Posts Tagged ‘SGGS p 19’

SGGS pp 19-22, Srirag M: 1; 16-20

SGGS pp 019 -022, Srirag M: 1, 16-20

Note: The terms Bhavjal/Bhaujal meaning world-ocean often used in Gurbani allude to temptations in the world in the form of physical attraction, attachment to relatives, wealth and so on. These cause to forget the Divine and are the cause of being in cycles of births and deaths. It should be remembered that like the body, the soul also needs solace while in, and after death of, the body. The prescription for this is to overcome the craving caused by temptations. If temptations are the world-ocean then overcoming them is Tarna/swimming or Tareeai/swim. The latter is used in the first line of the verse below.

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬੇੜੀ ਸਚ ਕੀ ਤਰੀਐ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਇਕਿ ਆਵਹਿ ਇਕਿ ਜਾਵਹੀ ਪੂਰਿ ਭਰੇ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਿ ॥ ਮਨਹਠਿ ਮਤੀ ਬੂਡੀਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਚੁ ਸੁ ਤਾਰਿ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1Nānak beṛī sacẖ kī ṯarī▫ai gur vīcẖār   Ik āvahi ik jāvhī pūr bẖare ahaʼnkār   Manhaṯẖmaṯī būdī▫ai gurmukẖ sacẖ so ṯār ||1||

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Siriraag-u Says Guru Nanak: The world-ocean of temptations (tareeai = swim) is crossed (charreeai) boarding (beyrri) boat/ship of (sach = truth) Naam/Divine commands, (veechaar-i = reflecting) keeping in mind teachings of (gur) the guru.

Otherwise there are (poor-i bharey) multitudes of (ik-i = one type) some (aavah-i) come/are born and some (jaavah-i) going/dying, i.e. people remain in cycles of births (anhankaar-i = pride) not obeying Divine commands.

Those who (manhatth-i) doggedly follow own (mati) will (booddeeai = drown) succumb to temptations while those (gurmukh-i) who follow the guru to live by (sach-u) Naam/Divine commands (taar-i) are ferried across, i.e. are not reborn. 1.

 

ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਉ ਤਰੀਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਜਿਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਉ ਰਾਖੁ ਤੂ ਮੈ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Gur bin ki▫o ṯarī▫ai sukẖ ho▫e.   Ji▫o bẖāvai ṯi▫o rākẖ ṯū mai avar na ḏūjā ko▫e. ||1|| rahā▫o.

 

There is (kiau = how?) no way (tareeai = swim) get across/overcome temptations (bin-u) without (gur) the guru and (hoey) obtain (sukh-u) peace.

O Almighty, (too) You please (raakh-u) keep me (tiu) that way (Jiau) as (bhaavai) pleases You, I have (na dooja) none other to rely on, so that I overcome temptations.

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

 

Note: The next verse uses the metaphor of jungle fire destroying existing plants but new ones sprouting, for people dying and more being born. This is the Creator’ play.

 

ਆਗੈ ਦੇਖਉ ਡਉ ਜਲੈ ਪਾਛੈ ਹਰਿਓ ਅੰਗੂਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਸ ਤੇ ਉਪਜੈ ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਸਚੁ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵਹੀ ਸਾਚੈ ਮਹਲਿ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥੨॥

Āgai ḏekẖ▫a▫u da▫o jalai pācẖẖai hari▫o angūr Jis ṯe upjai ṯis ṯe binsai gẖat gẖat sacẖ bẖarpūr   Āpe mel milāvahī sācẖai mahal haḏūr ||2||

 

I (deykhau) see (aagai) in front of me that (ddau) jungle fire (jalai) burns and destroys a plant; (paachhai = behind) later (hario) a green (angoor-u) shoot/sprout come up.

This is what happens in the world – people die and more are born. The Creator (tey = from) by (jis) whose orders/system a creature (upjai) is born s/he (binsai = destroyed) dies by that; (sach-u) the Eternal (bharpoor-i = fills) is present (ghatt-i ghatt-i) in every body.

(Aapey = self) the Creator (milaavahi) causes (meyl-i) to meet, (hadoor-i) in front of the Divine (mahal-i = palace) abode, i.e. reveals the self within one who is approved. 2.

 

ਸਾਹਿ ਸਾਹਿ ਤੁਝੁ ਸੰਮਲਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਵਿਸਾਰੇਉ ॥ ਜਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਸਾਹਬੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੇਉ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਤੂ ਧਣੀ ਗਰਬੁ ਨਿਵਾਰਿ ਸਮੇਉ ॥੩॥

Sāhi sāhi ṯujẖ sammlā kaḏe na vesāra▫o.   Ji▫o ji▫o sāhab man vasai gurmukẖ amriṯ pe▫o   Man ṯan ṯerāṯū ḏẖaṇī garab nivār same▫o. ||3||

 

My God, please bless me that I (sa’mmlaa) remember (tudh-i) you (saah-i saah-i) with every breath, and (kadey na) never to forget You.

(Jiau jiau = as and as) the more (sahb-u) the Master (vasai) abides (man-i) in mind, i.e. I attain more and more awareness of Naam/Divine virtues and commands, (gurmukh-i) with the guru’s guidance I (peyo) drink (amrit-u) the life-giving elixir, i.e. mould my life according to Naam.

O Almighty, my (man-u) mind and (tan-u) body is (teyra = your) Created by you, and (too) you are my (dhani) Master; may (nivaar-i) give up (garab-u) pride and (sameyo) remain absorbed in obeying you. 3.

 

ਜਿਨਿ ਏਹੁ ਜਗਤੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣੁ ਕਰਿ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਮੁਗਧੁ ਗੁਬਾਰੁ ॥ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਤਰੀ ਬੂਝੈ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੪॥

Jin ehu jagaṯ upā▫i▫ā ṯaribẖavaṇ kar ākār Gurmukẖ cẖānaṇ jāṇī▫ai manmukẖ mugaḏẖ gubār.   Gẖat gẖat joṯ niranṯrī būjẖai gurmaṯ sār. ||4||

 

The Creator (jin-i) who (upaaiaa) created (eyh-u) this (jagat-u) world (kar-i) giving (aakaar-u) form to (tribhavan-u) the three regions – sky, land, water and nether regions.

The Almighty is present in them all and (jaaneeai = known) recognised with (chaanan-u) enlightenment (gurmukh-i) by the guru’s guidance; but (mudadh-u) the fool (manukh-i) who goes by self-will – does not follow the guru remains (dubaar-u = darkness) ignorant.

(Jot-i) the Supreme Spirit is (nirantri = without gap) ever present (ghatt-i ghatt-i) in every creature but one (boojhai) understands this (saar-u) the reality (gurmat-i) with the guru’s guidance. 4.

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਿਨੀ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਕੀਚੈ ਸਾਬਾਸਿ ॥ ਸਚੇ ਸੇਤੀ ਰਲਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਸਚੇ ਗੁਣ ਪਰਗਾਸਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੀਆ ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੫॥੧੬॥

Gurmukẖ jinī jāṇi▫ā ṯin kīcẖai sābās   Sacẖe seṯī ral mile sacẖe guṇ pargās   Nānak nām sanṯokẖī▫ā jī▫o pind parabẖ pās ||5||16||

 

Those (jini) who (jaaniaa) recognise presence of the Almighty and live in obedience (tin) they (keechai = do, saabaas-i = praise) are praise worthy.

They have (pargaas-i) awareness of (gun) virtues (sachey) of the Eternal – live by them and – (ral-i miley) merge (seyti) with (sachey) the Eternal.

They dedicate (jeeo = mind) thoughts and (pindd-u = body) actions (paas-i = with) to (prabh) the Almighty and (santokheeaa = contented) happily comply (naam-i) with Naam/Divine commands, says Guru Nanak. 5. 16.

 

Let us applaud those who know the Creator through the teachings of the guru. They remain absorbed in the Eternal and become embodiments of virtues. They are satisfied in praising God and submit themselves both physically and mentally. 5. 16.

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਸੁਣਿ ਮਨ ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਮਿਲੁ ਵੇਲਾ ਹੈ ਏਹ ॥ ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਜੋਬਨਿ ਸਾਸੁ ਹੈ ਤਬ ਲਗੁ ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਕਾਮਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਢਹਿ ਢੇਰੀ ਤਨੁ ਖੇਹ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1  Suṇ man miṯar pi▫āri▫ā mil velā hai eh.   Jab lag joban sās hai ṯab lag ih ṯan ḏeh. Bin guṇ kām na āvī dẖėh dẖerī ṯan kẖeh. ||1||

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Sriraag

 

(Sun-i) listen my (piaariaa) dear (man = mind) human being, (mil-u) meet the beloved; (eyh) this is (veyla) the time, i.e. remember and obey Divine commands, the human birth is the opportunity for it.

