Japji Sahib in Gurmukhi

ੴ

Ik Onkar

There is only One God — one Creator who flows through all of creation.

ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ

Sat Naam

Whose Name is true and everlasting.

ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ

Kartaa Purakh

The Creator, present in everything.

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ

Nirbhau Nirvair

Without any fear, and without hate for anyone.

ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ

Akaal Moorat Ajoonee Saibhang

Beyond time, never born, and made by no one.

ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

Gur Prasaad.

Known through the Guru's grace.

॥ ਜਪੁ ॥

Jap.

Jap — lovingly remember. This is the title of the bani, which is why it is called Japji.

ਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁ ॥

Aad sach jugaad sach.

True at the very beginning, and true through all the ages.

ਹੈ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੋਸੀ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ॥੧॥

Hai bhee sach Naanak hosee bhee sach. ॥1॥

True even now — and, says Nanak, God will be true forever. ॥1॥

ਸੋਚੈ ਸੋਚਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਸੋਚੀ ਲਖ ਵਾਰ ॥

Sochai soch na hova-ee je sochee lakh vaar.

By washing the body again and again, the mind is not made clean — even a hundred thousand times.

ਚੁਪੈ ਚੁਪ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਲਾਇ ਰਹਾ ਲਿਵ ਤਾਰ ॥

Chupai chup na hova-ee je laa-e rahaa liv taar.

By forcing ourselves to be silent, inner quiet is not found — even by sitting still for a long time.

ਭੁਖਿਆ ਭੁਖ ਨ ਉਤਰੀ ਜੇ ਬੰਨਾ ਪੁਰੀਆ ਭਾਰ ॥

Bhukhiaa bhukh na utree je bannaa puree-aa bhaar.

The hunger of the hungry never ends — even by piling up the riches of all the worlds.

ਸਹਸ ਸਿਆਣਪਾ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਤ ਇਕ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥

Sahas siaanpaa lakh hohi ta ik na chalai naal.

We may have thousands of clever ideas — but not even one goes with us in the end.

ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥

Kiv sachiaaraa ho-ee-ai kiv koorhai tutai paal.

So how can we become true? How does the wall of falsehood between us and God break?

ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥

Hukam rajaa-ee chalnaa Naanak likhiaa naal. ॥1॥

Guru Nanak says: by walking in Hukam — God's will, already written within us. ॥1॥

ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਆਕਾਰ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਹਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥

Hukmee hovan aakaar hukam na kahiaa jaa-ee.

By God's Hukam all shapes and forms come to be — yet the Hukam itself is too great to fully describe.

ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਜੀਅ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥

Hukmee hovan jee-a hukam milai vadiaa-ee.

By Hukam all living beings come into being, and by Hukam honour is given.

ਹੁਕਮੀ ਉਤਮੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ॥

Hukmee utam neech hukam likh dukh sukh paa-ee-ah.

By Hukam some are high and some are low; by Hukam we are given sorrow and joy.

ਇਕਨਾ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਇਕਿ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਸਦਾ ਭਵਾਈਅਹਿ ॥

Iknaa hukmee bakhsees ik hukmee sadaa bhavaa-ee-ah.

By Hukam some receive blessings, and some keep wandering.

ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

Hukmai andar sabh ko baahar hukam na ko-e.

Everyone is within Hukam — no one is outside it.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥

Naanak hukmai je bujhai ta haumai kahai na ko-e. ॥2॥

Says Nanak: whoever truly understands Hukam stops speaking in ego. ॥2॥

ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਤਾਣੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਕਿਸੈ ਤਾਣੁ ॥

Gaavai ko taan hovai kisai taan.

Some sing of God's power — if they have the power to sing it.

ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਦਾਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥

Gaavai ko daat jaanai neesaan.

Some sing of God's gifts, and know them as signs of grace.

ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਗੁਣ ਵਡਿਆਈਆ ਚਾਰ ॥

Gaavai ko gun vadiaa-ee-aa chaar.

Some sing of God's beautiful qualities and greatness.

ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵਿਖਮੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Gaavai ko vidiaa vikham veechaar.

Some sing of God's deep, hard-to-grasp wisdom.

ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਸਾਜਿ ਕਰੇ ਤਨੁ ਖੇਹ ॥

Gaavai ko saaj kare tan kheh.

Some sing that God shapes the body, then turns it back to dust.

ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਜੀਅ ਲੈ ਫਿਰਿ ਦੇਹ ॥

Gaavai ko jee-a lai fir deh.

Some sing that God takes life away, and then gives it again.

ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਜਾਪੈ ਦਿਸੈ ਦੂਰਿ ॥

Gaavai ko jaapai disai door.

Some sing that God seems to be far away.

ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਵੇਖੈ ਹਾਦਰਾ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥

Gaavai ko vekhai haadraa hadoor.

Some sing that God is watching, ever-present, right here.

ਕਥਨਾ ਕਥੀ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਤੋਟਿ ॥

Kathnaa kathee na aavai tot.

There is no end to the ways people describe God.

ਕਥਿ ਕਥਿ ਕਥੀ ਕੋਟੀ ਕੋਟਿ ਕੋਟਿ ॥

Kath kath kathee kotee kot kot.

Millions upon millions describe God, again and again.

ਦੇਦਾ ਦੇ ਲੈਦੇ ਥਕਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥

Dedaa de laide thak paahi.

The Giver keeps on giving, while those who receive grow tired of receiving.

ਜੁਗਾ ਜੁਗੰਤਰਿ ਖਾਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥

Jugaa jugantar khaahee khaahi.

Age after age, everyone lives on God's gifts.

ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਰਾਹੁ ॥

Hukmee hukam chalaa-e raahu.

By the Hukam, God runs the way of the whole world.

ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥੩॥

Naanak vigsai veparvaahu. ॥3॥

Says Nanak: the carefree God is forever joyful. ॥3॥

ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚੁ ਨਾਇ ਭਾਖਿਆ ਭਾਉ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥

Saachaa saahib saach naae bhaakhiaa bhaau apaar.

True is our Master and true is the Name, which loving hearts speak with endless love.

ਆਖਹਿ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਦੇਹਿ ਦੇਹਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਦਾਤਾਰੁ ॥

Aakhah mangah dehi dehi daat kare daataar.

People keep asking and begging, 'Give us, give us' — and the Great Giver keeps giving.

ਫੇਰਿ ਕਿ ਅਗੈ ਰਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਦਿਸੈ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥

Fer ki agai rakhee-ai jit disai darbaar.

So what gift can we place before God to be welcomed into the royal court?

ਮੁਹੌ ਕਿ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਬੋਲੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਸੁਣਿ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥

Muhau ki bolan bolee-ai jit sun dhare piaar.

And what words can our mouth speak that, on hearing, God will love us?

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Amrit velaa sach naao vadiaa-ee veechaar.

In the calm early morning, say the True Name and reflect on God's greatness.

ਕਰਮੀ ਆਵੈ ਕਪੜਾ ਨਦਰੀ ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥

Karmee aavai kaparhaa nadree mokh duaar.

Good actions earn this human life, and God's grace opens the door to freedom.

ਨਾਨਕ ਏਵੈ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਆਪੇ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥੪॥

Naanak evai jaanee-ai sabh aape sachiaar. ॥4॥

Says Nanak: know this — the True One is, all by Himself, everything. ॥4॥

ਥਾਪਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਕੀਤਾ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

Thaapiaa na jaae keetaa na hoe.

God cannot be set up or made by anyone.

ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥

Aape aap niranjan soe.

That spotless One simply is, all by Himself.

ਜਿਨਿ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਾਨੁ ॥

Jin seviaa tin paaiaa maan.

Those who serve God lovingly receive true honour.

ਨਾਨਕ ਗਾਵੀਐ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥

Naanak gaavee-ai gunee nidhaan.

Says Nanak: sing the praises of God, the treasure of all goodness.

ਗਾਵੀਐ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਮਨਿ ਰਖੀਐ ਭਾਉ ॥

Gaavee-ai sunee-ai man rakhee-ai bhaau.

Sing and listen, and keep love for God inside your heart.

ਦੁਖੁ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਘਰਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ ॥

Dukh parhar sukh ghar lai jaae.

Your sorrow will leave, and you will carry peace home in your heart.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ॥

Gurmukh naadan gurmukh vedan gurmukh rahiaa samaa-ee.

Through the Guru's word we hear the divine sound and gain true knowledge, and through it we see God filling everything.

ਗੁਰੁ ਈਸਰੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੋਰਖੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਰਬਤੀ ਮਾਈ ॥

Gur eesar gur gorakh barmaa gur paarbatee maa-ee.

For me, the Guru holds the greatness people give to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Parbati.

