SGGS pp 942-944, Raamkali M: 1, Sidh Gostt, Paurris 35-54.

 

Note: In this composition questions by the Sidhs are black, and answers of Guru Nanak in blue, font.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਤਨੁ ਲਹੈ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਰਖੈ ਰਤਨੁ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥

Gurmukẖ raṯan lahai liv lā▫e.  Gurmukẖ parkẖai raṯan subẖā▫e.

 

(Gurmukh-i) one who follows the guru’s guidance, (laa-e) fixes (liv) attention on the guru’s teachings and (lahai) obtains awareness of (ratan-u = jewel) Naam or Divine virtues and commands.

The Gurmukh (parkhai = tests/examines) contemplates (ratan) Naam, and lives by it (subhaa-e = as own nature) as way of life.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚੇ ਮਨੁ ਪਤੀਆਇ ॥

Gurmukẖ sācẖī kār kamā▫e.  Gurmukẖ sācẖe man paṯī▫ā▫e.

 

A Gurmukh (kamaa-e) does (saachee = true) virtuous (kaar) deeds.

(Man-u) the mind of the Gurmukh is (pateeaa-e) happy living by Naam of (saach-e) the Eternal.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅਲਖੁ ਲਖਾਏ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚੋਟ ਨ ਖਾਵੈ ॥੩੫॥

Gurmukẖ alakẖ lakẖā▫e ṯis bẖāvai.  Nānak gurmukẖ cẖot na kẖāvai. ||35||

 

When it (bhaavai) pleases IT, (alkah-u) the unknowable Almighty (lakhaavai) causes to be known by one (gurmukh-i) with the guru’s guidance.

One who follows the guru does not (khaavai = eat) receive (chott) hits, i.e. is not turned back from Divine abode, says Guru Nanak. 35.

 

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.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਉ ਭੰਜਨੁ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ ॥

Gurmukẖ pāvai ḏargėh mān.  Gurmukẖ bẖa▫o bẖanjan parḏẖān.

 

A Gurmukh (paavai) receives (maan-u) honor (dargah) in Divine court, i.e. no faults are found with him/her.

A Gurmukh (bhanjan = destroys, bhahu/bhav = birth) is not reborn and is (pardhaan-u = head) an exalted person.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਰਣੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਰਾਏ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥੩੬॥

Gurmukẖ karṇī kār karā▫e.  Nānak gurmukẖ mel milā▫e. ||36||

 

(Gurmukh) the guru’s guidance (karaa-e = causes to do) motivates to do that (kaar = job) what (karni) needs to be done – living by Naam.

The guru’s guidance (milaa-e = cause to meet) facilitates (m-el-i) union with the Almighty, says Guru Nanak. 36.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਬੇਦ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਭੇਦ ॥

Gurmukẖ sāsṯar simriṯ beḏ.  Gurmukẖ pāvai gẖat gẖat bẖeḏ.

 

A Gurmukh has awareness of what Shastras, Smritis and (b-ed) the Vedas say.

(Gurmukh-i) one who follows the guru (paavai = obtains) gets (bh-ed = mystery) the awareness that the Almighty is present (ghatt-i ghatt-i) in everybody.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੈਰ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਗਵਾਵੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਗਣਤ ਮਿਟਾਵੈ ॥

Gurmukẖ vair viroḏẖ gavāvai.  Gurmukẖ saglī gaṇaṯ mitāvai.

 

A Gurmukh (gavaavai = loses) gives up (vair) enmity and (virodh = opposition) antagonism with others.

A Gurmukh leads a life of virtues and (mittavai) erases (ganat = count) record of (sagli) all transgressions from his/her account.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖਸਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥੩੭॥

Gurmukẖ rām nām rang rāṯā.  Nānak gurmukẖ kẖasam pacẖẖāṯā. ||37||

 

A Gurmukh is (raata) imbued (rang-i) with love for (naam) virtues and commands of (raam) the all-pervasive Master – practices them.

A Gurmukh (pachhaata) recognizes (khasam-u) the Master within, says Guru Nanak. 37.

 

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਭਰਮੈ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਘਾਲ ਨ ਪਵਈ ਥਾਇ ॥
Bin gur bẖarmai āvai jā▫e.  Bin gur gẖāl na pav▫ī thā▫e.

 

One who (bin-u = without) does not follow the guru’s guidance, (bharmai = wanders) goes astray and is subjected to (aavai = comes) births and (jaa-e = goes) deaths – again and again.

When one (bin-u = without) does not follow the guru, his/her (ghaal = toil) actions are such as are not (pavaee = put, thaa-e = in place) approved by the Almighty.