The way a married couple enjoy company (jab lag-u) as long as there is (joban-i) youth, you should (deyh = give) dedicate (eyh) this human (tan-u) body – to obedience of the Almighty, as long as you have (saas-u = breath) life.

This (tan-u) body (aavaee) comes to no (kaam-i) use (bin-u) without (gun) this virtue – of obedience – which comes to aid of the soul when account of deeds is taken in Divine court; it becomes (ddheyri) a heap of (kheyh) dust (ddhah-i = on falling) on death. 1.

 

ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਲੈ ਲਾਹਾ ਘਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਲਾਹੀਐ ਹਉਮੈ ਨਿਵਰੀ ਭਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Mere man lai lāhā gẖar jāhi Gurmukẖ nām salāhī▫ai ha▫umai nivrī bẖāhi. ||1|| rahā▫o

 

(Meyrey) my mind – you were born as human being -, (jaah-i) depart from (lai) taking (laahaa profit) benefit – of living by Naam – to (jaah-i) go (ghar-i) home, i.e. attain union with the Almighty from whom you came.

Union with the Almighty is attained by (nivri = dispelling) extinguishing (bhaah-i) the fire/vice of (haumai = ego) acting by self-will; ego is given up (saalaaheeai = praise) acknowledging and obeying (naam-u) Divine commands (gurmukh-i) with the guru’s guidance. 1.

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

 

ਸੁਣਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਗੰਢਣੁ ਗੰਢੀਐ ਲਿਖਿ ਪੜਿ ਬੁਝਹਿ ਭਾਰੁ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਅਗਲੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਵਿਕਾਰੁ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ਅਤੋਲਵਾ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੨॥

Suṇ suṇ gandẖaṇ gandẖī▫ai likẖ paṛ bujẖėh bẖār Ŧarisnā ahinis aglī ha▫umai rog vikār.   Oh veparvāhu aṯolvā gurmaṯ kīmaṯ sār. ||2||

 

(Sun-i sun-i) hearing from others, (likh-i) writing and (parr-i) reading and (bujha-i) understand (bhaar-u = load) numerous books we (ganddheeai gaddheeai = join) show devotion to impress people.

But remain caught in (agli) strong (trisna) craving/chasing objects of desires, have (rog-u) the affliction of (vikaar-u) the vice of (haumai = ego) acting by self-will – not obeying the Almighty and the guru.

(Oh-u = that) the Almighty is (atolva = not-weighable) beyond measure, (veyprvaah-u = care-free) does not care for such pretentions; God’s (saar-u) sublime (keemat-i = price) understanding of (saar-u = essence) how to attain union with the Almighty is known (gurmat-i) with the guru’s guidance. 2.

 

ਲਖ ਸਿਆਣਪ ਜੇ ਕਰੀ ਲਖ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਪੁ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਾਧ ਨ ਧ੍ਰਾਪੀਆ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਦੂਖ ਸੰਤਾਪੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਅਰੇ ਛੁਟੀਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚੀਨੈ ਆਪੁ ॥੩॥

Lakẖ si▫āṇap je karī lakẖ si▫o parīṯ milāp.   Bin sangaṯ sāḏẖ na ḏẖarāpī▫ā bin nāvai ḏūkẖ sanṯāp.   Har jap jī▫are cẖẖutī▫ai gurmukẖ cẖīnai āp. ||3||

 

(Jey) If one (karee) adopts (lakh = one hundred thousand) any amount of (siaanap = wisdom) clever methods and shows (preet-i) affection and (milaap-u) contact (siu) with (lakh) any number of people.

One is not (dhraapeeaa) satisfied (bin-u) without (sangat-i) company/guidance of (saadh) the guru – to live by Naam; (dookh) faults and (santaap) suffering continues (bin-u) without obedience to (naavai) Naam.

O (jeearrey) human being, one (chhutteeai) is liberated from vices (jap-i) by remembrance/obedience of (har-i) the Almighty (gurmukh-i) by following the guru and (cheeani) recognises (aap-u) the self, i.e. finds the Almighty within. 3.

 

ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਹਿ ਵੇਚਿਆ ਮਨੁ ਦੀਆ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਾਲਿ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣੁ ਖੋਜਿ ਢੰਢੋਲਿਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਜਿ ਨਿਹਾਲਿ ॥ ਸਤਗੁਰਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੪॥੧੭॥

Ŧan man gur pėh vecẖi▫ā man ḏī▫ā sir nāl.   Ŧaribẖavaṇ kẖoj dẖandẖoli▫ā gurmukẖ kẖoj nihāl   Saṯgur mel milā▫i▫ā Nānak so parabẖ nāl. ||4||17||

 

A person who (veychiaa = sells) dedicates (tan-u = body) actions and (man-u = mind) thoughts (pah-i) to (gur) the guru; and (deeaa = gives) dedicated (sir-u = head) total life (naal-i) with the mind.

The Almighty whom s/he (khoj-i ddhanddholia) searched (tribhavan-u = three regions – sky, land, and neither regions) the whole world, s/he (nihaal-i) saw/found IT (khoj-i) by searching within (gurmukh-i) with the guru’s guidance.

(Satigur-i) the true guru (milaaiaa) led (meyl-i) to meet/find (so = that) the One (prabh-u) Almighty (naal-i = with) within, says Guru Nanak. 4. 17.

 

 

Note*: Gurbani teaches that everyone is born with the preordained time of death. Also subject to the efforts required to obtain them, what everyone is to achieve is also predestined. The believer therefore enjoys peace of mind even as he/ she works.

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਮਰਣੈ ਕੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਨਹੀ ਜੀਵਣ ਕੀ ਨਹੀ ਆਸ ॥ ਤੂ ਸਰਬ ਜੀਆ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲਹੀ ਲੇਖੈ ਸਾਸ ਗਿਰਾਸ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਤੂ ਵਸਹਿ ਜਿਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਉ ਨਿਰਜਾਸਿ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1  Marṇai kī cẖinṯā nahī jīvaṇ kī nahī ās  Ŧū sarab jī▫ā parṯipālahī lekẖai sās girās   Anṯar gurmukẖ ṯū vasėh ji▫o bẖāvai ṯi▫o nirjās ||1||

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Siriraag-u I have no (chinta) worry of (marney) dying or (aas-i) wish to live. O Almighty, (too) you (pratpaalhi) look after (sarab) all (jeeaa) creatures; (leykhai = with account) with pre-decided duration of (saas) breaths/life and (giraas = morsels) of food intake, i.e. time of death preordained.

One learns (gurmukh-i) from the guru that (too) you (vasah-i = abide) are present (anatar-i) within and (nirjaas-i) decides as it (bhaavai) pleases IT. 1.

 

ਜੀਅਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਜਪਤ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਲਾਗੀ ਜਲਿ ਬੁਝੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Jī▫are rām japaṯ man mān.  Anṯar lāgī jal bujẖī pā▫i▫ā gurmukẖ gi▫ān ||1|| rahā▫o

 

O (jeearey) human being, it is (japat) by remembrance/obedience of (raam) the Almighty that (man-u = mind) the soul receives (maan-u) honour.

With (gian-u) awareness of Naam (gurmukh-i) with the guru’s guidance, (jal-i = burning) the fire of craving (lagi) burning (antar-i) in the mind (bujhi) is extinguished and ===. 1.

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

Page 20

 

 

ਅੰਤਰ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਸੰਕ ਉਤਾਰਿ ॥ ਮੁਇਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਜਾਈਐ ਤਿਤੁ ਜੀਵਦਿਆ ਮਰੁ ਮਾਰਿ ॥ ਅਨਹਦ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਹਾਵਣੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥੨॥

Anṯar kī gaṯ jāṇī▫ai gur milī▫ai sank uṯār.   Mu▫i▫ā jiṯ gẖar jā▫ī▫ai ṯiṯ jīvḏi▫ā mar mār.  Anhaḏ sabaḏsuhāvaṇe pā▫ī▫ai gur vīcẖār ||2||

 

When we (mileeai) find/follow (gur) the guru, who (utaar-i) removes all (sank) doubts, i.e. the mind is cleansed, then we (jaaneeai) know (gat-i) the state of (antar-i = within) mind – recognise Naam within.

(Ghar-i = house) the state to (jit-u) which one (jaaeeai) goes (muiaa) on death, i.e. one is not be affected by temptations, one should (mar-u) die, attain (tit-u) that state (mar-i) by killing other ideas.

Then (suhaavney) pleasant (anhad) struck (sabad-i = words) celestial music/Divine messages (paaeeai) are received – one connects with the Almighty within (veechaar-i) by reflecting (gur) the guru’s teachings. 2.

