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Journey of the Soul

The Essence of

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For my beloved children,

family and friends.

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jpujI swihb

Japji Sahib

Japji Sahib is ‘Dhur’ ki Bani. ‘Dhur’ is root or the origin. Japji Sahib, therefore, is the Bani that has originated from the Lord Himself. This was revealed to Guru Nanak on His penance in the river Beni, where He attained enlightenment at the age of

31 years.

Japji Shaib is a masterful composition that gives sufficient spiritual knowledge about God in a very concise manner – This Bani tells us about the broad Virtues/attributes of God,

how he created the universe (kIqw pswau eyko kvwa)u, what is God’s

purpose of giving human form on mother earth (iqsu ivic DrqI Qwip rKI Drm swl])and more importantly, He reveals how this

purpose (salvation) can be achieved by the mortals on this

earth (eyqu rwih piq pvVIAw cVIAY hoie iekIs). He also reveals the

milestones to be crossed or benchmarks (Dharm Khand, Gyan Khand, Sarm Khand, Karm Khand, Sach Khand) to be used to

evaluate our progress on the path to spiritual evolution.

In the process He also breaks some of the myths/beliefs prevalent during His times – that the Bull is holding the Earth patiently on its horns, that pilgrimage, penance, acts of

charity (qIrQu qpu dieAw dqu dwnu) are simple ways to earn the

Lord’s Grace. He reveals that it is the Lord’s Divine cosmic force that is holding the entire expanse in its place; that physical acts of purification at pilgrim centres or mechanical recitation of bani is of no avail in the Lord’s Court. More important is the requirement to spiritually cleanse the mind of its impurities (Kaam, krodh, lobh, moh & ahankaar) by

listening to, accepting (suixAw mMinAw min kIqw Bwau), and living by

the teachings of the Guru (hukim rjweI clxw nwnk iliKAw nwil; eyqu rwih piq pvVIAw cVIAY hoie iekIs).

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He explains the working of the law of Karma (krmI krmI hoie vIcwru.; Awpy bIij Awpy hI Kwhu). He emphasises that human form is

acquired by a mortal on the basis of his karmas, but salvation

can be attained only by earning His Grace(krmI AwvY kpVw ndrI moKu duAwru). In summary, Japji Sahib is a composite Bani that covers almost all aspects of spirituality. In fact, it could be said to be the essence of the ‘Aad Sri Guru Granth Sahib’. That is why Guru Arjan Devji rightly placed this Bani -- a jewel in the crown of spiritual knowledge, as a prologue to the Granth Sahib. By practicing, that is, by living as per the teachings revealed by Guru Nanak in this Bani, one can hope to achieve salvation. Essence: Moolmantra: The Virtues/characteristics of God cannot be fully described in words. In the ‘Moolmantra’ Guru Nanak Devji describes the very broad attributes of God/Akaal Purukh, whom he reverentially (respectfully) calls as the ‘Guru’

<> There is but one God, He vibrates continuously in all His creations as

‘Aong’ siq nwmu

His Name Is Truth krqw purKu

Supreme creator, who lives in all His creations inrBau

Fearless. inrvYru

Is not vindictive (has no enmity) Akwl mUriq

Eternal form

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AjUnI Is Beyond Birth & Death

sYBM Exists by Himself (in the form of ‘Prakash’ (light) & Naad ( Sound :

‘Aong’) gur pRswid

His Grace extends to all His creations/By His Grace He can be realized/

By His Grace He (Guru Nanak) is reciting ] jpu ] jap. The name of the Bani -meditate

Essence: Salok: The Japu ji Bani begins with this Salok which is an elaboration of the term ‘Akwl mUriq’ used in the Moolmantar.

Akaal Murat means ‘eternal’. In this salok he emphasises that the Lord alone is eternal. All other things – the universe, the galaxies, the planets, the worldly things and the bodily forms that exist in His entire expanse are ephemeral – transient, temporary, subject to change & perishable. Guru Nanak says that He alone exists from the beginning of the ages, He exists through all the ages and shall exist for all ages to come

Awid scu jugwid scu ]

He exists as ‘Truth’ from the beginning of the ages. He exists as ‘Truth’

throughout the Ages.

hY BI scu nwnk hosI BI scu ]1] He exists as ‘Truth’ as of Now. O Nanak, He shall exist as ‘Truth’ for all

times to come

Essence: Pauri 1 Guru Nanak cautions against superficial acts of purification/meditation/penances (maun vrat, fasts etc), which were in vogue in His times, as these do not lead to salvation (union with God). He counsels that it is the wall of filth (kaam,

krodh, lobh, moh, ahankar) that separates the mortal from the Lord.

Without breaking this wall salvation cannot be achieved. Therefore, the first step we need to take to break this wall is to submit our ego/our will at the feet of the Lord. How do we do this? By beginning to accept the Lord’s Will unquestioningly. Accepting

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Lord’s Will implies that we accept the Lord’s teachings unflinchingly and use them in the conduct of our life. Guru Nanak says that this is the only way to achieve salvation; all other means will be of no avail in the Lord’s court

socY soic n hoveI jy socI lK vwr ] One does not become pure even if one tries to purify himself (mentally or

physically) lakhs of times cupY cup n hoveI jy lwie rhw ilv qwr ]

The (restless) mind does not become silent even if one tries to remain

silent physically (Moun Vrat) or tries to sit in meditation for hours

together BuiKAw BuK n auqrI jy bMnw purIAw Bwr ]

The hunger of the hungry is not appeased (satisfied), even if one has

loads full of wealth/knowledge/fame shs isAwxpw lK hoih q iek n clY nwil ]

One may use these (above referred) techniques or thousands of any other

clever means, but they will be of no avail (in the Lord’s Court) ikv sicAwrw hoeIAY ikv kUVY qutY pwil ]

How, then, does one become pure (truthful)? How can one break the wall

of filth (kaam, krodh, lobh, moh, ahankar) that separates the mortal

from the Lord? hukim rjweI clxw nwnk iliKAw nwil ]1]

By living according to His Hukum (Command/Will), O Nanak, with

which every human comes inscribed (into this world)||1|| Essence: Pauri 2 Guru Nanak reveals that all that is happening in this

universe is strictly as per His Divine Decree (Order/hukum). It is He

(The Lord) who determines when & which form the soul will assume

(Human/animal/vegetation). What status he/she will acquire (low, middle

or upper class of the society). Who will attain Glory (Name, fame,

wealth) or who will live in penury (poverty) and sorrow. The mortal

cannot choose his intelligence, his parents or his placement in society of

his own. Neither can he chose the enabling environment that leads to

success nor avoid the disabling circumstances that lead to failure. If the

mortal understands this basic fact of life – that, he is, what he is, only by

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the Lord’s Will (and not of his own accord) then he will not remain in

ego. So says Guru Nanak. hukmI hovin Awkwr hukmu n kihAw jweI ]

Under His Command, forms are created; His Command cannot be

described. hukmI hovin jIA hukim imlY vifAweI ]

Under His Command, souls come into being; under His Will, glory is

bestowed (on some) hukmI auqmu nIcu hukim iliK duK suK pweIAih ]

Under His Command, some acquire high or low status; under His Will

sorrow and pleasure are ordained. ieknw hukmI bKsIs ieik hukmI sdw BvweIAih ]

Some, under His Command, are forgiven (and accepted); others, under

His Command, suffer transmigration (84 lakh cycles of life & death). hukmY AMdir sBu ko bwhir hukm n koie ]

Everyone falls within the purview (jurisdiction) of His Command;

Beyond His jurisdiction, no one can exist. nwnk hukmY jy buJY q haumY khY n koie ]2]

O Nanak, if one can understand this (that everything happens under His

Command), he will not speak or remain in ego. ||2|| Essence: Pauri 3: Mortals are granted different levels of intellect and

understanding based on the karmas of their previous life. The mortals,

accordingly, sing praises of the Lord as per how they perceive (see)

different attributes/virtues of the Lord gwvY ko qwxu hovY iksY qwxu ]

They, who perceive Him as mighty, sing praises of His might. gwvY ko dwiq jwxY nIswxu ]

(Some) who perceive His Gifts (The Sun, air, water, etc) as sign of His

blessings sing praises of His gifts gwvY ko gux vifAweIAw cwr ]

(Some) sing (praises) of His Virtues, Greatness and Beauty. gwvY ko ividAw ivKmu vIcwru ]

(Some) sing (praises) of His difficult to acquire, and deliberate upon,

spiritual knowledge.

