Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib 36

Shlok: The God is accomplished with all powers and He comes to know all our problems. Nanak offers his sacrifice to such a Lord remembering whom one gets emancipated.

Ashtapadi 15 begins: The Care Taker – Universal God mends everything broken, he cherishes all beings, he worries for everyone, none returns empty-handed from Him. O my soul ever meditates on such a Lord. The imperishable Lord is all in all. Even if a mortal thinks hundreds of time to accomplish something it cannot be done unless He Wills. Without Him nothing can be availed. O Nanak salvation is attained by repeating His Name alone (pad 1).

Beautiful/ handsome person should avoid being proud of his/her beauty because it is His (God’s) light that shines through a person to make him or her beautiful. One should avoid being proud of his/her riches because the riches are all His gifts. If one is proud of his being mighty knight must know that obtaining that is impossible without His powers. A rich person becomes proud of his riches and starts charity must know that He is the great giver. The ego is like an ailment if it is cured by the grace of Guru then alone one is totally healthy (pad 2).

As a pillar supports any building so does Lords Name supports a soul. As a stone floats when put in a boat in water so the mortals are saved who cling to the Lord’s feet. As a lamp gives light in the darkness so does the soul blooms by beholding the sight of the Guru. As the man finds his way in a great wilderness so his inner light (the knowledge and truth about God) starts illuminating (the glow on his face) in the company of Saints. I desire and seek the dust of the feet of these Saints. Fulfil Nanak’s desire O Lord (pad 3).

O foolish mind why do you wail? When all you get is written in your destiny from beginning. Grief and happiness are given by God. Abandon everything else just remember Him alone. Whatever He does, deem it good for you. Why do you wander astray O ignorant man?

What things have come with you (at your birth in this world)? that you O greedy moth cling to the worldly things. Dwell on His name in thy mind O Nanak so that you go home (after death world) with all honour (pad 4).