We received several request to provide translation of selected verses of the Gurus hymns. It was decided to post a verse or two every day for the reader to read, understand, and reflect.
In the July issue of SikhSpectrum.com we will experiment this idea with the hope that our readers can benefit from it. We request you to visit this page daily for updates.
The Gurus words are universal in their appeal irrespective of the religion ones follows. It is this thought that encouraged us in the decision. Sikh scripture is written in musical measures and traditionally these hymns are sung in groups or individually. Music forms an integral part of the Sikh worship. In the words of professor Gobind Singh Mansukhani:
“Sikhism is perhaps the only religion “that uses music as its chief mode of worship, where music is prayer, is High mass, is meditation and offering. Firmly it makes kirtan and satsung (congregation) into an un-meditated and direct path to God.”
“It is this unique contribution of the Sikh Gurus', who through Sri Guru Granth Sahib provided us a spiritual perception of Truth leading to union with the Supreme Reality. This Scripture is a treasury of inspired hymns to be sung with love and longing for the Lord. The laudation of the Lord and His attributes, in melody and rhythm, is called Kirtan or Sabad-Kirtan. Sabad means the Primal Sound or the cosmic melody that pervades the universe. Sabad also means the Holy Name which frees one from vice and sorrow and brings one nearer to God. Kirtan is singing the glories of God with devotion, in soothing and serene tunes and suitable rhythms, which gives one a feeling of peace and a sense of hope and joy. The spiritual feeling and longing for the Lord is enhanced by musical appeal of Kirtan.
“The Gurus were experts in the harmonious blending of their poetic compositions with the appropriate melody-patterns and rhythms. Instinctively, they found the raga that would match with the thought and wording of their hymn. It may be noted that while kirtan is itself a combination of four arts, namely, poetry, aesthetics, melody and philosophy, mysticism is essentially an inner experience and spiritual fulfillment. Like the rainbow, the Gurus ragas and rhythms were of different colors, but they were blended into the unity of Divine Praise in their kirtan.”
In 1781, Charles Wilkins, an English traveller on his way to Benaras decide to stop at a Gurdwara in Patna. Wilkins writes:
“I found the College of the Seeks situated in one of the narrow streets of Patna, at no very considerable distance from the custom house. I was permitted to enter the outward gate; but as soon as I came to the steps which led up into the Chapel, or public hall, I was civilly accosted by two of the Society, I asked them if I might ascent into the hall. They said it was a place of worship open to me and to all men; but at the same time, intimated that I must take off my shoes.. I did not hesitate to comply, and I was then politely conducted into the hall, and seated upon a carpet, in the midst of the assembly, which was so numerous as almost to fill the room.
“The congregation arranged themselves upon the carpet, on each side of the hall, so as to leave a space before the altar from end to end. The great book, was brought, with some little ceremony from the altar, and placed at the opposite extremity of the hall. An old man, with a revered silver beard, kneeled down before the desk with his face towards the altar; and on one side of him sat a man with a small drum, and two or three with cymbals. The book was now opened and the old man began to chant to the tune of the drum and cymbals; and, at the conclusion of every verse, most of the congregation joined chorus in a response, with countenances exhibiting great marks of joy. Their tones were by no means harsh; the time was quick; and I learnt that the subject was Hymn in praise of the unity, the omnipresence and the omnipotence, of the Deity.
“I was singularly delighted by the gestures of the old man; I never saw a countenance so expressive of infelt joy, whilst he turned about from one to another, as it were, be speaking their assets to those truths which his very soul seemed to be engaged in chanting forth.” -- Editor
Anand(u) in the musical measure of Ramkali is the most famous and oft-recited compositions of Guru Amar Das. Its lyrical quality and meditative rhythm are of a remarkably high degree, and as pauri after pauri (verse after verse) is recited, it sends the mind into a state of equable ecstasy, which in Sikh parlance is called the state of sahaj.
Sahaj as a matter of fact is the enveloping theme of this composition in which anand or bliss does not take the form of wild, uncontrollable ecstasy but of meditative peace with a strange joy descending upon the soul. The steps leading to this experience are disciplined self-restraint, an ever-awake consciousness of God and attuning the self to the Holy Word.
At its opening is the symbol of a “fairy family of the jewel music, descended to sing the holy Word” and at the close is heard the sound of mystic music (anand ture).
The Guru apostrophizes his self, the members of his body, such as the tongue, the ears, the eyes, exhorting these to concentrate on the experience of the Divine. In a vision of harmony, he affirms:
“This poison-laden world of maya1 that you behold is in truth the image of the Lord!”
It is thus this vision sublime, this poised ecstasy and the awakened self that are the theme of this great composition.
Like Jap(u), Anand(u), too has forty verse-units, though the scheme of its units is uniform with the reiteration of a phrase in the middle to impart a distinct meditative rhythm. The units are all, more or less, of the same length. A well-thought out structural and thematic plan also is visible, so that there are groups of units in which there is a continuous development of a particular theme.
