Shlok 2/Ashtapadi 2
When the name of Hari goes inside the heart, it is priceless. This is the vision of the Hari's name that a seeker should seek. It is the highest seeking. No shastras, simritees, and rituals can compare with that.
ਬਹੁ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਹੁ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਪੇਖੇ ਸਰਬ ਢਢੋਲਿ ॥
bahu saasatr bahu simritee pekhe sarab ddaddol ||
The many Shaastras and the many Simritees - I have seen and searched through them all.
ਪੂਜਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਮੋਲ ॥੧॥
poojas naahee har hare naanak naam amol ||1||
They are not equal to Har, Haray - O Nanak, the Lord's Invaluable Name. ||1||
Pouring the Amrit of Hari’s Name in the Heart Over External Rituals
In the second Ashtapadi of Sukhmani Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji profoundly articulates the central theme that pouring the amrit of Hari’s Name into one’s heart is supreme, surpassing all external rituals, practices, and ascetic endeavors. This theme is not just a fleeting idea but a recurring and dominant message across the Shalok and the verses that follow. The Guru emphasizes that the inner devotion and remembrance of the Lord’s Name are the true paths to spiritual fulfillment, while external rituals, no matter how rigorous, are ultimately limited in their efficacy.
The Limitations of External Rituals
The Ashtapadi begins with a shalok that sets the tone for the following verses by stating, “The many Shaastras and the many Simritees - I have seen and searched through them all. They are not equal to Har, Haray - O Nanak, the Lord's Invaluable Name” (Shalok). This line establishes the fundamental assertion that all religious texts and practices cannot compare to the spiritual power of meditating on the Lord’s Name.
As we delve into the Ashtapadi, the first stanza further elaborates on this idea. Guru Arjan Dev Ji lists various spiritual disciplines—chanting, meditation, the study of scriptures, and ascetic practices—but concludes with, “None of these are equal to the contemplation of the Name of the Lord” (Stanza 1). This underscores the notion that while these practices might hold some value, they are secondary to the profound act of immersing oneself in the Name of Hari.
The Power of Hari’s Name
In the second stanza, the Guru illustrates the futility of even the most extreme forms of asceticism and charity when compared to the divine Name. The verse states, “But even so, the filth of your ego shall not depart. There is nothing equal to the Name of the Lord” (Stanza 2). This line highlights that external actions, no matter how extreme or sacrificial, cannot cleanse the ego or lead to true spiritual purity without the remembrance of the Lord.
The third stanza continues this exploration by critiquing the superficiality of ritualistic purity. The Guru writes, “But the filth of your mind shall not leave your body...O my mind, the Glorious Praise of the Name of the Lord is the highest” (Stanza 3). Here, the Guru points out that physical cleanliness or ritualistic purity is meaningless if the mind is not purified by the amrit of Hari’s Name.
True Freedom and Salvation Through the Name
Moving forward, the fourth stanza discusses how even the cleverest and most disciplined efforts cannot lead to salvation without devotion to Hari’s Name. “All other efforts are punished by the Messenger of Death, which accepts nothing at all, except meditation on the Lord of the Universe” (Stanza 4). This line reinforces the idea that only through the Name of the Lord can one attain true freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
The fifth stanza offers practical guidance for those seeking the cardinal blessings of life. “If you wish to erase your sorrows, sing the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, within your heart” (Stanza 5). This verse directly connects the act of chanting the Lord’s Name with the alleviation of worldly suffering, suggesting that true solace lies not in material gains or external rites but in the internalized devotion to the Divine.
Humility and the Company of the Holy
In the sixth stanza, humility is highlighted as a key component of spiritual growth, with the Name of the Lord being the ultimate source of enlightenment. “Among all persons, the supreme person is the one who gives up his egotistical pride in the Company of the Holy” (Stanza 6). The Guru implies that the realization of Hari’s Name in one’s heart is the highest state of being, achievable through humility and the company of those who are devoted to the Divine.
