Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 7, Pauri 3)
Seventh Ashtapadi – Pauri 3
Introduction
In this pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji elaborates further on the sanctifying influence of the Saadh Sangat—the company of spiritually awakened beings. The Guru presents a striking reversal of worldly norms: in the presence of saints, duality dissolves, enemies become allies, and bitterness gives way to bliss. Ego, hatred, selfishness, and the fever of pride are conquered. The Saadh is so powerful that even their presence realigns one’s soul with divine unity. This pauri calls the seeker to dwell continually in such uplifting company.
Line-by-Line Translation and Transliteration
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਦੁਸਮਨ ਸਭਿ ਮੀਤ ॥
साधसंगि दुसमन सभि मीत ॥
Sādhsaṅg dusman sabh meet.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, all one’s enemies become friends.ਸਾਧੂ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਮਹਾ ਪੁਨੀਤ ॥
साधू कै संगि महा पुनीत ॥
Sāḋhū kai saṅg mahā puneet.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, there is supreme purity.ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਕਿਸ ਸਿਉ ਨਹੀ ਬੈਰੁ ॥
साधसंगि किस सिउ नही बैरु ॥
Sādhsaṅg kis si▫o nahī baira.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, there is enmity with none.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਨ ਬੀਗਾ ਪੈਰੁ ॥
साध कै संगि न बीगा पैरु ॥
Sāḋh kai saṅg na beeghā pair.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, one’s steps never falter.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋ ਮੰਦਾ ॥
साध कै संगि नाही को मंदा ॥
Sāḋh kai saṅg nāhī ko mandā.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, no one appears evil.ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਜਾਨੇ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦਾ ॥
साधसंगि जाने परमानंदा ॥
Sādhsaṅg jāné paramānanḋā.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, one realizes supreme bliss.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਉ ਤਾਪੁ ॥
साध कै संगि नाही हउ तापु ॥
Sāḋh kai saṅg nāhī ha▫o tāp.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, the fever of ego disappears.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਤਜੈ ਸਭੁ ਆਪੁ ॥
साध कै संगि तजै सभु आपु ॥
Sāḋh kai saṅg tajai sabh āp.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, one abandons all selfishness.ਆਪੇ ਜਾਨੈ ਸਾਧ ਬਡਾਈ ॥
आपे जानै साध बडाई ॥
Āpe jānai sāḋh baḋāī.
Translation: Only God Himself knows the greatness of the saints.ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਧ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ ॥੩॥
नानक साध प्रभू बनि आई ॥३॥
Nānak sāḋh prabhū ban āī. ||3||
Translation: O Nanak! The saints are completely united with God. ||3||
Essence of Pauri 3
Guru Arjan Dev Ji reveals that in the Saadh Sangat, deep transformations occur: enemies are reconciled, ego is erased, and all notions of superiority or inferiority dissolve. One learns to walk the path righteously and to see no one as evil. The fever of pride and the sense of "I" melt away in the radiance of divine presence. The saints embody God, and their company becomes a portal to the highest joy and purity. Only the Lord truly knows their greatness, for the Saadhs live immersed in His essence.
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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.