Sikh Prayer Sukhmani Sahib

By Rani Deol

This eBook contains English translation of the Sikh Prayer, Sukhmani Sahib. First each word is translated, next each line is translated, finally detailed paragraph is written to provide overall meaning of the each stanza.
Commonly asked questions are added at the end of the book.
All the information is based only on the Sikh Scripture, Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329181922

Book preview

Sikh Prayer Sukhmani Sahib

Sikh Prayer

Sukhmani Sahib

An In Depth Analysis

First Edition

Copyright 2015 Rani (Jatinder) Kaur Deol

This free ebook may be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared, provided it appears in its entirety without alteration, and the reader is not charged to access it.

ੴ satgur parsaad

Dear readers:

In this book I have translated Sikh prayer, Sukhmani Sahib.  Sikhs tend to listen to this prayer and read this prayer to uplift their spirits.  Although all the prayers are musical and uplifting, but Sukhmani Sahib has such unique popularity among the Sikh community.

Before proceeding to read this book, please read my previous ebook titled, Sikh Prayer Jap Ji Sahib An In Depth Analysis.  It is available for free download in two different formats.  The epub format is available at lulu.com, amazon.com, iBookstore of iTunes and few more online ebook stores.  In order to read the epub format, one needs a proper ebook reader.  For apple devices, it is no problem.  For pc, please download a free ebook reader such as calibre.  The pdf version of my books is available at http://www.sikhphilosophy.net.  The pdf format can be read using adobe reader which is easily available on all the devices.

Jap Ji Sahib Prayer presides at the beginning of the Sikh scripture.  It is the very first prayer Guru Nanak Dev Ji revealed.  Sikh philosophy is very concentrated in Jap Ji Sahib.  I have defined common Sikh terminology at the end of that book, which I will not redefine in this book.  Without understanding Jap Ji Sahib, the current book will be difficult to comprehend.

Layout of the book:

This book is divided into different sections.  All the sections are colored differently using the following order:

Page # indicates the page number of Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), the Sikh scripture, where these lines are written.

Original Gurbani (Guru's word) and its transliterations are in green color.

Each word is translated to help the readers draw their own conclusions and learn new Punjabi words.  These translations are in blue color.

English translation of the complete lines is in black color.  Individual lines are in bold while the complete paragraphs written to give the overall meaning is not bold.

Individual lines are written to provide concise yet quick interpretation of the lines to enable the reader to listen and read the prayer simultaneously.  Words enclosed in the brackets are not part of the original line, but are the most befitting interpretation.

Gurbani used as reference is in orange color.  These lines are not translated in as much detail.

Special Thanks To:

Team at http://www.sikhphilosophy.net for providing me a channel to post my draft books for everyone's review, and also for posting pdf files of my complete books.

Gurbani and its transliterations are copied from http://www.gurbanifiles.org.

Special Note:

I have modified the copied transliterations where I felt the need to.

Gurbani words which have half haha under the previous letter do not appear properly due to computer font.  Computer font, Raavi, expands these words.  For example see asatpadee 1 salok 1 line 5:

ਸੁਧਾਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਰ should be with half haha under khakha.

Thank you

Rani Deol

Table of Contents

Sikh Prayer

Chapter:  Sukhmani Sahib

Chapter:  1st Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  4th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  9th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  10th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  11th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  12th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  13th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  14th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  15th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  16th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  17th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  18th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  19th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  20th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  21st Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  22nd Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  23rd Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  24th Set

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Chapter:  5th Stanza

Chapter:  6th Stanza

Chapter:  7th Stanza

Chapter:  8th Stanza

Chapter:  What does the phrase Blessing of Naam imply?

Chapter:  What are the effects of Lord's Naam on the human mind?

Chapter:  Why Lord's Naam is the only commandment in Sikh faith?

Chapter:  According to Sikh faith what is heaven and hell like?

Chapter:  Who is the saint and the holy person mentioned in the Sikh scripture?

Chapter:  How to Interpret Guru Nanak Dev Ji's name and the word Rahaao in the Sikh scripture?

