Jup (Jap) Ji Sahib Translations

By: Dr Karminder Singh Dhillon    Compilation sewa by: Dr. Gagandeep Kaur Bhasin

 

1. Understanding Jup Gurbani
   • Needing to unlearn/widen the space in mind with new ideas- cognitive dissonance
   • Summary Bani of Guru Nanak’s teachings (Abstract)
   • Title Bani- What can you make out of a title? Title is to be read in context of book
   • Full understanding comes from entire text 1429 pages;
   • Most explained Bani; 250+ translations, voluminous kathas (Live & Recorded)
   • Jap Ji is not a beginner bani even though it is the first bani in SGSS; First ≠ Easy
   • First Bani we learn as a child, first bani to memorize
   • Last Bani of First Guru (written last phase of his life)
   • It is a complex bani, most explained but least understood
   • Concise, brevity, idiomatic, contextual
   • Probability of misinterpretation is high
   • 70 years of Nanak’s spirituality condensed in this Bani
   • Nanak Gaaya Jaape Jaye II I have walked this path, now you take the knowledge and walk the path
   • 240 years of Sikhi summarized; Abridged
   • Teekas (Translations)
     • Vedantic School (Vedic scholars)
     • Nirmala/Udasi tradition (followers of Sri Chand) Vedic + Sakhi based- took over Sikh psyche during Shaheedi times 1715
     • Sampardayee Vedic + Sakhi + Taksali explanation
     • Spinoffs; Sant Singh (3HO)
     • Viakran (Grammar) Tradition; Prof Sahib Singh 1963
   • Problem Statement
     • What was the original intent?- Must lie within Gurbani
     • Sikh philosophy lost in translation
     • Methodology: Gurbani Grammar (Literal) + Gurbani Context = Gurbani Derived Meaning
   • Gurbani Framework of Analysis
     • Textual interpretation- understood within the text, structure, rules principle of the writer
     • Rahao is the title within the Bani
     • Internal validity- Valid for entire text (comparison done w/in the text)
     • Internal reliability- Consistency of meaning
     • Gurbani must be used to explain Gurbani
     • Gurbani grammar is crucial
     • Coherent explanation
     • Central Point Theory- Every shabad is a coherent argument, you figure out the central point
     • Connected to Rahao- 3 contextual meanings
2. Title in reading, in musical score: Chorus
3. Start with Rahao to understand the verse/shabad
4. Illustration Theory- example of central point; Chorus is the message
5. Whole Shabad Theory- gist of entire shabad; Main issue
6. Cross Reference Theory- Banis complement and supplement each other
7. Validation of Contextual Theory
8. Universality, Wholesomeness of SGGS- specificity is ruled out

 

 

