JAPJI SAHIB
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ik-oNkaar sat naam kartaa purakh nirbha-o nirvair akaal moorat ajoonee saibhaN gur parsaad.
There is only one God whose Name is ‘of Eternal Existence’. He is the creator of the universe, all-pervading, without fear, without enmity, independent of time, beyond the cycle of birth and death, self revealed and is realized by the Guru’s grace.
॥ ਜਪੁ ॥
jap.
Name of the composition (means Chant)
ਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁ ॥
aad sach jugaad sach.
God has existed from the beginning and existed throughout the ages.
ਹੈ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੋਸੀ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ॥੧॥
hai bhee sach naanak hosee bhee sach. ||1||
O’ Nanak, He is true (exists) now and He will be true (exist) forever.
ਸੋਚੈ ਸੋਚਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਸੋਚੀ ਲਖ ਵਾਰ ॥
sochai soch na hova-ee jay sochee lakh vaar.
Cleaning the body by taking thousands of baths does not clean the mind from the filth of evil thoughts.
ਚੁਪੈ ਚੁਪ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਲਾਇ ਰਹਾ ਲਿਵ ਤਾਰ ॥
chupai chup na hova-ee jay laa-ay rahaa liv taar.
Mind does not stop wandering by remaining silent, even by constant ritualistic meditation.
ਭੁਖਿਆ ਭੁਖ ਨ ਉਤਰੀ ਜੇ ਬੰਨਾ ਪੁਰੀਆ ਭਾਰ ॥
bhukhi-aa bhukh na utree jay bannaa puree-aa bhaar.
Hunger or desire for material wealth is not appeased, even by collecting the material wealth of the entire world.
ਸਹਸ ਸਿਆਣਪਾ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਤ ਇਕ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
sahas si-aanpaa lakh hohi ta ik na chalai naal.
One may have millions of clever ideas, but not even one of those will help at the end.
ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥
kiv sachi-aaraa ho-ee-ai kiv koorhai tutai paal.
So how can we become truthful? How can the wall of illusion, which separates us from God, be torn away?
ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥
hukam rajaa-ee chalnaa naanak likhi-aa naal. ||1||
(The answer is that) we should live according to God’s command, which, O’ Nanak, has been written in our destiny from the very beginning.
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਆਕਾਰ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਹਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥
hukmee hovan jee-a hukam milai vadi-aa-ee
All souls are created by His Will. All glory and greatness is also achieved by His Will.
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਜੀਅ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਡਿਆਈ॥
hukmee hovan aakaar hukam na kahi-aa jaa-ee.
Everything is created by His command; His command cannot be described.
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਉਤਮੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ॥
hukmee utam neech hukam likh dukh sukh paa-ee-ah.
Some are virtuous and some are wicked by His Will; it is by God’s Will, based on their past deeds, some suffer pain while others enjoy bliss.
ਇਕਨਾ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਇਕਿ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਸਦਾ ਭਵਾਈਅਹਿ ॥
iknaa hukmee bakhsees ik hukmee sadaa bhavaa-ee-ah.
By His Command, some are blessed and forgiven while others, by His Command wander aimlessly forever in cycle of birth and death.
ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
hukme andar sabh ko baahar hukam na ko-ay.
Everyone is subject to His Command; no one is beyond His Command.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥
nanak hukme jay bujhai ta ha-umai kahai na ko-ay. ||2||
O’ Nanak, if people understand His Command, then no one will behave egotistically.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਤਾਣੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਕਿਸੈ ਤਾਣੁ ॥
gaavai ko taan hovai kisai taan.
According to their ability, some sing praises of His might.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਦਾਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥
gaave ko daat jaanai neesan.
Some sing about His gifts to us (everything we consume) and consider those gifts as proof of His existence.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਗੁਣ ਵਡਿਆਈਆ ਚਾਰ ॥
gaavai ko gun vadi-aa-ee-aa chaar.
Some sing of His noble virtues and His greatness.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵਿਖਮੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
gaave ko vidi-aa vikhman vichaar.
Some sing God’s praises by reflecting on the difficult divine knowledge through the power of their education.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਸਾਜਿ ਕਰੇ ਤਨੁ ਖੇਹ ॥
gaava ko saaj karay tan khayh.
Some sing of God’s power to create the body and then to reduce it to dust.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਜੀਅ ਲੈ ਫਿਰਿ ਦੇਹ ॥
gaave ko jee-a lai fir dayh.
Some sing that He takes away life and then gives it again in another form.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਜਾਪੈ ਦਿਸੈ ਦੂਰਿ ॥
gaave ko jaapai disai door.
Some sing that God seems so very far away.
ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਵੇਖੈ ਹਾਦਰਾ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥
gaavai ko vaykhai haadraa hadoor.
Some sing God’s praises visualizing Him everywhere.
ਕਥਨਾ ਕਥੀ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਤੋਟਿ ॥
kathnaa kathee na aavai tot.
Many try to describe God’s virtues, but there is no end to His virtues.
ਕਥਿ ਕਥਿ ਕਥੀ ਕੋਟੀ ਕੋਟਿ ਕੋਟਿ ॥
kath kath kathee kotee kot kot.
Even though millions have tried to describe His virtues millions of times.
ਦੇਦਾ ਦੇ ਲੈਦੇ ਥਕਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
daydaa day laiday thak paahi.
The benefactor God keeps on giving, while those who receive grow weary of receiving.
ਜੁਗਾ ਜੁਗੰਤਰਿ ਖਾਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥
jugaa jugantar khaahee khaahi.
All creatures have been consuming His gifts throughout the ages.
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਰਾਹੁ ॥
hukmee hukam chalaa-ay raahu.
By His command, God, the great commander, is running the universe on a specific path.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥੩॥
naanak vigsai vayparvaahu. ||3||
O’ Nanak, God is always carefree and blissful.
ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚੁ ਨਾਇ ਭਾਖਿਆ ਭਾਉ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥
saachaa saahib saach naa-ay bhaakhi-aa bhaa-o apaar.
God is eternal and so is His justice, His language is that of love and He is infinite.
ਆਖਹਿ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਦੇਹਿ ਦੇਹਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਦਾਤਾਰੁ ॥
aakhahi mangahi dayhi dayhi daat karay daataar.
We beg of Him for more and more and the benevolent God keeps on giving.
ਫੇਰਿ ਕਿ ਅਗੈ ਰਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਦਿਸੈ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥
fayr ke agai rakhee-ai jit disai darbaar.
Then what should we offer Him so we can visualize His presence.
ਮੁਹੌ ਕਿ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਬੋਲੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਸੁਣਿ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
muhou ke bolan bolee-ai jit sun Dharay pi-aar.
What words can we speak to evoke His love?
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
amrit vaylaa sach naa-o vadi-aa-ee veechaar.
In the ambrosial hours before dawn, recite the True Name, and contemplate His glorious virtues.
ਕਰਮੀ ਆਵੈ ਕਪੜਾ ਨਦਰੀ ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
karmee aavai kaprhaa nadree mokh du-aar.
The human body is obtained through good deeds but the liberation from vices is attained through His grace.
ਨਾਨਕ ਏਵੈ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਆਪੇ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥੪॥
naanak ayvai jaanee-ai sabh aapay sachiaar. ||4||
O’ Nanak, this way we realize that God is eternal, all pervading and is everything by Himself.
ਥਾਪਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਕੀਤਾ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
thaapi-aa na jaa-ay keetaa na ho-ay.
He cannot be established (confined), He cannot be created.
ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥
aapay aap niranjan so-ay.
The immaculate God came into existence by Himself.
ਜਿਨਿ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
jin sayvi-aa tin paa-i-aa maan.
One who remembered Him with loving devotion, received honor.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਾਵੀਐ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥
naanak gaavee-ai gunee niDhaan.
O’ Nanak, let us sing the praises of God, the treasure of virtues.
ਗਾਵੀਐ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਮਨਿ ਰਖੀਐ ਭਾਉ ॥
gaavee-ai sunee-ai man rakhee-ai bhaa-o.
Let us sing and listen to His praises, and enshrine His love in our heart.
ਦੁਖੁ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਘਰਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ ॥
dukh parhar sukh ghar lai jaa-ay.
One who does this, dispels his sorrow and finds inner peace in his heart.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ॥
gurmukh naadaN gurmukh vaydaN gurmukh rahi-aa samaa-ee.
Through the Guru’s we experience the divine word, through the Guru’s we obtain divine knowledge and through the Guru’s we realize that God is all pervading.
ਗੁਰੁ ਈਸਰੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੋਰਖੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਰਬਤੀ ਮਾਈ ॥
gur eesar gur gorakh barmaa gur paarbatee maa-ee.
For us, the Guru himself is Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Parbati.
ਜੇ ਹਉ ਜਾਣਾ ਆਖਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਹਣਾ ਕਥਨੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
jay ha-o jaanaa aakhaa naahee kahnaa kathan na jaa-ee.
Even if I realize God, I will not be able to describe Him because He cannot be described in words.
ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
guraa ik dayhi bujhaa-ee.
O’ my Guru, please bless me with this understanding that:
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੫॥
sabhnaa jee-aa kaa ik daataa so mai visar na jaa-ee. ||5||
I may never forget God, the only provider to all living beings.
ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਾ ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਭਾਣੇ ਕਿ ਨਾਇ ਕਰੀ ॥
tirath naavaa jay tis bhaavaa vin bhaanay ke naa-ay karee.
I will bathe at pilgrimage sites only if it pleases God; without pleasing God, what is the use of such ritualistic bathing?
ਜੇਤੀ ਸਿਰਠਿ ਉਪਾਈ ਵੇਖਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਲਈ ॥
jaytee sirath upaa-ee vaykhaa vin karmaa ke milai la-ee.
When I look at the entire world created by Him, (I realize that) nothing can be obtained without His blessing.
ਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਤਨ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਿਕ ਜੇ ਇਕ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣੀ ॥
mat vich ratan javaahar maanik jay ik gur kee sikh sunee.
The mind becomes rich with precious divine knowledge when one listens to Guru’s teachings even once.
ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
guraa ik dayhi bujhaa-ee.
O’ my Guru, please bless me with this understanding that;
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੬॥
sabhnaa jee-aa kaa ik daataa so mai visar na jaa-ee. ||6||
I may never forget God, the only provider to all living beings.
ਜੇ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਆਰਜਾ ਹੋਰ ਦਸੂਣੀ ਹੋਇ ॥
jay jug chaaray aarjaa hor dasoonee ho-ay.
even if a person lives throughout the four ages, or even ten times more,
ਨਵਾ ਖੰਡਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥
navaa khanda vich jaanee-ai naal chalai sabh ko-ay.
and even if he is known throughout the world and is obeyed by everyone,
ਚੰਗਾ ਨਾਉ ਰਖਾਇ ਕੈ ਜਸੁ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਜਗਿ ਲੇਇ ॥
changa naa-o rakhaa-ay kai jas keerat jag lay-ay.
has a good reputation with praise and fame throughout the world,
ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਤ ਵਾਤ ਨ ਪੁਛੈ ਕੇ ॥
jay tis nadar na aavee ta vaat na puchhai kay.
still no-one would care about that person without the grace of God.
ਕੀਟਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕੀਟੁ ਕਰਿ ਦੋਸੀ ਦੋਸੁ ਧਰੇ ॥
keetaa andar keet kar dosee dos Dharay.
Such a person is considered very low, (like a lowly worm), and even the sinners will hold him in contempt.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਗੁਣਿ ਗੁਣੁ ਕਰੇ ਗੁਣਵੰਤਿਆ ਗੁਣੁ ਦੇ ॥
naanak nirgun gun karay gunvanti-aa gun day.
O’ Nanak, God can bless even the unvirtuous persons with virtues, and can bestow more virtues on the virtuous.
ਤੇਹਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸੁਝਈ ਜਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਣੁ ਕੋਇ ਕਰੇ ॥੭॥
tayhaa ko-ay na sujh-ee je tis gun ko-ay karay. ||7||
I cannot even imagine anyone other than God who can bestow virtues upon virtueless.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥
suni-ai siDh peer sur naath.
By listening to God’s praises even ordinary persons obtain the status of Sidhas (yogis), Peers (Muslim religious guides), gods, and Naaths (the leaders of yogis).
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਧਰਤਿ ਧਵਲ ਆਕਾਸ ॥
suni-ai Dharat Dhaval aakaas.
By listening to Naam (one understands the mystery of) the earth, and the real bull (or force), which supports earth and the sky.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੀਪ ਲੋਅ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥
suni-ai deep lo-a paataal.
By listening to Naam, one understands that God is pervading in all the continents, worlds, and nether regions.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕਾਲੁ ॥
suni-ai pohi na sakai kaal.
By listening to God’s praises, one is not afraid of death.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.
O’ Nanak, His devotees are forever in joy and bliss.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੮॥
suni-ai dookh paap kaa naas. ||8||
Listening to God’s praises, all sorrows and sins are erased. ||8||
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਈਸਰੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਇੰਦੁ ॥
suni-ai eesar barmaa ind.
Listening to Naam, one obtains the godly qualities like that of Shiva, Brahma and Indra.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਲਾਹਣ ਮੰਦੁ ॥
suni-ai mukh saalaahan mand.
By listening to Naam, even the sinners get enlightened and start singing the praises of God.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਤਨਿ ਭੇਦ ॥
suni-ai jog jugat tan bhayd.
By listening to Naam, one starts understanding the secrets of uniting with God, and the secrets of the human body.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਾਸਤ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਵੇਦ ॥
suni-ai saasat simrit vayd.
By listening to the God’s Name, one attains spiritual knowledge described in the holy scriptures.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.
O’ Nanak, the devotees of God are forever in bliss.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੯॥
suni-ai dookh paap kaa naas. ||9||
By listening to God’s praises, all sorrows and sins vanish.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥
suni-ai sat santokh gi-aan.
By listening to Naam, one acquires truthfulness, contentment and spiritual knowledge.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਕਾ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥
suni-ai athsath kaa isnaan.
By listening to God’s praises with adoration, one becomes pious, as if one has bathed at all the holy places.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
suni-ai parh parh paavahi maan.
By listening to God’s praises, the devotees earn the same true honor as one receives by reading holy books (scriptures).
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥
suni-ai laagai sahj Dhi-aan.
By listening to Naam, one intuitively concentrates on Naam.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.
O’ Nanak, the devotees of God are forever in the state of joy and bliss.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੧੦॥
suni-ai dookh paap kaa naas. ||10||
Listening to God’s praises with adoration, all sorrows and sins vanish.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਰਾ ਗੁਣਾ ਕੇ ਗਾਹ ॥
suni-ai saraa gunaa kay gaah.
By listening to God’s praises, one becomes immensely virtues.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੇਖ ਪੀਰ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹ ॥
suni-ai saykh peer paatisaah.
By listening to God’s praises with loving devotion one attains honor like that of social and religious leaders and the emperors.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅੰਧੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਰਾਹੁ ॥
suni-ai anDhay paavahi raahu.
By listening to Naam, even spiritually ignorant persons find a way to freedom from the vices.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਹਾਥ ਹੋਵੈ ਅਸਗਾਹੁ ॥
suni-ai haath hovai asgaahu.
By listening to Naam, one understands the profoundness of the world-ocean.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.
O’ Nanak, the devotees of God are forever in the state of joy and bliss.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੧੧॥
suni-ai dookh paap kaa naas. ||11||
All sorrows and sins vanish by lovingly listening to God’s praises.
ਮੰਨੇ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
mannay kee gat kahee na jaa-ay.
The state of mind of a true believer in God cannot be described,
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਇ ॥
jay ko kahai pichhai pachhutaa-ay.
and if one tries to describe this state, he would afterwards regret.
ਕਾਗਦਿ ਕਲਮ ਨ ਲਿਖਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
kaagad kalam na likhanhaar.
There is not enough paper or pen and writer to write the spiritual state of the mind of a true believer in God,
ਮੰਨੇ ਕਾ ਬਹਿ ਕਰਨਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
mannay kaa bahi karan veechaar.
even though some people do reflect over it anyway.
ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
aisaa naam niranjan ho-ay.
Such a blissful is the Name of the Immaculate God,
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੨॥
jay ko man jaanai man ko-ay. ||12||
but it is understood only if one truly believes in it from the core of his heart.
ਮੰਨੈ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
mannai surat hovai man buDh.
By believing in Naam, one’s mind and intellect becomes spiritually enlightened.
ਮੰਨੈ ਸਗਲ ਭਵਣ ਕੀ ਸੁਧਿ ॥
mannai sagal bhavan kee suDh.
By having complete faith in God, one becomes knowledgeable about all the worlds (that God pervades everywhere).
ਮੰਨੈ ਮੁਹਿ ਚੋਟਾ ਨਾ ਖਾਇ ॥
mannai muhi chotaa naa khaa-ay.
By having complete faith in God, one is not afflicted by worldly evils.
ਮੰਨੈ ਜਮ ਕੈ ਸਾਥਿ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
mannai jam kai saath na jaa-ay.
By having complete faith in God, one does not have to face the demon of death.
ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
aisaa naam niranjan ho-ay.
Such a blissful is the Name of the Immaculate God,
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੩॥
jay ko man jaanai man ko-ay. ||13||
but it is understood only if one truly believes in it from the core of his heart.
ਮੰਨੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਠਾਕ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥
mannai maarag thaak na paa-ay.
A true believer in God never faces any obstacles in his spiritual journey.
ਮੰਨੈ ਪਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਜਾਇ ॥
mannai pat si-o pargat jaa-ay.
A true believer in Naam departs from the world with honor and fame.
ਮੰਨੈ ਮਗੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਪੰਥੁ ॥
mannai mag na chalai panth.
