Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib – 16

Ashtapadi 6 begins;  Shlok….

May my lust, wrath (anger), greed, worldly love and egotism depart. Nanak is seeking your protection O Lord, have mercy upon me.

By whose grace you are eating thirty six delicacies, you have to reside that Lord in your heart. Bear in mind that you have to bring Him to your heart by whose grace you are able to use all types of perfumes ( to make your body smell pleasant). Meditate on His Name in your mind by whose favour you are dwelling in your mansion of comforts. Ask your tongue to recite His Name all eight watches (Aath pehar) by whose grace you are comfortable with your family in your mansion. Meditate on His Name O Nanak who is worthy of it because His Kindness gives you love and pleasure (pad 1).

Why should you be enamoured by others and abandon Him when by His Grace you wear Silk and sleep on silk sheets? By whose grace you sleep on a comfortable bed O my soul, should be singing His Praises all eight hours of the day. By whose Grace you get all the honour and respect from others you should be singing His eulogies. By whose Grace you are able to preserve your righteousness you should be meditating on that Supreme Lord’s Name. By contemplating continuously on His Name you shall get a seat in His Court. In this manner O Nanak you shall be going home in honour (pad 2).

Concentrate your attention to meditate on that Loving Lord’s Name by whose grace you have obtained a healthy golden body. O man you shall utter the praises of that Lord God who conceals and preserve your honour. By whose Grace all your sins are concealed you shall seek His protection. By whose Grace you are made comparable to none O soul, your every breath should remember the Name of that Highest Lord. By whose Grace you have this precious body O man you shall be performing the devotional service to Him (God), Pad 3.

By whose Grace you are wearing all the ornaments, why do you feel lazy to remember His Name. O man, never forget to utter His Name by whose Grace you have horses and elephants to ride. By whose Grace you have gardens and wealth, string His name (like garland) and keep in your heart. The One who has made your body and put soul to it, you shall remember him in every moment of your sitting or standing. Remember Him the One Invisible Lord because He will save you both here and in the nether world (pad 4).