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gwvY ko swij kry qnu Kyh ] (Some) sing (praises) of Him as One who creates bodily forms and has

the ability to reduce them to ashes. gwvY ko jIA lY iPir dyh ]

(Some) sing (praises) of Him as One who removes the soul from, and

restores into, other bodily forms gwvY ko jwpY idsY dUir ]

(Some) sing (praises) of Him as One, who seems to be very far away.

gwvY ko vyKY hwdrw hdUir ] (Some) sing (praises) of Him as One, who watches us from within

kQnw kQI n AwvY qoit ] There is no dearth/shortage of mortals who have attempted to describe

Him (His virtues/attributes).. kiQ kiQ kQI kotI koit koit ]

Millions upon millions have attempted to describe Him (But no one has

been able to describe Him fully).

dydw dy lYdy Qik pwih ] The Great benefactor (provider) keeps on giving (so much), that the

beings may grow weary of receiving ( His bounties (gifts)).

jugw jugMqir KwhI Kwih ] Throughout the ages, the beings continue to consume ( His endless

resources).

hukmI hukmu clwey rwhu ] By His Will, He runs the whole universe (and its beings)

nwnk ivgsY vyprvwhu ]3]

O Nanak, the Carefree Lord is always in ‘Anand’ (bliss). ||3|| Essence: Pauiri 4: In the second pauri Guru Nanak had revealed that by

living one’s life as per His Hukum/Will the wall of falsehood that

separates the mortal from the Lord can be broken. In the 4th

pauri He

reveals that by giving material gifts, the love of the Lord cannot be

evoked. Only by reflecting on his teachings in the early hours of the

morning (Amrit vela) and by earning His grace can the door to salvation

be found. This is one of His Hukum/Will that a striver (spiritual disciple)

needs to follow/accept in the conduct of life.

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swcw swihbu swcu nwie BwiKAw Bwau Apwru ] True (eternal) is the Master, Eternal (True) is His divine law; infinite, it

can be said, is His love (for all his creations).

AwKih mMgih dyih dyih dwiq kry dwqwru ] Mortals pray and beg for His gifts (wealth, name, fame), the Bestower

(provider) blesses us with gifts (as per what we deserve).

Pyir ik AgY rKIAY ijqu idsY drbwru ] So what offering can we place before the Provider, whereby we can see

His Court?

muhO ik bolxu bolIAY ijqu suix Dry ipAwru ] What words should we speak that would evoke His Love( for us)?

AMimRq vylw scu nwau vifAweI vIcwru ] In the early hours of the morning (before dawn), utter His True Name,

and contemplate/think/reflect on His virtues (teachings). krmI AwvY kpVw ndrI moKu duAwru ]

By the karma of the past lives, the robe of this human body is obtained. By (earning) His Grace is the door to salvation

found. nwnk eyvY jwxIAY sBu Awpy sicAwru ]4]

Nanak has understood this well, the True Lord is all by Himself.||4||

Essence: 5th

& 6th

Pauri Guru Nanak reveals one priceless teaching (for

us to follow and accept) – that we are the children of one Father (Lord);

we should never forget Him. This implies two things for acceptance and

compliance – First, we should, forever meditate on the Lord. Second,

since we are the children of the same one father, we should not

discriminate against other beings based on their religion, caste, colour,

creed (belief), or status in the society.

QwipAw n jwie kIqw n hoie ] He can neither be established nor can He be created.

Awpy Awip inrMjnu soie ] The pure (unaffected by Maya) Lord is all by Himself.

ijin syivAw iqin pwieAw mwnu ] Those who serve Him get honoured (in His court).

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nwnk gwvIAY guxI inDwnu ] O Nanak, sing praises of the Lord, the Treasure of virtues.

gwvIAY suxIAY min rKIAY Bwau ] (If) we sing, listen (to the Guru’s teachings) and fill our minds with love

(For the Lord & all His creations).

duKu prhir suKu Gir lY jwie ] Sorrows will get shed away; peace shall come to reside in your home

(mind).

gurmuiK nwdM gurmuiK vydM gurmuiK rihAw smweI ] The Gurmukh (disciples who conduct their lives as per the Guru’s

teachings) tune their consciousness on the Naad (Aong); the Gurmukhs

acquire the wisdom of the Vedas; the Gurmukhs remain absorbed in the

Lord

guru eIsru guru gorKu brmw guru pwrbqI mweI ] They (Gurmukhs) see Guru in Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma; they (see)

Guru in Paarvati and Lakhshmi.

jy hau jwxw AwKw nwhI khxw kQnu n jweI ] Even if I were to know Him, I would not describe Him; (For) He cannot

be fully described in words.

gurw iek dyih buJweI ] The Guru has given me this one understanding:

sBnw jIAw kw ieku dwqw so mY ivsir n jweI ]5] The one Lord is the sustainer of all His Beings, may I never forget Him!

||5||

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qIriQ nwvw jy iqsu Bwvw ivxu Bwxy ik nwie krI ] I would take bath at a place of pilgrimage if it were to please

Him, if it does not, of what avail (use) is this ritual bath? jyqI isriT aupweI vyKw ivxu krmw ik imlY leI ]

I see that, in the entire expanse created by the Lord, no one gets anything without (earning) His Grace. miq ivic rqn jvwhr mwixk jy iek gur kI isK suxI ]

The intellect of a mortal would become priceless (as priceless as gems, jewels and rubies), if he could listen to this one

teaching of the Lord gurw iek dyih buJweI ]

The Guru has given me this one understanding: sBnw jIAw kw ieku dwqw so mY ivsir n jweI ]6]

(That) the one Lord is the sustainer of all His beings, may I never forget Him.||6||

Essence: Pauri 7: Long age, name, fame, large following of admirers in the world over are of no avail if it is not found pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. Guru Nanak had revealed in the preceeding Pauiris as to how we can evoke His love/pleasure) – ‘AMimRq vylw scu nwau vifAweI vIcwru’ (Pauri 2) & ‘sBnw jIAw kw ieku dwqw so mY ivsir n jweI’ (Pauiri 5&6). What pleases the Lord? — Hukum rajai

chalna Nanak likhiya naal jy jug cwry Awrjw hor dsUxI hoie ]

Even if one has age of the four yugas, or ten times more,

nvw KMfw ivic jwxIAY nwil clY sBu koie ] If he were to be known in the nine continents and have large following

(of admirerers),

cMgw nwau rKwie kY jsu kIriq jig lyie ] If he were to acquire a good name, reputation and win praise throughout

the world-

jy iqsu ndir n AwveI q vwq n puCY ky ] (But), if he is not found pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, of what avail is

this (age, name & fame)?

kItw AMdir kItu kir dosI dosu Dry ]

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(In the Lord’s court) his status would be lower than the lowly insects and

worse than the worst of sinners.

nwnk inrguix guxu kry guxvMiqAw guxu dy ] O Nanak, God blesses the sinners with virtues, and bestows (even more)

virtues on the pious (virtuous).

qyhw koie n suJeI ij iqsu guxu koie kry ]7] I cannot think of anyone who can bestow virtues upon Him. ||7||

Essence 8th to 11th

Pauri: The importance of listening attentively to the

teachings of the Lord is emphasised. Guru Nanak reveals that those

disciples who listen to the Guru’s teachings attentively rise to such great

heights that their sorrows and sins (of several births) get erased and they

(Bhagats/disciples) begin to find themselves forever in a state of

happiness

suixAY isD pIr suir nwQ ] Listening (attentively), disciples can acquire the traits of the Siddhas

(perfect ones), Peers (Muslim spiritual teachers), Sur (Spiritual

warriors), and Naths (the masters of the yogis).

suixAY Driq Dvl Awkws ] Listening (attentively) they understand that the Lord himself is the

support of the earth and the Akaash (sky) and not the mythological Bull

suixAY dIp loA pwqwl ] Listening (attentively), they understand that the Lord pervades (is

present in) the oceans, the worlds and the underworld.

suixAY poih n skY kwlu ] Listening (attentively), the fear of Death gets removed.

nwnk Bgqw sdw ivgwsu ] O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss.

suixAY dUK pwp kw nwsu ]8] Listening (attentively), the sorrows and sins (of several births) are

erased. ||8||

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suixAY eIsru brmw ieMdu ] Listening (attentively), they can attain the traits of Shiva,

Brahma and Indra. suixAY muiK swlwhx mMdu ]

Listening (attentively), to the virtues/praises of the Lord, the dirt (of evil intellect) gets washed away.

suixAY jog jugiq qin Byd ] Listening (attentively), they get to know the way to get union

with God and the secrets of the body (that it is made of 5 ‘tats’ (elements –air, water, fire, earth & space), that mind,

along with its five sense organs, is the agent of ‘Maya’ which is leading the mortal astray)

suixAY swsq isimRiq vyd ] Listening (attentively), they can get to know the essence of

Shaastras, the Simritees and the Vedas nwnk Bgqw sdw ivgwsu ]

O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss. suixAY dUK pwp kw nwsu ]9]

