A beginner's guide to Japji Sahib: Pauri 28 to 31

 

munn-daa sann-tokh, saram pat jho-lee,
Dhi-yaan kee kar-eh bi-bhoot.
(The follower of the Guru’s Wisdom) replace wearing the earrings of discipleshipÝ with contentment, carrying the begging bowl and (storage) bag with effort (to work), and smearing ashes over the body (to renounce the world) with meditation upon the Lord.
Yogis considered themselves to be the most spiritually advanced and accomplished people. This verse and the following three other verses address the practices and beliefs of the Yogis and explain what the true practice and true belief are of someone who truly walks on the Path of enlightenment and realises the Truth.

khinn-thaa, kaal  ku-aa-ree  kaa-yaa, 
ju-gat  dann-daa  par-teet.
(The followers of the Guru’s Wisdom) replace the wearing of a patched cloak with the awareness of one’s mortality (i.e. how life is temporary) which keeps the body remain pure and untainted (ready to devote to God); and replace the Yogic technique of spiritual union with God with making the faith in the Lord one’s staff stick (i.e. support) in life.
Similar to the patched cloak worn by Yogis in South Asia, Guru Ji reminds us that our body is like a piece of clothing. Just as the patched quilt is made of different parts sewn together, the body is made up of different parts – blood, flesh and bones. Until death has not consumed our body, we should dedicate this body to the service and devotion of the Lord of the Universe.

aa-yee⁽ⁿ⁾  pann-thee  sagal  j-maa-tee,
man  jee-tai  jag  jeet.
(For them) the best spiritual group seeking union with God× is the one who is friendly and sees all humanity as fellow class students (in the quest for spiritual knowledge); this (ability to be friendly and welcoming to all) comes by conquering the mind (from ego); and one who does that can conquer the world (i.e. wins the hearts and minds of humanity).

aa-dey’s  tis-ai  aa-dey’s.
(Guru Nanak Ji says) bow only to the Ultimate One, who is worthy of bowing before ―

aad  a-neel  a-naad  a-naa-hat,
jug  jug  ey-ko  vey’s.  ||28||
the One who exists from the beginning, who is free of stain, without start, without end, and remains unchanging and the same throughout all the ages (i.e. time). ||28||

bhu-gat gi-yaan, day-aa bhann-daa-raN,
ghatt ghatt vaa-jeh naad.
(The followers of the Guru’s Wisdom) treat holy wisdom as food, compassion as its distributor, and recognises the Divine-Music flowing through every heart as the call to share and eat (i.e. the call to gain as well as share with others holy wisdom).
The Guru stresses the importance of not only gaining spiritual wisdom but also sharing it with others with a compassionate heart. When we recognise that God vibrates (i.e. is present) in the hearts of all people, we will be drawn to help them and help the world become a beautiful place by living and sharing God’s beautiful wisdom.

aap  naath,  naa-thee  sabh  jaa  kee,
riDh  siDh  av-raa  saad.
They accept that the Divine Creator is the Master in whose control all are (i.e. subject to the Universal Law) and accept occult powers as a false pleasure (that are not the objective of seeking or sharing holy wisdom).
The Guru stresses that although we should take and share God’s wisdom, we must always humbly remember that we are insignificant before God, and that God is the Ultimate Master is God. The Guru stresses that gaining and sharing spiritual wisdom with seeking self-gain of occult powers is not something a true disciple of the Guru would do.

sann-jog  vi-jog   du-e  kaar  chalaa-veh,
ley-khey  aa-veh  bhaag.
(Although they seek and share holy wisdom,) they accept that union and separation with Vaheguru comes only by Their Will and that we come to receive what is written in our destiny (i.e. past karma).

