Sukhmani is the masterpiece of Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji. It is complete in all respects and enjoys its independent status. The major ethical and spiritual ideas of Guru Arjun Dev ji are believed to have been treasured in it. It is believed in Sikh tradition that the great Guru composed Sukhmani at Amritsar, while he was in a process of preparing the Holy Scripture (Sri Granth Sahib Ji) for humanity by which he preached the message of universal peace, to all the inhabitants of the world. Sukhmani is arranged in the ‘gaurhi’ raag of Sri Guru Granth Sahib (262-296)
Significance: Its lyrical beauty apart, Sukhmani is a profoundly significant scriptural text for all devotees of the Sikh faith and indeed for all humanity. It is recited in the early hours of the morning. Generally it takes about 90 minutes to recite it. Anyone who reads it with love, faith and devotion opens the doors of the treasure of eternal bliss and the very spring of peace, the reason being that the author (Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji) has poured into this composition his very spirit which was peace itself. This peace (he had got from his constant communication with God. It is a treasure of the rarest kind of happiness and bliss. Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji preached the message of universal peace to all the inhabitants of the world. A person tired of life or deeply entrenched in sorrow or in remorse or in anxiety derives consolation and peace from reading Sukhmani because it aims to give solace to the mind. The Sukhmani urges that in order to attain peace of mind a man should make it a constant practice to remember the Name of God. The remembrance will put a sort of fence, so to say, around him which no worldly trouble or evil can break. He who listens to it with love and gives it a place in his heart shall enable himself to commune with the Lord (Parmatma).
“Sukhmani presents a complete scheme of the teachings of the Sikh faith. While each astpadi has a fresh vision to impart, a particular aspect of Truth to unfold, the whole text may be regarded as the reiteration of basic themes such as Divine immanence, Divine compassion, abundance of grace, the merit of devotion, of holy company and humility. With such reiteration, the composition as a whole has a remarkable gripping quality reinforced by the striking imagery which in stanza after stanza brings home to the seeker the truths he must own.” SikhiWiki
Meaning of the heading ‘Sukhmani’: Different scholars have given their interpretations, regarding the significance of the heading of this composition. Some are of the incorrect view that the word Sukhmani represents the yogic term ‘sukhmana’ a mythical vein which is situated where ‘irha’ and ‘pingula’ join together. It seems to be a wrong interpretation because in the Guru Granth Sahib all the Gurus are against ‘hath yoga’ which emphasizes ‘pranyam’ and other ‘aasans’- physical postures. Perhaps it would be a better and safer interpretation if we say that Sukhmani refers to the highest state of spiritual bliss. This interpretation would be in cognizance with the Sikh thought and it would also explain the contents of the composition. Some scholars also agree to this interpretation. Prof. G.S.Talib calls this composition a ‘Jewel of Bliss’ or joys. It deals with the essentials of Sikhism and devotional philosophy of man. It breeds the spirit of universal brotherhood, peace and love. Principal Teja Singh in his book- ‘The Psalm of Peace’ translated his version of Sukhmani. He states in the introduction that this composition is based on the basic unity of mankind, which is derived from the unity of Truth. This argument seems to be in agreement with the fundamental thought of Sikhism. Sikhism builds its philosophical structure of non-dual Reality which is both manifest and unmanifest. If Reality is one and there is unity of Truth then humanity can be considered as manifestation of the Ultimate Reality. Therefore, Sukhmani throws light on different manifestations of Reality which is in essence based on the unity of non-dual Reality.“The word Sukhmani is rendered into English as “consoler of the mind.” The entire poem has been translated into English more than once under the commonly preferred title, "Jewel of peace", “Psalm of peace” or “Song of peace”, signifying the soothing effect it has on the mind of the reader. Sukh literally means peace or comfort and mani means mind or heart also jewel This composition comes forth with a reviving spirit to inspire human consciousness against all falsehood, evil and ignorance. It is a great consoler of the mind. Therefore, it has been given the heading of Sukhmani which gives the message of love, peace and harmony. In order to justify the above argument we may give in brief the summary of the whole composition emphasizing different aspects which have been mentioned in the contents.”sikhiwiki
Contents: “The Sukhmani opens with a manglacharan or invocation to the Supreme Being. In this four-line salok, the Supreme Being is remembered as adi gure (Primal Preceptor), jugadi gure (Preceptor from the beginning of time existing), sati gure (the Truth Preceptor) and sri gurdeve (Preceptor Divine). The following six astpadis dwell on the advantages of remembrance, in a spirit of love, devotion and surrender, of the Holy Name which results in linking up one’s consciousness with the divine. This brings bliss, peace and approval at the Divine Court.”