To understand the teachings of Guru Amar Das and of Sikhism, in general, the study of Anand(u) is highly rewarding.
Ek Ongkar Sat(i)gur Prasad(i) In the name of the sole Supreme Being,
Realized by the Holy Preceptor's Grace.
Ramkali Mahala 3 Anand(u) In the measure ramkali composition of the third Guru,
Bliss
Anand(u) bhaia meri mae sat(i) guru mai paia Satigur(u) ta paia sahaj seti man(i) vajia vadhaia Sabado ta gavah(u) hari kera man(i) jin vasaia Kahai Nanak(u) anand(u) hoa sat(i)guru mai paia.
Mother mine! Bliss have I obtained
By the holy Preceptor's touch.1 With serene mind the holy Preceptor have I found;
The mind in jubilation revels:
Fairy songsters of the jewel music have descended,
The holy Word to sing.
Sing ye all the Lord's Word, who in the self have lodged it;
Saith Nanak : Bliss have I found, by the holy Preceptor's touch.2 [1]
E mann meria tu sada rah(u) har(i) nale. Har(i) nal(i) rah(u)tu mann mere dukh sabh(i) visarana. Angikar(u) uh(u) kare tera karaj sabh(i) savarana. Sabhana gala samrath(u) suami so kiu manah(u) visare. Kahai Nanak(u) mann mere sada rah(u) har(i) nale.
My self ! abide ever with the Lord-
Abide with the Lord ever, Who all suffering effaces.3 Thy succourer shall He be, and all thy purposes4 fulfil.
The Lord, mighty to accomplish all-why, art thou forgetful of Him?
Saith Nanak : My self ! Abide ever with the Lord. [2]
Sache sahiba kia nahi ghar(i) terai. Ghar(i) ta terai sabh(u) kichh(u) hai jis(u) deh(i) su pavae. Sada siphat(i) salah teri nam(u) man(i) vasavae. Nam(u) jin kai man(i) vasia vaje sabad ghanere. Kahai Nanak(u) sache sahib kia nahi ghar(i) terai.
Master all-holy ! Nothing in Thy Mansion is lacking !5 All in Thy mansion lies; those blessed by Thy obtain Thy favors;
The favors obtained those that lodge
The laudation of Thy Name, ever in the self.
Those bearing the Name in the self,
with the holy word's rich melody are blessed.
Saith Nanak: Master all holy ! Nothing in Thy manison
is lacking.5[3]
Sacha nam(u) mera adharo. Sach(u) nam(u) adhar(u) mera jin(i) bhukha sabh(i) gavaia. Kar(i) sant(i) sukh(u) man(i) ai vasia jin(i) ichha sabh(i) pujaia. Sada kurban(u) kita guru vitah(u) jis dia eh(i) vadiaia. Kahai Nanak(u) sunah(u) santah(u) sabad(i) dharah(u) piaro. Sacha nam(u) mera adharo.
The holy Name is my prop-
My prop the holy Name, annuller of all desire.
In serenity and joy is it in the self lodged,
all desire fulfilling.
May I ever be sacrifice to the Master,
in whom are such powers reposed.
Saith Nanak: Listen my devotee friends ! In the holy Word
repose your love.
My prop is Thy holy Name.5[4]
Vaje panch sabad tit(u) ghar(i) sabhagai Ghar(i) sabhagai sabad vaje kala jit(u) ghar(i) dharia. Panch dut tudh(u) vas(i) kite kal(u) kantak(u) maria. Dhur(i) karam(i) paia tudh(u) jin kau si nam(i) har(i) kai lage. Kahai Nanak(i) tah sukh(u) hoa tit(u) ghar(i) anhad vaje.
In the blessed abode of the self resounds the Five-fold mystic melody,
In the blessed abode resounds the melody
that the Lord's might has filled.6 The Five demons hast Thou subdued,
torment of Death7 annulled.
Those in the Primal Time by Thee blessed,
To the Lord's Name are devoted.
Saith Nanak: Joys resides in the self
Wherein resounds the mystic melody.[5]
Sachi liv bin(u) deh nimani. Deh nimani livai bajhah(u) kia kare vecharia. Tudh(u) bajh(u) samarath koi nahi kripa kar(i) savaria. Es nau hor(u) thau nahi sabad(i) lag(i) savaria. Kahai Nanak(u) livai bajhah(u) kia kare vecharia.
Poor is the self devoid of true devotion.
Devoid of devotion is the self poor,
Helpless, powerless.
Lord ! None beside Thee has power; show Thy grace
For the self no other shelter is;
By devotion to the Word alone is it ennobled
Saith Nanak: Without devotion is the self poor; helpless.[6]
Anand(u) anand(u) sabh(u) ko kahai anand(u) guru te jania. Jania anand(u) sada gur te kripa kare piaria. Kar(i) kirpa kilvikh kate gian anjan(u) saria. Andarah(u) jin ka moh(u) tuta tin ka sabad(u) sachai savaria. Kahai Nanak(u) eh(u) anand(u) hai anand(u) gur te jania.
