21st Paurree: 'Theerathh[u] Thap[u] Dhae-i-aa Dhath[u] Dhaan[u]....
[TN = Translator’s Note; TN: If you’ve been reading these translations from the beginning then you would know that this is a bit of an advanced granth. Kavi Ji are writing in a time where Indic schools of knowledge are given importance. Kavi Ji refer to Vedantic concepts here as a means to interpret Sri Japji Sahib. Advaithaa Vedhanthaa is an understanding which heavily values that Param-Aathmaa Vaheguru Ji are One and our perception of the world and God is incorrect as we see it in duality currently. So to unwrite that there are many concepts which Kavi Ji will assume you know. We will explain as much as we can but it helps if you’ve been taught Vedantic Granths such as Adhyatham Prakaash and Vichaar Mala... especially in this Paurree. Also note that this translation is based on SGGS Academy's Punjabi simplification of the Garab Ganjani Steek. This has been mentioned previously but cannot thank them enough for carrying].
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Now, if someone begins to ask the question: if good actions and bad questions are being presented as equal then how can this be? Why don’t you say that good actions will lead to great pleasures. If someone has this doubt then the following will answer it:
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ਤੀਰਥੁ ਤਪੁ ਦਇਆ ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਤੀਰਥੁ (Theerathh[u]) = Places of Pilgrimage, usually referred to the 68 Teeraths
ਤਪੁ (Thap[u]) = Spiritual Hardship, Penance, lit. Heat
ਦਇਆ (Dhaiaa) = Compassion/Mercy
ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ (Dhath[u] Dhaan[u]) = Dhaath Dhaan = Giving Donation/Charity-Guru Sahib are referring to those things which are done with a desire in mind, i.e. with ego and what happens with this type of mindset. Some of these tasks include bathing at a Theerath (usually for the purpose of washing away sins), holding ceremonial/sacrificial fires in the hottest months of the year, sitting in the cold, sitting upside down upon the weight of your head, etc. (going through hardship - usually - in order to receive a blessing), giving in donation (in expectation of a future reward).
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ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ (Jae Ko Paavai) = If someone attains/achieves
ਤਿਲ ਕਾ (Thil Kaa) = Even a sesame seed worth i.e. a bit, small amount of
ਮਾਨੁ (Maan[u]) = honour, award, merit, respect
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If anyone does any of the above mentioned things, does it mean they receive little honour? Answer: If any of the above are done in ego (expecting a reward) then the individual will receive the reward they want and then return back into the 8.4 million life forms and still be subject to the cycle of reincarnation. So all of the things they did before are only worth a little bit because they will come back into suffering again. According to the tradition of the Saints, these actions/rituals are not great things to do. Why would those actions cause someone to receive only a bit of honour? That which cannot truly satisfy the soul is said to be only worth little. Spending millions of years in heavens enjoying pleasures only to not be properly satisfied. [TN: The heavens are not eternal in Sikh understanding but only last till the equivalent good karma lasts]. When the pain of taking birth and dying comes then all of those pleasures are worth little. We can understand that temporary pleasures will not help the person who has been suffering for a long time. They are suffering the worst of all suffering.
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**Alankaar Information Omitted**
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ਸੁਣਿਆ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਸੁਣਿਆ (SuNiaa) = By listening to the Name of Vaheguru
ਮੰਨਿਆ (Ma[n]niaa) = Accepting, Believing
ਮਨਿ (Man[i]) = Within the mind
ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ (Keethaa Bhaao[u]) = Has Love
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That person whose mind is clean through the Name of Vaheguru, listens to and follows the Gurbani Teachings of Brahm-Vaheguru... ‘Man[i] Keethaa Bhaao[u]’ = then reflects upon these teachings through contemplation about the changes and patterns of thought [TN: making the mind love these teachings and absorbing these teachings in the short term thoughts and long term mindset].
