Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 14, Pauri 2)
We attempt to publish sequentially “pauri-wise” translation of each ashtapadi of Sukhmani Sahib, at 3:00 AM IST everyday.
ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ੧੪ – ਪਉੜੀ ੨ (Ashtapadi 14 – Pauri 2)
Introduction to Pauri 2
In this Pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji offers a holistic spiritual framework where each human faculty—mind, speech, senses, feet, ears, and hands—is directed toward devotion to the Formless Lord. The Guru urges the seeker to make divine remembrance not just a part of life, but the very essence of one’s being. Through consistent engagement with Naam and sangat (holy company), the soul finds purity, peace, and divine acceptance in the court of the Lord.
ਪਉੜੀ ੨ (Pauri 2)
ਉਸਤਤਿ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਕਰਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ॥
उसतति मन महि करि निरंकार ॥
Usṫaṫ man mėh kar nirankaar.
Praise the Formless Lord silently within your mind.
ਕਰਿ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਤਿ ਬਿਉਹਾਰ ॥
करि मन मेरे सति बिउहार ॥
Kar man méré saṫ bi▫uhaar.
O my mind! Make truth your sacred way of life.
ਨਿਰਮਲ ਰਸਨਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਉ ॥
निरमल रसना अमृतु पीउ ॥
Nirmal rasnaa amriṫ pee▫o.
Let your tongue remain pure by drinking the nectar of the Lord’s Name.
ਸਦਾ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਲੇਹਿ ਜੀਉ ॥
सदा सुहेला करि लेहि जीउ ॥
Saḋaa suhélaa kar léhi jee▫o.
Thus, your soul shall always dwell in peace and joy.
ਨੈਨਹੁ ਪੇਖੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਰੰਗੁ ॥
नैनहु पेखु ठाकुर का रंगु ॥
Nænhu pékʰ tʰaakur kaa rang.
Let your eyes behold the magnificent play of your Lord and Master.
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਸਭ ਸੰਗੁ ॥
साधसंगि बिनसै सभ संगु ॥
Saaḋʰsang binsæ sabʰ sang.
In the holy congregation, all worldly entanglements fade away.
ਚਰਨ ਚਲਉ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ॥
चरन चलउ मारगि गोबिंद ॥
Charan chala▫o maarag gobinḋ.
Walk with your feet on the righteous path of the Lord of the Universe.
ਮਿਟਹਿ ਪਾਪ ਜਪੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਬਿੰਦ ॥
मिटहि पाप जपीऐ हरि बिंद ॥
Mitėh paap japee▫æ har binḋ.
Even a moment of meditating on the Lord erases countless sins.
ਕਰ ਹਰਿ ਕਰਮ ਸ੍ਰਵਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਥਾ ॥
कर हरि करम स्रवनि हरि कथा ॥
Kar har karam sarvan har kaṫʰaa.
Engage your hands in good deeds and your ears in listening to the Lord’s discourse.
ਹਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਊਜਲ ਮਥਾ ॥੨॥
हरि दरगह नानक ऊजल मथा ॥२॥
Har ḋargėh Naanak oojal maṫʰaa. ||2||
O Nanak! Your forehead shall shine radiantly in the Lord’s Divine Court. ||2||
ਅਰਥ / Essence
This Pauri outlines a sacred roadmap for the seeker by engaging every part of the human body and mind in the worship of the Nirankaar—the Formless One. When the mind stays in silent adoration, the tongue chants truth, and the senses align with divine purpose, then one finds harmony. The company of saints helps sever worldly bonds, and every act becomes a sacred offering. Ultimately, such a soul shines bright in God’s Court—untainted, fulfilled, and blessed. The Guru here gently integrates spiritual discipline into practical, everyday living.
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.
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ 🙏🙏🙏