All talk of bliss; from the Master's teaching alone is
its essence realized.
From the Master bliss is realized, should my beloved
Friend ! show grace.
In His grace sins he annuls, and collyrium of
enlightenment applies.
Those that through bliss have their worldly attachment
annuled, the holy Lord their state8 exalts.
For the self no other shelter is;
Saith Nanak: Such is bliss; from the master's teaching
realized.[7]
Baba jis(u) tu deh(i) soi jan(u) pavai. Pavai ta so jan(u) deh(i) jis no hor(i) kia karah(i) vecharia. Ik(i) bharam(i) bhule phirah(i) dahadis(i) ik(i) nam lag(i) savaria. Gur prasadi man(u) bhaia nirmal(u) jina bhana bhavae. Kahai Nanak(u) jis(u) deh(i) piare soi jan(u) pavae.
Our Master ! such (persons) alone this blessing
achieve as Thou dost favour;
Such (persons) achieve it as by Him are favoured-
What in their helplessness can others do?
Some lost in illusion, stray in all directions;
Some by devotion to God's Name are exalted.
Those submitting to the Lord's Will
Have by the Preceptor's grace their selves purified.
Saith Nanak: This blessing only such (persons) find
as by Him are favoured.[8]
Avah(u) sant piariho akath ki karah kahani. Karaha kahani akath keri kit(u) duarai paiai. Tan(u) man(u) dhan(u) sabh(u) saup(i) gur kau hukam(i) manniai paiai. Hukam(u) mannih(u) guru kera gavah(u) sachi bani. Kahai Nanak(u) sunah(u) kathih(u) akath kahani.
Come, beloved devotees ! let us of the Inexpressible discours.
Discourse of the Inexpresible, at what Portal to attain Him?
This by surrendering body, mind and possessions to the Preceptor,
By submission to His will may be achieved.
To the Preceptor will submit, chant the holy Word.
Saith Nanak! Listen devotees of God! of
the Inexpressible discourse.[9]
E man chanchala chaturai kinai na paia. Chaturai na paia kinai tu sun(i) mann meria. Eh maia mohani jin(i) et(u) bharam(i) bhulaia. Maia ta mohani tinai kiti jin(i) thagauli paia. Kurban(u) kita tisai vitah(u) jin(i) moh(u) mitha laia. Kahai Nanak(u) man(u) chanchal chaturai kinai na paia.
My restless self ! None the Lord by ingenuity has attained.
Listen myself ! None by ingenuity has Him attained.
This by surrendering body, mind and possessions to the Preceptor,
The deluding maya that in delusion leads astray-
By Him is the deluding maya created : by Him is this drug cast.
May I be a sacrifice to Him who this fascinating9 delusion has cast.
Saith Nanak: My restless self! None by ingenuity has Him attained.[10]
E man piaria tu sada sach(u) samale. Eh(u) kutumb(u) tu ji dekhada chalai nahi terai nale. Sath(i) terai chalai nahi tis(u) nal(i) kiu chit(u) latai. Aisa kamm(u) mule na kichai jit(u) ant(i) pachhotaiai. Sat(i)huru ka updes(u) sun(i) tu hovai terai nale. Kahai Nanak(u) man piare tu sada sach(u) samale.
My dear self ! Ever on the Eternal Truth meditate;
Thy family that pleases thy sight, with thee shall not last.
With thee shall it not last; why to it hast attached thy heart.
Avoid what in the end regret shall bring.
Listen to the Master's teachings that with thee shall abide.
Saith Nanak: My dear self! Ever on the Eternal Truth meditate.[11]
Agam agochara tera ant(u) na paia. Anto na paia kinai tera apana ap(u) tu janahe. Jia jant sabh(i) khel(u) tera kia ko akh(i) vakhanae. Akhah(i) ta vekhah(i) sabh(u) tuhai jin(i) jagat(u) upaia. Kahai Nanak(u) tu sada agamm(u) hai tera ant(u) na paia.
Inaccessible, unperceivable Lord ! None Thy extent has known.
None Thy extent has known; to Theealone is this known.
All creation is Thy play - who may this wonder express?
Thou who the universe hast created, all utterance and sight to Thee belongs.
Saith Nanak: Ever art Thou inaccessible-
Unknowable is Thy extent.[12]
Sur(i) nar mun(i) jan ammrit(u) khojade su ammrit(u) gur te paia. Paia ammrit(u) gur(i) kripa kini sacha man(i) vasaia. Jia jant sabh(i) tudh(u) upae ik(i) vekh(i) parsan(i) aia. Labh(u) lobh(u) ahankar(u) chuka sat(i)guru bhala bhaia. Kahai Nanak(u) jis no ap(i) tutha tin(i) ammrit(u) gur te paia.