Chapter:  Why demons cannot disturb the Lord's devotees?

Chapter:  How is the entire creation represented by Sikh scripture?

Chapter:  Sukhmani Sahib

Page 262 of Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS).

ਗਉੜੀ ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਮਃ ੫ ॥

Ga-orhee Sukhmani Mehalaa 5.

Ga-orhee:  name of the musical measure which is best suited to sing this prayer.  Sukhmani:  Name of the prayer that is starting.  This word is a combination of two words:  Sukh and mani.  Sukh means comfort, comfort represents all the comforts pertaining to the physical and the spiritual world.  Mani:  Literally this word is the name of the most precious jewel among all the precious jewels, pearls, rubies etc.  This jewel is thought to have miraculous powers to fulfil owner's all wishes.  As the Lord's virtues are called precious jewels, rubies and pearls, His Naam is called the most precious miraculous jewel, the mani.  As we will see later, the context in which this word is used is Lord's Naam is Sukhmani.  Therefore, the complete word Sukhmani means the Divine Bless to attain all comforts.  Mehalaa 5:  All the Sikh gurus used Guru Nanak Dev Ji's name as the author for their own writings.  At the top of the prayer, word Mehalaa indicates which Guru is the writer.  The word mehalaa means the dwelling, the abode, and letter 5 represents 5th.  Mehalaa 5 means fifth Nanak, Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji, indicating Guru Arjan Dev Ji has written this prayer.

Musical measure Gaorhee; Sukhmani Sahib (The Divine Bless of Comfort); 5th Nanak Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Chapter:  1st Set

ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥

salok.

salok:  small ceremonial song, in this case sacred couplet as each salok consists of two lines.

Sacred Couplet (is starting).

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

Ik-ONkaar Satgur parsaad.

Ik-ONkaar Satgur parsaad:  Short representation of Mool Mantar meaning One all pervading Lord and He is realized by the Sacred Guru's grace.

One all pervading Lord.  He is realized by the sacred Guru's grace.

ਆਦਿ ਗੁਰਏ ਨਮਹ ॥

aad Gur-ay namah.

aad:  One present at the beginning of time, One Who is origin of all, primordial.  Gur-ay:  Guru, God.  namah:  to bow in respect, obeisance.

Obeisance to the Guru Who is the origin of all.

ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਗੁਰਏ ਨਮਹ ॥

jugaad Gur-ay namah.

jugaad:  throughout all the ages.

Obeisance to the Guru Who has been present through out all the ages.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰਏ ਨਮਹ ॥

Satgur-ay namah.

Satgur-ay:  Sacred Guru, God.

Obeisance to the Sacred Guru.

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰਦੇਵਏ ਨਮਹ ॥੧॥

Siree Gurdayv-ay namah. ||1||

Siree:  word is used to address someone respectable such as sir, or his highness. Gurdayv-ay:  divine Guru.  ||1||:  the first opening sacred couplet is complete.

Obeisance to the revered Divine Guru. ||1||

Chapter:  Sacred Couplet.

Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji is starting the prayer by paying respect to the Lord.

Please note, in the scripture word Guru is used in three different ways.  As Guru Nanak Dev Ji's guru is God, at times God is referred as Guru.  Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the Sacred Guru for all the living beings, therefore, at times word Guru refers to Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  Most of the times, word Guru refers to the Lord's word.

Chapter:  1st Stanza

ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ॥

asatpadee.

asatpadee:  consisting of eight lines, indicates how the prayer is organized.  For each sacred couplet, eight stanzas (lines) follow.  A group of these eight stanzas is called an asatpadee.

Group of eight stanzas (is starting).

ਸਿਮਰਉ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਉ ॥

simra-o simar simar sukh paava-o.

simra-o: (I may) remember (the Lord). simar simar:  by remembering. sukh:  comfort, solace, relief. paava-o:  (I would) attain.

I may remember the Lord; by remembering I would attain comfort.