ਜੇ ਹਉ ਜਾਣਾ ਆਖਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਹਣਾ ਕਥਨੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥

Je hau jaanaa aakhaa naahee kahnaa kathan na jaa-ee.

Even if I knew God fully, I could not say it — God is beyond all words.

ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥

Guraa ik dehi bujhaa-ee.

O my Guru, the one thing you have made me understand is this:

ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੫॥

Sabhnaa jee-aa kaa ik daataa so mai visar na jaa-ee. ॥5॥

There is one Giver for all living beings — may I never forget that One. ॥5॥

ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਾ ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਭਾਣੇ ਕਿ ਨਾਇ ਕਰੀ ॥

Teerath naavaa je tis bhaavaa vin bhaane ki naae karee.

My real pilgrimage is to please God; without pleasing God, what use is bathing at holy places?

ਜੇਤੀ ਸਿਰਠਿ ਉਪਾਈ ਵੇਖਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਲਈ ॥

Jetee sirath upaa-ee vekhaa vin karmaa ki milai la-ee.

Of all the creation I see, without good deeds and grace, what can anyone gain?

ਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਤਨ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਿਕ ਜੇ ਇਕ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣੀ ॥

Mat vich ratan javaahar maanik je ik gur kee sikh sunee.

Jewels and gems shine inside your mind — if you listen to even one teaching of the Guru.

ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥

Guraa ik dehi bujhaa-ee.

O my Guru, the one thing you have made me understand is this:

ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੬॥

Sabhnaa jee-aa kaa ik daataa so mai visar na jaa-ee. ॥6॥

There is one Giver for all living beings — may I never forget that One. ॥6॥

ਜੇ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਆਰਜਾ ਹੋਰ ਦਸੂਣੀ ਹੋਇ ॥

Je jug chaare aarjaa hor dasoonee hoe.

Even if someone lived through all four ages, and ten times longer still,

ਨਵਾ ਖੰਡਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥

Navaa khandaa vich jaanee-ai naal chalai sabh koe.

and were famous across all nine regions of the world, with everyone following along,

ਚੰਗਾ ਨਾਉ ਰਖਾਇ ਕੈ ਜਸੁ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਜਗਿ ਲੇਇ ॥

Changaa naau rakhaae kai jas keerat jag le-e.

earning a great name and winning praise all over the world —

ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਤ ਵਾਤ ਨ ਪੁਛੈ ਕੇ ॥

Je tis nadar na aavee ta vaat na puchhai ke.

yet if God's grace does not fall on them, no one truly cares for them.

ਕੀਟਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕੀਟੁ ਕਰਿ ਦੋਸੀ ਦੋਸੁ ਧਰੇ ॥

Keetaa andar keet kar dosee dos dhare.

They are counted the lowest worm among worms, and even wrongdoers blame them.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਗੁਣਿ ਗੁਣੁ ਕਰੇ ਗੁਣਵੰਤਿਆ ਗੁਣੁ ਦੇ ॥

Naanak nirgun gun kare gunvantiaa gun de.

Says Nanak: God gives goodness to those who have none, and more goodness to the good.

ਤੇਹਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸੁਝਈ ਜਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਣੁ ਕੋਇ ਕਰੇ ॥੭॥

Tehaa koe na sujha-ee ji tis gun koe kare. ॥7॥

I cannot imagine anyone who could grant goodness to God in return. ॥7॥

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥

Suniai sidh peer sur naath.

By listening to the Name, ordinary people rise to become wise saints and great spiritual guides.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਧਰਤਿ ਧਵਲ ਆਕਾਸ ॥

Suniai dharat dhaval aakaas.

By listening to the Name, the secrets of the earth and the sky become known.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੀਪ ਲੋਅ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥

Suniai deep loa paataal.

By listening to the Name, we come to understand all the worlds, above and below.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕਾਲੁ ॥

Suniai pohi na sakai kaal.

By listening to the Name, even the fear of death cannot touch us.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥

Naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.

Says Nanak: those who love God are always full of joy.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੮॥

Suniai dookh paap kaa naas. ॥8॥

By listening to the Name, sorrow and wrongdoing are washed away. ॥8॥

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਈਸਰੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਇੰਦੁ ॥

Suniai eesar barmaa ind.

By listening to the Name, a person gains greatness like that given to Shiva, Brahma and Indra.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਲਾਹਣ ਮੰਦੁ ॥

Suniai mukh saalaahan mand.

By listening to the Name, even one who has gone astray begins to praise God.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਤਨਿ ਭੇਦ ॥

Suniai jog jugat tan bhed.

By listening to the Name, the way to join with God and the body's secrets are understood.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਾਸਤ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਵੇਦ ॥

Suniai saasat simrit ved.

By listening to the Name, the wisdom of all the sacred books is gained.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥

Naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.

Says Nanak: those who love God are always full of joy.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੯॥

Suniai dookh paap kaa naas. ॥9॥

By listening to the Name, sorrow and wrongdoing are washed away. ॥9॥

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥

Suniai sat santokh giaan.

By listening to God's Name we receive truth, contentment, and understanding.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਕਾ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥

Suniai athsath kaa isnaan.

Listening to the Name gives the blessing of bathing at all sixty-eight holy places.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥

Suniai parh parh paavah maan.

By listening to the Name, people earn the honour that comes from deep learning.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥

Suniai laagai sahaj dhiaan.

By listening to the Name, the mind settles easily into calm meditation.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥

Naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.

Says Nanak: those who love God are always blossoming with joy.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੧੦॥

Suniai dookh paap kaa naas. ॥10॥

By listening to God's Name, sorrow and wrongdoing are washed away. ॥10॥

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਰਾ ਗੁਣਾ ਕੇ ਗਾਹ ॥

Suniai saraa gunaa ke gaah.

By listening to God's Name, we dive deep into oceans full of goodness.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੇਖ ਪੀਰ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹ ॥

Suniai sekh peer paatisaah.

Listening to the Name makes people wise teachers, guides, and kings.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਅੰਧੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਰਾਹੁ ॥

Suniai andhe paavah raahu.

By listening to the Name, even those who cannot see find their way.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਹਾਥ ਹੋਵੈ ਅਸਗਾਹੁ ॥

Suniai haath hovai asgaahu.

By listening to the Name, the deepest, most unreachable God comes within reach.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥

Naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.

Says Nanak: those who love God are always blossoming with joy.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੧੧॥

Suniai dookh paap kaa naas. ॥11॥

By listening to God's Name, sorrow and wrongdoing are washed away. ॥11॥

ਮੰਨੇ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥

Manne kee gat kahee na jaae.

The wonderful state of one who truly trusts the Naam cannot be described.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਇ ॥

Je ko kahai pichhai pachhutaae.

Anyone who tries to describe it later wishes they had not, for words fall short.

ਕਾਗਦਿ ਕਲਮ ਨ ਲਿਖਣਹਾਰੁ ॥

Kaagad kalam na likhanhaar.

There is no paper, no pen, and no writer who can capture it.

ਮੰਨੇ ਕਾ ਬਹਿ ਕਰਨਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Manne kaa bah karan veechaar.

None can sit down and fully explain the one who trusts the Naam.

ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

Aisaa naam niranjan hoe.

Such is the spotless, pure Name of God.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੨॥

Je ko mann jaanai man koe. ॥12॥

Only the rare one who truly trusts the Naam knows this joy within their own heart. ॥12॥

ਮੰਨੈ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥

Mannai surat hovai man budh.

By trusting the Naam, the mind gains awareness and clear understanding.

ਮੰਨੈ ਸਗਲ ਭਵਣ ਕੀ ਸੁਧਿ ॥

Mannai sagal bhavan kee sudh.

By trusting the Naam, one comes to know about all the worlds.

ਮੰਨੈ ਮੁਹਿ ਚੋਟਾ ਨਾ ਖਾਇ ॥

Mannai muh chotaa naa khaae.

One who trusts the Naam is never struck down or put to shame.

ਮੰਨੈ ਜਮ ਕੈ ਸਾਥਿ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥

Mannai jam kai saath na jaae.

One who trusts the Naam is freed from the fear of death.

ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

Aisaa naam niranjan hoe.

Such is the spotless, pure Name of God.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੩॥

Je ko mann jaanai man koe. ॥13॥

Only the rare one who truly trusts the Naam knows this joy within their own heart. ॥13॥

ਮੰਨੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਠਾਕ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥

Mannai maarag thaak na paae.

One who trusts the Naam finds no roadblocks on the path of life.

ਮੰਨੈ ਪਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਜਾਇ ॥

Mannai pat siau pargat jaae.

One who trusts the Naam moves forward with honour and is known for it.

ਮੰਨੈ ਮਗੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਪੰਥੁ ॥

Mannai mag na chalai panth.