aa-dey’s  tis-ai  aa-dey’s.
(Guru Nanak Ji says) bow only to the Ultimate One, who is worthy of bowing before ―

aad  a-neel  a-naad  a-naa-hat,
jug  jug  ey-ko  vey’s.  ||29||
the One who exists from the beginning, who is free of stain, without start, without end, and remains unchanging and the same throughout all the ages (i.e. time). ||29||

ey-kaa  maa-ee, ju-gat vi-yaa-ee,
tin  chey-ley  par-vaaN.
The Ultimate One manifested Maya (the world-play) through which three servants of Nature were produced.

ikk  sann-saa-ree, ikk bhann-daa-ree, 
ikk  laa-e  dee-baaN.
One is the creative force; one is the preserving force; and one is the destructive force of divine justice.

jiv  tis bhaa-vai, tiv-ai chalaa-vai,
jiv  ho-vai  fur-maaN.
However, it is Vaheguru’s Power that works these forces as it pleases Them. Everything happens in Vaheguru’s command alone.

oh-hu  vey-khai, oh-naa  nadar  na  aa-vai,
b-hu-taa  ey-hu  vi-daaN.
Vaheguru watches over everyone, but no one can see Them. How wonderful this is!

aa-dey’s  tis-ai  aa-dey’s.
(Guru Nanak Ji says) bow only to the Ultimate One, who is worthy of bowing before ―

aad  a-neel  a-naad  a-naa-hat,
jug  jug  ey-ko  vey’s.  ||30||
the One who exists from the beginning, who is free of stain, without start, without end, and remains unchanging and the same throughout all the ages (i.e. time). ||30||

aa-saN  lo-e  lo-e, bhann-daar.
In every world, the Creator Lord is seated (present) and Their (overflowing) storehouses of provisions run.

jo  kishh  paa-yaa, so  ey-kaa  vaar.
Whatever was put in the storehouses, was put there by Vaheguru once and for all, enough forever.

kar  kar  vey-khai, sir-jaN-haar.
Having created the creation, the Creator Lord watches over it.

naa-nak, sach-ey  kee, saa-chee  kaar.
(Guru) Nanak (Ji) says- True is the Creation of the True Lord.

aa-dey’s  tis-ai  aa-deys.
(Guru Nanak Ji says) bow only to the Ultimate One, who is worthy of bowing before ―

aad  a-neel  a-naad  a-naa-hat,
jug  jug  ey-ko  vey’s.  ||31||
the One who exists from the beginning, who is free of stain, without start, without end, and remains unchanging and the same throughout all the ages (i.e. time). ||31||

---

Ý It is a part of the Yogic tradition that when a Yogi becomes a disciple of a spiritual-master that he make holes in his ears and wears earrings. These earrings are worn as part of displaying discipleship and to show that he has overcome desires. Guru Nanak Dev Ji states that the true sign of discipleship and the true way to overcome desires is displaying contentment in one’s life and attitude.

× The original text refers to Yogis. ‘Yog’ or ‘Jog’ are the Punjabi words for ‘yoga.’ Yoga means ‘union.’ In particular, it is the act of seeking union with God. A ‘Yogi’ there means one who seeks union with God. In ancient times in South Asia, people would do certain extreme exercises, controlling their breathing and other different acts in seeking union with God, which is also referred to as Yoga or Yog. Traditionally, there are twelve tribes of Yogis and most of them are in conflict with one another. One of them called ‘Aaee Panth’ has no conflict and is considered the supreme or best tribes of the Yogis.

A beginner's guide to Japji Sahib: Pauri 27

so  dar  key-haa,  so  ghar  key-haa,
jit  beh  sarab  s-maa-ley.
The world - the doorwayò to Your House - is so amazing, and the Divine-Houseâ where you sit and take care of all is so unique and incredible!
One who recognises that the world is special and a place to learn and get close to Vaheguru will begin to see everything within the creation singing the tune of Vaheguru, and their existence is the Praise of Vaheguru. After the next two lines, the forces of nature, angels, gods, demons, mystics, men of wonder, etc. that some people worshipped have been described as singing of a higher power, the Ultimate Power, i.e. Vaheguru. Therefore, the true spiritual speaker should make their life the song of Vaheguru and recognise this world as a doorway to the Divine, to achieving permanent union with Vaheguru (i.e. residing in Sach Khand).