ਕਲਿ ਕਲੇਸ ਤਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਮਿਟਾਵਉ ॥

kal kalays tan maahei mitaava-o.

kal:  the miseries. kalays: the conflicts, the internal battles. tan:  the body. maahei:  inside. mitaava-o:  (I would) remove, eradicate.

I would purge the miseries, conflicts of the body.

ਸਿਮਰਉ ਜਾਸੁ ਬਿਸੁੰਭਰ ਏਕੈ ॥

simra-o jaas Bisumbhar aikai.

jaas:  that one. Bisumbhar:  Sustainer of the world, God. aikai:  one, only one.

I may remember only that one Sustainer of the world.

ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਅਗਨਤ ਅਨੇਕੈ ॥

Naam japat agnat anaykai.

Naam:  God's name, Naam.  japat:  are reciting.  agnat:  countless.  anaykai:  very many.

Whose name is recited by countless beings.

ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸੁਧਾਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਰ ॥

bayd puraan simrit sudhaakh-yar.

bayd puraan simrit:  various Hindu scriptures. sudhaakh-yar:  the most pure word, the sacred word.

The Hindu scriptures (speak of) the most sacred word.

ਕੀਨੇ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਇਕ ਆਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਰ ॥

keenay Raam Naam ik aakh-yar.

keenay:  created, established. Raam:  God. Naam:  name. ik:  one. aakh-yar:  word.

(These scriptures) have established this word to be God's names.

ਕਿਨਕਾ ਏਕ ਜਿਸੁ ਜੀਅ ਬਸਾਵੈ ॥

kinkaa ayk jis jee-a basaavai.

kinkaa:  very small amount, one particle.  ayk:  one.  jis:  relating to someone or something like the word that.  jee-a:  in the heart.  basaavai:  places, deposits, situates.

Person, in whose heart places a very small amount (of His Naam).

ਤਾ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਗਨੀ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥

taa kee mahimaa ganee na aavai.

taa:  that (person).  kee:  of. mahimaa:  praise, glory.  ganee:  to count, to assess.  na:  not.  aavai:  to accomplish something.

That person's praise cannot be assessed.

ਕਾਂਖੀ ਏਕੈ ਦਰਸ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ॥

kaaNkhee aikai daras Tuhaaro.

kaaNkhee:  to desire.  aikai:  only one.  daras:  to physically see a holy being with great love, to behold.  Tuhaaro:  Yours, God's.

(Those who have) only one desire of beholding You (my Lord).

ਨਾਨਕ ਉਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਮੋਹਿ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥੧॥

Nanak un sang mohei udhaaro. ||1||

Nanak:  Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  un:  those people.  sang:  with, in the company of.  mohei:  me.  udhaaro:  rescue.  ||1||:  first stanza is complete.

Nanak, rescue me in their company. ||1||

Chapter:  1st Stanza

Guru Sahib Ji is instructing the Sikhs to remember the Lord and as such eradicate miseries, struggles, and battles that are occurring within the body causing many physical and mental problems.  We should recite only the Lord's name.  Look around, countless other people are also remembering that Lord; we should too. The Hindu scriptures may contain lots of different types of information, but they agree that the most sacred word is only the one word which refers to any of the Lord's names.  Such is the glory of God's name, people whom God has blessed with even a tiny amount of His Naam, their praise spreads around.  We should take inspiration from such people and also recite Lord's name.  Where should one begin; where to gain the spiritual knowledge from?

There are people who have only one desire that is to behold the Lord.  They are dedicated and possess divine knowledge.  By associating with such devoted people, others also attain knowledge and inspiration.  As all is in Lord's hand, He arranges the people to meet such holy people. Therefore, we should pray to the Lord that please rescue me from this world ocean by meeting me with such saintly people.

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸੁਖ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਮੁ ॥

Sukhmani sukh amrit Parabh Naam.

Sukhmani: the divine bless which encompasses all the comforts within.  sukh:  comfort. amrit:  immortalizing nectar.  Parabh:  God.

Lord's Naam is the divine bless comprising all comforts.  It provides comforts and immortalizing nectar.

ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

bhagat janaa kai man bisraam. rahaa-o.

bhagat:  devotees.  janaa:  persons. kai:  of. man:  mind. bisraam:  resides in, exists in.  rahaa-o:  pause, stop and truly understand this line as it contains the central theme of the prayer.

(Lord's Naam) resides in the devotees' minds. ||Pause||

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਗਰਭਿ ਨ ਬਸੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran garabh na basai.

Parabh:  God.  kai:  of. simran:  (because of) remembering. garabh:  in the womb.  na:  not. basai:  resides.

By remembering Lord, one never reincarnates.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਦੂਖੁ ਜਮੁ ਨਸੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran dookh jam nasai.

dookh:  miseries, pains. jam:  demons.  nasai:  runs away, flees.

By remembering Lord, miseries and the demons flee.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਕਾਲੁ ਪਰਹਰੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran kaal parharai.

kaal:  death, fear of death, also a shortcut to jamkaal meaning the demon of death that is under Dharam Rai's rule. parharai:  to go at distance, becomes unimportant.

By remembering Lord, (demon of) death retreats.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਦੁਸਮਨੁ ਟਰੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran dusman tarai.

dusman:  enemies, enemies of the soul.  tarai:  to drift, dismiss, go stray.

By remembering Lord, enemies drift away.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਕਛੁ ਬਿਘਨੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ॥

Parabh simrat kachh bighan na laagai.

simrat:  while reciting, while remembering. kachh:  any.  bighan:  obstacle.  na:  not.   laagai:  attaches, comes in the way.

While remembering the Lord, nothing becomes an obstacle.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਜਾਗੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran an-din jaagai.

an-din:  everyday, all the time,  jaagai:  stays awake, stays alert from vice.

By remembering Lord, one remains alert (from vice) at all times.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਭਉ ਨ ਬਿਆਪੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran bha-o na bi-aapai.

bha-o:  fear.  bi-aapai:  subdues, overcomes.

By remembering Lord, fears do not subdue.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਨ ਸੰਤਾਪੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran dukh na santaapai.

dukh:  suffering, miseries.  santaapai:  disturbs, burdens.

By remembering Lord, miseries do not burden.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥

Parabh kaa simran saadh kai sang.

saadh:  saint, holy person, Guru. kai:  of. sang:  in the company of, by associating with.

Remembrance of the Lord is attained by associating with the holy.

ਸਰਬ ਨਿਧਾਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗਿ ॥੨॥

sarab nidhaan Nanak Har rang. ||2||

sarab:  all. nidhaan:  treasures. Har:  God. rang: in the love of.  ||2||:  second stanza is complete.

Nanak, all the treasures reside in the Lord's love. ||2||

Chapter:  2nd Stanza

We have come across the rahaao line of the prayer above.  It contains the central theme of the entire prayer.  Moral of the prayer is that Lord's Naam is the divine source to provide all types of comforts.  Naam is also the source of immortalizing nectar for the soul.  Immortality is the ultimate accomplishment for the soul.  Therefore, Lord's Naam is the source of all the physical and spiritual comforts.  Naam resides in the saints' minds, meaning saints are only interested in the Naam.

Next Guru Ji begins to list the comforts that reside in Lord's Naam.

By remembering the Lord, person receives God's forgiveness and ends the reincarnation cycles.  This way the soul attains a permanent home with the Lord. 

By remembering the Lord, one eliminates the miseries and the demons leave this person.  For details please see section, Why the demons cannot disturb the Lord's devotees?

As the devotees are aware that the soul is eternal and body is only a vessel to reunite with the Lord, fear of death does not bother the devotees as they have already accomplished their mission.  In addition, as the demon's rule only extends over the evil spirits, the messengers of death that are under demon's control do not approach the devotees.

All is happening under God's divine laws and God has control over the entire creation.  From within us, God can change one's views, feelings, and plans.  This way, by remembering the Lord, Lord can cause the enemies of the believer to forget about the believer.