One who trusts the Naam does not get lost on empty, showy rituals.

ਮੰਨੈ ਧਰਮ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਨਬੰਧੁ ॥

Mannai dharam setee sanbandh.

One who trusts the Naam is firmly joined to a life of righteousness.

ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

Aisaa naam niranjan hoe.

Such is the spotless, pure Name of God.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੪॥

Je ko mann jaanai man koe. ॥14॥

Only the rare one who truly trusts the Naam knows this joy within their own heart. ॥14॥

ਮੰਨੈ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥

Mannai paavah mokh duaar.

One who trusts the Naam finds the door to freedom.

ਮੰਨੈ ਪਰਵਾਰੈ ਸਾਧਾਰੁ ॥

Mannai parvaarai saadhaar.

One who trusts the Naam becomes a support and blessing for their whole family.

ਮੰਨੈ ਤਰੈ ਤਾਰੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ॥

Mannai tarai taare gur sikh.

One who trusts the Naam crosses over, and the Guru's Sikhs are carried across too.

ਮੰਨੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਵਹਿ ਨ ਭਿਖ ॥

Mannai Naanak bhavah na bhikh.

Says Nanak: one who trusts the Naam never has to wander begging.

ਐਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

Aisaa naam niranjan hoe.

Such is the spotless, pure Name of God.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੧੫॥

Je ko mann jaanai man koe. ॥15॥

Only the rare one who truly trusts the Naam knows this joy within their own heart. ॥15॥

ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ ॥

Panch parvaan panch parDhaan.

The chosen, good souls are accepted everywhere, and they lead the way.

ਪੰਚੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਦਰਗਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥

Panche paavah dargeh maan.

These good souls are honoured in God's Court.

ਪੰਚੇ ਸੋਹਹਿ ਦਰਿ ਰਾਜਾਨੁ ॥

Panche sohah dar raajaan.

They look beautiful even at the door of kings.

ਪੰਚਾ ਕਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਏਕੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥

Panchaa kaa gur ek Dhiaan.

These good souls keep their mind fixed on the One Guru alone.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਕਰੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Je ko kahai karai veechaar.

However much anyone speaks and thinks about it —

ਕਰਤੇ ਕੈ ਕਰਣੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੁਮਾਰੁ ॥

Karte kai karnai naahee sumaar.

the Creator's works can never be counted.

ਧੌਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਾ ਪੂਤੁ ॥

Dhaul Dharam daiaa kaa poot.

The bull that holds up the earth is really Dharam (righteousness), born from compassion.

ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖਿਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਸੂਤਿ ॥

Santokh thaap rakhiaa jin soot.

And it is contentment that patiently holds everything together in its thread.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬੁਝੈ ਹੋਵੈ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥

Je ko bujhai hovai sachiaar.

Whoever truly understands this becomes a person of truth.

ਧਵਲੈ ਉਪਰਿ ਕੇਤਾ ਭਾਰੁ ॥

Dhavlai upar ketaa bhaar.

Just think how much weight is on that bull —

ਧਰਤੀ ਹੋਰੁ ਪਰੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਹੋਰੁ ॥

Dhartee hor parai hor hor.

for there are more and more worlds beyond this earth, on and on.

ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਭਾਰੁ ਤਲੈ ਕਵਣੁ ਜੋਰੁ ॥

Tis te bhaar talai kavan jor.

What power, then, holds up their weight from below?

ਜੀਅ ਜਾਤਿ ਰੰਗਾ ਕੇ ਨਾਵ ॥

Jee-a jaat rangaa ke naav.

All the kinds of creatures, their colours and their names —

ਸਭਨਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਵੁੜੀ ਕਲਾਮ ॥

Sabhnaa likhiaa vurhee kalaam.

were all written down by God's ever-flowing pen.

ਏਹੁ ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥

Ehu lekhaa likh jaanai ko-e.

Who could even know how to write out such an account?

ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਕੇਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥

Lekhaa likhiaa ketaa ho-e.

And how huge that written account would be!

ਕੇਤਾ ਤਾਣੁ ਸੁਆਲਿਹੁ ਰੂਪੁ ॥

Ketaa taan suaalihu roop.

How great is Your power, O God, and how lovely Your beauty!

ਕੇਤੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੌਣੁ ਕੂਤੁ ॥

Ketee daat jaanai kaun koot.

How vast are Your gifts — who could ever measure them?

ਕੀਤਾ ਪਸਾਉ ਏਕੋ ਕਵਾਉ ॥

Keetaa pasaa-o eko kavaa-o.

With just one Word You created the whole expanse of the universe,

ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਹੋਏ ਲਖ ਦਰੀਆਉ ॥

Tis te ho-e lakh dareeaa-o.

and from it countless rivers of life began to flow.

ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Kudrat kavan kahaa veechaar.

What power do I have to describe You or Your creation?

ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥

Vaariaa na jaavaa ek vaar.

I cannot even once make myself a worthy sacrifice to You.

ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥

Jo tuDh bhaavai saa-ee bhalee kaar.

Whatever pleases You is the good and right thing to do.

ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੬॥

Too sadaa salaamat nirankaar. ॥16॥

You are forever steady and everlasting, O Formless One. ॥16॥

ਅਸੰਖ ਜਪ ਅਸੰਖ ਭਾਉ ॥

Asankh jap asankh bhaa-o.

Countless are those who chant Your Name, and countless those who love You.

ਅਸੰਖ ਪੂਜਾ ਅਸੰਖ ਤਪ ਤਾਉ ॥

Asankh poojaa asankh tap taa-o.

Countless are the acts of worship, and countless the people doing hard spiritual practice.

ਅਸੰਖ ਗਰੰਥ ਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਦ ਪਾਠ ॥

Asankh garanth mukh ved paath.

Countless are the holy books, and countless those reciting the Vedas aloud.

ਅਸੰਖ ਜੋਗ ਮਨਿ ਰਹਹਿ ਉਦਾਸ ॥

Asankh jog man rahah udaas.

Countless are the yogis whose minds stay detached from the world.

ਅਸੰਖ ਭਗਤ ਗੁਣ ਗਿਆਨ ਵੀਚਾਰ ॥

Asankh bhagat gun giaan veechaar.

Countless are the devoted ones who reflect on God's virtues and wisdom.

ਅਸੰਖ ਸਤੀ ਅਸੰਖ ਦਾਤਾਰ ॥

Asankh satee asankh daataar.

Countless are the truthful and good, and countless the generous givers.

ਅਸੰਖ ਸੂਰ ਮੁਹ ਭਖ ਸਾਰ ॥

Asankh soor muh bhakh saar.

Countless are the brave warriors who face steel head-on in battle.

ਅਸੰਖ ਮੋਨਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ਤਾਰ ॥

Asankh mon liv laa-e taar.

Countless are the silent sages whose love stays tuned to You without a break.

ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Kudrat kavan kahaa veechaar.

What power do I have to describe You or Your creation?

ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥

Vaariaa na jaavaa ek vaar.

I cannot even once make myself a worthy sacrifice to You.

ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥

Jo tuDh bhaavai saa-ee bhalee kaar.

Whatever pleases You is the good and right thing to do.

ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੭॥

Too sadaa salaamat nirankaar. ॥17॥

You are forever steady and everlasting, O Formless One. ॥17॥

ਅਸੰਖ ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਧ ਘੋਰ ॥

Asankh moorakh anDh ghor.

Countless are the fools, lost in deep darkness.

ਅਸੰਖ ਚੋਰ ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ ॥

Asankh chor haraamkhor.

Countless are the thieves who live off what is not theirs.

ਅਸੰਖ ਅਮਰ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ਜੋਰ ॥

Asankh amar kar jaah jor.

Countless are those who rule by force and then pass away.

ਅਸੰਖ ਗਲਵਢ ਹਤਿਆ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥

Asankh galvadh hatiaa kamaah.

Countless are the cut-throats who cause harm and bloodshed.

ਅਸੰਖ ਪਾਪੀ ਪਾਪੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

Asankh paapee paap kar jaah.

Countless are the sinners who keep on sinning and then depart.

ਅਸੰਖ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਕੂੜੇ ਫਿਰਾਹਿ ॥

Asankh koorhiaar koorhe firaah.

Countless are the liars who wander about in falsehood.

ਅਸੰਖ ਮਲੇਛ ਮਲੁ ਭਖਿ ਖਾਹਿ ॥

Asankh malech mal bhakh khaah.

Countless are the foul ones who feed on filth.

ਅਸੰਖ ਨਿੰਦਕ ਸਿਰਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਭਾਰੁ ॥

Asankh nindak sir karah bhaar.

Countless are the slanderers who carry that load of wrong on their heads.

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਕਹੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Naanak neech kahai veechaar.

