Sikhism  
Japuji Sahib - Page 2

Pauri - 16

Translation
The "five" approved are the prominent five
Exalted they merit honor in His court
Welcomed they are at doors of Divine
Immersed together in One Guru sublime
If one ventures to reflect and recount
The Creator's work remains infinite and beyond
The Bull as the child of  Dharma's favor
Said to maintain equilibrium to the cosmic labor
One becomes realized who solves the riddle
What staggering loads for a mere bull !
The expanse of earth (spheres) is far beyond
What forces uphold such magnanimous mass
Creatures of varied shapes and names
All manifesting through God's Word
To write all this and know the count
Wow, how much will be this account
What infinite power to create the countless forms
What grandeur of bounties, can anyone assess
The infinite expanse called One universe
Wherein are oceans of Life so diverse
What can express Thy Powerful Nature
May "I" be sacrificed to this at once
What pleases Thee is goodness abound
Eternal and Immutable only Thou are around

Explanation
The "five" popular in both the Hindu and the Sikh lore as "Panch Parmeshwar" or "Punj Parmeshwar" starts this Pauri.  To my understanding, however,  the five senses of perception known as "Gyan Indriyas" are  being referred. When meeting approval (due to their harmony and conduct), these prominent five get exalted and merit respect.  The Upanishad principle of "Prana" or the unseen vital force being above the five senses, seems to be the ideal being expressed as "Pancha Ka Guru Ek Dhiyan".

Next is the explanation of the the Divine Order and the infinite and astounding variety of His creation.  Also one finds the "Law of Gravitation" being explained in Guru Nanak's own divine way. 

The realization of this amazing wonder and the awareness of the supremacy of God is what culminates into that ecstatic moment when the desire to kill one's ego or to surrender oneself totally to Him seems being fulfilled.

Pauri - 17

Asankh Jap Asankh Bhau
Asankh Puja Asankh Tap Tau
Asank Granth Mukh Ved Path
Asankh Jog Man Rahe Udaas
Asankh Bhagat Gun Gyan Vichaar
Asankh Sati Asankh Dataar
Asankh Sur Munh Bhakh Saar
Asankh Maun Live Layee Taar
Qudrat Kavan Kahan Vichaar
Varia Na Javan Ek Vaar
Ju Tudh Bhave Sai Bhali Kaar
Tu Sada Salamat Nirankar

Pauri - 18

Asankh Moorakh Andh Ghor
Asankh Chor Haram Khor
Asankh Amar Kar Jahi Jor
Asankh Galvadh Hatya Kamahin
Asankh Paapi Paap Kar Jahin
Asankh Kuriar Kure Phirahin
Asankh Malecch Mal Bhakh Khahin
Asankh Nindak Siri Karhin Bhaar
Nanak Neech Kare Vichhaar
Varia Na Javan Ek Vaar
Ju Tudh Bhave Sai Bhali Kaar
Tu Sada Salamat Nirankar

Translation
Countless fools spiritually blind
Countless swindlers thriving on spoils
Countless immortalize brutal force
Countless cut-throats "earn" murder
Countless sinners continue to sin
Countless liars imparting falsehood
Countless perverts just eating filth
Countless slanderers adding burdens yonder
Humble Nanak says, ponder !
What can express Thy Powerful Nature
May "I" be sacrificed to this at once
What pleases Thee is goodness abound
Eternal and Immutable only Thou are around

Explanation
In this Pauri explaining further the diversity God's creation, Guru Nanak also touches upon the Laws of Karma (The principle of Cause and Effect). This is more categorical and evident in line (4) and line (8).  Assuming himself to be the lowliest of the lowly, (as if talking to himself or to his disciples) he pleads to ponder on this.

Yes, the world is full of both good and bad.  It is only by becoming aware of the Karmic Laws that we can give direction to our own lives.

Pauri - 19

Asankh Nav Asankh Thanv
Agam Agam Asankh Loa
Asankh Kahe Sir Bhaar Hoye
Akhari Naam Akhari Salah
Akhari Gyan Geet Gun Gah
Akhari Likhan Bolan Baan
Akharan Sir Sanjog Vakhaan
Jin Eh Likhe Tis Sir Nahin
Jiv Phurmae Tiv Tiv Pahin
Jeta Kita Teta Naun
Vin Naven Nahi Ko Thaun
Qudrat Kavan Kahan Vichaar
Varia Na Javan Ek Vaar
Ju Tudh Bhave Sai Bhali Kaar
Tu Sada Salamat Nirankar

Translation
Countless names countless places
Beyond the reach are countless realms
Saying countless itself causes a sin
By Word is the name, by Word the advice
By Word is expressed knowledge and virtue
By Word is writing and speech
By Word is the ordinance of our destiny
Yet the "One" who writes is beyond the Word
As He ordains so do we receive
Thou the Creator Thine the Name
Nothing exists without a name
What can express Thy Powerful Nature
May "I" be sacrificed to this at once
What pleases Thee is goodness abound
Eternal and Immutable only Thou are around.

Explanation
In this Pauri is the expression of Infinite and Infinity. Also  explained is the power of the Word and the concept of Naam-Rupa (Name and Form). This also is in conformity with the Biblical saying, "First it was the Word, then it became God" as also the Vedic concept of the primordial sound before Creation.

If there is a form, then it exists only with a name. Similarly if there is a word, it must manifest itself into a form. This is pure science.  Man just cannot think without words.  Man cannot even be silent without words.  And every word that we comprehend, write or speak associates with it a form.  This can be easily tested by simply uttering words at random.  One will see that with each word an image springs from within the storehouse of our memory and consciousness.  And when the name and form do not "co-exist", then we find ourselves confused and lost.

The import of the Word is also emphasized from the point of view of our speech and writings.  In fact Guru Nanak has laid so much emphasis on the spoken word that this issue is taken up by him at several places within Japuji Sahib itself.

Pauri - 20

Bhariye Hath Pair Tan Deh
Pani Dhote Utras Kheh
Moot Paliti Kaparr Hoye
De Sabun Laiye Oh Dhoye
Bhariye Mat Papan Ke Sang
Oh Dhope Naven Ke Rang
Punni Papi Akhan Nahin
Kar Kar Karna Likh Lai Jahu
Aape Beej Aape He Khahu
Nanak Hukmi Avoh Jahu

Translation
Dusty hands feet and body
get cleansed when washed with water
Clothes soiled by excreta
are washed by using soap
When the mind gets tainted with sinful deeds
It gets washed only with the dye of His Name
Mere utterances do not make vicious or virtuous
It is the actions that get recorded
Thus what we sow is what we reap
By His order we come and go

Explanation
In this Pauri Guru Nanak, using examples from our daily life explains how a confused, chaotic and imbalanced mental state can be brought to peace and harmony. 

Pauri - 21

Teerath Tap Daiya Datt Dan
Je Ko Pavey Til Ka Maan
Suniya Maniya Man Kitta Bhau
Antargat Tirath Mal Nau
Sabh Gun Tere Mein Nahin Koye
Vin Gun Keete Bhagati Na Hoye
Suasat Aathi Bani Barmau
Sat Suhan Sada Man Chau
Kavan Su Vela Vakhat Kavan, Kavan Thit Kavan Vaar
Kavan Si Rut Maah Kavan Jit Hoya Akaar
Vel Na Paeeya Pandati Je Hove Lekh Puraan
Vakhat Na Paeeyo Kadian Je Likhan Lek Quraan
Thit Vaar Na Jogi Jane Rut Maah Na Koyee
Ja Karta Sirthi Ko Saje Aape Jane Soyee
Kiv Kar Aakhan Kiv Salaahi Kiyun Varni Kiv Jana
Nanak Aakhan Sabh Ko Akhey Ik Du Ik Siyana
Vadda Sahib Vaddi Naiyee Kitta Ja Ka Hovey
Nanak Je Ko Aape Jane Agge Gaya Na Sohey

Translation
Pilgrimage, austerity, compassion and charitable deed
Give paltry merit akin to a sesame seed
Hearing, believing with mind full of Love
Bathes and cleanses in the "pilgrimage" within
Thou are the virtuous and I am worthless
Without signing Thy glories devotion is not possible
O Self-existent Thou art the primal Word and Creation
Truth and Beauty is what always mind craves
What was the time what day of the week
What season what month when Creation took its form
The Pundits could not know this, there is no reference in Puranas
Neither could the Qaziz know the time, who wrote the Quran
Date and day the Yogi knows not, the season or month none knows
The Creator who decorated the Universe, only He knows
How to address, adore, describe and know the Creator?
Says Nanak, expression everyone makes, each smarter than the other
Supreme is Lord, His name grand, all happens what is ordained
Says Nanak, whoever claims to be knower, his progress is curtailed

Explanation
In this Pauri Guru Nanak, explains the futility of rituals, if one does not develop a good character and does not fill one's mind with love and truth.  The true pilgrimage is within ourselves.  By realizing that we can cleanse all our "dirt".

Then Guru Nanak reveals his complete devotion or Bhakti towards God.  He reflects upon "Genesis" in total humility. He boldly proclaims that there is no point of arguing about how, when and where the creation got manifested.  Only the Creator knows this mystery. 

For our day to day life, these particular lines are very significant, even in the context of our human relationship.

Sabh Gun Tere Mein Nahin Koye
Vin Gun Keete Bhagati Na Hoye

Only when we have true love, only then we can shout from the roof tops singing praises for the "other". Without genuinely praising the other (not flattery), a healthy relationship cannot be formed.

Pauri 22

Patalan Patal Lakh Agasaan Agas
Orak Orak Bhaal Thake Ved Kahan Ik Vaat
Sahas Atharah Kahan Kateban Asulu Iko Dhaat
Lekha Hoye Tan Likhiye Lekhe Hoye Vinaas
Nanak Vada Akhiye Aape Jane Aaap

Translation
Countless are the nether regions
Countless the heavens above
People are tired of searching the frontiers of Creation
The Vedas proclaim this one conclusion
The holy texts speak of eighteen thousand spheres
Yet the key element is only One
To write about this one may try
But while writing about infinity one will only die
Says Nanak
We can only say that He is great
Yet, His greatness He alone knows

Pauri 23

Salahi Salahi Eti Surti Na Payeea
Nadian Ate Vah Paveh Samund Na Janiah
Samund Sah Sultan Girha Seti Mal Dhan
Kiri Tul Na Hovani Je Tis Manhon Na Visre

Translation
Praise and adoration
Yet reveals not Thy infinite glory
Like streams and rivers upon merging
Know not the might of the Ocean
An emperor with treasurers and dominion 
Vast like the Ocean
Is not equal to an ant
Whose heart retains the Love of God.

