Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 12, Pauri 6)
ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ੧੨ – ਪਉੜੀ ੬ (Ashtapadi 12 – Pauri 6)
In this deeply reflective pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji articulates the supreme sovereignty and self-contained nature of Waheguru (God). The mortal being has no real agency or control. Everything—creation, destruction, preservation, and transformation—is governed by the will and play of the Divine. God is both transcendent and immanent, singular yet manifesting as many, untouched by birth or death. The Guru calls us to recognize this Eternal Presence and remain absorbed in it.
ਕਰਨ ਕਰਾਵਨ ਕਰਨੈਹਾਰੁ ॥
करन करावन करनैहारु ॥
Karan karaavan karnæhaar.
The Doer, the Cause of all causes, is the Creator Lord.
ਇਸ ਕੈ ਹਾਥਿ ਕਹਾ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
इस कै हाथि कहा बीचारु ॥
Is kæ haaṫʰ kahaa beechaar.
What deliberations lie in the hands of the mortal being?
ਜੈਸੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰੇ ਤੈਸਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
जैसी द्रिसटि करे तैसा होइ ॥
Jæsee ḋarisat karé ṫæsaa ho▫é.
As the Divine casts His glance, so does everything unfold.
ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਆਪਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੋਇ ॥
आपे आपि आपि प्रभु सोइ ॥
Aapé aap aap parabʰ so▫é.
God is Himself, of Himself, by Himself.
ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕੀਨੋ ਸੁ ਅਪਨੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
जो किछु कीनो सु अपनै रंगि ॥
Jo kichʰ keeno so apnæ rang.
Whatever He created, was created in His own pleasure.
ਸਭ ਤੇ ਦੂਰਿ ਸਭਹੂ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥
सभ ते दूरि सभहू कै संगि ॥
Sabʰ ṫé ḋoor sabʰhoo kæ sang.
He is far from all, yet He is with everyone.
ਬੂਝੈ ਦੇਖੈ ਕਰੈ ਬਿਬੇਕ ॥
बूझै देखै करै बिबेक ॥
Boojʰæ ḋékʰæ karæ bibék.
He perceives, He watches, and He judges with wisdom.
ਆਪਹਿ ਏਕ ਆਪਹਿ ਅਨੇਕ ॥
आपहि एक आपहि अनेक ॥
Aapėh ék aapėh anék.
He Himself is the One, and He Himself is the multitude.
ਮਰੈ ਨ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਆਵੈ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
मरै न बिनसै आवै न जाइ ॥
Maræ na binsæ aavæ na jaa▫é.
He does not die, nor is He destroyed; He neither comes nor goes.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੬॥
नानक सद ही रहिआ समाइ ॥६॥
Naanak saḋ hee rahi▫aa samaa▫é. ||6||
O Nanak! He remains forever fully pervading everything. ||6||
ਅਰਥ / Essence
This pauri describes the all-powerful, all-pervading, and changeless nature of God. He is the ultimate Creator who makes everything happen by His own will, without interference or aid. Mortals, despite their delusions of control, are entirely powerless. The Lord is beyond duality, both near and far, both singular and diverse. He neither takes birth nor dies, and remains eternal, omniscient, and self-sufficient. Guru Sahib invites us to go beyond ego, and in humility, perceive the One who is eternally immersed in all creation.
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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.
ਵਾਹੇਗੁਰੁਜੀ 🙏🙏🙏