ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਕਰੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਕਰਤੇ ਕੈ ਕਰਣੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੁਮਾਰੁ ॥ (Jap, Guru Nanak, GGS. 3-12)
Jae Ko Kehai Karai Veechaar || Karathae Kai Karanai Naahee Sumaar ||
No matter how much anyone tries to explain and describe them,The actions of the Creator cannot be counted.
According to Guru Nanak Sahib, the vastness of Creation of Waheguru is BEANT and is known to -“Eko/IKO AAP”:-
ਪੁਰਖਾਂ ਬਿਰਖਾਂ ਤੀਰਥਾਂ ਤਟਾਂ ਮੇਘਾਂ ਖੇਤਾਂਹ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 467-3).
Purakhaan Birakhaan Theerathhaan Thattaan Maeghaan Khaethaanh ||
Men, trees, sacred shrines of pilgrimage, banks of sacred rivers, clouds, fields,
ਦੀਪਾਂ ਲੋਆਂ ਮੰਡਲਾਂ ਖੰਡਾਂ ਵਰਭੰਡਾਂਹ ॥
Dheepaan Loaaan Manddalaan Khanddaan Varabhanddaanh ||
Islands, continents, worlds, solar systems, and universes;
ਅੰਡਜ ਜੇਰਜ ਉਤਭੁਜਾਂ ਖਾਣੀ ਸੇਤਜਾਂਹ ॥
Anddaj Jaeraj Outhabhujaan Khaanee Saethajaanh ||
The four sources of creation – born of eggs, born of the womb, born of the earth and born of sweat;
ਸੋ ਮਿਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਰਾਂ ਮੇਰਾਂ ਜੰਤਾਹ ॥
So Mith Jaanai Naanakaa Saraan Maeraan Janthaah ||
Oceans, mountains, and all beings – O Nanak, He alone knows their condition.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਇ ਕੈ ਸੰਮਾਲੇ ਸਭਨਾਹ ॥
Naanak Janth Oupaae Kai Sanmaalae Sabhanaah ||
O Nanak, having created the living beings, He cherishes them all.
ਜਿਨਿ ਕਰਤੈ ਕਰਣਾ ਕੀਆ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਭਿ ਕਰਣੀ ਤਾਹ ॥
Jin Karathai Karanaa Keeaa Chinthaa Bh Karanee Thaah ||
The Creator who created the creation, takes care of it as well.
ਸੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਜਗੁ ॥
So Karathaa Chinthaa Karae Jin Oupaaeiaa Jag ||
He, the Creator who formed the world, cares for it.
ਤਿਸੁ ਜੋਹਾਰੀ ਸੁਅਸਤਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ਅਭਗੁ ॥
This Johaaree Suasath This This Dheebaan Abhag ||
Unto Him I bow and offer my reverence; His Royal Court is eternal.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਟਿਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਤਗੁ ॥੧॥
Naanak Sachae Naam Bin Kiaa Ttikaa Kiaa Thag ||1||
O Nanak, without the True Name, of what use is the frontal mark of the Hindus, or their sacred thread? ||1||
Guru Nanak Sahib goes on to talk on the vastness and expense of Akalpurak/Waheguru in Jap Ji Sahib:-
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਕਹਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥ (Jap Guru Nanak, GGS. 5-6).
Anth N Sifathee Kehan N Anth ||
Endless are His Praises, endless are those who speak them.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਕਰਣੈ ਦੇਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
Anth N Karanai Dhaen N Anth ||
Endless are His Actions, endless are His Gifts.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਵੇਖਣਿ ਸੁਣਣਿ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
Anth N Vaekhan Sunan N Anth ||
Endless is His Vision, endless is His Hearing.
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਕਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਮੰਤੁ ॥
Anth N Jaapai Kiaa Man Manth ||
His limits cannot be perceived. What is the Mystery of His Mind?
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥
Anth N Jaapai Keethaa Aakaar ||
The limits of the created universe cannot be perceived..
ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੈ ਪਾਰਾਵਾਰੁ ॥
Anth N Jaapai Paaraavaar ||
Its limits here and beyond cannot be perceived.
ਅੰਤ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਬਿਲਲਾਹਿ ॥
Anth Kaaran Kaethae Bilalaahi ||
Many struggle to know His limits,
ਤਾ ਕੇ ਅੰਤ ਨ ਪਾਏ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Thaa Kae Anth N Paaeae Jaahi ||
But His limits cannot be found.
