Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib  13

Ashtapadi 4; He (manmukh) is born in human species but his behaviour is that of a beast. He shows-off day and night. Outwardly he wears garbs of religious nature but inwards he is full of filthy worldliness (chasing wealth, power and position). He may try hard to disguise his true nature but nothing remains hidden. He makes a show of divine knowledge, contemplations and ablutions (bathing at holy places) but to his mind the dog (symbolic) of greed is clinging. The fire (of greed, illusions of wealth and power) is burning within him but outside he covers his body with ashes (sect of religious Sadhus who believe that if they cover their bodies with ashes they are religious and pious). With this stone of falsehood around his neck how can he swim across this unknown deep worldly ocean? He, in whose heart God takes His abode O Nanak will merge into the Master (pad 5).

 By hearing alone a blind cannot find his path. Catch hold of his hand he will reach his destination. A deaf cannot understand a riddle because for him when you say night, he may understand as day! A dumb cannot sing Lord’s staves (music notes) and even if he tries his voice breaks off. A cripple cannot roam on a mountain because he cannot reach there. O Creator! The embodiment of compassion, humble Nanak begs of you to save him through your favours (pad 6).  

The mortal (due to his ignorance) cannot think of his Scourer (His help and support in difficult times) because he has fallen in love with his own enemy. He abides in the house of sand. He enjoys joyous sports and pleasures of wealth. He thinks all such enjoyments are permanent features of his life. In his heart there is no thought of death (which is inevitable). Enmity, strife, lust, wrath, worldly love, falsehood, sin, excessive greed and deceit are the paths on which man has spend many generations. O Lord God, redeem Nanak and shower your mercy (pad 7).

The next pad is a prayer (tum thakur tum pahe ardas) that Guru Arjun ji makes to The Lord. He praises; O Lord, I pray to thee and make this supplication. My soul, my body are all your capital. You are our Mother and Father and we are all your children. In your Grace are lying all comforts. No one knows Your limit. You O wealthy Lord art the Highest of the high. You strung the entire Creation on your strings. What has sprung from You is your command. You alone know your condition and your extent. Nanak, Your slave is ever an offer of sacrifice to You (pad 8).

Guruji make this prayer for the emancipation of human being from their downgraded condition because they do not know that they are wrong.