 

ਅਨਹਦ ਬਾਣੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਤਹ ਹਉਮੈ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਨਾਸੁ ॥ ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਹਉ ਸਦ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੈ ਤਾਸੁ ॥ ਖੜਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਪੈਨਾਈਐ ਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ ॥੩॥

Anhaḏ baṇī pā▫ī▫ai ṯah ha▫umai ho▫e binās   Saṯgur seve āpṇā ha▫o saḏ kurbāṇai ṯās   Kẖaṛ ḏargėh painā▫ī▫ai mukẖ har nām nivās ||3||

 

The state in which (anhad baani) incessant Divine messages are (paaeeai) received, i.e. awareness of Naam is continuously maintained, (tah) there (haumai) ego- acting by self-will (hoey) is (binaas-u) destroyed/stopped.

This is achieved by one who (seyvey = serves) follow (aapna = own) his/her (satgur-u) true guru; (hau) I (sad) ever (kurbaanai = am sacrifice) adore (taas-u) that person.

(Naam) virtues of (har-i) the Almighty have (nivaas-u) abode on his/her (mukh-i) mouth, i.e. s/he remembers/emulates Divine virtues; and (kharr-i) taken to (dargah) divine court/Divine presence and (painaaeeay) enrobed, i.e. honourably united with the Almighty. 3.

 

Note*: The concept of Shiv and Shakti is used in Hindu thought and Gurmat differently. In Hindu mythology Shiva (which stands for God) is loosely used for Shankar or Mahadeo, and Shakti for his consort Parvati. She is the feminine face of the Divine and completes powers of Shiva. She is also known as goddess Durga or Kali who kills the demons. In Gurmat however Shakti represents the material aspect in nature. This is used in the verse below.

 

ਜਹ ਦੇਖਾ ਤਹ ਰਵਿ ਰਹੇ ਸਿਵ ਸਕਤੀ ਕਾ ਮੇਲੁ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਬੰਧੀ ਦੇਹੁਰੀ ਜੋ ਆਇਆ ਜਗਿ ਸੋ ਖੇਲੁ ॥ ਵਿਜੋਗੀ ਦੁਖਿ ਵਿਛੁੜੇ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਲਹਹਿ ਨ ਮੇਲੁ ॥੪॥

Jah ḏekẖā ṯah rav rahe siv sakṯī kā mel.   Ŧarihu guṇ banḏẖī ḏehurī jo ā▫i▫ā jag so kẖel.   vijogī ḏukẖvicẖẖuṛe manmukẖ lahėh na mel. ||4||

 

(Jah) wherever I (deykha) look I find (siv) Divine conscious-ness and (sakti) material aptitude (rav-i rahey) existing (meyl-u) together.

One (jo) who (aaiaa = came) is born (jaf-i) in the world, his/her (deyhuri = body) being is (bandhi) tied to (trih-u) the three (gun) characteristics of egoism – Tamas, Rajas and Sattva; (so) that person (kheyl-u) plays/acts by ego.

(manmukh-i) self-willed persons have propensity to materialism and cannot (lahah-i) attain (meyl-u) union with the Almighty; they remain (vichhurrey) separated; these (vijogi) separated souls suffer (dukh-i) in grief – of inability for union and remaining in cycles of births and deaths. 4.

 

ਮਨੁ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ਘਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਸਚ ਭੈ ਰਾਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਗਿਆਨ ਮਹਾਰਸੁ ਭੋਗਵੈ ਬਾਹੁੜਿ ਭੂਖ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਮਿਲੁ ਭੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੫॥੧੮॥

Man bairāgī gẖar vasai sacẖ bẖai rāṯā ho▫e.   Gi▫ān mahāras bẖogvai bāhuṛ bẖūkẖ na ho▫e.   Nānak ih man mār mil bẖī fir ḏukẖ na ho▫e. ||5||18||

 

(Bairaagi) a yearning (man-u) mind (vasai = abides) remains in (ghar-i) is the state of (hoey) being (raata) in mound with lovingly (bhai = respect) obedience to the Almighty.

S/he (bhogvai = consumes) drinks/and is satisfied with (mahaaras-u) the great elixir of (giaan) knowledge, i.e. leads life with awareness of Naam; s/he does not (hoey) have (bhookh) appetite (bahurr-i) again, i.e. overcomes temptations.

O seeker, (maar-i) kill (eyh-u) this craving (man-u) mind and you (bhi) also (mil-u) find the Almighty; you will then not (hoey) experience (dukh-u) the grief of separation (phir-i) again, says Guru Nanak. 5. 18.

 

 

 

 

Note: This Shabad describes real life situations when temptations pull us away from the path to God. It also advises on what to do about them.

 

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਏਹੁ ਮਨੋ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਲੋਭੀਆ ਲੋਭੇ ਲਗਾ ਲੋਭਾਨੁ ॥ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਸਾਕਤਾ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਆਵਨੁ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ ਸਾਧੂ ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਜੇ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1  Ėhu mano mūrakẖ lobẖī▫ā lobẖe lagā lobẖān.   Sabaḏ na bẖījai sākṯā ḏurmaṯ āvan jān.   Sāḏẖū saṯgur je milai ṯā pā▫ī▫ai guṇī niḏẖān ||1||

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Siriraag-u (Eyh-u) this (moorakh-u) foolish (lobheeaa = greedy) craving (mano = mind) human being (laga) engages (lobhey) in greed/gathering more and more because of its (lobhaan-u) greed.

S/he (saakta) turns away from God because of (durmat-i) evil counsel/company and is not (bheejai = drenched) imbued with love (sabad-i) of Divine commands, resulting in (aavan-u = coming), (jaan-u = going) births and deaths due to denial of union with the Almighty.

The Almighty (nidhaan-u) treasure (guni) of virtues (paaeeai) is found, (jey) if s/he (milai) finds (saadhoo) the saint (satgur-u) true guru – and follow his guidance.

Obtain access to God, the treasure-house of virtues. 1.

 

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਹਉਮੈ ਛੋਡਿ ਗੁਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਰਵਰੁ ਸੇਵਿ ਤੂ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Man re ha▫umai cẖẖod gumān.   Har gur sarvar sev ṯū pāvahi ḏargėh mān ||1|| rahā▫o

 

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect. (Rey) o (man = mind) human being (chhodd-i) give up (haumai = ego) acting by self-will, and (gumaan-u) vanity.

If (too) you (seyv-i = serve) obey (gur-u) the great (har-i) Almighty (sarvar-u/sarovar = pool) ocean/source of everything, you will (paavah-i) receive (maan-u) honour (Dargah) in Divine court – find God. 1.

 

ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ ਸਭਿ ਸੁਖ ਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਭੋਗਣੇ ਸੰਤ ਸਭਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥ ਨਿਤਿ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਸਤਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਆ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੨॥

Rām nām jap ḏinas rāṯ gurmukẖ har ḏẖan jān.   Sabẖ sukẖ har ras bẖogṇe sanṯ sabẖā mil gi▫ān  Niṯahinis har parabẖ sevi▫ā saṯgur ḏī▫ā nām. ||2||

 

(Jaan-u = know) get awareness of (har-i) Divine (dhan-u) wealth, i.e. Naam, and (tap-i) remember/obey (naam-u) commands of (raam) the Almighty (dinas-u) day and (raat-i) night (gurmukh-i) from the guru.

As against being objects of transitory gain, one gets (bhogney) to enjoy (sabh-i) all (sukh = comforts) and (har-i) Divine (ras = taste) experience within with (giaan-u) awareness of Naam received (mil-i) by joining (sabhaa = assembly, sant = guru) holy congregation.

One who is (deeaa) given awareness of Naam (satigur-i) by the true guru, (nit-i) ever (seyviaa = serves) lives in obedience of (har-i) the Almighty (prabh-u) Master (ahinis-i) day and night. 2

 

ਕੂਕਰ ਕੂੜੁ ਕਮਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਪਚੈ ਪਚਾਨੁ ॥ ਭਰਮੇ ਭੂਲਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਘਣੋ ਜਮੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਕਰੈ ਖੁਲਹਾਨੁ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਸੁਭਾਨੁ ॥੩॥

Kūkar kūṛ kamā▫ī▫ai gur ninḏā pacẖai pacẖān   Bẖarme bẖūlā ḏukẖ gẖaṇo Jam mār karai kẖulhān.   Manmukẖ sukẖ na pā▫ī▫ai gurmukẖ sukẖ subẖān. ||3||

 

One who (kamaaeeai) earns/aims to satisfy his/her craving for (koorr-u = false-hood/impermanent) immediate food/pleasures, engages in (ninda) slander of (gur) the guru’s teachings, (pachai) burns in (pachaan-u) fire – remains restless, i.e. is never satisfied like a dog.

