate in remembrance on the One Lord, O Siblings of Destiny; there is none other than Him.

ਖਾਣਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਸਦਾ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥

So eat the food of the Shabad and goodness; eating it, you shall remain satisfied forever.

 ਪੈਨਣੁ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਨਾਇ ਹੈ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਓਹੁ ਊਜਲਾ ਮੈਲਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

Dress yourself in the Praise of the Lord. Forever and ever, it is radiant and bright; it is never polluted.

 ਸਹਜੇ ਸਚੁ ਧਨੁ ਖਟਿਆ ਥੋੜਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

I have intuitively earned the true wealth, which never decreases.

 ਦੇਹੀ ਨੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੀਗਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

The body is adorned with the Shabad, and is at peace forever and ever.

 ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਪਿ ਵਿਖਾਲੇ ਸੋਇ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, the Gurmukh realizes the Lord, who reveals Himself. ||2||”

 

In pauri no. 17, the Sikh is told that inner spiritual efforts come through the Shabad. As one goes deep within, his ego and ignorance are eliminated. Amrit Naam is full to the brim within you and only one who tastes it will appreciate its sweetness. This Sublime Essence makes the warrior fearless. This Amrit is given in His Grace and one is never again afflicted by death/perishability.

 

“ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜਪੁ ਤਪੁ ਸੰਜਮੋ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਜਾਪੈ ॥

Deep within the self are meditation and austere self-discipline, when one realizes the Word of the Guru’s Shabad.

 ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਹਉਮੈ ਅਗਿਆਨੁ ਗਵਾਪੈ ॥

Meditating on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, egotism and ignorance are eliminated.

 ਅੰਦਰੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਭਰਪੂਰੁ ਹੈ ਚਾਖਿਆ ਸਾਦੁ ਜਾਪੈ ॥

One’s inner being is overflowing with Ambrosial Nectar; tasting it, the flavor is known.

 ਜਿਨ ਚਾਖਿਆ ਸੇ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਭਏ ਸੇ ਹਰਿ ਰਸਿ ਧ੍ਰਾਪੈ ॥

Those who taste it become fearless; they are satisfied with the sublime essence of the Lord.

ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਪੀਆਇਆ ਫਿਰਿ ਕਾਲੁ ਨ ਵਿਆਪੈ ॥੧੭॥

Those who drink it in, by the Grace of the Lord, are never again afflicted by death. ||17||”

In the 1st Slok to pauri 18, Guru Ji says instead of arming themselves with Gunn, mortals tie up great loads of avgunn (sins). It is a rare customer who appreciates Gunn/ Godly Attributes. These are received only with Gur Parsad, when the Lord gives His Glance of Grace.

 “ਲੋਕੁ ਅਵਗਣਾ ਕੀ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਗੰਠੜੀ ਗੁਣ ਨ ਵਿਹਾਝੈ ਕੋਇ ॥People tie up bundles of demerits; no one deals in virtue. 

ਗੁਣ ਕਾ ਗਾਹਕੁ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਇ ॥

Rare is that person, O Nanak, who purchases virtue. 

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਗੁਣ ਪਾਈਅਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥੧॥

By Guru’s Grace, one is blessed with virtue, when the Lord bestows His Glance of Grace. ||1||”

 

In the 2nd Slok, the true warrior rises above his petty self and realises that paap and punn, Gunn and avgunn are really the same since they are driven by the One Lord Himself. As you accept His Hukam through the Guru’s Shabad,  peace reigns within.

 

“ਗੁਣ ਅਵਗੁਣ ਸਮਾਨਿ ਹਹਿ ਜਿ ਆਪਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਕਰਤਾਰਿ ॥

Merits and demerits are the same; they are both created by the Creator.

 ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, one who obeys the Hukam of the Lord’s Command, finds peace, contemplating the Word of the Guru’s Shabad. ||2||”

 

Pauri 18 tells us that the Lord King dwells within us and He dispenses Perfect Justice. You will realise His Palace within through the Shabad. There you will find that He tests all. The genuine ones are placed in His Treasury while the false, counterfeit ones find no place at all. He always Operates in the Truth and His Justice is forever Perfect. One experiences the joy of Amrit within when Naam dwells in your mind.

 

“ਅੰਦਰਿ ਰਾਜਾ ਤਖਤੁ ਹੈ ਆਪੇ ਕਰੇ ਨਿਆਉ ॥

The King sits on the throne within the self; He Himself administers justice.

ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਦਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਮਹਲੁ ਅਸਰਾਉ ॥

Through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, the Lord’s Court is known; within the self is the Sanctuary, the Mansion of the Lord’s Presence.

