Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 6, Pauri 8)

Sixth Ashtapadi – Pauri 8

---

Introduction to Pauri 8

This concluding pauri of the sixth Ashtapadi emphasizes the sovereignty and benevolence of the Divine Will. All spiritual progress—whether chanting the Name, singing His praises, blossoming of the heart, enlightenment, or elevated intellect—comes only through God’s Grace. Humans, in their ego, may believe they act independently, but Guru Arjan Dev Ji clarifies that everything happens by God’s ordinance. Surrender and remembrance of His Naam is the true path, while realizing our helplessness without His mercy is the first step to Divine union.

---

Pauri 8 – Line-by-Line

1. ਆਪਿ ਜਪਾਏ ਜਪੈ ਸੋ ਨਾਉ ॥
   आपि जपाए जपै सो नाउ ॥
   Aap japaa▫é japæ so naa▫o.
   Translation: Those, whom He inspires to chant, chant His Name.

2. ਆਪਿ ਗਾਵਾਏ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਉ ॥
   आपि गावाए सु हरि गुन गाउ ॥
   Aap gaavaa▫æ so har gun gaa▫o.
   Translation: Those, whom He inspires to sing, sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord.

3. ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਹੋਇ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ॥
   प्रभ किरपा ते होइ प्रगासु ॥
   Parabʰ kirpaa ṫé ho▫é pargaas.
   Translation: By God’s Grace, enlightenment comes.

4. ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਇਆ ਤੇ ਕਮਲ ਬਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
   प्रभू दइआ ते कमल बिगासु ॥
   Parabʰoo ḋa▫i▫aa ṫé kamal bigaas.
   Translation: By God’s Kind Mercy, the heart-lotus blossoms forth.

5. ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਬਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਇ ॥
   प्रभ सुप्रसंन बसै मनि सोइ ॥
   Parabʰ suparsan basæ man so▫é.
   Translation: When God is totally pleased, He comes to dwell in the mind.

6. ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦਇਆ ਤੇ ਮਤਿ ਊਤਮ ਹੋਇ ॥
   प्रभ दइआ ते मति ऊतम होइ ॥
   Parabʰ ḋa▫i▫aa ṫé maṫ ooṫam ho▫é.
   Translation: By God’s Kind Mercy, the intellect is exalted.

7. ਸਰਬ ਨਿਧਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੇਰੀ ਮਇਆ ॥
   सरब निधान प्रभ तेरी मइआ ॥
   Sarab niḋʰaan parabʰ ṫéree ma▫i▫aa.
   Translation: All treasures, O Lord, come by Your Kind Mercy.

8. ਆਪਹੁ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਕਿਨਹੂ ਲਇਆ ॥
   आपहु कछू न किनहू लइआ ॥
   Aaphu kachʰoo na kinhoo la▫i▫aa.
   Translation: No one obtains anything by himself.

9. ਜਿਤੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਲਾਵਹੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਲਗਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥
   जितु जितु लावहु तितु लगहि हरि नाथ ॥
   Jiṫ jiṫ laavhu ṫiṫ lagėh har naaṫʰ.
   Translation: As You have delegated, so do we apply ourselves, O Lord and Master.

10. ਨਾਨਕ ਇਨ ਕੈ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਹਾਥ ॥੮॥੬॥
    नानक इन कै कछू न हाथ ॥८॥६॥
    Naanak in kæ kachʰoo na haaṫʰ. ||8||6||
    Translation: O Nanak! Nothing is in our hands. ||8||6||

---

Essence of Pauri 8

This pauri is a clarion call to humility. Guru Arjan Dev Ji unveils the truth that no act of devotion or enlightenment arises from our independent will—it is entirely God’s own initiative. He is the One who enables remembrance, causes the lotus of the heart to bloom, illuminates the soul, and bestows wisdom. The Lord is the unseen puppeteer behind every noble thought, action, and accomplishment. The ego must surrender to this Divine Truth: "We do nothing; all is by His Grace." Hence, the seeker must accept that true spiritual realization comes not from effort, but from His benevolence and mercy.

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.