 

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਮਨੂਆ ਅਤਿ ਡੋਲਾਇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਖੁ ਖਾਇ ॥

Bin gur manū▫ā aṯ dolā▫e.  Bin gur ṯaripaṯ nahī bikẖ kẖā▫e.

 

When one (bin-u = without) does not follow guidance of (gur) the guru, (manooaa) the mind (ddolaa-e) wavers (at-i) greatly, i.e. is direction-less.

One who does not follow the guru (khaa-e = eats) lives by (bikh-u) vices and is not (triptaa-e) sated –does not attain the objective of union with the Almighty.

 

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਸੀਅਰੁ ਡਸੈ ਮਰਿ ਵਾਟ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਘਾਟੇ ਘਾਟ ॥੩੮॥

Bin gur bisī▫ar dasai mar vāt.  Nānak gur bin gẖāte gẖāt. ||38||

 

One (bin-u) without the guru (biseearr-u) the snake – metaphor for temptations – (ddasai) bites, i.e. one succumbs to temptations and (marai) dies (vaatt-i) on the way, i.e. does not reach the Almighty.

There is (ghaatt-e ghaatt-i) only loss, i.e. failure to reach the Almighty is certain, for one who (bin-u = without) does not follow the guru, says Guru Nanak. 38.

 

ਜਿਸੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰੈ ॥ ਅਵਗਣ ਮੇਟੈ ਗੁਣਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੈ ॥

Jis gur milai ṯis pār uṯārai.  Avgaṇ metai guṇ nisṯārai.

 

(Jis-u) one who (milai) finds (gur-u) the guru, his teachings (utaarai = lands, paar-i = on far shore) ferry him/her across the world-ocean; the guru helps him/her to (m-ettai = erases) get rid of (avgun) faults and (nistaarai) ferries him/her across the world-ocean with practice (gun-i) of virtues – helps to overcome vices in the world-play and be acceptable to the Almighty.

 

ਮੁਕਤਿ ਮਹਾ ਸੁਖ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਹਾਰਿ ॥

Mukaṯ mahā sukẖ gur sabaḏ bīcẖār.  Gurmukẖ kaḏe na āvai hār.

 

(Mahaa) the great (sukh) comfort of (mukat-i) freedom from vices in life, and rebirth on death, comes (beechaar-i) by contemplating (sabad-u = word) teachings of the guru and acting on them.

(Gurmukh-i) one who follows the guru’s teachings (kad-e na) never (aavai = comes) faces (haar-i = defeat) failure in obtaining this freedom.

 

ਤਨੁ ਹਟੜੀ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਵਣਜਾਰਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਹਜੇ ਸਚੁ ਵਾਪਾਰਾ ॥੩੯॥

Ŧan hatṛī ih man vaṇjārā.  Nānak sėhje sacẖ vāpārā. ||39||

 

(Tan-u) the body is (hattrri) a shop and (ih-u = this) the human mind is (vanjaara) the dealer, i.e. the mind controls dealings/actions of the body.

One who follows the guru (vaapaara = business) conducts the self according to (sach-u = truth) Divine virtues and commands (sahj-e) naturally – and attains emancipation, says Guru Nanak. 39.

 

Note: The stanza below uses the story from the Ramayana as metaphor. Ravana the king of Lanka – now called Sri Lanka – across the Indian Ocean to the south of India, abducted Sita the wife of Rama who decided to attack Lanka. For this a bridge was built across the ocean with stones thrown into the ocean. Ravana’s brother Bibhikhshan provided secrets to Rama, who won the battle. Ravana was killed and his brother installed as the king.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬਾਂਧਿਓ ਸੇਤੁ ਬਿਧਾਤੈ ॥ ਲੰਕਾ ਲੂਟੀ ਦੈਤ ਸੰਤਾਪੈ ॥

Gurmukhi bāʼnḏẖi▫o seṯ biḏẖāṯai.  Lankā lūtī ḏaiṯ sanṯāpai.

 

(Bidhaatai) the Almighty has provided (gurmukh-i) the guru’s teachings as (s-etu) the bridge (baandhio) built to get across the ocean of, i.e. the means to overcome, vices in the world-play; Lanka or evil is (lootti = plundered) dissolved in the mind and (dait = demon – Ravaana) evil (santaapai) is tortured to death – ends.