A true believer in Naam is not misled into sects or ritualistic religious paths.
ਮੰਨੈ ਧਰਮ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਨਬੰਧੁ ॥
mannai Dharam saytee san-banDh.
A true believer in Naam is bound to the truth and righteousness.
ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
aisaa naam niranjan ho-ay.
Such a blissful is the Name of the Immaculate God,
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੪॥
jay ko man jaanai man ko-ay. ||14||
but it is understood only if one truly believes in it from the core of his heart.
ਮੰਨੈ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
mannai paavahi mokh du-aar.
The true believers in God, find the path to freedom from the false worldly attachments.
ਮੰਨੈ ਪਰਵਾਰੈ ਸਾਧਾਰੁ ॥
mannai parvaarai saaDhaar.
A true believer in God, makes his family believe in God’s support.
ਮੰਨੈ ਤਰੈ ਤਾਰੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ॥
mannai tarai taaray gur sikh.
Such a believer not only saves himself but also saves other disciples of the Guru.
ਮੰਨੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਵਹਿ ਨ ਭਿਖ ॥
mannai naanak bhavahi na bhikh.
O’ Nanak, such believers in Naam do not beg for favors from others.
ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
aisaa naam niranjan ho-ay.
Such a blissful is the Name of the Immaculate God,
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੫॥
jay ko man jaanai man ko-ay. ||15||
but it is understood only if one truly believes in it from the core of his heart.
ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ ॥
panch parvaan panch parDhaan.
Those who truly understand and obey God’s command become Panch (approved by God) and they lead others.
ਪੰਚੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਦਰਗਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
panchay paavahi dargahi maan.
These approved ones are honored in God’s presence.
ਪੰਚੇ ਸੋਹਹਿ ਦਰਿ ਰਾਜਾਨੁ ॥
panchay sohahi dar raajaan.
These approved ones grace the court of God, the king of all the kings.
ਪੰਚਾ ਕਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਏਕੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥
panchaa kaa gur ayk Dhi-aan.
Their minds always remain attuned to the Divine-Guru.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਕਰੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
jay ko kahai karai veechaar.
No matter how much anyone tries to explain and describe,
ਕਰਤੇ ਕੈ ਕਰਣੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੁਮਾਰੁ ॥
kartay kai karnai naahee sumaar.
the creation of the Creator cannot be comprehended.
ਧੌਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਾ ਪੂਤੁ ॥
Dhoul Dharam da-i-aa kaa poot.
Dharma (righteousness) is the force supporting the universe and not dhaul, the mythical bull; righteousness comes from compassion.
ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖਿਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਸੂਤਿ ॥
santokh thaap rakhi-aa jin soot.
Dharma (righteousness) based on compassion and patience supports this earth.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬੁਝੈ ਹੋਵੈ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥
jay ko bujhai hovai sachiaar.
If one understands this concept, then he comes to know the real truth,
ਧਵਲੈ ਉਪਰਿ ਕੇਤਾ ਭਾਰੁ ॥
Dhavlai upar kaytaa bhaar.
that it is the Law of God that supports the universe; how can a bull bear the tremendous weight of the earth?.
ਧਰਤੀ ਹੋਰੁ ਪਰੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਹੋਰੁ ॥
Dhartee hor parai hor hor.
There are innumerable earths beyond this planet-earth.
ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਭਾਰੁ ਤਲੈ ਕਵਣੁ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
tis tay bhaar talai kavan jor.
What power holds them, and supports their weight?
ਜੀਅ ਜਾਤਿ ਰੰਗਾ ਕੇ ਨਾਵ ॥
jee-a jaat rangaa kay naav.
There are countless species of creatures with various colors and names,
ਸਭਨਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਵੁੜੀ ਕਲਾਮ ॥
sabhnaa likhi-aa vurhee kalaam.
The ever-flowing pen of God has written the account of all.
ਏਹੁ ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
ayhu laykhaa likh jaanai ko-ay.
If anyone knows how to write this kind of account,
ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਕੇਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
laykhaa likhi-aa kaytaa ho-ay.
even if this account is written, just imagine how big that account will be?
ਕੇਤਾ ਤਾਣੁ ਸੁਆਲਿਹੁ ਰੂਪੁ ॥
kaytaa taan su-aalihu roop.
What is the extent of God’s power and the vastness of His beautiful creation?
ਕੇਤੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੌਣੁ ਕੂਤੁ ॥
kayti Daat su-aalihu roop.
And who can estimate the extent of His bounties?
ਕੀਤਾ ਪਸਾਉ ਏਕੋ ਕਵਾਉ ॥
keetaa pasaa-o ayko kavaa-o.
God is so powerful that He created the vast expanse of the Universe just with one word of His command,
ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਹੋਏ ਲਖ ਦਰੀਆਉ ॥
tis tay ho-ay lakh daree-aa-o.
And from that emerged millions of lives and systems of the universe.
ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
kudrat kavan kahaa veechaar.
Who am I to express my thoughts about the extent of God’s creation?
ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥
vaari-aa na jaavaa ayk vaar.
I am so powerless, that I am not even worthy of dedicating myself once for You.
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
jo tuDh bhaavai saa-ee bhalee kaar.
O’ God, whatever pleases You, is best for us.
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੬॥
too sadaa salaamat nirankaar. ||16||
O’ the formless God, only You are the eternal one.
ਅਸੰਖ ਜਪ ਅਸੰਖ ਭਾਉ ॥
asaNkh jap asaNkh bhaa-o.
O’ God, countless people meditate on Your Name and remember You with Love.
ਅਸੰਖ ਪੂਜਾ ਅਸੰਖ ਤਪ ਤਾਉ ॥
asaNkh poojaa asaNkh tap taa-o.
Countless people are engaged in Your devotional worship, and countless are doing penance sitting in front of smoldering fires.
ਅਸੰਖ ਗਰੰਥ ਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਦ ਪਾਠ ॥
asaNkh garanth mukh vayd paath.
Countless people are reciting the vedas and the holy books.
ਅਸੰਖ ਜੋਗ ਮਨਿ ਰਹਹਿ ਉਦਾਸ ॥
asaNkh jog man rahahi udaas.
Limitless are those who practice yoga, and in their minds they remain detached from the world.
ਅਸੰਖ ਭਗਤ ਗੁਣ ਗਿਆਨ ਵੀਚਾਰ ॥
asaNkh bhagat gun gi-aan veechaar.
Countless devotees contemplate the virtues and wisdom of the Almighty.
ਅਸੰਖ ਸਤੀ ਅਸੰਖ ਦਾਤਾਰ ॥
asaNkh satee asaNkh daataar.
There are countless holy persons and countless philanthropists.
ਅਸੰਖ ਸੂਰ ਮੁਹ ਭਖ ਸਾਰ ॥
asaNkh soor muh bhakh saar.
There are countless heros who face the brunt of steel weapons in battle.
ਅਸੰਖ ਮੋਨਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ਤਾਰ ॥
asaNkh mon liv laa-ay taar.
Countless are the sages who are attuned to God in single-minded devotion.
ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
kudrat kavan kahaa veechaar.
Who am I to assess the extent of God’s creation?
ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥
vaari-aa na jaavaa ayk vaar.
I am not worthy to dedicate myself to You even once.
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
jo tuDh bhaavai saa-ee bhalee kaar.
O’ God, whatever pleases You, is best for all.
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੭॥
too sadaa salaamat nirankaar. ||17||
O’ the formless God, only You are the eternal one.
ਅਸੰਖ ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਧ ਘੋਰ ॥
asaNkh moorakh anDh ghor.
In the world, there are countless fools who are blinded by complete ignorance.
ਅਸੰਖ ਚੋਰ ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ ॥
asaNkh chor haraamkhor.
Countless are thieves and embezzlers.
ਅਸੰਖ ਅਮਰ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ਜੋਰ ॥
asaNkh amar kar jaahi jor.
Countless impose their will on others by force.
ਅਸੰਖ ਗਲਵਢ ਹਤਿਆ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
asaNkh galvadh hati-aa kamaahi.
Countless are cut-throats and ruthless killers.
ਅਸੰਖ ਪਾਪੀ ਪਾਪੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
asaNkh paapee paap kar jaahi.
Countless are sinners who keep on committing sins.
ਅਸੰਖ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਕੂੜੇ ਫਿਰਾਹਿ ॥
asaNkh koorhi-aar koorhay firaahi.
Countless are liars, wandering lost in their lies.
ਅਸੰਖ ਮਲੇਛ ਮਲੁ ਭਖਿ ਖਾਹਿ ॥
asaNkh malaychh mal bhakh khaahi.
Countless are wicked who thrive on immoral behavior.
ਅਸੰਖ ਨਿੰਦਕ ਸਿਰਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਭਾਰੁ ॥
asaNkh nindak sir karahi bhaar.
Innumerable are the ones who speak ill of others and by doing so, carry the load of slander on their heads.
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਕਹੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
naanak neech kahai veechaar.
Lowly Nanak, only expresses this thought,
ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥
vaari-aa na jaavaa ayk vaar.