This composition is in 24 ashtpadis and each consists of eight paurhis along with a slok at the beginning just to give the theme of the ashtpadi concerned. The beginning of the composition opens with innovation to the Shabad Guru who is the source of bliss:
aad gur-ay namah. jugaad gur-ay namah.
satgur-ay namah saree gurdayv-ay namah. (SGGS p. 262)
Here Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji has made a departure from the prevalent Hindu tradition which refers to Personal God and gods. It also refers to the personal Guru-ship and the particular Gurus. Here the Guru emphasizes on Naam Simran as the only way to God realization is only Nam-Simran:
‘ismrau ismir ismir suKu pwvau]’
simra-o simar simar sukh paava-o.SGGS p. 262)
In the first three (1st - 3rd) ashtapadis, the Guru mentions the advantages of repeating the Name of God. In ashtapadis 4th to11th Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji expresses his thoughts on God-man. Ashtapadis 12th to 20th mention, the process by which God’s grace can be won, that is, by self surrender or resignation to the Will of God. God is all truth. The Guru inspires the disciples with love of the Name, meditation. In the last four ashtapadis (21st - 24th) the Guru elucidates the Name. Name covers both the personal and absolute aspects of God. The Lord is present in His creation. In the absolute form God is not subject to matter, time or space, God transcends and unifies all.
Theme: The major theme is given in the first and the second paurhi. It is the following:
sukhmanee sukh amrit parabh naam
bhagat janaa kai man bisraam. rahaa-o
‘suKmnI suK AMimRq pRB nwmu] Bgq jnw ky min ibsRwm]’ (AMg 262)
This shows that the peace can only be obtained by the recitation of the divine. This recitation ensures our contact with God and serves as a channel for the outflow of Guru’s virtue into ourselves. It is much evident that Naam Simran is the main theme. Naam is the treasure. If Reality is one unity, Truth or humanity must manifest their respective unities. All such unities are viewed within one Divine unity of the Almighty God. Sukhmani reveals with the dynamic nature of non-dual Being, which manifests unmanifest form and when it assures the form it marks the beginning of different yugas. Whenever it is in the manifest form it is expressing itself through the Divine Law which is expressed through the ‘shabad’ or ‘satguru’. These three forms of one Reality are respectfully invocated in order to Naam Simran. In the 2nd ashtpadi, we come across that the Ultimate Reality pervades in every element/creature. This fact of all pervasive Reality is realized through ‘Naam Simran’, which is the subtle creative energy, the cause of all manifest forms. It also functions upon human mind to make him realize the Ultimate Creator. In the 3rd ashtpadi, the Guru makes a sharp comparison with other forms of worship based upon the previous scriptures of the Hindus and other religions. Guru has made it clear that he has studied many revealed and other scriptures but Naam Simran is superior to all other religious observances:
‘bhu SwsqRu bhu isimRqI pyKy srb FMFoil]
pUjis nwhI hir hry nwnk nwm Amol]’ AMg 265)baho saastar baho simritee paykhay sarab dhadhol.poojas naahee har haray naanak naam amol.
