Gems of Gurban

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtapadi 19)

Shlok: Meditation of Lord’s Name is the only wealth that will go with the mortal when he departs from this world. All other wealth that man earns becomes ashes like one’s physical body. Practice to meditate on His Name O Nanak that alone is an excellent wealth.

Ashtapadi: In the company of pious people reflect upon the Name of Lord. There is only One Lord on whose Name you can always depend. Forget all other efforts O my friend and place only Lord’s beautiful lotus like feet in your mind and heart because He is the only Potent One who can do all the works. Emphasize your mind with article known as God that is the only wealth that you can amass and become fortunate. The instructions of the saintly people are pure that keep only One Lord in your mind O Nanak all your maladies will be dispelled (pad 1).

The wealth after which you are running in all four directions O man can only be obtained by serving the Lord. The peace that you desire can be obtained only in the company of the pious people. The glory that you are seeking by performing good acts can be obtained only if you come in protection of Lord. The malady that is not being cured by many remedies will vanish by administering the medicine of Name of the Lord. Of all the treasures the God’s name is the best treasure. Utter it O Nanak, and thou shall be acceptable in God’s Court (pad 2).

Instruct your mind to follow the Name of the Lord. Your mind that wanders in all ten directions shall thus come home. No obstructions will befall when you have God’s Name abide in your heart. The Dark Age is hot (because of all the sins that take place in this age) and by remembering Lord’s Name (that is cool) one can obtain peace. By remembering on His Name your fear will depart and the hope will be established. By devotional service and Divine Love your soul shall be enlightened. You shall go and dwell in that imperishable house (of Lord) and says Nanak that your death noose shall be cut loose (pad 3).