Nanak, the humble one, simply offers this thought.

ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥

Vaariaa na jaavaa ek vaar.

I cannot even once make myself a worthy sacrifice to You.

ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥

Jo tuDh bhaavai saa-ee bhalee kaar.

Whatever pleases You is the good and right thing to do.

ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੮॥

Too sadaa salaamat nirankaar. ॥18॥

You are forever steady and everlasting, O Formless One. ॥18॥

ਅਸੰਖ ਨਾਵ ਅਸੰਖ ਥਾਵ ॥

Asankh naav asankh thaav.

Countless are Your Names, and countless Your places, O God.

ਅਗੰਮ ਅਗੰਮ ਅਸੰਖ ਲੋਅ ॥

Agamm agamm asankh lo-a.

Countless are Your worlds, far beyond our reach and our understanding.

ਅਸੰਖ ਕਹਹਿ ਸਿਰਿ ਭਾਰੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

Asankh kahah sir bhaar ho-e.

Even to call them 'countless' is to carry a weight on our heads.

ਅਖਰੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਖਰੀ ਸਾਲਾਹ ॥

Akhree naam akhree saalaah.

It is through words that we speak Your Name and through words that we praise You.

ਅਖਰੀ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੀਤ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਹ ॥

Akhree giaan geet gun gaah.

Through words come wisdom, and the songs that sing Your virtues.

ਅਖਰੀ ਲਿਖਣੁ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਬਾਣਿ ॥

Akhree likhan bolan baan.

Through words we write and speak our holy hymns.

ਅਖਰਾ ਸਿਰਿ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਖਾਣਿ ॥

Akhraa sir sanjog vakhaan.

And in words our destiny is written and explained.

ਜਿਨਿ ਏਹਿ ਲਿਖੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥

Jin eh likhe tis sir naah.

But God, who writes everyone's destiny, has none written over His own head.

ਜਿਵ ਫੁਰਮਾਏ ਤਿਵ ਤਿਵ ਪਾਹਿ ॥

Jiv furmaa-e tiv tiv paah.

Just as He commands, so exactly do we receive.

ਜੇਤਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਤੇਤਾ ਨਾਉ ॥

Jetaa keetaa tetaa naa-o.

As great as His creation is, so great is His Name.

ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋ ਥਾਉ ॥

Vin naavai naahee ko thaa-o.

Without His Name, there is no place at all.

ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਵਣ ਕਹਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Kudrat kavan kahaa veechaar.

What power do I have to describe You or Your creation?

ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ ॥

Vaariaa na jaavaa ek vaar.

I cannot even once make myself a worthy sacrifice to You.

ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਾਰ ॥

Jo tuDh bhaavai saa-ee bhalee kaar.

Whatever pleases You is the good and right thing to do.

ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥੧੯॥

Too sadaa salaamat nirankaar. ॥19॥

You are forever steady and everlasting, O Formless One. ॥19॥

ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥

Bharee-ai hath pair tan deh.

When our hands, feet and body get dirty,

ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥

Paanee Dhotai utras kheh.

washing with water takes the dust away.

ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

Moot paleetee kaparh ho-e.

When a piece of clothing becomes soiled and stained,

ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥

De saaboon la-ee-ai oh Dho-e.

we use soap and wash it clean again.

ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥

Bharee-ai mat paapaa kai sang.

But when the mind is dirtied by wrongdoing,

ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥

Oh Dhopai naavai kai rang.

it is cleaned only by the love of God's Name.

ਪੁੰਨੀ ਪਾਪੀ ਆਖਣੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥

Punnee paapee aakhan naah.

We do not become good or bad just by calling ourselves so.

ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਣਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਹੁ ॥

Kar kar karnaa likh lai jaahu.

The deeds we do again and again are written down and carried with us.

ਆਪੇ ਬੀਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਖਾਹੁ ॥

Aape beej aape hee khaahu.

Whatever we ourselves plant, we ourselves will eat.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਆਵਹੁ ਜਾਹੁ ॥੨੦॥

Naanak hukmee aavhu jaahu. ॥20॥

Says Nanak: by God's command we come and we go. ॥20॥

ਤੀਰਥੁ ਤਪੁ ਦਇਆ ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥

Teerath tap daiaa dat daan.

Pilgrimage, hard penance, kindness and giving to charity —

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥

Je ko paavai til kaa maan.

even these earn only a tiny seed's worth of honour, if any.

ਸੁਣਿਆ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ ॥

Suniaa manniaa man keetaa bhaa-o.

But whoever hears God's Name, believes it, and loves it in the heart

ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥

Antargat teerath mal naa-o.

is cleansed by bathing in the holy place deep inside themselves.

ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥

Sabh gun tere mai naahee ko-e.

All good qualities are Yours, O God; I have none of my own.

ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

Vin gun keete bhagat na ho-e.

And without You giving me virtues, no real devotion can happen.

ਸੁਅਸਤਿ ਆਥਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਬਰਮਾਉ ॥

Suasat aath baanee barmaa-o.

I bow to You, the source of all creation and of the holy Word.

ਸਤਿ ਸੁਹਾਣੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ॥

Sat suhaan sadaa man chaa-o.

You are true and beautiful, with everlasting joy in Your mind.

ਕਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਵੇਲਾ ਵਖਤੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਕਵਣ ਥਿਤਿ ਕਵਣੁ ਵਾਰੁ ॥

Kavan so velaa vakhat kavan kavan thit kavan vaar.

What was the time, the hour, the date and the day,

ਕਵਣਿ ਸਿ ਰੁਤੀ ਮਾਹੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਹੋਆ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥

Kavan si rutee maahu kavan jit ho-aa aakaar.

what season and what month, when the whole creation was made?

ਵੇਲ ਨ ਪਾਈਆ ਪੰਡਤੀ ਜਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਲੇਖੁ ਪੁਰਾਣੁ ॥

Vel na paa-ee-aa panditee je hovai lekh puraan.

The scholars could not find that time, even with all their Puranas.

ਵਖਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਕਾਦੀਆ ਜਿ ਲਿਖਨਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਕੁਰਾਣੁ ॥

Vakhat na paa-i-o kaadeeaa je likhan lekh kuraan.

Nor did the learned men who write from the Quran know that hour.

ਥਿਤਿ ਵਾਰੁ ਨਾ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਾਣੈ ਰੁਤਿ ਮਾਹੁ ਨਾ ਕੋਈ ॥

Thit vaar naa jogee jaanai rut maahu naa ko-ee.

No yogi knows the date or day, and no one knows the season or month.

ਜਾ ਕਰਤਾ ਸਿਰਠੀ ਕਉ ਸਾਜੇ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਈ ॥

Jaa kartaa sirthee ka-o saaje aape jaanai so-ee.

Only the Creator, who made the whole world, knows that for Himself.

ਕਿਵ ਕਰਿ ਆਖਾ ਕਿਵ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਕਿਉ ਵਰਨੀ ਕਿਵ ਜਾਣਾ ॥

Kiv kar aakhaa kiv saalaahee ki-o varnee kiv jaanaa.

How can I speak of You, praise You, describe You or truly know You?

ਨਾਨਕ ਆਖਣਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਆਖੈ ਇਕ ਦੂ ਇਕੁ ਸਿਆਣਾ ॥

Naanak aakhan sabh ko aakhai ik doo ik siaanaa.

Says Nanak: everyone tries to describe You, each one cleverer than the last.

ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਵਡੀ ਨਾਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਹੋਵੈ ॥

Vadaa saahib vadee naa-ee keetaa jaa kaa hovai.

Great is the Master and great His Name, and whatever He does comes to pass.

ਨਾਨਕ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਪੌ ਜਾਣੈ ਅਗੈ ਗਇਆ ਨ ਸੋਹੈ ॥੨੧॥

Naanak je ko aapau jaanai agai ga-i-aa na sohai. ॥21॥

Says Nanak: anyone who thinks they did it themselves will not look good in the world hereafter. ॥21॥

ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥

Paataalaa paataal lakh aagaasaa aagaas.

There are worlds upon worlds below, and skies upon skies above — countless of them.

ਓੜਕ ਓੜਕ ਭਾਲਿ ਥਕੇ ਵੇਦ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਕ ਵਾਤ ॥

Orhak orhak bhaal thake ved kahan ik vaat.

People searched and searched for the very end and grew tired; the scriptures all say one thing.

ਸਹਸ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਕਹਨਿ ਕਤੇਬਾ ਅਸੁਲੂ ਇਕੁ ਧਾਤੁ ॥

Sahas athaarah kahan katebaa asuloo ik dhaat.

Some books speak of eighteen thousand worlds, but the one true source behind them all is God.