I am not worthy to dedicate myself to You even once.
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
jo tuDh bhaavai saa-ee bhalee kaar.
O’ God, whatever pleases You, that alone is the best deed for all.
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੮॥
too sadaa salaamat nirankaar. ||18||
O’ the formless God, only You are the eternal one.
ਅਸੰਖ ਨਾਵ ਅਸੰਖ ਥਾਵ ॥
asaNkh naav asaNkh thaav.
Countless are the names of Your creations and countless their places.
ਅਗੰਮ ਅਗੰਮ ਅਸੰਖ ਲੋਅ ॥
agamm agamm asaNkh lo-a.
There are countless worlds that are inaccessible and beyond imagination.
ਅਸੰਖ ਕਹਹਿ ਸਿਰਿ ਭਾਰੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
asaNkh kehahi sir bhaar ho-ay.
Even to call them countless amounts to carrying loads of sin on the head.
ਅਖਰੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਖਰੀ ਸਾਲਾਹ ॥
akhree naam akhree saalaah.
It is by the use of the words that God’s Name can be recited; it is by the use of the words that His praises can be sung.
ਅਖਰੀ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੀਤ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਹ ॥
akhree gi-aan geet gun gaah.
It is through the medium of words that divine knowledge can be acquired, His praises be sung and virtues be known.
ਅਖਰੀ ਲਿਖਣੁ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਬਾਣਿ ॥
akhree likhan bolan baan.
The written and spoken language can only be expressed using words.
ਅਖਰਾ ਸਿਰਿ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਖਾਣਿ ॥
akhraa sir sanjog vakhaan.
Only through words one’s destiny can be explained.
ਜਿਨਿ ਏਹਿ ਲਿਖੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
jin ayhi likhay tis sir naahi.
But God who has written everybody’s destiny, is beyond destiny.
ਜਿਵ ਫੁਰਮਾਏ ਤਿਵ ਤਿਵ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
jiv furmaa-ay tiv tiv paahi.
As God ordains, so do we receive.
ਜੇਤਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਤੇਤਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
jaytaa keetaa taytaa naa-o.
Whatever God has created is His manifestation (His Naam),
ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋ ਥਾਉ ॥
vin naavai naahee ko thaa-o.
Without His Name, there is no place at all.
ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
kudrat kavan kahaa veechaar.
How can I comprehend and describe Your creation?
ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥
vaari-aa na jaavaa ayk vaar.
I am not worthy to dedicate myself to You even once
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
jo tuDh bhaavai saa-ee bhalee kaar.
O’ God, whatever pleases You, that alone is the best deed for all.
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੯॥
too sadaa salaamat nirankaar. ||19||
O’ the formless God! You alone are the eternal one.
ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥
bharee-ai hath pair tan dayh.
If the hands, the feet and the body get soiled,
ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥
paanee Dhotai utras khayh.
then by washing with water the dirt goes away.
ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
moot paleetee kaparh ho-ay.
If the clothes are soiled and stained by urine,
ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥
day saaboon la-ee-ai oh Dho-ay.
Then it is washed by soap.
ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥
bharee-ai mat paapaa kai sang.
But when the intellect is polluted by sins,
ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
oh Dhopai naavai kai rang.
it can only be cleansed by lovingly remembering God’s Name.
ਪੁੰਨੀ ਪਾਪੀ ਆਖਣੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
punnee paapee aakhan naahi.
Virtuous and sinner are not just names or words for saying,
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਣਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਹੁ ॥
kar kar karnaa likh lai jaahu.
Whatever deeds you do in this world, you will take those attributes with you to the next life.
ਆਪੇ ਬੀਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਖਾਹੁ ॥
aapay beej aapay hee khaahu.
You would eat what you sow (you will endure the consequences of your deeds)
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਆਵਹੁ ਜਾਹੁ ॥੨੦॥
naanak hukmee aavhu jaahu. ||20||
O’ Nanak, by God’s divine law, (based on your deeds) you will remain in the cycle of birth and death.
ਤੀਰਥੁ ਤਪੁ ਦਇਆ ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥
tirath tap da-i-aa dat daan.
Pilgrimages, austere discipline, compassion and charity.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
jay ko paavai til kaa maan.
these, by themselves, bring only an iota of merit.
ਸੁਣਿਆ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ ॥
suni-aa mani-aa man keetaa bhaa-o.
One who has listened and believed in God’s Name with love in mind,
ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
antargat tirath mal naa-o.
he has purified himself by bathing in the holy place of his inner self (where God resides), and has truly removed the filth of sins.
ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥
sabh gun tayray mai naahee ko-ay.
O’ God, all the virtues in me are Your gifts; on my own, I have none.
ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
vin gun keetay bhagat na ho-ay.
Without You bestowing these virtues, I cannot perform Your devotional worship.
ਸੁਅਸਤਿ ਆਥਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਬਰਮਾਉ ॥
su-asat aath banee barmaa-o.
O’ God! You Yourself are Maya, Yourself the divine Word, and Yourself Brahma, I bow to You.
ਸਤਿ ਸੁਹਾਣੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ॥
sat suhaan sadaa man chaa-o.
You are eternal, immaculate and Your mind always remains delighted.
ਕਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਵੇਲਾ ਵਖਤੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਕਵਣ ਥਿਤਿ ਕਵਣੁ ਵਾਰੁ ॥
kavan so vaylaa vakhat kavan kavan thit kavan vaar.
What was that time and what was that moment? What was that day and what was that date?
ਕਵਣਿ ਸਿ ਰੁਤੀ ਮਾਹੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਹੋਆ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
kavan se rutee maahu kavan jit ho-aa aakaar.
What was that season and what was that month, when the Universe was created?
ਵੇਲ ਨ ਪਾਈਆ ਪੰਡਤੀ ਜਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਲੇਖੁ ਪੁਰਾਣੁ ॥
vayl na paa-ee-aa pandtee je hovai laykh puraan.
The pandits did not know that time when the universe was created, otherwise they would have recorded in the holy books.
ਵਖਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਕਾਦੀਆ ਜਿ ਲਿਖਨਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਕੁਰਾਣੁ ॥
vakhat na paa-i-o kaadee-aa je likhan laykh kuraan.
That time is not known to the Qazis, otherwise it would have been written in the Koran.
ਥਿਤਿ ਵਾਰੁ ਨਾ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਾਣੈ ਰੁਤਿ ਮਾਹੁ ਨਾ ਕੋਈ ॥
thit vaar naa jogee jaanai rut maahu naa ko-ee.
Neither any yogi nor any other person knows the lunar or solar day, season, or month in which this universe was created.
ਜਾ ਕਰਤਾ ਸਿਰਠੀ ਕਉ ਸਾਜੇ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਈ ॥
jaa kartaa sirthee ka-o saajay aapay jaanai so-ee.
Only the Creator who created this creation knows about it.
ਕਿਵ ਕਰਿ ਆਖਾ ਕਿਵ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਕਿਉ ਵਰਨੀ ਕਿਵ ਜਾਣਾ ॥
kiv kar aakhaa kiv saalaahee ki-o varnee kiv jaanaa.
How can I describe God’s greatness, how can I praise Him? How can I describe His virtues? How can I realize Him?
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਖਣਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਆਖੈ ਇਕ ਦੂ ਇਕੁ ਸਿਆਣਾ ॥
naanak aakhan sabh ko aakhai ik doo ik si-aanaa.
O’ Nanak, everyone tries to describe the glory of God, while each thinking himself wiser than the others.
ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਵਡੀ ਨਾਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਹੋਵੈ ॥
vadaa saahib vadee naa-ee keetaa jaa kaa hovai.
God is the supreme Master, and great is His glory; whatever happens is according to His will.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਪੌ ਜਾਣੈ ਅਗੈ ਗਇਆ ਨ ਸੋਹੈ ॥੨੧॥
naanak jay ko aapou jaanai agai ga-i-aa na sohai. ||21||
O’ Nanak, if anyone claims to know all about God and His creation, would not be honored in God’s presence.
ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥
paataalaa paataal lakh aagaasaa aagaas.
There are nether regions beneath nether regions of this world, and hundreds of thousands of heavenly worlds above.
ਓੜਕ ਓੜਕ ਭਾਲਿ ਥਕੇ ਵੇਦ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਕ ਵਾਤ ॥
orhak orhak bhaal thakay vayd kahan ik vaat.
The vedas say that scholars have exhausted themselves trying to find the limits of God’s creation.
ਸਹਸ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਕਹਨਿ ਕਤੇਬਾ ਅਸੁਲੂ ਇਕੁ ਧਾਤੁ ॥
sahas athaarah kahan kataybaa asuloo ik Dhaat.
The scriptures say that there are eighteen thousand worlds, which originated from a single source, the Creator-God.
ਲੇਖਾ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਲੇਖੈ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਣਾਸੁ ॥
laykhaa ho-ay ta likee-ai laykhai ho-ay vinaas.
