SGGS pp 2-3, Japji Paurris 8-11

Preface to Paurris 8-11. 

Paurris 8 to 11 are on the subject of listening. They all end with the following statement, which is their underlying message:

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥

Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās.  Suṇi▫ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās.

Says Guru Nanak: (Bhagta) the devotees are (sadaa) ever (vigaas-u = bloom) joyful;

Because (dookh) faults and (paap) transgressions (naas-u = destruction) end (suniai) by listening to, and keeping Naam in mind; there then is no fear, apprehension of consequences or sense of guilt[1].

Paurri 8

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਧਰਤਿ ਧਵਲ ਆਕਾਸ ॥

Suṇi▫ai siḏẖ pīr sur nāth. Suṇi▫ai ḏẖaraṯ ḏẖaval ākās.

It is (suniai) by listening to the guru to understand Naam/Divine virtues and commands that –

One becomes aware that (sidh) accomplished saints, (peer = Muslim expression for guru) spiritual guides, (sur-i) god-like persons and (naath – a clan of yogis) yogis – all owe allegiance to the Almighty – as stated in Paurri 27 – gaavah-i sidh samddhi andar-i, i.e. in their meditation the saints praise the Almighty.

One gets awareness that (dharat-i) the earth being held in space and (dhaval = white bull) the metaphoric bull supporting it, or (aakaas) the sky being like a canopy without support are metaphor, for the universe created and functioning by cosmic laws as shown in Paurri 16 below.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੀਪ ਲੋਅ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕਾਲੁ ॥

Suṇi▫ai ḏīp lo▫a pāṯāl. Suṇi▫ai pohi na sakai kāl.

One learns that Naam/cosmic laws apply in (deep) the islands in water, (loa/lok) land and (paataal) the lower regions[2].

(Kaal-u = agent of death) the agent of Divine justice (na sakai = cannot) is not allowed to (poh) reach one who (suniai) listens to and obeys Naam, – the metaphoric Divine police has orders not to go near one who lives by Naam[3].

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥

Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās.  Suṇi▫ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās. ||8||

Says Guru Nanak: (Bhagta) the devotees are (sadaa) ever (vigaas-u = bloom) joyful;

Because (dookh) faults and (paap) transgressions (naas-u = destruction) end (suniai) by listening to, and keeping Naam in mind; there then is no fear, apprehension of consequences, or sense of guilt. 8.

Paurri 9

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਈਸਰੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਇੰਦੁ ॥ Suṇi▫ai īsar barmā inḏ.

It is (suniai) listening to the guru to understand Naam/Divine virtues and commands that –

We learn that the Hindu gods (eesar-u) Mahadev/Shankar/Shiva, Brahma, and Indra – whom people worship – all act as commanded by the Almighty[4].

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਲਾਹਣ ਮੰਦੁ ॥

Suṇi▫ai mukẖ sālāhaṇ manḏ.

(Mand-u) an evil person – who has turned away from God, starts (salaahan) praising (mukh-i) from the mouth, and obeying, the Almighty[5].

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਤਨਿ ਭੇਦ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਾਸਤ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਵੇਦ ॥

 Suṇi▫ai jog jugaṯ ṯan bẖeḏ. Suṇi▫ai sāsaṯ simriṯ veḏ.

It is (suniai) listening to the guru to understand Naam/Divine virtues and commands that –

We learn about (bheyd) the mysteries (tan-i) of the body, i.e. how mind works and tempted away from God; and (jugat = method) how to attain (jog) union with the Almighty[6].

We learn about how Smritis, Shastras and (veyd) Vedas talk of Maaiaa, and that compliance of Naam saves from those.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥

Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās.  Suṇi▫ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās. ||9||

Says Guru Nanak: (Bhagta) the devotees are (sadaa) ever (vigaas-u = bloom) joyful;

Because (dookh) faults and (paap) transgressions (naas-u = destruction) end (suniai) by listening to, and keeping Naam in mind; there then is no fear, apprehension of consequences, or sense of guilt. 9.

Paurri 10

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਕਾ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥

Suṇi▫ai saṯ sanṯokẖ gi▫ān. uṇi▫ai aṯẖsaṯẖ kā isnān

It is (suniai) by listening to the guru to understand Naam/Divine virtues and commands that –

We (giaan-u) learn to live (sat-u) truthfully and be (santokh-u = contentment) happy with Divine will[7].

