Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 1, Pauri 7)
Introduction to the Seventh Pauri of the First Ashtapadi
In the previous Pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Fifth Nanak, described the divine qualities of those who dwell in Simran — those graced with peace, clarity, and the company of God. The Seventh Pauri carries this further inward, unfolding the mystical dimension of Simran. It reveals how meditative remembrance is not merely a spiritual practice but a gateway to inner realisation, divine harmony, and profound joy. Guru Ji evokes images of unbroken peace, blossoming consciousness, and the unstruck melody that echoes within the awakened soul.
Seventh Pauri of the First Ashtapadi
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਕਾਰਜ ਪੂਰੇ ॥
<i>Parabʰ kæ simran kaaraj pooré</i>
Translation: Through the remembrance of God, all undertakings are fulfilled.
Hindi Transliteration: प्रभ कै सिमरनि कारज पूरे।ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਕਬਹੁ ਨ ਝੂਰੇ ॥
<i>Parabʰ kæ simran kabahu na jʰooré</i>
Translation: The one who remembers God never suffers sorrow or regret.
Hindi Transliteration: प्रभ कै सिमरनि कबहु न झूरे।ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਬਾਨੀ ॥
<i>Parabʰ kæ simran har gun baanee</i>
Translation: Through Simran, one speaks the Glorious Praises of the Lord.
Hindi Transliteration: प्रभ कै सिमरनि हरि गुन बानी।ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਨੀ ॥
<i>Parabʰ kæ simran sahj samaanee</i>
Translation: Through Simran, one merges effortlessly into divine balance.
Hindi Transliteration: प्रभ कै सिमरनि सहजि समानी।ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਨਿਹਚਲ ਆਸਨੁ ॥
<i>Parabʰ kæ simran nihchal aasan</i>
Translation: Through Simran, one obtains the unshakable seat of stillness.
Hindi Transliteration: प्रभ कै सिमरनि निहचल आसनु।ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਕਮਲ ਬਿਗਾਸਨੁ ॥
<i>Parabʰ kæ simran kamal bigaasan</i>
Translation: Through Simran, the lotus of the heart blossoms open.
Hindi Transliteration: प्रभ कै सिमरनि कमल बिगासनु।ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਅਨਹਦ ਝੁਨਕਾਰ ॥
<i>Parabʰ kæ simran anhaḋ jʰunkaar</i>
Translation: Through Simran, the unstruck celestial melody vibrates within.
Hindi Transliteration: प्रभ कै सिमरनि अनहद झुनकार।ਸੁਖੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਰ ॥
<i>Sukʰ parabʰ simran kaa anṫ na paar</i>
Translation: The peace of God’s remembrance has no limit or end.
Hindi Transliteration: सुखु प्रभ सिमरन का अंतु न पार।ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਇਆ ॥
<i>Simrahi sé jan jin ka▫o parabʰ ma▫i▫aa</i>
Translation: Only they remember whom God, in His mercy, blesses.
Hindi Transliteration: सिमरहि से जन जिन कउ प्रभ मइआ।ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨ ਜਨ ਸਰਨੀ ਪਇਆ ॥੭॥
<i>Naanak ṫin jan sarnee pa▫i▫aa. ||7||</i>
Translation: Nanak seeks the refuge of those humble beings. ||7||
Hindi Transliteration: नानक तिन जन सरनी पइआ ॥७॥
Essence
The Seventh Pauri of Sukhmani Sahib brings us into the interior sanctuary of Simran. Here, remembrance is not merely a means to an end — it is the endless wellspring of peace, insight, and unity with the Divine. Guru Arjan Dev Ji reveals that when one lives in Simran, even mundane affairs are completed with grace, and the mind is never burdened by grief or anxiety.
In this inward journey, the seeker begins to speak the praises of the Lord, not just in words but as an echo of their transformed inner state. They enter a realm of sehaj — a state of effortless divine balance — where there is stillness without stagnation, movement without restlessness. The imagery of the blossoming lotus conveys awakened awareness, and the unstruck melody (Anhad Shabad) speaks to the deep, mystical sound that resonates in the soul untouched by the material world.
Importantly, this peace is not finite; its depth has no boundary, its source has no shore. And once again, Guru Nanak closes the Pauri with humility, reminding us that only those whom God Himself blesses are drawn into such remembrance. The Guru seeks refuge at their feet, recognising their lives as living gurdwaras — doors to the Guru and the Divine.
NOTE: I am not a trained scholar in Sikh Studies or religious studies, in general. I have no claims of mastery or authority. What I offer is a seeker’s voice — a servant’s humble attempt to understand the depths of the divine wisdom encapsulated in these sacred lines. Should I have made any mistake, misinterpretation, or omission, I beg for unqualified forgiveness in advance from the Guru and the readers.
ਧੰਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਧੰਨ ਸਿੱਖ ਪਿਆਰੇ
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀਓ 🙏