 

ਰਾਮਚੰਦਿ ਮਾਰਿਓ ਅਹਿ ਰਾਵਣੁ ॥ ਭੇਦੁ ਬਭੀਖਣ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਰਚਾਇਣੁ ॥

Rāmcẖanḏ māri▫o ah rāvaṇ.  Bẖeḏ babẖīkẖaṇ gurmukẖ parcẖā▫iṇ.

 

(Raamchand-i/Rama) the Almighty (maario) kills (raavan-u) Ravana, (ah-i) pride, with (babhikhan – metaphor for – gurmukh-i) the guru’s guidance providing (parchaain-u) awareness of (bh-ed-u = secret) the weaknesses of the mind and how to overcome them.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਇਰਿ ਪਾਹਣ ਤਾਰੇ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕੋਟਿ ਤੇਤੀਸ ਉਧਾਰੇ ॥੪੦॥

Gurmukhi sā▫ir pāhaṇ ṯāre.  Gurmukhi kot ṯeṯīs uḏẖāre. ||40||

 

(Gurmukh-i) the guru’s guidance (taarey = cause to float) ferries (paahan = stones) those weighed down by vices. (Gurmukh-i) the guru’s guidance (udhaar-e) saves (kott-i = crore/ten million, teytees = thirty three – 330 million gods of Hindu faith) even the gods. (Rama and Krishna who are worshipped by the Hindus had gurus). 40.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚੂਕੈ ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਵੈ ਮਾਣੁ ॥

Gurmukhi cẖūkai āvaṇ jāṇ.  Gurmukhi ḏargėh pāvai māṇ.

 

Cycles of (aavan = coming) births and (jaan-u = going) deaths (chookai) end by overcoming vices (gurmukh-i) by following the guru’s guidance.

One who follows the guru, (paavai) receives (maan-u) honor (dargah) in the Divine court, i.e. is honorably accepted for union with the Almighty.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਟੇ ਖਰੇ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥

Gurmukhi kẖote kẖare pacẖẖāṇ.  Gurmukhi lāgai sahj ḏẖi▫ān.

 

(Gurmukh-i) the guru’s guidance enables to (pachhaan-u = recognize) distinguish between (khottey = counterfeit) evil and (kharey = genuine) good. With mind cleared of evil with the guru’s guidance, (dhiaan-u) focus on God is (sahj-i) easily (laagai = fixed) achieved and wavering of the mind stopped.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੰਧੁ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥੪੧॥

Gurmukhi ḏargėh sifaṯ samā▫e.  Nānak gurmukẖ banḏẖ na pā▫e. ||41||

 

(Gurmukh-i) one who follows the guru’s teachings (samaaey) merges with (dargah = Divine court) the Almighty (siphat-i) praising and emulating Divine virtues.

No (bandh-u) obstacle is (paaey) placed for merger in the way of a Gurmukh, says Guru Nanak. 41.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਏ ॥

Gurmukhi nām niranjan pā▫e.  Gurmukhi ha▫umai sabaḏ jalā▫e.

 

(Gurmukh-i) one who follows the guru (paaey) obtains awareness of (naam-u) Naam/commands of (niranjan = stainless) the pristine Almighty.

A Gurmukh (jalaaey = burns) dissolves (haumai) ego (sabad-i = with word) by following the guru’s teachings.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚੇ ਕੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚੈ ਰਹੈ ਸਮਾਏ ॥

Gurmukhi sachem ke guṇ gā▫e.  Gurmukhi sācẖai rahai samā▫e.

 

A Gurmukh (gaaey = sings) praises and emulates (gun) virtues (key) of (saachey) the Eternal.

A Gurmukh (rahai) remains absorbed in – lives in obedience of – (saachai) the Eternal.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਪਤਿ ਊਤਮ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਗਲ ਭਵਣ ਕੀ ਸੋਝੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੪੨॥

Gurmukhi sācẖ nām paṯ ūṯam ho▫e.  Nānak gurmukẖ sagal bẖavaṇ kī sojẖī ho▫e. ||42||

 

A Gurmukh (hoey = happens) receives (ootam = sublime) high (pat-i) honor – of acceptance by the Almighty through living (naam-i) by virtues and commands (saach-i) of the Eternal.

A Gurmukh (hoey) obtains (sojhi) awareness (ki) of presence of the Almighty – in (sagal) all (bhavan = houses) places, says Guru Nanak. 42.

 

ਕਵਣ ਮੂਲੁ ਕਵਣ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਲਾ ॥ ਤੇਰਾ ਕਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਤੂ ਚੇਲਾ ॥
Kavaṇ mūl kavaṇ maṯ velā.  Ŧerā kavaṇ gurū jis kā ṯū cẖelā.