Listening (attentively), the sorrows and sins (of several births) are erased. ||9||

suixAY squ sMqoKu igAwnu ] Listening (attentively), they acquire spiritual wisdom which

makes them truthful and content. suixAY ATsiT kw iesnwnu ]

Listening (attentively), they get the benefit of taking cleansing bath at sixty-eight places of pilgrimage.

suixAY piV piV pwvih mwnu ] Listening (attentively), they can acquire the stature/honour

of well read spiritual scholars suixAY lwgY shij iDAwnu ]

Listening (attentively), they get absorbed in meditation (slowly & steadily). nwnk Bgqw sdw ivgwsu ]

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O Nanak, the disciples are forever in bliss. suixAY dUK pwp kw nwsu ]10]

Listening (attentively), the sorrows and sins (of several births) get erased. ||10||

suixAY srw guxw ky gwh ] Listening (attentively), one becomes aware of the depth of

the ocean of virtues (of the Lord). suixAY syK pIr pwiqswh ]

Listening (attentively), one can acquire the status of the Sheikhs (Respected Virtuous Muslims), Peers (Muslim

Preachers) and Kings. suixAY AMDy pwvih rwhu ]

Listening (attentively), the spiritually blind find the Path (to salvation).

suixAY hwQ hovY Asgwhu ] Listening (attentively), the unreachable (Lord) can come

within your grasp. nwnk Bgqw sdw ivgwsu ]

O Nanak, the disciples are forever in bliss. suixAY dUK pwp kw nwsu ]11]

Listening (attentively), the sorrows and sins (of several births) get erased. ||11||

Essence 12th to 15th Pauri: In 8th to 11th Pauris the importance of listening attentively to the teachings of the Lord had been emphasised. In 12th to 15th Pauri it is brought out that believing and accepting the teachings of the Guru in the conduct of one’s life is more important than mere attentive listening. The state of such believers (who live in accordance with teachings of the Guru) cannot be described. It is such that only those who have reached that state will be able to realise this

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mMny kI giq khI n jwie ] The state of the believers cannot be described

jy ko khY ipCY pCuqwie ] One who attempts to describe (their state) will only have to

regret later (at the incomplete attempt). kwgid klm n ilKxhwru ]

No paper, no pen, nor any scribe(writer) mMny kw bih krin vIcwru ]

can sit and contemplate(think) perfectly on the state of the believer.

AYsw nwmu inrMjnu hoie ] Such is the Name of the pure (blemish less) Lord.

jy ko mMin jwxY min koie ]12] Only the true believer (who has reached that state of Bliss)

will be able to realise this. ||12|| mMnY suriq hovY min buiD ]

Believing (in Him) the level of consciousness rises (beyond body

consciousness); he becomes wiser to the ensnarement

(allurement/attraction) of Maya.

mMnY sgl Bvx kI suiD ] Believing (in Him) one becomes aware of the infinite expanse of the

Lord.

mMnY muih cotw nw Kwie ] Believing (in Him) one avoids hurt (sorrows) arising out of bad Karmas.

mMnY jm kY swiQ n jwie ] Believing (in Him) one gets out of the cycle of birth and death.

AYsw nwmu inrMjnu hoie ] Such is the Name of the pure (blemishless) Lord..

jy ko mMin jwxY min koie ]13] Only the true believer (who has reached that state of Bliss) will be able to

realise this. ||13||

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mMnY mwrig Twk n pwie ] Believing (in Him) obstacles in the path (to spiritual

evolution) cause no worry. mMnY piq isau prgtu jwie ]

Believing (in Him) one departs with honor (they get recognized in the Lord’s court).

mMnY mgu n clY pMQu ] Believing (in Him) one does not get lost in the (jungle) of)

religious Panths. mMnY Drm syqI snbMDu ]

Believing (in Him) one gets firmly bound to righteousness. AYsw nwmu inrMjnu hoie ]

Such is the Name of the pure (blemish less) Lord. jy ko mMin jwxY min koie ]14]

Only the true believer (who has reached that state of Bliss) will be able to realise this ||14||

mMnY pwvih moKu duAwru ] Believing (in Him) one can find gate to salvation.

mMnY prvwrY swDwru ] Believing (in Him) one gets a chance to reform his family and

relations. mMnY qrY qwry guru isK ]

Believing (in Him) one can save himself and also Gursikhs (his associates).

mMnY nwnk Bvih n iBK ] O Nanak, Believing (in Him) one does not go abegging (for

material things). AYsw nwmu inrMjnu hoie ]

Such is the Name of the pure (blemish less) Lord. jy ko mMin jwxY min koie ]15]

Only the true believer (who has reached that state of Bliss) will be able to realise this||15||

Essence 16th to 19th

Pauri: In the 16th

Pauri Guru Nanak starts by

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stating the status of ‘Panch (Five)’- ‘the pure ones’ (Panchs are disciples

who have been able to restrain the five sense organs by regularly

practicing the teachings of the true Lord (hukim rjweI clxw)). Thereafter, he reveals that the expanse of the Lord is so wide that no one

can fully account for it - not even the ‘Panchs – the pure ones’. He

explains how the entire expanse was created & how it is being controlled

(dispelling the myth that the mythological Bull is holding the earth in

balance on its horns). He reveals that none is born pious or a sinner ; it is

the karmas that make them so.The karmas, in turn, are performed based

on the ‘Sanskars’ (propensities/tendencies) that one acquires from the

deeds performed in the previous lives. He states that the Lord resides in

all his creations (Earth, Planets, Galaxies, Universe) meaning thereby,

that there is nothing like a pure or an impure place. He concludes by

saying that no one has the power to contemplate (think) over how He

creates & manages His entire creation , one can only say that He does

what ever pleases Him and, what ever He does, is for the good for His

entire creation.

pMc prvwx pMc prDwnu ] The Panch (the pure ones), find approval and are considered as leaders

(amongst the strivers) in the Lord’s Court.

pMcy pwvih drgih mwnu ] The Panch (the pure ones), get honour in the Lord’s Court.

pMcy sohih dir rwjwnu ] Panch (the pure ones), look distinctly different (as kings) in the Lord’s

court

pMcw kw guru eyku iDAwnu ] Panch (the pure ones), meditate single-mindedly on the Guru.

jy ko khY krY vIcwru ] No one (including the Panch) can say or deliberate (think)

krqy kY krxY nwhI sumwru ] On the extent or limit of the Lord’s creation..

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DOlu Drmu dieAw kw pUqu ](It is not) the mythical bull, Dharma, the son of compassion;

sMqoKu Qwip riKAw ijin sUiq ] that is patiently holding the earth in its place.

jy ko buJY hovY sicAwru ] If any one could understand this, he could be called the True

one himself. DvlY aupir kyqw Bwru ]

How much would be the load on the bull? DrqI horu prY horu horu ]

There are many earths beyond this earth! iqs qy Bwru qlY kvxu joru ]

(if it is not the Bull, then) which is that force/power which

holds them in place? jIA jwiq rMgw ky nwv ]

There are beings of various caste, colours and names sBnw iliKAw vuVI klwm ]

Whose destinies are inscribed by the Ever-flowing Pen of the Lord.

eyhu lyKw iliK jwxY koie ] Is there any one who would know how to pen down this account?

lyKw iliKAw kyqw hoie ] (If there were) how voluminous would this record be?

kyqw qwxu suAwilhu rUpu ] What power! What fascinating beauty!

kyqI dwiq jwxY kOxu kUqu ] what gifts! Can any one know their extent?

kIqw pswau eyko kvwau ] The entire expanse was created (by the power) of His just

One Word (Aong) iqs qy hoey lK drIAwau ]

(From this one word) hundreds of thousands of rivers

(creations) began to flow.

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kudriq kvx khw vIcwru ] Who has the ability to describe your power?

vwirAw n jwvw eyk vwr ] I cannot, even once, be a sacrifice to You.

jo quDu BwvY sweI BlI kwr ] Whatever pleases You, only that good You cause to happen,

qU sdw slwmiq inrMkwr ]16] O’ Formless One, you (only) are Eternal ||16||

AsMK jp AsMK Bwau ] Innumerable are absorbed in meditation; innumerable are immersed in

pure love (for the Lord).

AsMK pUjw AsMK qp qwau ] Innumerable are occupied in rendering prayers, Innumerable are

engaged in austerities (Painstaking religious rituals).

AsMK grMQ muiK vyd pwT ] Innumerable are engaged in recitation of Vedas & other

Scriptures AsMK jog min rhih audws ]

Innumerable are the Yogis, who remain detached from the

world. AsMK Bgq gux igAwn vIcwr ]

Innumerable devotees contemplate on the Virtues & Spiritual

Knowledge (of the Lord). AsMK sqI AsMK dwqwr ]

Innumerable are pious (truthful, righteous disciples),

Innumerable are giving alms. AsMK sUr muh BK swr

Innumerable spiritual warriors, with their steel like determination, have conquered their enemies within (kaam,

krodh, lobh, moh, ahankar).