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ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ (A[n]thar-gath[i]) = Achieving within or attaining the Internal Spiritual Enlightenment
ਤੀਰਥਿ (Theerathh[i]) = Pilgrimage sites which people bathe at
ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ (Mal[i] naao[u]) = wash, bathe and remove dirt/filth
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After reflecting on the teachings of the Guru and implementing them within the mind then one is able to witness Their Own True Form [TN: Aathmaa/Self and Param-Aathmaa are witnessed as One and no longer misperceived as two separate entities]. ‘Anthar Gath[i]’ = Attaining that which is within. Which Theerathh/Place of Pilgrimage is reached? Answer: The Theerathh of Brahm-Vaheguru is eternally found after the filth of duality is removed. ‘Naao[u]’ = to merge the wave of thoughts into Vaheguru. ‘A[n]thar[i]’ can also refer to differences, which people perceive of Vaheguru and Their Own Self. What does ‘Gath[i]’ refer to here? Answer: naash = destruction [of the ignorance/misperception]. Other interpretations will be of similar nature.
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**Alankaar Information Omitted**
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ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ (Sabh[i] GuN Thaerae) = All the virtues, good qualities are Yours
ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ (Mai naahee Ko-i) = I don’t have any
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All of the virtues/qualities exist within You - Oh Param-Aathmaa Vaheguru Ji! They exist through our imaginations. Meaning the 3 Aspects of Maya are only separate due to our imaginations/perception [TN: Without complicating this any further. We have to reflect upon the nature of things. Our human mind is quite limited. We have spent so much time naming and categorizing things. So we start to describe something as big, green, loud but all of these qualities are developed by us. Does a seagull refer to itself as white and grey with a medium build? In the same way, Vaheguru Ji make this Universe appear and we sense it with our eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and skin then make names and conclusions. Certain qualities which are personified as deities in different traditions are actually belonging to Vaheguru Ji. Everything that exists is caused by Vaheguru. Like a wave that appears in the ocean. It all belongs to the Ocean-Vaheguru Ji although appears different. Within the Indic tradition, there are 3 main deities: Brahma - Creator, Vishnu - Sustainer, Mahesh/Shiv - Destroyer. These are how they are traditionally perceived. Further on in Sri Japji Sahib, we hear them described as the 3 servants of Maya/Manifestative Energy/Original Source Power of Physical Existence. So long as there is Maya, they are present. When this Universe is destroyed then they no longer exist either. However, these energies are just all aspects of Vaheguru’s Power. They are not separate but only classified to show that which exists in this dream world. Vaheguru Ji are the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Destroyer. All further energies are some sort of aspect of this. People worship fertility, harvest deities in many parts of the world but these are just different aspects of creation or sustenance. People worship animistic deities to hope that volcano’s don’t erupt and floods don’t occur. This is a form of appeasing the destructive energy. All of these powers belong to Vaheguru Ji like mentioned before].
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Just like a rope can be misperceived as a snake or a garland of flowers on the ground can be misperceived as a break/crack in the floor. All of these are supported by the rope/string. The closer we get to them, the closer we get to realize that it’s not a snake or a crack in the floor but it’s actually: a rope/string. ‘Naahee Ko-i’ = In reality, if we contemplate and reflect upon existence then there is no separate being which has any qualities/virtues separate from the One Non-Dual Vaheguru Ji. If anyone tries to realize Brahm-Vaheguru then there are no separate aspects of Maya. [TN: There is no separate Maya, no 3 aspects, only Brahm-Vaheguru Ji]. Then why do we imagine them to be separate? This is why, Guru Maharaj say:
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ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥-Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ (ViN[u] GuN) = Without Virtues/ without the Virtuous One - Guru Sahib
ਕੀਤੇ (Keethae) = Did, Developed, Created, Birthed
ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ (Bhagath[i] na Ho-i) = Bhagathi na Hoee = Loving worship cannot happen
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The reason for imagination/perception is given in this line: Without connecting the Virtues/Qualities to Brahm-Vaheguru then how can the Servant Sikh do Bhagti/Loving worship. Without the Quality-Filled Separate God (Eeshar), how can the Bhagats concentrate their mind? This is why Naudhaa Bhagathee among other things are done so that the mind can focus [TN: This question is looking at the traditional way of being a soul/individual who prays to a God separate from the individual]. It is already so difficult to have the mind focus upon Brahm-Vaheguru (non-dual Unseparated Accurate Perception of the True Vaheguru). [The questioner suggest that] if someone focuses upon a physical form/separated understanding of God (Eeshar) then it becomes easy to concentrate.