ਏਹੁ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
Eaehu Anth N Jaanai Koe ||
No one can know these limits.
ਬਹੁਤਾ ਕਹੀਐ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
Bahuthaa Keheeai Bahuthaa Hoe ||
The more you say about them, the more there still remains to be said.
ਵਡਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਊਚਾ ਥਾਉ ॥
Vaddaa Saahib Oochaa Thhaao ||
Great is the Master, High is His Heavenly Home.
ਊਚੇ ਉਪਰਿ ਊਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
Oochae Oupar Oochaa Naao ||
Highest of the High, above all is His Name.
ਏਵਡੁ ਊਚਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
Eaevadd Oochaa Hovai Koe ||
Only one as Great and as High as God
ਤਿਸੁ ਊਚੇ ਕਉ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
This Oochae Ko Jaanai Soe ||
Can know His Lofty and Exalted State.
ਜੇਵਡੁ ਆਪਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪਿ ਆਪਿ ॥
Jaevadd Aap Jaanai Aap Aap ||
Only He Himself is that Great. He Himself knows Himself.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਦਾਤਿ ॥੨੪॥
Naanak Nadharee Karamee Dhaath ||24||
O Nanak, by His Glance of Grace, He bestows His Blessings. ||24||
– ਆਪੇ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਸਾਜਿਅਨੁ ਆਪੇ ਪੂਰਣੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 475-5).
Aapae Bhaanddae Saajian Aapae Pooran Dhaee ||
He Himself fashioned the vessel of the body, and He Himself fills it.
ਇਕਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਦੁਧੁ ਸਮਾਈਐ ਇਕਿ ਚੁਲ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਰਹਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਚੜੇ ॥
Eikanhee Dhudhh Samaaeeai Eik Chulhai Rehanih Charrae ||
Into some, milk is poured, while others remain on the fire.
ਇਕਿ ਨਿਹਾਲੀ ਪੈ ਸਵਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਇਕਿ ਉਪਰਿ ਰਹਨਿ ਖੜੇ ॥
Eik Nihaalee Pai Savanih Eik Oupar Rehan Kharrae ||
Some lie down and sleep on soft beds, while others remain watchful.
ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਸਵਾਰੇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ॥੧॥
Thinhaa Savaarae Naanakaa Jinh Ko Nadhar Karae ||1||
He adorns those, O Nanak, upon whom He casts His Glance of Grace.. ||1||
According to Guru Nanak Sahib, Akalpurakh Waheguru is a self creator of Himself and His entire Creation (“Datta Karta Aap Toon (ਦਾਤਾ ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪਿ ਤੂੰ” ); and He resides in His Creation. The important point to note here is that ‘ਦਾਤਾ ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪਿ ਤੂੰ”. Waheguru is first Caretaker and then a Creator i.e.that He puts all the necessary instruments in place to look after His Creation before even creating the Creation:-
– ਆਪੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਆਪੁ ਸਾਜਿਓ ਆਪੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਰਚਿਓ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਦੁਯੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਸਾਜੀਐ ਕਰਿ ਆਸਣੁ ਡਿਠੋ ਚਾਉ ॥(Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 463-4).
He Himself created Himself; He Himself assumed His Name. Secondly, He fashioned the creation; seated within the creation, He beholds it with delight.
ਦਾਤਾ ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪਿ ਤੂੰ ਤੁਸਿ ਦੇਵਹਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਪਸਾਉ ॥ ਤੂੰ ਜਾਣੋਈ ਸਭਸੈ ਦੇ ਲੈਸਹਿ ਜਿੰਦੁ ਕਵਾਉ ॥
You Yourself are the Giver and the Creator; by Your Pleasure, You bestow Your Mercy. You are the Knower of all; You give life, and take it away again with a word.
ਕਰਿ ਆਸਣੁ ਡਿਠੋ ਚਾਉ ॥੧॥ ਆਪੇ ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਾਏ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Seated within the creation, You behold it with delight. ||1||
Recognizing the above attributes of Waheguru, I wonder if we have any degree of Free Will or that we are simply instruments in hands of Divine Akalpurakh to perform in His play? Guru Nanak Sahib is votary of prevalence of Waheguru’s Will only.
– ਨਾਨਕ ਕਾਰ ਨ ਕਥਨੀ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਕੀਤਾ ਕਰਣਾ ਸਰਬ ਰਜਾਇ ॥੨॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 463-12).
O Nanak, His actions cannot be described. Whatever He has done, or will do, is all by His Own Will. ||2||
According to Gurbani, Waheguru is all powerful and merciful and is beyond comprehension. However, the Divine awareness comes only on contemplating on Gur-Sabd and by removing one’s ego/houmai:-
– ਕਰਣ ਕਾਰਣ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਦੂਸਰ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਲਿਹਾਰਣੈ ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਮਹੀਅਲਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੧॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 276-18).
God alone is the Doer of deeds – there is no other at all. O Nanak, I am a sacrifice to the One, who pervades the waters, the lands, the sky and all space. ||1||
– ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਕਰੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਕਰਤੇ ਕੈ ਕਰਣੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੁਮਾਰੁ ॥ (Jap Guru Nanak Dev, GGS. 3-12).
No matter how much anyone tries to explain and describe them, The actions of the Creator cannot be counted.
– ਨਾ ਹਉ ਨਾ ਮੈ ਨਾ ਹਉ ਹੋਵਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥੧॥ (Raag Maajh M. 1, GGS. 139-12).
I was not, I am not, and I will never be anything at all! O Nanak, I dwell only on the Word of the Sabd. ||1||
It is our egoism that builds a wall of ignorance and misguides us to assume the role as a doer/’karta’. The wall of ignorance created by Houmai/Ego can be removed by contemplating on Gurmat and it becomes clear that Waheguru is the DOER:-
– ਜੇ ਕੋ ਨਾਉ ਧਰਾਏ ਵਡਾ ਸਾਦ ਕਰੇ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਣੇ ॥ ਖਸਮੈ ਨਦਰੀ ਕੀੜਾ ਆਵੈ ਜੇਤੇ ਚੁਗੈ ਦਾਣੇ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 360-15).
One may give himself a great name, and revel in the pleasures of the mind, But in the Eyes of the Lord and Master, he is just a worm, for all the corn that he eats.
ਮਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਜੀਵੈ ਤਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਏ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੇ ॥੩॥੫॥੩੯॥
Only one who dies to his ego while yet alive, obtains the blessings, O Nanak, by chanting the Lord’s Name. ||3||5||39||
– ਮੂਰਖ ਗਣਤ ਗਣਾਇ ਝਗੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬੇੜੁ ਝਗੜੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maaajh M. 1, GGS. 139-18).
The fools try to account for their misdeeds, and argue uselessly. The judgement is in the Hands of the True Guru, who puts an end to the argument.
ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਗੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਚਲਾਇਆ ॥੪॥
Whatever the Creator does, comes to pass. It cannot be changed by anyone’s efforts. ||4||
– ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਤੂੰ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਖੇਲੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਗਰਬੁ ਉਪਾਇ ਕੈ ਲੋਭੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੰਤਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 2, GGS. 139-5).
Forever and ever, You are the only One; You set the play of duality in motion. You created egotism and arrogant pride, and You placed greed within our beings.
ਜਿਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਉ ਰਖੁ ਤੂ ਸਭ ਕਰੇ ਤੇਰਾ ਕਰਾਇਆ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਬਖਸਹਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਲੈਹਿ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਤੁਧੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥
Keep me as it pleases Your Will; everyone acts as You cause them to act. Some are forgiven, and merge with You; through the Guru’s Teachings, we are joined to You.
ਇਕਿ ਖੜੇ ਕਰਹਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਭਾਇਆ ॥ ਹੋਰੁ ਕਾਰ ਵੇਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਇਕਿ ਸਚੀ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥
Some stand and serve You; without the Name, nothing else pleases them. Any other task would be worthless to them-You have enjoined them to Your True Service.
ਪੁਤੁ ਕਲਤੁ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਹੈ ਇਕਿ ਅਲਿਪਤੁ ਰਹੇ ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਇਆ ॥ ਓਹਿ ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਬਾਹਰਹੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੇ ਸਚੈ ਨਾਇ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੩॥
In the midst of children, spouse and relations, some still remain detached; they are pleasing to Your Will. Inwardly and outwardly, they are pure, and they are absorbed in the True Name. ||3||
Guru Ram Das Ji clearly brings out from his personal Anubhav/experience that the Divine Will prevails in all circumstances without any control of one’s own doing:-
– ਕੀਤਾ ਕਰਣਾ ਸਰਬ ਰਜਾਈ ਕਿਛੁ ਕੀਚੈ ਜੇ ਕਰਿ ਸਕੀਐ ॥ ਆਪਣਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਕਿਛੂ ਨ ਹੋਵੈ ਜਿਉ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਉ ਰਖੀਐ ॥੧॥(Raag Suhi M. 4, GGS. 736-3).
All that happens, and all that will happen, is by His Will. If we could do something by ourselves, we would. By ourselves, we cannot do anything at all. As it pleases the Lord, He preserves us. ||1||
ਮੇਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਤੇਰੈ ਵਸਿ ॥ ਅਸਾ ਜੋਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਜੇ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਿ ਹਮ ਸਾਕਹ ਜਿਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਵੈ ਬਖਸਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
O my Dear Lord, everything is in Your power. I have no power to do anything at all. As it pleases You, You forgive us. ||1||Pause||
ਸਭੁ ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਦੀਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਪੇ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਪੇ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਜੇਹਾ ਤੂੰ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਕਰਹਿ ਤੇਹੇ ਕੋ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਵੈ ਜੇਹਾ ਤੁਧੁ ਧੁਰਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨॥
You Yourself bless us with soul, body and everything. You Yourself cause us to act. As You issue Your Commands, so do we act, according to our pre-ordained destiny. ||2||
ਪੰਚ ਤਤੁ ਕਰਿ ਤੁਧੁ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਭ ਸਾਜੀ ਕੋਈ ਛੇਵਾ ਕਰਿਉ ਜੇ ਕਿਛੁ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੋਵੈ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਲਿ ਤੂੰ ਬੁਝਾਵਹਿ ਇਕਿ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਸਿ ਰੋਵੈ ॥੩॥
You created the entire Universe out of the five elements; if anyone can create a sixth, let him. You unite some with the True Guru, and cause them to understand, while others, the self-willed manmukhs, do their deeds and cry out in pain. ||3||
ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਹਉ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਸਾਕਾ ਹਉ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਮੁਗਧੁ ਨੀਚਾਣੁ ॥ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਉ ਹਰਿ ਬਖਸਿ ਲੈ ਮੇਰੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸਰਣਾਗਤਿ ਪਇਆ ਅਜਾਣੁ ॥੪॥੪॥੧੫॥੨੪॥
I cannot describe the glorious greatness of the Lord; I am foolish, thoughtless, idiotic and lowly. Please, forgive servant Nanak, O my Lord and Master; I am ignorant, but I have entered Your Sanctuary. ||4||4||15||24||
Guru Nanak Sahib highlights the Characteristics of Karta in the following verse:-
– ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਰਮ ਬਿਰਖੁ ਫਲ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਫਲ ਵਿਸੁ ॥ ਸਭ ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਸੁ ਖਵਾਲੇ ਤਿਸੁ ॥੧॥ (raag Malar M. 1, GGS. 1290-14).
O Nanak, the tree of actions done in Maya yields ambrosial fruit and poisonous fruit. The Creator does all deeds; we eat the fruits as He ordains. ||1||
Guru Angad Dev Ji reinforces further the Gurmat Philosophy of Guru Nanak Sahib in his Gurbani the commands of the Karta hold in all circumstances:-
– ਸਿਰਿ ਸਿਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਬੇੜੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਚਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਤੇਰੈ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬੇੜੁ ਤੂਹੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Malar M. 2, GGS. 1290-17).
He judges each and every being; by the Hukam of His Command, He leads us on. Justice is in Your Hands, O Lord; You are pleasing to my mind.
ਕਾਲੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਬੰਨਿ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਰਖਸੀ ॥ ਜਰੁ ਜਰਵਾਣਾ ਕੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਚੜਿਆ ਨਚਸੀ ॥
The mortal is bound and gagged by Death and lead away; no one can rescue him. Old age, the tyrant, dances on the mortal’s shoulders.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਬੋਹਿਥੁ ਬੇੜੁ ਸਚਾ ਰਖਸੀ ॥ ਅਗਨਿ ਭਖੈ ਭੜਹਾੜੁ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਭਖਸੀ ॥
So climb aboard the boat of the True Guru, and the True Lord will rescue you. The fire of desire burns like an oven, consuming mortals night and day.
ਫਾਥਾ ਚੁਗੈ ਚੋਗ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਛੁਟਸੀ ॥ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਗੁ ਕੂੜੁ ਨਿਖੁਟਸੀ ॥੨੬॥
Like trapped birds, the mortals peck at the corn; only through the Lord’s Command will they find release. Whatever the Creator does, comes to pass; falsehood shall fail in the end. ||26||
– ਕਾਚੇ ਭਾਡੇ ਸਾਜਿ ਨਿਵਾਜੇ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 5, GGS. 882-18).
He creates and adorns the earthen vessels; He infuses His Light within them.
ਜੈਸਾ ਲਿਖਤੁ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਧੁਰਿ ਕਰਤੈ ਹਮ ਤੈਸੀ ਕਿਰਤਿ ਕਮਾਈ ॥੨॥
As is the destiny pre-ordained by the Creator, so are the deeds we do. ||2||.
– ਜਬ ਕਛੁ ਨ ਸੀਓ ਤਬ ਕਿਆ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਵਨ ਕਰਮ ਕਰਿ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਅਪਨਾ ਖੇਲੁ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਠਾਕੁਰਿ ਰਚਨੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ॥੧॥(Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 748-14).
When nothing existed, what deeds were being done? And what karma caused anyone to be born at all? The Lord Himself set His play in motion, and He Himself beholds it. He created the Creation. ||1||
ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਇ ਮੁਝ ਤੇ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਾਏ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
O my Sovereign Lord, I cannot do anything at all by myself. He Himself is the Creator, He Himself is the Cause. He is pervading deep within all. ||1||Pause||
ਗਣਤੀ ਗਣੀ ਨ ਛੂਟੈ ਕਤਹੂ ਕਾਚੀ ਦੇਹ ਇਆਣੀ ॥ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਰਣੈਹਾਰੇ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਖਸ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ॥੨॥
If my account were to be judged, I would never be saved. My body is transitory and ignorant. Take pity upon me, O Creator Lord God; Your Forgiving Grace is singular and unique. ||2||
ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਸਭ ਤੇਰੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਤੁਹੀ ਧਿਆਈਐ ॥ ਤੇਰੀ ਗਤਿ ਮਿਤਿ ਤੂਹੈ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੀਮ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ॥੩॥
You created all beings and creatures. Each and every heart meditates on You. Your condition and expanse are known only to You; the value of Your creative omnipotence cannot be estimated. ||3||
ਨਿਰਗੁਣੁ ਮੁਗਧੁ ਅਜਾਣੁ ਅਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਣਾ ॥ ਦਇਆ ਕਰਹੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਮਿਠਾ ਲਗੈ ਤੇਰਾ ਭਾਣਾ ॥੪॥੬॥੫੩॥
I am worthless, foolish, thoughtless and ignorant. I know nothing about good actions and righteous living. Take pity on Nanak, that he may sing Your Glorious Praises; and that Your Will may seem sweet to him. ||4||6||53||
Guru Amardas Ji highlights the doer role of Karta as His Hukam in Anand Sahib.Strictly speaking the entire Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib depicts the Hukam of Waheguru. In order to understand the Hukam, Guru Amar Das Ji has indicated the direction/procedure in the Anand Sahib:-
– ਹੁਕਮੁ ਵਰਤਾਏ ਆਪਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਿਸੈ ਬੁਝਾਏ ॥ ਤੋੜੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਹੋਵੈ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਏ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee M. 3, GGS.920).
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਪਿ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਏਕਸ ਸਿਉ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਬੁਝਾਏ ॥੨੬॥
Guru Arjan Dev Ji also emphasises on Divine Hukam in his Bani against any control of our own:-
– ਮਾਰੈ ਰਾਖੈ ਏਕੋ ਆਪਿ ॥ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕੈ ਕਿਛੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਾਥਿ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 281-4).
The One Lord Himself destroys and also preserves. Nothing at all is in the hands of mortal beings.
ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਬੂਝਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਖੁ ਕੰਠਿ ਪਰੋਇ ॥
Understanding His Order, there is peace.. So take His Name, and wear it as your necklace.
ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਘਨੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਕੋਇ ॥੧॥
Remember, remember, remember God in meditation. O Nanak, no obstacle shall stand in your way. ||1||
– ਜਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਤਿਵੈ ਤਿਉ ਹੋਵਣਾ ॥ ਜਹ ਜਹ ਰਖਹਿ ਆਪਿ ਤਹ ਜਾਇ ਖੜੋਵਣਾ ॥ (Raag Goojree M. 5, GGS. 523-4).
As is the Hukam of Your Command, so do things happen. Wherever You keep me, there I go and stand.
ਨਾਮ ਤੇਰੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਧੋਵਣਾ ॥ ਜਪਿ ਜਪਿ ਤੁਧੁ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਭਰਮੁ ਭਉ ਖੋਵਣਾ ॥
With the Love of Your Name, I wash away my evil-mindedness. By continually meditating on You, O Formless Lord, my doubts and fears are dispelled.
ਜੋ ਤੇਰੈ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੇ ਜੋਨਿ ਨ ਜੋਵਣਾ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਇਕੁ ਨੈਣ ਅਲੋਵਣਾ ॥
Those who are attuned to Your Love, shall not be trapped in reincarnation. Inwardly and outwardly, they behold the One Lord with their eyes.
ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਪਛਾਤਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਰੋਵਣਾ ॥ ਨਾਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਰੋਵਣਾ ॥੧੮॥
Those who recognize the Lord’s Command never weep. O Nanak, they are blessed with the gift of the Name, woven into the fabric of their minds. ||18||
Guru Nanak Sahib sums up beautifully the Play of Waheguru in the following verses of Gurbani:-
ਜੈਸੇ ਹਰਹਟ ਕੀ ਮਾਲਾ ਟਿੰਡ ਲਗਤ ਹੈ ਇਕ ਸਖਨੀ ਹੋਰ ਫੇਰ ਭਰੀਅਤ ਹੈ ॥ (Raag Parbhati M. 1, GGS. 1329-12).
The buckets on the chain of the Persian wheel rotate; one empties out to fill another.
ਤੈਸੋ ਹੀ ਇਹੁ ਖੇਲੁ ਖਸਮ ਕਾ ਜਿਉ ਉਸ ਕੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥੨॥
This is just like the Play of our Lord and Master; such is His Glorious Greatness. ||2||
Kabir Ji throws light on the creation of Universe:-
ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣ ਲਾਗਿ ਹਮ ਬਿਨਵਤਾ ਪੂਛਤ ਕਹ ਜੀਉ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Asa Bhagat Kabir, GGS. 475-14).
Gur Charan Laag Ham Binavathaa Pooshhath Keh Jeeo Paaeiaa ||
Falling at the Feet of the Guru, I pray, and ask Him, “”Why was man created?
ਕਵਨ ਕਾਜਿ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਕਹਹੁ ਮੋਹਿ ਸਮਝਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
Kavan Kaaj Jag Oupajai Binasai Kehahu Mohi Samajhaaeiaa ||1||
What deeds cause the world to come into being, and be destroyed? Tell me, that I may understand.””||1||
ਦੇਵ ਕਰਹੁ ਦਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਲਾਵਹੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਭੈ ਬੰਧਨ ਤੂਟੈ ॥
Dhaev Karahu Dhaeiaa Mohi Maarag Laavahu Jith Bhai Bandhhan Thoottai ||
O Divine Guru, please, show Mercy to me, and place me on the right path, by which the bonds of fear may be cut away.
ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਦੁਖ ਫੇੜ ਕਰਮ ਸੁਖ ਜੀਅ ਜਨਮ ਤੇ ਛੂਟੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Janam Maran Dhukh Faerr Karam Sukh Jeea Janam Thae Shhoottai ||1|| Rehaao ||
The pains of birth and death come from past actions and karma; peace comes when the soul finds release from reincarnation. ||1||Pause||
ਮਾਇਆ ਫਾਸ ਬੰਧ ਨਹੀ ਫਾਰੈ ਅਰੁ ਮਨ ਸੁੰਨਿ ਨ ਲੂਕੇ ॥
Maaeiaa Faas Bandhh Nehee Faarai Ar Man Sunn N Lookae ||
The mortal does not break free from the bonds of the noose of Maya, and he does not seek the shelter of the profound, absolute Lord.
ਆਪਾ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੁ ਨ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਆ ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਅਭਿਉ ਨ ਚੂਕੇ ॥੨॥
Aapaa Padh Nirabaan N Cheenihaaa Ein Bidhh Abhio N Chookae ||2||
He does not realize the dignity of the self, and Nirvaanaa; because of this, his doubt does not depart. ||2||
ਕਹੀ ਨ ਉਪਜੈ ਉਪਜੀ ਜਾਣੈ ਭਾਵ ਅਭਾਵ ਬਿਹੂਣਾ ॥
Kehee N Oupajai Oupajee Jaanai Bhaav Abhaav Bihoonaa ||
The soul is not born, even though he thinks it is born; it is free from birth and death.
ਉਦੈ ਅਸਤ ਕੀ ਮਨ ਬੁਧਿ ਨਾਸੀ ਤਉ ਸਦਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਲਿਵ ਲੀਣਾ ॥੩॥
Oudhai Asath Kee Man Budhh Naasee Tho Sadhaa Sehaj Liv Leenaa ||3||
When the mortal gives up his ideas of birth and death, he remains constantly absorbed in the Lord’s Love. ||3||
ਜਿਉ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਬਿੰਬੁ ਬਿੰਬ ਕਉ ਮਿਲੀ ਹੈ ਉਦਕ ਕੁੰਭੁ ਬਿਗਰਾਨਾ ॥
Jio Prathibinb Binb Ko Milee Hai Oudhak Kunbh Bigaraanaa ||
As the reflection of an object blends in the water when the pitcher is broken,
ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਐਸਾ ਗੁਣ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਭਾਗਾ ਤਉ ਮਨੁ ਸੁੰਨਿ ਸਮਾਨਾਂ ॥੪॥੧॥
Kahu Kabeer Aisaa Gun Bhram Bhaagaa Tho Man Sunn Samaanaan ||4||1||
Says Kabeer, just so virtue dispels doubt, and then the soul is absorbed in the profound, absolute Lord. ||4||1||
– ਜਿਤੁ ਕੋ ਲਾਇਆ ਤਿਤ ਹੀ ਲਾਗਾ ਤੈਸੇ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥ (Raag Asa Bhagat Kabir, GGS. 476-5).
Jith Ko Laaeiaa Thith Hee Laagaa Thaisae Karam Kamaavai ||
He is attached to that, to which the Lord has attached him, and he acts accordingly.
ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਿਸੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟੈ ਪੁਨਰਪਿ ਜਨਮਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥੪॥੨॥
Kahu Kabeer Jis Sathigur Bhaettai Punarap Janam N Aavai ||4||2||
Says Kabeer, one who meets the True Guru, is not reincarnated again. ||4||2||
Guru Nanak Dev Ji gives gratitude to Akalpurak/Waheguru for imparting Divine Sohjee:-
ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਦਿਉਹਾੜੀ ਸਦ ਵਾਰ ॥ (Raag Asa M.1, GGS. 462-19).
Balihaaree Gur Aapanae Dhiouhaarree Sadh Vaar ||
A hundred times a day, I am a sacrifice to my Guru;
ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਸ ਤੇ ਦੇਵਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਕਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਗੀ ਵਾਰ ॥੧॥
Jin Maanas Thae Dhaevathae Keeeae Karath N Laagee Vaar ||1||
He made angels out of men, without delay. ||1||
Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru Angad Dev Ji guide further:-
ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਹੀਐ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਦੇਇ ॥ (Raag Sarang M. 1, GGS. 1241-10).
Kis No Keheeai Naanakaa Kis No Karathaa Dhaee ||
What can be said, O Nanak? Who is blessed by the Creator?
ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਹਾਏ ਆਪਣੈ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਆਪੁ ਗਣੇਇ ॥੧॥
Hukam Rehaaeae Aapanai Moorakh Aap Ganaee ||1||
God keeps all under His Command, but the fool shows off himself. ||1||
– ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਰੇ ਆਪਿ ਆਪੇ ਆਣੈ ਰਾਸਿ ॥ (Raag Maaroo M. 2, GGS. 1093-9)
Aapae Jaanai Karae Aap Aapae Aanai Raas ||
He Himself knows, He Himself acts, and He Himself does it right.
ਤਿਸੈ ਅਗੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਖਲਿਇ ਕੀਚੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥੧॥
Thisai Agai Naanakaa Khalie Keechai Aradhaas ||1||
So stand before Him, O Nanak, and offer your prayers. ||1||
Dr. Devinder Sikh Chahal’s words echo that “ੴ ” of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is
“Iko/EKo Beant”
Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New zealand
Kirpal2Singh@yahoo.com
Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar 