Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 9, Pauri 2)
Sukhmani Sahib – Ashtpadi 9, Pauri 2
🔷 Introductory Note:
In this pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji defines the essence of a true Vaishnaav—a devotee of Vishnu, or more broadly, one who embodies genuine bhakti (devotion). The Guru detaches this term from its ritualistic or sectarian connotation and redefines it through ethical purity, selflessness, humility, and inner devotion. Such a soul is free from desire, unattached to Maya, yet full of divine remembrance and compassion. This pauri is not merely about theology—it’s a universal code for the life of a saint immersed in selfless devotion.
🏵 Verse 1
Gurmukhi:
ਬੈਸਨੋ ਸੋ ਜਿਸੁ ਊਪਰਿ ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): बैसनो सो जिसु ऊपरि सुप्रसंन ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Baisno so jis ūpar suprasan.
English Translation: The true Vaishnaav is one with whom God is thoroughly pleased.
🏵 Verse 2
Gurmukhi:
ਬਿਸਨ ਕੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਹੋਇ ਭਿੰਨ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): बिसन की माइआ ते होइ भिंन ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Bisan kī māiā ṯé ho▫é bʰinn.
English Translation: He remains detached from Vishnu’s Maya (worldly illusion).
🏵 Verse 3
Gurmukhi:
ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਿਹਕਰਮ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): करम करत होवै निहकरम ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Karam karaṯ hovai nihkaram.
English Translation: Though he performs actions, he remains without attachment to them.
🏵 Verse 4
Gurmukhi:
ਤਿਸੁ ਬੈਸਨੋ ਕਾ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਧਰਮ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): तिसु बैसनो का निरमल धरम ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Ṭis baisno kā nirmal dharam.
English Translation: The religion of such a Vaishnaav is utterly pure.
🏵 Verse 5
Gurmukhi:
ਕਾਹੂ ਫਲ ਕੀ ਇਛਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਾਛੈ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): काहू फल की इछा नही बाछै ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Kaahoo fal kī ichhā nahī bāchai.
English Translation: He desires no fruit or reward for his actions.
🏵 Verse 6
Gurmukhi:
ਕੇਵਲ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਚੈ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): केवल भगति कीरतन संगि राचै ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Kéval bhagat kīrtan sang rācai.
English Translation: He is absorbed only in devotion and singing the Lord’s praises.
🏵 Verse 7
Gurmukhi:
ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): मन तन अंतरि सिमरन गोपाल ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Man tan antar simran Gopāl.
English Translation: With mind and body, he meditates on the Lord of the Universe.
🏵 Verse 8
Gurmukhi:
ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਹੋਵਤ ਕਿਰਪਾਲ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): सभ ऊपरि होवत किरपाल ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Sabh ūpar hovat kirpāl.
English Translation: He is kind and compassionate toward all beings.
🏵 Verse 9
Gurmukhi:
ਆਪਿ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੈ ਅਵਰਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਵੈ ॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): आपि द्रिड़ै अवरह नामु जपावै ॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Āp ḍariṛai avrah nām japāvai.
English Translation: He firmly practices and inspires others to chant the Naam.
🏵 Verse 10
Gurmukhi:
ਨਾਨਕ ਓਹੁ ਬੈਸਨੋ ਪਰਮ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥
Hindi Transliteration (Devanagari): नानक ओहु बैसनो परम गति पावै ॥२॥
English Transliteration (Italicised): Nānak oh baisno param gaṯ pāvai. ||2||
English Translation: O Nanak! That Vaishnaav attains the supreme spiritual state. ||2||
🪔 Essence of the Pauri:
Guru Arjan Dev Ji here honours the ideal devotee—the true Vaishnaav—not by external identification, but by inner character. Such a saint is untouched by illusion (Maya), detached from the outcome of their deeds, and immersed in Naam Simran and Kirtan. They live with quiet purpose: devoted, humble, and active in spiritual encouragement. They are a force of compassion, and their presence inspires others to remember the Divine. The Guru affirms that this internal purity and ceaseless devotion elevate such a soul to the highest spiritual realm—Param Gat.
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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.