The seventh stanza further emphasizes the divine provision of all needs through the Lord’s Name. “To the poor, Your Name is wealth...O Creator Lord, Cause of causes, O Lord and Master, Inner-knower, Searcher of all hearts” (Stanza 7). This verse suggests that all worldly needs and desires are fulfilled through the divine Name, surpassing any material wealth or external provision.
The Most Sublime Path
Finally, in the eighth stanza, Guru Arjan Dev Ji concludes with a powerful affirmation of the supremacy of the Lord’s Name. “Of all places, the most sublime place, O Nanak, is that heart in which the Name of the Lord abides” (Stanza 8). This ultimate declaration encapsulates the entire theme of the Ashtapadi: that the heart where Hari’s Name resides is the holiest of all sanctuaries, greater than any physical or ritualistic endeavor.
Second Ashtapadi: Pouring Amrit of Hari's Name in the Heart
The second Ashtapadi of Sukhmani Sahib presents a clear and consistent message that the remembrance and internalization of Hari’s Name are the most exalted and effective spiritual practices. Guru Arjan Dev Ji meticulously contrasts the external rituals and ascetic practices with the profound act of pouring the amrit of the Lord’s Name into the heart. Through these verses, we are reminded that true spiritual purity and liberation are not achieved through outward actions alone but through the inner devotion and remembrance of the Divine Name.
ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥
salok ||
Shalok:
ਬਹੁ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਹੁ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਪੇਖੇ ਸਰਬ ਢਢੋਲਿ ॥
bahu saasatr bahu simritee pekhe sarab ddaddol ||
The many Shaastras and the many Simritees - I have seen and searched through them all.
ਪੂਜਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਮੋਲ ॥੧॥
poojas naahee har hare naanak naam amol ||1||
They are not equal to Har, Haray - O Nanak, the Lord's Invaluable Name. ||1||
ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ॥
asaTapadhee ||
Ashtapadee:
ਜਾਪ ਤਾਪ ਗਿਆਨ ਸਭਿ ਧਿਆਨ ॥
jaap taap giaan sabh dhiaan ||
Chanting, intense meditation, spiritual wisdom and all meditations;
ਖਟ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਵਖਿਆਨ ॥
khaT saasatr simirat vakhiaan ||
the six schools of philosophy and sermons on the scriptures;
ਜੋਗ ਅਭਿਆਸ ਕਰਮ ਧ੍ਰਮ ਕਿਰਿਆ ॥
jog abhiaas karam dhram kiriaa ||
the practice of Yoga and righteous conduct;
ਸਗਲ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਬਨ ਮਧੇ ਫਿਰਿਆ ॥
sagal tiaag ban madhe firiaa ||
the renunciation of everything and wandering around in the wilderness;
ਅਨਿਕ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਕੀਏ ਬਹੁ ਜਤਨਾ ॥
anik prakaar ke'ee bahu jatanaa ||
the performance of all sorts of works;
ਪੁੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਹੋਮੇ ਬਹੁ ਰਤਨਾ ॥
pu(n)n dhaan home bahu ratanaa ||
donations to charities and offerings of jewels to fire;
ਸਰੀਰੁ ਕਟਾਇ ਹੋਮੈ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਤੀ ॥
sareer kaTai homai kar raatee ||
cutting the body apart and making the pieces into ceremonial fire offerings;
ਵਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਕਰੈ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਤੀ ॥
varat nem karai bahu bhaatee ||
keeping fasts and making vows of all sorts
ਨਹੀ ਤੁਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥
nahee tul raam naam beechaar ||
- none of these are equal to the contemplation of the Name of the Lord,