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AsMK moin ilv lwie qwr ]

Innumerable silent sages are absorbed in meditation. kudriq kvx khw vIcwru ]

Who has the ability to describe your power?? vwirAw n jwvw eyk vwr ]

I cannot, even once, be a sacrifice to You. jo quDu BwvY sweI BlI kwr ]

Whatever pleases You, only that good You cause to happen qU sdw slwmiq inrMkwr ]17]

O’ Formless One, you (only) are Eternal ||17|| AsMK mUrK AMD Gor ]

Innumerable are the fools, who are blinded by their spiritual

ignorance. AsMK cor hrwmKor ]

Innumerable thieves & cheats, who live off other’s wealth

(deceitfully)). AsMK Amr kir jwih jor ]

Innumerable (mortals), depart (empty handed), trying to

forcibly impose their will (on others), AsMK glvF hiqAw kmwih ]

Innumerable are the ruthless cut-throats, who earn the

(karma of killing) others. AsMK pwpI pwpu kir jwih ]

Innumerable sinners depart after committing innumerable

sins. AsMK kUiVAwr kUVy iPrwih ]

Innumerable liars wander, engaged in their own falsehood. AsMK mlyC mlu BiK Kwih ]

Innumerable evil minded people, eat filth (as fruits of their

own evil deeds). AsMK inMdk isir krih Bwru ]

Innumerable back biters, carry the burden of their slander

(nindiya) on their head

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nwnku nIcu khY vIcwru ] Nanak has given His humble opinion.

kudriq kvx khw vIcwru ] Who has the ability to describe your power??

vwirAw n jwvw eyk vwr ] I cannot, even once, be a sacrifice to You.

jo quDu BwvY sweI BlI kwr ] Whatever pleases You, only that good You cause to happen

qU sdw slwmiq inrMkwr ]18] O’ Formless One, you (only) are Eternal||18|

AsMK nwv AsMK Qwv ] Innumerable names (of His creations), Innumerable places

(where His creations live). AgMm AgMm AsMK loA ]

Inaccessible & unapproachable are His Innumerable worlds. AsMK khih isir Bwru hoie ]

Even to call them innumerable would be a sin (mistake). AKrI nwmu AKrI swlwh ]

Through letters can His name be formed/uttered, through letters can His praise be formed/uttered

AKrI igAwnu gIq gux gwh ] Through letters spiritual knowledge is written/acquired,

through letters songs of His virtues are written and sung. AKrI ilKxu bolxu bwix ]

Through letters words are formed and spoken. AKrw isir sMjogu vKwix ]

Through letters is the destiny inscribed on the mortal’s forehead.

ijin eyih ilKy iqsu isir nwih ] He, who writes the destiny of His creations, is beyond the

realm of letters/destiny ijv Purmwey iqv iqv pwih ]

As He ordains, so do we get.

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jyqw kIqw qyqw nwau ] Whatever He has created is the manifestation (appearance)

of His form/Name. ivxu nwvY nwhI ko Qwau ]

There is no creation (place) where He does not pervade (live) kudriq kvx khw vIcwru ]

Who has the ability to describe your power?? vwirAw n jwvw eyk vwr ]

I cannot, even once, be a sacrifice to You. jo quDu BwvY sweI BlI kwr ]

Whatever pleases You, only that good You cause to happen qU sdw slwmiq inrMkwr ]19]

O’ Formless One, you (only) are Eternal II 19 II Essence: 20

th Pauri: In this Pauri the working of the Divine law of

Karma is briefly described. He reveals that no one is born virtuous or a

sinner. Nor does one become virtuous (or a sinner) by any one’s saying

so. He becomes so by the deeds (karmas) he performs during his current

life form. These get inscribed as destiny (for the next life). The mortal

reaps the fruits of the seeds of karmas he has sown in the previous life.

He explains that the sins committed in the current & previous lives can

be washed away only by meditating on the Lord’s name. The coming

(birth) and going (death) of the beings is happening in accordance to this

Divine Law of Karma

BrIAY hQu pYru qnu dyh ]

P a g e | 23

If hands, feet and the body are soiled with dirt, pwxI DoqY auqrsu Kyh ]

The dirt can be washed away with water. mUq plIqI kpVu hoie ]

If the clothes are polluted by urine, dy swbUxu leIAY Ehu Doie ]

Soap can wash them clean. BrIAY miq pwpw kY sMig ]

If the intellect is corrupted by sin, Ehu DopY nwvY kY rMig ]

It can be cleansed by imbuing (colouring) the mind in the colour (Love) of the (Lord’s) Name.

puMnI pwpI AwKxu nwih ] One does not become virtuous or a sinner by anybody’s

saying so; kir kir krxw iliK lY jwhu ]

Acts & deeds performed get inscribed on the soul (as good or

bad karmas). Awpy bIij Awpy hI Kwhu ]

You shall reap the fruits of what seeds (of karmas) you sow. nwnk hukmI Awvhu jwhu ]20]

O Nanak, by The Lord’s Hukam (Will), one comes and goes (in the 84 lakhs cycle of life & death. ||20||

Essence: 21st Pauri: In this Pauri Guru Nanak reveals three things. First, going on pilgrimages, doing ‘Tap’ (Hard religious penances) and giving alms in charity may fetch name & fame in the material world. But, in the Lord’s court, this will get him little or no honour. What actually leads to salvation is

getting rid of one’s sins. The ambrosial nectar (Amrit) enshrined deep the mortal can cleanse his sins. But, this Amrit becomes available (for cleansing) only when a devotee immerses himself fully in the love for Lord, that is, he listens (attentively) to, believes (unquestioningly) in, the Truth

P a g e | 24

(teachings) revealed to him and develops pure love for the

lord and his creations. (suixAw mMinAw min kIqw Bwau). Second, it is

important that the striver (disciple) ponders (thinks deeply) on the virtues of God. More important, still, is the need to work hard to acquire, and, use these virtues in the conduct of one’s life. This is essential in the eyes of Guru Nanak because without doing virtuous deeds in real life the striver is not accepted as a ‘Bhagat’ (True Devotee) in the Lord’s Court (ivxu gux kIqy Bgiq n hoie), Third, No one should waste his time in

trying to determine the time or the moment when the entire expanse was created. No one, except the Lord Himself, knows this. In summary, it can be said that instead of wasting our energies on trying to determine the time of creation of the universe, we should focus our energies on acquiring virtues, living by them (doing virtuous deeds) and cleansing our sins by listening to, believing in & living by the Truth (teachings) revealed by the Lord.

qIrQu qpu dieAw dqu dwnu ]

Pilgrimages, austerities (Painstaking religious rituals), compassion and charity

jy ko pwvY iql kw mwnu ]

May fetch small bit of recognition/honour (in the Lord’s Court)

suixAw mMinAw min kIqw Bwau ]

, (But, better still is) Listening (attentively), believing (unquestioningly) and filling one’s mind with (pure) love (for

the Lord & his creations) AMqrgiq qIriQ mil nwau ]

The ambrosial (Amrit) enshrined deep within, shall cleanse his

P a g e | 25

sins (of many births) siB gux qyry mY nwhI koie ]

All virtues are Yours, I have none at all. ivxu gux kIqy Bgiq n hoie ]

Without performing virtuous deeds, one becomes not a true devotee

suAsiq AwiQ bwxI brmwau ] Salutations to you, the creator of Brahma (the author of the

Bani -Veda). siq suhwxu sdw min cwau ]

(You are) Eternal, Beautiful and for ever in bliss.

Which moment, what time? Which was the lunar day of the week?

kvix is ruqI mwhu kvxu ijqu hoAw Awkwru ] Which season, which was the month, when the entire

expanse was created? vyl n pweIAw pMfqI ij hovY lyKu purwxu ]

The Pundits could not fix the time; else they would have recorded it in the Puraanas.

vKqu n pwieE kwdIAw ij ilKin lyKu kurwxu ] The Qazis could not establish the time, else, it would have

been recorded in the Koran. iQiq vwru nw jogI jwxY ruiq mwhu nw koeI ]

The lunar day of the week is not known to the Yogis, nor does any one know the month or the season.

jw krqw isrTI kau swjy Awpy jwxY soeI ] (Only) He, who has created this creation, can know.

ikv kir AwKw ikv swlwhI ikau vrnI ikv jwxw ] How do I say? How do I praise? How do I describe? How do I

understand Him? nwnk AwKix sBu ko AwKY iek dU ieku isAwxw ]

O Nanak, everyone speaks of Him, each wiser than the other. vfw swihbu vfI nweI kIqw jw kw hovY ]

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Great is the Master, Great is His Name; Whatever He ordains (Wills), so it happens.

nwnk jy ko AwpO jwxY AgY gieAw n sohY ]21] O Nanak, any one who says that he knows (understands or

can describe Him completely) shall not find a place of honour (in the Lord’s Court). ||21||

Essence: 22nd

to 24th

Pauri: These Pauris are an extension of the truth

brought out in the third revelation narrated in the preceding (21st) Pauri

– that, it is fruitless to try & determine the time of creation of the

Universe. In these Pauris He reveals that no one in this Universe can

figure out the limit, the extent, the beginning or end of the Lord’s

creation. Even the Vedas proclaim (say) in unison that one may go weary

in searching, but he will not be able to know the extent of His creations.