ਲੇਖਾ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਲੇਖੈ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਣਾਸੁ ॥

Lekhaa ho-e ta likee-ai lekhai ho-e vinaas.

If His creation could be counted, we would write it down — but the counter would finish before the count does.

ਨਾਨਕ ਵਡਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੁ ॥੨੨॥

Naanak vadaa aakhee-ai aape jaanai aap. ॥22॥

Says Nanak: we call God great — and only He Himself truly knows Himself. ॥22॥

ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਏਤੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਈਆ ॥

Saalaahee saalaah etee surat na paa-ee-aa.

Those who praise God keep praising Him, yet they cannot fully grasp how great He is.

ਨਦੀਆ ਅਤੈ ਵਾਹ ਪਵਹਿ ਸਮੁੰਦਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੀਅਹਿ ॥

Nadee-aa atai vaah paveh samund na jaanee-ah.

Like rivers and streams flowing into the ocean, they cannot know how endless it is.

ਸਮੁੰਦ ਸਾਹ ਸੁਲਤਾਨ ਗਿਰਹਾ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਾਲੁ ਧਨੁ ॥

Samund saah sultaan girhaa setee maal dhan.

Even kings and emperors, with wealth piled high like oceans and mountains —

ਕੀੜੀ ਤੁਲਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਨੀ ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਨਹੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰਹਿ ॥੨੩॥

Keerhee tul na hovnee je tis manhu na veesreh. ॥23॥

are not equal to a tiny ant who never forgets God in her heart. ॥23॥

ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਕਹਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥

Ant na siftee kahan na ant.

There is no end to God's praises, and no end to those who describe Him.

ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਕਰਣੈ ਦੇਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥

Ant na karnai den na ant.

There is no end to what He does, and no end to what He gives.

ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਵੇਖਣਿ ਸੁਣਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥

Ant na vekhan sunan na ant.

There is no end to seeing Him, and no end to hearing of Him.

ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਕਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਮੰਤੁ ॥

Ant na jaapai ki-aa man mant.

No one can find the end of what is in His mind.

ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥

Ant na jaapai keetaa aakaar.

No one can find the end of the creation He has made.

ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਪਾਰਾਵਾਰੁ ॥

Ant na jaapai paaraavaar.

No one can find where it begins or where it ends.

ਅੰਤ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਬਿਲਲਾਹਿ ॥

Ant kaaran kete billaah.

So many cry out, longing to know His limits —

ਤਾ ਕੇ ਅੰਤ ਨ ਪਾਏ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

Taa ke ant na paa-e jaah.

but His limits can never be found.

ਏਹੁ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥

Ehu ant na jaanai ko-e.

No one at all can know this end.

ਬਹੁਤਾ ਕਹੀਐ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥

Bahutaa kahee-ai bahutaa ho-e.

The more we say about Him, the more there is still to say.

ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਊਚਾ ਥਾਉ ॥

Vadaa saahib oochaa thaa-o.

Great is the Master, and high is His place.

ਊਚੇ ਉਪਰਿ ਊਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥

Oochay upar oochaa naa-o.

Higher than the highest is His Name.

ਏਵਡੁ ਊਚਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥

Evad oochaa hovai ko-e.

If anyone could become as high and great as God,

ਤਿਸੁ ਊਚੇ ਕਉ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਇ ॥

Tis oochay ka-o jaanai so-e.

only then could they truly know that lofty One.

ਜੇਵਡੁ ਆਪਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪਿ ਆਪਿ ॥

Jevad aap jaanai aap aap.

How great He is, only He Himself knows.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਦਾਤਿ ॥੨੪॥

Naanak nadree karmee daat. ॥24॥

Says Nanak: the kind God gives His gifts through His grace. ॥24॥

ਬਹੁਤਾ ਕਰਮੁ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾ ਜਾਇ ॥

Bahutaa karam likhi-aa naa jaa-e.

God's blessings are so many that they cannot all be written down.

ਵਡਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਤਿਲੁ ਨ ਤਮਾਇ ॥

Vadaa daataa til na tamaa-e.

He is the great Giver, with not even a speck of greed.

ਕੇਤੇ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਜੋਧ ਅਪਾਰ ॥

Kete mangeh jodh apaar.

So many mighty warriors beg at the door of the endless Lord.

ਕੇਤਿਆ ਗਣਤ ਨਹੀ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Keti-aa ganat nahee veechaar.

So many think of Him that they are beyond counting.

ਕੇਤੇ ਖਪਿ ਤੁਟਹਿ ਵੇਕਾਰ ॥

Kete khap tuteh vekaar.

So many wear themselves out and waste away in wrongdoing.

ਕੇਤੇ ਲੈ ਲੈ ਮੁਕਰੁ ਪਾਹਿ ॥

Kete lai lai mukar paah.

So many keep taking gifts, then deny they ever received them.

ਕੇਤੇ ਮੂਰਖ ਖਾਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥

Kete moorakh khaahee khaah.

So many foolish ones just keep eating and eating.

ਕੇਤਿਆ ਦੂਖ ਭੂਖ ਸਦ ਮਾਰ ॥

Keti-aa dookh bhookh sad maar.

So many endure pain, hunger, and trouble again and again.

ਏਹਿ ਭਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤਾਰ ॥

Eh bhi daat teree daataar.

Even these are Your gifts, O Great Giver.

ਬੰਦਿ ਖਲਾਸੀ ਭਾਣੈ ਹੋਇ ॥

Band khalaasee bhaanai ho-e.

Freedom from our chains comes only by God's will.

ਹੋਰੁ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕੋਇ ॥

Hor aakh na sakai ko-e.

No one else has any say in it.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਇਕੁ ਆਖਣਿ ਪਾਇ ॥

Je ko khaa-ik aakhan paa-e.

If some foolish person dares to claim otherwise,

ਓਹੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੇਤੀਆ ਮੁਹਿ ਖਾਇ ॥

Oh jaanai jetee-aa muh khaa-e.

they will learn their lesson the hard way.

ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਇ ॥

Aape jaanai aape de-e.

God Himself knows our needs, and He Himself gives.

ਆਖਹਿ ਸਿ ਭਿ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥

Aakheh si bhi ke-ee ke-e.

Only a rare few even acknowledge His gifts.

ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਬਖਸੇ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹ ॥

Jis no bakhse sifat saalaah.

The one whom God blesses with the gift of praising Him —

ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ॥੨੫॥

Naanak paatisaahee paatisaahu. ॥25॥

says Nanak, that one is the king of kings. ॥25॥

ਅਮੁਲ ਗੁਣ ਅਮੁਲ ਵਾਪਾਰ ॥

Amul gun amul vaapaar.

Priceless are God's virtues, and priceless are His dealings.

ਅਮੁਲ ਵਾਪਾਰੀਏ ਅਮੁਲ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥

Amul vaapaaree-e amul bhandaar.

Priceless are those who deal with Him, and priceless are His treasures.

ਅਮੁਲ ਆਵਹਿ ਅਮੁਲ ਲੈ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

Amul aaveh amul lai jaah.

Priceless are those who come to Him, and priceless what they carry away.

ਅਮੁਲ ਭਾਇ ਅਮੁਲਾ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥

Amul bhaa-e amulaa samaah.

Priceless is loving God, and priceless is merging into Him.

ਅਮੁਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥

Amul dharam amul deebaan.

Priceless is His justice, and priceless is His court.

ਅਮੁਲੁ ਤੁਲੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥

Amul tul amul parvaan.

Priceless are His scales, and priceless are His weights.

ਅਮੁਲੁ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥

Amul bakhsees amul neesaan.

Priceless are His blessings, and priceless is His sign of approval.

ਅਮੁਲੁ ਕਰਮੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਣੁ ॥

Amul karam amul furmaan.

Priceless is His grace, and priceless is His command.

ਅਮੁਲੋ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਆਖਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥

Amulo amul aakhi-aa na jaa-e.

Priceless beyond priceless — God simply cannot be described.

ਆਖਿ ਆਖਿ ਰਹੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥

Aakh aakh rahe liv laa-e.

Speaking of Him again and again, people stay absorbed in His love.

ਆਖਹਿ ਵੇਦ ਪਾਠ ਪੁਰਾਣ ॥

Aakheh ved paath puraan.

The Vedas and the Puranas speak of Him.

ਆਖਹਿ ਪੜੇ ਕਰਹਿ ਵਖਿਆਣ ॥

Aakheh parhe kareh vakhi-aan.

The learned speak of Him and give discourses about Him.

ਆਖਹਿ ਬਰਮੇ ਆਖਹਿ ਇੰਦ ॥

Aakheh barme aakheh ind.

The Brahmas speak of Him, and the Indras speak of Him.

ਆਖਹਿ ਗੋਪੀ ਤੈ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ॥

Aakheh gopee tai govind.