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੀਐ ਇਕ ਬਾਰ ॥੧॥
naanak gurmukh naam japeeaai ik baar ||1||
O Nanak, if, as Gurmukh, one chants the Naam, even once. ||1||
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ਨਉ ਖੰਡ ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮੀ ਫਿਰੈ ਚਿਰੁ ਜੀਵੈ ॥
nau kha(n)dd pirathamee firai chir jeevai ||
You may roam over the nine continents of the world and live a very long life;
ਮਹਾ ਉਦਾਸੁ ਤਪੀਸਰੁ ਥੀਵੈ ॥
mahaa udhaas tapeesar theevai ||
you may become a great ascetic and a master of disciplined meditation
ਅਗਨਿ ਮਾਹਿ ਹੋਮਤ ਪਰਾਨ ॥
agan maeh homat paraan ||
and burn yourself in fire;
ਕਨਿਕ ਅਸ੍ਵ ਹੈਵਰ ਭੂਮਿ ਦਾਨ ॥
kanik asavai haivar bhoom dhaan ||
you may give away gold, horses, elephants and land;
ਨਿਉਲੀ ਕਰਮ ਕਰੈ ਬਹੁ ਆਸਨ ॥
niaulee karam karai bahu aasan ||
you may practice techniques of inner cleansing and all sorts of Yogic postures;
ਜੈਨ ਮਾਰਗ ਸੰਜਮ ਅਤਿ ਸਾਧਨ ॥
jain maarag sa(n)jam at saadhan ||
you may adopt the self-mortifying ways of the Jains and great spiritual disciplines;
ਨਿਮਖ ਨਿਮਖ ਕਰਿ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਕਟਾਵੈ ॥
nimakh nimakh kar sareer kaTaavai ||
piece by piece, you may cut your body apart;
ਤਉ ਭੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਵੈ ॥
tau bhee haumai mail na jaavai ||
but even so, the filth of your ego shall not depart.
ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਕਛੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
har ke naam samasar kachh naeh ||
There is nothing equal to the Name of the Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥੨॥
naanak gurmukh naam japat gat paeh ||2||
O Nanak, as Gurmukh, chant the Naam, and obtain salvation. ||2||
ਮਨ ਕਾਮਨਾ ਤੀਰਥ ਦੇਹ ਛੁਟੈ ॥
man kaamanaa teerath dheh chhuTai ||
With your mind filled with desire, you may give up your body at a sacred shrine of pilgrimage;
ਗਰਬੁ ਗੁਮਾਨੁ ਨ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਹੁਟੈ ॥
garab gumaan na man te huTai ||
but even so, egotistical pride shall not be removed from your mind.
ਸੋਚ ਕਰੈ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਅਰੁ ਰਾਤਿ ॥
soch karai dhinas ar raat ||
You may practice cleansing day and night,
ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਜਾਤਿ ॥
man kee mail na tan te jaat ||
but the filth of your mind shall not leave your body.
ਇਸੁ ਦੇਹੀ ਕਉ ਬਹੁ ਸਾਧਨਾ ਕਰੈ ॥
eis dhehee kau bahu saadhanaa karai ||
You may subject your body to all sorts of disciplines,
ਮਨ ਤੇ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਟਰੈ ॥
man te kabahoo na bikhiaa Tarai ||
but your mind will never be rid of its corruption.
ਜਲਿ ਧੋਵੈ ਬਹੁ ਦੇਹ ਅਨੀਤਿ ॥
jal dhovai bahu dheh aneet ||
You may wash this transitory body with loads of water,
ਸੁਧ ਕਹਾ ਹੋਇ ਕਾਚੀ ਭੀਤਿ ॥
sudh kahaa hoi kaachee bheet ||
but how can a wall of mud be washed clean?
ਮਨ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਊਚ ॥
man har ke naam kee mahimaa uooch ||
O my mind, the Glorious Praise of the Name of the Lord is the highest;
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਉਧਰੇ ਪਤਿਤ ਬਹੁ ਮੂਚ ॥੩॥
naanak naam udhare patit bahu mooch ||3||
O Nanak, the Naam has saved so many of the worst sinners. ||3||
ਬਹੁਤੁ ਸਿਆਣਪ ਜਮ ਕਾ ਭਉ ਬਿਆਪੈ ॥
bahut siaanap jam kaa bhau biaapai ||
Even with great cleverness, the fear of death clings to you.
ਅਨਿਕ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਨਾ ਧ੍ਰਾਪੈ ॥
anik jatan kar tirasan naa dhraapai ||
You try all sorts of things, but your thirst is still not satisfied.