Gods, men, savants seek amrita-
Amrita from the Master is obtained.
By the Master's favor is amrita obtained,
as the Holy Eternal in the self is lodged.
Vast and multiple is Thy creation;
A rare one to venerate the Master may come.
His covetousness, greed, pride, discarded,
The Master to him has appealed.
Saith Nanak: One favored of the Lord
Alone from the Master obtains amrita.[13]
Different from the world is the way of God's devotees-
Different the devotees way, travesing a hard path.
Discarding covetousness, greed, pride, desire-
Restrained their utterances.
Sharper than spear-point, finer than hair-breadth
Is the way they traverse.
Those that by the Master's favor have egoism discarded,
Their desire into the Lord is absorbed.
Saith Nanak: Age after age God's devotees tread
a way from the world different.[14]
Jiu tu chalaih(i) tiv chalah suami hor(u) kia jana gun tere. Jiv tu chalaih(i) tivai chalah jina marag(i) pavahe. Kar(i) kirapa jin nam(i) laih(i) si har(i) har(i) sada dhiavahe. Jis no katha sunaih(i) apani si gurduarai sukh(u) pavahe. Kahai Nanak(u) sache sahib jiu bhavai tivai chalavahe.
Lord ! I follow as Thou dost guide-
Little know I of Thy merit.10 Those guided by Thee along the path.
Follow as Thou dost guide.
Those whom by Thy grace Thou dot inspire with devotion
to the Name,
Meditate evr on the Lord's Name.
Those from Thee listening to Thy discourse.11 At he Lord's Portal12 find bliss.
Saith Nanak: Lord Holy and immaculate !
As is Thy will dost Thou guide me.[15]
Eh(u) sohila sabad(u) suhava. Sabado suhava sada shila sat(i)guru sunaia. Eh(u) tin kai mann(i) vasaia jin dhurah(u) likhia aia. Ik(i) phirah(i) ghanere karah(i) gala gali kinai na paia. Kahai Nanak(u) sabad(u) sohila sat(i)guru sunaia.
Beautiful are the words of this song of Divine laudation.
In words beautiful has the holy Preceptor evr delivered
the Divine laudation.
Some wander about much, talk plentifully;
None by wagging of tongue has to the Lord attained.
Saith Nanak: In words beautiful has the holy Preceptor
The paean of Divine laudation delivered.[16]
Pavit(u) hoe se jana jini har(i) dhiaia. Har(i) dhiaia pavit(u) pavit(u) hoe gurmukh(i) jini dhiaia. Pavit(u) mata pita kutumb sahit siu pavit(u) sangat(i) sabaia. Kahde pavit(u) sunade pavit(u) se pavit(u) jini mann(i) vasaia. Kahai Nanak(u) se pavit(u) jini gurmukhi(i) har(i) har(i) dhiaia.
Those meditating on the Lord have holiness attained.
Holy their mother, father, family, friends;
Holy all those with them associated.
Holy those on the Lord discoursing.
Holy the listeners; holy those in the self lodging
the Lord's contemplation.
Saith Nanak: Holy are those that by the Master's guidance
In the Lord's contemplation engage.[16]
Pavit(u) hoe se jana jini har(i) dhiaia. Har(i) dhiaia pavit(u) pavit(u) hoe gurmukh(i) jini dhiaia. Pavit(u) mata pita kutumb sahit siu pavit(u) sangat(i) sabaia. Kahde pavit(u) sunade pavit(u) se pavit(u) jini mann(i) vasaia. Kahai Nanak(u) se pavit(u) jini gurmukhi(i) har(i) har(i) dhiaia.
Those meditating on the Lord have holiness attained.
Holy their mother, father, family, friends;
Holy all those with them associated.
Holy those on the Lord discoursing.
Holy the listeners; holy those in the self lodging
the Lord's contemplation.
Saith Nanak: Holy are those that by the Master's guidance
In the Lord's contemplation engage.[17]
Karami sahaj(u) na upajai vin(u) sahajai sahasa na jai. Nah jai sahasa kitai sanjam(i) rahe karam kamae. Sahasai jiu malin(u) hai kit(u) sanjam(i) dhota jae. Mann(u) dhovah(u) sabad(i) lagah(u) har(i) siu rahah(u) chit(u) lai. Kahai Nanak gur parasadi sahaj(u) upajai ih(u) sahasa iv jai.
By ritual acts comes not serenity; 13 without serene contemplation 14 is no doubt lifted.
By ritual discipline is doubt not lifted, all rituals goes waste.
In doubt is the mind made impure; by what discipline
is it washed pure?
Wash the mind by devotion to the holy Word;
In devotion to the Lord be engaged.