ਖਰੇ ਪਰਖਿ ਖਜਾਨੈ ਪਾਈਅਨਿ ਖੋਟਿਆ ਨਾਹੀ ਥਾਉ ॥

The coins are assayed, and the genuine coins are placed in His treasury, while the counterfeit ones find no place.

ਸਭੁ ਸਚੋ ਸਚੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਿਆਉ ॥

The Truest of the True is all-pervading; His justice is forever True.

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਕਾ ਰਸੁ ਆਇਆ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਨਾਉ ॥੧੮॥

One comes to enjoy the Ambrosial essence, when the Name is enshrined in the mind. ||18||”

 

In the 1st Slok, in a strong message to the Sikh warrior, Guru Ji says if he acts in ego, the Lord will not appear. When He Appears, all ego departs. This Astounding Fact should be understood within one’s mind. Although the Invisible Lord dwells in all, His Essence cannot be found without the Guru (Shabad). As the Shabad dwells in the mind, realisation sets in as one Unites with the Shabad Guru. Self conceit is dispelled, fear and doubt are removed and the pains of births and deaths are gone. It is only through the Guru’s Matt, (Wisdom) that one’s intellect gets elevated and he is ferried across. The Guru says one should recite “He is me, He is me,” indicating that your ego no longer exists, and He has absorbed you completely into Himself.

 

“ਹਉ ਮੈ ਕਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਤੂ ਨਾਹੀ ਤੂ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਹਉ ਨਾਹਿ ॥

When one acts in egotism, then You are not there, Lord. Wherever You are, there is no ego. 

ਬੂਝਹੁ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬੂਝਣਾ ਏਹ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

O spiritual teachers, understand this: the Unspoken Speech is in the mind. 

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਤਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਲਖੁ ਵਸੈ ਸਭ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

Without the Guru, the essence of reality is not found; the Invisible Lord dwells everywhere. 

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਤ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

One meets the True Guru, and then the Lord is known, when the Word of the Shabad comes to dwell in the mind. 

ਆਪੁ ਗਇਆ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਭਉ ਗਇਆ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਦੁਖ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

When self-conceit departs, doubt and fear also depart, and the pain of birth and death is removed. 

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਅਲਖੁ ਲਖਾਈਐ ਊਤਮ ਮਤਿ ਤਰਾਹਿ ॥

Following the Guru’s Teachings, the Unseen Lord is seen; the intellect is exalted, and one is carried across. 

ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋਹੰ ਹੰਸਾ ਜਪੁ ਜਾਪਹੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਤਿਸੈ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, chant the chant of ‘Sohang hansaa’ – ‘He is me, and I am Him.’ The three worlds are absorbed in Him. ||1||”

The 2nd Slok says, rare are the persons in this Dark Age, who test the excellence of their minds with the Guru’s Shabad. As they do so, their ego and love for maya departs, and He Unites with your inner self. Those who are blessed with the color of Naam cross the world ocean.

 

“ਮਨੁ ਮਾਣਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਪਰਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥

Some assay their mind-jewel, and contemplate the Word of the Guru’s Shabad. 

ਸੇ ਜਨ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਜਾਣੀਅਹਿ ਕਲਜੁਗ ਵਿਚਿ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥

Only a few of those humble beings are known in this world, in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. 

ਆਪੈ ਨੋ ਆਪੁ ਮਿਲਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਹਉਮੈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰਿ ॥

One’s self remains blended with the Lord’s Self, when egotism and duality are conquered. 

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਦੁਤਰੁ ਤਰੇ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਬਿਖਮੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, those who are imbued with the Naam cross over the difficult, treacherous and terrifying world-ocean. ||2||”

 

Pauri 19 tells us about manmukhs. They do not search for God within themselves, and their burning desires for externals scorch them. They do not contemplate upon the wisdom of Scriptures, and go astray. Only the Guru can bless with Imperishable Naam. As one recites His Name and dwells on His Essence, one is saved.

“ਮਨਮੁਖ ਅੰਦਰੁ ਨ ਭਾਲਨੀ ਮੁਠੇ ਅਹੰਮਤੇ ॥

The self-willed manmukhs do not search within their own selves; they are deluded by their egotistical pride. 

ਚਾਰੇ ਕੁੰਡਾਂ ਭਵਿ ਥਕੇ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਤਿਖ ਤਤੇ ॥

Wandering in the four directions, they grow weary, tormented by burning desire within. 

ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸਾਸਤ ਨ ਸੋਧਨੀ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਵਿਗੁਤੇ ॥

They do not study the Simritees and the Shaastras; the manmukhs waste away and are lost. 

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਸਤੇ ॥

Without the Guru, no one finds the Naam, the Name of the True Lord. 

ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਗਤੇ ॥੧੯॥

One who contemplates the essence of spiritual wisdom and meditates on the Lord is saved. ||19||”

In the 1st Slok Guru Ji says one should supplicate/do ardas in utter humility by standing in His Presence. He Himself knows all, He Himself acts and His Actions are always Right. 

“ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਰੇ ਆਪਿ ਆਪੇ ਆਣੈ ਰਾਸਿ ॥

He Himself knows, He Himself acts, and He Himself does it right. 

ਤਿਸੈ ਅਗੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਖਲਿਇ ਕੀਚੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥੧॥

So stand before Him, O Nanak, and offer your prayers. ||1||”

 

The 2nd Slok says as you rise spiritually, you will realise that He who created all, knows all their needs. What can one express to Him who operates within your own heart? 

“ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਇ ॥

He who created the creation, watches over it; He Himself knows. 

ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਹੀਐ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਾ ਘਰਿ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥

Unto whom should I speak, O Nanak, when everything is contained within the home of the heart? ||2||”

 

In pauri 20 Guru Ji Advises the Sikh. Forsake all other means, make Him Alone your friend.

As your sins are burnt, you will feel enraptured in mind and body. Your coming and going will cease and you will not undergo any rebirth. As Naam becomes your only Support, sorrow and burning will no longer torment you.  Let the True Naam be the Wealth you acquire within your mind. 

 

“ਸਭੇ ਥੋਕ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਇਕੋ ਮਿਤੁ ਕਰਿ ॥

Forget everything, and be friends with the One Lord alone. 

ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਾਲੁ ਪਾਪਾ ਦਹੈ ਹਰਿ ॥

Your mind and body shall be enraptured, and the Lord shall burn away your sins. 

ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣਾ ਚੁਕੈ ਜਨਮਿ ਨ ਜਾਹਿ ਮਰਿ ॥

Your comings and goings in reincarnation shall cease; you shall not be reborn and die again. 

ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਆਧਾਰੁ ਸੋਗਿ ਨ ਮੋਹਿ ਜਰਿ ॥

The True Name shall be your Support, and you shall not burn in sorrow and attachment. 

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਸੰਜਿ ਧਰਿ ॥੨੦॥

O Nanak, gather in the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord, within your mind. ||20||”

 

The Signature “Nanak” is used here in Pauri 20. It appeared in pauri 10 to indicate the conclusion of the first part of the Vaar. The central focus there was to arm the warrior Sikh with Naam, and  battle inwards in the Sharan of a Satguru.

In the 2nd part of the Vaar from pauris 11-20, the emphasis is on acquiring True Wealth of Naam and to detach from all external attractions of transitory wealth of maya. The second part crystallises the Sikh warrior’s focus that his true enemy is his ego/haumai.

The Sloks before the 21st pauri caution man against the attractions of maya.

The 1st Slok says man’s nature is such that he cannot banish thoughts of maya from his mind. Instead, he asks for more maya with every breath. With such focus on maya, he does not think of the Lord and does not attract His Grace. 

“ਮਾਇਆ ਮਨਹੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਮਾਂਗੈ ਦੰਮਾ ਦੰਮ ॥

You do not forget Maya from your mind; you beg for it with each and every breath. 

ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਹੀ ਕਰੰਮ ॥੧॥

You do not even think of that God; O Nanak, it is not in your karma. ||1||”

The 2nd Slok tells man he is foolish and blind, since maya will not go with him hereafter. Meditate upon the Lord’s Feet (Gurbani) and break off all bondages of maya. 

“ਮਾਇਆ ਸਾਥਿ ਨ ਚਲਈ ਕਿਆ ਲਪਟਾਵਹਿ ਅੰਧ ॥

Maya and its wealth shall not go along with you, so why do you cling to it – are you blind? 

ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਧਿਆਇ ਤੂ ਤੂਟਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਬੰਧ ॥੨॥

Meditate on the Guru’s Feet, and the bonds of Maya shall be cut away from you. ||2||”

Pauri 21 tells us about God’s Will. In His Will He takes away all free will and ensures you follow His Hukam to the letter. This leads to Peace. In His Will, He leads you to Union with the Guru’s Shabad and in His Pleasure, you go deeply into reflection upon the True One. To be Blessed with His Will/His Love is the greatest Gift one can receive. Those who have it ordained for them, practice and live in the Truth. Guru Ji concludes by saying, I have taken the Sanctuary of the Lord, the Creator of the entire world.

 

“ਭਾਣੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਮਨਾਇਓਨੁ ਭਾਣੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

By the Pleasure of His Will, the Lord inspires us to obey the Hukam of His Command; by the Pleasure of His Will, we find peace. 

ਭਾਣੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਲਿਓਨੁ ਭਾਣੈ ਸਚੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ॥

By the Pleasure of His Will, He leads us to meet the True Guru; by the Pleasure of His Will, we meditate on the Truth. 