(Bhoola) misled (bharmey) by delusion- s/he commits transgressions and gets (ghano) much (dukh-u) grief when (jam) Divine justice (maar-i) beats/punishes and (karey = makes, khulhaan-u = flat ground where grains are threshed) removes all pride/ego.

One (manmukh-i) who acts by self-will does not (paaeeai) get (sukh-u) peace/comfort while one (gurmukh-i) follows the guru gets (sukh) peace/comfort and (subh-haan) glory. 3.

 

 

ਐਥੈ ਧੰਧੁ ਪਿਟਾਈਐ ਸਚੁ ਲਿਖਤੁ ਪਰਵਾਨੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਸਜਣੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਦਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਰਣੀ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਕਰਮਿ ਸਚੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥੪॥੧੯॥

Aithai ḏẖanḏẖ pitā▫ī▫ai sacẖ likẖaṯ parvān Har sajaṇ gur sevḏā gur karṇī parḏẖān   Nānak nām na vīsrai karam sacẖai nīsāṇ ||4||19||

 

Whatever (dhandh-u) actions we (pittaaeeai) do (eythai = here) in life are written down by Divine reporters and this (likhat-u = writing) report is (parvaan-u) accepted (sach-u) as true.

One who (seyvda = serves) follows (gur-u) the guru, his/her (karni) actions told by (gur) the guru are (pardhaa-u = head) sublime/virtuous.

S/he does not (veesrai) forget Naam and is marked with (neesaan) sign to receive (karam-i) grace of and united (sachai) with the Eternal, says Guru Nanak. 4. 19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਇਕੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਵਡਾ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਕਿਉ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਤਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਜਾ ਹਰਿ ਨ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਗਨਿ ਮਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1 Ik ṯil pi▫ārā vīsrai rog vadā man māhi   Ki▫o ḏargėh paṯ pā▫ī▫ai jā har na vasai man māhi.   Gur mili▫ai sukẖ pā▫ī▫ai agan marai guṇ māhi ||1||

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Sriraag It causes (vaddaa = big) serious (rog-u) ailment (maah-i) in (man) the mind, i.e. one transgresses, if (piaara) the Beloved Almighty (veesrai) is forgotten even for (ik-u) one (til-u = sesame) moment.

One (kiau = how?) cannot (paaeeai) receive (pat-i = honour) acceptance (dargah = Divine court) by the Almighty, (ja) if (har-i) the Almighty does not (vasai) abide in mind – for one strays from path to the Almighty.

(Sukh-u) relief from this disease (paaeeai) is obtained (miliai) on finding/by following (gur-i) the guru, because then (agan-i) the fire – of craving – (marai = dies) is dissolved (maah-i) in the mind which remembers (gun) Divine virtues. 1.

 

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਖਿਨੁ ਪਲੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਤੇ ਜਨ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Man re ahinis har guṇ sār.   Jin kẖin pal nām na vīsrai ṯe jan virle sansār. ||1|| rahā▫o

 

(Rey) o (man = mind) human being, (saar-i) remember/acknowledge (gun) virtues of (har-i) the Almighty (ahinis-i) day and night – and lead life by them.

Those (jin) whom (naam-u) Divine commands are not forgotten for even (khin pal) a moment, (tey) those (jan) persons are (virley) rare (sansaar-i) in the world. 1.

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

 

ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਈਐ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ॥ ਹਿੰਸਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਗਤੁ ਗਏ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਹਸਾ ਸੋਗੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਮੇਲੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ॥੨॥

Joṯī joṯ milā▫ī▫ai surṯī suraṯ sanjog   Hinsā ha▫umai gaṯ ga▫e nāhī sahsā sog   Gurmukẖ jis har man vasai ṯis mele gur sanjog ||2||

 

When (surti) one’s consciousness (sanjog-u) receives awareness of (surti = Vedas) teachings of scriptures, (joti) the soul (milaaeeai = caused to meet) gets absorbed in (joti) the Divine Spirit – complies with Divine commands.

Then (hinsa) violence/anger and (haumaai) ego (gat-i gaey) rush out; there is no more (sahsa) anxiety and (sog-u) sorrow – because the mind finds the Almighty.

One in (jis-u) whose (man-i) mind (har-i) the Almighty (vasai = abodes) is remembered and obeyed (gurmukh-i) with the guru’s teachings, that (gur-u) great (sanjog-u) association (meyley) leads to union with the Almighty. 2.

 

ਕਾਇਆ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਜੇ ਕਰੀ ਭੋਗੇ ਭੋਗਣਹਾਰੁ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਉ ਨੇਹੁ ਨ ਕੀਜਈ ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਚਲਣਹਾਰੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਵਹਿ ਸੋਹਾਗਣੀ ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੇਜ ਭਤਾਰੁ ॥੩॥

Kā▫i▫ā kāmaṇ je karī bẖoge bẖogaṇhār.   Ŧis si▫o nehu na kīj▫ī jo ḏīsai cẖalaṇhār.   Gurmukẖ ravėh sohāgaṇī so parabẖ sej bẖaṯār ||3||  

 

(Jey) if I (kari) make my (kaaiaa) the body (kaaman-i = enticer) attractive, (bhoganhaar-u = enjoyer) the husband (bhogey) consummates love, i.e. the Almighty manifests in one who loves the Divine.

We should not (keejaee) bear (neyh-u) love (siau) with (tis-u = that) one (jo) who (disai) is seen – anyone seen – is (chalanhaar-u = to go) who is perishable.

The soul-wife (gurmukh-i) who follows the guru is (sohaagni) is fortunate; the Almighty (ravah-i = enjoys) gives company to, i.e. manifests her devoted mind, which is (seyj) the bed for (bhataar-u) the Almighty-husband. 3.

 

Page 22

 

 

Note*: The next verse mentions four types of fires or vices that cause restlessness in the mind. They are ਹੰਸ (cruelty) ਹੇਤ (attachment), ਲੋਭ (greed) and ਕੋਪ (anger). These have to be given up to be acceptable to God.

 

ਚਾਰੇ ਅਗਨਿ ਨਿਵਾਰਿ ਮਰੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਲੁ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਕਮਲੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸਿਆ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਭਰਿਆ ਅਘਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਮੀਤੁ ਕਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਇ ॥੪॥੨੦॥

Cẖāre agan nivār mar gurmukẖ har jal pā▫e   Anṯar kamal pargāsi▫ā amriṯ bẖari▫ā agẖā▫e   Nānak saṯgur mīṯ kar sacẖ pāvahi ḏargėh jā▫e ||4||20||

 

(Mar-u = die) give up ego, (gurmukh-i) follow the guru to (nivaar-i) extinguish (chaarey) all the four (agan-i) fires – cruelty, attachment, greed and anger – by (paaey) pouring (har-i) the Divine (jal-u) the

(jal-u) water, I .e by obeying the Almighty

Like a withering (kamal-u) lotus flower blooms when watered, (antar-i) the inner lotus/mind (bhariaa) filled with (amrit-u) the life-giving elixir – of awareness of Naam – (pragaasiaa) blossoms and (aaghaaey) satiated – ever blossoms.

(Kar-i) make (meet-u) friendship with, i.e. take guidance of, (satgur-u) the true guru so that you (paavah-i = find) are united with (sach-u) the Eternal (jaaey) when you go (dargah) the Divine court, says Guru Nanak. 4. 20.

 

 

SGGS PP 18-19; Srirag M: 1; 11-15

SGGS PP 18-19; Srirag M: 1; 11-15

 

 

Note: In this Shabad Guru Nanak describes the state of the devotee who has fully submitted the self to the Almighty and is experiencing bliss.

 

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਭਲੀ ਸਰੀ ਜਿ ਉਬਰੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਮੁਈ ਘਰਾਹੁ ॥ ਦੂਤ ਲਗੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਵੇਸਾਹੁ ॥ ਕਲਪ ਤਿਆਗੀ ਬਾਦਿ ਹੈ ਸਚਾ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1. Bẖalī sarī jė ubrī ha▫umai mu▫ī gẖarāhu.   Ḏūṯ lage fir cẖākrī saṯgur kā vesāhu.  Kalap ṯi▫āgī bāḏ hai sacẖā veparvāhu. ||1||

 

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Sriraag. It (saree) is just (bhalee) as well (j-i) that I (ubri) rose above/was saved with (haumai) ego (muee) dying/leaving (gharaah-u = from the house) from the mind.

 (doot) the vices caused by ego (gaey) have gone and (phir-i) since then ego (lagey = engage, chaakri = service) causes actions with (veysaah-u) faith/obedience to (satigur) the true guru’s teachings.

