Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 8, Pauri 4)
Sukhmani Sahib – Ashtpadi 8, Pauri 4
🔷 Introductory Note:
In this pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji deepens our understanding of the Brahm Giani by highlighting the foundations of their inner life and outer conduct. The verses illuminate the singular devotion, unshakable humility, and selfless action that define a soul merged with Divine Wisdom. The Brahm Giani's hope rests solely in the One Eternal Reality, and from that rootedness springs forth qualities of boundless compassion, detachment from worldly affairs, mastery over the mind, and a sincere urge to uplift others. The pauri culminates by affirming the universal spiritual benefit that flows from even being in the company of such an enlightened being.
🏵 Verse 1
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਏਕ ਊਪਰਿ ਆਸ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी एक ऊपरि आस ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee ék oopar aas.
English Translation: The God-conscious being places hope in the One alone.
🏵 Verse 2
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਨਾਸ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी का नही बिनास ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee kā nahee binās.
English Translation: The God-conscious being shall never perish.
🏵 Verse 3
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਸਮਾਹਾ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी कै गरीबी समाहा ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee kai gareebee samāhā.
English Translation: The God-conscious being is absorbed in humility.
🏵 Verse 4
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰ ਉਮਾਹਾ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी परउपकार उमाहा ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee par▫upkār umāhā.
English Translation: The God-conscious being finds joy in doing good for others.
🏵 Verse 5
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਧੰਧਾ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी कै नाही धंधा ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee kai nāhee ḍʰanḍʰā.
English Translation: The God-conscious being has no worldly dealings.
🏵 Verse 6
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਲੇ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਬੰਧਾ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी ले धावतु बंधा ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee le ḍʰāvat banḍʰā.
English Translation: The God-conscious being restrains the wandering mind.
🏵 Verse 7
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਭਲਾ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी कै होइ सु भला ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee kai ho▫e so bʰalā.
English Translation: Whatever the God-conscious being does is good.
🏵 Verse 8
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੁਫਲ ਫਲਾ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी सुफल फला ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee sufal falā.
English Translation: The God-conscious being blossoms in divine fruitfulness.
🏵 Verse 9
Gurmukhi:
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਗਲ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): ब्रहम गिआनी संगि सगल उधारु ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Barahm gi▫aanee sang sagal uḍʰār.
English Translation: In the company of the God-conscious being, all are saved.
🏵 Verse 10
Gurmukhi:
ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਪੈ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥੪॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): नानक ब्रहम गिआनी जपै सगल संसारु ॥४॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Nānak barahm gi▫aanee japai sagal sansār. ||4||
English Translation: O Nanak, through the God-conscious being, the whole world meditates on God. ||4||
🪔 Essence of the Pauri:
This pauri beautifully conveys how a Brahm Giani is both deeply rooted in the One and expansively benevolent toward all. Their spiritual focus lies solely in the Eternal, making them free of fear, decay, or delusion. They do not seek status or wealth but live immersed in humility and dedicated to altruism. Having mastered their restless mind, they engage only in actions that bless the world. Their life bears divine fruit, and their mere presence inspires remembrance of the Divine in others. In their company, the burdened find release, and the world discovers a path to meditative union with God.
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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.