By remembering the Lord, nothing becomes an obstacle in devotee's path towards the Lord as the believer stays focused on the one Lord and the Lord is always present to help the devotee.

Devotee remains alert from vice at all times, therefore, these cannot subdue the believer.  Knowing that all is happening under the Lord's order, believer does not fear anything or anyone.  By living in God's will, such person lives in peace.

One's company always has a great influence on that person's actions.  By associating with sincere devotees who themselves are further along the spiritual journey inspires others to remember the Lord.  For details please see section, Who is the saint and the holy person mentioned in the Sikh scripture?

Devotee regards all the comforts and joys that all the treasures can offer to be in Lord's love.  This line can also be translated as all the treasures can be attained by loving the Lord.  Both are valid by the Sikh faith; although the first interpretation is more appropriate for the sincere devotees.

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ॥

Parabh kai simran ridh sidh na-o nidh.

ridh sidh:  spiritual powers.  na-o:  nine.  nidh:  treasures.

By remembering Lord, all the spiritual powers and all nine treasures are attained.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਤਤੁ ਬੁਧਿ ॥

Parabh kai simran gi-aan dhi-aan tat budh.

gi-aan:  divine knowledge. dhi-aan:  concentration on the Lord, stability of the mind to concentrate.  tat:  the origin, the essence, the Lord. budh:  wisdom.

By remembering Lord, divine knowledge, concentration on the Lord, and wisdom of the essence is attained.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਪੂਜਾ ॥

Parabh kai simran jap tap poojaa.

jap:  repetition of magical words to please the gods.  tap:  severe penances. poojaa:  worship of gods and goddesses.

By remembering Lord, benefits of repetition of magical words, penances, and worship (of gods) are attained.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥

Parabh kai simran binsai doojaa.

binsai:  eradicated, eliminated. doojaa:  duality, the belief that there is another force beyond God.

By remembering Lord, duality is eliminated.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਇਸਨਾਨੀ ॥

Parabh kai simran tirath isnaanee.

tirath:  pilgrimages. isnaanee:  taking holy baths to cleanse the sins.

By remembering Lord, benefits of pilgrimages and holy baths are attained.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਾਨੀ ॥

Parabh kai simran dargeh maanee.

dargeh:  divine court. maanee:  honor.

By remembering Lord, honor at the divine court is received.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਭਲਾ ॥

Parabh kai simran ho-ay so bhalaa.

ho-ay:  what is happening. so:  that. bhalaa:  is all for the best.

By remembering Lord, (one realizes) all that is happening is for the best.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਸੁਫਲ ਫਲਾ ॥

Parabh kai simran sufal falaa.

sufal:  good fruit, the highest purpose of human life, falaa:  tree with the good fruit, person who has attained the highest objective.

By remembering Lord, the highest objective of human life (salvation) is attained.

ਸੇ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਜਿਨ ਆਪਿ ਸਿਮਰਾਏ ॥

say simrahei jin aap simraa-ay.

say:  those (people). simrahei:  remember (God). jin:  the ones. aap:  He Himself. simraa-ay:  causes to remember.

Those remember the Lord, whom He Himself causes to remember.

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ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਲਾਗਉ ਪਾਏ ॥੩॥

Nanak taa kai laaga-o paa-ay. ||3||

taa:  their. kai:  of. laaga-o:  (I may ) touch. paa-ay:  feet, sign of humility.  ||3||:  3rd stanza is complete.

Nanak, I may touch the feet of such devotees. ||3||

Chapter:  3rd Stanza

Guru Ji continues to list the comforts attained by Lord's Naam.

In Jap Ji Sahib Prayer we have learnt that as we spend more and more time meditating on Lord's Naam, we accumulate more and more of the spiritual wealth.  Due to this spiritual wealth, God bestows His virtues upon us.  Eventually, we progress to the virtues of higher level, which provide us the spiritual powers.  Accordingly in this prayer, Guru Ji reveals that all of the spiritual powers can be attained by remembering the Lord. 