vaa-jey  naad  a-ney’k  a’sann-khaa,
key-tey  vaa’vaN-haa-rey.
Infinite beautiful music flows and vibrates from You, played by countless musicians.
Vaheguru is a Divine Light and a Divine Sound. Whenever saints, holy personalities and mystics have talked of God or communicated with God, they have done so through poetry or music. The music of God flows through the universe and within all, which the blessed souls tap into.

key-tey  raag  par-ee  si-o  key-hee-an,
key-tey  gaa’vaN-haa-rey.
Infinite musical melodies come from You that are sung by countless musicians.
In all spiritual traditions, those who have spoken about God, have sung about God. God’s praise has been written and shared in all traditions in poetry and rhythm because music flows from God. Those who tune into God, also become musical or poetical.

gaa-veh  tuh-no  pa-uN  paa-Nee  bai-sann-tar,
gaa-vai  raa-jaa  Dharam  du-aa-rey.
The wind, water, and fire singÝ; Dharam Raaj (the appointed judge of the next world that judges the accounts of the souls) sings at Your Door.
In this line and the lines that follow, various forces of nature, personalities known as gods, angels, and holy people are mentioned, which people throughout world history have begun to sing about, i.e. worship. However, all these forces of nature, spirit beings, gods, and holy people are mentioned as singing of a higher power, i.e. Vaheguru. Therefore, we should sing of God alone and connect with God directly.

gaa-veh  chit  gupt  likh  jaa-Neh,
likh  likh  Dharam  vee-chaa-rey.
Chitr Gupat (the appointed powers that record our actions) and Dharam Raaj (the appointed judge of the next world) who judges this record, sing of You.

gaa-veh  ee-shar  bar-maa  dey-vee,
so-han  sad-aa  s-vaar-ey.
Shiva (the force of destruction), Brahma (the force of creation), and other invisible powers created and fashioned by You sing of Your praises.

gaa-veh  inn’d  inn-daasan  bai-They,
dey’v-tiyaa  dar  naa-ley.
The appointed powers of the skies sing of You along with other invisible powers (devtas) at Your Door.
In Hindu culture, Indar is considered the name or role of a god that is the king of the skies/heavens and responsible for rain and lightning. People picturized such powers (i.e. the power of rain and lightning) and began the idol worship of them. However, Guru Nanak Dev Ji explains that even these created powers or gods sing or acknowledge a higher Power, i.e. Vaheguru.

gaa-veh  siDh  s-maa-Dhee  ann-dar,
gaa-van  saaDh  vi-chaa-rey.
The Sidhs (miracle-workers) sitting in meditative poses sing of You; the holy saints sing of You in contemplation.

gaa-van  jatee  satee  sann-tokhee,
gaa-veh  veer  k-raa-rey.
The disciplined,× the truthful, and the contented sing; and bold warriors, sing Your praises.

gaavan  pann-dit   paRan  r-khee-sar,
jug  jug  vey-daa  naa-ley.
The religious scholars, learned saints, and reciters of the religious texts of the Vedas throughout the ages, sing of Your praises.

gaa-veh  moh-Nee-aa  man  mo-han,
sur-gaa  mashh  pe-aa-ley.
The mind-captivating illusions¨ of the upper-worlds, this world, and the lower-worlds, all sing of You.

gaa-van  ratan  u-paa-ey  tey-rey,
aTh-saTh  tee-rath  naa-ley.
The jewels (saintly people) created by You along with the places blessed by them sing Your praises.
God's jewels are the saints. Similar to how exceptional stones within rocks are referred to as jewels, exceptional holy people within humans in the eyes of God are referred to as jewels. Wherever saintly people sit to sing of God and engage in devotional worship, those locations become blessed places, known as ‘Teeraths.’ Such places become sing of God’s praises, i.e. they glorify God.