I (hai) have (tiaagi) given up (baad-i) useless (kalap) thoughts from the mind and (sachaa) the Eternal (veyparvaah-u = carefree) Supreme Master alone is present within. 1.

 

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਸਚੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਭਉ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਭੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਕਿਉ ਥੀਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Man re sacẖ milai bẖa▫o jā▫e.   Bẖai bin nirbẖa▫o ki▫o thī▫ai gurmukẖ sabaḏ samā▫e. ||1|| rahā▫o.

 

(Rey) o (man = mind) human being, when (sach-u) the Eternal (milai) is found – one commits no transgressions – and (bhau) apprehensions (jaaey) leave.

The mind (kiau = how?) cannot (theeai) become (nirbhau) free of fear (bin-u) without (bhai = fear) obedience to the Almighty who (samaaey) comes in mind with obedience (sabad-I = of word) to the teachings (gurmukh-i) of the guru. 1

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

 

I have now learnt that anyone in the care of the Eternal has no fear; But this fearlessness does not come without fear of (obedience to) the Eternal; which in turn is living by the guru’s teaching. Pause and contemplate.

 

ਕੇਤਾ ਆਖਣੁ ਆਖੀਐ ਆਖਣਿ ਤੋਟਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਮੰਗਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਕੇਤੜੇ ਦਾਤਾ ਏਕੋ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਜਿਸ ਕੇ ਜੀਅ ਪਰਾਣ ਹੈ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥

Keṯā ākẖaṇ ākẖī▫ai ākẖaṇ ṯot na ho▫e.   Mangaṇ vāle keṯ▫ṛe ḏāṯā eko so▫e.   Jis ke jī▫a parāṇ hai man vasi▫ai sukẖ ho▫e. ||2||

 

We can (aakheeai) talk (keyta) any amount (aakhan-u = speech) about the Almighty; there is no (tott-i) end (aakhan-i) saying.

There are (keytarrey) numerous (mangan vaaley) beggars, i.e. people have wishes of various types, and there is (soey = that one) only (eyko) One (daataa = giver) beneficent Master.

(Jis key = whose) who has given (jeea) soul and (praan = breaths) life – and sustains; one (hoey = happens) experiences (sukh-u) peace when the Almighty (vasiai = abiding) is present (man-i) in mind. 2.

 

We can talk about God endlessly and leave nothing unsaid; Countless people ask and the One benefactor gives; But inner comfort is obtained when the Creator abides in the mind. 2.

 

ਜਗੁ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਬਾਜੀ ਬਨੀ ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਖੇਲੁ ਖੇਲਾਇ ॥ ਸੰਜੋਗੀ ਮਿਲਿ ਏਕਸੇ ਵਿਜੋਗੀ ਉਠਿ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਣਾ ਸੋ ਥੀਐ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕਰਣਾ ਜਾਇ ॥੩॥

Jag supnā bājī banī kẖin mėh kẖel kẖelā▫e.   Sanjogī mil ekse vijogī uṯẖ jā▫e.   Jo ṯis bẖāṇā so thī▫ai avar na karṇā jā▫e. ||3|

 

Being in (jag-u) the world (bane = made) is like (supna) dream; the Almighty (khelaaey) causes to play (kheyl-u) the play (mah-i) in (khin) a moment, i.e. births and deaths are in the Creator’s hands.

The Creator (sanjogi) causes the creatures to be (mil-i = meet, eyksey = one) together and when IT (vijogi) separates the creature (utth-i jaaey) departs.

(Jo) whatever is (bhaana) the will of (tis-u = that one0 the Almighty (so) that (theeai) happens; nothing (avar-u) else (jaaey) can be (karna) done, i.e. nothing else happens. 3.

 

Note*: However God’s decisions are not arbitrary; they are based on our deeds. The guru puts us on the right track for that. The following verse uses the metaphor of commercial dealings involving capital and merchandise to explain this:

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵਸਤੁ ਵੇਸਾਹੀਐ ਸਚੁ ਵਖਰੁ ਸਚੁ ਰਾਸਿ ॥ ਜਿਨੀ ਸਚੁ ਵਣੰਜਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਸਾਬਾਸਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਵਸਤੁ ਪਛਾਣਸੀ ਸਚੁ ਸਉਦਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੪॥੧੧॥

Gurmukẖ vasaṯ vesāhī▫ai sacẖ vakẖar sacẖ rās.   Jinī sacẖ vaṇaṇji▫ā gur pūre sābās.   Nānak vasaṯ pacẖẖāṇsī sacẖ sa▫uḏā jis pās. ||4||11||

 

(Gurmukh-i) one who follow the guru (veysaaheeai) deals (vast-u = substance) in the merchandise with (sach-u) true/honest (saudaa) dealings abusing (sach-u = truth) Naam as (raas-i) the capital, i.e. conducts the self by Naam guided by the guru.

Those who (vana’njiaa) do business of (sach-u) truth/Naam is done with (saabaas-i) encouragement of (poorey) the true guru.

The Divine court (pachhaansi) shall recognize (jis-u) who has (vast-u = substance) Naam (paas-i) with him/her, says Guru Nanak (Agai saahu sujaan hai laisi vast smaal-i). 4. 11.

 

 

———————————-

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲੁ ੧ ॥ ਧਾਤੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਫੁਨਿ ਧਾਤੁ ਕਉ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਲਾਲੁ ਗੁਲਾਲੁ ਗਹਬਰਾ ਸਚਾ ਰੰਗੁ ਚੜਾਉ ॥ ਸਚੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੰਤੋਖੀਆ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਏਕੈ ਭਾਇ ॥੧॥

 

Sirīrāg mahal 1. Ḏẖāṯ milai fun ḏẖāṯ ka▫o sifṯī sifaṯ samā▫e.   Lāl gulāl gahbarā sacẖā rang cẖaṛā▫o.   Sacẖ milai sanṯokẖī▫ā har jap ekai bẖā▫e. ||1||

 

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Siriraag. Like when items like an ornament made of (dhaat-u) a metal like gold is melted it mixes with the same (dhaat-u) metal (phun-i) again, similarly when a devotee dissolves his/her ego and praises the Almighty, (sifti) with praise s/he (samaaey) remains absorbed in the Almighty ((sifat-i) being praised.

His/her face (charraau = gets dyed) displays glow of (gahbra) fast/permanent (laal-u) red (sachaa) Divine (rang) colour like of (gulaal-u/guley laala) red flower.

(Sach-u) the Almighty (milai0 is found by (santokheeaa = satisfied) those who happily obey Divine commands (jap-i) keeping (har-i) the Almighty with (eykai) single minded (bhaaey) love. 1.

 

Note: In Hindu mythology there is a wish-fulfilling cosmic cow called Kaamdhenu (Kaam/kaamna = Wish + dhenu = cow). This is used as a metaphor in the verse below.

 

ਭਾਈ ਰੇ ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਰੇਣੁ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਸਭਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਧੇਣੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Bẖā▫ī re sanṯ janā kī reṇ.   Sanṯ sabẖā gur pā▫ī▫ai mukaṯ paḏārath ḏẖeṇ. ||1|| rahā▫o

 

(Rey) o (bhaai) brother, be (reyn-u) the dust, i.e. humbly follow the example, of (sant janaa) the devotees.

(Sant) holy (sabhaa) assembly is the metaphoric (dheyn-u) wish-fulfilling cow from which (gur-u) the great (padaarath-u) gift of (mukat-i) freedom from temptations of the world (paaeeai) is obtained – and God found within.

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

 

ਊਚਉ ਥਾਨੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਣਾ ਊਪਰਿ ਮਹਲੁ ਮੁਰਾਰਿ ॥ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਦੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਦਰੁ ਘਰੁ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਿਆਰਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਸਮਝਾਈਐ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥੨॥

Ūcẖa▫o thān suhāvaṇā ūpar mahal murār.   Sacẖ karṇī ḏe pā▫ī▫ai ḏar gẖar mahal pi▫ār.   Gurmukẖ man samjā▫ī▫ai āṯam rām bīcẖār. ||2||

 

The holy congregation is (oochau = high) an exalted (suhaavna) pleasant (thaan-u) place/experience, because mahal) abode (muraar-i = metaphor) of the Almighty is (oopar-i) at that place. (Vich-i sangat-i har-i prabh vasai jeeo).

It is by (dey) giving/doing one’s (karni) actions of (sach-u) obedience to Naam with piaar-i) love in mind that the Divine (dar-u ghar-u) abode (paaeeai) is found.

It comes (samjhaaeeai = counselling the mind (gurmukh-i) to follow the guru’s guidance and (becchaar-i) contemplating (raam-u) the Almighty (aatam) within. 2.

