Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 13, Pauri 7)
We attempt to publish sequentially “pauri-wise” translation of each ashtapadi of Sukhmani Sahib, at 3:00 AM IST everyday.
ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ੧੩ – ਪਉੜੀ ੭ (Ashtapadi 13 – Pauri 7)
Introduction
This pauri further intensifies the spiritual consequences of slandering the saints. Guru Arjan Dev Ji reveals how such a person not only suffers moral and social degeneration but is also spiritually suspended—neither fully alive in purpose nor granted death as release. The Guru teaches that actions (ਕਿਰਤੁ) are irrevocable unless transformed by divine grace. The slanderer becomes a tragic figure—twisted in body and soul, banished from joy, peace, and fulfilment. Yet, the tone remains anchored in Divine Justice—God alone knows all and governs the world in perfect truth.
ਪਉੜੀ ੭ (Pauri 7)
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਬਿਗੜ ਰੂਪੁ ਹੋਇ ਜਾਇ ॥
संत का दोखी बिगड़ रूपु होइ जाइ ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee bigaṛ roop ho▫é jaa▫é.
The slanderer of the Saint becomes disfigured—outwardly and inwardly.
ਸੰਤ ਕੇ ਦੋਖੀ ਕਉ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਜਾਇ ॥
संत के दोखी कउ दरगह मिलै सजाइ ॥
Sanṫ ké ḋokʰee ka▫o ḋargėh milæ sajaa▫é.
In the Divine Court, he receives his due punishment.
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਸਦਾ ਸਹਕਾਈਐ ॥
संत का दोखी सदा सहकाईऐ ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee saḋaa sahkaa▫ee▫æ.
The slanderer is forever anguished—caught in inner fear and turmoil.
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਨ ਮਰੈ ਨ ਜੀਵਾਈਐ ॥
संत का दोखी न मरै न जीवाईऐ ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee na maræ na jeevaa▫ee▫æ.
He neither dies nor truly lives—a cursed state of limbo.
ਸੰਤ ਕੇ ਦੋਖੀ ਕੀ ਪੁਜੈ ਨ ਆਸਾ ॥
संत के दोखी की पुजै न आसा ॥
Sanṫ ké ḋokʰee kee pujæ na aasaa.
None of his aspirations or hopes are fulfilled.
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਉਠਿ ਚਲੈ ਨਿਰਾਸਾ ॥
संत का दोखी उठि चलै निरासा ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee utʰ chalæ niraasaa.
He departs this world in despair and disappointment.
ਸੰਤ ਕੈ ਦੋਖਿ ਨ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਟੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
संत कै दोखि न त्रिसटै कोइ ॥
Sanṫ kæ ḋokʰ na ṫaristæ ko▫é.
No one who slanders the Saints attains any satisfaction.
ਜੈਸਾ ਭਾਵੈ ਤੈਸਾ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਇ ॥
जैसा भावै तैसा कोई होइ ॥
Jæsaa bʰaavæ ṫæsaa ko▫ee ho▫é.
As it pleases the Lord, so do people become.
ਪਇਆ ਕਿਰਤੁ ਨ ਮੇਟੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
पइआ किरतु न मेटै कोइ ॥
Pa▫i▫aa kiraṫ na métæ ko▫é.
No one can erase what is written in their karma.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜਾਨੈ ਸਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥੭॥
नानक जानै सचा सोइ ॥७॥
Naanak jaanæ sachaa so▫é. ||7||
O Nanak! Only the True Lord knows the whole truth. ||7||
ਅਰਥ / Essence
This pauri powerfully conveys the spiritual and existential decay of the one who slanders a saint. Such a person experiences a complete breakdown—physically, emotionally, and karmically. They are neither blessed with death nor enriched by life. All their hopes remain unfulfilled, and they exit the world in sorrow. Yet, the pauri concludes with profound humility: no one can alter divine decree, and only the True Lord knows the just outcome of all souls. The message is a gentle but clear reminder to align with Truth, cultivate reverence, and guard one’s words and thoughts toward the virtuous.
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.
ਧੰਨ ਧੰਨ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਮਹਾਰਾਜ 🙏🙏🙏