Naam-Simran is above all other means. Guru Arjun Dev openly criticizes rituals, renunciation and ascetic practices. He is of the view point that if one is to get rid of pain and suffering, one is to practice Naam-Simran in the real spirit of the term (word). In the 8th paurhi of the 3rd ashtpadi Guru pin-points that Hari’s name is far superior to other means of God-realization. In the last four ashtpadis (21st - 24th) Sri Guru Arjun Dev concentrates on the conception of Naam which is the fountain of spiritual Bliss- Sukhmani. In the 4th ashtpadi Sri Guru Arjun Dev represents the human situation: man is portrayed weak and a completely dependent on almighty creator and the ashtpadi’s opening slok says that the individual is without any qualities and is childlike also. Therefore, it is advisable for him to remember the creator who is always within and helps him to emancipate:
‘inrgunIAwr ieAwinAw so pRBu sdw smwil]
ijin kIAw iqsu cIiq rKu nwnk inbhI nwil]’ (AMg 266)
nirgunee-aar i-aani-aa so parabh sadaa samaal.
jin kee-aa tis cheet rakh naanak nibhee naal.
Owing to weak, man is prospective to Almighty to surrender himself:
‘qU Twkuru qum pih Ardwis] jIau ipMfu sB qyrI rwis]’ (AMg 277)
Due to weak nature, man is attracted by worldly things. With the result he forgets the Creator and is engrossed in the creation only. Thereafter Sri Guru Arjun Dev brings in he idea of grace and mercy as the only source of inspiration to come out of clutches of maya. For this purpose complete self surrender is expected of a spiritual aspirant for the true Guru. All evils like anger, greed, desires, attachment and I-consciousness are succumbed to Guru’s will. The Guru qualifies this statement that Truth and Truthfulness are very significant in the way of realization. Truth can be realized in the company of realized persons ‘swDsMiMg mlu sglI Koq’ (AMg 271). (Here ‘malu’ means ignorance). Having accepted that man is weak Guru Arjun Dev introduces the concept of Grace in the 6th and 7th Ashtpadis. Grace is such a multi-dimensional concept which has many aspects in different perspectives. It helps man evolve and develop spiritually, socially and other ways also. In the 8th ashtpadi the ideal man (bRhm igAwnI) of Guru Arjun Dev has been projected. Braham Gyani is a perfect person who completely identifies himself with the Ultimate Primal Source. In the 9th and 10th ashtpadis comparison with other sects has been given in which the realization of Reality would not be possible. Different Saints, devotees belonging to different sects could have the partial vision of Truth but all of them are incapable to realize Him. They beg for His grace to gain strength. He is all in all and non-dual as well. He pervades everywhere without any discontinuity. In the slok of ashtpadi 17th, the Guru outlines the basic structures of all comprehensive view of Reality. Like Guru Nanak’s first slok of the Japuji, Guru Arjun Dev says that Reality is true in the beginning, in the unmanifested state, and in the manifested form (‘Awid scu jugwid scu] hY iB scu nwnk hosI BI scu]’ AMg 285). And this fact about Truthfulness of Reality has self evident in the present and in the future as well. And in the Ashtpadi the Guru says the form of Being is true (siq srUp). When one understands it, one tries to realize this true form. Then the spiritual aspirant develops from within all qualities of Truth realization. All elements with gyan are transformed into reality itself (‘siq purK ijn jwinAw siqguru iqskw nwau’ AMg 286). And in the Ashtpadi 16th, Guru also describes the transcendent nature of the Reality which is beyond form and contrary colours and the three strands of the Reality (‘rUp n ryK n rMgu ikCu iqRh gux qy pRB iBMn’ AMg 283). It should not be misunderstood that Guru Arjun Dev believed only in transcendent. He tries to reconcile the unmanifest and manifest aspects of Reality, which indicates that he is developing a dynamic view of Reality. In nutshell, Guru Arjun Dev presents his view that the Ultimate Reality is dynamic and non-dual which is both unmanifest and manifest. An ideal man is