Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib  50

Ashtapadi 21 continues: When God’s glory lay with Himself alone, who was mother, father, friend, son and brother?  When He himself was well versed in all powers, why would anyone see the Vedas or books of the west then? When God kept His thoughts to Himself who would think of favourable or unfavourable omens? When God Himself posses higher or lower status who then would be called Master or servant?  I am astonished at His wondrous mystery O Nanak, He, Himself alone knows His condition (pad 5).

When the undeceivable, impenetrable, inscrutable Lord was contained in Himself, who then could feel the influence of illusions? When He himself paid homage to self then the three qualities of illusions could not enter the world. When the unique Lord, who was free from any care, who would then feel the need of any care? When the Lord could satisfy Himself, who would then preach and who would listen? The Lord is vastly Infinite and the Highest of the High. O Nanak, He alone can reach Himself (pad 6).

When the Lord Himself fashioned the world and gave forms and expanded with the   three qualities sin and merits were then spoken of, the hell and heaven were wished. God made the worldly snares of wealth, illusions, entanglements, pride, earthly affections, doubt and loads of fear. Pain and pleasure, honour and dishonour began to be described in diverse ways. His play He creates and He watches Himself. When O Nanak, He winds up this play, He will be Himself again (pad 7).

God expresses Himself wherever there are saintly people perhaps all this spread is to enhance the glory of His Saints. He is the Master of both the sides. The entire praises suite Him alone. He creates, performs plays recreates and frolics, He enjoys, and pleasures yet remain uncontaminated. Whomsoever He pleases, them He attaches with His Name. Whomsoever He pleases, them He makes play His plays of the world. God is incalculable, unfathomable, unaccountable and immeasurable. As He, the Lord causes the Nanak to speak so does he speaks (pad 8).