This
pauri (stanza), revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib, is accompanied by two
saloks. The first salok consists of fourteen lines and discusses the ritual practices of Muslims, Hindus, Yogis, philanthropists, and corrupt individuals. In the last two lines, the first salok reaffirms the principle of the Guru Granth Sahib. The second salok, comprising ten lines, satirizes the belief amongst Muslims that internment is superior to cremation. This pauri focuses on the importance of Wisdom (Guru) for realizing IkOankar (the Divine).
paüṛī.
binu satigur kinai na pāio binu satigur kinai na pāiā.
satigur vici āpu rakhionu kari pargaṭu ākhi suṇāiā.
satigur miliai sadā muktu hai jini vicahu mohu cukāiā.
utamu ehu bīcāru hai jini sace siu citu lāiā.
jagjīvanu dātā pāiā.6.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
Guru Nanak brings the focus back to the conclusion of the first verse, to the three things that matter most: Identification with the One, praise of the One, and adopting good behavior. If we have those three elements, then we can understand the question that constantly comes to our minds: If the 1Force is imperceptible, ungraspable, indescribable, then how are we supposed to connect and understand that One?
Guru Nanak provides the answer, in a rare categorical statement. This is the role of the Wisdom (the Guru, the one who brings enlightenment-light by dispelling ignorance-darkness). The Wisdom is not functioning in a way that replaces
our experiences, but instead functions as a sort of coach. The Wisdom trains us so that we can experience this resolution of the riddle and get rid of all of the other noises and distractions.
The Wisdom is how we feel the One after adopting these three qualities. Guru Nanak is writing this because Guru Nanak has felt the Wisdom, and says that this is the best of all reflections available. The best offering Guru has is to urge us to connect our consciousness with the Wisdom.
A clear correlation between the Wisdom and 1Force is established in the last line. We become free by changing our own behavior inside. We feel the 1Force through the Wisdom.