Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 6, Pauri 4)

Sixth Ashtapadi – Pauri 4

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Introduction to Pauri 4

Guru Arjan Dev Ji continues his loving call to the human soul, reminding us of all the privileges — physical, material, and social — that one enjoys by the Grace of the Divine. These gifts should not become distractions or sources of ego, but rather be seen as invitations to deepen remembrance (simran) and devotion (bhagti) to the One Giver. The pauri appeals directly to the man (mind), encouraging consistent awareness of the Divine, both in daily activity and inner stillness.

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Pauri 4 – Line-by-Line

1. ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਆਭੂਖਨ ਪਹਿਰੀਜੈ ॥
   जिह प्रसादि आभूखन पहिरीजै ॥
   Jih parsāḋ ābhūkhan pahirījai.
   Translation: By His Grace, you wear decorations;

2. ਮਨ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਕਿਉ ਆਲਸੁ ਕੀਜੈ ॥
   मन तिसु सिमरत किउ आलसु कीजै ॥
   Man tis simrat ki▫o ālas kījai.
   Translation: O mind, why are you so lazy? Why don’t you remember Him in meditation?

3. ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਅਸ੍ਵ ਹਸਤਿ ਅਸਵਾਰੀ ॥
   जिह प्रसादि अस्व हसति असवारी ॥
   Jih parsāḋ asav hasat asavārī.
   Translation: By His Grace, you have horses and elephants to ride;

4. ਮਨ ਤਿਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਬਿਸਾਰੀ ॥
   मन तिसु प्रभ कउ कबहू न बिसारी ॥
   Man tis prabh ka▫o kabhū na bisārī.
   Translation: O mind, never forget that God.

5. ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਬਾਗ ਮਿਲਖ ਧਨਾ ॥
   जिह प्रसादि बाग मिलख धना ॥
   Jih parsāḋ bāg milakh dhanā.
   Translation: By His Grace, you have land, gardens and wealth;

6. ਰਾਖੁ ਪਰੋਇ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਮਨਾ ॥
   राखु परोइ प्रभु अपुने मना ॥
   Rākh paro▫e prabh apune manā.
   Translation: O mind, keep God enshrined in your heart.

7. ਜਿਨਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਮਨ ਬਨਤ ਬਨਾਈ ॥
   जिनि तेरी मन बनत बनाई ॥
   Jin terī man banat banā▫ī.
   Translation: O mind, the One who formed your form—

8. ਊਠਤ ਬੈਠਤ ਸਦ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਈ ॥
   ऊठत बैठत सद तिसहि धिआई ॥
   Ūṭhat baiṭhat sad tiseh ḋhi▫ā▫ī.
   Translation: Standing up and sitting down, meditate always on Him.

9. ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਇ ਜੋ ਏਕ ਅਲਖੈ ॥
   तिसहि धिआइ जो एक अलखै ॥
   Tiseh ḋhi▫ā▫e jo ek alakhai.
   Translation: Meditate on Him — the One Invisible Lord;

10. ਈਹਾ ਊਹਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਖੈ ॥੪॥
    ईहा ऊहा नानक तेरी रखै ॥४॥
    Īhā ūhā Nānak terī rakhai. ||4||
    Translation: Here and hereafter, O Nanak! He shall save you. ||4||

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Essence of Pauri 4

This pauri gently rebukes the forgetful mind for ignoring the very Source of its blessings. The Guru asks: You enjoy wealth, ornaments, vehicles, and luxury by His Grace — so why be lazy in remembering Him? The one who formed you protects and supports you always. The wise response is to enshrine Him within and meditate on Him in every state. The reward is not only worldly grace, but spiritual protection “here and hereafter.”

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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.