The gopis and Krishna speak of Him.

ਆਖਹਿ ਈਸਰ ਆਖਹਿ ਸਿਧ ॥

Aakheh eesar aakheh sidh.

Shiva speaks of Him, and the Siddhas speak of Him.

ਆਖਹਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਬੁਧ ॥

Aakheh kete keete budh.

The many Buddhas He created speak of Him.

ਆਖਹਿ ਦਾਨਵ ਆਖਹਿ ਦੇਵ ॥

Aakheh daanav aakheh dev.

The demons speak of Him, and the gods speak of Him.

ਆਖਹਿ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਰ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਨ ਸੇਵ ॥

Aakheh sur nar mun jan sev.

The angels, humans, silent sages, and devoted servants all speak of Him.

ਕੇਤੇ ਆਖਹਿ ਆਖਣਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥

Kete aakheh aakhan paah.

So many speak of Him, and so many try to speak of Him.

ਕੇਤੇ ਕਹਿ ਕਹਿ ਉਠਿ ਉਠਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

Kete kah kah uth uth jaah.

So many describe Him, and then rise up and pass away.

ਏਤੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਹੋਰਿ ਕਰੇਹਿ ॥

Ete keete hor karehi.

If God created as many beings again as already exist,

ਤਾ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਸਕਹਿ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥

Taa aakh na sakeh ke-ee ke-e.

even then they could not fully describe Him.

ਜੇਵਡੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤੇਵਡੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

Jevad bhaavai tevad ho-e.

As great as He wishes to be, that great He becomes.

ਨਾਨਕ ਜਾਣੈ ਸਾਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥

Naanak jaanai saachaa so-e.

Says Nanak: only that True Lord Himself knows His own greatness.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਖੈ ਬੋਲੁਵਿਗਾੜੁ ॥

Je ko aakhai boluvigaarh.

If some foolish talker claims he can fully describe God,

ਤਾ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਸਿਰਿ ਗਾਵਾਰਾ ਗਾਵਾਰੁ ॥੨੬॥

Taa likhee-ai sir gaavaaraa gaavaar. ॥26॥

then mark him down as the most foolish of the foolish. ॥26॥

ਸੋ ਦਰੁ ਕੇਹਾ ਸੋ ਘਰੁ ਕੇਹਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਬਹਿ ਸਰਬ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥

So dar kehaa so ghar kehaa jit bah sarab samaale.

What is that door, what is that home, where God sits and watches over everyone?

ਵਾਜੇ ਨਾਦ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਸੰਖਾ ਕੇਤੇ ਵਾਵਣਹਾਰੇ ॥

Vaaje naad anek asankhaa kete vaavanhaare.

Countless melodies sound there, played by countless musicians.

ਕੇਤੇ ਰਾਗ ਪਰੀ ਸਿਉ ਕਹੀਅਨਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਗਾਵਣਹਾਰੇ ॥

Kete raag paree si-o kahee-an kete gaavanhaare.

So many tunes with their melodies are sung, by so many singers.

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਤੁਹਨੋ ਪਉਣੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੁ ਗਾਵੈ ਰਾਜਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਦੁਆਰੇ ॥

Gaaveh tuhno pa-un paanee baisantar gaavai raajaa dharam du-aare.

The wind, water, and fire sing of You, and the Righteous Judge sings at Your door.

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਗੁਪਤੁ ਲਿਖਿ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਧਰਮੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ॥

Gaaveh chit gupat likh jaaneh likh likh dharam veechaare.

The recording angels who write down our deeds sing of You, and the Righteous Judge reflects on what they write.

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਈਸਰੁ ਬਰਮਾ ਦੇਵੀ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਸਦਾ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥

Gaaveh eesar barmaa devee sohan sadaa savaare.

Shiva, Brahma, and the goddesses, ever beautiful and graced by You, sing of You.

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਇੰਦ ਇਦਾਸਣਿ ਬੈਠੇ ਦੇਵਤਿਆ ਦਰਿ ਨਾਲੇ ॥

Gaaveh ind idaasan baithe devti-aa dar naale.

Indra, seated on his throne with the gods at Your door, sings of You.

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧੀ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਗਾਵਨਿ ਸਾਧ ਵਿਚਾਰੇ ॥

Gaaveh sidh samaadhee andar gaavan saadh vichaare.

The Siddhas deep in meditation sing of You, and the holy ones sing in their reflection.

ਗਾਵਨਿ ਜਤੀ ਸਤੀ ਸੰਤੋਖੀ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਵੀਰ ਕਰਾਰੇ ॥

Gaavan jatee satee santokhee gaaveh veer karaare.

The self-controlled, the truthful, and the contented sing of You, and the brave warriors sing too.

ਗਾਵਨਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਪੜਨਿ ਰਖੀਸਰ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਵੇਦਾ ਨਾਲੇ ॥

Gaavan pandit parhan rakheesar jug jug vedaa naale.

The scholars and great sages who study the scriptures, age after age, sing of You.

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਮੋਹਣੀਆ ਮਨੁ ਮੋਹਨਿ ਸੁਰਗਾ ਮਛ ਪਇਆਲੇ ॥

Gaaveh mohnee-aa man mohan surgaa mach pa-i-aale.

The enchanting beings who charm the heart, in the heavens, this world, and the regions below, sing of You.

ਗਾਵਨਿ ਰਤਨ ਉਪਾਏ ਤੇਰੇ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਨਾਲੇ ॥

Gaavan ratan upaa-e tere athsath teerath naale.

The precious jewels You created, along with the sixty-eight holy places, sing of You.

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰਾ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਖਾਣੀ ਚਾਰੇ ॥

Gaaveh jodh mahaabal sooraa gaaveh khaanee chaare.

The mighty heroes and warriors sing of You, and all four sources of life sing of You.

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਖੰਡ ਮੰਡਲ ਵਰਭੰਡਾ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਖੇ ਧਾਰੇ ॥

Gaaveh khand mandal varbhandaa kar kar rakhe dhaare.

The continents, worlds, and galaxies that You created and hold in place sing of You.

ਸੇਈ ਤੁਧੁਨੋ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵਨਿ ਰਤੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਗਤ ਰਸਾਲੇ ॥

Se-ee tudhno gaaveh jo tudh bhaavan rate tere bhagat rasaale.

Truly, those who please You sing of You — Your devotees, filled with the joy of Your love.

ਹੋਰਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਗਾਵਨਿ ਸੇ ਮੈ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵਨਿ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ॥

Hor kete gaavan se mai chit na aavan naanak ki-aa veechaare.

So many others sing of You that I cannot even bring them to mind — how can Nanak count them all?

ਸੋਈ ਸੋਈ ਸਦਾ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਚੀ ਨਾਈ ॥

So-ee so-ee sadaa sach saahib saachaa saachee naa-ee.

That very Master is forever true, and true is His Name.

ਹੈ ਭੀ ਹੋਸੀ ਜਾਇ ਨ ਜਾਸੀ ਰਚਨਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਚਾਈ ॥

Hai bhee hosee jaa-e na jaasee rachnaa jin rachaa-ee.

The One who made all creation is here now and will always be; He never comes or goes.

ਰੰਗੀ ਰੰਗੀ ਭਾਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਜਿਨਸੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਈ ॥

Rangee rangee bhaatee kar kar jinsee maa-i-aa jin upaa-ee.

He made the world in many colours, kinds, and varieties — He who created all creation.

ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਜਿਵ ਤਿਸ ਦੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥

Kar kar vekhai keetaa aapnaa jiv tis dee vadi-aa-ee.

Having made it, He watches over His creation as His own greatness pleases.

ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਕਰਸੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਰਣਾ ਜਾਈ ॥

Jo tis bhaavai so-ee karsee hukam na karnaa jaa-ee.

Whatever pleases Him, He does — no one can give Him orders.

ਸੋ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ਸਾਹਾ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਹਣੁ ਰਜਾਈ ॥੨੭॥

So paatisaahu saahaa paatisaahib naanak rahan rajaa-ee. ॥27॥

He is the King, the Master of kings; Nanak says we live happily within His will. ॥27॥

ਮੁੰਦਾ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸਰਮੁ ਪਤੁ ਝੋਲੀ ਧਿਆਨ ਕੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਿਭੂਤਿ ॥

Mundaa santokh saram pat jholee dhiaan kee karahi bibhoot.

Make contentment your earrings, modesty your begging bowl, and meditation the ashes you wear.

ਖਿੰਥਾ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੁਆਰੀ ਕਾਇਆ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਡੰਡਾ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ॥

Khinthaa kaal kuaaree kaaiaa jugat dandaa parteet.

