Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 11, Pauri 4)
🌸 Ashtpadi 11 – Pauri 4: Introduction
This Pauri celebrates the immeasurable mercy and grace of Waheguru. Guru Arjan Dev Ji proclaims that Divine Grace can instantaneously elevate the most lowly creature to greatness. The limitations of karma, social standing, or worldly recognition hold no power when the Supreme Lord showers His blessings. He is the protector of the humble, the illuminator of all hearts, and the true doer behind all creation. A seeker should live in awe, gratitude, and joy upon recognising the Lord’s wondrous greatness in every heart and corner of existence.
📜 Pauri 4 — Line by Line
🔸 ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਨੀਚ ਕੀਟ ਕਉ ਰਾਜ ॥
🔸 खिन महि नीच कीट कउ राज ॥
🔸 Khin meh neech keet ka▫o raaj.
💬 In an instant, the lowly worm is raised to kingship.
🔸 ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਰੀਬ ਨਿਵਾਜ ॥
🔸 पारब्रहम गरीब निवाज ॥
🔸 Paarbrahm gareeb nivaaj.
💬 The Supreme Lord is the protector of the humble.
🔸 ਜਾ ਕਾ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥
🔸 जा का द्रिसटि कछू न आवै ॥
🔸 Jaa kaa ḋrisat kachhoo na aavai.
💬 Even one who is not seen or known,
🔸 ਤਿਸੁ ਤਤਕਾਲ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਵੈ ॥
🔸 तिसु ततकाल दह दिस प्रगटावै ॥
🔸 Tis tatkaal dah dis pargataavai.
💬 He is instantly made known in all ten directions.
🔸 ਜਾ ਕਉ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਕਰੈ ਬਖਸੀਸ ॥
🔸 जा कउ अपुनी करै बखसीस ॥
🔸 Jaa ka▫o apnee karai bakhsees.
💬 The one upon whom He bestows His grace —
🔸 ਤਾ ਕਾ ਲੇਖਾ ਨ ਗਨੈ ਜਗਦੀਸ ॥
🔸 ता का लेखा न गनै जगदीस ॥
🔸 Taa kaa lekha na ganai Jagdees.
💬 The Lord of the Universe does not hold that one to any account.
🔸 ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਸਭ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਰਾਸਿ ॥
🔸 जीउ पिंडु सभ तिस की रासि ॥
🔸 Jeeo pind sabh tis kee raas.
💬 The soul and body — everything belongs to Him.
🔸 ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਪੂਰਨ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸ ॥
🔸 घटि घटि पूरन ब्रहम प्रगास ॥
🔸 Ghat ghat pooran brahm pargaas.
💬 In each and every heart, the Perfect Lord radiates His light.
🔸 ਅਪਨੀ ਬਣਤ ਆਪਿ ਬਨਾਈ ॥
🔸 अपनी बणत आपि बनाई ॥
🔸 Apnee banat aap banaa-ee.
💬 He Himself created this creation.
🔸 ਨਾਨਕ ਜੀਵੈ ਦੇਖਿ ਬਡਾਈ ॥੪॥
🔸 नानक जीवै देखि बडाई ॥४॥
🔸 Nanak jeevai dekh badaa-ee. ||4||
💬 O Nanak! One lives in joy upon beholding His greatness. ||4||
🌺 Essence of Pauri 4 — Ashtpadi 11
Guru Arjan Dev Ji reveals that God’s Grace transcends karma, status, and human judgment. In a single instant, the Lord can elevate even the lowest being to exalted heights, making them renowned and free from any account of past deeds. All body, life, and soul belong to Him; every heart shines with His divine light. Recognising this truth fills the devotee with awe and gratitude. The spiritual life is not a result of merit alone — it is the gift of Divine Compassion. The wise live humbly, rejoicing in the splendour of the Creator manifest in all.
If you feel this humble piece could offer even a small measure of peace to someone you know, please do share it.
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.
ਵਾਹੇਗੁਰੁਜੀ!🙏🙏🙏