The Katebas (Muslim scriptures) say that there are 18000 worlds, but no

one still knows how many stars, how many galaxies are there in His wide

expanse? Just as rivers falling into an ocean cannot know the limit or

end of the ocean, likewise, any devotee, who may have absorbed himself

in the Lord, will not be able to know the extent or limit of His creation.

Guru Nanak says that the Lord, in His mercy, grants His Grace to some

of us, to understand this (that the extent of His creation is beyond our

comprehension).

pwqwlw pwqwl lK Awgwsw Awgws ] Nether worlds beneath nether worlds, lakhs of skies beyond skies.EVk EVk Bwil Qky vyd khin iek vwq ] Probing & searching you will grow weary, say the Vedas in unison.

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shs ATwrh khin kqybw AsulU ieku Dwqu ] There are 18,000 worlds say the Katebas (Muslim scriptures),

the Originator (Creator) of whom is only one lyKw hoie q ilKIAY lyKY hoie ivxwsu ]

If one could record an account of his entire expanse, he would perish, but His account would not (get completed).

nwnk vfw AwKIAY Awpy jwxY Awpu ]22] O Nanak, how great He is, He Himself knows. ||22||

swlwhI swlwih eyqI suriq n pweIAw ] Devotees praise the Lord, but they have not obtained this

basic understanding ndIAw AqY vwh pvih smuMid n jwxIAih ]

(That) rivers and rivulets fall into the ocean but they do not come to know its extent

smuMd swh sulqwn igrhw syqI mwlu Dnu ] Kings and Emperors may have kingdoms as wide as the ocean

and mountains full of wealth & possessions. kIVI quil n hovnI jy iqsu mnhu n vIsrih ]23]

(But they) Compare not to an ant (poor, humble person), who does not forget the lord (even for an instant). ||23||

AMqu n isPqI khix n AMqu ] Limitless are His (praise worthy) Virtues, innumerable

(mortals) attempt to speak of them. AMqu n krxY dyix n AMqu ]

There is no end to His acts (which result in more & more creations); limitless are the Gifts He continues to give

(through all the ages) AMqu n vyKix suxix n AMqu ]

The limits of His Virtues cannot be realised through the medium of vision or hearing.

AMqu n jwpY ikAw min mMqu ] No one can perceive what is in His Mind?

AMqu n jwpY kIqw Awkwru ]

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No one can perceive the form or extent of His creation. AMqu n jwpY pwrwvwru ]

No one can perceive the beginning or end of His creations. AMq kwrix kyqy ibllwih ]

Many are struggling (in vain) to know His limits, qw ky AMq n pwey jwih ]

but His limits cannot be found eyhu AMqu n jwxY koie ]

No one can know these limits bhuqw khIAY bhuqw hoie ]

The more we say, more there is that remains unsaid vfw swihbu aUcw Qwau ]

Great is the Master, High is His abode (pedestal of reverence at which His devotees place Him).

aUcy aupir aUcw nwau ] Higher still is His Name.

eyvfu aUcw hovY koie ] If there were one who has reached the High(exalted) state as

that of the Lord iqsu aUcy kau jwxY soie ]

Only he can know how high His Exalted State is. jyvfu Awip jwxY Awip Awip ]

How Great He is, He Himself knows nwnk ndrI krmI dwiq ]24]

O Nanak, He, in His mercy, Graces us with this gift (of understanding - that His limits are beyond human

comprehension).||24||

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Essence: 25th Pauri: In this Pauri Guru Nanak reveals a few more truths about the reality of life. First, he reveals that not only is the extent of His creation incomprehensible, even His Grace is so abundant that it cannot be described in words. Most of the mortals, whether placed high or low in the society, beg for His gifts. Whilst the Lord is magnanimous in granting the gifts, many of the ungrateful mortals don’t even acknowledge these gifts (blessings). They even waste away their gifts by engaging themselves in sinful activities. Second, He states that some mortals suffer sorrow, hunger & constant abuse. He counsels that this should not be regarded as a punishment, but should be humbly accepted by the sufferer as a cue (a prompt) from God to remind him of his bad karmas and the need to come back to the righteous path (of liberation). He reminds the strivers that liberation can be achieved only by living in accordance to His Will. He, who engages himself in the meditation of the Lord (and lives in accordance to His Will) can acquire the status of a king of kings (in the Lord’s Court)

bhuqw krmu iliKAw nw jwie ] His Grace is abundant (plentiful); it cannot be recorded in

words. vfw dwqw iqlu n qmwie ]

The Great Benefactor (Donor) gives, without an iota of greed (attachment)

kyqy mMgih joD Apwr ] Innumerable spiritual warriors beg (for His Grace).

kyiqAw gxq nhI vIcwru ] How many they are, cannot be counted.

kyqy Kip qutih vykwr ] Innumerable waste away (the blessings (gifts) given by the

P a g e | 30

Lord) by indulging in sinful activities. kyqy lY lY mukru pwih ]

Innumerable accept (the gifts) time and again, but the ungrateful mortals do not even acknowledge (them as the

blessings of God). kyqy mUrK KwhI Kwih ]

Innumerable spiritually ignorant (mortals) devour (consume) what ever they receive (and forget to thank God for the

same). kyiqAw dUK BUK sd mwr ]

Innumerable are in sorrow, hunger and suffer constant abuse eyih iB dwiq qyrI dwqwr ]

Even these are Your blessings, O Great benefactor (Giver)! (It His way of bringing misled mortals on to the righteous path)

bMid KlwsI BwxY hoie ] Liberation from Maya (attachment) comes only by (living in

accordance to) His Will. horu AwiK n skY koie ]

No one else has any say in this. jy ko Kwieku AwKix pwie ]

If any (spiritually) ignorant mortal says that he has a say (in getting liberation from Maya in any other way other than

living according to the Will of the Lord) Ehu jwxY jyqIAw muih Kwie ]

(Then) he shall learn, (the hard way), how much suffering he

shall have to undergo. Awpy jwxY Awpy dyie ]

He Himself knows (the requirements of His creations), He Himself gives (as per what they deserve).

AwKih is iB kyeI kyie ] So say very few, who understand this.

ijs no bKsy isPiq swlwh ] He, who, is blessed to sing the Praises of the Lord,.

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nwnk pwiqswhI pwiqswhu ]25] O Nanak, he is the king of kings. ||25||

Essence: 26th

Pauri: In this Pauri Guru Nanak reveals that the Lord is a

treasure house of virtues whose worth cannot be assessed. In fact,

everything He does including the tools/scales He uses to differentiate

between the good and bad karmas are so true, so perfect, that no one in

this universe can place a value on its worth. The Vedas, the Puranas,

many religious scholars and sages have researched and proclaimed that

there is not a thing about Him that can be assessed. He says that any one

who claims that he knows the true worth of the Lord would be regarded

as the most ignorant amongst all fools (in the Lord’s Court).

Amul gux Amul vwpwr ] Priceless are His Virtues, Priceless is His Trade (He trades (gives His virtues) in exchange for vices of His devotees).

Amul vwpwrIey Amul BMfwr ] Priceless are His Traders, Priceless are His Treasures (full of

Virtues). Amul Awvih Amul lY jwih ]

Priceless are (the true devotees) who come to Him, Priceless are (the true devotees) who trade their sins (for virtues) from

Him. Amul Bwie Amulw smwih ]

Priceless are those who, (in their hearts) have pure Love for Him, Priceless are those who are absorbed (in meditation) in

Him. Amulu Drmu Amulu dIbwxu ]

Priceless is His Dharma (Divine Law), Priceless is the Lord’s Court.

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Amulu qulu Amulu prvwxu ] Priceless are the scales (used for weighing the mortal’s

karmas), priceless are the weights ( benchmarks) used for adjudicating justice). Amulu bKsIs Amulu nIswxu ]

Priceless is His benevolence (blessings), Priceless are His signs of Benevolence (Sun, Moon, water etc).

Amulu krmu Amulu Purmwxu ] In-assessable is His Mercy, Priceless is His Divine Order.

Amulo Amulu AwiKAw n jwie ] Value of the Priceless (Lord) cannot be expressed in words.

AwiK AwiK rhy ilv lwie ] Some, absorbed in His meditation, (try) to speak of his worth

(in vain). AwKih vyd pwT purwx ]

The Vedas and the Puraanas speak (that He is in-assessable).. AwKih pVy krih viKAwx ]

Scholars study and explain (that He is in-assessable).. AwKih brmy AwKih ieMd ]

Says Brahma, Says Indra (that He is in-assessable). AwKih gopI qY goivMd ]

(So do) Gopis and Krishna say (that He is in-assessable). AwKih eIsr AwKih isD ]

Shiva says; the Siddhas say (that He is in-assessable). AwKih kyqy kIqy buD ]

So do the many created Buddhas (those who have reached advanced stage of consciousness) say (that He is in-

assessable). AwKih dwnv AwKih dyv ]

Demons say; Demi-Gods say. AwKih suir nr muin jn syv ]

Spiritual warriors (Sur), God like beings (Nar), the silent sages (Mun) & the humble devotees (Jan`) have attempted to

P a g e | 33

speak of His worth. kyqy AwKih AwKix pwih ]

Many have attempted to speak of His worth. kyqy kih kih auiT auiT jwih ]

Many, having attempted to assess and speak of His worth, have arisen and departed.

eyqy kIqy hoir kryih ] If He were to create as many as He has already created.

qw AwiK n skih kyeI kyie ] Even then, they would not be able to speak of His actual

worth jyvfu BwvY qyvfu hoie ]

As He chooses, that much Great He becomes. nwnk jwxY swcw soie ]

O Nanak, (only) the True Lord knows (How Great He is/ What is His actual worth is).

jy ko AwKY boluivgwVu ] Any ‘show off’ (Badbolla), who claims to know the true worth

of the Lord,. qw ilKIAY isir gwvwrw gwvwru ]26]

Shall be known as the greatest fool amongst fools! ||26|| Essence: 27th Pauri: In this Pauri Guru Nanak breaks this myth (belief) that the Lord has a separate mansion in the Heavens, sitting wherein; He takes care of His entire creation. In the Moolmantar itself He had revealed that the Lord is ‘Karta Purukh’ (the only creator who lives in His creation as Naad (‘Aong’) & ‘Prakash’. In this Pauri he reconfirms this by stating that all His creations, including mortals, Demi-Gods, Planets, Galaxies, vegetation, air, water, fire or any other thing one can think of, are singing (‘ggwwvviihh’) His Praises

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. Here He has used ‘gaveh’ as a simile for Naad (Aong) which is continuously vibrating in all His creations. Only an Avtaar like Guru Nanak, who had reached the most advanced of enlightenment, could hear the Naad (Aong) vibrating in all the creations. What He implies is that the Lord does not reside in a separate mansion but lives within His creations and controls them as per the dictates of His Divine Law of Karma. He counsels that just as all His creations live in accordance to His Divine Decree (Order), the mortals should also live in accordance to His Will (nwnk rhxu rjweI)

so dru kyhw so Gru kyhw ijqu bih srb smwly ] Which is that Gate; which is that abode, sitting wherein you take care (of

your entire creation) vwjy nwd Anyk AsMKw kyqy vwvxhwry ]

Innumerable sound bytes are being played on countless musical

instruments. kyqy rwg prI isau khIAin kyqy gwvxhwry ]

Innumerable are Ragas & Raginis; innumerable ministrels (Court

singers) are singing them. gwvih quhno pauxu pwxI bYsMqru gwvY rwjw Drmu duAwry ]

Air, water and fire are singing; DharmRaj is singing at Your Door step.

gwvih icqu gupqu iliK jwxih iliK iliK Drmu vIcwry ] Chitr and Gupt, who write our karmas for adjudication (Judgement) by

DharmRaj, are singing gwvih eIsru brmw dyvI sohin sdw svwry ]

Shiva, Brahma and the ever beautifully adorned Goddesses are singing

.gwvih ieMd iedwsix bYTy dyviqAw dir nwly ] Indra, seated upon His Throne, along with his deities, is singing

.gwvih isD smwDI AMdir gwvin swD ivcwry ]

Sidhas (perfect ones; master of 8 sidhis) absorbed in meditation; sadhus

(spiritual strivers) engrossed in contemplation are singing. || gwvin jqI sqI sMqoKI gwvih vIr krwry ]

The celibates, Satis (pure, righteous ones), the Santokhis (content ones)

P a g e | 35

and the brave spiritual warriors are singing. gwvin pMifq pVin rKIsr jugu jugu vydw nwly ]

The Pandits & the Rishis (Saints/Sages), reciters of the Vedas through all

the ages, are singing. gwvih mohxIAw mnu mohin surgw mC pieAwly ]

Mohinis (the beautiful maidens) enticers (enchanters) in paradise, earth

and the nether regions are singing gwvin rqn aupwey qyry ATsiT qIrQ nwly ]

Ratnas (precious jewels) created by you and the sixty-eight holy places of

pilgrimage are singing. gwvih joD mhwbl sUrw gwvih KwxI cwry ]

Brave spiritual warriors and the four sources of creation are singing. gwvih KMf mMfl vrBMfw kir kir rKy Dwry ]

The planets, solar systems and galaxies, created, and held in order by

you, are singing. syeI quDuno gwvih jo quDu Bwvin rqy qyry Bgq rswly ]

The singing of only those devotees is acceptable, who sing fully immersed

in your love. hoir kyqy gwvin sy mY iciq n Awvin nwnku ikAw vIcwry ]

How many others are singing, who do not come to mind says Nanak after

pondering (thinking) soeI soeI sdw scu swihbu swcw swcI nweI ]

He, He alone, is the forever True Master; True is His Name. hY BI hosI jwie n jwsI rcnw ijin rcweI ]

He is; shall always be (eternal). He shall not depart; even when His

entire creation goes into oblivion (vanishes). rMgI rMgI BwqI kir kir ijnsI mwieAw ijin aupweI ]

Having fashioned His creations into myriad (many) forms & colors, He

infused Maya therein. kir kir vyKY kIqw Awpxw ijv iqs dI vifAweI ]

Having created His creation, He takes care of it; this is His greatness. jo iqsu BwvY soeI krsI hukmu n krxw jweI ]

Whatever pleases Him, so He does. No one can influence or order Him. so pwiqswhu swhw pwiqswihbu nwnk rhxu rjweI ]27]

P a g e | 36

He is the King, the King of kings, (says) Nanak live in accordance to His

Will. ||27|| Essence; 28th to 31st Pauri: These Pauris are basically advisories (advice) given by Guru Nanak to various ‘Panthis’ of His times. But there is a universal message for each one of us. His main concern was to shift the focus of the Panthis from physical plane to the intellectual (Mental) plane. He counseled that wearing ear rings and patched coats, carrying hand bags, applying ash on the forehead etc, would not get them salvation. Instead, they need to make conscious spiritual efforts to subjugate their mind. By meditating, and constantly praying for virtues like contentment, faith, self control and humility, the mind can be conquered. Once the mind is conquered, it opens the pathway to salvation. He also breaks the myth that there are three separate deities performing individual functions of creation, sustenance & destruction (the Lord himself performs these functions). He cautions the Panthis against the allurements of Ridhis (power to acquire Wealth) & Siddhis (Occult powers) which can lead them astray from the path to liberation.

muMdw sMqoKu srmu pqu JolI iDAwn kI krih ibBUiq ] Let contentment be your ear-rings, spiritual effort your

begging bowl; let meditation be the ashes you apply to your forehead.

iKMQw kwlu kuAwrI kwieAw jugiq fMfw prqIiq ]

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Let fear of death be the patched coat, let making your body & mind pure

be your life’s avocation (job); let unflinching (unwavering) faith in the

Lord be your meditation staff AweI pMQI sgl jmwqI min jIqY jgu jIqu ]

(Accept) brotherhood of mankind as the highest order of Yogis; conquer

your mind; you will win over the world. Awdysu iqsY Awdysu ]

I bow, I humbly bow to Him Awid AnIlu Anwid Anwhiq jugu jugu eyko vysu ]28]

(Who) is Primal (exists from the beginning), is Pure, beyond the origin of

ages, indestructible; (who) retains the same form through all the ages,

||28|| Bugiq igAwnu dieAw BMfwrix Git Git vwjih nwd ]

Let spiritual knowledge be your food, compassion be your distributor of

stores (food); (understand) that the same Naad (Aong) is beating in every

heart. Awip nwQu nwQI sB jw kI iriD isiD Avrw swd ]

He is the Supreme Master, who has strung the entire creation in His one

string; (beware of the powers) to acquire wealth (Ridhis) and super

natural spiritual powers (Sidhis); these are tastes (that can only lead you

astray).. sMjogu ivjogu duie kwr clwvih lyKy Awvih Bwg ]

Union and separation are run by His writ (command). One gets what is

destined. Awdysu iqsY Awdysu ]

I bow, I humbly bow to Him Awid AnIlu Anwid Anwhiq jugu jugu eyko vysu ]29]

(Who) is Primal (exists from the beginning), is Pure, beyond the origin of

ages, indestructible; (who) retains the same form through all the ages,

||29||

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eykw mweI jugiq ivAweI iqin cyly prvwxu ]

(It is believed that) one Divine Mother (Maya) conceived and

gave birth to three deities. ieku sMswrI ieku BMfwrI ieku lwey dIbwxu ]

One Creator (Brahma); One Sustainer (Vishnu) and One Destroyer (Shiva).

ijv iqsu BwvY iqvY clwvY ijv hovY Purmwxu ] (But in reality) Everything happens (creation, sustenance,

destruction) as He chooses it to happen. Such is His Celestial

Order.. Ehu vyKY Enw ndir n AwvY bhuqw eyhu ivfwxu ]

He watches over all, but none (including Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva) can see Him; this is a great wonder

Awdysu iqsY Awdysu ] I bow, I humbly bow to Him.

Awid AnIlu Anwid Anwhiq jugu jugu eyko vysu ]30] (Who) is Primal (exists from the beginning), is Pure, beyond

the origin of ages, indestructible; (who) retains the same form through all the ages, ||30||

Awsxu loie loie BMfwr ] The Lord has His stores in all His worlds..

jo ikCu pwieAw su eykw vwr ] Whatever was to be put into them, was put once and for all.

kir kir vyKY isrjxhwru ] Having created the creation, He takes care (of His entire

expanse). nwnk scy kI swcI kwr ]

O Nanak, True is the Creation of the True Lord Awdysu iqsY Awdysu ]

I bow, I humbly bow to Him Awid AnIlu Anwid Anwhiq jugu jugu eyko vysu ]31]

(Who) is Primal (exists from the beginning), is Pure, beyond the origin of

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ages, indestructible; (who) retains the same form through all the ages

||31|| Essence: 32nd Pauiri: In this Pauri Guru Nanak, reveals the method to achieve union with the Lord. He gives a physical example to illustrate (emphasise) the need to remember God at all times. If one does that, one can reach a state of meditation wherein each pore of the devotee starts vibrating in the name of Lord. That is, all the pores become equivalent to lakhs of tongues. Following this path, one can hope to achieve salvation. But, He adds a word of caution. Repeating the Lord’s name mechanically lakhs of times, will not lead to liberation. His Grace has to be earned. The way to earn His Grace has been Highlighted in the preceeding Pauris -Live according to His Will (‘hukim rjweI clxw nwnk iliKAw nwil’ Pauri 1). What is His Will? -

That we subjugate our ego by accepting that we are, what we are, because of His Divine Decree (nwnk hukmY jy buJY q haumY khY n koie Pauri

2), that we suixAw (attentively) listen to (Pauris 8th to 11th), mMinAw ponder & accept (unflinchingly) the teachings of the Guru (Pauris 12th to 15th) and implement the teachings –acquire virtues & use them in the conduct of our life (‘ivxu gux kIqy Bgiq n hoie ‘Pauri 21’).

If one follows this regime then the door to liberation will open for him.

iek dU jIBO lK hoih lK hovih lK vIs ] If one tongue were to become one lakh and, one lakh were to

become twenty times more. lKu lKu gyVw AwKIAih eyku nwmu jgdIs ]

If each of these tongues were to utter the Name of the Lord of the

Universe lakhs of times

eyqu rwih piq pvVIAw cVIAY hoie iekIs ] By following/climbing this step/way (path) one can hope to unite with the

Husband Lord

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suix glw Awkws kI kItw AweI rIs ] Hearing the exalted state of the (liberated) souls, even worms (lowly mortals/sinners) long (to reach the same

state). nwnk ndrI pweIAY kUVI kUVY TIs ]32]

(Says) Nanak, liberation can be achieved only by (earning)

His Grace; False are the pretensions (boastings) of the false. ||32||

Essence: Pauri 33: This is a reaffirmation or extension of the revelation made in the 2nd Pauri – hukmI hovin jIA hukim imlY vifAweI – everything that happens in this universe is under the control (Hukum) of the Lord. The spiritually ignorant mortal, in his false sense of ego, thinks otherwise. Some learn the hard way that they are mere puppets in the hands of God. It is the Lord alone who determines as to who (amongst the mortals) shall become high or low, when he will die or take birth, what he will get or not get. It is only He, who has the powers in His hands. And, it is He, who is taking care of His entire creation.

AwKix joru cupY nh joru ]

No control over speech, no power to silence (the mind).

joru n mMgix dyix n joru ]

No power to forcibly get (anything one desires), no power to give anything (by force).

.joru n jIvix mrix nh joru ]

No control over life or death

joru n rwij mwil min soru ] No power to acquire kingdom & wealth, (desires) that keep

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the mind in turmoil. joru n surqI igAwin vIcwir ]

No power to raise one’s level of consciousness; no power to

acquire spiritual wisdom (without earning His grace). joru n jugqI CutY sMswru ]

No power to detach oneself from worldly attachments. ijsu hiQ joru kir vyKY soie ]

He, who has the Power in His Hands, is taking care of all His creations.

nwnk auqmu nIcu n koie ]33] (Says) Nanak, no one becomes high or low on his own.(he

becomes so, if the Lord so Wills) ||33|| Essence: 34th Pauri: When we proceed on a journey by road we get to see milestones that tell us how far we are from our chosen destination. Salvation is a journey on the spiritual plane where in the striver (devotee) travels deep into the depth of his mind. Guru Nanak has revealed 5 milestones on the path to liberation. They are Dharam Khand (Realm of Righteous duty), Gian Khand (Realm of spiritual /knowledge), Sarm Khand (Realm of Spiritual wisdom), Karm Khand (Realm of Grace) and Sach Khand (Realm of Truth). These enable the devotee to determine as to where he stands in the process of spiritual evolution. In this Pauri the first stage of spiritual evolution – The Dharam Khand is described. He says that the Lord established Earth, in His scheme of things, as a temporary abode (Dharamshala) for the mortals to perform the roles assigned to them in a righteous manner. The mortals are judged by the karmas they perform during their current life form. Karmas are not merely the physical acts that are visible to the material world They include good or bad thoughts that are alive in the conscious mind or dormant (hidden) in the subconscious.These are unseen to the external world but not unknown to ‘Chitr’ (who records the thoughts that are active in the conscious mind) and ‘Gupt’

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(who records hidden thoughts in the subconscious). Hence, no one can escape the sharp eye of the Lord when they come to His True Court for adjudication (judgement). The spiritually ignorant mortals regretfully realise this when they depart from this world. The spiritually awakened (‘Panchs’) find a place of honour in His court.

rwqI ruqI iQqI vwr ]

(Having created) Nights, Lunar days, weeks and seasons;

pvx pwxI AgnI pwqwl ]

Air, water, fire and the nether regions

iqsu ivic DrqI Qwip rKI Drm swl ]

He established the Earth, in the midst of these, as a

temporary abode for mortals to live their lives (piously & righteously).

iqsu ivic jIA jugiq ky rMg ]

Upon the earth, He placed species of myriad (many) forms & colours.

iqn ky nwm Anyk Anµq ]

The names of whom are innumerable and endless. krmI krmI hoie vIcwru ]

They shall be judged by their karmas - thought, words and deeds performed (consciously /unconsciously)

scw Awip scw drbwru ] True is the Lord; True is His Court.

iqQY sohin pMc prvwxu ] There, the beauteous Panchs (pure ones), are accepted (in

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the Lord’s Court). ndrI krim pvY nIswxu ]

They get the Mark of Grace (as a sign of recognition). kc pkweI EQY pwie ]

The virtuous & the sinners, shall there be judged. nwnk gieAw jwpY jwie ]34]

(Says) Nanak, one realises this only when one reaches His

court. ||34||

Essence Pauri 35 In the realm of spiritual knowledge the mortal evolves himself out of the narrow confines of his personal world (me, my family, relatives, friends business/avocation etc) He starts becoming aware of the world beyond his personal domain – the huge expanse created by the Lord and the creations therein. It makes him realise how small & insignificant he is in relation to the external expanse. This begins to have a very humbling effect upon the true devotee.

Drm KMf kw eyho Drmu ]

In the realm of Dharma, this is the law which governs all His

creations).

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igAwn KMf kw AwKhu krmu ]

Now I narrate (the state of evolution (progress)) in the realm of spiritual knowledge.

kyqy pvx pwxI vYsMqr kyqy kwn mhys ] (Mortal becomes aware that), there are innumerable

atmospheric regions (over the innumerable earths/Planets/Solar systems), innumerable oceans/forms of water, innumerable fiery regions (innumerable Suns, volcanic lava within the many earths etc); innumerable Krishnas and

Shivas. kyqy brmy GwViq GVIAih rUp rMg ky vys ]

There are innumerable Brahmas, fashioning creations in innumerable forms, colours & appearances.

kyqIAw krm BUmI myr kyqy kyqy DU aupdys ] (There are) Innumerable earths for performing karmas;

innumerable ‘Meru parvat’ (holy mountains) and innumerable Dhruv (Bhagats) giving spiritual sermons)

kyqy ieMd cMd sUr kyqy kyqy mMfl dys ] (There are) innumerable Indras, Moons Suns & Solar systems.

kyqy isD buD nwQ kyqy kyqy dyvI vys ] (There are) innumerable Siddhas (who have acquired occult

powers), Buddhas (whose consciousness has reached advanced state) and Yogic masters; innumerable goddesses

in myriad (many) guises. kyqy dyv dwnv muin kyqy kyqy rqn smuMd ]

Innumerable Gods, Demons, Munis (silent sages), Innumerable oceans filled with Ratnas (precious jewels)

kyqIAw KwxI kyqIAw bwxI kyqy pwq nirMd ] Innumerable beings created through different forms of creation (Womb, eggs, earth & moisture), innumerable

languages, Innumerable are the emperors & kings. kyqIAw surqI syvk kyqy nwnk AMqu n AMqu ]35]

Innumerable are the devotees in different states of

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consciousness, innumerable are the mortals engaged in the service (of the Lord). (Says) Nanak, there is no limit to His

limit (of creations)! ||35|| igAwn KMf mih igAwnu prcMfu ]

In the realm of spiritual knowledge, (deep) spiritual insight reigns supreme.

iqQY nwd ibnod kof Anµdu ] The devotee (begins) to get the understanding that Naad (Aong) is vibrating in all creations, he begins to recognize

that circumstances/situations created are a part of the Lord’s Play designed to evolve him into higher heights in the

spiritual domain, he begins to learn to live in bliss (irrespective of the circumstances).

Essence: Pauri 36 In the domain of Spiritual effort (Sarm Khand) the empowerment of the soul reaches to a level

where it is able to awaken the mind to some of its God like qualities like sweet language, humility, heightened level of consciousness (rising beyond body consciousness), a better

sense of discrimination between right & wrong etc srm KMf kI bwxI rUpu ]

In the realm of spiritual effort, the evolution is towards learning the language of humility & sobriety (soberness)

iqQY GwViq GVIAY bhuqu AnUpu ] There (the empowered soul) moulds the mind (into humility)

in a most beautiful way. qw kIAw glw kQIAw nw jwih ]

How the soul does this (moulds the mind), cannot be described

jy ko khY ipCY pCuqwie ]

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one who attempts to describe this will only have to repent later (at the incomplete attempt)

iqQY GVIAY suriq miq min buiD ] There, the mind is awakened to higher levels of

consciousness(rise above body consciousness); there, the intellect and wisdom of the devotee gets sharpened (faculty

to discriminate between right & wrong becomes better; ability to guard against evil/corrupting influence of Maya gets

strengthened) iqQY GVIAY surw isDw kI suiD ]36]

There, spiritual insight of (the devotees) gets fashioned to the level of spiritual warriors and the Siddhas(perfect ones

who have acquired occult powers) ||36|| krm KMf kI bwxI joru ]

In the realm of Divine Grace (Karm Khand), the evolution is towards total empowerment of the soul (the soul gets

empowered to totally subjugate Maya & its agent – Mind). iqQY horu n koeI horu ]

No one, no one else, can reside/reach there.. iqQY joD mhwbl sUr ]

There (only) brave, powerful spiritual warriors (who have conquered their evil & powerful enemies – Kaam, krodh, lobh,

moh & ahankaar) can reside. iqn mih rwmu rihAw BrpUr ]

They are totally immersed in their love for Lord. iqQY sIqo sIqw mihmw mwih ]

They remain totally absorbed in the praises of their Lord. qw ky rUp n kQny jwih ]

This stage of beatitude (the blessed state of the devotees) cannot be described. nw Eih mrih n Twgy jwih ]

Neither they die nor can they be deceived by the guiles (enticement) of Maya.

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ijn kY rwmu vsY mn mwih ] In whose minds the Lord abides.

iqQY Bgq vsih ky loA ] There, one can see Bhagats of innumerable worlds (who have reached the same state of realisation) in communion (group

of people sharing similar holy thoughts). krih Anµdu scw min soie ]

They rejoice in their bliss, as they have realised the Grace (karm) of the Lord. sc KMif vsY inrMkwru ]

The Formless Lord, who resides in all His creations, reveals Himself (only) to those who have evolved themselves into the

realm of Truth (Sach Khand). kir kir vyKY ndir inhwl ]

In this stage, the devotees are able to see the Grace of the Lord extending to all the creations created by Him..

iqQY KMf mMfl vrBMf ] They are able to see the innumerable planets, solar systems

and galaxies.. jy ko kQY q AMq n AMq ]

If one tries to describe them (he will not be able to), as there is no limit or end (to the extent of His creations).

iqQY loA loA Awkwr ] They can see worlds beyond worlds & innumerable forms (of

His Creations). ijv ijv hukmu iqvY iqv kwr ]

They can see that His Will prevails upon all His creations. vyKY ivgsY kir vIcwru ]

They can see, ponder (think) and rejoice over the magnificence (glory) of His vast creation..

nwnk kQnw krVw swru ]37] Says Nanak, this sight, this emotion, this experience is very

difficult to describe (it is as hard as steel to describe)! ||37||

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jqu pwhwrw DIrju suinAwru ] Let self-control (of the five sense organs) be the furnace,

patience be the goldsmith. Ahrix miq vydu hQIAwru ]

Let intellect be the anvil, spiritual wisdom be the tool (used to sharpen the intellect).

Bau Klw Agin qp qwau ] Use the fear of God as the bellows to fan the flames of fire

within (to purify oneself). BWfw Bwau AMimRqu iqqu Fwil ]

In the crucible of love, melt amrit (the Nectar of the Lord’s Name)

GVIAY sbdu scI tkswl ] (Living by the above referred teachings one becomes a true

mint (a true soul)), the molding (utterance) of coin (Shabad) (<>Aong kaar/Vahe Guru) by such a true soul becomes

acceptable in the Lord’s Court (Shabad uttered by others are rejected as counterfeit (fake) coins)

ijn kau ndir krmu iqn kwr ] Such is the karma of those who have earned the Grace (of the

True Lord). nwnk ndrI ndir inhwl ]38]

Says Nanak, the Gracious Lord, by His Grace, liberates them .|38||

Essence: The Concluding Salok is the epilogue which summarises the

revelations made by Guru Nanak in the preceding 38 pauris – that the

purpose of giving human form to the beings on earth is to get salvation;

salvation is attained by living one’s life righteously (as per Guru’s

Teachings); that the earth along with its constituents (air, water, day &

night) is provided specifically as a temporary abode (Dharmsal) for this

purpose (to achieve salvation); that a mortal is alive so long as Prana

/Air/Guru (soul) is with him. Once the Guru (swan soul) departs so does

Prana/air (breath) depart. Hence, Air is the Guru. Water sustains life in

the mortal as does father sustain his children. Water is, therefore, the

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father. Earth is the mother as she feeds and gives the comfort of her lap

to the mortal (during his life time & even after death ( for his mortal

remains)); Day & night are the male & female nurses that allow the

mortals to stage their play (as per the role assigned to them); that the

human beings carve out their destiny for their next life by the karmas

they perform in their current life form; that the good and the bad

karmas are adjudicated (examined) by DharamRaj in the presence of the

Lord; that these karmas, accordingly, determine whether the mortal will

get closer to the Lord or move away to lower forms of life (animal/

vegetation); that they, who meditate on the name of the Lord & toil hard

(to live as per the teachings of the Guru) are accepted in the Lord’s

Court; along with them, many associates also get liberated.

sloku ] salok.

pvxu gurU pwxI ipqw mwqw Driq mhqu ] Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great

Mother of all. idvsu rwiq duie dweI dwieAw KylY sgl jgqu ]

Day and night are the two nurses, in whose lap the whole world is at play.

cMigAweIAw buirAweIAw vwcY Drmu hdUir ] Good deeds and bad deeds-the record is read out in the Presence of the

Lord of Dharma

krmI Awpo AwpxI ky nyVY ky dUir ] According to their own actions, some are drawn closer, and

some are driven farther away.

ijnI nwmu iDAwieAw gey mskiq Gwil ] Those who have meditated on the Naam, the Name of the

Lord, and departed after having worked by the sweat of their brows

nwnk qy muK aujly kyqI CutI nwil ]1] O Nanak, their faces are radiant in the Court of the Lord, and

many are saved along with them!

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Translated by

Premjit Singh Pruthi