Saith Nanak: by the Master's favor is aroused serenity;
Thus is doubt from the self banished.[18]
Jiah(u) maile baharah(u) nirmal. Baharah(u) nirmal jiah(u) ta maile tini janam(u) juai haria. Eh tisana vada rog(u) loga maran(u) manah(u) visaria. Veda mah(i) nam(u) utam(u) so sunah(i) nahi phirah(i) jiu betalia. Kahai Nanak(u) jin sach(u) tajia kure lage tini janam(u) juai haria.
Those with minds impure, their outside washed pure;
Washed pure without and impure within,
On a throw have they their life forfeited.
Gripped by the great malady of desire, death have they forgotten.
Unmindful of the merit of devotion14 in Scriptures 15 related,
Like gobelins they wander about.
Saith Nanak: Those neglectful of holy Truth, in falsehood involved
On a throw is their life forfeited.[19]
Jiah(u) nirmal baharah(u) nirmal. Baharah(u) ta nirmal jiah(u) nirmal sat(i)gur te karani kamani. Kur ki soi pahuchai nahi manasa sach(i) samani. Janam(u) ratan(u) jini khatia bhale se vanjare. Kahai Nanak(u) jin mann(u) nirmal(u) sada rahahi hur nale.
Those pure within and without;
Pure without and within;
And on the holy Preceptor's guidance acting-
The touch of evil approaches them not,
In the Truth their desires absorbed.
Blessed are the merchants that earn profit of the holy life's jewels.
Saith Nanak: Those with minds pure, ever with the Master abide.[20]
Je ko sikh(u) gutu seti sanmukh(u) hovai. Hovai ta sanmkh(u) sikh(u) koi jiah(u) rahai gur nale. Gur ke charan hirdai dhiae antar atamai samale. Ap(u) chhad(i) sada rahai parnai gur bin(u) avar(u) na janai koe. Kahai Nanak(u) sunah(u) santah(u) so sikh(u) sanmukh(u) hoe.
The seeker that in the Master's presence abides;
Abiding with the Master ever, his heart in the Master absorbed.
Contemplating with fervor the master's holy feet,
meditating on him in his inner self;
Discarding egoism on the Master leans,
In nothing else his trust reposing-
Saith Nanak: Listen ddevotees of God !
Such a seeker16 is said in the Master's presence to abide.[21]
Je ko gur te vemukh(u) hovai bin(u) sat(i)gur mukat(i) na pavai. Pavai mukat(i) na horathai koi puchhah(u) bibekia jae. Anek juni bharam(i) avai vin(u) sat(i)gur mukat(i) na pae. Phir(i) mukat(i) pae lag(i) charani sat(i)guru sabad(u) sunae. Kahai Nanak(u) vichar(i) dekhah(u) vin(u) sat(i)gur mukat(i) na pae.
Should someone from the Master turn away, without the Master's
guidance shall he not attain liberation:
By no other means17 shall he find liberation:
Inquire of those with true wisdom18 endowed.
After wandering over endless births, without the holy Preceptor's
guidance.
Shall he not find liberation.
Liberation shall at last come as the holy Preceptor's feet he touches,
And to his Word listen.19 Saith Nanak, contemplate this and test:
Without the holy Preceptor's guidance none liberation obtains.[22]
Avah(u) sikh sat(i)guru ke piariho gavahi(u) sachi bani. Bani ta gavah(u) guru keri bania sir(i) bani. Jin kau nadar(i) karam(u) hovai hirdai tina samani. Pivah(u) ammrit(u) sada rahah(u) har(i)rang(i) japih(u) sarigapani. Kahai Nanak(u) sada gavah(u) eh sachi bani.
Come ye the holy Preceptor's loving disciples,
Chant the holy Word :
The Master's Word chant that ever all uterance is supreme.
This enters the mind of those by Divine grace favored-
Thus quaffing amrita, in ecstasy of the Lord abide;
Ever the Lord of the universe20 contemplate.
Saith Nanak: Chant ver the holy Word.[23]
Sat(i)guru bina hor kachi hai bani. Bani ta kachi sat(i)guru bajhah(u) hor kachi bani. Kahade kache sunade kache kachin akh(i) vakhani. Har(i) har(i) nit karah(i) rasana kahia kachhu na jani. Chit jinka hi(i) laia maia bolan(i) pae ravani. Kahai Nanak(u) sat(i)guru bajhah(u) hor kachi bani.
The utterance other than the holy Preceptor's if hollow.21 Other than the holy Preceptor's utterance is hollow, insubstantial.
Those uttering it, listening to it, hollow21; by the raw minds
enunciated.
Those the Lord's Name by their tongues utter,
Yet of their utterances are unmindful.
Those with hearts by Maya deluded, are to glib utterance given.
Saith Nanak: Utterance other than the holy Preceptor's is hollow21.[24]
Gur ka sabad(u) ratann(u) hai hire jit(u) jarau. Sabad(u) ratan(u) jit(u) mann(u) kaga eh(u) hoa samau. Sabad seti man(u) milia sachai laia bhau. Ape hira ratan(u) ape jis no dei bujhai. Kahai Nanak(u) sabad(u) ratan(u) hai hira jit(u) jarau.