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[Naudhaa Bhagathee/Nine Forms of Bhagti: 1 - Sravan (Listening to Gurbani, Sakhis about Guru Sahib/Vaheguru), 2 - Keerthan (Singing praises, chanting the names of Guru Sahib/Vaheguru), 3 - Simran (Remembering and being present to Guru Sahib/Vaheguru in Mind), 4 - Padh Seva (lit. Serving the Lotus Feet of Guru Sahib/Vaheguru, serving others by seeing them as Form of Vaheguru/Guru Sahib, 5 - Archa (Pooja/Worship - Physical worship of Guru Sahib Saroop and Shastars), 6 - Bandana (Bowing down, prostratring, offering prayers in Benti/request), 7 - Daas (Knowing yourself as the Servant of Guru Sahib/Vaheguru), 8 - Sakhi (Seeing Vaheguru Ji/Guru Sahib as Your Best Friend), 9 - Aathmaa Nivedhan (Surrending yourself/ego/mind/body/everything to Guru Sahib/Vaheguru)].
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**Alankaar Information Omitted**
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ਸੁਅਸਤਿ ਆਥਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਬਰਮਾਉ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਸੁਅਸਤਿ (Suasth[i]) = The Form of Mangal/Bliss/Anand = Vaheguru
ਆਥਿ (Aathh[i]) = Maya, Vaheguru Ji’s Manifestation which is sensible to us, lit. wealth
ਬਾਣੀ (BaaNee) = Word
ਬਰਮਾਉ (Barmaao[u]) = Brahma
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These Qualities/Virtues are imagined/perceived as mentioned before. That Brahm-Vaheguru Ji exists (Su+Asth, Asthee = Existence) and ‘Aathh[i]’ refers to Maya merging with the Brahm-Vaheguru Source = BaaNee Brahmaa-o[u]. The word ‘BaaNee’ can refer to the Brahm-Vaheguru Ji who is the One Oankaar = that wields Maya/Manifesting Power. ‘Bar’ can mean the Highest OR ‘Bal’ which means Strength/Power. The Highest Baanee has been recited from OR the strength from which the Bani (mentioned before) was spoken from. What Bani? Answer: 'Maao' = a collection of 3 sounds: M, A, O. As in Oang/OAM which are part of the Primal Sound which the Universe was created from. The 3 Aspects of Maya are personified by the 3 Deities (who have the power to Akaar - create ie Brahmaa, Upkaar - maintain ie Vishnu, Makaar - destroy ie Shiv/Rudhraa). We have already discussed the meaning of Oankaar before [TN: please see the beginning of Steek in the Ik Onkaar section]. From this Oangkaar, the entire universe was manifested. It is due to a false imposition of multiplicity that one sees the One Brahm-Vaheguru Ji as the 3 Aspect Maya [instead of the Reality of just One Vaheguru]. [TN: the words Asthee, Aathh[i], among others will be described further in the next few lines’ commentary].
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ਸਤਿ ਸੁਹਾਣੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਸਤਿ (Sath[i]) = Real, True (That which is there in past, present and future)
ਸੁਹਾਣੁ (SuhaaN[u]) = SohaNaa = Beautiful; in Arabic: Subhaan = Pure Form of the Aatmaa
ਸਦਾ (Sadhaa) = Always, Forever
ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ (Man[i] Chaao[u]) = Joy/Happiness/Bliss of the Mind
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In order to remove the duality of the person wishing for liberation [from the cycle of reincarnation], Brahm-Vaheguru Ji are described as having 3 aspects (different than the 3 aspects of Maya). In reality, these categories don’t exist [but only for the sake of helping the limited human mind]. ‘Sath[i]’ is what? The True Existence belongs to Brahm-Vaheguru, in order to understand that duality is false then the world’s existence must also be considered false. Brahm-Vaheguru are the only One which are True/Real. [TN: One might think that there is a binary now, Vaheguru Ji exists and the world does not. This is true but it is also true that Vaheguru Ji share their existence with the creation. A shadow is cast by an object but the shadow can not exist without the original object].
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‘SuhaaN[u]’ is what? Brahm-Vaheguru Ji are the Beloved, They are the Form of Consciousness. The world is unconscious, Brahm-Vaheguru Ji are Conscious. ‘Sadhaa Man[i] Chaa-o[u]’ = Brahm-Vaheguru Ji are Permanently the Form of Bliss, the world is the form of suffering. In order to teach the person wanting to attain liberation, there have been 3 aspects of Brahm-Vaheguru developed for explanation, in reality we can’t truly define Vaheguru Ji. If someone were to say: the first line is about creation then how can this be about the non-dual Brahm-Vaheguru? Another definition of ‘Uthpathee’ is manifestation. Brahm-Vaheguru as Formless, generate and wield their Maya Shakti in order to make the world appear (ie Oankaar). All of this falls into this explanation and description given before. There is nothing separate from this and they are continuing this statement.
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‘Asth[i]’ = ‘Hoth Hai’ = Is/Becomes/Existence. So that which is made, refers to the word: existence. This can be interpreted in many different ways. Black, yellow, and other colours are made to exist through the consciousness and Bliss of Vaheguru Ji. They are dear/close to us. These 3 aspects (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss) are within all things. In this way, everything is Brahm-Vaheguru. The entire world is immersed in existence, consciousness, dearness/bliss, name/label/categorization and form. These are the five things which the world is caught up in. The first three are aspects of the Form of Brahm (Objective Formless). The two categorizations/labels of Name/label and Form are false (Relative). Names and Forms are imagined. This is why they are subject to destruction.
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**Alankaar Information Omitted**
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ਕਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਵੇਲਾ ਵਖਤੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਕਵਣ ਥਿਤਿ ਕਵਣੁ ਵਾਰੁ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਕਵਣੁ (KavaN[u]) = Which
ਸੁ (Su) = Is that
ਵੇਲਾ (Vaelaa) = Time, Period
ਵਖਤੁ (Vakhath[u]) = Time, Period
ਥਿਤਿ (Thhith[i]) = Fortnight (Fortnight does not refer to the video game but an old way of dividing time in 14 day periods. There are 14 days of waxing in a lunar cycle and 14 days of waning. Just like a dozen refers to 12 of something, Fortnight refers to 14 days).
ਵਾਰੁ (Vaar[u]) = Day
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The previous lines’ meanings are needed to understand this section as well. While connecting with Maya, the world is created. ‘Sath[i] SuhaaN[i] Chaa-o[u]’ which has been explained before. This is being further asked about now. If someone knows then can they tell us: What time was the Universe created/manifested: in the early morning, in the afternoon, in the evening? Ask the hindu this? [TN: ‘Vaelaa’ is a term which is used by Hindu’s and have certain duties and connotations of certain times of the day].
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Next, they ask the Turk/Muslims: what time was the Universe created/manifested: in the twilight, night, midnight, or the last watch of the night? Which day of the Fortnight? The first waxing or waning day of the lunar cycle, the 2nd day or the other days of the lunar cycle? While asking the Turks/Muslims about the day, they are implying all other days of the week or other measure of time. The Vela, Wakht are not repetition but both are used as ways to measure the specific timing. In the next line, Vela/Wakht are further tested in different specifics.
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**Alankaar Information Omitted**
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ਕਵਣਿ ਸਿ ਰੁਤੀ ਮਾਹੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਹੋਆ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਕਵਣਿ (KavaN[i]) = Which
ਸਿ (Si) = That
ਰੁਤੀ (Ruthee) = Season (Traditionally, India has 6 seasons)
ਮਾਹੁ (Maah[u]) = Month
ਜਿਤੁ (Jith[u]) = When
ਹੋਆ (Hoaa) = Became, Came to exist
ਆਕਾਰੁ (Aakaar[u]) = The Visible World which we can sense with our ears, eyes, mouth, skin, nose
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Among the 6 seasons of Basant/Spring, Greekham/Summer, Paavas/Monsoon, Sharadh/Autumn/Fall, Him/Early Winter, Shishar/Deep Winter - which season was it when the universe was created? And which month? Which day of the month was it when Brahm-Vaheguru Ji wielded their Maya/Manifestative Power and went from Formless to Form and what event happened then which can be recorded? No one can know when and how the world/universe was created.