 

 

Anything located at a height is pleasing to the eye but the abode of the Creator, the banisher of evil, is higher than all (It is more beautiful); We have to deserve getting there by righteous living which comes by contemplating on the teachings of the guru. 2.

 

Note: Egoistic nature is generally described as comprising of three modes of action. They are Tamas (ignorance and inertia as done by lazy people), Rajas (ambition and passion) and Sattva (displaying goodness by worships, charities etc). In the next verse these have been referred to as ਤ੍ਰਿਬਿਧਿ ਕਰਮ (Tribidh Karam) and ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ (Trikutti)Trikutti is also taken as the furrows that form on the forehead when one is tense.

 

Note: The verse also mentions ਆਸਾ (Aasa = expectation/wish) and ਅੰਦੇਸਾ (Andeysa = apprehension) These two words often come together in Gurbani to convey that when we have expectations from others, or when actions are done with returns in mind, there are also apprehension.

 

Note: Yet another term used hereunder is ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ (Nij Ghar) meaning own home. This denotes God’s abode which is a dedicated mind.

 

ਤ੍ਰਿਬਿਧਿ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਈਅਹਿ ਆਸ ਅੰਦੇਸਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਕਿਉ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ ਛੁਟਸੀ ਸਹਜਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੀਐ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਮਲੁ ਧੋਇ ॥੩॥

Ŧaribaḏẖ karam kamā▫ī▫ahi ās anḏesā ho▫e.   Ki▫o gur bin ṯarikutī cẖẖutsī sahj mili▫ai sukẖ ho▫e.  Nij gẖar mahal pacẖẖāṇī▫ai naḏar kare malḏẖo▫e. ||3||

 

When we (kamaaeeai) perform (tribidh-i) three types of actions with (aasa) hope for their fruits, it also causes (andeysa) apprehensions and tension thinking whether they would be achieved and maintained.

This (trikutti) three-mode conduct is (kiau) cannot (chhuttsi) be given up (bin-u) without following (gur) the guru; (sukh-u) peace (hoey) is attained by (miliai) finding God (sahj-i) naturally – by obeying Naam.

(Mahal-u = palace occupier) the Almighty (pachhaaneeai) is recognised in (nij) own (ghar-i) house, when the guru (karey) bestows (nadar-i) grace, i.e. kindly, (dhoey) washes (mal-u) the dirt, i.e. drives out ego from the mind. 3.

 

Continuing with the above –

 

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਿਉ ਘਰ ਵਾਸੁ ॥ ਏਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੀਐ ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗੈ ਆਸ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਖਿ ਦਿਖਾਈਐ ਹਉ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੈ ਜਾਸੁ ॥੪॥ ੧੨॥

Bin gur mail na uṯrai bin har ki▫o gẖar vās.   Ėko sabaḏ vīcẖārī▫ai avar ṯi▫āgai ās.   Nānak ḏekẖ ḏikẖā▫ī▫ai ha▫o saḏ balihārai jās. ||4||12||

 

(Mail-u) the dirt of ego (na utrai) is not removed (bin-u) except by (gur) the guru; and (vaas-u0 stay in (ghar) house, i.e. the mind (kiau) does not remain focussed (bin-u) without (har-i) the Almighty present within.  ============

For this we should (veechaareeai) contemplate (eyko = one, sabad-u = word) Divine commands by which one (tiaagai) gives up (aas) expectations from (avar) elsewhere.

Says Guru Nanak: (Hau) I (jaas-u = ambalihaarai = sacrifice) adore the guru who (deykh-i) has seen and (dikhaaeeai) shows the Almighty present within. 4.

 

 

 

Cleansing the mind and living in (realizing) Nij Ghar is not possible without the guru; We should dwell on the Divine Word giving up all expectations; I shall ever be in submission to the Guru who having found (experienced) the Creator shows it to the disciples. 4. 12.

 

                                                           ———————————

 

Note: Other metaphors used in Gurbani is that of the husband- wife relationship to describe that between the Creator and the soul. The soul came from the Creator but because of its association with the sensory organs of the body some souls are unable to resist temptations. They then get separated from God but still yearn to get back, the way a wife separated from the husband by circumstances does. The souls that do not fall prey to the temptations and remain with God-husband are called Suhagan (fortunate) and those who separate are called Duhagan (unfortunate).

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਦੋਹਾਗਣੀ ਮੁਠੀ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ॥ ਕਲਰ ਕੇਰੀ ਕੰਧ ਜਿਉ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਕਿਰਿ ਢਹਿ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਨਾ ਥੀਐ ਪਿਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੂਖੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1. Ḏẖarig jīvaṇ ḏuhāgaṇī muṯẖī ḏūjai bẖā▫e.   Kalar kerī kanḏẖ ji▫o ahinis kir dẖėh pā▫e.   Bin sabḏai sukẖ nā thī▫ai pir bin ḏūkẖ na jā▫e. ||1||

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Sriraag. (Jeevan-u) life of (dohaagni = unfortunate woman) a woman who leaves the husband (mutthi = robbed) enticed (doojai) others’ (bhaaey) attraction is (dhrig-u) disgraceful.

Her life is (jio) like (kandh) a wall (keyri = of) constructed with (kalar) saline mortar which keeps (kir-i) eroding (ahinis-I = day and night) all the time and finally crumbles.

Her (dookh-u = distress) restless-ness does not (jaaey) leave without love for (pir-u) the husband; similarly, peace is not attained (bin-u) without commitment to (sabdai = word) Divine commands. 1.

 

ਮੁੰਧੇ ਪਿਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਸੀਗਾਰੁ ॥

Munḏẖe pir bin ki▫ā sīgār.

 

O (mundhey) ignorant woman what use is (seegaar-u) the adornment/makeup (bin-u) without the husband, i.e. rituals and worships are of no use without love for the Almighty.

 

Page 19

 

ਦਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਢੋਈ ਨ ਲਹੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਝੂਠੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Ḏar gẖar dẖo▫ī na lahai ḏargėh jẖūṯẖ kẖu▫ār. ||1|| rahā▫o

 

Such a woman-soul does not (lahai) get (ddhoee = support) regard (dar-i ghar-i) at home at home; similarly, the soul who practices (jhootth-u = falsehood) does not obey the Almighty is (khuaar-u) frustrated with denial of union with God (dargah) in Divine court. 1.

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

 

NOTE: The next verse uses the metaphor of treating human life like an agricultural field. The land must be prepared and the seed sown according to the season and then looked after to reap a good crop. So is the case with life as brought out below:

 

ਆਪਿ ਸੁਜਾਣੁ ਨ ਭੁਲਈ ਸਚਾ ਵਡ ਕਿਰਸਾਣੁ ॥ ਪਹਿਲਾ ਧਰਤੀ ਸਾਧਿ ਕੈ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇ ਦਾਣੁ ॥ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਉਪਜੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਏਕੁ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਵੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥੨॥

Āp sujāṇ na bẖul▫ī sacẖā vad kirsāṇ.   Pahilā ḏẖarṯī sāḏẖ kai sacẖ nām ḏe ḏāṇ.   Na▫o niḏẖ upjai nām ek karam pavai nīsāṇ. ||2||

 

(Sachaa) the Eternal (sujaan) Omniscient (aap-i = self) Almighty is (vadd) a great (kirsaan-u) farmer – figuratively – and does not (bhulaee) make mistakes.

The farmer (pahila) first (Saadh-i kai) prepares (dharti) land and then (dey = gives) sows (daan-u = corn) the seed, i.e. the Creator create the body, puts soul in it and makes it aware of (naam-u = name) directions on the role in life.

If (nau nidh-i = nine treasures) the valuable Naam/commands of (eyk-u) the One Almighty (upjai = manifests) is shown by his/her conduct, then (neesaan-u) sign of approval (pavai) is marked (karam-i) with Divine grace =====. 2.

 

 

The Eternal farmer (God) is wise and cannot be misled; the way the soil must first be prepared and then the seed sown, similarly the mind needs to be first prepared and the seed of Naam given; Naam the treasure then grows in the mind (one advances spiritually) and one becomes the recipient of Divine grace. 2.

 

ਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਜਾਣਿ ਨ ਜਾਣਈ ਕਿਆ ਤਿਸੁ ਚਜੁ ਅਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਅੰਧੁਲੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਧ ਗੁਬਾਰੁ ॥ ਆਵਣੁ ਜਾਣੁ ਨ ਚੁਕਈ ਮਰਿ ਜਨਮੈ ਹੋਇ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥੩॥

Gur ka▫o jāṇ na jāṇ▫ī ki▫ā ṯis cẖaj acẖār.   Anḏẖulai nām visāri▫ā manmukẖ anḏẖ gubār.   Āvaṇ jāṇ na cẖuk▫ī mar janmai ho▫e kẖu▫ār. ||3||

 

The human being (jaan-i) is aware of guidance (kau) of the guru but does not (jaanaee = know) learn, s/he has (kiaa = what?) no (chaj-u) method and does not (achaar-u) conduct/practice Naam – which the guru teaches.