 

Q: (Kavan) what is (mool-u = root) the source of everything, and what is (veyla) the time for receiving (mat-i) counsel from the guru?

(Kavan-u) who is (teyra) your guru, (jis = whom, ka = of) whose (ch-ela) disciple are (too) you, o Nanak?

 

ਪਵਨ ਅਰੰਭੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਲਾ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥

Pavan arambẖ saṯgur maṯ velā.  Sabaḏ gurū suraṯ ḏẖun cẖelā.

 

A: (Veyla) the time of receiving (mat-i) directions of the Almighty (satigur) true guru is from (arambh-u) the beginning of (pavan = air) breathing/life.

(Sabad-u) the Divine word is the guru and (surat-i) consciousness is (cheyla) the disciple, i.e. obeys the messages received from the Almighty, and remains (dhun-i) absorbed in them, i.e. exists by obedience to the Divine directions. (Part of stanza 44).

 

 

ਕਵਣ ਕਥਾ ਲੇ ਰਹਹੁ ਨਿਰਾਲੇ ॥ ਬੋਲੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਬਾਲੇ ॥

Kavaṇ kathā le rahhu nirāle.  Bolai Nānak suṇhu ṯum bāle.

 

Q: (Ley = taking) by following (kavan) whose (kathaa = discourse) teaching do you (rahahu) remain (niraaley = separate) untouched by temptations in the world-play?

(Sunhu) listen o (baaley) young man, said the Yogis, (bolai) says Guru Nanak.

 

ਏਸੁ ਕਥਾ ਕਾ ਦੇਇ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਲੰਘਾਵਣਹਾਰੁ ॥੪੩॥

Ės kathā kā ḏe▫e bīcẖār.  Bẖavjal sabaḏ langẖāvaṇhār. ||43||

 

(Dey-i) give (beechaar-u) understanding of (es-u) this (kathaa) teaching, of (sabad-i) of the word of the guru – that you have talked of – which (langhaavanhaar-u) takes one across (bhavjal) the world-ocean to the Almighty. 43.

 

Page 943

 

 

ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਲੇ ਰਹਉ ਨਿਰਾਲਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜੁਗਿ ਜੁਗਿ ਗੁਰ ਗੋਪਾਲਾ ॥

Akath kathā le raha▫o nirālā.  Nānak jug jug gur gopālā.

 

A: I (rahau) remain (niraala = separate) unattached to the temptations in the world-play (ley = taking) by receiving and obeying (kathaa = discourse) instructions of (akath) the Ineffable God.

(Gopaala = Sustainor of the world) the Almighty is (jug-i jug-i = age after age) for ever (gur) the guru, says Guru Nanak.

 

ਏਕੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਕਥਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਅਗਨਿ ਨਿਵਾਰੀ ॥੪੪॥

Ėk sabaḏ jiṯ kathā vīcẖārī.  Gurmukhi ha▫umai agan nivārī. ||44||

 

It is (eyk-u) only (sabad-u) the Divine Word (jit-u) whose (kathaa = discourse) instruction I (veechaari) contemplate and obey.

I have (nivaaree) given up (agan-i) the fire of (haumai) ego (gurmukh-i) by following the Almighty Guru’s instructions. 44.

 

ਮੈਣ ਕੇ ਦੰਤ ਕਿਉ ਖਾਈਐ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਗਰਬੁ ਜਾਇ ਸੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਆਹਾਰੁ ॥
Maiṇ ke ḏanṯ ki▫o kẖā▫ī▫ai sār.  Jiṯ garab jā▫e so kavaṇ āhār.

 

Q: We have (dant) teeth of (main) wax, (kio) how can we (khaaeeai) eat (saar-u) iron, i.e. we are weak and lack commitment, so how can we overcome ego/pride?

(Kavan-u) what is (su) that (aahaar-u) food (jit-u) by which (garab-u) pride (jaaey = goes) may be rid of?

 

ਹਿਵੈ ਕਾ ਘਰੁ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਅਗਨਿ ਪਿਰਾਹਨੁ ॥ ਕਵਨ ਗੁਫਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਰਹੈ ਅਵਾਹਨੁ ॥

Hivai kā gẖar manḏar agan pirāhan.  Kavan gufā jiṯ rahai avāhan.

 

The mind is (ghar-u) a house (ka) of (hivai) ice with (piraahan) a garment (agan-i) of fire, i.e. the mind has peace-giving Naam in it but there are temptations of the world-play – of jealousy and craving around it.

