Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 5, Pauri 4)

Fifth Ashtapadi – Pauri 4

Introduction

In this pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji emphasizes the impermanence and futility of worldly possessions and attachments. Everything born of ego, greed, and illusion is declared “mithiaa” — false. The Guru guides us to turn away from such fleeting obsessions and instead seek refuge in bhagti (devotion) and the company of the saints, which alone are stable and life-sustaining. Through repetition of the Lord’s Name, one finds true spiritual life.

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Pauri 4 – Fifth Ashtapadi (Sukhmani Sahib)

1. ਮਿਥਿਆ ਤਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਸਬਾਇਆ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: मिथिआ तनु धनु कुटंबु सबाइआ ॥
   Mithiaa tan dhan kutamb sabaaiaa.
   Translation: False are the body, wealth, and all family relations.

2. ਮਿਥਿਆ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਮਤਾ ਮਾਇਆ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: मिथिआ हउमै ममता माइआ ॥
   Mithiaa haumai mamtaa maaiaa.
   Translation: False are ego, possessiveness, and the illusion of Maya.

3. ਮਿਥਿਆ ਰਾਜ ਜੋਬਨ ਧਨ ਮਾਲ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: मिथिआ राज जोबन धन माल ॥
   Mithiaa raaj joban dhan maal.
   Translation: False are kingship, youth, wealth, and possessions.

4. ਮਿਥਿਆ ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਬਿਕਰਾਲ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: मिथिआ काम क्रोध बिकराल ॥
   Mithiaa kaam krodh bikraal.
   Translation: False are sexual desire and savage anger.

5. ਮਿਥਿਆ ਰਥ ਹਸਤੀ ਅਸ੍ਵ ਬਸਤ੍ਰਾ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: मिथिआ रथ हस्ती अश्व बसत्रा ॥
   Mithiaa rath hasteee asav basatraa.
   Translation: False are chariots, elephants, horses, and rich garments.

6. ਮਿਥਿਆ ਰੰਗ ਸੰਗਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਪੇਖਿ ਹਸਤਾ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: मिथिआ रंग संगि माइआ पेखि हसता ॥
   Mithiaa rang sang maaiaa pekh hastaa.
   Translation: False is the pleasure derived from seeing and enjoying Maya.

7. ਮਿਥਿਆ ਧ੍ਰੋਹ ਮੋਹ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: मिथिआ ध्रोह मोह अभिमानु ॥
   Mithiaa dhroh moh abhimaan.
   Translation: False are deceit, emotional attachment, and pride.

8. ਮਿਥਿਆ ਆਪਸ ਊਪਰਿ ਕਰਤ ਗੁਮਾਨੁ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: मिथिआ आपस ऊपरि करत गुमानु ॥
   Mithiaa aapas oopar karat gumaan.
   Translation: False is the arrogance of self-conceit.

9. ਅਸਥਿਰੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਸਰਨ ॥
   हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: असथिरु भगति साध की सरन ॥
   Asthir bhagat saadh kee saran.
   Translation: Unchanging and real is only devotion and the sanctuary of the saints.

10. ਨਾਨਕ ਜਪਿ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ॥੪॥
    हिंदी लिप्यंतरण: नानक जपि जपि जीवै हरि के चरन ॥४॥
    Nanak jap jap jeevai har ke charan. ||4||
    Translation: O Nanak, one truly lives by meditating again and again on the Lord's Feet. ||4||

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Essence of Pauri 4

Guru Arjan Dev Ji offers a sweeping condemnation of all material attachments, ego-driven behavior, and the illusions of worldly identity. From wealth and power to youth and family, all are declared impermanent and deceptive. The repetition of the word “mithiaa” (false) becomes a rhythmic and spiritual alarm bell, warning us against delusion. The Guru then pivots toward the eternal: it is only the sanctuary of the saints and devotion to the Divine that is real and enduring. True life is sustained by constant remembrance of the Lord’s Name.

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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.