Japji Sahib - The 1st Pauri - Mantra for Knowing God

It is the first verse or pauri of Japji Sahib following the Mool (Mul) Mantra. Guru Nanak lays out the secrets of how to live well.

ਸੋਚੈ ਸੋਚਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਸੋਚੀ ਲਖ ਵਾਰ ॥
sochai soch na hova-ee jay sochee lakh vaar
By thinking and thinking, Nothing hapens… Though I may think a thousand times.

ਚੁਪੈ ਚੁਪ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਲਾਇ ਰਹਾ ਲਿਵ ਤਾਰ ॥
chupai chup na hova-ee jay laa-ay rahaa liv taar
Deep in silence, Nothining happens… Though the string of longing plays.

ਭੁਖਿਆ ਭੁਖ ਨ ਉਤਰੀ ਜੇ ਬੰਨਾ ਪੁਰੀਆ ਭਾਰ ॥
bhukhi-aa bhukh na utree jay bannaa puree-aa bhaar
The hungry people stay hungry, With the weight of the world on their backs.

ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥
sahas si-aanpaa lakh hohi ta ik na chalai naal
You may be incredibly clever, But you can't take it Home with you.

ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥
kiv sachi-aaraa ho-ee-ai kiv koorhai tutai paal
How can I live the Truth? How can I cut through the net of lies?

ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਆਕਾਰ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਹਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥
hakam rajaa-ee chainaa naank likhi-aa naal
Walk in God's Will Within and without. O Nanak! It's Written in your Soul.

Previous - Japji Sahib, Page 1

Next - Japji Sahib, Page 3, Mantra for Patience

Previous
Previous

Japji Sahib - The 23rd Pauri - Mantra for Elevation

Next
Next

Japji Sahib - The 20th Pauri - Mantra for Navigating Danger