The Master's Word is a diamond, with rubbies studdied.
Precious diamonds is the holy Word to which is the self attached,
Therein attached.
As to Word is the self attached, devotion to the holy Eternal is formed.
Himself diamond, ruby : Himself realization grants to who
He pleases.
Saith Nanak: The Word is a diamond with rubbies studded.[25]
Siv sakat(i) ap(i) upai kai karta ape hukam(u) vatrae. Hukam(u) vartae ap(i) vekhai gurmukh(i) kisai bujhae. Tore bndhan hovai mukat(u) sabad(u) mann(i) vasae. Gurmukh(i) jisno ap(i) kare su hovai ekas siu liv lae. Kahai Nanak(u) ap(i) karta ape hukam(u) bujhae.
Himself has the Creator made the Essence22 and mutability.23 His Ordinance has He made operative.
His Ordinance He makes operative, over it watches-
Its mystery by the Master's guidance a rare one realizes:
Such a one, his bonds snaps, finds liberation,
And in the self the Word lodges.
One Godward-directed by the Lord Himself.
To the Sole Supreme forms devotion.
Saith Nanak: Himself the Creator;
Himself the realization grants.[26]
Simrit(i) sastra punn pap bicharade tatai sar na jani. Tatai sar na jani guru bajhah(u) tatai sar na jani. Tihi guni sansar(u) bhram(i) suta sutai rain(i) vihani. Gur kirpa te se jan jage jina har(i) man(i) vasia bolah(i) ammrit bani. Kahai Nanak(u) so tat(u) pae jis no anadin(u) har(i) liv lagai jagat rain(i) vihani.
Some study Smritis, Shastras and issues of merit and sin-
Yet know not the Essence;
In the Three Qualities is the world wandering asleep;
In sleep life's night passed
By the Master's grace are awakened those in whose self is the Lord
lodged-
Amrita their utterance.
Saith Nanak: Such alone the essence realize as day after day in
wakefulness is their life's night passed.[27]
Mata ke udar mah(i) pratipal kare so kiu manah(u) visariai. Manah(u) kiu visaria evad(u) data ji agan(i) mah(i) ahar(u) pachuchavae. Osno kih(u) poh(i) na saki jisnau apani livalavae. Apani liv ape lae gurmukh(i) sada samaliai. Kahai Nanak(u) evad(u) data so kiu manah(u) visariai.
Why be forgetful of Him who in mother's womb each being cherishes?
Why forget Him, the supremely Bountiful Lord,
Who in fire of the womb sustenance provides?
Nothing can touch one that with devotion to Him is inspired.
To Himself He inspires devotion, by the Master's grace contemplated.
Saith Nanak: Why forget the Supreme Bountiful Lord?[28]
Jaisi aban(i) udar mah(i) taisi bahar(i) maia. Maia agan(i) sabh iko jehi kar tai khe(u) rachaia. Ja tis(u) bhana ta jammia paravar(i) bhala bhaia. Liv chhuraki lagi trisna maia amar(u) vartaia. Eh maia jit(u) har(i) visarai moh(u) upajai bhau duja laia. Kahai Nanak(u) gurparsadi jina liv lagi tini viche maia paia.
Flaming as the fire within the womb is Maya without.
Destructive as fire of the womb is Maya-
The Creator this play has set up,
By His will is the creature born, to his family in affection attached;
As of devotion he gets bereft. desire and Maya over him rule.
This Maya, of God makes the creature forgetful, creates attachment,
And in duality involves him.
Saith Nanak: Those that by the Master's grace, in devotion engage,
Even in Maya's involvement find realization.[29]
Har(i) ap(i) amulak(u) hai mul(i) na paia jai. Mul(i) na paia jai kisai vitah(u) rahe lok vilalai. Aisa sat(i)gur(u) je milai tisno sir(u) saupiai vichah(u) ap(u) jai. Jisada jiu tis mil(i) rahai har(i) vasai man(i) ai. Har(i) ap(i) amulak(u) hai bhag tina ke Nanaka jin har(i) palai pai.
Invaluable is the Lord; none His worth may estimate :
None His worth can estimate, though the world for this yearns.24 Should a preceptor supremely holy be met.
To Him should one surrender, shedding thus the ego.25 Uniting to its Master the self,
lodging in it the Lord.
Invaluable is the Lord.
Supremely fortunate, Saith Nanak are those to whom this wealth comes.26[30]
Har(i) ras(i) meri man(u) vanajara. Har(i) ras(i) meri man(u) vanajara sat(i)gur te ras(i) jani. Har(i) har(i) nit japih(u) jiah(u) laha khatih(u) dihari. Eh(u) dhan(u) tina milia jin har(i) ape bhana. Kahai Nanak(u) hor(i) ras(i) meri man(u) hoa vanajara.
The Lord is my capital; the self the merchant.
From the holy preceptor is this capital obtained.