• Challenges
  • Difficult- unlearning process must precede relearning
  • Sway (Pakar) of existing traditions (story based is attractive)
  • Anti-thesis to Sakhi based understanding- Gurbani is convergent, Sakhi is Divergent, versions
  • Exposes our shortcomings vis-a-viz our understanding of SGGS
  • Contradicts much/all that we “know”
• Various forms of Manglacharan/ Mool Mantra
  • Full version :33
  • Ek Oangkar Sat Nam Karta Purakh Gurparsad: 9
  • Ek Oangkar Sat Naam Gurparsad:2
  • Ek Oangkar Sat Gurparsaad : 524
  • Total 568
  • Nowhere in SGGS is the word Mool or Mantar found
  • Mangla Charan is the alternative label
  • Meaning:
    • Opening Prayer
    • Obeissance of writer
    • Vedic/Sanatan texts (Saraswati Devi)
• Creates problem of two different writers
• SGGS Compiled by Guru Arjun but composed by Guru Nanak- Cannot be mangla charan
• Cannot be a prayer
• Why are labels important?
  • Define Concepts
  • Define Usage- means to an end; Bani is end in itself; Sikhi is about changing things internally; accepting the Hukam
  • Define Thought Process- makes Sikhi Vedic, Yogic
  • Must get them right
• What is the problem with Mool Mantra as a label?
  • Meant for Chanting; continuum of Jantra-instrument, Mantra- w/o instrument external change, Tantra- power of mind, focus, projection of thoughts
  • Jup, Simran, Naam defined as mantra too
  • Chanting as a Sikhi practice (Sikhs erroneously have accepted this)
  • JUP is Godly Realization not chant, written in Jup Bani itself
  • Taste/State is in the mind, not in the tongue
• Outcomes
  • Corruption of Gurmat Concepts Jup, Simran- reduced to chanting
  • Corruption of Naam- reduced to proper name, God has virtues- God is fearless so Gurmukh becomes fearless- Jup is about BECOMING
  • Jup is reduced to Chanting (Ruttun, repetition)
  • Defines Simran as calculated chanting
  • Naam became object of chanting
• What do we call it?
  • Preamble of SGGS
  • Not a part of Jup Bani
• What is the meaning according to Gurbani?
  • Jup
  • Simran
  • Mool
  • Mantra
  • Naam
• Vaheguru as Name of God
  • Guru Nanak 947 Shabads, 5,600 verses in SGGS; No of times Vaheguru used in SGGS = 0
  • Guru Angad 63 Shabads, 250 verses in SGGS; No of x’s = 0
  • Guru Amar Das 869 Shabads, 5,100 verses, No of x’s = 0
  • Guru Ramdas 638 Shabads, 3800 verses, No if x’s = 0
  • Guru Arjun Dev Ji 2313 Shabads, 13,900 verses, No of x’s = 0
  • Guru Teg Bahadur, 115 Shabads, 690 verses, No of x’s = 0
  • Bhagat Banee 788 Shabads, 4000 verses, No of x’s = 0
  • Banee of Sikhs, 11 Shabads, 100 verses, No of x’s = 0
  • Total 5714 Shabads, 30,000 verses, No of x’s = 0
  • SGGS 1083 – descriptive names, all his names are virtues
  • He has no proper name
  • His names are given by his children (Bhagats) – as their perception (adjectives)
  • All his names are Kirtem (his doings)
  • All such perceived virtues are acceptable- we created the names
  • One Virtue cannot be superior to that of another
  • His primary virtue within Gurbani is Sat from Sanskrit- Permanently in Existence
  • The debate of his “one” name is futile & rejected
  • All names are acceptable and used in SGGS
  • Banee of 10 bhats= Vaheguru used 4 x’s in 123 Saveaye; SGGS 1402
  • Context: Bhattan Dey Swayeay: Praise of Guru Arjun: Yoshodra (mother)/ Krishna Followers
  • Two words: Vah -Persian Guru- Sanskrit
  • Vah is exclamation, involuntary; forced utterance is ritualistic
  • What word did the Bhats use for God’s name is SGGS? SGGS 1404
  • Words are used to call out/ refer to Guru ji- what for?
  • Used to express greatness, magnificence, Awe, on what grounds?
  • The metaphors are from their (Bhats) existing framework
  • Needs to be Meaningful & Spontaneous from reading the contents (enlightened, realizing)
  • Vaheguru as Gurmantar- Bhai Gurdas Vaar; Gur is separated from Mantra, not one word
• What is Mantra in Gurbani?
  • Outside Gurbani
    • On the continuum of Jantar, Mantra, Tantar
    • Objective: External Change/Effect
    • Application: Repetitive Recital/Chanting
• Inside Gurbani
  • Shabad/ Bani Guru
  • Objective: Internal/Self change
  • Application: Understanding/Applying
  • Bani is spiritual advice/mantri inside the Shabad

○ SGGS 576, 562, 864, 1208, 274

• What is Jup?
  • Bani Titled Jup (With aunkard- makes it a process)
  • Defined in 38 Paurees, two saloks, 2600 words, 7 pages
  • Process: Listening, Believing, Accepting, Internalizing, Walking, Living & Knowing
  • Naam- attributes, virtues (Godly)
• Jup/Jaap- know/understand
• Simran is a function of the mind when it has accepted the Bani, repetitive chanting is not
• Simran is remembrance of Godly virtues with a view to realizing God (mind process)
• What is Mool Mantra in Gurbani?
  • Literal: Starting, beginning, initial, commencing, root
  • Gurbani: God/Creator
  • SGGS 281
  • Mool + Mantar = The root message (of Sikhi)/basic philosophy relating to the Foundational Virtues of God as contained within the Guru Shabad
  • Define Usage: Meant for knowing, meant as a foundation, meant as an anchor of Godly virtues in the Sikh mind
  • Root upon which the tree of Sikhi grows
  • Foundation upon which Sikh spirituality is built
  • Thought process: God is defined in Virtues (Naam)
  • Sikhi is to know, understand, discourse, appreciate these virtues (Jup/Jaap)
  • A Sikh is mindful of these virtues at all times (Simran)
  • Sikhi is to LIVE and BECOME these virtues
  • Sikhi is Unique/ Living Sikhi is to Live Uniquely

1. Jup Bani Translation
   • EK
     • Central to Sikhi
     • Numeral ONE- SGGS only scripture to start with a numeral
     • Numeral can only have one meaning
     • ONE Creator
     • ONEness of humanity
     • Becoming ONE