ਭੇਖ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਗਨਿ ਨਹੀ ਬੁਝੈ ॥
bhekh anek agan nahee bujhai ||
Wearing various religious robes, the fire is not extinguished.
ਕੋਟਿ ਉਪਾਵ ਦਰਗਹ ਨਹੀ ਸਿਝੈ ॥
koT upaav dharageh nahee sijhai ||
Even making millions of efforts, you shall not be accepted in the Court of the Lord.
ਛੂਟਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਊਭ ਪਇਆਲਿ ॥
chhooTas naahee uoobh piaal ||
You cannot escape to the heavens, or to the nether regions,
ਮੋਹਿ ਬਿਆਪਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਾਲਿ ॥
moh biaapeh maiaa jaal ||
if you are entangled in emotional attachment and the net of Maya.
ਅਵਰ ਕਰਤੂਤਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਜਮੁ ਡਾਨੈ ॥
avar karatoot sagalee jam ddaanai ||
All other efforts are punished by the Messenger of Death,
ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਭਜਨ ਬਿਨੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥
govi(n)dh bhajan bin til nahee maanai ||
which accepts nothing at all, except meditation on the Lord of the Universe.
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਦੁਖੁ ਜਾਇ ॥
har kaa naam japat dhukh jai ||
Chanting the Name of the Lord, sorrow is dispelled.
ਨਾਨਕ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥੪॥
naanak bolai sahaj subhai ||4||
O Nanak, chant it with intuitive ease. ||4||
ਚਾਰਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮਾਗੈ ॥
chaar padhaarath je ko maagai ||
One who prays for the four cardinal blessings
ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥
saadh janaa kee sevaa laagai ||
should commit himself to the service of the Saints.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਪੁਨਾ ਦੂਖੁ ਮਿਟਾਵੈ ॥
je ko aapunaa dhookh miTaavai ||
If you wish to erase your sorrows,
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਸਦ ਗਾਵੈ ॥
har har naam ridhai sadh gaavai ||
sing the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, within your heart.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਲੋਰੈ ॥
je ko apunee sobhaa lorai ||
If you long for honor for yourself,
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਇਹ ਹਉਮੈ ਛੋਰੈ ॥
saadhasa(n)g ieh haumai chhorai ||
then renounce your ego in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਤੇ ਡਰੈ ॥
je ko janam maran te ddarai ||
If you fear the cycle of birth and death,
ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਸਰਨੀ ਪਰੈ ॥
saadh janaa kee saranee parai ||
then seek the Sanctuary of the Holy.
ਜਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦਰਸ ਪਿਆਸਾ ॥
jis jan kau prabh dharas piaasaa ||
Those who thirst for the Blessed Vision of God's Darshan
ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਸਾ ॥੫॥
naanak taa kai bal bal jaasaa ||5||
- Nanak is a sacrifice, a sacrifice to them. ||5||
ਸਗਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਮਹਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨੁ ॥
sagal purakh meh purakh pradhaan ||
Among all persons, the supreme person is the one
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਮਿਟੈ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥
saadhasa(n)g jaa kaa miTai abhimaan ||
who gives up his egotistical pride in the Company of the Holy.
ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਜੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਨੀਚਾ ॥
aapas kau jo jaanai neechaa ||
One who sees himself as lowly,
ਸੋਊ ਗਨੀਐ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚਾ ॥
souoo ganeeaai sabh te uoochaa ||
shall be accounted as the highest of all.
ਜਾ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਸਗਲ ਕੀ ਰੀਨਾ ॥
jaa kaa man hoi sagal kee reenaa ||
One whose mind is the dust of all,
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਿਨਿ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਚੀਨਾ ॥
har har naam tin ghaT ghaT cheenaa ||
recognizes the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, in each and every heart.
ਮਨ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਤੇ ਬੁਰਾ ਮਿਟਾਨਾ ॥
man apune te buraa miTaanaa ||
One who eradicates cruelty from within his own mind,
ਪੇਖੈ ਸਗਲ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਾਜਨਾ ॥
pekhai sagal sirasaT saajanaa ||
looks upon all the world as his friend.