Listen ye of God's creation : Ever contemplate the Lord,
And day after day earn this profit.
This wealth comes to those that of the Lord are favored.
Saith Nanak : The Lord is my capital; the self thereof the merchant.[31]
E rasana tu anaras(i) rach(i) rahi teri pias na jai. Pias na jai horat(u) kitai jichar(u) hari ras(u) palai na pai. Har(i) ras(u)pai palai piai har(i) ras(u) bahur(i) na trisana lagai ai. Eh(u) har(i) ras(u) karami paiai sat(i)gur(u) milai jis(u) ai. Kahai Nanak(u) hor(i) anaras sabh(i) visare ja har(i) vasai man(i) ai.
My tongue27! to tastes other than God art thou attached;
Thus thy desire goes not.
By other tastes goes not our desire, till the Lord's taste be enjoyed.28 With enjoying of the Lord's tastes, desire torments not one again.
By grace is such taste obtained, by the holy Preceptor's touch.29 Saith Nanak : Discarded are other tastes,
As in the self is lodged the Lord.[32]
E sarira meria har(i) tum mah(i) jot(i) rakhi ta tu jag mah(i) aia. Har(i) jot(i) rakhi tudh(u) vichita tu jag mah(i) aia. Har(i) ape mata ape pita jin(i) jiu upai jagat(u) dikhaia. Guraparsadi bujhia ta chalat(u) hoa chalat(u) nadari aia. Kahai Nanak(u) srisat(i) ka mul(u) rachia jot(i) rakhi ta tu jag mah(i) aia.
My limbs30! The Lord in you placed His light thus
did you into the world arrive :
As did the Lord place in you His light, into the world did you arrive.
The Lord is mother and father; who created you and of the world
by the Master's grace granted realization.
A play it appeared as play was it viewed.
Saith Nanak : As the Lord the creation began, His light
in you he placed;
Thus did you into the World arrive.[33]
Man(i) chau bhaia prabh agam(u) sunia. Har(i) mangal(u) gau sakhi grih(u) mandar(u) bania.. Har(i) gau mangal(u) nit sakhie sog(u) dukh(u) na viapae. Gur charan lage din sabhage apana pir(u) japae. Anahat bani gur sabad(i) jani harinam(u) har(i) ras(u) bhogo. Kahai Nanak(u) prabh(u) ap(i) milia karan jogo.
Joy filled was the self, as report of the Lord's advent came31 My damsel friends: sing ye songs of joy;
My home is tonight the Lord's temple.
My damsels, sing you ever songs of joy.
May sorrow and suffering visit us not.
By touch of the Master's feet are my days fortune-filled,
In sight of the Beloved passed.
From the Master's teaching is learned the mystic Word;
From contemplation of the Name divine have you joy in the Lord.
Saith Nanak: Union with the Lord has come about.
Whose might is supreme ever all.[34]
E sarira meria is jagmah(i) aikai kia tudh(u) karam kamaia. Ki karam kamaia tudh(u) sarira ja tu jag mah(i) aia. Jin(i) har(i) tera rachan(u) rachia so hari man(i) na vasaia. Gurprasadi har(i) mann(i) vasia purab(i) likhia paia. Kahai Nanak(u) eh(u) sarir paravan(u) hoa jin(i) sat(i)gur siu chit laia.
Listen myself ! What good32 hast thou in this life performed?
What thy deeds since they coming into this world?
Thou hast not lodged into thy mind the Lord who has made thee.
By the primal Writ is the Lord in the mind lodged.
By the Master's grace.
Saith Nanak: The self shall find acceptance with God,
Through devotion to the holy Master.33[35]
E netrah(u) meriho har(i) tum mah(i) jot(i) dhari, har(i) bin(u) avar(u) na dekhah(u) koi. Har(i) bin(u) avar(u) na dekhah(u) ko(i) nadari har(i) nihalia. Eh(u) vis(u) sansar(u) tum dekhade eh(u) har(i) ka rup(u) hai har(i) rup(u) nadar(i) aia. Gur parsadi bujhia ja vekha har(i) ek(u) hai har(i) bin(u) avar(u) na koi. Kahai Nanak(u) eh(i) netra andh se sat(i)gur(i) miliai dibdrist(i) hoi.
Listen my eyes ! to you has the Lord granted light :
Behold nothing beside Him.
Beside the Lord, nothing behold;
With my eyes Him have I beheld.
This posion-laden world that you behold, is the Divine image-
In it is beheld the Lord's image
By the Master's grace has this realization come :
Wherever I look, God alone I see; nothing but God is visible.
Saith Nanak: Blind of sight were my eyes;
By the holy Preceptor's touch have they found
illumination and vision.34[36]
E sravanah(u) meriho sachai sunanai no pathae. Sachai sunanai no pathae sarir(i) lae sunah(u) sat(i) bani. Jit suni man(u) tan(u) haria hoa rasana ras(i) samani. Sach(u) alakh vidani ta ki gat(i) kahi na jae. Kahai Nanak(u) ammrit nam(u) sunah(u) pavitra hovah(u) sachai sunanai no pathae.