Let remembering death be your patched cloak, a pure body your way of living, and faith your walking-staff.

ਆਈ ਪੰਥੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਮਾਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥

Aaee panthee sagal jamaatee man jeetai jag jeet.

See everyone as your companion — and know that winning over your own mind is winning the whole world.

ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥

Aades tisai aades.

I bow, again and again I bow, to that One.

ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੨੮॥

Aad aneel anaad anaahat jug jug eko ves. ॥28॥

God is the very first, pure, without beginning, never destroyed — the same in every age. ॥28॥

ਭੁਗਤਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਦਇਆ ਭੰਡਾਰਣਿ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਵਾਜਹਿ ਨਾਦ ॥

Bhugat giaan daiaa bhandaaran ghat ghat vaajeh naad.

Let wisdom be your food and kindness your store-keeper, and hear God's music playing in every heart.

ਆਪਿ ਨਾਥੁ ਨਾਥੀ ਸਭ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਅਵਰਾ ਸਾਦ ॥

Aap naath naathee sabh jaa kee ridh sidh avraa saad.

God is the Master who holds everything in His care; riches and magic powers are only other, lesser tastes.

ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਦੁਇ ਕਾਰ ਚਲਾਵਹਿ ਲੇਖੇ ਆਵਹਿ ਭਾਗ ॥

Sanjog vijog due kaar chalaaveh lekhe aaveh bhaag.

Coming together and parting both keep the world turning, and each receives the share that is written for them.

ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥

Aades tisai aades.

I bow, again and again I bow, to that One.

ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੨੯॥

Aad aneel anaad anaahat jug jug eko ves. ॥29॥

God is the very first, pure, without beginning, never destroyed — the same in every age. ॥29॥

ਏਕਾ ਮਾਈ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਵਿਆਈ ਤਿਨਿ ਚੇਲੇ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥

Ekaa maaee jugat viaaee tin chele parvaan.

People say one Mother-power gave rise to three well-known helpers (the powers to create, sustain, and change).

ਇਕੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੀ ਇਕੁ ਭੰਡਾਰੀ ਇਕੁ ਲਾਏ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥

Ik sansaaree ik bhandaaree ik laae deebaan.

One brings the world about, one provides for it, and one holds the court of change.

ਜਿਵ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਵੈ ਚਲਾਵੈ ਜਿਵ ਹੋਵੈ ਫੁਰਮਾਣੁ ॥

Jiv tis bhaavai tivai chalaavai jiv hovai furmaan.

But God runs it all exactly as God wishes, just as God commands.

ਓਹੁ ਵੇਖੈ ਓਨਾ ਨਦਰਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਏਹੁ ਵਿਡਾਣੁ ॥

Oh vekhai onaa nadar na aavai bahutaa eh vidaan.

God watches over them, yet they cannot see God — and that is the greatest wonder of all.

ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥

Aades tisai aades.

I bow, again and again I bow, to that One.

ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੩੦॥

Aad aneel anaad anaahat jug jug eko ves. ॥30॥

God is the very first, pure, without beginning, never destroyed — the same in every age. ॥30॥

ਆਸਣੁ ਲੋਇ ਲੋਇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥

Aasan loe loe bhandaar.

God's seat and storehouses are found in world after world.

ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੁ ਏਕਾ ਵਾਰ ॥

Jo kichh paaiaa su ekaa vaar.

Whatever was placed in them was placed once, for all time.

ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰੁ ॥

Kar kar vekhai sirjanhaar.

Having made creation, the Creator keeps watching over it.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਕੀ ਸਾਚੀ ਕਾਰ ॥

Naanak sache kee saachee kaar.

Says Nanak: the work of the True One is itself true.

ਆਦੇਸੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥

Aades tisai aades.

I bow, again and again I bow, to that One.

ਆਦਿ ਅਨੀਲੁ ਅਨਾਦਿ ਅਨਾਹਤਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਏਕੋ ਵੇਸੁ ॥੩੧॥

Aad aneel anaad anaahat jug jug eko ves. ॥31॥

God is the very first, pure, without beginning, never destroyed — the same in every age. ॥31॥

ਇਕ ਦੂ ਜੀਭੌ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਲਖ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਲਖ ਵੀਸ ॥

Ik doo jeebhau lakh hohi lakh hoveh lakh vees.

If my one tongue became a hundred thousand, and those became twenty times more,

ਲਖੁ ਲਖੁ ਗੇੜਾ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਗਦੀਸ ॥

Lakh lakh geraa aakheeah ek naam jagdees.

and with each I said the one Name of the Lord of the world countless times —

ਏਤੁ ਰਾਹਿ ਪਤਿ ਪਵੜੀਆ ਚੜੀਐ ਹੋਇ ਇਕੀਸ ॥

Et raah pat pavreeaa chareeai hoe ikees.

this is the path: rung by rung we climb, and become one with God.

ਸੁਣਿ ਗਲਾ ਆਕਾਸ ਕੀ ਕੀਟਾ ਆਈ ਰੀਸ ॥

Sun galaa aakaas kee keetaa aaee rees.

Hearing talk of the heavens, even tiny crawling creatures long to rise.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਕੂੜੀ ਕੂੜੈ ਠੀਸ ॥੩੨॥

Naanak nadree paaeeai koorhee koorhai thees. ॥32॥

Says Nanak: God is found through grace — false people only make false boasts. ॥32॥

ਆਖਣਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਚੁਪੈ ਨਹ ਜੋਰੁ ॥

Aakhan jor chupai nah jor.

We have no power to speak and no power to stay silent on our own.

ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਮੰਗਣਿ ਦੇਣਿ ਨ ਜੋਰੁ ॥

Jor na mangan den na jor.

No power to ask, and no power to give.

ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਜੀਵਣਿ ਮਰਣਿ ਨਹ ਜੋਰੁ ॥

Jor na jeevan maran nah jor.

No power to live, and no power to die.

ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਰਾਜਿ ਮਾਲਿ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਰੁ ॥

Jor na raaj maal man sor.

No power to gain kingdom or wealth, which stir up noise in the mind.

ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥

Jor na surtee giaan veechaar.

No power, by ourselves, to gain awareness, wisdom, or deep reflection.

ਜੋਰੁ ਨ ਜੁਗਤੀ ਛੁਟੈ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥

Jor na jugtee chhutai sansaar.

No power to find the way that frees us from the world.

ਜਿਸੁ ਹਥਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਸੋਇ ॥

Jis hath jor kar vekhai soe.

The One in whose hand all power rests acts and watches over everything.

ਨਾਨਕ ਉਤਮੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੩੩॥

Naanak utam neech na koe. ॥33॥

Says Nanak: by our own strength, no one is high and no one is low. ॥33॥

ਰਾਤੀ ਰੁਤੀ ਥਿਤੀ ਵਾਰ ॥

Raatee rutee thitee vaar.

God made the nights, the seasons, the lunar days and the weekdays.

ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਗਨੀ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥

Pavan paanee agnee paataal.

God made the air, the water, the fire and the lower worlds.

ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖੀ ਧਰਮ ਸਾਲ ॥

Tis vich dhartee thaap rakhee dharam saal.

In the middle of all this God placed the earth as a home for living rightly.

ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੀਅ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਕੇ ਰੰਗ ॥

Tis vich jee-a jugat ke rang.

On the earth God placed living beings of many kinds and colours.

ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਨੰਤ ॥

Tin ke naam anek anant.

Their names are many and endless.

ਕਰਮੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਹੋਇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Karmee karmee ho-e veechaar.

Each being is judged by the deeds it has done.

ਸਚਾ ਆਪਿ ਸਚਾ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥

Sachaa aap sachaa darbaar.

God is true, and true is God's Court.

ਤਿਥੈ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥

Tithai sohan panch parvaan.

There the accepted, chosen souls look beautiful.

ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਵੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥

Nadree karam pavai neesaan.

By God's grace they carry the mark of acceptance.

ਕਚ ਪਕਾਈ ਓਥੈ ਪਾਇ ॥

Kach pakaa-ee othai paa-e.

There it is seen who is true (ripe) and who is false (unripe).

ਨਾਨਕ ਗਇਆ ਜਾਪੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੩੪॥

Naanak ga-i-aa jaapai jaa-e. ॥34॥

Says Nanak: when you reach that place, it will all become clear. ॥34॥

ਧਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕਾ ਏਹੋ ਧਰਮੁ ॥

Dharam khand kaa eho dharam.

This is the duty of the Realm of Righteousness — to live rightly.

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਕਾ ਆਖਹੁ ਕਰਮੁ ॥

Giaan khand kaa aakhahu karam.

Now let us speak of the workings of the Realm of Knowledge.