○ SGGS 679, 289, 646, 1381,134

• • • One Akaal Purakh
    • One Bani
    • One Guru
    • One Shabad
  • Ek Oangkar
    • Begins with a Graphic representation
    • Followed by 7 descriptions
    • There is no duality or trinity operating alone in Sikhi (ONE Creative Force that joins them)
    • When there is two/duality it refers to what is happening in creation
    • Ek + Oang + Kar
    • Generator + Operator + Destroyer = GOD (Christian/Islamic/Vedic)
    • 3 layers in Oang (Ordain, Sustain, Destroy = Creation) all 3 joined by ONE (Huna: Hiolani)
    • Kaar- repeated presence; Omnipresence; Omnipotent
    • ONE Creator Omnipresent/Pervading in His Creation
  • Sat Naam
    • God does not have a proper name, so all names are acceptable; proper names are man-made
    • Naam: One with Virtue/Standing
    • God has many facets
    • Sat: Sanskrit origin (Satya) converted to Punjabi (add Sihari)
    • Sat: (sihari)- In Existence/Reality/Permanent
• The One God who is in One Existence
• First (Beginning), Primary Virtue/Standing is that He, the One God, is in One Existence
• If we don’t accept that God exists, everything following is meaningless/in vain
• Karta Purakh
  • Creator Being
  • He is to be found in his creation (every atom/quantum particle) SGGS 1427
  • Builds the elements that create matter and permeates his creation
  • God and His creation are the same SGGS 11,13,83
  • We don’t worship creation, we respect creation
• Nirbhau
  • Nir (Without) + Bhau (Fear) (Kanna: line of Fear and Love is thin)
  • Journey of spirituality to be without fear
  • Why: There is no other than Him (No second entity to fear)
  • Walk the path of a fearless God SGGS 293
  • Do not give fear SGGS 1427
• Nirvair
  • Nir (without) + Vair (hate/enmity)
  • Compassionate towards all SGGS 302
  • Sun ray falls equally
• Akaal Moorat
  • A + Kaal (Time, Space; death), timeless, formless, spaceless
  • Moorat SGGS 864 Focus/Contemplation
  • Take the message that is within the Shabad of Guru, accept it within the inner recesses, the formless Guru will come to reside in your mental focus/contemplation
• Ajooni
  • A + Juni
  • The One God does not take birth/physical form
• Saibhung
  • Self + Create; bhu- earth
  • One God is Self-Created SGGS 463
  • The depictions of God’s virtues ends at Saibhang
• Gurprasad
  • How to Realize these virtues?
  • Prasaad: (Persian): Blessings, Grace
  • Gurprasad: through the blessings of the Guru
  • The One God is Realized through the blessings and grace of the Guru
  • Guru= Shabad
  • Shabad Blessings is the wisdom contained and getting the Understanding/Realization/ Knowing/Enlightenment/Becoming
• The One God of Sikhi
  • The One Omnipresent God who is in Existence, who is the Creator Being, Fearless and Without Enmity, Timeless and Formless, Does not take physical form, Who is Self-created, is Realized through the Enlightenment (Becoming) of the Shabad.
• Jup
• With Aunkar- noun
• With Sihari- verb
• Outside of SGGS- means to chant by repetition
• SGGS- Bani Titled Jup
  • Defined in 38 Paurees, two saloks, 2600 words, 7 pages
  • Jup Bani is a process for realizing the Creator
  • Preamble: Realize these virtues of the Creator
  • Title: Realization of the Creator Within; (Process given by Guru Nanak)
  • Pauree =Steps
  • Hearing vs Listening