gaa-veh  joDh  m-haa-bal  soo-raa,
gaa-veh  khaa-Nee  chaa-rey.
The brave and mighty warriors sing; the spiritual heroes and the four sources of creation sing.

gaa-veh  khand  man-ddal  var-bhann-daa,
kar  kar  rakh-ey  Dhaa-rey.
The planets, solar systems, and galaxies created and arranged by Your Hand, sing of You.

sey-ee  tuDh-uno  gaa-veh,  jo  tuDh  bhaa-van,
r-tey  tey-rey  bhagat  r-saa-ley.
They alone sing, who are pleasing to Your Will. Your devotees are filled with the Bliss of devotion to You.

hor  key-tey  gaa-van,  sey  mai  chit  na  aa-van,
naa-nak  k’yaa  vee-chaa-rey.
So many others sing that they do not come to mind. (Guru) Nanak (Ji) says- how can I consider them all?

so-ee  so-ee,  sad-aa  sach,
saa-hib  saa-chaa,  saa-chee  naa-ee.
That True Lord is True, Forever True, and True is Their Name.

hai  bhee  hosee,  jaa-e  na  jaa-see,
rach-naa  jin  r-chaa-ee.
Vaheguru exists now and shall always be. They shall not depart, even when this Universe that They created departs.

rann-gee  rann-gee  bhaaⁿ-tee,  kar  kar  jin-see,
maa-yaa  jin  u-paa-ee.
They created the world-play (Maya) with various species of different colours and kinds.

kar  kar  vey-khai,  kee-taa  aa-paNaa,
jiv  tis  dee  vadd-yaa-ee.
Having created the creation, They watch over it Themself, by Their Greatness.

jo  tis  bhaa-vai  so-ee  kar-see,
hukam  na  kar-Naa  jaa-ee.
They do whatever They please. No order can be issued to Them.

so  paa-te-shaah,  shaa-haa  paa-te-saa’hib,
naa-nak  reh-aN  r-zaa-ee.  ||27||
They are the King, the Master of kings. Nanak remains happily subject to Their Will. ||27||

---

ò This links to the line ‘mann-nai,  paa-veh  mo’kh  du-aar’ written in the 15^th verse (pauree), which translates as: “faithfully obeying (the Guru’s Wisdom), one finds the Door to Salvation.” One who faithfully obeys the Guru’s Wisdom, comes to understands that this world is the doorway to salvation. In the evening prayer of Rehraas Sahib, Guru Ji says, ‘gobind milan kee eh teree baree-aa,’ meaning this life is an opportunity to meet the Lord of the Universe, Vaheguru. This world is an opportunity to earn devotional worship (bhagtee) and practice spiritual living and therefore acts as a doorway to meeting Vaheguru.  

â ‘House’ refers to Sach Khand, the eternal place where Vaheguru resides in Their full glory, which is outside of the impermanent creation.

Ý Singing in this entire verse refers to acknowledging that there is a power beyond them, i.e. an Ultimate Power, God.

× ‘Jatee’ means disciplined ones, i.e. those who have controlled their sensory organs, sexual urges, and worldly desires.

¨ Alternative translation: ‘mind captivating beauties.’ In Hindu & Buddhist mythology, this refers to apsaraa (pronounced as ‘ap-saraa’), a type of female spirit of the clouds and waters that entertains and serves Indar, the Hindu god who is the king of the heavens. One of their jobs is to help king Indar retain the kingdom of heaven by alluring those who try to win over heaven by spiritual devotion and discipline. In reality, it symbolises the power of the worldly-illusion, Maya, which seems attractive but actually deceives a person from the pathway to the Truth. Although the pull of the worldly-illusion may be powerful, it is acknowledged that it is subservient to the Ultimate Power, Vaheguru. Therefore, one should not be scared of Maya, the world-illusion, and instead lose oneself in the loving worship and praise Vaheguru.