salok. This verse is the very last one of the Japji Sahib, a poem which is a sacred composition of Guru Nanak.
The Salok awakens a quiet, unshakable strength, not through force, but by aligning with a deeper truth : it is a bridge to the eternal - Oneness - spirit - the divine (call it how you most relate to it). As its sacred words are recited, they cultivate profound self-respect and dignity, enabling one to move through life with purpose and grace. This practice dissolves the illusions of ego and self-doubt, creating space for true connection and clarity. In this space, humility and confidence harmonize, allowing the soul to express its highest potential.
Through the repetition of these sounds, a platform for inner liberation, that dismantles personal barriers and elevates the mind to a higher state of awareness—where one feels deeply connected everything that is, free and awakened.
transliteration / translation.
ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥ Pavann guroo paannee pitaa maataa dharat mahat. The breath is the teacher, water is the parent, and the earth is the nurturing mother.
ਦਿਵਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਦਾਈ ਦਾਇਆ ਖੇਲੈ ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤੁ ॥ Divas raat du-i daa-ee daa-i-aa khaylai sagal jagat. Day and night are two caregivers through which the whole world plays.
ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ਵਾਚੈ ਧਰਮੁ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥ Changi-aa-ee-aa buri-aa-ee-aa vaachai dharam hadoor. Our actions, good and bad, are recorded by the Divine Law, always present.
ਕਰਮੀ ਆਪੋ ਆਪਣੀ ਕੇ ਨੇੜੈ ਕੇ ਦੂਰਿ ॥ Karmee aapo aapannee kay nayrrai kay door. Through our deeds, we draw closer or distance ourselves from the Eternal.
ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥ Jinee naam dhi-aa-i-aa ga-ay masakat ghaal. Those who meditate on the Divine Name depart after their hard work in this world, liberated.
ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਕੇਤੀ ਛੁਟੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥ Naanak tay mukh ujalay kaytee chhuttee naal. Nanak says, their faces shine radiant, and many others are freed alongside them.