Accounting for the limitless and infinite creation of God is just not possible due to lack of digits because while counting, the digits would end.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਡਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੁ ॥੨੨॥
naanak vadaa aakhee-ai aapay jaanai aap. ||22||
O’ Nanak, God is great, He alone knows how great He is.
ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਏਤੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਈਆ ॥
saalaahee saalaahi aytee surat na paa-ee-aa.
Even those who praise God cannot comprehend how great He is?.
ਨਦੀਆ ਅਤੈ ਵਾਹ ਪਵਹਿ ਸਮੁੰਦਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੀਅਹਿ ॥
nadee-aa atai vaah pavahi samund na jaanee-ahi.
They are like those streams and rivers flowing into the ocean, but do not know the vastness of the ocean.
ਸਮੁੰਦ ਸਾਹ ਸੁਲਤਾਨ ਗਿਰਹਾ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਾਲੁ ਧਨੁ ॥
samund saah sultaan girhaa saytee maal Dhan.
Even kings and emperors, with mountains of property and oceans of wealth,
ਕੀੜੀ ਤੁਲਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਨੀ ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਨਹੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰਹਿ ॥੨੩॥
keerhee tul na hovnee jay tis manhu na veesrahi. ||23||
they are no match to the poorest of the poor who does not forget God.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਕਹਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
ant na siftee kahan na ant.
There is no end to God’s virtues, there is no end to their descriptions.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਕਰਣੈ ਦੇਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
ant na karnai dayn na ant.
There is no end to His creation, there is no end to His gifts to us.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਵੇਖਣਿ ਸੁਣਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
ant na vaykhan sunan na ant.
The limits of His virtues cannot be perceived by looking at or hearing about His creation.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਕਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਮੰਤੁ ॥
ant na jaapai ki-aa man mant.
It is impossible to know what is God’s motive?
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
ant na jaapai keetaa aakaar.
The limits of the created universe cannot be perceived.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਪਾਰਾਵਾਰੁ ॥
ant na jaapai paaraavaar.
It is impossible to know where His creation starts and where it ends
ਅੰਤ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਬਿਲਲਾਹਿ ॥
ant kaaran kaytay billaahi.
Many struggle to know His limits,
ਤਾ ਕੇ ਅੰਤ ਨ ਪਾਏ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
taa kay ant na paa-ay jaahi.
but His limits cannot be found.
ਏਹੁ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
ayhu ant na jaanai ko-ay.
No one can know these limits.
ਬਹੁਤਾ ਕਹੀਐ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
bahutaa kahee-ai bahutaa ho-ay.
The more you say about them, the more there still remains to be said.
ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਊਚਾ ਥਾਉ ॥
vadaa saahib oochaa thaa-o.
He is the supreme Master and His abode is the Highest.
ਊਚੇ ਉਪਰਿ ਊਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
oochay upar oochaa naa-o.
Highest of the High, is His glory.
ਏਵਡੁ ਊਚਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
ayvad oochaa hovai ko-ay.
Only someone as great as Him,
ਤਿਸੁ ਊਚੇ ਕਉ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
tis oochay ka-o jaanai so-ay.
can know His supreme and Exalted State.
ਜੇਵਡੁ ਆਪਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪਿ ਆਪਿ ॥
jayvad aap jaanai aap aap.
Only He Himself knows how Great He Is.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਦਾਤਿ ॥੨੪॥
naanak nadree karmee daat. ||24||
O’ Nanak, His blessing is received only by His gracious glance.
ਬਹੁਤਾ ਕਰਮੁ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾ ਜਾਇ ॥
bahutaa karam likhi-aa naa jaa-ay.
His Blessings are so abundant that there can be no written account of them.
ਵਡਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਤਿਲੁ ਨ ਤਮਾਇ ॥
vadaa daataa til na tamaa-ay.
The Great Giver has no greed or expectation of anything in return.
ਕੇਤੇ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਜੋਧ ਅਪਾਰ ॥
kaytay mangahi joDh apaar.
There are so many great, heroic warriors begging at the door of the infinite God.
ਕੇਤਿਆ ਗਣਤ ਨਹੀ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
kayti-aa ganat nahee veechaar.
Many more, who cannot be counted, are begging for His bounties.
ਕੇਤੇ ਖਪਿ ਤੁਟਹਿ ਵੇਕਾਰ ॥
kaytay khap tutahi vaykaar.
Many remain consumed in vices and die in anxiety.
ਕੇਤੇ ਲੈ ਲੈ ਮੁਕਰੁ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
kaytay lai lai mukar paahi.
Many keep on receiving His gifts, but deny receiving them.
ਕੇਤੇ ਮੂਰਖ ਖਾਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥
kaytay moorakh khaahee khaahi.
So many fools keep on consuming, but forget the Giver.
ਕੇਤਿਆ ਦੂਖ ਭੂਖ ਸਦ ਮਾਰ ॥
kayti-aa dookh bhookh sad maar.
So many are destined to endure distress, deprivation and constant abuse.
ਏਹਿ ਭਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤਾਰ ॥
ayhi bhe daat tayree daataar.
O’ great giver, even these sufferings are Your blessings, because many times people remember You only in distress.
ਬੰਦਿ ਖਲਾਸੀ ਭਾਣੈ ਹੋਇ ॥
band khalaasee bhaanai ho-ay.
Freedom from attachment to worldly things comes only by accepting Your Will.
ਹੋਰੁ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
hor aakh na sakai ko-ay.
No one else has any say in this.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਇਕੁ ਆਖਣਿ ਪਾਇ ॥
jay ko khaa-ik aakhan paa-ay.
If some fool presume that he does have a say in it,
ਓਹੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੇਤੀਆ ਮੁਹਿ ਖਾਇ ॥
oh jaanai jaytee-aa muhi khaa-ay.
only he would know how much suffering he will have to endure for this folly.
ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਇ ॥
aapay jaanai aapay day-ay.
God Himself knows our needs, and He on His own, keeps on giving.’
ਆਖਹਿ ਸਿ ਭਿ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥
aakhahi se bhe kay-ee kay-ay.
Yet only a few acknowledge this (fact).
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਬਖਸੇ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹ ॥
jis no bakhsay sifat saalaah.
One who is blessed to sing the praises of God,
ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ॥੨੫॥
naanak paatisaahee paatisaahu. ||25||
O’ Nanak, he is the spiritually richest person in the world.
ਅਮੁਲ ਗੁਣ ਅਮੁਲ ਵਾਪਾਰ ॥
amul gun amul vaapaar.
Priceless are God’s virtues, priceless is the effort to acquire those virtues.
ਅਮੁਲ ਵਾਪਾਰੀਏ ਅਮੁਲ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥
amul vaapaaree-ay amul bhandaar.
Priceless are those who acquire and priceless are Your treasures.
ਅਮੁਲ ਆਵਹਿ ਅਮੁਲ ਲੈ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
amul aavahi amul lai jaahi.
Priceless are those who come to this world and depart after acquiring His virtues.
ਅਮੁਲ ਭਾਇ ਅਮੁਲਾ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥
amul bhaa-ay amulaa samaahi.
Priceless are those who are imbued in His love and are absorbed in Him.
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥
amul Dharam amul deebaan.
Priceless is the Divine Law and Priceless is Divine Justice.
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਤੁਲੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥
amul tul amul parvaan.
Priceless is His system of justice and Priceless are the laws of Divine justice.
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥
amul bakhsees amul neesaan.
Priceless are His blessings and priceless are His bounties (mark of His grace)
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਕਰਮੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਣੁ ॥
amul karam amul furmaan.
Priceless is His Mercy, Priceless is His Command.
ਅਮੁਲੋ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਆਖਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
amulo amul aakhi-aa na jaa-ay.
He is priceless, priceless beyond any expression.
ਆਖਿ ਆਖਿ ਰਹੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥
aakh aakh rahay liv laa-ay.
Many continuously describe His virtues and go into deep meditation, but still cannot fully describe them.
ਆਖਹਿ ਵੇਦ ਪਾਠ ਪੁਰਾਣ ॥
aakhahi vayd paath puraan.
The writings in the holy scriptures (Vedas and Puranas) try to describe Him.
ਆਖਹਿ ਪੜੇ ਕਰਹਿ ਵਖਿਆਣ ॥
aakhahi parhay karahi vakhi-aan.
The scholars speak of Him and give discourses to describe Him.
ਆਖਹਿ ਬਰਮੇ ਆਖਹਿ ਇੰਦ ॥
aakhahi barmay aakhahi ind.
Countless Brahma and Indra speak of God’s glory.
ਆਖਹਿ ਗੋਪੀ ਤੈ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ॥
aakhahi gopee tai govind.
Countless Krishna and his Gopis sing God’s praises
ਆਖਹਿ ਈਸਰ ਆਖਹਿ ਸਿਧ ॥
aakhahi eesar aakhahi siDh.
Countless shiva and siddhas (men of miracles) sing praises of God.
ਆਖਹਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਬੁਧ ॥
aakhahi kaytay keetay buDh.