Aad Sach Jugaad Sach. Hai Bhi Sach. Nanak Hosee Bhi Sach II 1 II

• • Aad (sihari)- conception, beginning
  • Sach- Akaal Purakh, Creator
  • Jugaad- Following Aad, following conception
  • Hai Bhee – Here and now
  • Hosee- Throughout existence
  • These concepts (time) are applicable to the Human; cannot be applied to God b/c no beginning to God. Anything that has a beginning has an end.
  • Creation has a beginning; Creator is independent of His Creation
  • For Whom Jup ji is written? You and me
  • No need to search outside/externally for the Creator, SGGS 684
  • Guru Nanak’s Realization is Within
  • Rabia Basri Story: Lost needle in the dark kitchen, looking for it outside(bright); mind is dark, we avoid ourselves/introspection
  • We have darkness within us, unable to understand SGGS 647
  • Preamble: is about the Creator
  • First Salok: The Creator is within me
  • First Salok is about me, principle of spirituality for the Sikh, seeking God within me
  • First Pauree: Guru Nanak tells the Sikh, seeking to Realize the Creator externally will not work
  • Two Types of Cleansing in Vedic Thought
    • Water Based Rituals – Cleansing of Self bathing, places of pilgrimages, holy rivers
    • Mantra Based Rituals – cleansing of locations, Chauka
    • Guru Nanak critiques these practices in First Pauree
  • Pre 1469 Spirituality/Vedic
    • Ideology- was considered highest; debates, reading Vedas (Sehes)
    • Penance- heat/pain, chanting, offering Love/commitment to God Jup/Tup
    • Ritual- cleanse/purify (Soch)
    • Presupposes: God is external
    • Realization was not taking place; they were not getting anywhere/making spiritual progress with these rituals
  • What was the solution according to Guru Nanak?
    • Become Sachiara- Realize God Within (Huna Assumption: Law of Correspondence)
  • Core Question: Kiv Sachiara Hoeyey Kiv Kooray Tootay Paal
    • Kiv- How then will He be Realized within?
• Versions of Hukam found in SGGS
  • Hukam (aunkard)- The Hukum of the Creator
  • Hukam (sihari)- within the confines of Hukum
  • Hukhmi – The Creator
  • Hukme- Realization of the Hukum
  • Hukam (Plural) – Hakumat- Political power
  • Hukam is within us (Huna assumption: The Call)
• Implications of Hukam
  • Hukam exists
  • Hukam exists within Creation
  • Hukam is the driving force within Creation
  • The Creator is within us in the form of Hukam
  • The Creator is within Creation
  • Realization of Hukam is the Realization of the Creator
• Questions
  • Does the Creator Violate his own Hukam? SGGS 144, 145
  • Hukam is as permanent as the Creator; Creator does not and Guru does not violate Hukam
  • Is the Creator subject to His own Hukam? (answered in Pauree 3)
  • Creator operates above his Hukam
  • Creation is created within Hukam, Hukam operating within confines of human intellect
  • Spirituality is maintained by operating within Hukam, we have choices
  • Hukam (Huna Assumption: Cause and Effect)
• Existing Pillars in Religions
  • Spirituality of Fear
  • Spirituality of Asking
  • Spirituality on Behalf of
  • Spirituality of life after death
  • Spirituality of Ritual
  • Spirituality of Miracles
• New Pillars according to Guru Nanak
  • Spirituality of Anand/Joy
  • Spirituality of Contentment
  • Spirituality of Self for Self
  • Spirituality of Here and Now
  • Spirituality of Enlightenment
  • Spirituality of Hukam (Consequences of our actions)

Salok Translation: The Creator is within me from my Aad (conception). He is within me since conception, following conception. He is within me here and now. Nanak he is within me throughout my existence II1II

Pauree 1:

Sochey Soch Na Hovayee Jey Sochee Lakh Vaar II

Sochey-Ritualistic cleansing/bathing at places of pilgrimage

Soch- practices/processes of removing dirt from the body will not remove the dirt/impurity of the mind; cleansing/bathing/purification Sukhmani SGGS 265

Na Hovayee- Will not be realized

Jey Sochee (nasal)- if I cleanse myself Lakh Vaar- a hundred times over

Translation: He cannot be realized within me through ritualistic cleansing/ bathing/ purification at (places of pilgrimages) even if I cleanse myself a hundred thousand times

Chupey Chup Na Hovayee Jey Laye Rhaan Liv Taar II

Chupey- the ritual of staying silent/not speaking for periods of time; outer silence Chup – Silence within; inner silence

Na Hovayee- will not be realized Laye Rahaan- I keep my focus

Translation: He cannot be realized within through ritualistic practice of remaining physically silent even if I single mindedly focus on outer silence (outer silence does not equate to inner silence)

Bhukiya Bhukh Na Utree Jey Banna Pureeah Bhaar II

Bhukhiya (non nasal)- Under the influence of desire, greed; nasal pronunciation- hunger (out of context) Na Utree- is not eliminated

Banna (nasal)- tie up (Lit); collect Pureeah- Past, present, future Bhaar- collection

Translation: He cannot be realized within through ritualistic practice of eliminating desire even if I am able to fulfill my past, present, and future desires

Sehes Sianpa Lakh Hohe Ta Ek Na Chale Naal II

Sehes (Lit)- Hundreds, multitudes, high order Sianpa- religious knowledge

Lakh (Lit)- hundred thousands, bountiful Ek Na- none

Challey (Lit); walk, spiritual journey (from I to You) Challey Naal (Lit); walk with; support, assist, enable

Translation: He cannot be realized within through religious knowledge- no matter of how high the order or multitude; such knowledge would not support the spiritual journey of inner liberation

