A beginner's guide to Japji Sahib: Pauri 12 to 15

mann-ney  kee  gat,  ke-hee  na  jaa-e.
The spiritual state of the faithful devotee who obeys the Guru’s Wisdom, cannot be described.
This entire verse (pauree) is in the past tense, referring to those who have obeyed the Guru’s Wisdom and achieved the ultimate spiritual goal.

jey  ko  ke-hai,  pishh-ai  p-shhu-taa-e.
If one tries to describe it, one shall end up regretting the attempt.

kaa-­gad,  kalam  na  likhaN-haar.
Although there is no paper, pen nor writer that can describe the inner spiritual state of such beautiful souls,

mann-ney  kaa,  beh  karan  vee-chaar.
one can only sit with others to reflect on the lives of the faithful devotee who obeys the Guru’s Wisdom.
Teaching, narrating and learning from Sikh history serves this purpose. We can never understand the spiritual inner-state of the amazing personalities of Sikh history like Baba Deep Singh Ji, Bhai Taru Singh Ji and the endless list of other blessed Sikhs. However, reflecting on their lives inspires and motivates the listener to progress in their own individual spiritual journey.

ai-saa  naam,  nirann-jan  ho-e.
Such is the power of connecting with the Divine Sound of the Creator (Naam) that it purifies one (by making one unstained by the world-play (Maya)).

jey  ko  man  jaa-Nai,  man  ko-e.  ||12||
This only happens for those who truly obey the Guru’s Wisdom within their mind, and such people are rare. ||12||

mann-nai,  su-rat  ho-vai  man  buDh.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one’s awareness, thoughts, and wisdom are elevated (i.e. become purer).

mann-nai,  sagal  bhavan  kee  suDh.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one obtains an understanding of all the worlds and realms.

mann-nai,  mu-eh  cho-ttaa  naa  khaa-e.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one does not receive a blow to the face, i.e. they are not embarrassed nor shamed by corrupt desires.

mann-nai,  jamm  kai  saath  na  jaa-e.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one does not have to go with the messengers of Death.
One who faithfully obeys the Guru’s Wisdom does not suffer in the afterlife

ai-saa,  naam  nirann-jan  ho-e.
Such is the power of connecting with the Divine Sound of the Creator (Naam) that purifies one (by making one unstained by the world-play (Maya)).

jey  ko  man  jaa-Nai,  man  ko-e.  ||13||
This only happens for those who truly obey the Guru’s Wisdom within their mind, and such people are rare. ||13||

mann-nai,  maarag  Thaak  na  paa-e.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one’s path of life will not be blocked.

mann-nai,  pat  si-o  par-gatt  jaa-e.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one departs to the next world with honour and fame.

mann-nai,  magg  na  chal-ai  pann’th.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one does not follow any other path or empty religious rituals.

mann-nai,  Dharam  sey-tee  sann-bann’Dh.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, is directly bound to Dharam (righteousness).

ai-saa, naam  nirann-jan  ho-e.
Such is the power of connecting with the Divine Sound of the Creator (Naam) that it purifies one (by making one unstained by the world-play (Maya)).

jey  ko  man  jaa-Nai,  man  ko-e.  ||14||
This only happens for those who truly obey the Guru’s Wisdom within their mind, and such people are rare. ||14||

mann-nai,  paa-veh  mo’kh  du-aar.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one finds the Door to Salvation.

mann-nai,  par-vaa-rai  saa-Dhaar.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one becomes a support for their family.

mann-nai,  tar-ai  taa-rey  gur  sikh.
Faithfully obeying the Guru’s Wisdom, one swims across the ocean of lifeâ and helps others to do the same through sharing the Guru’s teachings.

mann-nai,  naa-nak  bhav-eh  na  bhikh.
(Guru) Nanak (Ji) says- the faithful obeyer of the Guru’s Wisdom, does not wander around begging from others.
One who faithfully obeys the Guru’s Wisdom only begs before Vaheguru and does not beg before any human.

ai-saa,  naam  nirann-jan  ho-e.
Such is the power of connecting with the Divine Sound of the Creator (Naam) that it purifies one (by making one unstained by the world-play (Maya)).

jey  ko  man  jaa-Nai,  man  ko-e.  ||15||
This only happens for those who truly obey the Guru’s Wisdom within their mind, and such people are rare. ||15||

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â Guru Ji describes life to be like an ocean. We can either sink in or we can swim across and be successful in our life. Without Guru’s Wisdom, people drown in lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego. Whilst the faithful who follow the Guru’s Wisdom whilst living in the world, do not allow the worldly distractions to bring them down.