The mind is purified, for which people go and take (isnaan-u) bath (ka) of (atthsatth-i) sixtyeight places of pilgrimage. This is elucidated by Paurri 20 saying “Bhareeai mat-i paapa kai sang-i; oh-u dhopai navai kai rang-i” the mind defiled by transgressions is purified with love of Naam.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥

Suṇi▫ai paṛ paṛ pāvahi mān. Suṇi▫ai lāgai sahj ḏẖi▫ān.

One obtains awareness about right conduct and (paavah-i) obtain (maan) recognition for which people (parr-i parr-i) read scriptures – but engage in arguments to get recognition.

(Dhiaan-u) concentration of the mind is (sahj-i) effortlessly (laagai) attained.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥

Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās.  Suṇi▫ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās. ||10||

Says Guru Nanak: (Bhagta) the devotees are (sadaa) ever (vigaas-u = bloom) joyful;

Because (dookh) faults and (paap) transgressions (naas-u = destruction) end (suniai) by listening to, and keeping Naam in mind; there then is no fear, apprehension of consequences, or sense of guilt. 10.

Paurri 11

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਰਾ ਗੁਣਾ ਕੇ ਗਾਹ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੇਖ ਪੀਰ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹ ॥

Suṇi▫ai sarā guṇā ke gāh. Suṇi▫ai sekẖ pīr pāṯisāh.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅੰਧੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਰਾਹੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਹਾਥ ਹੋਵੈ ਅਸਗਾਹੁ ॥

Suṇi▫ai anḏẖe pāvahi rāhu.  Suṇi▫ai hāth hovai asgāhu.

It is (suniai) listening to the guru to understand Naam/Divine virtues and commands that –

One is able to (gaah) wade through (saraa) oceans of (gunaa) virtues, i.e. get hard-to-obtain awareness of virtues.

One gets awareness that (seykh) Sheikhs – Muslim person holding spiritual and temporal authority, (peer) preceptors and (paatsaah) emperors are subject to Divine commands.

(Andhey) blind persons (paavah-i) find (raah-u) the path, i.e. ignorant persons are enlightened on how to lead life.

(Asgaah-u) bottomless ocean (hovai) comes in (haath) hand, i.e. one is able get across/overcome the world ocean of temptations and unite with the Almighty.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥

Nānak bẖagṯā saḏā vigās.  Suṇi▫ai ḏūkẖ pāp kā nās. ||11||

Says Guru Nanak: (Bhagta) the devotees are (sadaa) ever (vigaas-u = bloom) joyful;

Because (dookh) faults and (paap) transgressions (naas-u = destruction) end (suniai) by listening to, and keeping Naam in mind; there then is no fear, apprehension of consequences, or sense of guilt. 11.

As may be seen, listening – obtaining awareness/knowledge brings happiness. The Guru restates this in Paurri 36 after describing Giaan Khandd, the realm of knowledge in Paurri 35 thus:

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਰਚੰਡੁ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਨਾਦ ਬਿਨੋਦ ਕੋਡ ਅਨੰਦੁ ॥

Gi▫ān kẖand mėh gi▫ān parcẖand.  Ŧithai nāḏ binoḏ kod anand.

 Knowledge reigns supreme in the realm of learning;

One enjoys the celestial music and great bliss. Paurri 36.

This confirms the underlying message of Pauris 8-11 given above, because listening is learning.

The Guru has thus introduced the principle that awareness of Naam is necessary in order to avoid the pitfalls that we face in life all the time. One who does that leads a life in bliss[8].

Suniai/listening is meant for compliance. It is significant that Paurris 12-15 which are on compliance/obedience follow Paurris 8-11 which are about listening or learning.

[1] ਪਉੜੀ ॥ ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮਨੁ ਰਹਸੀਐ ਨਾਮੇ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਆਈ ॥ ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤੀਐ ਸਭ ਦੁਖ ਗਵਾਈ ॥

Pa▫oṛī.  Nā▫e suṇi▫ai man rėhsī▫ai nāme sāʼnṯ ā▫ī.  Nā▫e suṇi▫ai man ṯaripaṯ▫ī▫ai sabẖ ḏukẖ gavā▫ī.

(Paurri) stanza by the fourth Guru. (Suniai) by listening to Naam – as present in our conscience and from wise people/in holy congregation, one does not digress and hence has no worries; (man-u) the mind (rahaseeai) remains in bliss; (saant-i) peace (aai = comes) is experienced with practice (naamey) of Naam.