Kiv Sachiara Hoyey Kiv Kooray Tootey Paal II

Kiv- How then

Sachiara- (from the word Sach/Creator-) God Realized Being Hoyey- do we become

Kooray- non-realized within (state); opposite of Sachiara Tootey (Lit)- break, remove, eliminate

Paal (Lit)- Wall, obstacle

Translation: How then can I become a God-Realized Being within; how can I remove the obstacle of my non-realized state (my inner ignorance of Creator)

Hukam Rajayee Chalnaa Nanak Likhiya Naal II 1 II

Hukam (with sihari)- Within the confines of his Hukum Rajayee- The Creator

Chalnaa (Lit): Flow, Abide in Sehej (tranquility/acceptance)

Nanak (no Aungkar)- Nanak giving the message, not writing by him Likhiya Naal- contained within, accounted for within

Translation: The way to Realize the Creator within is to remain within the confines and abide in Sehej (acceptance) of his Hukam, as contained within us

Pauree 2:

Hukmee Hovan Akaar Hukam Na Khayea Jayee II

Hukmee- The Creator Hovan – Come about Akaar – Physical existence Hukam- Will of Creator

Na Kaheya Jayee – Cannot be stated in totality

Translation: My human existence is by His Hukam, even if His entire Hukam cannot be fathomed

Hukmee Hovan Jee Hukam Miley Vadeayee II

Hukmee- The Creator

Hovan- Come about/ is/ exists Jee- Life

Hukam (sihari)- by His Hukam Miley- recieve

Vadeaye- honor

Translation: That I am alive is an honor within the confines of His Hukam

Hukmee Utam Neech Hukam Likh Dukh Sukh Payeaeh II

Hukmee- The Creator

Utam Neech (Lit) – High and Low; good and bad deeds Likh- Lekha- results, outcome, consequences

Dukh Sukh- Joy and sorrow Payeaeh- recieve

Translation: The consequences – joys and sorrows- of my deeds (choices) – good and bad- are within the Creator’s Hukam

Ekna Hukmee Bakhsish Ek Hukmee Sada Bhaveayeah II

Ekna- Some

Hukmee- The Creator

Bakhsheesh- Blessed Ek- Multitudes

Sada Bhaveay- In constant wilderness

Translation: The Creator blesses some with realization within; while multitudes remain astray in constant search externally

Hukmey Andur Sabh Ko Bahur Hukam Na Koye II

Hukmey- Realization of the Hukam

Hukhmey Andur- Realization of the Creator Within Sabh Ko- All

Bahar- Outside

Hukam (no aungkar) – Jurisdiction/power

Translation: The Creator is realized within for all, none can realize Him outside His jurisdiction (within us)

Nanak Hukmey Jey Bujhey Ta Haumai Kahey Na Koye II 2 II

Nanak (w/o aungkar)- Nanak’s view (comma/pause) Hukmey Jey Bujhey- Realizes the Creator within Haumai- ego (Lit); that I exist

Kahey Na Koey- ceases to exist

Translation: Nanak, upon realizing the Creator within, realization that I exist outside of His Hukam ceases to exist II2II

Pauree 3:

Gavai Ko Taan Hovai Kissey Taan II

Gavai- Sing (Lit); perceive the Creators Hukam as Ko & Kissey- multitudes (Koee)

Taan- Power, strength, Force Hovey- existence

Translation: Multitudes of spiritual seekers perceive the Creator’s Hukam as their force of existence/life

Gavai Ko Daat Janei Nesaan II

Gavai- Sing (Lit); percieve the Creator’s Hukam as Ko – multitudes

Daat (sihari)- within gifts Janei- Conceive, Recognize Nesaan- sign (Lit); indicators

Translation: Multitudes conceive the Creator’s gifts as indicators of his Hukam

Gavai- Sing (Lit); Perceive the Creator’s Hukam as Ko- multitudes

Gunn- Virtues

Vadeayeea- Immense (Vadda)

Char (mukht) plural feminine; beauty

Char (aungkar) beauty, singular masculine Char (sihari) – Four

Chaar- (In this context) beauty, feminine

Translation: Multitudes perceive the Creator’s Hukam as virtues of His immense beauty

Gavai Ko Vidiya Vikhum Vichaar II

Gavai- Sing (Lit); Perceive the Creator’s Hukam as Ko- multitudes

Vidiya- education (Lit); knowing, enlightenment Vikhum- difficult (Lit); beyond human intellect Vichaar- discourse

Translation: Multitudes perceive enlightenment as the Creator’s Hukam; knowing Him to be beyond discourse