What is (guphaa = cave) the place in (jit-u) which the mind may (rahai) remain (avaahan-u = without transport/movement) unwavering?

 

ਇਤ ਉਤ ਕਿਸ ਕਉ ਜਾਣਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥ ਕਵਨ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਨਹਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥੪੫॥

Iṯ uṯ kis ka▫o jāṇ samāvai.  Kavan ḏẖi▫ān man manėh samāvai. ||45||

 

(Kis kau) whom should one (jaan-i) consider present (it) here and (ut = there) in the hereafter to (samaavai) be absorbed, i.e. in whose care and obedience should one place the self ?

On (kavan) whom should (dhiaan-u) the focus be so that (man-u) the mind (samaavai = absorbed) stays steady (manah-i = in mind) by itself – without wavering. 45.

 

ਹਉ ਹਉ ਮੈ ਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਖੋਵੈ ॥ ਦੂਜਾ ਮੇਟੈ ਏਕੋ ਹੋਵੈ ॥

Ha▫o ha▫o mai mai vicẖahu kẖovai.  Ḏūjā metai eko hovai.

 

A: One who (khovai = loses) drives out (hau = I, mai = I) ego (vichahu) from within; and (myettai = erases) ends (dooja) dualism – stops going by other ideas than to obey Divine commands, (hovai) becomes (eyko) one with the Almighty.

 

ਜਗੁ ਕਰੜਾ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਗਾਵਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਈਐ ਖਾਈਐ ਸਾਰੁ ॥

Jag karṛā manmukẖ gāvār.  Sabaḏ kamā▫ī▫ai kẖā▫ī▫ai sār.

 

Temptations in (jag-u = world) the world-play are (kararra) hard to overcome by the self; (manmukh-u) a self-willed person – who ignores the guru’s teachings of living by Naam or Divine virtues and commands – is (gavaar-u) blockhead, and unable to overcome them.

It is by (kamaaeeai) complying with (sabad-u = Word) Divine commands that we can (khaaeeai) eat (saar-u) iron, i.e. overcome temptations in the world-play.

 

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਅਗਨਿ ਮਰੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ॥੪੬॥

Anṯar bāhar eko jāṇai.  Nānak agan marai saṯgur kai bẖāṇai. ||46||

 

One who (jaanai = recognizes) sees the Creator (anatar-i) within and without – in creation.

His/her (agan-i) fire – of jealousy and craving – (marai = ends) is extinguished through living by (bhaanai = will) instructions of (satigur) the guru, says Guru Nanak. 46.

 

ਸਚ ਭੈ ਰਾਤਾ ਗਰਬੁ ਨਿਵਾਰੈ ॥ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਤਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੈ ॥

Sacẖ bẖai rāṯā garab nivārai.  Ėko jāṯā sabaḏ vīcẖārai.

 

One who is (raata) imbued with (bhai = fear) obedience of (sach) the Eternal, i.e. Divine commands, (nivaarai) puts away (garab-u) pride; (jaata) knowing that there is (eko) only One Master, (veechaarai) reflects on (sabad-u) IT’s commands – and obeys them.

 

ਸਬਦੁ ਵਸੈ ਸਚੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹੀਆ ॥ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਸੀਤਲੁ ਰੰਗਿ ਰੰਗੀਆ ॥

Sabaḏ vasai sacẖ anṯar hī▫ā.  Ŧan man sīṯal rang rangī▫ā.

 

One in whose mind (sabad-u) the Divine message (vasai) abides, (sach-u) the Eternal IT-self is present (antar-i) in (heeaa) the mind.

When one is (rangeeaa) dyed (rang-i) in the color of, i.e. emulates Divine virtues to become like the Master, (tan-u) the body and (man-u) mind are (seetal-u = cool) at peace, one does not waver in thought or deed.

 

ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਬਿਖੁ ਅਗਨਿ ਨਿਵਾਰੇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥੪੭॥

Kām kroḏẖ bikẖ agan nivāre.  Nānak naḏrī naḏar pi▫āre. ||47||

 

One who (nivaar-e) drives out (bikh-u = poison) vices like (kaam) lust, (krodh-u) anger and (agan-i) the fire of jealousy and craving; receives (nadir) the glance of (nadir-i) grace of (piaar-e) the Beloved Almighty, says Guru Nanak. 47.

 

 

ਕਵਨ ਮੁਖਿ ਚੰਦੁ ਹਿਵੈ ਘਰੁ ਛਾਇਆ ॥ ਕਵਨ ਮੁਖਿ ਸੂਰਜੁ ਤਪੈ ਤਪਾਇਆ ॥

Kavan mukẖ cẖanḏ hivai gẖar cẖẖā▫i▫ā.  Kavan mukẖ sūraj ṯapai ṯapā▫i▫ā.