Pauri - 24

Ant Na Siphti Kahen Na Ant
Ant Na Karne Dein Na Ant
Ant Na Vekhan Sunan Na Ant
Ant Na Japey Kya Man Mant
Ant Na Japey Keeta Aakar
Ant Na Japey Paravaar
Ant Karan Kete Billahe
Ta Ke Ant Na Paye Jahe
Ehu Ant Na Janne Koye
Bahuta Kahiye Bahuta Hoye
Vadda Sahib Uncha Thaun
Unche Ooper Unchan Naun
Evad Uncha Hove Koye
Tis Unche Ko Janne Soye
Jevad Aap Janne Aap Aap
Nanak Nadri Karmi Daat

Translation
Infinite His praises endless expressions
Infinite His creation boundless His gifts
A limitless sight with endless sound
Incomprehensible is what is in His mind
Unfathomable is the extent of His creation
Unknowable is the boundary
Millions have vexed to determine the extent
Yet the boundless has remained unfound
None knows the limits and extent
More we describe, more becomes unfound
Great is the Master exalted His abode
Higher than that is His exalted Name
Of that stature one has to be
To truly know how great is He
His majesty only He alone knows
Says Nanak
His Grace and Bounty is what we may know.

Explanation
Is God comprehensible? Can infinity be measured?  Is there an end to what "is"?  These and similar questions are posed by Guru Nanak in this Pauri. Attributing God as the greatest Master, placing him in the most exalted conceivable abode and declaring His Name to be Supreme, Guru Nanak affirms that to comprehend and to realize this, one has to raise one's stature to that level. 

The closing line of the Pauri underlines the central idea. God is beyond comprehension. 

Pauri - 25

Pauri - 26

Amul Gun Amul Vapar
Amul Vapariye Amul Bhandar
Amul Aaveh Amul Lai Jahin
Amul Bhayee Amula Samahi
Amul Dharam Amul Dibaan
Amul Tul Amul Parvan
Amul Bakhsis Amul Nisan
Amul Karam Amul Phurman
Amulon Amul Aakhia Na Jayee
Akh Akh Rahe Liv Layee
Akhain Ved Path Puraan
Akhain Pare Karhi Vakhiyan
Akhain Barme Akhain Ind
Akhain Gopi Te Govind
Akhain Isar Akhain Sidh
Akhain Kete Keete Budh
Akhain Danav Akhain Dev
Akhain Sur Nar Muni Jan Sev
Kete Akhain Akhan Pahi
Kete Kahi Kahi Uth Uth Jahi
Ete Keete Hore Karehi
Tan akh na sakke kei kei
Jevad Bhave Tevad Hoye
Nanak Janne Sacha Soye
Je Ko Akhai Bol Vigaar
Tan Likhiye Sir Gavaran Gavaru

Translation
Priceless attributes priceless dispensation
Blessed dealers of virtuous treasures
Innumerable visitors with blessed bounties depart
Precious is to love and get absorbed
Perfect laws of the divine court
Flawless scales graceful judgment
Priceless blessings with Thy mark thereon
Measureless generosity profitable commands
Beyond expression is the invaluable manifestation
Leading towards Thy wondrous adoration
Vedas and scriptures dwell on this
The learned too converse about this
So say Brahma and Indra
As do the maidens and Krishna
Shiva and Shivaites say this too
The innumerable Buddhas have said too
Demons and Deities bow to Thee
Sages, men, saints and of service also adore Thee
Many have attempted to describe Thee
And many have yet failed in expressing Thee
If He were to create as many more
Inexpressible yet remain will He
Thou art as wondrous as it pleases Thee
Says Nanak, Thy greatness is only known to Thee
If anyone claims that God can be described
Then declare him to be stupid among fools.

Top | Sikhism | Previous | Next       

Recommend This Page!

Analysis | Architecture | Astrology | Ayurveda | Bolography | Book Reviews | Buddhism | Cartoons | Cinema | Computing | Culture | Dances
Environment | Fables | Family Matters | Festivals | Hinduism | Health | History | Home Remedies | Humor | Individuality | Jagoji
Literary Shelf | Memoirs | Musings | Opinion | Parenting | Perspective | Photo Essays | Places | Ramblings
Random Thoughts | Recipes | Sikhism | Society | Spirituality | Stories | Teens | Travelogues | Vastu | Vithika | Women

Home | HindiNest | Kabir | Poetry | Quotes | Workshop | Writers | Contribute | Search | Contact

Boloji.com is owned and managed by Boloji Media Inc
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
No part of this Internet site may be reproduced without prior written permission of the copyright holder.