Gavai Ko Saaj Karey Tunn Kheh II

Gavai- Sing (Lit); perceive the Creator’s Hukam as Ko- Multitudes

Saaj- Create

Karey- force behind an action Tunn- body (Lit); physical beings

Kheh – ashes (Lit); destructs (idiom)

Translation: Multitudes perceive the Creator’s Hukam as the force behind physical creation and its destruction

Gavai Ko Jee Ley Fir Deh II

Gavai- Sing (Lit); perceive the Creator’s Hukam as Ko-multitudes

Jee- Life Ley- Take Fir- After Deh- Giving

Fir Deh- After Giving

Translation: Multitudes perceive the Creator’s Hukam as the taking of life after having given it

Gavai- Sing (Lit); Perceive the Creator’s Hukam as Ko- Multitudes

Japey- realize

Dissey- seen (Lit); knowing Duur- far (Lit); beyond reach

Translation: Multitudes perceive the Creator’s Hukam as realization that He is beyond reach

Gavai Ko Vekhey Hadraa Hadoor II

Gavai- Sing (Lit); Percieve the Creator’s Hukam as Ko- Multitudes

Vekhey- Knowing; realize Hadraa Hadoor- Omnipresent

Translation: Multitudes perceive the Creator’s Hukam as realization that He is Omnipresent

Kathna Kathee Na Avey Tot II

Kathna- narration Kathee- to narrate

Na Avey Tot- not short of (Lit); unlimited

Translation: The narratives of the perceptions of the Creator’s Hukam are unlimited (Hukam is also unlimited)

Kath Kath Kathee Kotee Kot Kot II

Kath Kath- repeated narratives Kathee- Narrated

Kotee- 0.1 million(Lit); uncountable Kot Kot- In uncountable way

Translation: Even if these narratives of the Creator’s Hukam have been narrated in uncountable ways by uncountable seekers with uncountable emphasis

Daenda Dey Laendey Thak Pahe II

Deanda- The Creator in His Hukam Dey- Gives (Lit); to sustain creation

Laendey- receivers of sustenance (Creation) Thak Pahe- tired,weary, exhaust

Translation: The Creator’s Hukam sustains; His creation exhausts in receiving- according to His Hukam

Jugaan Jugantar Khahee Khahey II

Jugann- Ages

Jugantar- Multitude of ages

Khahee- consumed (Lit); sustenance

Khahee Khahey- continued/unhindered sustenance

Translation: This sustenance by virtue of the Creator’s Hukam has continued for periods unhindered

Hukmi Hukam Chalaye Rah II

Hukmi- The Creator

Hukam (aungkar)- Hukam of the Creator

Chalaye- drive (Lit); in His Hukam; is the force within Rah- direction (Lit); creation

Translation: The Creator’s Hukam is the force within His creation

Nanak Vigsey Veyparvah II 3 II

Nanak- Nanak’s assertion

Vigsey- goes about (Lit); operates Veparvah- without care (Lit); regardless

Translation: Nanak, the Creator Himself operates above His own Hukam II3II

Pauree 4:

Sacha Sahib Sach Naye Bhakhiya Bhau Apaar II

Sacha- In existence Sahib- Master, Creator Sach- In existence

Naye- from Niyem- Order, Law- Hukam Bhakhiya- language (Lit); command Bhau- Love

Apaar- Limitless

Translation: The Creator’s Hukam is in (permanent) existence as is the Creator Himself; he commands His Creation through unlimited care and love

Akhey Mangey Deh Deh Daat Kare Dataar II

Akhey Mangey- Ask and Request Deh Deh- Give (Lit); endless giving Daat- gift (Lit)

Karey- gives

Dataar- the Giver; Creator

Translation: Within such Hukam and immense love, the Creator gives endlessly, the gifts of sustenance to His creation

Faer Ke Agey Rakheay Jitt Dissey Darbar II

Faer Ke- What then

Agey- ahead (Lit), before; Objective

Rakheay- place, keep, offer (Lit); Set, Determine

Jitt Dissey- by virtue of which knowing/realization takes place Darbar- the Creator’s Court (Lit); His Hukam

Translation: What then should I determine as my spiritual objective by virtue of which realization of His Hukam can happen

Muhon Ke Bolen Boliay Jitt Sunn Dhare Pyaar II

Muhon- from the mouth (Lit); utter Ke Bolan- what utterances (Lit) Boleiay- speak

Jitt Sunn (with sihari)- by listening of which

Dhare Pyaar- love me (Lit); bring about realization of the Creator

Translation: What discourse should I undertake, in my spiritual journey; by virtue of which loving realization of His Hukam can happen

