Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 7, Pauri 8)

Seventh Ashtapadi – Pauri 8

Introduction

Guru Arjan Dev Ji concludes the Seventh Ashtapadi by reflecting on the indescribable greatness of Saadh Jan—the truly Holy. Their spiritual status transcends scriptures, material descriptions, and even cosmic qualities. Guru Ji declares that the glory of the saintly is infinite, immeasurable, and equated directly with God Himself. This pauri is a mystical declaration that the divine Light manifest in the truly enlightened is indistinguishable from the Supreme Lord.

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Line-by-Line Presentation

1. ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸੁਨਉ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
   ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਬੇਦ ਨ ਜਾਨਹਿ ॥
   साध की महिमा बेद न जानहि ॥
   Saadh kee mahimaa bed na jaaneh.
   Translation: The glory of the Holy people is not known even to the Vedas.

2. ਜੇਤਾ ਸੁਨਹਿ ਤੇਤਾ ਬਖਿਆਨਹਿ ॥
   जेता सुनहि तेता बखिआनहि ॥
   Jeta suneh teta bākhiāneh.
   Translation: They can only describe what they have heard.

3. ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਉਪਮਾ ਤਿਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਤੇ ਦੂਰਿ ॥
   साध की उपमा तिहु गुण ते दूरि ॥
   Saadh kee upma tihu gun te door.
   Translation: The greatness of the Holy is far beyond the three gunas (qualities).

4. ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਉਪਮਾ ਰਹੀ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥
   साध की उपमा रही भरपूरि ॥
   Saadh kee upma rahee bharpoor.
   Translation: Their praise is fully pervading all around.

5. ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਕਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਅੰਤ ॥
   साध की सोभा का नाही अंत ॥
   Saadh kee sobha ka naahee ant.
   Translation: The glory of the Holy knows no end.

6. ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਸਦਾ ਬੇਅੰਤ ॥
   साध की सोभा सदा बेअंत ॥
   Saadh kee sobha sadaa beant.
   Translation: Their glory is forever infinite.

7. ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਊਚ ਤੇ ਊਚੀ ॥
   साध की सोभा ऊच ते ऊची ॥
   Saadh kee sobha ooch te oochee.
   Translation: Their radiance is loftier than the loftiest.

8. ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਮੂਚ ਤੇ ਮੂਚੀ ॥
   साध की सोभा मूच ते मूची ॥
   Saadh kee sobha mooch te moochee.
   Translation: Their eminence is higher than the highest.

9. ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਸਾਧ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ ॥
   साध की सोभा साध बनि आई ॥
   Saadh kee sobha saadh ban aaee.
   Translation: This glory is innate to the Holy themselves.

10. ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਧ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਭਾਈ ॥੮॥੭॥
    नानक साध प्रभ भेदु न भाई ॥८॥७॥
    Nanak saadh prabh bhed na bhaai. ||8||7||
    Translation: O Nanak! There is no difference between the Holy and God. ||8||7||

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Essence of Pauri 8

This pauri magnifies the saintly—the Saadhs—as divine embodiments on Earth. Guru Arjan Dev Ji says their glory is beyond the grasp of even the Vedas and beyond the realm of worldly qualities (rajogun, tamogun, satogun). Their greatness is timeless, boundless, and highest of high. It is not borrowed or symbolic; it is inherent, as Guru Ji makes the profound declaration that “the Holy and God are One.” This is the summit of spiritual unity where ego has dissolved, and the soul has merged into the Supreme.

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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.