Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 8, Salok, Pauri 1)

Seventh Ashtapadi – Pauri 1

ਸਲੋਕੁ – Shalok (Prefatory Verses)

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Eighth Ashtapadi – Pauri 1

Introduction

Guru Arjan Dev Ji begins this Ashtapadi with a deep spiritual portrait of the Brahm Gyani—the enlightened soul merged in Divine Consciousness. This pauri distinguishes such a person from worldly beings, comparing their equanimity, purity, and detachment to elements of nature that serve all without attachment. Their mind, vision, and conduct reflect the immanence of the Supreme Being. Guru Ji describes the Brahm Gyani as a luminous spiritual fire—beneficent and detached.

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Salok: Line-by-Line Presentation

1. ਮਨਿ ਸਾਚਾ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
   मनि साचा मुखि साचा सोइ ॥
   Mani saachaa mukhi saachaa soi.
   Translation: The True One is on his mind, and the True One is upon his lips.

2. ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਪੇਖੈ ਏਕਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਇ ॥
   अवरु न पेखै एकसु बिनु कोइ ॥
   Avar na pekhai ekas bin koi.
   Translation: He sees only the One, and none other.

3. ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹ ਲਛਣ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥
   नानक इह लछण ब्रहम गिआनी होइ ॥१॥
   Nanak ih lachan brahm gyani hoi. ||1||
   Translation: O Nanak! These are the qualities of the God-conscious being. ||1||

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Pauri 1 of the Eighth Ashtapadi

1. ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰਲੇਪ ॥
   ब्रहम गिआनी सदा निरलेप ॥
   Brahm gyani sadaa niralep.
   Translation: The God-conscious being is always unattached,

2. ਜੈਸੇ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਕਮਲ ਅਲੇਪ ॥
   जैसे जल महि कमल अलेप ॥
   Jaise jal mahi kamal alep.
   Translation: like the lotus, which remains untouched by mud.

3. ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰਦੋਖ ॥
   ब्रहम गिआनी सदा निरदोख ॥
   Brahm gyani sadaa nirdokh.
   Translation: The God-conscious being is always free of blame,

4. ਜੈਸੇ ਸੂਰੁ ਸਰਬ ਕਉ ਸੋਖ ॥
   जैसे सूरु सरब कउ सोख ॥
   Jaise soor sarab kau sokh.
   Translation: like the sun, which warms all equally.

5. ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਮਾਨਿ ॥
   ब्रहम गिआनी कै द्रिसटि समानि ॥
   Brahm gyani kai drisht samaan.
   Translation: The God-conscious being sees all as equal,

6. ਜੈਸੇ ਰਾਜ ਰੰਕ ਕਉ ਲਾਗੈ ਤੁਲਿ ਪਵਾਨ ॥
   जैसे राज रंक कउ लागै तुलि पवान ॥
   Jaise raaj rank kau laagai tul pavaan.
   Translation: like the wind, which blows equally on king and pauper.

7. ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਏਕ ॥
   ब्रहम गिआनी कै धीरजु एक ॥
   Brahm gyani kai dheeraj ek.
   Translation: The God-conscious being has constant patience,

8. ਜਿਉ ਬਸੁਧਾ ਕੋਊ ਖੋਦੈ ਕੋਊ ਚੰਦਨ ਲੇਪ ॥
   जिउ बसुधा कोऊ खोदै कोऊ चंदन लेप ॥
   Jiu basudha kooo khodai kooo chandan lep.
   Translation: like the earth, which bears being dug or smeared with sandalwood alike.

9. ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਇਹੈ ਗੁਨਾਉ ॥
   ब्रहम गिआनी का इहै गुनाउ ॥
   Brahm gyani kaa ihai gunaaon.
   Translation: These are the qualities of the God-conscious being:

10. ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਉ ਪਾਵਕ ਕਾ ਸਹਜ ਸੁਭਾਉ ॥੧॥
    नानक जिउ पावक का सहज सुभाउ ॥१॥
    Nanak jio paavak kaa sahaj subhaao. ||1||
    Translation: O Nanak! Like fire, his nature is calm and spontaneous. ||1||

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Essence of Pauri 1 – The Brahm Gyani

This pauri paints the serene majesty of the Brahm Gyani—the spiritually realized soul whose thoughts, actions, and vision are ever aligned with the One Truth. Detached like the lotus in muddy waters, impartial like the sun, and enduring like the earth, the Brahm Gyani is not just free from ego but radiates the Divine from within. He neither judges nor discriminates. His presence is sanctifying, and his inner fire of realization glows naturally and steadily—never burning out or diminishing. Guru Ji teaches us here not merely to admire the Brahm Gyani, but to aspire to become like one.

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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.