ਸੂਖ ਦੂਖ ਜਨ ਸਮ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟੇਤਾ ॥
sookh dhookh jan sam dhirasaTetaa ||
One who looks upon pleasure and pain as one and the same,
ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਪ ਪੁੰਨ ਨਹੀ ਲੇਪਾ ॥੬॥
naanak paap pu(n)n nahee lepaa ||6||
O Nanak, is not affected by sin or virtue. ||6||
ਨਿਰਧਨ ਕਉ ਧਨੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਨਾਉ ॥
niradhan kau dhan tero naau ||
To the poor, Your Name is wealth.
ਨਿਥਾਵੇ ਕਉ ਨਾਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਥਾਉ ॥
nithaave kau naau teraa thaau ||
To the homeless, Your Name is home.
ਨਿਮਾਨੇ ਕਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੇਰੋ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
nimaane kau prabh tero maan ||
To the dishonored, You, O God, are honor.
ਸਗਲ ਘਟਾ ਕਉ ਦੇਵਹੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥
sagal ghaTaa kau dhevahu dhaan ||
To all, You are the Giver of gifts.
ਕਰਨ ਕਰਾਵਨਹਾਰ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
karan karaavanahaar suaamee ||
O Creator Lord, Cause of causes, O Lord and Master,
ਸਗਲ ਘਟਾ ਕੇ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ॥
sagal ghaTaa ke a(n)tarajaamee ||
Inner-knower, Searcher of all hearts:
ਅਪਨੀ ਗਤਿ ਮਿਤਿ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਆਪੇ ॥
apanee gat mit jaanahu aape ||
You alone know Your own condition and state.
ਆਪਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਆਪਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਰਾਤੇ ॥
aapan sa(n)g aap prabh raate ||
You Yourself, God, are imbued with Yourself.
ਤੁਮੑਰੀ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਤੁਮ ਤੇ ਹੋਇ ॥
tum(h)ree usatat tum te hoi ||
You alone can celebrate Your Praises.
ਨਾਨਕ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਸਿ ਕੋਇ ॥੭॥
naanak avar na jaanas koi ||7||
O Nanak, no one else knows. ||7||
ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥
sarab dharam meh sresaT dharam ||
Of all religions, the best religion
ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥
har ko naam jap niramal karam ||
is to chant the Name of the Lord and maintain pure conduct.
ਸਗਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਆ ਮਹਿ ਊਤਮ ਕਿਰਿਆ ॥
sagal kiraa meh uootam kiriaa ||
Of all religious rituals, the most sublime ritual
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਮਲੁ ਹਿਰਿਆ ॥
saadhasa(n)g dhuramat mal hiriaa ||
is to erase the filth of the dirty mind in the Company of the Holy.
ਸਗਲ ਉਦਮ ਮਹਿ ਉਦਮੁ ਭਲਾ ॥
sagal udham meh udham bhalaa ||
Of all efforts, the best effort
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਜੀਅ ਸਦਾ ॥
har kaa naam japahu jeea sadhaa ||
is to chant the Name of the Lord in the heart, forever.
ਸਗਲ ਬਾਨੀ ਮਹਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਨੀ ॥
sagal baanee meh a(n)mirat baanee ||
Of all speech, the most ambrosial speech
ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਜਸੁ ਸੁਨਿ ਰਸਨ ਬਖਾਨੀ ॥
har ko jas sun rasan bakhaanee ||
is to hear the Lord's Praise and chant it with the tongue.
ਸਗਲ ਥਾਨ ਤੇ ਓਹੁ ਊਤਮ ਥਾਨੁ ॥
sagal thaan te oh uootam thaan ||
Of all places, the most sublime place,
ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਹ ਘਟਿ ਵਸੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੮॥੩॥
naanak jeh ghaT vasai har naam ||8||3||
O Nanak, is that heart in which the Name of the Lord abides. ||8||3||
Singing oneness!