 

Q: (Mukh-i) facing (kavan) in which direction does (chand-u) the moon (chhaaiaa = shade) remain in dark (ghar-u) state and (hivai = ice) cool, i.e. how is the mind ignorant and without warmth/love for the

By facing what direction (sooraj-u) the sun (tapai tapaaiaa) heats up the moon, i.e. how does one get enlightened by the guru to love the Almighty?

 

ਕਵਨ ਮੁਖਿ ਕਾਲੁ ਜੋਹਤ ਨਿਤ ਰਹੈ ॥ ਕਵਨ ਬੁਧਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਤਿ ਰਹੈ ॥

Kavan mukẖ kāl johaṯ niṯ rahai.  Kavan buḏẖ gurmukẖ paṯ rahai.

 

By what (mukh-i) face, i.e.due to what actions, (kaal-u) the agent of death (nit) ever (rahai) keeps (johat) watching – for faults?

How (budh-i) understanding (pat-i) honor (rahai) is maintained preserved (gurmukh-i) by following the guru

 

ਕਵਨੁ ਜੋਧੁ ਜੋ ਕਾਲੁ ਸੰਘਾਰੈ ॥ ਬੋਲੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ॥੪੮॥

Kavan joḏẖ jo kāl sangẖārai.  Bolai baṇī Nānak bīcẖārai. ||48||

 

(Kavan-u) who is (jodh-u) the warrior (jo) who (sanghaarai) kills (kaal-u) the agent of Divine justice, i.e. overcomes vices?

The Sidh (bolai = says) asks Guru Nanak (baani = words) to tell his (beechaarai) thoughts. 48.

 

ਸਬਦੁ ਭਾਖਤ ਸਸਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥ ਸਸਿ ਘਰਿ ਸੂਰੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਿਟੈ ਅੰਧਿਆਰਾ ॥

Sabaḏ bẖākẖaṯ sas joṯ apārā.  Sas gẖar sūr vasai mitai anḏẖi▫ārā.

 

(Bhaakhat) uttering/remembering (sabad-u = word) teachings by the guru is (apaara) infinite (jot-i) light – imparted by the sun to the moon, i.e. enlightens the mind.

When (soor-u) the sun (vasai = abides, ghar-i = in house) is in, i.e. provides light (sas-i) to the moon, i.e. the guru’s instructions are followed, (andhiaara = darkness) ignorance of the mind (mittai = erased) is removed by the guru’s Shabad.

 

ਸੁਖੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਧਾਰਾ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰਣਹਾਰਾ ॥

Sukẖ ḏukẖ sam kar nām aḏẖārā.  Āpe pār uṯāraṇhārā.

 

One who takes (Naam or Divine virtues and commands as (adhaara) mainstay (kar-i) considers (sukh-u) comfort and (dukh-u) discomfort (sam) alike.

The Almighty (aap-e) IT-self (utaaranhaara) lands (paar-i) on the far shore, i.e. takes such a person across the world-ocean.

 

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਚੈ ਮਨੁ ਸਾਚਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਣਵਤਿ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਨ ਖਾਇ ॥੪੯॥

Gur parcẖai man sācẖ samā▫e.  Paraṇvaṯ Nānak kāl na kẖā▫e. ||49||

 

When one (parchai = is acquainted) has awareness of teachings of (gur) the guru, (man-u) the mind (samaa-e) is absorbed (saach-i) in the Eternal – ever keeps IT in mind.

(Kaal-u) the agent of Divine justice does not (khaa-e = eat) punish him/her, says Guru Nanak. 49.

 

ਨਾਮ ਤਤੁ ਸਭ ਹੀ ਸਿਰਿ ਜਾਪੈ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਸੰਤਾਪੈ ॥

Nām ṯaṯ sabẖ hī sir jāpai.  Bin nāvai ḏukẖ kāl sanṯāpai.

 

Practice of Naam, Divine virtues and commands is (tat-u) the essence (sir-i = over the head) above (sabh hi) all (jaapai) recitations – done without understanding the meaning and hence are of no use.

(Bin-u) without living (naavai) by Naam – one commits transgressions, and faces (dukh-u) grief as (kaal-u) the agent of Divine justice (santaapai) causes great suffering – by putting in cycles of births and deaths.

 

ਤਤੋ ਤਤੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ॥ ਦੂਜਾ ਜਾਇ ਇਕਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਆਨੈ ॥

Ŧaṯo ṯaṯ milai man mānai.  Ḏūjā jā▫e ikaṯ gẖar ānai.

