Introduction to Sukhmani Sahib

In August/September 2024 I plan to do an introductory contemplation on a few verses from Sukhmani Sahib every Saturday.  I will add notes and links to this document as I go along doing this meditation. 

To delve deeper into the spiritual essence and practical wisdom of Sukhmani Sahib, I have found the following webpages useful.  

Shlok Katha by Bhai Pinderpal Singh: This series is a good collection of videos that goes through each of the Shloks of Sukhmani Sahib. It is inspiring that instead of doing a katha of each line of each Ashtapadi, Bhai Pinderpal Singh ji focuses on the shloks which are summarizing the ashtapadis. 

  • Sukhmani Sahib at a glance is an essay on Sikhnet by Sawan Singh Gogia.
  • Sukhmani Sahib by Ashtapadi provides a summary of Sukhmani Sahib by ashtapadi
  • Wikipedia page on Sukhmani Sahib offers a well-rounded introduction, including historical context, linguistic insights, and the theological significance of the composition. 
  • Sikh Philosophy Network provides in-depth discussions and commentaries on individual Ashtapadis (sections) of Sukhmani Sahib. This resource is perfect for those who wish to engage in a more detailed study, offering interpretations and reflections from various scholars and practitioners.
  • BASICS of Sikhi article elaborates on the greatness of Sukhmani Sahib, focusing on its spiritual potency and the transformative power it holds for those who recite it with devotion


Aad Gureh Nameh

First week: Aad Gureh Nameh - the first shlok of Sukhmani Sahib. 

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ikOankaar satigur prasaadh ||
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਆਦਿ ਗੁਰਏ ਨਮਹ ॥
aadh gure nameh ||
I bow to the Primal Guru.

ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਗੁਰਏ ਨਮਹ ॥
jugaadh gure nameh ||
I bow to the Guru of the ages.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰਏ ਨਮਹ ॥
satigure nameh ||
I bow to the True Guru.

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰਦੇਵਏ ਨਮਹ ॥੧॥
sree gurdheve nameh ||1||
I bow to the Great, Divine Guru. ||1||



Oneness From Guru Nanak to Guru Arjan to Us


While traditional translations often describe the Aad Guru as the timeless one, I believe that Guru Arjan  subtly points us toward Guru Nanak in these verses. To me, there is no distinction, no duality—Guru Nanak and the timeless one are the same. Through deep meditation on the first and last Ashtapadis, and the Rahao of Sukhmani Sahib, this is the message Guru Arjan conveys to me.

The name of Guru Nanak's Bani is Jap, and the subject of Guru Arjan’s Sukhmani Sahib is Simran. In this way, Sukhmani Sahib becomes a reflection of Japji Sahib, much like the way the Harimandar Sahib is reflected in the pool surrounding it. The subjects, meanings, and rhymes echo each other, as if standing in a grand hall of mirrors where one can glimpse the true self, the Sach, through the Guru to whom we bow (Nameh).

The first word of the first Ashtapadi is "Simro," which appears in various forms in the opening lines. The word "one" is then repeated in each of the next eight lines, reminding us of the focus of our remembrance: the One. This is a beautiful reminder of the fundamental mantra—the Mool Mantra—the singular sound that is the Guru’s gift.

Guru Nanak begins his first Shlok with the word "Aad" (Primal), and Guru Arjan does the same in his Shlok: Aad Gureh Nameh. While Guru Nanak delves into the truth—Aad Sach—Guru Arjan focuses on those who lead us to this radiant truth: the Gurus. Sukhmani Sahib, in essence, is a celebration of the Bhagats, the singers of Oneness. At crucial points, both Japji Sahib and Sukhmani Sahib use rhymes to emphasize their subjects (Jap and Simran). For instance, "Aad Sach" rhymes with "Sach," just as "Dharat Mahat" in the last line of Japji Sahib resonates with "Sach." Similarly, "Nameh" in the first Shlok of Sukhmani Sahib rhymes with "Simreh," which is repeated throughout the first Ashtapadi. These rhymes reinforce the themes of the Banis and hint at the cyclical nature of their recitation.

If we were to sing Sukhmani Sahib like a Shabad, we would begin with the Rahao lines. In that case, the first word we would sing would be "Sukhmani," a term with multifaceted meanings that Guru Arjan coined. The last word of the final Ashtapadi is also "Sukhmani." This word encompasses peace of mind, the channels of our mind and soul, and the concept of a treasure. With such a circular connection, we are enveloped in Sukhmani from beginning to end, along with its profound meanings. I feel that Guru Arjan sought to bring the high philosophy of Japji Sahib down to earth. That is why the language and ideas are simple yet profound, making Sukhmani Sahib a scripture that connects with other seekers.

There is a fourth meaning of the word "Sukhmani" that I am discovering, which becomes clear toward the end of Sukhmani Sahib. Sukhmani is the virtue, the Gun, that seekers possess. We become complete when we embody it—the final Shlok speaks of becoming complete, of becoming Pura. Sukhmani is the most precious jewel with which we adorn ourselves, the pearl of bliss, the jewel of joy that connects us with Oneness.

Interestingly, the last Pauri of Japji Sahib (Jat Pahara Dheeraj Suniyaar) also speaks of chiseling the diamond of the mind. How beautifully these reflections catch our eye! How beautifully Guru Nanak is reflected in Guru Arjan! And how fortunate we are to carry the reflections of these North Stars with us, ultimately merging with the North Star to become complete—Pura, Sukhmani. We embody the Sukh that we were seeking. The last word of Japji Sahib in the Pauris is "Nihaal"—Joyous, Anand, Sukh.

0 Comments