Many intellectuals created by God describe His virtues.
ਆਖਹਿ ਦਾਨਵ ਆਖਹਿ ਦੇਵ ॥
aakhahi daanav aakhahi dayv.
The demons and the angels also sing God’s praises.
ਆਖਹਿ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਰ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਨ ਸੇਵ ॥
aakhahi sur nar mun jan sayv.
Many pious men, sages and their followers sing God’s praises.
ਕੇਤੇ ਆਖਹਿ ਆਖਣਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
kaytay aakhahi aakhan paahi.
Many are describing and many are getting ready to describe God’s virtues according to their capabilities.
ਕੇਤੇ ਕਹਿ ਕਹਿ ਉਠਿ ਉਠਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
kaytay kahi kahi uth uth jaahi.
Many depart from this world after repeatedly speaking about God’s virtues.
ਏਤੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਹੋਰਿ ਕਰੇਹਿ ॥
aytay keetay hor karayhi.
O’ God, if You were to create as many people again as there already are,
ਤਾ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਸਕਹਿ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥
taa aakh na sakahi kay-ee kay-ay.
even then, they would not be able to fully describe Your virtues.
ਜੇਵਡੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤੇਵਡੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
jayvad bhaavai tayvad ho-ay.
God becomes as Great as He wishes to be.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜਾਣੈ ਸਾਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
naanak jaanai saachaa so-ay.
O’ Nanak, only He, the eternal God knows how great He is?
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਖੈ ਬੋਲੁਵਿਗਾੜੁ ॥
jay ko aakhai boluvigaarh.
If anyone inappropriately claims to be able to describe God,
ਤਾ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਸਿਰਿ ਗਾਵਾਰਾ ਗਾਵਾਰੁ ॥੨੬॥
taa likee-ai sir gaavaaraa gaavaar. ||26||
then his Name should be written at the top of the list of greatest fools.
ਸੋ ਦਰੁ ਕੇਹਾ ਸੋ ਘਰੁ ਕੇਹਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਬਹਿ ਸਰਬ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥
so dar kayhaa so ghar kayhaa jit bahi sarab samaalay.
O’ God, how magnificent is Your abode and how amazing is that door, from where You are taking care of all Your creation.
ਵਾਜੇ ਨਾਦ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਸੰਖਾ ਕੇਤੇ ਵਾਵਣਹਾਰੇ ॥
vaajay naad anayk asankhaa kaytay vaavanhaaray.
In this wonderful creation of Yours, countless musicians playing innumerable musical instruments, producing infinite numbers of melodies.
ਕੇਤੇ ਰਾਗ ਪਰੀ ਸਿਉ ਕਹੀਅਨਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਗਾਵਣਹਾਰੇ ॥
kaytay raag paree si-o kahee-an kaytay gaavanhaaray.
Countless singers are singing many musical measures along with their consorts.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਤੁਹਨੋ ਪਉਣੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੁ ਗਾਵੈ ਰਾਜਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਦੁਆਰੇ ॥
gaavahi tuhno pa-un paanee baisantar gaavai raajaa Dharam du-aaray.
The wind, the water and the fire in their own way are singing of You; even the Dharamraj, the judge of our deeds, is singing Your praises at Your doorstep.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਗੁਪਤੁ ਲਿਖਿ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਧਰਮੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ॥
gaavahi chit gupat likh jaaneh likh likh Dharam veechaaray.
Chitra and Gupta (angels), who write the account of people’s deeds and on whose records dharamraj makes judgement, are also singing Your Praises.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਈਸਰੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਦੇਵੀ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਸਦਾ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥
gaavahi eesar barmaa dayvee sohan sadaa savaaray.
The god Shiva, Brahma and the goddess who are embellished by You, are also singing Your praises
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਇੰਦ ਇਦਾਸਣਿ ਬੈਠੇ ਦੇਵਤਿਆ ਦਰਿ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
gaavahi ind idaasan baithay dayviti-aa dar naalay.
The god Indra seated on his throne with many other angels standing at Your doorstep are singing Your praises.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧੀ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਗਾਵਨਿ ਸਾਧ ਵਿਚਾਰੇ ॥
gaavahi siDh samaaDhee andar gaavan saaDh vichaaray.
The siddhas (men with miraculous powers) are praising You in deep meditation, the saints are contemplating and are singing Your praises.
ਗਾਵਨਿ ਜਤੀ ਸਤੀ ਸੰਤੋਖੀ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਵੀਰ ਕਰਾਰੇ ॥
gaavan jatee satee santokhee gaavahi veer karaaray.
The men of discipline, charity, contentment, and brave warriors are all singing Your praises.
ਗਾਵਨਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਪੜਨਿ ਰਖੀਸਰ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਵੇਦਾ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
gaavan pandit parhan rakheesar jug jug vaydaa naalay.
The pandits and the great sages who have been reading Vedas since ages are singing Your praises.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਮੋਹਣੀਆ ਮਨੁ ਮੋਹਨਿ ਸੁਰਗਾ ਮਛ ਪਇਆਲੇ ॥
gaavahi mohnee-aa man mohan surgaa machh pa-i-aalay.
The beautiful fascinating maids in heaven, on earth and in the nether regions are singing Your praises.
ਗਾਵਨਿ ਰਤਨ ਉਪਾਏ ਤੇਰੇ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
gaavan ratan upaa-ay tayray athsath tirath naalay.
The precious jewels created by You, along with all the sixty eight places of pilgrimage are singing Your praises.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰਾ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਖਾਣੀ ਚਾਰੇ ॥
gaavahi joDh mahaabal sooraa gaavahi khaanee chaaray.
The brave and mighty warriors and creatures from all four sources of life are singing your praises.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਖੰਡ ਮੰਡਲ ਵਰਭੰਡਾ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਖੇ ਧਾਰੇ ॥
gaavahi khand mandal varbhandaa kar kar rakhay Dhaaray.
All the continents, galaxies and solar systems in the entire universe created and supported by You, are singing of You.
ਸੇਈ ਤੁਧੁਨੋ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵਨਿ ਰਤੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਗਤ ਰਸਾਲੇ ॥
say-ee tuDhuno gaavahi jo tuDh bhaavan ratay tayray bhagat rasaalay.
Only those sing your praises who are pleasing to You and are truly devoted and imbued with Your love.
ਹੋਰਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਗਾਵਨਿ ਸੇ ਮੈ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵਨਿ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ॥
hor kaytay gaavan say mai chit na aavan naanak ki-aa veechaaray.
Many more are singing of You, which are not coming into my mind; how can Nanak think about all those who sing Your praises?
ਸੋਈ ਸੋਈ ਸਦਾ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਚੀ ਨਾਈ ॥
so-ee so-ee sadaa sach saahib saachaa saachee naa-ee.
Only God is ever existing, the Master-God and His glory is eternal.
ਹੈ ਭੀ ਹੋਸੀ ਜਾਇ ਨ ਜਾਸੀ ਰਚਨਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਚਾਈ ॥
hai bhee hosee jaa-ay na jaasee rachnaa jin rachaa-ee.
He who has created this universe is present now, will always be present in the future; neither He was born nor He shall die.
ਰੰਗੀ ਰੰਗੀ ਭਾਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਜਿਨਸੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਈ ॥
rangee rangee bhaatee kar kar jinsee maa-i-aa jin upaa-ee.
God who has created Maya, in many colors, varieties and species.
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਜਿਵ ਤਿਸ ਦੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
kar kar vaykhai keetaa aapnaa jiv tis dee vadi-aa-ee.
He creates and then takes care of His creation as per His will
ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਕਰਸੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਰਣਾ ਜਾਈ ॥
jo tis bhaavai so-ee karsee hukam na karnaa jaa-ee.
He does whatever pleases Him and no one can issue order to Him.
ਸੋ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ਸਾਹਾ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਹਣੁ ਰਜਾਈ ॥੨੭॥
so paatisaahu saahaa paatisaahib naanak rahan rajaa-ee. ||27||
O’ Nanak, God is the emperor of the emperors and to live according to His will is best for all.
ਮੁੰਦਾ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸਰਮੁ ਪਤੁ ਝੋਲੀ ਧਿਆਨ ਕੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਿਭੂਤਿ ॥
munda santokh saram pat jholee Dhi-aan kee karahi bibhoot.
O’ yogi, make contentment as your earrings, hard work your begging bowl and meditation on God’ Name as the ashes that cover your body.
ਖਿੰਥਾ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੁਆਰੀ ਕਾਇਆ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਡੰਡਾ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ॥
khinthaa kaal ku-aaree kaa-i-aa jugat dandaa parteet.
Let the awareness of death be your patched coat, a high moral character as your way of life and faith in God as your walking stick.
ਆਈ ਪੰਥੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਮਾਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥
aa-ee panthee sagal jamaatee man jeetai jag jeet.
Let universal brotherhood be your sect; by controlling your mind you can win over the worldly temptations.
ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥
aadays tisai aadays.
Humbly bow to God,
ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੨੮॥
aad aneel anaad anaahat jug jug ayko vays. ||28||
who is primal, immaculate, without beginning, without end and unchanging through the ages.
ਭੁਗਤਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਦਇਆ ਭੰਡਾਰਣਿ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਵਾਜਹਿ ਨਾਦ ॥
bhugat gi-aan da-i-aa bhandaaran ghat ghat vaajeh naad.
O’ Yogi, let divine knowledge be your food, kindness your serving lady and the sound of each and every heartbeat be the holy sound of the horn.
ਆਪਿ ਨਾਥੁ ਨਾਥੀ ਸਭ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਅਵਰਾ ਸਾਦ ॥
aap naath naathee sabh jaa kee riDh siDh avraa saad.
God Himself is the Master of all, who controls the entire universe; miracles and other spiritual powers are the diversions that take one away from God.
ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਦੁਇ ਕਾਰ ਚਲਾਵਹਿ ਲੇਖੇ ਆਵਹਿ ਭਾਗ ॥
sanjog vijog du-ay kaar chalaaveh laykhay aavahi bhaag.
God’s law of union and separation of individuals regulates the play of the world and one receives what one is predestined for.
ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥
aadays tisai aadays.
Humbly bow to God,
ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੨੯॥
aad aneel anaad anaahat jug jug ayko vays. ||29||
who is the primal, immaculate, without beginning, indestructible and unchanging through the ages.
ਏਕਾ ਮਾਈ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਵਿਆਈ ਤਿਨਿ ਚੇਲੇ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥
aykaa maa-ee jugat vi-aa-ee tin chaylay parvaan.
According to Hindu beliefs, Maya (worldly illusion) mysteriously conceived and gave birth to three sons (deities).
ਇਕੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੀ ਇਕੁ ਭੰਡਾਰੀ ਇਕੁ ਲਾਏ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥
ik sansaaree ik bhandaaree ik laa-ay deebaan.
One is believed to be the creator of the world, one the sustainer and another one the destroyer.
ਜਿਵ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਵੈ ਚਲਾਵੈ ਜਿਵ ਹੋਵੈ ਫੁਰਮਾਣੁ ॥
jiv tis bhaavai tivai chalaavai jiv hovai furmaan.
(But the fact is that), God Himself is directing these actions as He pleases and everything happens as He commands.
ਓਹੁ ਵੇਖੈ ਓਨਾ ਨਦਰਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਏਹੁ ਵਿਡਾਣੁ ॥
oh vaykhai onaa nadar na aavai bahutaa ayhu vidaan.
The greatest wonder is that God watches over all, but none can see Him.
ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥
aadays tisai aadays.
Humbly bow to that God,
ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੩੦॥
aad aneel anaad anaahat jug jug ayko vays. ||30||
who is primal, immaculate, without beginning, indestructible and unchanging through the ages.
ਆਸਣੁ ਲੋਇ ਲੋਇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥
aasan lo-ay lo-ay bhandaar.
God is present in the entire universe and the universe is full of His bounties.
ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੁ ਏਕਾ ਵਾਰ ॥
jo kichh paa-i-aa so aykaa vaar.
Whatever bounties He has put in the universe, He has put these once for all.
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
kar kar vaykhai sirjanhaar.
Having created the universe, God is looking after His creation.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਕੀ ਸਾਚੀ ਕਾਰ ॥
naanak sachay kee saachee kaar.
O’ Nanak, God’s system of sustaining His creation is perfect (flawless).
ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥
aadays tisai aadays.
Humbly bow to that Almighty God.
ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੩੧॥
aad aneel anaad anaahat jug jug ayko vays. ||31||
who is the source of everything, immaculate, without beginning, indestructible and unchanging through the ages
ਇਕ ਦੂ ਜੀਭੌ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਲਖ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਲਖ ਵੀਸ ॥
ik doo jeebhou lakh hohi lakh hoveh lakh vees.
If instead of one tongue, one had hundred thousand tongues and even twenty times more,
ਲਖੁ ਲਖੁ ਗੇੜਾ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਗਦੀਸ ॥
lakh lakh gayrhaa aakhee-ahi ayk naam jagdees.
and if God’s Name is recited millions of times with each tongue.
ਏਤੁ ਰਾਹਿ ਪਤਿ ਪਵੜੀਆ ਚੜੀਐ ਹੋਇ ਇਕੀਸ ॥
ayt raahi pat pavrhee-aa charhee-ai ho-ay ikees.
Then this remembrance of God with adoration are the steps on the way to realize God, ascending these steps one can become one with Him.
ਸੁਣਿ ਗਲਾ ਆਕਾਸ ਕੀ ਕੀਟਾ ਆਈ ਰੀਸ ॥
sun galaa aakaas kee keetaa aa-ee rees.
After listening about the spiritually awakened people, the lowly persons wish to emulate them as if the worms wish to fly like birds.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਕੂੜੀ ਕੂੜੈ ਠੀਸ ॥੩੨॥
naanak nadree paa-ee-ai koorhee koorhai thees. ||32||
O’ Nanak, God is realized only by His grace, all else is false bragging of liars.
ਆਖਣਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਚੁਪੈ ਨਹ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
aakhan jor chupai nah jor.
We do not have any power by ourselves to speak or to remain silent
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਮੰਗਣਿ ਦੇਣਿ ਨ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
jor na mangan dayn na jor.
We have neither the power to ask nor to give (we get what is destined for us and the spirit of giving comes by God’s blessings)
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਜੀਵਣਿ ਮਰਣਿ ਨਹ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
jor na jeevan maran nah jor.
Life and death too are not in our control.
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਰਾਜਿ ਮਾਲਿ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਰੁ ॥
jor na raaj maal man sor.
Acquiring power and worldly wealth, which cause ego in our mind, is beyond our control.
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
jor na surtee gi-aan veechaar.
We have no power to achieve spiritual awakening, knowledge or thinking.
ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਜੁਗਤੀ ਛੁਟੈ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
jor na jugtee chhutai sansaar.
We have no power to escape from worldly temptations.
ਜਿਸੁ ਹਥਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
jis hath jor kar vaykhai so-ay.
God alone who has the Power to create and take care of creation.
ਨਾਨਕ ਉਤਮੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੩੩॥
naanak utam neech na ko-ay. ||33||
O’ Nanak, on one’s own, no one becomes superior or inferior (one becomes what God makes him).
ਰਾਤੀ ਰੁਤੀ ਥਿਤੀ ਵਾਰ ॥
raatee rutee thitee vaar.
The nights, seasons, lunar days, week days,
ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਗਨੀ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥
pavan paanee agnee paataal.
wind, water, fire and the nether regions,
ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖੀ ਧਰਮ ਸਾਲ ॥
tis vich Dhartee thaap rakhee Dharam saal.
in the midst of all these, God established the earth as a stage for humans to perform righteous deeds for their spiritual growth.
ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੀਅ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਕੇ ਰੰਗ ॥
tis vich jee-a jugat kay rang.
On this stage reside beings of various species and forms.
ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਨੰਤ ॥
tin kay naam anayk anant.
whose names are countless and endless.
ਕਰਮੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਹੋਇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
karmee karmee ho-ay veechaar.
Human beings are judged based on their deeds.
ਸਚਾ ਆਪਿ ਸਚਾ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥
sachaa aap sachaa darbaar.
God Himself is true, and true is His justice.
ਤਿਥੈ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥
tithai sohan panch parvaan.
The chosen and the accepted ones look graceful in that system of justice.
ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਵੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥
nadree karam pavai neesaan.
They receive the mark of grace from the Merciful God.
ਕਚ ਪਕਾਈ ਓਥੈ ਪਾਇ ॥
kach pakaa-ee othai paa-ay.
Success or failure in terms of spiritual growth is judged in God’s presence.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਇਆ ਜਾਪੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੩੪॥
naanak ga-i-aa jaapai jaa-ay. ||34||
O’ Nanak, it is only upon reaching God’s Presence that one discovers if one succeeded or failed.
ਧਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕਾ ਏਹੋ ਧਰਮੁ ॥
Dharam khand kaa ayho Dharam.
This is the account of the moral duty of a person in Dharam khand (first stage of spiritual development as described in the above stanza).
ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਕਾ ਆਖਹੁ ਕਰਮੁ ॥
gi-aan khand kaa aakhhu karam.
Now I (Nanak) am describing the working of Gyan Khand, the stage of acquiring divine knowledge.
ਕੇਤੇ ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਵੈਸੰਤਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕਾਨ ਮਹੇਸ ॥
kaytay pavan paanee vaisantar kaytay kaan mahays.
In God’s creation, there are so many forms of winds, waters and fires; so many gods Krishnas and Shivas.
ਕੇਤੇ ਬਰਮੇ ਘਾੜਤਿ ਘੜੀਅਹਿ ਰੂਪ ਰੰਗ ਕੇ ਵੇਸ ॥
kaytay barmay ghaarhat gharhee-ahi roop rang kay vays.
So many gods-like Brahmas are being created in countless forms and colors.
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਕਰਮ ਭੂਮੀ ਮੇਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਧੂ ਉਪਦੇਸ ॥
kaytee-aa karam bhoomee mayr kaytay kaytay Dhoo updays.
There are many earths and many mountains where people perform their duties, and there are many saints like Dhru and many are their teachings.
ਕੇਤੇ ਇੰਦ ਚੰਦ ਸੂਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਮੰਡਲ ਦੇਸ ॥
kaytay ind chand soor kaytay kaytay mandal days.
There are many Indras, moons, suns and many planetary systems.
ਕੇਤੇ ਸਿਧ ਬੁਧ ਨਾਥ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਦੇਵੀ ਵੇਸ ॥
kaytay siDh buDh naath kaytay kaytay dayvee vays.
There are many sidhas with miraculous powers, many wise people, many yogis and many goddesses in different forms.
ਕੇਤੇ ਦੇਵ ਦਾਨਵ ਮੁਨਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਰਤਨ ਸਮੁੰਦ ॥
kaytay dayv daanav mun kaytay kaytay ratan samund.
There are so many pious people, so many demons, so many sages and so many oceans of jewels.
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਖਾਣੀ ਕੇਤੀਆ ਬਾਣੀ ਕੇਤੇ ਪਾਤ ਨਰਿੰਦ ॥
kaytee-aa khaanee kaytee-aa banee kaytay paat narind.
There are so many sources of life, languages, and so many kings and emperors
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੇਤੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥੩੫॥
kaytee-aa surtee sayvak kaytay naanak ant na ant. ||35||
There are so many people who meditate, so many selfless servants: O ‘ Nanak, there is no end to the creation of God.
ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਰਚੰਡੁ ॥
gi-aan khand meh gi-aan parchand.
In the stage of Giaan Khand (as described above), the effect of divine knowledge is extremely powerful.
ਤਿਥੈ ਨਾਦ ਬਿਨੋਦ ਕੋਡ ਅਨੰਦੁ ॥
tithai naad binod kod anand.
In this stage, one feels as if one is listening to the music of millions of melodies from which flow joy, amusement and bliss.
ਸਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਰੂਪੁ ॥
saram khand kee banee roop.
Saram Khand (stage of spiritual effort) is the stage of spiritual beautification.
ਤਿਥੈ ਘਾੜਤਿ ਘੜੀਐ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਅਨੂਪੁ ॥
tithai ghaarhat gharhee-ai bahut anoop.
In this stage, the enlightened mind is beautifully refashioned.
ਤਾ ਕੀਆ ਗਲਾ ਕਥੀਆ ਨਾ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਇ ॥
taa kee-aa galaa kathee-aa naa jaahi. jay ko kahai pichhai pachhutaa-ay.
It is not possible to describe the elevated thought processes of such a mind and if one tries, he repents in the end.
ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
tithai gharhee-ai surat mat man buDh.
The consciousness, intellect, mind and understanding are reshaped.
ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਾ ਸਿਧਾ ਕੀ ਸੁਧਿ॥ ੩੬॥
tithai gharhee-ai suraa siDhaa kee suDh. ||36||
The consciousness of the human beings becomes like those of angels and the Siddhas.
ਕਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੋਰੁ ॥
karam khand kee banee jor.
Spiritual power is the attribute of the stage of karam khand (the Divine Grace)
ਤਿਥੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰੁ ॥
tithai hor na ko-ee hor.
No one else dwells there (except those who have reached there by becoming worthy of His Grace).
ਤਿਥੈ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥
tithai joDh mahaabal soor.
Only the brave and powerful spiritual warriors reach this stage, who have conquered the worldly temptations.
ਤਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰ ॥
tin meh raam rahi-aa bharpoor.
They are totally imbued with the all pervading God.
ਤਿਥੈ ਸੀਤੋ ਸੀਤਾ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
tithai seeto seetaa mahimaa maahi.
They remain completely absorbed in God’s praises.
ਤਾ ਕੇ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਕਥਨੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
taa kay roop na kathnay jaahi.
Their radiating beauty due to spiritual enlightenment cannot be described.
ਨਾ ਓਹਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਨ ਠਾਗੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
naa ohi mareh na thaagay jaahi. jin kai raam vasai man maahi.
Those within whose minds God dwells, do not face spiritual deterioration and worldly evils cannot overpower them
ਤਿਥੈ ਭਗਤ ਵਸਹਿ ਕੇ ਲੋਅ ॥
tithai bhagat vaseh kay lo-a.
The devotees of many worlds dwell there.
ਕਰਹਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਇ ॥
karahi anand sachaa man so-ay.
They experience the eternal joy because God always dwells in their minds.
ਸਚ ਖੰਡਿ ਵਸੈ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
sach khand vasai nirankaar.
Sach Khand is the stage of union with God, in this stage the formless God dwells in the heart of the devotee.
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ॥
kar kar vaykhai nadar nihaal.
Having created, the merciful God bestows gracious glance and takes care of His creation.
ਤਿਥੈ ਖੰਡ ਮੰਡਲ ਵਰਭੰਡ ॥
tithai khand mandal varbhand.
In this stage one is enlightened with the knowledge about the endless planets, solar systems and galaxies.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਥੈ ਤ ਅੰਤ ਨ ਅੰਤ ॥
jay ko kathai ta ant na ant.
If someone tries to describe these, he will find out that there is no end to it.
ਤਿਥੈ ਲੋਅ ਲੋਅ ਆਕਾਰ ॥
tithai lo-a lo-a aakaar.
In this stage one realizes that there are many worlds and many forms of creation in the universe.
ਜਿਵ ਜਿਵ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਤਿਵੈ ਤਿਵ ਕਾਰ ॥
jiv jiv hukam tivai tiv kaar.
One realizes that everything functions as He commands.
ਵੇਖੈ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਕਰਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
vaykhai vigsai kar veechaar.
One realizes that God takes care of His creation and derives pleasure out of it.
ਨਾਨਕ ਕਥਨਾ ਕਰੜਾ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੩੭॥
naanak kathnaa karrhaa saar. ||37||
O’ Nanak, to fully describe the stage of Sach-khand is as difficult as biting through steel.
ਜਤੁ ਪਾਹਾਰਾ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਸੁਨਿਆਰੁ ॥
jat paahaaraa Dheeraj suni-aar.
Taking the example of a goldsmith to describe how one can embark upon the task of spiritual enlightenment; let chastity be the shop, patience the goldsmith,
ਅਹਰਣਿ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਦੁ ਹਥੀਆਰੁ ॥
ahran mat vayd hathee-aar.
intellect, the anvil and spiritual wisdom, the hammer.
ਭਉ ਖਲਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਤਪ ਤਾਉ ॥
bha-o khalaa agan tap taa-o.
The fear of God as the bellows and disciplined hard work as the fire.
ਭਾਂਡਾ ਭਾਉ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਢਾਲਿ ॥
bhaaNdaa bhaa-o amrit tit dhaal.
let love be the crucible and melt the nectar of God’s Name like melting the gold in the crucible.
ਘੜੀਐ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਚੀ ਟਕਸਾਲ ॥
gharhee-ai sabad sachee taksaal.
This is the true mint where God’s Name is minted (this is the way a person can mold himself to become spiritually enlightened).
ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥
jin ka-o nadar karam tin kaar.
This task is accomplished by those on whom God casts His gracious glance.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥
naanak nadree nadar nihaal. ||38||
O’ Nanak, they become blissfully delighted by the gracious glance of the merciful God.
ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥
Salok.
ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥
pavan guroo paanee pitaa maataa Dharat mahat.
Air is as essential for the body as is the Guru for the soul, water is like the father and earth is like the great mother of the entire world.
ਦਿਵਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਦਾਈ ਦਾਇਆ ਖੇਲੈ ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤੁ ॥
divas raat du-ay daa-ee daa-i-aa khaylai sagal jagat.
Days and nights are like male and female nurses in whose lap the entire world is playing the role assigned to each one in the worldly play.
ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ਵਾਚੈ ਧਰਮੁ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥
chang-aa-ee-aa buri-aa-ee-aa vaachai Dharam hadoor.
The Righteous Judge, in the presence of God, watches human beings’ good and bad deeds.
ਕਰਮੀ ਆਪੋ ਆਪਣੀ ਕੇ ਨੇੜੈ ਕੇ ਦੂਰਿ ॥
karmee aapo aapnee kay nayrhai kay door.
According to their own deeds, some are drawn closer and some are driven farther away from God.
ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥
jinee naam Dhi-aa-i-aa ga-ay maskat ghaal.
Those who remembered God with adoration, departed from this world after achieving the fruit of their hard work
ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਕੇਤੀ ਛੁਟੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥
naanak tay mukh ujlay kaytee chhutee naal. ||1||
O’ Nanak, their faces are radiant with honor in God’s presence; many others, influenced by their company, achieved freedom from the worldly bonds.