Japji Sahib (ਜਪੁਜੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ)

Japji Sahib (ਜਪੁਜੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ) is the first sacred composition found in the main Sikh sacred text known as the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. It is a famous and concise explanation of Sikh philosophy which was composed by Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh tradition and its first spiritual guide. Guru Nanak was a very universal teacher. He was respected and followed by people from many different faith traditions.

Japji Sahib consists of the Mool Mantra, or Root Mantra, followed by a set of 38 Pauris or "steps", and a final closing Salok. It appears at the very beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib from Page 1 to Page 8. The first of five Banis which make up the daily meditations for the Sikhs, it is the most important, and is lovingly recited by all Sikhs every morning. The word ‘Jap’ means to ‘recite’/‘to ‘chant’/'to stay focused onto'. ‘Ji’ is a word that is used to show respect as is the word ‘Sahib’.