Please keep in mind, Guru Sahib Ji is providing the complete knowledge to the Sikhs by listing all the comforts that can be attained from Naam.  Guru Sahib Ji is not encouraging the Sikhs to pursue the worldly comforts or set their aim to attain the spiritual powers.

In the old days, people divided all the treasures into nine different categories.  By remembering God, all the nine treasures of the world can be attained.

Person with the spiritual wealth is honored in the divine court.

By remembering the Lord, we attain divine knowledge, wisdom, and intuition to realize the essence behind the creation such as the divine laws at work, and God is pervading all.  The spiritual wealth also gives us mental strength, and mental stability to focus more when meditating, hence accumulate more of the spiritual wealth.  Just as we expend our money to purchase anything within our budget, similarly this spiritual wealth can be utilized to attain anything in the physical and the spiritual world. 

People perform various religious rituals such as worshipping gods and goddesses by repeating the special words, or using fire and candles, or putting the body through harsh punishments.  Many go to pilgrimages and many bathe at holy places.  These rituals are performed to attain favors from the gods.  However, by remembering the Lord, one begins to see that Creator is the source of all the powers and all the gifts.  We should go to the source, the origin of all, to attain our gifts.  Person learns not to see anyone else holding any power above the Lord.  Only one Creator is controlling the entire creation; therefore, we should remember that one Lord to attain all that we desire.

By remembering God, one perceives that all that is happening, it is happening under God's divine will, and it is all for the best.

By remembering the Lord, one succeeds in attaining the highest objective for the human life, which is liberation from the bondages and a permanent home with the Lord.

However, it is not up to the people to choose to remember the Lord; otherwise, the whole world would be in love with the Lord.  People that Lord Himself chooses to remember Him, only those remember Him.  Therefore, we should treat such people with upmost respect and humility.

Chapter:  4th Stanza

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚਾ ॥

Parabh kaa simran sabh tay oochaa.

sabh:  all. tay:  upon, from. oochaa:  high.

Remembrance of the Lord is the highest (spiritual) activity among all.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਉਧਰੇ ਮੂਚਾ ॥

Parabh kai simran udhray moochaa.

udhray:  rescued, saved. moochaa:  very many, large number.

By remembering Lord, very many (souls) attain deliverance.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਬੁਝੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran tarisnaa bujhai.

tarisnaa:  yearning for Maya. bujhai:  is quenched.

By remembering Lord, yearning for Maya is appeased.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਸੁਝੈ ॥

Parabh kai simran sabh kichh sujhai.

sabh:  all. kichh:  concepts, ideas. sujhai:  comprehends, understands.

By remembering Lord, (one) comprehends all the concepts (of spirituality).

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਮ ਤ੍ਰਾਸਾ ॥

Parabh kai simran naahee jam taraasaa.

naahee:  not. jam:  demon. taraasaa:  fear.

By remembering Lord, fear of the demon(s) vanishes.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਪੂਰਨ ਆਸਾ ॥

Parabh kai simran pooran aasaa.

pooran:  complete, contented.  aasaa:  hopes, desires.

By remembering Lord, hopes are contented.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮਲੁ ਜਾਇ ॥

Parabh kai simran man kee mal jaa-ay.

man:  mind. kee:  of. mal:  dirt, filth (of sins). jaa-ay:  departs.

By remembering Lord, mind's filth (of the sins) departs.

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥

amrit Naam rid maahei samaa-ay.

amrit:  food for the soul that gives the soul immortality, immortalizing nectar. Naam:  God's Naam is the source of amrit. rid:  heart. maahei:  inside. samaa-ay:  absorbs.

Eternalizing Naam immerses in the heart.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜੀ ਬਸਹਿ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਰਸਨਾ ॥

Parabh jee baseh saadh kee rasnaa.

Parabh jee:  revered Lord. baseh:  lives, resides, is present. saadh:  holy person, Guru. kee:  of. rasnaa  tongue, dialect, dialog.

Revered Lord resides in the holy person's dialect.

ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਕਾ ਦਾਸਨਿ ਦਸਨਾ ॥੪॥

Nanak jan kaa daasan dasnaa. ||4||

jan:  person. kaa:  of. daasan:  servant's, humble assistant's. dasnaa:  servant, humble assistant.  ||4||:  4th stanza is complete.

Nanak, (I may become) a humble assistant of such person's assistants. ||4||

Chapter:  4th Stanza

Remembrance of the Lord is the most excellent religious activity among all the religious activities people perform.  Anything anyone can acquire by performing any religious ritual, it all can be attained by simply remembering the Lord. 

Only few people may be able to perform the religious rituals, or only the rich and healthy may be able to afford a pilgrimage.  After to perform such rituals, if they gain anything, it is only a small amount of the spiritual wealth.  On the other hand, anyone can remember God's name just about anywhere and at anytime, without any inconvenience or expense.  God's name is also the most excellent source of the spiritual wealth.  This way great many people can be saved by using such easily accessible and the most beneficial technique.  For details please see section, Why Lord's Naam is the only commandment in Sikh faith?

By remembering Lord, one gains the divine knowledge and comprehends Maya's tricks.  Such devotee learns to escape such tricks, therefore, extinguishes the yearning for Maya. 

As we have already seen, due to Lord's  remembrance, the demons run away.  Therefore, fear of the demons vanishes.

Desires and the hopes are like waves on the water.  As the mind stabilizes, it learns to reside in serenity in Lord's will; consequently these waves calm down.  Person attains contentment from such wanderings of the mind.

In the scripture, Guru Sahib Ji teaches us that whom we worship, that is what we become like.  By remembering God, our hearts become more and more pure as the filth of sins leaves the mind.  Person sees only oneness in the creation and learns to see God's order unfolding everywhere.  As the heart gains purity, the most pure gift, Lord's Naam, takes place in such heart. Naam is the source of immortality; hence it leads the soul to its permanent home with the Lord.

By which method should we remember the Lord and attain all these benefits?  Lord resides in Guru's word.  By following Guru's word we establish the relationship with the Lord.  Not only we should strive to follow Guru's word, we should also be the humble assistants even of the Guru's assistants.  In other words, we should be respectable, helpful, and humble towards the others who are striving on the same path.

Chapter:  5th Stanza

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਧਨਵੰਤੇ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei say dhanvantay.

Parabh:  Lord. ka-o:  to. simrahei:  remember. say:  those. dhanvantay:  with money, have worldly wealth.

Those, who remember the Lord, are wealthy.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਪਤਿਵੰਤੇ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei say pativantay.

pativantay:  respectable, reputable.

Those, who remember the Lord, are respectable.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਪਰਵਾਨ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei say jan parvaan.

jan:  persons. parvaan:  approved, accepted.

Those, who remember the Lord, are the approved persons.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਪੁਰਖ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei say purakh pardhaan.

purakh:  humans. pardhaan:  prominent, leading, dominant.

Those, who remember the Lord, are the prominent humans.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸਿ ਬੇਮੁਹਤਾਜੇ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei se baymuhtaajay.

baymuhtaajay:  independent, not subordinate.

Those, who remember the Lord, are not subordinate (to anyone or anything).

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸਿ ਸਰਬ ਕੇ ਰਾਜੇ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei se sarab kay raajay.

sarab:  all. kay:  of. raajay:  rulers, kings, emperors.

Those, who remember the Lord, are the royal kings of all.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਸੁਖਵਾਸੀ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei say sukhvaasee.

sukhvaasee:  reside in comfort.

Those, who remember the Lord, reside in comfort.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸਦਾ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei sadaa abhinaasee.

sadaa:  forever, for eternity. abhinaasee:  non destructible, do not die, achieve immortality.

Those, who remember the Lord, attain immortality.

ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੇ ਲਾਗੇ ਜਿਨ ਆਪਿ ਦਇਆਲਾ ॥

simran tay laagay jin aap da-i-aalaa.

simran:  in remembrance. tay:  upon. laagay:  attaches to, engage in.  jin:  those. aap:  He Himself. da-i-aalaa:  kind, merciful.