ਭਾਣੇ ਜੇਵਡ ਹੋਰ ਦਾਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਚੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਇਆ ॥

There is no other gift as great as the Pleasure of His Will; this Truth is spoken and proclaimed. 

ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਪੂਰਬਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥

Those who have such pre-ordained destiny, practice and live the Truth. 

ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਰਣਾਗਤੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥੨੧॥

Nanak has entered His Sanctuary; He created the world. ||21||”

 

In the 1st Slok to pauri 22, Guru Ji says those who have no spiritual wisdom and do not have even an iota of God’s Fear (of His Hukam), it is pointless to kill them any further. Such ones are  being killed by the Lord Himself.

“ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਭੈ ਕੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਬਿੰਦ ॥

Those who do not have spiritual wisdom within, do not have even an iota of the Fear of God. 

ਨਾਨਕ ਮੁਇਆ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਰਣਾ ਜਿ ਆਪਿ ਮਾਰੇ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, why kill those who are already dead? The Lord of the Universe Himself has killed them. ||1||”

 

The 2nd Slok says, instead of looking for auspicious charms and lucky dates/times, one should read the horoscope of the mind to get True Peace. He is truly of high caste if he meditates and reflects upon God. Such a person Praises the Lord, reads about Him and reflects upon the Guru’s Shabad. If one’s spirituality rises so high that even his generations get blessed, his advent into this world wins Approval. In the hereafter, no one inquires about your social status. Only your conduct according to the Shabad is Appreciated. Reading anything else besides the Shabad, is to read perishable material and leads to greater love for poisonous maya. Manmukhs find no inner peace and suffer as they go astray. In their Infinite love of their Guru, those who get drenched with Naam are saved.

 

“ਮਨ ਕੀ ਪਤ੍ਰੀ ਵਾਚਣੀ ਸੁਖੀ ਹੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥

To read the horoscope of the mind, is the most sublime joyful peace. 

ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਭਲਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

He alone is called a good Brahmin, who understands God in contemplative meditation. 

ਹਰਿ ਸਾਲਾਹੇ ਹਰਿ ਪੜੈ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥

He praises the Lord, and reads of the Lord, and contemplates the Word of the Guru’s Shabad. 

ਆਇਆ ਓਹੁ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਹੈ ਜਿ ਕੁਲ ਕਾ ਕਰੇ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥

Celebrated and approved is the coming into the world of such a person, who saves all his generations as well. 

ਅਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਪੁਛੀਐ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਸਾਰੁ ॥

Hereafter, no one is questioned about social status; excellent and sublime is the practice of the Word of the Shabad. 

ਹੋਰੁ ਕੂੜੁ ਪੜਣਾ ਕੂੜੁ ਕਮਾਵਣਾ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥

Other study is false, and other actions are false; such people are in love with poison. 

ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਜਨਮੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥

They do not find any peace within themselves; the self-willed manmukhs waste away their lives. 

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੇ ਉਬਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਹੇਤਿ ਅਪਾਰਿ ॥੨॥

O Nanak, those who are attuned to the Naam are saved; they have infinite love for the Guru. ||2||”

 

The final pauri 22 concludes with Praises of the Lord, His Hukam, His Play, His Will, His Oneness (Unicity), His Naam  and the gurmukhs. Guru Ji concludes the Vaar by declaring that the Lord is All Powerful and as He wishes, He makes us all dances to His Will.

“ਆਪੇ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖਦਾ ਆਪੇ ਸਭੁ ਸਚਾ ॥

He Himself creates the creation, and gazes upon it; He Himself is totally True. 

ਜੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਬੂਝੈ ਖਸਮ ਕਾ ਸੋਈ ਨਰੁ ਕਚਾ ॥

One who does not understand the Hukam, the Command of his Lord and Master, is false. 

ਜਿਤੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਤੁ ਲਾਇਦਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਚਾ ॥

By the Pleasure of His Will, the True Lord joins the Gurmukh to Himself. 

ਸਭਨਾ ਕਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਰਚਾ ॥

He is the One Lord and Master of all; through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, we are blended with Him. 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਹੀਐ ਸਭਿ ਤਿਸ ਦੇ ਜਚਾ ॥

The Gurmukhs praise Him forever; all are beggars of Him. 

ਜਿਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪਿ ਨਚਾਇਦਾ ਤਿਵ ਹੀ ਕੋ ਨਚਾ ॥੨੨॥੧॥ ਸੁਧੁ ॥

O Nanak, as He Himself makes us dance, we dance. ||22||1|| Sudh||”

Gurfateh

Manjeet Singh

January 15, 2023