Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 10, Pauri 5)
🌸 Ashtpadi 11 – Pauri 5: Introduction
In this Pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji teaches that mortals have no inherent power over the flow of life. Human experience — joy and sorrow, honour and disgrace, praise and blame — is directed by Divine Hukam (Command). The soul wanders through these varied states until, by the Lord’s mercy, it is drawn toward divine realisation. The Guru cautions us against pride in our own agency, reminding that the Lord alone is the uniter — He alone grants true spiritual union.
📜 Pauri 5 — Line by Line
🔸 ਇਸ ਕਾ ਬਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਇਸੁ ਹਾਥ ॥
🔸 इस का बलु नाही इसु हाथ ॥
🔸 Is kā bal nāhī is hāth.
💬 There is no power in mortal hands.
🔸 ਕਰਨ ਕਰਾਵਨ ਸਰਬ ਕੋ ਨਾਥ ॥
🔸 करन करावन सरब को नाथ ॥
🔸 Karan karāvan sarab ko nāth.
💬 The Doer, the Cause of all, is the Lord of all.
🔸 ਆਗਿਆਕਾਰੀ ਬਪੁਰਾ ਜੀਉ ॥
🔸 आगिआकारी बपुरा जीउ ॥
🔸 Āgiākārī bapurā jīu.
💬 Helpless beings remain subject to His Command.
🔸 ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਫੁਨਿ ਥੀਉ ॥
🔸 जो तिसु भावै सोई फुनि थीउ ॥
🔸 Jo ṯis bhāvai soī fun ṯhīu.
💬 Whatever pleases Him, ultimately comes to pass.
🔸 ਕਬਹੂ ਊਚ ਨੀਚ ਮਹਿ ਬਸੈ ॥
🔸 कबहू ऊच नीच महि बसै ॥
🔸 Kabhoo ūch neech meh basai.
💬 Sometimes, one dwells in honour, sometimes in disgrace.
🔸 ਕਬਹੂ ਸੋਗ ਹਰਖ ਰੰਗਿ ਹਸੈ ॥
🔸 कबहू सोग हरख रंगि हसै ॥
🔸 Kabhoo sog harakh rang hasai.
💬 Sometimes, one sorrows; sometimes, rejoices in happiness.
🔸 ਕਬਹੂ ਨਿੰਦ ਚਿੰਦ ਬਿਉਹਾਰ ॥
🔸 कबहू निंद चिंद बिउहार ॥
🔸 Kabhoo nind chind biuhār.
💬 Sometimes occupied with slander and anxiety.
🔸 ਕਬਹੂ ਊਭ ਅਕਾਸ ਪਇਆਲ ॥
🔸 कबहू ऊभ अकास पइआल ॥
🔸 Kabhoo ūbh akās paiāl.
💬 Sometimes elevated, sometimes fallen into the depths.
🔸 ਕਬਹੂ ਬੇਤਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥
🔸 कबहू बेता ब्रहम बीचार ॥
🔸 Kabhoo betā brahm bīchār.
💬 Sometimes absorbed in contemplation of the Divine.
🔸 ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪਿ ਮਿਲਾਵਣਹਾਰ ॥੫॥
🔸 नानक आपि मिलावणहार ॥५॥
🔸 Nānak āp milāvaṇhār. ||5||
💬 O Nanak! He Himself is the one who unites us with Himself. ||5||
🌺 Essence of Pauri 5 — Ashtpadi 11
This pauri reminds the seeker that no state in life is permanent, and no human has power over destiny. All experiences — honour or dishonour, joy or sorrow, knowledge or ignorance — occur under Divine Hukam. The human mind wanders, trapped in cycles, until graced with the light of divine contemplation. It is Waheguru alone who unites the soul with its source — no amount of personal effort or pride can accomplish this without His Will. The wise therefore cultivate humility and faith in His Grace.
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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.
ਧੰਨ ਧੰਨ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ🙏🙏🙏