 

When (tato tat-u = essence of all reality) the Almighty (milai) is found within then (man-u) the mind (maanai = accepts) lives by Naam – Divine virtues and commands.

(Dooja = second) duality (jaa-e) goes, i.e. other thoughts leave, and this (aanai) brings the mind (ghar-i = house) in a state of (ikat-u = one) single minded attention or steadiness.

 

ਬੋਲੈ ਪਵਨਾ ਗਗਨੁ ਗਰਜੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਮਿਲਣੁ ਸਹਜੈ ॥੫੦॥

Bolai pavnā gagan garjai.  Nānak nihcẖal milaṇ sahjai. ||50||

 

Then even if (pavna) the air (bolai = speaks) makes sound, – there is a noisy storm -, and (gagan-u) the sky (garjai) thunders, i.e. in the presence of distractions, the steady mind (milan-u) remaining united with the Almighty within is (sahjai) naturally maintained, says Guru Nanak. 50.

 

 

Note: In the next few stanzas, the word ਸੁੰਨ (sunn) meaning numb – like the effect of anesthesia – has been used. This refers to the state when nothing affects the mind. This is used for the Almighty who is totally unaffected with what goes on in the world-play.

 

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸੁੰਨੰ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਸੁੰਨੰ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਸੁੰਨ ਮਸੁੰਨੰ ॥ ਚਉਥੇ ਸੁੰਨੈ ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਪਾਪੁ ਨ ਪੁੰਨੰ ॥
Anṯar sunaʼn bāhar sunaʼn ṯaribẖavaṇ sunn masuʼnnaʼn.  Cẖa▫uthe sunnai jo nar jāṇai ṯā ka▫o pāp na puʼnnaʼn.

 

(Sunna-n = numbed/unshakable) the Eternal/unchanging Almighty is present (antar-i) within and (baahar-i) outside in creation; IT is present in (tribhavan = three regions) the whole world (sunn masunna-n) in same one state – unaffected by the environment. 

(Nar-u) the person (jo) who (jaanai) knows the Almighty in (chauthai) the fourth state – of (sunnai) not being affected by the material nature -, (ta kau) for him/her there is no (paap-u) sin or (pun-n) good deeds based on superstitions – only obedience to the Almighty is important.

 

ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਸੁੰਨ ਕਾ ਜਾਣੈ ਭੇਉ ॥ ਆਦਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਦੇਉ ॥

Gẖat gẖat sunn kā jāṇai bẖe▫o.  Āḏ purakẖ niranjan ḏe▫o.

 

One who (jaanai) knows (bh-eo/bh-ed) mystery that (sunn) the Almighty is present (ghatt-i ghatt-i) in everybody; s/he is the embodiment of (aad-i = beginning/Primal, purakh-u = person/Master) the Creator who is (deo) the object of worship, (niranjan = unstained) unaffected by the world-play.

 

ਜੋ ਜਨੁ ਨਾਮ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਰਾਤਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋਈ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਬਿਧਾਤਾ ॥੫੧॥

Jo jan nām niranjan rāṯā.  Nānak so▫ī purakẖ biḏẖāṯā. ||51||

 

(Jan) the person who is (raataa) imbued with love for – and practices – (naam) virtues and commands of (niranjan = unstained) the pristine Almighty; (soee) that person is like (p-urakh-u) all-pervasive (bidhaata) Creator IT-self, says Guru Nanak. 51.

 

ਸੁੰਨੋ ਸੁੰਨੁ ਕਹੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਅਨਹਤ ਸੁੰਨੁ ਕਹਾ ਤੇ ਹੋਈ ॥

Sunno sunn kahai sabẖ ko▫ī.  Anhaṯ sunn kahā ṯe ho▫ī.

 

Q: (Sabh koee) everyone (kahai) talks of (sunno sunn-u) the stable state; but (t-e) from (kahaa) how is (anhat) unbroken (sunn-u) un-wavering state (hoee = happen) achieved?

 

ਅਨਹਤ ਸੁੰਨਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੇ ਕੈਸੇ ॥ ਜਿਸ ਤੇ ਉਪਜੇ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਜੈਸੇ ॥

Anhaṯ sunn raṯe se kaise.  Jis ṯe upje ṯis hī jaise.

 

Q: (Kais-e) of what kind who are those who are (rat-e) imbued with (anhat) continuous (sunn-i) unwavering state?

