Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 3, Pauri 5)
Fifth Pauri of the Third Ashtapadi
Introduction
In this Pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Fifth Nanak, shifts from warning against ego-based efforts to offering a positive and accessible spiritual path. He speaks directly to those who seek the four great blessings — Dharam (righteousness), Arth (wealth), Kaam (fulfilment), and Moksh (liberation) — and to those who yearn for peace, honour, and an end to rebirth. The solution is simple but sublime: serve the saints, remember the Lord’s Name, renounce ego, and dwell in holy company. These lines offer the gentle and golden path to divine fulfilment.
Pauri
ਚਾਰਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮਾਗੈ ॥
<i>Chaar paḋaaraṫʰ jé ko maagæ</i>
Translation: One who seeks the four cardinal blessings,
Hindi Transliteration: चारि पदारथ जे को मागै।ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥
<i>Saaḋʰ janaa kee sévaa laagæ</i>
Translation: should commit himself to the service of the Holy.
Hindi Transliteration: साध जना की सेवा लागै।ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਪੁਨਾ ਦੂਖੁ ਮਿਟਾਵੈ ॥
<i>Jé ko aapunaa ḋookʰ mitaavæ</i>
Translation: If one seeks to remove their suffering,
Hindi Transliteration: जे को आपुना दूखु मिटावै।ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਸਦ ਗਾਵੈ ॥
<i>Har har naam riḋæ saḋ gaavæ</i>
Translation: they should always sing the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, in their heart.
Hindi Transliteration: हरि हरि नामु रिदै सद गावै।ਜੇ ਕੋ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਲੋਰੈ ॥
<i>Jé ko apunee sobʰaa loræ</i>
Translation: If one yearns for true honour and glory,
Hindi Transliteration: जे को अपुनी सोभा लोरै।ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਇਹ ਹਉਮੈ ਛੋਰੈ ॥
<i>Saaḋʰsang ih ha▫umæ chʰoræ</i>
Translation: let them abandon their ego in the Saadh Sangat, the Holy Congregation.
Hindi Transliteration: साधसंगि इह हउमै छोरै।ਜੇ ਕੋ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਤੇ ਡਰੈ ॥
<i>Jé ko janam maraṇ ṫé daræ</i>
Translation: If one fears the cycle of birth and death,
Hindi Transliteration: जे को जनम मरण ते डरै।ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਸਰਨੀ ਪਰੈ ॥
<i>Saaḋʰ janaa kee sarnee paræ</i>
Translation: let them take refuge in the Sanctuary of the Saints.
Hindi Transliteration: साध जना की सरनी परै।ਜਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦਰਸ ਪਿਆਸਾ ॥
<i>Jis jan ka▫o parabʰ ḋaras pi▫aasaa</i>
Translation: One who thirsts for the Darshan — the Blessed Vision — of God,
Hindi Transliteration: जिसु जन कउ प्रभ दरस पिआसा।ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਸਾ ॥੫॥
<i>Naanak ṫaa kæ bal bal jaasaa. ||5||</i>
Translation: Nanak is forever a sacrifice to such a soul. ||5||
Hindi Transliteration: नानक ता कै बलि बलि जासा ॥५॥
Essence
This Pauri gently lays down a practical spiritual roadmap. If you desire prosperity, healing, fame, or salvation — or if you fear the endless cycle of reincarnation — the path lies not in ego or austerity, but in humble association with the Saints.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji lovingly encourages us to renounce haumai (ego) in the presence of those whose lives are tuned to Naam. To sit among them, to serve them, to dwell in their grace — this is the highest technique. He assures that inner transformation begins not with striving but with longing, especially the pyaas — thirst — for God’s darshan.
The final line is the Guru’s own surrender: “Nanak is a sacrifice, again and again, to such a devotee.” This isn’t metaphor — it is love, reverence, and spiritual yearning made visible.
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.
Excellent thoughts 👍