The mind (tripteeai = satiated) feels satisfied (suniai) listening and practice (naaey) of Naam, as (sabh) all (dukh) grief/pain (gavaai =lost) goes. M: 4, p 1240.

[2] The fourth Guru says:

ਧਰਤਿ ਪਾਤਾਲੁ ਆਕਾਸੁ ਹੈ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏ ਸਭ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ ਰਾਮ ॥

Ḏẖaraṯ pāṯāl ākās hai merī jinḏuṛī▫e sabẖ har har nām ḏẖi▫āvai rām.

(Dharat-i/dharti) the earth, (pataal-i) nether regions and (aakaas-u) sky, (sabh) all (dhiaavai = pay attention) exist by, and obey, (naam-u) commands of the Almighty – the cosmic laws. M: 4, p 539.

[3] ਸੁਣਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਕਟੀਐ ਕਾਲ ਕੀ ਫਾਸੀ ਰਾਮ ॥
Suṇ suṇ ih man nirmal hovai katī▫ai kāl kī fāsī rām.

(Suni-i suni-i) by ever listening to the myriad Divine virtues, (ih = this) the (man-u) mind (nirmal-u hovai) is cleansed of vices and (phaasi) the noose of (kaal) the agent of Divine justice (katteeai) is cut, i.e. one is no longer subject to punishment as one commits no vices. M: 5, p 781.

[4] ਈਸਰੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਦੇਵੀ ਦੇਵਾ ॥ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਤਪੇ ਮੁਨਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਸੇਵਾ ॥

Īsar barahmā ḏevī ḏevā.  Inḏar ṯape mun ṯerī sevā.  Jaṯī saṯī keṯe banvāsī anṯ na ko▫ī pā▫iḏā. ||3||

(Eesar-u) Shankar/Mahadev, Brahma, (deyvi) goddesses, (deyva) gods; Indra, (tapey) austere ascetics and (mun-i) sages are in (teyri) Your (seyva) service, i.e. obey You. M: 1, p 1034.

[5] ਸੁਣਤੇ ਪੁਨੀਤ ਕਹਤੇ ਪਵਿਤੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰੇ ॥

Suṇṯe punīṯ kahṯe paviṯ saṯgur rahi▫ā bẖarpūre.

Those who (suntey) listen are (puneet) purified of vices and those who (kahtey = say) propagate it are also (pavit-u/pavitr) purified as they find (satigur-u) the true guru (rahiaa bharpoorey) present – and act on his teachings, wherever they are. M: 3, p 922, Anand Sahib.

[6] ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਆਇਓ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ॥   ਮੋ ਕਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਬੁਝਾਇਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Jog jugaṯ sun ā▫i▫o gur ṯe.   Mo ka▫o saṯgur sabaḏ bujẖā▫i▫o. ||1|| rahā▫o.

I have (aaio) come back after (sun-i) listening (tey) from (gur) the guru (jugat-i) the method of attaining (jog) union with the Almighty.

The (satgur) true guru gave (mo kau = to me) me (bujhaaio) understanding (sabad-i = of the word) of Naam/Divine commands. 1. M: 5, p 208.

[7] Guru Nanak says in Sidh Gostt:

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥

Gurmukẖ nām ḏān isnān.  Gurmukẖ lāgai sahj ḏẖi▫ān.

(Gurmukh-i) one who follows the guru’s guidance, lives by (naam-u) Divine virtues and commands, s/he (daan-u = charity) shares with others and (isnaan-u) bathes in, i.e. purifies the self, with Naam.

By following the guru’s teachings (dhiaan-u) attention (laagai) remains fixed on Naam (sahj-i) with poise. M: 1, p 942.

[8] ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੰਨੀਐ ਨਾਮੇ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥ਨਾਮੁ ਸਲਾਹੇ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਨਾਮੇ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਾਈ ॥੪॥
Nām suṇīai nām mannīai nāme vadiāī. Nām salāhe saḏā saḏā nāme mahal pāī. ||4||

We should (suniai) listen to and (manniai) obey Naam; one obtains (vadiaaee) glory (naamey) by obedience to Naam.
One who (sadaa sadaa) forever (salaahey) praises and lives by Naam, s/he (paaee = finds) gets to (mahal-u = palace) the Almighty (naamey) through living by Naam. 4. M: 3, p 426.