Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib  - 6

Guru Arjun Devji in pad -6 mentioned that recitation is being philanthropic or par – upkari. This virtue he lived in his life true to his nature must get a mention here before we proceed. In 1585 there was a great famine in Punjab and Guruji were in Wadali west of Amritsar where Guru Hargobind ji were born. He helped people of the region to dig wells and wherever there was abundant water he introduced six channeled water drawing system known as Chheharta wells so that famine could be faced and people and cattle could be saved. In the same year some epidemic (small pox or seethla) spread in Lahore and Guruji spent eight months there in the service of people. His greatest contribution to his philanthropic nature was spread of education because he believed that education itself is philanthropic- vidya vichari te aap parupkari.

Ashtapadi -2 in this first pad of Ashtapadi 2 he takes such people under his protection who fall prey to distress and depression due to various reasons and causes. He explains how the recitation of the timeless being helps. He says; when you have no mother, father, brother, son and friend, O soul God’s name will be with you as helper. When the terrible messengers of death try to crush you Only God’s name will go with you. Even when you have great obstacles reciting His name will remove that in a moment. The mortals are not saved by performing acts of remorse or penance. The Name of god washes millions of sins and reciting His Name through Guru all the bliss and comfort will be yours (pad – 1).

The King of whole world is unhappy, but he who recites His Name becomes happy. By reciting His Name man becomes free of millions of bondage. The riches of the world may not satiate but reciting His Name satiates. On the way where man goes alone The Name of God goes with you. Recite on such a Name O soul that the dignity of being God oriented (Gurmukh) is attained O Nanak (pad 2).