A: They are (jais-e) like the Creator (hi) IT-self (t-e) from (jis) whom they (upj-e) have been created.

 

ਓਇ ਜਨਮਿ ਨ ਮਰਹਿ ਨ ਆਵਹਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਸਮਝਾਹਿ ॥੫੨॥

O▫e janam na marėh na āvahi jāhi.  Nānak gurmukẖ man samjẖāhi. ||52||

 

They do not keep (marah-i = die) succumbing to vices and (janam-i = taking births) rising above them; they are not (aavah-i = come) born to (jaah-i = going) die again and again.

They cause (man-u) their minds (samjhaah-i) to understand Naam (gurmukh-i) with the guru’s guidance, and practice it, says Guru Nanak. 52.

 

ਨਉ ਸਰ ਸੁਭਰ ਦਸਵੈ ਪੂਰੇ ॥ ਤਹ ਅਨਹਤ ਸੁੰਨ ਵਜਾਵਹਿ ਤੂਰੇ ॥

Na▫o sar subẖar ḏasvai pūre.  Ŧah anhaṯ sunn vajāvah ṯūre.

 

Those who have (nau) the nine (sar) pools (subhar) well filled, i.e. the nine visible openings of the body are at peace and do not get tempted and one is in good health, they (poor-e) fill (dasvai) the tenth gate, i.e. an exalted spiritual state is achieved; (tah = there) in that state (anhat) unstruck (toor-e = trumpets) celestial music (vajaavah-i) plays in a state of (sunn) stability – the mind is naturally connected with the Almighty.

 

ਸਾਚੈ ਰਾਚੇ ਦੇਖਿ ਹਜੂਰੇ ॥ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਸਾਚੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰੇ ॥

Sācẖai rācẖe ḏekẖ hajūre.  Gẖat gẖat sācẖ rahi▫ā bẖarpūre.

 

(D-ekh-i) seeing the Almighty (hajoor-e) present with them, they (raach-e = get used to) remain absorbed in (saachai) the Eternal; they see (saach-u) the Eternal Almighty present (ghatt-i ghatt-i) in everybody.

 

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ਗੁਪਤੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਖਿ ਲਏ ਸਚੁ ਸੋਇ ॥੫੩॥

Gupṯī baṇī pargat ho▫e.  Nānak parakẖ la▫e sacẖ so▫e. ||53||

 

(Gupti) the latent (baani) Divine words always received within now (pargatt ho-e) manifest, i.e. one becomes aware of the Almighty within

One (parakh-i la-e = tests) recognizes (sach-u) the Eternal (so-e = that) Almighty, says Guru Nanak. 53.

 

ਸਹਜ ਭਾਇ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਵੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਗੈ ਨੀਦ ਨ ਸੋਵੈ ॥

Sahj bẖā▫e milī▫ai sukẖ hovai.  Gurmukhi jāgai nīḏ na sovai.

 

When one seeks and (mileeai) finds the Almighty (sahj) with natural (bha-e = love) longing, i.e. making it a way of life, then (sukh-u) peace/happiness (hovai) is experienced; such a person (gurmukh-i) follows the guru and is not (sovai = sleeps, need = sleep) inebriated by attachment to the world-play.

 

ਸੁੰਨ ਸਬਦੁ ਅਪਰੰਪਰਿ ਧਾਰੈ ॥ ਕਹਤੇ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੈ ॥

Sunn sabaḏ aprampar ḏẖārai.  Kahṯe mukaṯ sabaḏ nisṯārai.

 

S/he (dhaarai) keeps in mind (sabad-u = Divine word) commands (aparampar-i) of the Infinite (sunn = numb/unsaid) received within – as guide.

(Kaht-e = saying) remembering and living (sabad-i) by Divine commands, s/he is (mukat-u) freed of vices in life and rebirth on death, and (nistaarai = ferries) takes others across the world-ocean to the Almighty, not to be reborn.

 

ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਦੀਖਿਆ ਸੇ ਸਚਿ ਰਾਤੇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਮਿਲਣ ਨਹੀ ਭ੍ਰਾਤੇ ॥੫੪॥

Gur kī ḏīkẖi▫ā se sacẖ rāṯe.  Nānak āp gavā▫e milaṇ nahī bẖarāṯe. ||54||

 

(S-e) such people are (raat-e) imbued with love (sach-i) of the Eternal by following (deekhiaa = instructions) guidance of the guru.

They achieve (Milan = meeting) union with the Almighty (gavaa-e = losing) by giving up (aap-u = self) ego, and do not (bhraat-e) wander elsewhere anymore, says Guru Nanak. 54.