(Andhuley = blind) the ignorant person (visaariaa = forgets) remains oblivious of Naam; (manmukh-i) a self-willed person – does not follow the guru and remains in (andh) blinding (gubaar-u) darkness, i.e. remains ignorant of Naam.

His/her being in cycles of (aavan-u = coming) births and (jaan-u = going) deaths does not (chukaee) end; s/he (hoey) is (khuaar-u) humiliated by denial of union with God and (mar-i) dies and (janmai) to be born – in every birth. 3.

 

Without finding and following the guru one cannot lead a meaningful life; the ignorant person forgets the Creator and the self-oriented person gropes for direction like in darkness. Such a person does not escape cycles of reincarnation and suffers frustration. 3.

 

Note*: The next two verses describe the methods used for physical and spiritual acceptability by the husband and God respectively.

 

ਚੰਦਨੁ ਮੋਲਿ ਅਣਾਇਆ ਕੁੰਗੂ ਮਾਂਗ ਸੰਧੂਰੁ ॥ ਚੋਆ ਚੰਦਨੁ ਬਹੁ ਘਣਾ ਪਾਨਾ ਨਾਲਿ ਕਪੂਰੁ ॥ ਜੇ ਧਨ ਕੰਤਿ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ਤ ਸਭਿ ਅਡੰਬਰ ਕੂੜੁ ॥੪॥

Cẖanḏan mol aṇā▫i▫ā kungū māʼng sanḏẖūr.   Cẖo▫ā cẖanḏan baho gẖaṇā pānā nāl kapūr.   Je ḏẖan kanṯ na bẖāv▫ī ṯa sabẖ adambar kūṛ. ||4||

 

A woman (anaaiaa = gets brought, mol-I = at price) buys (chandan-u) sandal-wood fragrance to apply to the body to please her husband and (sandhoor-u) vermillion to put on (maa’ng) hair-parting to show s/he is married.

S/he gets (bahu ghanaa) plenty of (choaa) scent of (chandan-u) sandal-wood and (Kapoor-u = camphor) for a glowing skin and (naal-i) with (paanaa = betel to for fragrance in mouth.

But if s/he is not (bhaavaee0 pleasing (kant-i) the husband, then (sabh-i) all (addambar) show of love is (koorr-u) false, i.e. s/he only tries to please others. 4.

Message: It is no use displaying piety by rituals and worships if one’s conduct does not show true love/obedience to the Almighty.

 

ਸਭਿ ਰਸ ਭੋਗਣ ਬਾਦਿ ਹਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਸੀਗਾਰ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥ ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਭੇਦੀਐ ਕਿਉ ਸੋਹੈ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਧੰਨੁ ਸੁਹਾਗਣੀ ਜਿਨ ਸਹ ਨਾਲਿ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥੫॥੧੩॥

Sabẖ ras bẖogaṇ bāḏ hėh sabẖ sīgār vikār.   Jab lag sabaḏ na bẖeḏī▫ai ki▫o sohai gurḏu▫ār.   Nānak ḏẖan suhāgaṇī jin sah nāl pi▫ār. ||5||13||

 

Show of (bhogan) enjoying (sabh-i) all (ras) objects of pleasure is (baad-i) useless/false and (sabh-i) all (seegaar) body adornments lead to (vikaar) vices – if there is lack of love in a couple.

Similarly (jab lag-i) as long as one is not (bheydeeai = pierced, sabad-i = with word) obey Divine commands, (kiu = how) there is no way one (sohaai = looks good0 is approved in (gurduaar-i) in the great court, i.e. one cannot attain union with the Creator.

Says Guru Nanak: (Suhaagni) blessed is the soul-wife (jin) who bears (piaar-u) love (naal-i) for (sah) the Almighty-spouse. 5. 13.

 

————————

 

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਸੁੰਞੀ ਦੇਹ ਡਰਾਵਣੀ ਜਾ ਜੀਉ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਭਾਹਿ ਬਲੰਦੀ ਵਿਝਵੀ ਧੂਉ ਨ ਨਿਕਸਿਓ ਕਾਇ ॥ ਪੰਚੇ ਰੁੰਨੇ ਦੁਖਿ ਭਰੇ ਬਿਨਸੇ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1. Suñī ḏeh darāvaṇī jā jī▫o vicẖahu jā▫e.   Bẖāhi balanḏī vijẖvī ḏẖū▫o na niksi▫o kā▫e.   Pancẖe runne ḏukẖ bẖare binse ḏūjai bẖā▫e. ||1||

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Sriraag. (Sunjni) an empty (deyh) body (ja) when (jeeo) the soul (jaaey) leaves (vichahu) from within, i.e. a dead body is (draavni) frightening – treated as ghost.

The (balandi) burning (bhaah-i) fire is (vijhvi) is extinguished and (na keey = not any) no (dhooau) smoke (niksio) comes out, i.e. there is no sign of life.

(Panchey) all five – sensory organs which enjoyed the fascinating temptations, (ru’nney) wail (bharey) full (dukh-i) of grief for (binsey) being destroyed along-with (doojai) other ideas/having no role left. 1.

 

ਮੂੜੇ ਰਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਮਤਾ ਮੋਹਣੀ ਸਭ ਮੁਠੀ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Mūṛe rām japahu guṇ sār.   Ha▫umai mamṯā mohṇī sabẖ muṯẖī ahaʼnkār. ||1|| rahā▫o.

 

O (moorrey = foolish) ignorant person (saar-i) keep in mind (gun) virtues/powers of, and (japahu) remember/obey (raam) the Almighty.

(Sabh) everyone (mutthi = robbed of) forgets to obey Naam because of (haumai) ego/self-will, (mohni) the fascinating (mamta) attachment to relatives, wealth and so on, and (ahankaar-i) pride.

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

 

 

ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ਦੂਜੀ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਗਿ ॥ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਲਾਗੇ ਪਚਿ ਮੁਏ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਅਗਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ਸੇ ਉਬਰੇ ਹੋਰਿ ਮੁਠੀ ਧੰਧੈ ਠਗਿ ॥੨॥

Jinī nām visāri▫ā ḏūjī kārai lag.   Ḏubiḏẖā lāge pacẖ mu▫e anṯar ṯarisnā ag.   Gur rākẖe se ubre hor muṯẖī ḏẖanḏẖai ṯẖag. ||2||

 

(Jini) those who (lag-i) engage in (dooji = second0 other(kaarai = work) pursuits and (visaariaa) forget (naam-u) Divine commands.

Being (laagey) attached/caught in (dubidha) duality/other ideas and disobeying God, they (pach-i = burn, muey = die) perish (aga-i) in the fire of (trisna) desires – and cannot get to the Almighty.

Those (raakhay) protected/guided (gur-i) by the guru (sey) they (ubrey = rise above duality, while (hor-i) others (mutthi) are robbed (tthag-i) by the cheat/deceitful (dhandhai) pursuits, i.e. chasing transitory gains and pleasures. 2.

 

Note: The next verse describes what all dies with the body:

 

ਮੁਈ ਪਰੀਤਿ ਪਿਆਰੁ ਗਇਆ ਮੁਆ ਵੈਰੁ ਵਿਰੋਧੁ ॥ ਧੰਧਾ ਥਕਾ ਹਉ ਮੁਈ ਮਮਤਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ॥ ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰੋਧੁ ॥੩॥

Mu▫ī parīṯ pi▫ār ga▫i▫ā mu▫ā vair viroḏẖ.   Ḏẖanḏẖā thakā ha▫o mu▫ī mamṯā mā▫i▫ā kroḏẖ.   Karam milai sacẖ pā▫ī▫ai gurmukẖ saḏā niroḏẖ. ||3||

 

Al (Pareet-i) affection/attachment, (piaar-u) love (muee) die/end at death as does (vair-u) enmity and (virodh-u) antagonism. (Dhandhaa) physical pursuits (thakaa = get tired) end, (hau) ego ends (mamta0 attachment to (maaiaa) the world-play and (krodh-u) anger (muee) die/end.

(Sach-u = truth) awareness of Naam (milaiai) is obtained (karam-i) through Divine grace (gurmukh-i) with guidance of the guru which (sadaa) ever (nirodh) keeps vices away – this is how God is found. 3.

