Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 10, Pauri 2)
ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ – ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ੧੦, ਪਉੜੀ ੨
Sukhmani Sahib – Ashtpadi 10, Pauri 2
🪶 Introduction
In contrast to the previous pauri, which celebrated the multitudes engaged in virtuous acts of devotion and reflection, Guru Arjan Dev Ji now turns our gaze toward another stark reality — the immense presence of negativity, ignorance, and ego within creation. This pauri acknowledges the vast number of individuals caught in the snares of egoism, greed, slander, and delusion. Rather than judging or condemning, Guru Sahib simply shows the duality of the world, where both piety and vice exist side by side, each as part of the Divine’s play. Ultimately, he reminds us — it is the Creator alone who knows why each soul walks its own path.
🌿 Pauri 2
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਭਏ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੀ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
कई कोटि भए अभिमानी ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Ka-ee kot bha-e abhimanee.
English Translation
Many millions become self-centered.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਅੰਧ ਅਗਿਆਨੀ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
कई कोटि अंध अगिआनी ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Ka-ee kot andh agiaanee.
English Translation
Many millions are blinded by ignorance.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਕਿਰਪਨ ਕਠੋਰ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
कई कोटि किरपन कठोर ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Ka-ee kot kirpan kathor.
English Translation
Many millions are stone-hearted misers.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਅਭਿਗ ਆਤਮ ਨਿਕੋਰ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
कई कोटि अभिग आतम निकोर ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Ka-ee kot abhigh aatam nikor.
English Translation
Many millions are heartless, with dry, barren souls.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਪਰ ਦਰਬ ਕਉ ਹਿਰਹਿ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
कई कोटि पर दरब कउ हिरहि ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Ka-ee kot par darab ka-o hireh.
English Translation
Many millions steal the wealth of others.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਪਰ ਦੂਖਨਾ ਕਰਹਿ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
कई कोटि पर दूखना करहि ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Ka-ee kot par dookhna karahi.
English Translation
Many millions slander others.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਸ੍ਰਮ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
कई कोटि माइआ स्रम माहि ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Ka-ee kot maa-i-aa sram maahi.
English Translation
Many millions labour and struggle under the illusion of Maya.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਪਰਦੇਸ ਭ੍ਰਮਾਹਿ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
कई कोटि परदेस भ्रमाहि ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Ka-ee kot pardes bhramaahi.
English Translation
Many millions wander endlessly in foreign lands.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਜਿਤੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਲਾਵਹੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਲਗਨਾ ॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
जितु जितु लावहु तितु तितु लगना ॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Jit jit laavahu tit tit lagnaa.
English Translation
Whatever God attaches them to – that is where they remain engaged.
🔸 Gurmukhi
ਨਾਨਕ ਕਰਤੇ ਕੀ ਜਾਨੈ ਕਰਤਾ ਰਚਨਾ ॥੨॥
Hindi (Devanagari)
नानक करते की जानै करता रचना ॥२॥
English (Italicised Transliteration)
Naanak karte kee jaanai karta rachnaa. ||2||
English Translation
O Nanak! Only the Creator knows the purpose behind His creation. ||2||
🌸 Essence of the Pauri
This verse reveals the duality of creation, where many are caught in cycles of egotism, greed, and spiritual blindness. From misers and slanderers to those enslaved by Maya or lost in foreign wanderings, all are actors in the Divine’s vast drama. Guru Sahib does not condemn them — instead, he points to the mystery and sovereignty of the Creator, who alone knows the why and how of each soul’s journey. The verse humbles us, urging reflection over judgement, and reminding us that only the Divine understands the full pattern of His woven universe.
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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.