Those engage in Lord's remembrance, upon whom He Himself is merciful.

ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਕੀ ਮੰਗੈ ਰਵਾਲਾ ॥੫॥

Nanak jan kee mangai ravaalaa. ||5||

jan:  that person. kee:  of. mangai:  desires, asks for. ravaalaa:  dust of the feet, sign of humility.  ||5||:  5th stanza is complete.

Nanak, (a sincere devotee) desires the dust of such person's feet. ||5||

Chapter:  5th Stanza

As Lord is the King of the entire creation, He provides all for His devotees.  People who remember the Lord are wealthy and are respectable members of the society.  Devotees are approved by the Lord and are the guides for others.

People who remember the Lord are like the royal kings of all.  They are not subordinate to anything or anyone.  They are independent.

By remembering the Lord, devotees attain peace and bliss, and their souls attain immortality.

However, only those chosen people whom the Lord Himself is merciful to, immerse in His remembrance.  People who treat the devotees with respect and humility are also the fortunate ones.

Chapter:  6th Stanza

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei say par-upkaaree.

say:  those. par-upkaaree:  are in compassionate selfless service to uplift others.

Those, who remember the Lord, perform compassionate selfless service.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਤਿਨ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei tin sad balihaaree.

tin:  upon them. sad:  always, forever. balihaaree:  to extremely admire someone, to be a sacrifice upon someone very admirable.

Those, who remember the Lord, (we should) forever be a sacrifice upon them.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਮੁਖ ਸੁਹਾਵੇ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei say mukh suhaavay.

say:  those. mukh:  faces. suhaavay:  beautiful, graceful.

Those, who remember the Lord, their faces appear graceful.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਤਿਨ ਸੂਖਿ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei tin sookh bihaavai.

tin:  their. sookh:  in comfort. bihaavai:  passes in terms of time passing.

Those, who remember the Lord, (their life) passes in comfort.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਤਿਨ ਆਤਮੁ ਜੀਤਾ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei tin aatam jeetaa.

aatam:  own self, own mind. jeetaa:  conquered, subjugated.

Those, who remember the Lord, have conquered their own minds.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਤਿਨ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਰੀਤਾ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei tin nirmal reetaa.

nirmal:  pure, moral, virtuous. reetaa:  way of living, lifestyle.

Those, who remember the Lord, their way of life is virtuous.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਤਿਨ ਅਨਦ ਘਨੇਰੇ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei tin anad ghanayray.

anad:  bliss, joy. ghanayray:  very many, very large in numbers.

Those, who remember the Lord, attain very many joys.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਬਸਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਨੇਰੇ ॥

Parabh ka-o simrahei baseh Har nayray.

baseh:  live, reside.  Har:  God. nayray:  near, close to.

Those, who remember the Lord, reside near the Lord.

ਸੰਤ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਤੇ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਜਾਗਿ ॥

sant kirpaa tay an-din jaag.

sant:  saint, Guru. kirpaa:  blessing, kindness. tay:  due to. an-din:  day and night, all the time. jaag:  remain awake, remain alert (in remembrance of the Lord).

By saint's blessing, remain alert at all times (to focus on the Lord).

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਪੂਰੈ ਭਾਗਿ ॥੬॥

Nanak simran poorai bhaag. ||6||

simran:  remembrance. poorai:  complete, perfect. bhaag:  destiny, fate.  ||6||:  6th stanza is complete.

Nanak, Lord's remembrance is attained due to perfect destiny. ||6||

Chapter:  6th Stanza

People who remember the Lord are very compassionate by nature.  They provide selfless service to uplift others.  We should always respect and admire such kind souls.  These generous devotees' faces appear graceful, and their lives pass in comfort and peace.  They have subjugated their own minds.  Meaning they do not follow their own minds, instead they follow Guru Ji's teachings.  Their life style reflects their love for the Lord.  They are moral, virtuous people which is evident to others.

As the divine law states, due to our own actions we come closer