expected to be one with Ultimate Reality. Guru calls such a person ‘Sati purkh’ (siq purK). ‘sati purkh’ in a personified sense is a creative principle in all the universe including living and non-living units of the Reality. The realization of ‘Sati purkh’ is the key idea of Sukhmani Sahib. With this view the Guru emphasizes on Naam-Simran again and again. Simran is the only fruitful activity which a person is expected to perform while living in this world. All other things do not help man to realize the Reality. Hari Nam (hir nwm) is the real wealth. In the slok of ashtpadi 20th, the term ‘iPriq iPriq’ wandering in the original context can be interpreted from two stand points. First, as man has undergone before this birth so many births. Second, after adopting different means of realization the devotee has come to know that Naam-Simran is the last resort. In the last four ashtpadis Guru concludes that Naam stands for ‘shabad’ which is used to describe manifest attributes of the Real. The Real is a dynamic ‘Reality’ which is both Nirguna and Sarguna, when it assumes the manifest form it becomes the Naam as Personal Unity with infinite attributes. The remembrance of these attributes through Naam (Sbd) help human consciousness (suriq) to develop from a form of multiplicity and duality (dUjw BwE) and finally the state of complete union with Reality is realized. Hence the scripture if recited with loving devotion works on human mind in the power of Naam and Shabad and the ultimate outcome is total spiritual Bliss, i.e. the ultimate equipoise. “Thus we can say that the central theme of the Sukhmani is Naam Simran. It brings the treasure of all kinds of happiness and pleasure. When a man worships God in the real sense, he attains eternal bliss. Some good qualities are cultivated in the man’s personality, which make him eligible to get other themes (grace of God, Love and dedication, nature of ideal man, ‘Sargun’ and ‘Nirgun’ aspect of God etc.), which are also incorporated by the Guru are subordinate to this major one. When a man leans towards Naam Simran he becomes free from the cycle of death and rebirth and gets the eternal state tranquility (sihj). There is something in the sincerity of the mental approach, a deep pathos and the poetical rhythm which pierce the heart of the reader. It has a soothing effect on the nerves of those shattered by a life of hurry and furious activity. There is in it the still music of humanity, a lyrical cry rising from the heart that has known suffering and has found peace. The Sukhmani benefits the psyche of every reader to a great extent. The recital makes one joyous and refreshed, soothed and renewed, with every word because it travels straight to the heart where the spirit of Guru Arjun dwells.
Significance: Its lyrical beauty apart, Sukhmani is a profoundly significant scriptural text for all devotees of the Sikh faith and indeed for all humanity. It is recited in the early hours of the morning. Generally it takes about 90 minutes to recite it. Anyone who reads it with love, faith and devotion opens the doors of the treasure of eternal bliss and the very spring of peace, the reason being that the author (Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji) has poured into this composition his very spirit which was peace itself. This peace (he had got from his constant communication with God. It is a treasure of the rarest kind of happiness and bliss. Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji preached the message of universal peace to all the inhabitants of the world. A person tired of life or deeply entrenched in sorrow or in remorse or in anxiety derives consolation and peace from reading Sukhmani because it aims to give solace to the mind. The Sukhmani urges that in order to attain peace of mind a man should make it a constant practice to remember the Name of God. The remembrance will put a sort of fence, so to say, around him which no worldly trouble or evil can break. He who listens to it with love and gives it a place in his heart shall enable himself to commune with the Lord (Parmatma).