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**Alankaar Information Omitted**
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ਵੇਲ ਨ ਪਾਈਆ ਪੰਡਤੀ ਜਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਲੇਖੁ ਪੁਰਾਣੁ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਵੇਲ (Vael) = Time, Period
ਨ ਪਾਈਆ (na Paaeeaa) = cannot be found
ਪੰਡਤੀ (Pa[n]dthee) = through Pandits/Scholars/Astrologers
ਜਿ (Ji) = Jae = If
ਹੋਵੈ (Hovai) = Is, Comes
ਲੇਖੁ ਪੁਰਾਣੁ (Laekh[u] PuraaN[u]) = Written within the Purana’s, Veda’s, etc...
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The Pandit’s don’t know when this universe was created. What type of Pandits? Those like Vyas Muni who wrote down the Purana’s or those who are knowledgeable about such scriptures that wise ones like him have written.
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ਵਖਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਕਾਦੀਆ ਜਿ ਲਿਖਨਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਕੁਰਾਣੁ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਵਖਤੁ (Vakhth[u]) = Time, Period
ਨ ਪਾਇਓ (na Paa-i-O) = cannot be found
ਕਾਦੀਆ (Kaadheeaa) = Qazi’s (Muslim scholars, not to be confused with the village named Kaadheeaa)
ਜਿ (Ji) = Jae = If
ਲਿਖਨਿ (Likhan[i]) = written
ਲੇਖੁ ਕੁਰਾਣੁ (Laekh[u] KuraaN[u]) = in the Quran
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The Qazi’s (Muslim scholars) don’t know when this universe was created. Qazi is a catch-all term for Mullah’s, Imam’s, other knowledgeable Muslim scholars. ‘Ji Likhan[i] Laekh[u] KuraaN[u]’ - Those who scribed the Quran i.e. Prophet Muhammad revealed the Quran. Among all the mentioned so far, none of them know the time when the universe/world was created.
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**Alankaar Information Omitted**
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ਥਿਤਿ ਵਾਰੁ ਨਾ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਾਣੈ ਰੁਤਿ ਮਾਹੁ ਨਾ ਕੋਈ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਥਿਤਿ (Thhith[i]) = Fortnight (Fortnight does not refer to the video game but an old way of dividing time in 14 day periods. There are 14 days of waxing in a lunar cycle and 14 days of waning. Just like a dozen refers to 12 of something, Fortnight refers to 14 days).
ਵਾਰੁ (Vaar[u]) = Day
ਨਾ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਾਣੈ (naa Jogee JaaNai) = the Yogi’s don’t know
ਰੁਤਿ (Ruth[i]) = Season
ਮਾਹੁ (Maah[u]) = Month
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After the Hindu’s and the Turk/Muslims have been described, now the Yogis are put to the test (who are said to stay in deep meditation {samadhhee} and able to know the past and future). The Yogi’s don’t know which season, month, day etc. i.e. time that the universe/world was created. ‘na Koee’ refers to anyone else who might be seen as intellectual, smart, etc in the world in different categories. In this way, what has been proven? Answer: That which Parameshwar-Vaheguru Ji caused the scholars to write, only that much we know. Without Vaheguru Ji revealing their own secrets, we can only conclude that we can’t know the season, month, etc. [TN: Even currently among scientific observations, we cannot find a specific time when this universe was created. We have light radiation which is cooling from the initial heat of the source event of our existence. Scientists theorize that to about 300 million years ago. We don’t know what happened previous to this. There is a big crunch theory that before the expansion of this universe, there was a crunch which occurred and brought the universe absorbed within itself. How many times has this crunch occurred? There are many theories but only based on what we can observe currently].
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ਜਾ ਕਰਤਾ ਸਿਰਠੀ ਕਉ ਸਾਜੇ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਈ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਜਾ ਕਰਤਾ (Jaa Karthaa) = That or When the Doer/Creator-Vaheguru Ji
ਸਿਰਠੀ ਕਉ (Sirttee Ko[u]) = To/From the World/Universe
ਸਾਜੇ (Saajae) = Decorated/Constructed/Made/Birthed
ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ (Aapae JaaNai) = Only They (Vaheguru Ji) know
ਸੋਈ (Soee) = Ohee = Them/That (Specifically Vaheguru Ji)
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When the Doer/Karta Purakh Vaheguru Ji wielded their Maya then the entire Universe/Creation appeared and at that time period, season, fortnight/lunar day, month etc. is only know by that Doer-Karta Purakh Vaheguru Ji Themselves. Any other being does not know. If Vaheguru Ji causes someone to know a time period etc then that is up to Vaheguru Ji Themselves to reveal.
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**Alankaar Information Omitted**
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ਕਿਵ ਕਰਿ ਆਖਾ ਕਿਵ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਕਿਉ ਵਰਨੀ ਕਿਵ ਜਾਣਾ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਕਿਵ ਕਰਿ (Kiv Kar[i]) = In which way? How can I?
ਆਖਾ (Aakhaa) = Speak, Testify, Say
ਕਿਵ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ (Kiv Saalaahee) = How can I Praise?
ਕਿਉ ਵਰਨੀ (Ki-o[u] Varnee) = How can it be categorized/classified?
ਕਿਵ ਜਾਣਾ (Kiv JaaNaa) = How to understand?
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That same Vaheguru Ji’s responsibility/purpose/duty cannot be known and we cannot know the time, season, etc of the creation. So if we cannot measure the limits of Vaheguru Ji’s own power/manifestation then How can we ‘Aakhaa’ = describe that Vaheguru Ji - Themselves? The universe has so many colours and forms. So how can we begin praising the Creator of such a universe? Vaheguru Ji have no one comparable to them. How can we describe someone who has expanded the universe in an exponential way that we cannot understand. They have the Greatest Amount of Immeasurable Power. Nothing can even begin to describe.
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How can we understand what Vaheguru Ji’s Duty/Purpose is? OR: Their Form/Appearance OR: Strength? Nothing can be understood by our minds. We cannot understand the secrets/mysteries of Vaheguru Ji, so how can we describe Vaheguru Ji - Themselves? They are not able to be described through words or thoughts. If someone were to say that the Veda’s and all of the scriptures written by the Rishi’s, Muni’s (Sages) describe the duty/responsibilities, Physical Form, the Powers, etc. of Parameshwar Vaheguru Ji - then how did they reach these conclusions about the One who cannot be understood? This question is responded by Guru Sahib in this way:
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ਨਾਨਕ ਆਖਣਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਆਖੈ ਇਕ ਦੂ ਇਕੁ ਸਿਆਣਾ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਆਖਣਿ (AakhaN[i]) = When saying
ਸਭੁ ਕੋ (Sabh[u] Ko) = Everyone
ਆਖੈ (Aakhai) = Says
ਇਕਦੂ (Ik-dhoo) = Ik Dhhojae Tho Vadhh = Better than the other
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Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji say: ‘AakhaN[i] Sabh Ko Aakhai’ = whatever has been said by the Doer/Karthaa Purakh-Vaheguru Ji as written in the Veda’s (and other granths), they re-iterate that here. Firstly, twelve Maha-Vaak’s had been taught to Brahma [TN: A Maha-vaak is a line which will cause one to realize the non-duality of Brahm-Vaheguru]. From there, Brahma created the 4 Veda’s. After this, Brahma had the Rishi’s/Muni’s/Sages write the Simrithee’s. Based on these, the Shaasthra’s, Puraan’s and thousands of other scriptures were written. The principle is as follows: whatever was told by Param-Aatmaa-Vaheguru Ji got written in granths. This includes that we have said about qualities/virutes being imagined by us. All of the qualities such as Asth[i], Aath[i], etc are of the Formless-Brahm Vaheguru who wielded Oa[n]kaar (Maya Shakti/Manifestation).
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What has been mentioned previously is what Vaheguru Ji wanted us to know. Otherwise, Guru Sahib would not question others about the days of lunar cycle, days of the week, seasons, months etc upon when the universe was created/manifested.. If someone says that the universe was created on a specific date then they cannot explain the exact details or explain the mystery behind this question. Everyone begins to explain based on guesses within their own traditions which started due to revelation from Param-Eshwar/Supreme-God Vaheguru Ji. ‘Ik-dhoo Ik SiaaNaa’ = an ignorant person can meet a wise person and become wise themselves. No one can become spiritually wise from their own strength/power. In this way, when people become spiritually knowledgeable, they received traditional teachings from a spiritually wise person.
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ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਵਡੀ ਨਾਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਹੋਵੈ ॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ (Vadaa Saahib[u]) = Great Master - Akaal Purakh Vaheguru Ji
ਵਡੀ ਨਾਈ (Vadee naaee) = Great Name ie Great Praises
ਕੀਤਾ (Keethaa) = Actions
ਜਾ ਕਾ (Jaa Kaa) = Vaheguru Ji’s
ਹੋਵੈ (Hovai) = Happens/Becomes
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In this way, our Master Vaheguru Ji are great and we are all smaller than Vaheguru Ji. The Form, Colour, Actions, Duties of Vaheguru Ji are not known. The intellect faculty of our mind does not have the strength to fathom Vaheguru Ji. ‘Vadee naaee’ = Due to having great names, we call Vaheguru Ji great. There is no one who can compare in having those Great Names. Vaheguru Ji are considered Great due to having the Names of Param-Eshar Vaheguru Ji - The Formless - Form of True-Consciousness/Existence-Bliss among others. How are They great in other ways? ‘Keethaa Jaa Kaa Hovai’ = living and unliving - that which Brahma (personification of creative energy) had created within this world - none of this can happen without Vaheguru Ji’s Hukam. A leaf cannot move without that Hukam/Command. Anything which is done or not done - it cannot be done without Param-Eshwar/Supreme God Vaheguru Ji.
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ਨਾਨਕ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਪੌ ਜਾਣੈ ਅਗੈ ਗਇਆ ਨ ਸੋਹੈ ॥੨੧॥
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Padh Arthh (word-by-word):
ਜੇ ਕੋ (Jae Ko) = If someone
ਆਪੌ (Aapau) = By themselves, by him/herself
ਜਾਣੈ (JaaNai) = Understand/Realize
ਅਗੈ ਗਇਆ (Agai Ga-i-aa) = when they go to the after[life]
ਨ ਸੋਹੈ (na Sohai) = will not be beautiful/honoured, not accepted
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Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji say that any person who understands that whatever action I have did, whoever did I show mercy to, whoever did I kill or hurt or with my intellect or forcefully take over a kingdom/position, etc - other tasks which caused profit or loss - it ends up being the karmic result as part of the journey of the soul. If the human says ‘Aapau JaaNai’ = I know myself and I am the doer of all as well as I have done all the tasks within my life... if a person is like this then ‘Agai Ga-i-aa na Sohai’ = in the afterlife, this type of being will not be honoured/not accepted.
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Question: In this world, [humans] don’t usually see Param-Eshwar as the Doer [TN: most people see themselves as the sole doer of their own thinking, actions, circumstances etc], so why is it said that those who don’t see Param-Eshwar Vaheguru Ji as the Doer - will not receive honour? Why doesn’t it say that they will go to hell instead?
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Answer: In this context, it refers to everyone: both people who do good actions and bad actions. A good person will not go to hell but those who recognize everything as Param-Eshwar Vaheguru Ji’s Doing - those Saints will go with honour. Those who do good but do not recognize it as Vaheguru Ji’s Doing - they do not receive honour. In many places those who are kings, they become disrespected [TN: a king/rich leader will be seen with respect in this world or said to have among the highest honour but in spiritual realms, they don’t have anything special].
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Whatever point they reach (ie rich or caught up in enjoyment), they get stuck at that point and don't move further spiritually. Being caught up in the hands of the worldly, they do not earn honour in the afterlife. Those saints who know that Param-Eshwar-Vaheguru Ji are all doing, they are treated as if they are the King-Vaheguru Ji's Own Treasurers/Financial Officers. They understand the hidden spiritual realm behind the worldly. They go to Vaheguru Ji’s Court with honour. The people who have good karma, they enjoy the reward of their good actions but return into the cycle of coming and going.
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Guru Panth Kaa Daas,
-- Aaeenaa
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