Listen my eyes ! to listen to holy truth are you into this world sent.
To listen to holy truth are you in the body provided, that the
holy Word you absorb.35 This whoever has absorbed,35 jpyful is his mind rendered.
His tongue36 with joy imbued.
Inaccessible, wonderful is holy truth:
Indescribable its greatness.
Saith Nanak: Listen to the name amrosial;
Render yourselves pure
To absorb holy truth have you been sent here.[37]
Har(i) jiu gupha andhar(i) rakh(i) kai vaja pavan(u) vajaia. Vajaia vaja paun duare pargat(u) kie dasvagupat(u) rakhaia. Gurdwara lai bhavani ikana dasva duar dikhaia. Tah anek rup nau nav nidh(i) tis da ant(u) na jai paia. Kahai Nanak(u) har(i) piarai jiu gupha andar(i) rakh(i) kai vaja pavan(u) vajaia.
The Lord, in cae of the self the wind-instrument of breath plays :
Playing this instrument has He created the nine doors;
The tenth37 has He kept secret.
To those to the Master's portal devoted is the Tenth door revealed.
There is beheld the Lord in forms infinite.
His Name, bestower of nine treasures, of illimitable extent.
Saith Nanak: In the cave of the self, the beloved Lord plays
the instrument of breath.[38]
Eh(u) sacha sohila sachai ghar(i) gavah(u). Gavah(u) ta sohila ghar(i) sachai jithai sada sach(u) dhiavahe. Sacho dhiavah(i) ja tud(u) bhavah(i) gurmukh(i) jina bujhavahe. Eh(u) sach(u) sabhana ka khasam(u) hai jis(u) bakhase so jan(u) pavahe. Kahai Nanak(u) sach(u) sohila sachai ghar(i) gavahe.
With mind purified38 chant the holy song of joy.39 Sing this holy song with mind purified.38 That ever in holy meditation is absorbed.
In holy meditation are such absorbed as please Thee,
As by the Master are illumination granted.
This holy truth is Lord of all-
Saith Nanak: With minds purified38 sing you this song of joy.39[39]
Anand(u) sunah(u) vadabhagiho sagal manorath pure. Parbraham(u) prabh(u) paia utare sagal visure. Dukh rog santap utare suni sachi bani. Sant sajan bhae sarse pure gur te jani. Sunate punit kahate pavit(u) sat(i)gur(u) rahia bharpure. Binvant(i) Nanak(u) gur charan lage vaje anhad ture.
You who are supremely fortunate listen to the song of joy.40 Fulfiller of all desires.41 By this is attained the Supreme Being Transcendent,
And all sorrows end:
Absorption in the holy Word banishes sorrows, maladies and tormets;
Brings joy to God's devotees, companions in purity.
Those by the holy Master enlightened.
Those listening to it are rendered pure, those uttering it one
made holy;
The holy Lord they hold pervasive.
The suppliant Nanak, by touch of the holy Master's feet,
The mystic music hears ringing.[40]
NOTES
1Maya is the subjective error of accepting a wrong point of view, the failure of man to look at things in proper perspective
of the unity of life. This error of man is not conceptual or perceptual, but it is ethical inadequacy and moral infirmity that are to blame. Led by the ego and passions, an individual ignores basic reality of the brotherhood of man. (Daljeet Singh)
2 Lit. The holy Preceptor have I found
3 Lit. Brings about forgetfulness
4 Lit. Tasks
5 Lit. What is lacking in Thy house?
6 Lit. In which the Lord His might has assumed.
7 Lit. The thorn of death.
8 Original, shabad (Cf. Jap(u), XXXVIII)
9 Lit. Sweet
10 Lit. What know I...?
11 Lit. Those to whom dost discourse (narrate)
12 Original, Gurdwara (now implying particularly a Sikh place of worship)
14 Original, Sahaj 15 Original, Naam 16 Original, Sikh
17 Lit. In no other place
18 Original, Bibeki (viveki) 19 Lit. As the holy Preceptor (to him) the Word expounds
20 Original, Saringapani 21 Original, Kachchi- unbaked, raw.
22Original, Shiva (Siva) 23Shakti (sakti> 24Lit. cries, wails, cf. Jap(u), XXIV
25Should such a holy preceptior be met, to him should one surrender ones's head, so that the ego may vanish.
26That have in possession this wealth.
27The palate, organ of taste, is implied.
28Lit. obtained
29Lit. meeting
30 Original, Body (singular)
31Head
32Good actions
33Original, satigur 34Lit. Illumined sight
35Lit. Listen
36The palate is implied.
37The center of super consciousness.
38Lit. In teh abode of purity.
39Implies this text, with caption Anand(u) (Bliss)
40Anand 41Desire to attain holy illumination is implied.