 

ਸਚੀ ਕਾਰੈ ਸਚੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਸੋ ਨਰੁ ਜੰਮੈ ਨਾ ਮਰੈ ਨਾ ਆਵੈ ਨਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਿ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ ਸੋ ਦਰਗਹਿ ਪੈਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥੪॥੧੪॥

Sacẖī kārai sacẖ milai gurmaṯ palai pā▫e.   So nar jammai nā marai nā āvai nā jā▫e.   Nānak ḏar parḏẖān so ḏargahi paiḏẖā jā▫e. ||4||14||

 

(Sach-u) the Almighty (milai) is found with (sacci = true, kaarai = deeds) obedience to Naam which (palai paaey) is receives (gurmat-i) with the guru’s guidance.

One who receives (so) that (nar-u) person is neither (jammai) born nor (marai) dies and does not (aavai = comes, jaaey = goes) remains in cycles of births and deaths.

(So) that person/soul is (pardhaan-u = president) gets exalted status (dar-i) with God; s/he (jaaey) goes to (dargah-i) Divine court (paidha) wearing robe of honour, i.e. approved for union with God, says Guru Nanak. 4. 14.  

 

Following the righteous path shown by the guru one gets to the Eternal; such a person is not subjected to the cycles of birth and death; he/ she receives honor and is led to Divine presence wearing the robe of honor. 4. 14.

 

Note*: The robe of honor mentioned in the last verse refers to the old practice whereby those to be honored in royal courts were given a robe of honor as recognition. This robe is mentioned as ਸਿਰੋਪਾ (Siropa) or ਸਿਰਪਾਉ (Sirpao) in Gurbani and may be seen being presented in Gurdwaras as recognition of their services by the persons concerned.

 

———————————–

 

 

Note: This Shabad explains how the mind, and with it the body, withers when in the grip of evil. The way to correct the situation is to follow the guru’s teachings of righteous living:

 

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲ ੧ ॥ ਤਨੁ ਜਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਮਾਟੀ ਭਇਆ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਨੂਰੁ ॥ ਅਉਗਣ ਫਿਰਿ ਲਾਗੂ ਭਏ ਕੂਰਿ ਵਜਾਵੈ ਤੂਰੁ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਭਰਮਾਈਐ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਡੋਬੇ ਪੂਰੁ ॥੧॥

Sirīrāg mėhlā 1. Ŧan jal bal mātī bẖa▫i▫ā man mā▫i▫ā mohi manūr.   A▫ugaṇ fir lāgū bẖa▫e kūr vajāvai ṯūr.   Bin sabḏai bẖarmā▫ī▫ai ḏubiḏẖā dobe pūr. ||1||

 

Composition of the first Guru in Raga Sriraag. Like iron turns to (manor) dross, the human (tan-u) body (jal-i bal-i) burns and (bhaiaa) becomes (maattee) dust, i.e. falls prey to vices – when (man-u) the mind is (moh-i) enticed by (maaiaa) temptations in the world-play.

(Phir-i) then (augan) faults (laagoo bhaey) afflict and (koor-i) falsehood (vajaavai) plays (toor-u) the trumpet, i.e. Naam/Divine commands are forgotten and falsehoods/pretentions prevail.

One (bharmaaeeai) is led astray (bin-u = without) by not following (sabdai = word) Divine commands; (dubidha = duality) pursuits of other ideas (ddobey) drowns (poor-u) multitudes. 1.

 

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਸਬਦਿ ਤਰਹੁ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਿਆ ਮਰਿ ਜਨਮੈ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Man re sabaḏ ṯarahu cẖiṯ lā▫e.   Jin gurmukẖ nām na būjẖi▫ā mar janmai āvai jā▫e. ||1|| rahā▫o.

 

(Rey) o (man) human being, (laaey) focus (chit-u) the mind (sabad-i = on word) Naam/Divine commands (tarahu = swim) overcome temptations

(Jin-i) one who does not (gurmukh-i) follow the guru and (boojhiaa = understand) obey (naam-u) Naam/Divine commands, s/he (mar-i = dies) falls prey to vices and (janmai) is born, (avaai = comesjaaey = goes) remains in cycles of births and deaths.

(Rahaau) dwell on this and reflect.

 

ਤਨੁ ਸੂਚਾ ਸੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਭੈ ਸਚਿ ਰਾਤੀ ਦੇਹੁਰੀ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਸਚੁ ਸੁਆਉ ॥ ਸਚੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲੀਐ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਨ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਾਉ ॥ ੨॥

Ŧan sūcẖā so ākẖī▫ai jis mėh sācẖā nā▫o.   Bẖai sacẖ rāṯī ḏehurī jihvā sacẖ su▫ā▫o.   Sacẖī naḏar nihālī▫ai bahuṛ na pāvai ṯā▫o. ||2||

 

(Tan-u = body) the person (mah-i) in (jis-u) whose mind (saacha) the eternal (naau) Naam is present (so) that (aakheeai = is called) is (soocha) pure, i.e. has dispelled base ideas.

(Deyhuri) the body/person (raati) imbued with (bhai = fear) love-respect (sach-i) of the Eternal, his/her (jihva) tongue has (saachaa) true (suaau) taste, i.e. enjoys praising the Almighty.

S/he (nihaaleeai) is bestowed (sachi) Divine (nadar-i) grace and accepted for union and the Almighty does not (paavai) put him/her in (taau) heat (bahurr-i) again – like impurities in gold are removed by heating and pure gold is spared, one who obeys Naam is not reborn. 2.

 

 

When the mind blossoms with Divine virtues, so does the body; the body organs obey the Divine and the tongue relishes the Truth. Such a person is bestowed Divine grace and is (not melted like metal for purification) purified and ready for merger with God. 2.

Note*: The next verse describes the process of creation according to Gurmat saying everything came from the Eternal Truth, God. The scientific fact of water being formed of gases was stated much before the scientist became aware of it:

 

ਸਾਚੇ ਤੇ ਪਵਨਾ ਭਇਆ ਪਵਨੈ ਤੇ ਜਲੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਜਲ ਤੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣੁ ਸਾਜਿਆ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੋਇ ॥ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਮੈਲਾ ਨਾ ਥੀਐ ਸਬਦਿ ਰਤੇ ਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥੩॥

 

Sācẖe ṯe pavnā bẖa▫i▫ā pavnai ṯe jal ho▫e.   Jal ṯe ṯaribẖavaṇ sāji▫ā gẖat gẖat joṯ samo▫e.   Nirmal mailā nā thī▫ai sabaḏ raṯe paṯ ho▫e. ||3||

 

First the Creator created the Self, (pavna) air came into being (tey) from (saachey) the Eternal and from air (with oxygen and hydrogen gases) water (hoey) was formed; the Creator carved the world of (tribhavan-u) three regions – land, sea and space – (tey) with the five elements (jal) water etc. and (samoey) put (jot-i) the soul (ghatt-i ghatt-i) in every body; the soul (ratey) imbued with love/obedience (sabad-i = with the Word) to Divine commands remains (nirmal-u) spotless and does not (theeai) become (maila) dirty with vices; (pat-i) honour of union with the Creator – is (hoey) received by those (ratey) imbued with obedience (sabad-i) the Divine commands. 3.

 

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਸਾਚਿ ਸੰਤੋਖਿਆ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਭੂਤ ਸਚਿ ਭੈ ਰਤੇ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਚੀ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਅਉਗਣ ਵੀਸਰੇ ਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ਪਤਿ ਤਾਹਿ ॥੪॥੧੫॥

Ih man sācẖ sanṯokẖi▫ā naḏar kare ṯis māhi.   Pancẖ bẖūṯ sacẖ bẖai raṯe joṯ sacẖī man māhi.   Nānak a▫ugaṇ vīsre gur rākẖe paṯ ṯāhi. ||4||15||

 

When (eyh-u) this human mind is (santokhia = satisfied) happy with obedience to Naam (saach-i) of the Eternal (karey) casts (nadar-i) sight (maah-i) in (tis-u) that, i.e. remains focussed on obeying Naam.

His/her body/person of (panch) five (bhoot) elements is (ratey) imbued with (bhai) obedience (sach-i) of the Eternal with (sachi = true) the Supreme (jot-i) Spirit – the Supreme Being (maah-i) in (man) mind.

Says Guru Nanak: One who (veesrey = forgets) gives up (augan = faults) transgressions (raakhey = protected) guided (gur-i) by the guru, the Almighty bestows (pat-i) honour on (taah-i = that) him/her, i.e. honourably accepts that soul for union, says Guru Nanak. 4. 15.

 

 

 

The mind that receives Divine grace remains satisfied in truth; the body organs made of five elements (dust, air, water, fire – energy and space) obey Divine commands; vices are banished when the guru protects and honor is received before God. 4. 15)

 

Search

Archives