ਕੇਤੇ ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਵੈਸੰਤਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕਾਨ ਮਹੇਸ ॥

Kete pavan paanee vaisantar kete kaan mahes.

There are so many winds, waters and fires, and so many Krishnas and Shivas.

ਕੇਤੇ ਬਰਮੇ ਘਾੜਤਿ ਘੜੀਅਹਿ ਰੂਪ ਰੰਗ ਕੇ ਵੇਸ ॥

Kete barme ghaarat gharee-ah roop rang ke ves.

So many Brahmas shaping creation, and so many forms, colours and shapes.

ਕੇਤੀਆ ਕਰਮ ਭੂਮੀ ਮੇਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਧੂ ਉਪਦੇਸ ॥

Ketee-aa karam bhoomee mer kete kete dhoo updes.

So many worlds for good deeds, so many mountains, and so many devoted ones like Dhru learning God's teaching.

ਕੇਤੇ ਇੰਦ ਚੰਦ ਸੂਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਮੰਡਲ ਦੇਸ ॥

Kete ind chand soor kete kete mandal des.

So many Indras, so many moons and suns, so many regions and lands.

ਕੇਤੇ ਸਿਧ ਬੁਧ ਨਾਥ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਦੇਵੀ ਵੇਸ ॥

Kete sidh budh naath kete kete devee ves.

So many adepts, sages and yogis, and so many forms of goddesses.

ਕੇਤੇ ਦੇਵ ਦਾਨਵ ਮੁਨਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਰਤਨ ਸਮੁੰਦ ॥

Kete dev daanav mun kete kete ratan samund.

So many gods, demons and silent sages, and so many oceans of jewels.

ਕੇਤੀਆ ਖਾਣੀ ਕੇਤੀਆ ਬਾਣੀ ਕੇਤੇ ਪਾਤ ਨਰਿੰਦ ॥

Ketee-aa khaanee ketee-aa baanee kete paat narind.

So many sources of life, so many languages, and so many lines of kings.

ਕੇਤੀਆ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੇਤੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥੩੫॥

Ketee-aa surtee sevak kete Naanak ant na ant. ॥35॥

So many seekers and servants of God — says Nanak, there is no end, no end at all. ॥35॥

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਰਚੰਡੁ ॥

Giaan khand mah giaan parchand.

In the Realm of Knowledge, spiritual understanding shines bright and strong.

ਤਿਥੈ ਨਾਦ ਬਿਨੋਦ ਕੋਡ ਅਨੰਦੁ ॥

Tithai naad binod kod anand.

There the celestial music plays, with countless wonders and endless joy.

ਸਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਰੂਪੁ ॥

Saram khand kee baanee roop.

The language of the Realm of Effort is beauty itself.

ਤਿਥੈ ਘਾੜਤਿ ਘੜੀਐ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਅਨੂਪੁ ॥

Tithai ghaarat gharee-ai bahut anoop.

There something wonderfully beautiful is shaped and made.

ਤਾ ਕੀਆ ਗਲਾ ਕਥੀਆ ਨਾ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

Taa kee-aa galaa kathee-aa naa jaah.

The wonders of that place simply cannot be described.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਇ ॥

Je ko kahai pichhai pachhutaa-e.

Whoever tries to describe it is left feeling they fell short.

ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥

Tithai gharee-ai surat mat man budh.

There our awareness, our thinking, our mind and our wisdom are shaped anew.

ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਾ ਸਿਧਾ ਕੀ ਸੁਧਿ ॥੩੬॥

Tithai gharee-ai suraa sidhaa kee sudh. ॥36॥

There the understanding of the noble and the wise is freshly formed. ॥36॥

ਕਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੋਰੁ ॥

Karam khand kee baanee jor.

The language of the Realm of Grace is spiritual strength.

ਤਿਥੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰੁ ॥

Tithai hor na ko-ee hor.

There nothing else matters but God alone.

ਤਿਥੈ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥

Tithai jodh mahaabal soor.

There live the mighty warriors and brave heroes of the spirit.

ਤਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰ ॥

Tin mah raam rahi-aa bharpoor.

They are completely filled with God.

ਤਿਥੈ ਸੀਤੋ ਸੀਤਾ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

Tithai seeto seetaa mahimaa maah.

There they are woven through and through into the praise of God.

ਤਾ ਕੇ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਕਥਨੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

Taa ke roop na kathne jaah.

Their beauty cannot be put into words.

ਨਾ ਓਹਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਨ ਠਾਗੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

Naa oh marah na thaage jaah.

They do not spiritually die, and they cannot be fooled,

ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

Jin kai raam vasai man maah.

for God lives within their hearts.

ਤਿਥੈ ਭਗਤ ਵਸਹਿ ਕੇ ਲੋਅ ॥

Tithai bhagat vasah ke lo-a.

There dwell the devoted ones of many worlds.

ਕਰਹਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਇ ॥

Karah anand sachaa man so-e.

They live in bliss, with the True God in their hearts.

ਸਚ ਖੰਡਿ ਵਸੈ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥

Sach khand vasai nirankaar.

In the Realm of Truth lives the Formless God.

ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥

Kar kar vekhai nadar nihaal.

Having made creation, God watches over it with a loving, joyful glance.

ਤਿਥੈ ਖੰਡ ਮੰਡਲ ਵਰਭੰਡ ॥

Tithai khand mandal varbhand.

There are countless realms, regions and universes.

ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਥੈ ਤ ਅੰਤ ਨ ਅੰਤ ॥

Je ko kathai ta ant na ant.

If anyone tries to count them, there is no end, no end at all.

ਤਿਥੈ ਲੋਅ ਲੋਅ ਆਕਾਰ ॥

Tithai lo-a lo-a aakaar.

There are worlds upon worlds, and forms upon forms.

ਜਿਵ ਜਿਵ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਤਿਵੈ ਤਿਵ ਕਾਰ ॥

Jiv jiv hukam tivai tiv kaar.

Just as God commands, so does everything work.

ਵੇਖੈ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਕਰਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

Vekhai vigsai kar veechaar.

God watches, reflects, and is delighted with the creation.

ਨਾਨਕ ਕਥਨਾ ਕਰੜਾ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੩੭॥

Naanak kathnaa kararraa saar. ॥37॥

Says Nanak: to describe all this is as hard as iron. ॥37॥

ਜਤੁ ਪਾਹਾਰਾ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਸੁਨਿਆਰੁ ॥

Jat paahaaraa dheeraj suni-aar.

Let self-control be your workshop and patience be the goldsmith.

ਅਹਰਣਿ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਦੁ ਹਥੀਆਰੁ ॥

Ahran mat ved hathee-aar.

Let understanding be the anvil and spiritual knowledge be the tools.

ਭਉ ਖਲਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਤਪ ਤਾਉ ॥

Bha-o khalaa agan tap taa-o.

Let the awe of God be the bellows and dedicated effort be the fire's heat.

ਭਾਂਡਾ ਭਾਉ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਢਾਲਿ ॥

Bhaandaa bhaa-o amrit tit dhaal.

Let love be the pot, and in it pour the sweet nectar of God's Name.

ਘੜੀਐ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਚੀ ਟਕਸਾਲ ॥

Gharee-ai sabad sachee taksaal.

In this true mint, the Divine Word is shaped and formed.

ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥

Jin ka-o nadar karam tin kaar.

This is the work of those who receive God's glance of grace.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥

Naanak nadree nadar nihaal. ॥38॥

Says Nanak: by God's gracious glance, they are blessed and filled with joy. ॥38॥

ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥

Pavan guroo paanee pitaa maataa dharat mahat.

Air is like the Guru, water is like the father, and the great earth is like the mother.

ਦਿਵਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਦਾਈ ਦਾਇਆ ਖੇਲੈ ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤੁ ॥

Divas raat du-e daa-ee daa-i-aa khelai sagal jagat.

Day and night are like two caring nurses in whose lap the whole world plays.

ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ਵਾਚੈ ਧਰਮੁ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥

Changi-aa-ee-aa buri-aa-ee-aa vaachai dharam hadoor.

Our good deeds and bad deeds are all read out before the Righteous Judge.

ਕਰਮੀ ਆਪੋ ਆਪਣੀ ਕੇ ਨੇੜੈ ਕੇ ਦੂਰਿ ॥

Karmee aapo aapnee ke nerrai ke door.

By their own deeds, some come near to God and some drift far away.

ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥

Jinee naam dhi-aa-i-aa ga-e maskat ghaal.

Those who remembered God's Name and worked hard at it depart fulfilled.

ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਕੇਤੀ ਛੁਟੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥

Naanak te mukh ujle ketee chhutee naal. ॥1॥

Says Nanak: their faces shine, and many others are set free along with them. ॥1॥