“Sukhmani presents a complete scheme of the teachings of the Sikh faith. While each astpadi has a fresh vision to impart, a particular aspect of Truth to unfold, the whole text may be regarded as the reiteration of basic themes such as Divine immanence, Divine compassion, abundance of grace, the merit of devotion, of holy company and humility. With such reiteration, the composition as a whole has a remarkable gripping quality reinforced by the striking imagery which in stanza after stanza brings home to the seeker the truths he must own.” SikhiWiki
Meaning of the heading ‘Sukhmani’: Different scholars have given their interpretations, regarding the significance of the heading of this composition. Some are of the incorrect view that the word Sukhmani represents the yogic term ‘sukhmana’ a mythical vein which is situated where ‘irha’ and ‘pingula’ join together. It seems to be a wrong interpretation because in the Guru Granth Sahib all the Gurus are against ‘hath yoga’ which emphasizes ‘pranyam’ and other ‘aasans’- physical postures. Perhaps it would be a better and safer interpretation if we say that Sukhmani refers to the highest state of spiritual bliss. This interpretation would be in cognizance with the Sikh thought and it would also explain the contents of the composition. Some scholars also agree to this interpretation. Prof. G.S.Talib calls this composition a ‘Jewel of Bliss’ or joys. It deals with the essentials of Sikhism and devotional philosophy of man. It breeds the spirit of universal brotherhood, peace and love. Principal Teja Singh in his book- ‘The Psalm of Peace’ translated his version of Sukhmani. He states in the introduction that this composition is based on the basic unity of mankind, which is derived from the unity of Truth. This argument seems to be in agreement with the fundamental thought of Sikhism. Sikhism builds its philosophical structure of non-dual Reality which is both manifest and unmanifest. If Reality is one and there is unity of Truth then humanity can be considered as manifestation of the Ultimate Reality. Therefore, Sukhmani throws light on different manifestations of Reality which is in essence based on the unity of non-dual Reality.“The word Sukhmani is rendered into English as “consoler of the mind.” The entire poem has been translated into English more than once under the commonly preferred title, "Jewel of peace", “Psalm of peace” or “Song of peace”, signifying the soothing effect it has on the mind of the reader. Sukh literally means peace or comfort and mani means mind or heart also jewel This composition comes forth with a reviving spirit to inspire human consciousness against all falsehood, evil and ignorance. It is a great consoler of the mind. Therefore, it has been given the heading of Sukhmani which gives the message of love, peace and harmony. In order to justify the above argument we may give in brief the summary of the whole composition emphasizing different aspects which have been mentioned in the contents.”sikhiwiki
Contents: “The Sukhmani opens with a manglacharan or invocation to the Supreme Being. In this four-line salok, the Supreme Being is remembered as adi gure (Primal Preceptor), jugadi gure (Preceptor from the beginning of time existing), sati gure (the Truth Preceptor) and sri gurdeve (Preceptor Divine). The following six astpadis dwell on the advantages of remembrance, in a spirit of love, devotion and surrender, of the Holy Name which results in linking up one’s consciousness with the divine. This brings bliss, peace and approval at the Divine Court.”
This composition is in 24 ashtpadis and each consists of eight paurhis along with a slok at the beginning just to give the theme of the ashtpadi concerned. The beginning of the composition opens with innovation to the Shabad Guru who is the source of bliss:
aad gur-ay namah. jugaad gur-ay namah.
satgur-ay namah saree gurdayv-ay namah. (SGGS p. 262)
Here Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji has made a departure from the prevalent Hindu tradition which refers to Personal God and gods. It also refers to the personal Guru-ship and the particular Gurus. Here the Guru emphasizes on Naam Simran as the only way to God realization is only Nam-Simran:
‘ismrau ismir ismir suKu pwvau]’
simra-o simar simar sukh paava-o.SGGS p. 262)
In the first three (1st - 3rd) ashtapadis, the Guru mentions the advantages of repeating the Name of God. In ashtapadis 4th to11th Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji expresses his thoughts on God-man. Ashtapadis 12th to 20th mention, the process by which God’s grace can be won, that is, by self surrender or resignation to the Will of God. God is all truth. The Guru inspires the disciples with love of the Name, meditation. In the last four ashtapadis (21st - 24th) the Guru elucidates the Name. Name covers both the personal and absolute aspects of God. The Lord is present in His creation. In the absolute form God is not subject to matter, time or space, God transcends and unifies all.
Theme: The major theme is given in the first and the second paurhi. It is the following:
sukhmanee sukh amrit parabh naam
bhagat janaa kai man bisraam. rahaa-o
‘suKmnI suK AMimRq pRB nwmu] Bgq jnw ky min ibsRwm]’ (AMg 262)
This shows that the peace can only be obtained by the recitation of the divine. This recitation ensures our contact with God and serves as a channel for the outflow of Guru’s virtue into ourselves. It is much evident that Naam Simran is the main theme. Naam is the treasure. If Reality is one unity, Truth or humanity must manifest their respective unities. All such unities are viewed within one Divine unity of the Almighty God. Sukhmani reveals with the dynamic nature of non-dual Being, which manifests unmanifest form and when it assures the form it marks the beginning of different yugas. Whenever it is in the manifest form it is expressing itself through the Divine Law which is expressed through the ‘shabad’ or ‘satguru’. These three forms of one Reality are respectfully invocated in order to Naam Simran. In the 2nd ashtpadi, we come across that the Ultimate Reality pervades in every element/creature. This fact of all pervasive Reality is realized through ‘Naam Simran’, which is the subtle creative energy, the cause of all manifest forms. It also functions upon human mind to make him realize the Ultimate Creator. In the 3rd ashtpadi, the Guru makes a sharp comparison with other forms of worship based upon the previous scriptures of the Hindus and other religions. Guru has made it clear that he has studied many revealed and other scriptures but Naam Simran is superior to all other religious observances:
‘bhu SwsqRu bhu isimRqI pyKy srb FMFoil]
pUjis nwhI hir hry nwnk nwm Amol]’ AMg 265)baho saastar baho simritee paykhay sarab dhadhol.poojas naahee har haray naanak naam amol.
Naam-Simran is above all other means. Guru Arjun Dev openly criticizes rituals, renunciation and ascetic practices. He is of the view point that if one is to get rid of pain and suffering, one is to practice Naam-Simran in the real spirit of the term (word). In the 8th paurhi of the 3rd ashtpadi Guru pin-points that Hari’s name is far superior to other means of God-realization. In the last four ashtpadis (21st - 24th) Sri Guru Arjun Dev concentrates on the conception of Naam which is the fountain of spiritual Bliss- Sukhmani. In the 4th ashtpadi Sri Guru Arjun Dev represents the human situation: man is portrayed weak and a completely dependent on almighty creator and the ashtpadi’s opening slok says that the individual is without any qualities and is childlike also. Therefore, it is advisable for him to remember the creator who is always within and helps him to emancipate:
‘inrgunIAwr ieAwinAw so pRBu sdw smwil]
ijin kIAw iqsu cIiq rKu nwnk inbhI nwil]’ (AMg 266)
nirgunee-aar i-aani-aa so parabh sadaa samaal.
jin kee-aa tis cheet rakh naanak nibhee naal.
Owing to weak, man is prospective to Almighty to surrender himself:
‘qU Twkuru qum pih Ardwis] jIau ipMfu sB qyrI rwis]’ (AMg 277)
Due to weak nature, man is attracted by worldly things. With the result he forgets the Creator and is engrossed in the creation only. Thereafter Sri Guru Arjun Dev brings in he idea of grace and mercy as the only source of inspiration to come out of clutches of maya. For this purpose complete self surrender is expected of a spiritual aspirant for the true Guru. All evils like anger, greed, desires, attachment and I-consciousness are succumbed to Guru’s will. The Guru qualifies this statement that Truth and Truthfulness are very significant in the way of realization. Truth can be realized in the company of realized persons ‘swDsMiMg mlu sglI Koq’ (AMg 271). (Here ‘malu’ means ignorance). Having accepted that man is weak Guru Arjun Dev introduces the concept of Grace in the 6th and 7th Ashtpadis. Grace is such a multi-dimensional concept which has many aspects in different perspectives. It helps man evolve and develop spiritually, socially and other ways also. In the 8th ashtpadi the ideal man (bRhm igAwnI) of Guru Arjun Dev has been projected. Braham Gyani is a perfect person who completely identifies himself with the Ultimate Primal Source. In the 9th and 10th ashtpadis comparison with other sects has been given in which the realization of Reality would not be possible. Different Saints, devotees belonging to different sects could have the partial vision of Truth but all of them are incapable to realize Him. They beg for His grace to gain strength. He is all in all and non-dual as well. He pervades everywhere without any discontinuity. In the slok of ashtpadi 17th, the Guru outlines the basic structures of all comprehensive view of Reality. Like Guru Nanak’s first slok of the Japuji, Guru Arjun Dev says that Reality is true in the beginning, in the unmanifested state, and in the manifested form (‘Awid scu jugwid scu] hY iB scu nwnk hosI BI scu]’ AMg 285). And this fact about Truthfulness of Reality has self evident in the present and in the future as well. And in the Ashtpadi the Guru says the form of Being is true (siq srUp). When one understands it, one tries to realize this true form. Then the spiritual aspirant develops from within all qualities of Truth realization. All elements with gyan are transformed into reality itself (‘siq purK ijn jwinAw siqguru iqskw nwau’ AMg 286). And in the Ashtpadi 16th, Guru also describes the transcendent nature of the Reality which is beyond form and contrary colours and the three strands of the Reality (‘rUp n ryK n rMgu ikCu iqRh gux qy pRB iBMn’ AMg 283). It should not be misunderstood that Guru Arjun Dev believed only in transcendent. He tries to reconcile the unmanifest and manifest aspects of Reality, which indicates that he is developing a dynamic view of Reality. In nutshell, Guru Arjun Dev presents his view that the Ultimate Reality is dynamic and non-dual which is both unmanifest and manifest. An ideal man is expected to be one with Ultimate Reality. Guru calls such a person ‘Sati purkh’ (siq purK). ‘sati purkh’ in a personified sense is a creative principle in all the universe including living and non-living units of the Reality. The realization of ‘Sati purkh’ is the key idea of Sukhmani Sahib. With this view the Guru emphasizes on Naam-Simran again and again. Simran is the only fruitful activity which a person is expected to perform while living in this world. All other things do not help man to realize the Reality. Hari Nam (hir nwm) is the real wealth. In the slok of ashtpadi 20th, the term ‘iPriq iPriq’ wandering in the original context can be interpreted from two stand points. First, as man has undergone before this birth so many births. Second, after adopting different means of realization the devotee has come to know that Naam-Simran is the last resort. In the last four ashtpadis Guru concludes that Naam stands for ‘shabad’ which is used to describe manifest attributes of the Real. The Real is a dynamic ‘Reality’ which is both Nirguna and Sarguna, when it assumes the manifest form it becomes the Naam as Personal Unity with infinite attributes. The remembrance of these attributes through Naam (Sbd) help human consciousness (suriq) to develop from a form of multiplicity and duality (dUjw BwE) and finally the state of complete union with Reality is realized. Hence the scripture if recited with loving devotion works on human mind in the power of Naam and Shabad and the ultimate outcome is total spiritual Bliss, i.e. the ultimate equipoise. “Thus we can say that the central theme of the Sukhmani is Naam Simran. It brings the treasure of all kinds of happiness and pleasure. When a man worships God in the real sense, he attains eternal bliss. Some good qualities are cultivated in the man’s personality, which make him eligible to get other themes (grace of God, Love and dedication, nature of ideal man, ‘Sargun’ and ‘Nirgun’ aspect of God etc.), which are also incorporated by the Guru are subordinate to this major one. When a man leans towards Naam Simran he becomes free from the cycle of death and rebirth and gets the eternal state tranquility (sihj). There is something in the sincerity of the mental approach, a deep pathos and the poetical rhythm which pierce the heart of the reader. It has a soothing effect on the nerves of those shattered by a life of hurry and furious activity. There is in it the still music of humanity, a lyrical cry rising from the heart that has known suffering and has found peace. The Sukhmani benefits the psyche of every reader to a great extent. The recital makes one joyous and refreshed, soothed and renewed, with every word because it travels straight to the heart where the spirit of Guru Arjun dwells.
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