Amrit Vela Sach Nao Vadeayee Vichar II

Amrit- Mrit (death) A (no) + Mrit (death)- immortality; Gurbani, Naam, Shabad

Vela- Time (Lit) definition/creation of time/descriptive (no fixed time); Human lifetime Sach- in existence

Nao- from Niyem- Hukam Vadeayee- immense from Vadda Vichar- discourse

Translation: The spiritual objective is to make my life (vela) imbued with Shabad (Amrit) which is a internalization (Vichar) of Virtues of the One Creator who is in existence (Sach), is the Hukmee (Nao) and is above all (Vadayee)

Karmee Avey Kapraa Nadree Mokh Duar II

Karmee- Grace Giver, Creator Avey- obtained (Lit); is realized

Kapraa- cloth (Lit); diligence (Sift Saram Ka Kapra) Nadree- Grace

Mokh- freedom from bondage (Lit), liberation Duar- Door (Lit); way

Mokh Duar- Godly Realization within

Translation: The way to realization of the Creator within is through diligence towards obtaining His Grace

Nanak Evey Janeay Sabh Apey Sachiar II 4 II

Nanak- Says Nanak

Evey- as above (inc previous paurees) Janeay- Realization

Sabh- All, every

Apey- Self, within the Self Sachiar – Godly virtue imbued

Translation: Nanak, the above then is the way towards the Creator’s realization within our self by becoming Godly virtues imbued II4II

Pauree 5:

Thapeya Na Jaye Keeta Na Hoye II

Thapeya- Conceived, Created, installed Nan Jaye- Cannot be

Keeta Na Hoey- Operated

Translation: His Hukam cannot be created and operated by His Creation

Apey Aap Niranjan Soey II

Apey- Of His Own Aap- Self

Niranjan Soey- Unblemished by Creation

Translation: His Hukam is created and operated by Him and it remains unblemished by Creation

Jin Seyweya Tinn Payea Maan II

Jin- who

Seyweya- Internalized Tinn- He

Payea- receives, attains Maan- Honor

Translation: The honor of spirituality is attained by those who internalize the Hukam

Nanak Gaveay Gunee Nidhan II

Gaveay- Sing (Lit) (process); accept Gunee- virtues

Nidhan- Unlimited

Translation: Nanak, to internalize the Hukam is to accept His unlimited virtues

Gaveay Suneay Munn Rakheay Bhao II

Gaveay- Sing (Lit); Accept

Suneay- Listen (Lit); take in, adopt Munn- mind

Rakheay- keep, instill Bhao- Love

Translation: Internalize the Hukam by accepting, adopting and instilling love for Hukam in the mind

Dukh Parhar Sukh Ghar Lae Jaye II

Dukh- spiritual agony Parhar- dissipate Sukh- spiritual bliss Ghar- mind

Lae Jaye- comes to reside

Translation: By internalizing the Hukam, spiritual agony dissipates and spiritual bliss comes to reside within the mind

Gurmukh Nadang Gurmukh Vedang Gurmukh Raheya Samayee II

Gurmukh (sihari)- from the Guru’s mind (Lit); Shabad Nadang- sound (Lit); narrative

Vedang- knowledge (Lit); enlightenment

Raheya Samayee- resides (Lit); resides, immersed, contained within

Translation: The Shabad contains within it the narrative and the enlightenment of Hukam

Gur Esar Gur Gorakh Brahma Gur Parbatee Mayee II

Gur- essence

Esar- Shivji (Lit); destruction

Gorakh- creator of yogi knowledge; for Sikhs in this context: knowledge, enlightenment Brahma- (Lit); creation

Parbatee Mayee- mother; sustainer

Translation: The Shabad contains within it the essence and enlightenment of Hukam relating to creation, destruction, and sustenance

Jay Hao Jana Akhan Nahee Kehna Kathan Na Jayee II

Jay Hao Jana- If I realize Akhan Nahee- Beyond Saying Kehna- Telling

Kathan- Narrating Na Jayee- Unable

Translation: The essence of Hukam can be realized, but is beyond narrating

Gura Ek Deh Bujhayee II

Gura- O Guru; Shabad

Ek (fem no aungkar)- one, subject is feminine Deh- give, provide

Bujhayee- understanding; realization

Translation: The Shabad provides one (the student) the realization Sabhna Jeea Ka Ek Daata So Mein Viser Na Jayee II 5 II Sabhna Jeea- All of Creation

Ka- Of

Ek Daata- One Giver (Lit), Sustainer; Hukam So- That

Mein- Me, myself, I

Viser Na Jayee- separate,Forget not (Lit); exempt, dismiss

Translation: The realization that there is One Hukam for all of creation and I am not exempt II5II

Pauree 6:

Teerath Navah Jay Tes Bhavan Vinn Bhannet Ke Nhaye Karee II

Teerath (sihari)- Within/ at the place of pilgrimage Navah- Bathe, cleanse

Jay- If or When Tes- His (Hukmee)

Bhavan- Accepted within the confines of Hukam Vinn- Sans, without, outside

Bhanney- Within the domains of Hukam Kay- Why

Nhaye- Cleanse, Wash, Bathe Karee- Do, Undertake

Translation: Why undertake the Spirituality of Cleansing at Teeraths when it is not within the domain of His Hukam

Jaytee Sireth Upayee Vekha Vinn Karma Kay Miley Layee II

Jaytee- As much as, entire Sireth- World; spiritual world Upayee- Created; exists Vekhan- See; Realize

Vinn Karma- Sans Blessings Kay- Anything

Miley Layee- Obtain; Realize

Translation: In the entire spiritual world nothing can be realized without the blessing of Enlightenment of your Hukam

Mutt Vich Ratunn Javahar Manik Jay Ek Gur Kee Sikh Sunee II

Mutt (sihari)- Mind; Spirituality (where exercised) Vich- Within; Internalize

Ratunn Jawahar Manik- Rubies, diamonds, Pearls (Lit); Priceless; Godly Virtues Jey- If, when

Ek Sikh- This One Message Gur Kee- Of the Guru Sunee- Internalized

Translation: The internalization of this One priceless message of my Guru makes my spirituality Godly virtue based (context for next verse)

Gura Ek Deh Bujhayee II

Gura- O Guru

Ek (no aungkar, feminine): One; the Sikh Deh Bujhayee: Provide Realization

Translation: The Realization that is provided by the Shabad Sabhna Jeea Ka Ek Daata So Mein Viser Na Jayee II 6 II Sabhna Jeea- All of Creation

Ka – Of

Ek Daata- One Giver, Sustainer (Lit); Hukam So: That

Mein: Me, myself, I

Viser Na Jayee- Forget not (Lit); exempt

*Hukam for Creation is to accept Hukam, cleanse our minds and internalize the Shabad & Naam Translation: The realization that there is One Hukam for all of creation; and I am not exempt II6II

Pauree 7:

Jay Jug Charey Aarja Hor Dasunee Hoey II

Jay- If

Jug Charey- Four ages (mental states) (Lit); Extended Aarja- Age

Hoe- Even More (extended) Dasunee- Ten times

Hoey- Become

*Human desires vs. Godly Virtues motivating daily living

Translation: If one extends one’s age to the Four Yugs (periods) and ten times more

Navaan Khandan Vich Janeay Naal Chaley Sabh Koey II

Navaan Khandaan- Nine Continents (Lit); far and wide Jaaneeay- Known; famous

Naal Challey- Followers Sabh Koey- Everyone

*Living in Human Ego vs. Godly Virtues

Translation: If one gains fame far and wide and makes followers of everyone

Changa Nao Rakhaye Kay Juss Keerat Jugg Laye II

Changa Nao- good name, reputation Rakhaye Kay- establishes

Juss Keerat- praises Jugg- Spiritual world Laye- obtains; earns

*Living in Human Ego vs. Godly Virtues

Translation: If one establishes a reputation for one’s self and earns praise within the spiritual world

Jay Tiss Nadar Na Aavayee Ta Vaat Na Puchey Kay II

Jay- If

Tiss- His; Creator’s

Nadar- Grace; Blessings; Enlightenment Na Aavayee- does not come

Vaat Na Puchey Key- worthless (idiomatic)

Translation: Without the blessing of enlightenment of your Hukam I am worthless spiritually

Keeta Andar Keet Kar Dosee Dose Dharey II

Keeta Andar Keet- Worm amongst worms, lowly (Lit); worthless Kar Dosee- made guilty

Dos Dharey- blemished

Translation: In anti-hukam practices, I stand guilty of blemishing my spirituality as worthless

Nanak Nirgun Gunn Karey Gunvantean Gunn Dey II

Nirgun- Sans virtues

Gunn Karey- makes virtue Gurvanteya- virtue filled spirituality Gunn Dey- provides virtues as source

Translation: Nanak, realization of Hukam creates virtue filled spirituality as you are the source of all Virtues

Teha Koey Na Sujhayee Jay Tiss Gunn Koey Karey II 7 II

Teha Koey Na- No such equivalent entity Sujhayee- Know; fathom

Jay Tiss- That (virtueless spirituality) Gunn- Virtues

Koey Karey- One who does (such)

Translation: I can fathom no equal entity as the source of all Virtues whose Realization of Hukam creates Virtue-filled spirituality II7II

Pauree 8: