The bani of “Patti Likhi” is the first lesson imparted by Guru Nanak Dev Ji using the Alphabet letters to convey their spiritual significance. Normally when the alphabet is taught the standard practice is to identify the letter with a common object that the child may be familiar with.
As per the Puratan Janam Sakhi, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji was 7, his father Mehta Kalu Ji took him to Pandha (teacher) named Gopal for getting education. Pandha wrote the 35 letters of the Alphabet on a Wooden Tablet (called Patti in India) to master. Patti is a flat wooden tablet which is coated with yellow clay paste and then dried in the sun. Next with a sharpened reed pen the alphabet is written over it. It can be washed and recoated and used again. This school is at a very short distance from Gurudwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, where Guru Ji was born.
One day during school Guru Ji sat in a corner away from rest of the students deeply engrossed in writing and humming while writing. Whole day passed and Guru Ji had not shown his class work to Pandha. Before the end of class, teacher called Guru Ji asked him to show his work. Guru Ji brought 3 Pattis and handed first one over to Pandha, while holding the remaining 2 in his hands. Gopal was stunned to see acrostics - praises of God using all the letters of Alphabet.
Gopal struck in awe but asked Guru Ji, why he does not learn what his father wants him to learn? He reminded Guru Ji that he will be taking over from his father the property accounts of the village and will be managing those. Guru Nanak Dev Ji replied, "That knowledge will not in any way help you in obtaining liberation". The teacher was very much astonished at the words of the young child. Pandha asked him, "Nanak, tell me something which could help me in the attainment of salvation". Then Guru Ji gave a complete discourse which is part of Guru Granth Sahib on Page 16, but for our present discussion, let us restrict ourselves to Patti. Pandha was very impressed as he saw in the child Nanak, making of a great man. He recommended to Guru Ji’s father that he should be under charge of Pandit Brij Nath, who can teach him Sanskrit and scriptures, as he does have anything more to teach child Nanak. Now, let us briefly review the bani Patti letter by letter:
1: 'S' ~ SaSaa
ਸਸੈ ਸੋਇ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਾਜੀ ਸਭਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਏਕੁ ਭਇਆ ॥
Sasai Soe Srisatt Jin Saajee Sabhanaa Saahib Eaek Bhaeiaa ||
Sassa: He who created the world, is the One Lord and Master of all.
ਸੇਵਤ ਰਹੇ ਚਿਤੁ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਾ ਲਾਗਾ ਆਇਆ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਾ ਸਫਲੁ ਭਇਆ ॥੧॥
Saevath Rehae Chith Jinh Kaa Laagaa Aaeiaa Thinh Kaa Safal Bhaeiaa ||1||
Those whose consciousness remains committed to His Service - blessed is their birth and their coming into the world. ||1||
Rahao
ਮਨ ਕਾਹੇ ਭੂਲੇ ਮੂੜ ਮਨਾ ॥
Man Kaahae Bhoolae Moorr Manaa ||
O mind, why forget Him? You foolish mind!
ਜਬ ਲੇਖਾ ਦੇਵਹਿ ਬੀਰਾ ਤਉ ਪੜਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jab Laekhaa Dhaevehi Beeraa Tho Parriaa ||1|| Rehaao ||
When your account is adjusted, O brother, only then shall you be judged wise. ||1||Pause||
2: 'E' ~ Eevree
ਈਵੜੀ ਆਦਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਤਾ ਆਪੇ ਸਚਾ ਸੋਈ ॥
Eevarree Aadh Purakh Hai Dhaathaa Aapae Sachaa Soee ||
Eevree: The Primal Lord is the Giver; He alone is True.
ਏਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਅਖਰਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥
Eaenaa Akharaa Mehi Jo Guramukh Boojhai This Sir Laekh N Hoee ||2||
No accounting is due from the Gurmukh who understands the Lord through these letters. ||2||
3: 'U' ~ Uorhaa
ਊੜੈ ਉਪਮਾ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕੀਜੈ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Oorrai Oupamaa Thaa Kee Keejai Jaa Kaa Anth N Paaeiaa ||
Ooraa: Sing the Praises of the One whose limit cannot be found.
ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਹਿ ਸੇਈ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥੩॥
Saevaa Karehi Saeee Fal Paavehi Jinhee Sach Kamaaeiaa ||3||
Those who perform service and practice truth, obtain the fruits of their rewards. ||3||
4: 'Ng' ~ NgaNgaa
ਙੰਙੈ ਙਿਆਨੁ ਬੂਝੈ ਜੇ ਕੋਈ ਪੜਿਆ ਪੰਡਿਤੁ ਸੋਈ ॥
N(g)ann(g)ai N(g)iaan Boojhai Jae Koee Parriaa Panddith Soee ||
Nganga: One who understands spiritual wisdom becomes a Pandit, a religious scholar.
ਸਰਬ ਜੀਆ ਮਹਿ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਤਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥੪॥
Sarab Jeeaa Mehi Eaeko Jaanai Thaa Houmai Kehai N Koee ||4||
One who recognizes the One Lord among all beings does not talk of ego. ||4||
5: 'K' ~ KaKaa
ਕਕੈ ਕੇਸ ਪੁੰਡਰ ਜਬ ਹੂਏ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਾਬੂਣੈ ਉਜਲਿਆ ॥
Kakai Kaes Punddar Jab Hooeae Vin Saaboonai Oujaliaa ||
Kakka: When the hair grows grey, then it shines without shampoo.
ਜਮ ਰਾਜੇ ਕੇ ਹੇਰੂ ਆਏ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਲਿ ਬੰਧਿ ਲਇਆ ॥੫॥
Jam Raajae Kae Haeroo Aaeae Maaeiaa Kai Sangal Bandhh Laeiaa ||5||
The hunters of the King of Death come, and bind him in the chains of Maya. ||5||
6: 'Kh' ~ KhaKhaa
ਖਖੈ ਖੁੰਦਕਾਰੁ ਸਾਹ ਆਲਮੁ ਕਰਿ ਖਰੀਦਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਖਰਚੁ ਦੀਆ ॥
Khakhai Khundhakaar Saah Aalam Kar Khareedh Jin Kharach Dheeaa ||
Khakha: The Creator is the King of the world; He enslaves by giving nourishment.
ਬੰਧਨਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਬਾਧਿਆ ਅਵਰੀ ਕਾ ਨਹੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਇਆ ॥੬॥
Bandhhan Jaa Kai Sabh Jag Baadhhiaa Avaree Kaa Nehee Hukam Paeiaa ||6||
By His Binding, all the world is bound; no other Command prevails. ||6||
7: 'G' ~ GaGaa
ਗਗੈ ਗੋਇ ਗਾਇ ਜਿਨਿ ਛੋਡੀ ਗਲੀ ਗੋਬਿਦੁ ਗਰਬਿ ਭਇਆ ॥
Gagai Goe Gaae Jin Shhoddee Galee Gobidh Garab Bhaeiaa ||
Gagga: One who renounces the singing of the songs of the Lord of the Universe, becomes arrogant in his speech.
ਘੜਿ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਆਵੀ ਸਾਜੀ ਚਾੜਣ ਵਾਹੈ ਤਈ ਕੀਆ ॥੭॥
Gharr Bhaanddae Jin Aavee Saajee Chaarran Vaahai Thee Keeaa ||7||
One who has shaped the pots, and made the world the kiln, decides when to put them in it. ||7||
8: 'Gh' ~ GhaGhaa
ਘਘੈ ਘਾਲ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜੇ ਘਾਲੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੈ ਲਾਗਿ ਰਹੈ ॥
Ghaghai Ghaal Saevak Jae Ghaalai Sabadh Guroo Kai Laag Rehai ||
Ghagha: The servant who performs service, remains attached to the Word of the Guru's Shabad.
ਬੁਰਾ ਭਲਾ ਜੇ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਰਮਤੁ ਰਹੈ ॥੮॥
Buraa Bhalaa Jae Sam Kar Jaanai Ein Bidhh Saahib Ramath Rehai ||8||
One who recognizes bad and good as one and the same - in this way he is absorbed into the Lord and Master. ||8||
9: 'Ch' ~ ChaChaa
ਚਚੈ ਚਾਰਿ ਵੇਦ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਾਜੇ ਚਾਰੇ ਖਾਣੀ ਚਾਰਿ ਜੁਗਾ ॥
Chachai Chaar Vaedh Jin Saajae Chaarae Khaanee Chaar Jugaa ||
Chacha: He created the four Vedas, the four sources of creation, and the four ages
ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੋਗੀ ਖਾਣੀ ਭੋਗੀ ਪੜਿਆ ਪੰਡਿਤੁ ਆਪਿ ਥੀਆ ॥੯॥
Jug Jug Jogee Khaanee Bhogee Parriaa Panddith Aap Thheeaa ||9||
- through each and every age, He Himself has been the Yogi, the enjoyer, the Pandit and the scholar. ||9|
10: 'Chh' ~ ChhaChhaa
ਛਛੈ ਛਾਇਆ ਵਰਤੀ ਸਭ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਤੇਰਾ ਕੀਆ ਭਰਮੁ ਹੋਆ ॥
Shhashhai Shhaaeiaa Varathee Sabh Anthar Thaeraa Keeaa Bharam Hoaa ||
Chhachha: Ignorance exists within everyone; doubt is Your doing, O Lord.
ਭਰਮੁ ਉਪਾਇ ਭੁਲਾਈਅਨੁ ਆਪੇ ਤੇਰਾ ਕਰਮੁ ਹੋਆ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਿਲਿਆ ॥੧੦॥
Bharam Oupaae Bhulaaeean Aapae Thaeraa Karam Hoaa Thinh Guroo Miliaa ||10||
Having created doubt, You Yourself cause them to wander in delusion; those whom You bless with Your Mercy meet with the Guru. ||10||
11: 'J' ~ JaJaa
ਜਜੈ ਜਾਨੁ ਮੰਗਤ ਜਨੁ ਜਾਚੈ ਲਖ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਭੀਖ ਭਵਿਆ ॥
Jajai Jaan Mangath Jan Jaachai Lakh Chouraaseeh Bheekh Bhaviaa ||
Jajja: That humble being who begs for wisdom has wandered begging through 8.4 million incarnations.
ਏਕੋ ਲੇਵੈ ਏਕੋ ਦੇਵੈ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ਮੈ ਸੁਣਿਆ ॥੧੧॥
Eaeko Laevai Eaeko Dhaevai Avar N Dhoojaa Mai Suniaa ||11||
The One Lord takes away, and the One Lord gives; I have not heard of any other. ||11||
12: 'Jh' ~ JhaJhaa
ਝਝੈ ਝੂਰਿ ਮਰਹੁ ਕਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਦੇਣਾ ਸੁ ਦੇ ਰਹਿਆ ॥
Jhajhai Jhoor Marahu Kiaa Praanee Jo Kishh Dhaenaa S Dhae Rehiaa ||
Jhajha: O mortal being, why are you dying of anxiety? Whatever the Lord is to give, He shall keep on giving.
ਦੇ ਦੇ ਵੇਖੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਜਿਉ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਰਿਜਕੁ ਪਇਆ ॥੧੨॥
Dhae Dhae Vaekhai Hukam Chalaaeae Jio Jeeaa Kaa Rijak Paeiaa ||12||
He gives, and gives, and watches over us; according to the Orders which He issues, His beings receive nourishment. ||12||
13: 'Ny' ~ NyaNyaa
ਞੰਞੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਜਾ ਦੇਖਾ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
Njannjai Nadhar Karae Jaa Dhaekhaa Dhoojaa Koee Naahee ||
Nyanya: When the Lord bestows His Glance of Grace, then I do not behold any other.
ਏਕੋ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਭ ਥਾਈ ਏਕੁ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨ ਮਾਹੀ ॥੧੩॥
Eaeko Rav Rehiaa Sabh Thhaaee Eaek Vasiaa Man Maahee ||13||
The One Lord is totally pervading everywhere; the One Lord abides within the mind. ||13||
14: 'Tt' ~ TtaTtaa
ਟਟੈ ਟੰਚੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਕਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਘੜੀ ਕਿ ਮੁਹਤਿ ਕਿ ਉਠਿ ਚਲਣਾ ॥
Ttattai Ttanch Karahu Kiaa Praanee Gharree K Muhath K Outh Chalanaa ||
Tatta: Why do you practice hypocrisy, O mortal? In a moment, in an instant, you shall have to get up and depart.
ਜੂਐ ਜਨਮੁ ਨ ਹਾਰਹੁ ਅਪਣਾ ਭਾਜਿ ਪੜਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣਾ ॥੧੪॥
Jooai Janam N Haarahu Apanaa Bhaaj Parrahu Thum Har Saranaa ||14||
Don't lose your life in the gamble - hurry to the Lord's Sanctuary. ||14||
15: 'Tth' ~ TthaTthaa
ਠਠੈ ਠਾਢਿ ਵਰਤੀ ਤਿਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣੀ ਜਿਨ ਕਾ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਗਾ ॥
Thathai Thaadt Varathee Thin Anthar Har Charanee Jinh Kaa Chith Laagaa ||
T'hat'ha: Peace pervades within those who link their consciousness to the Lord's Lotus Feet.
ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਸੇਈ ਜਨ ਨਿਸਤਰੇ ਤਉ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧੫॥
Chith Laagaa Saeee Jan Nisatharae Tho Parasaadhee Sukh Paaeiaa ||15||
Those humble beings, whose consciousness is so linked, are saved; by Your Grace, they obtain peace. ||15||
16: 'Dd' ~ DdaDdaa
ਡਡੈ ਡੰਫੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਕਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਹੋਆ ਸੁ ਸਭੁ ਚਲਣਾ ॥
Ddaddai Ddanf Karahu Kiaa Praanee Jo Kishh Hoaa S Sabh Chalanaa ||
Dadda: Why do you make such ostentatious shows, O mortal? Whatever exists, shall all pass away.
ਤਿਸੈ ਸਰੇਵਹੁ ਤਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹੁ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥੧੬॥
Thisai Saraevahu Thaa Sukh Paavahu Sarab Niranthar Rav Rehiaa ||16||
So serve Him, who is contained and pervading among everyone, and you shall obtain peace. ||16||
17: 'Ddh' ~ DdhaDdhaa
ਢਢੈ ਢਾਹਿ ਉਸਾਰੈ ਆਪੇ ਜਿਉ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਵੈ ਕਰੇ ॥
Dtadtai Dtaahi Ousaarai Aapae Jio This Bhaavai Thivai Karae ||
Dhadha: He Himself establishes and disestablishes; as it pleases His Will, so does He act.
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ॥੧੭॥
Kar Kar Vaekhai Hukam Chalaaeae This Nisathaarae Jaa Ko Nadhar Karae ||17||
Having created the creation, He watches over it; He issues His Commands, and emancipates those, upon whom He casts His Glance of Grace. ||17||
18: 'Nh' ~ NhaaNhaa
ਣਾਣੈ ਰਵਤੁ ਰਹੈ ਘਟ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਸੋਈ ॥
Naanai Ravath Rehai Ghatt Anthar Har Gun Gaavai Soee ||
Nanna: One whose heart is filled with the Lord, sings His Glorious Praises.
ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਨਰਪਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੧੮॥
Aapae Aap Milaaeae Karathaa Punarap Janam N Hoee ||18||
One whom the Creator Lord unites with Himself, is not consigned to reincarnation. ||18||
19: 'T' ~ TaTaa
ਤਤੈ ਤਾਰੂ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Thathai Thaaroo Bhavajal Hoaa Thaa Kaa Anth N Paaeiaa ||
Tatta: The terrible world-ocean is so very deep; its limits cannot be found.
ਨਾ ਤਰ ਨਾ ਤੁਲਹਾ ਹਮ ਬੂਡਸਿ ਤਾਰਿ ਲੇਹਿ ਤਾਰਣ ਰਾਇਆ ॥੧੯॥
Naa Thar Naa Thulehaa Ham Booddas Thaar Laehi Thaaran Raaeiaa ||19||
I do not have a boat, or even a raft; I am drowning - save me, O Savior King! ||19||
20: 'Th' ~ ThaThaa
ਥਥੈ ਥਾਨਿ ਥਾਨੰਤਰਿ ਸੋਈ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਕੀਆ ਸਭੁ ਹੋਆ ॥
Thhathhai Thhaan Thhaananthar Soee Jaa Kaa Keeaa Sabh Hoaa ||
T'hat'ha: In all places and interspaces, He is; everything which exists, is by His doing.
ਕਿਆ ਭਰਮੁ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਹੀਐ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਭਲਾ ॥੨੦॥
Kiaa Bharam Kiaa Maaeiaa Keheeai Jo This Bhaavai Soee Bhalaa ||20||
What is doubt? What is called Maya? Whatever pleases Him is good. ||20||
21: 'D' ~ DaDaa
ਦਦੈ ਦੋਸੁ ਨ ਦੇਊ ਕਿਸੈ ਦੋਸੁ ਕਰੰਮਾ ਆਪਣਿਆ ॥
Dhadhai Dhos N Dhaeoo Kisai Dhos Karanmaa Aapaniaa ||
Dadda: Do not blame anyone else; blame instead your own actions.
ਜੋ ਮੈ ਕੀਆ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ਦੋਸੁ ਨ ਦੀਜੈ ਅਵਰ ਜਨਾ ॥੨੧॥
Jo Mai Keeaa So Mai Paaeiaa Dhos N Dheejai Avar Janaa ||21||
Whatever I did, for that I have suffered; I do not blame anyone else. ||21||
22: 'Dh' ~ DhaDhaa
ਧਧੈ ਧਾਰਿ ਕਲਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਛੋਡੀ ਹਰਿ ਚੀਜੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਰੰਗ ਕੀਆ ॥
Dhhadhhai Dhhaar Kalaa Jin Shhoddee Har Cheejee Jin Rang Keeaa ||
Dhadha: His power established and upholds the earth; the Lord has imparted His color to everything.
ਤਿਸਦਾ ਦੀਆ ਸਭਨੀ ਲੀਆ ਕਰਮੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਇਆ ॥੨੨॥
This Dhaa Dheeaa Sabhanee Leeaa Karamee Karamee Hukam Paeiaa ||22||
His gifts are received by everyone; all act according to His Command. ||22||
23: 'N' ~ NaNaa
ਨੰਨੈ ਨਾਹ ਭੋਗ ਨਿਤ ਭੋਗੈ ਨਾ ਡੀਠਾ ਨਾ ਸੰਮ੍ਹਲਿਆ ॥
Nannai Naah Bhog Nith Bhogai Naa Ddeethaa Naa Sanmhaliaa ||
Nanna: The Husband Lord enjoys eternal pleasures, but He is not seen or understood.
ਗਲੀ ਹਉ ਸੋਹਾਗਣਿ ਭੈਣੇ ਕੰਤੁ ਨ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਮੈਂ ਮਿਲਿਆ ॥੨੩॥
Galee Ho Sohaagan Bhainae Kanth N Kabehoon Mai Miliaa ||23||
I am called the happy soul-bride, O sister, but my Husband Lord has never met me. ||23||
24: 'P' ~ PaPaa
ਪਪੈ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਵੇਖਣ ਕਉ ਪਰਪੰਚੁ ਕੀਆ ॥
Papai Paathisaahu Paramaesar Vaekhan Ko Parapanch Keeaa ||
Pappa: The Supreme King, the Transcendent Lord, created the world, and watches over it.
ਦੇਖੈ ਬੂਝੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥੨੪॥
Dhaekhai Boojhai Sabh Kishh Jaanai Anthar Baahar Rav Rehiaa ||24||
He sees and understands, and knows everything; inwardly and outwardly, he is fully pervading. ||24||
25: 'F' ~ FaFaa
ਫਫੈ ਫਾਹੀ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਫਾਸਾ ਜਮ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਲਿ ਬੰਧਿ ਲਇਆ ॥
Fafai Faahee Sabh Jag Faasaa Jam Kai Sangal Bandhh Laeiaa ||
Faffa: The whole world is caught in the noose of Death, and all are bound by its chains.
ਗੁਰਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਸੇ ਨਰ ਉਬਰੇ ਜਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣਾਗਤਿ ਭਜਿ ਪਇਆ ॥੨੫॥
Gur Parasaadhee Sae Nar Oubarae J Har Saranaagath Bhaj Paeiaa ||25||
By Guru's Grace, they alone are saved, who hurry to enter the Lord's Sanctuary. ||25||
26: 'B' ~ BaBaa
ਬਬੈ ਬਾਜੀ ਖੇਲਣ ਲਾਗਾ ਚਉਪੜਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਚਾਰਿ ਜੁਗਾ ॥
Babai Baajee Khaelan Laagaa Chouparr Keethae Chaar Jugaa ||
Babba: He set out to play the game, on the chess-board of the four ages.
ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਸਭ ਸਾਰੀ ਕੀਤੇ ਪਾਸਾ ਢਾਲਣਿ ਆਪਿ ਲਗਾ ॥੨੬॥
Jeea Janth Sabh Saaree Keethae Paasaa Dtaalan Aap Lagaa ||26||
He made all beings and creatures his chessmen, and He Himself threw the dice. ||26||
27: 'Bh' ~ BhaBhaa
ਭਭੈ ਭਾਲਹਿ ਸੇ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਗੁਰਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਭਉ ਪਇਆ ॥
Bhabhai Bhaalehi Sae Fal Paavehi Gur Parasaadhee Jinh Ko Bho Paeiaa ||
Bhabha: Those who search, find the fruits of their rewards; by Guru's Grace, they live in the Fear of God.
ਮਨਮੁਖ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਨ ਚੇਤਹਿ ਮੂੜੇ ਲਖ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਫੇਰੁ ਪਇਆ ॥੨੭॥
Manamukh Firehi N Chaethehi Moorrae Lakh Chouraaseeh Faer Paeiaa ||27||
The self-willed manmukhs wander around, and they do not remember the Lord; the fools are consigned to the cycle of 8.4 million incarnations. ||27||
28: 'M' ~ MaMaa
ਮੰਮੈ ਮੋਹੁ ਮਰਣੁ ਮਧੁਸੂਦਨੁ ਮਰਣੁ ਭਇਆ ਤਬ ਚੇਤਵਿਆ ॥
Manmai Mohu Maran Madhhusoodhan Maran Bhaeiaa Thab Chaethaviaa ||
Mamma: In emotional attachment, he dies; he only thinks of the Lord, the Love of Nectar, when he dies.
ਕਾਇਆ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਅਵਰੋ ਪੜਿਆ ਮੰਮਾ ਅਖਰੁ ਵੀਸਰਿਆ ॥੨੮॥
Kaaeiaa Bheethar Avaro Parriaa Manmaa Akhar Veesariaa ||28||
As long as the body is alive, he reads other things, and forgets the letter 'm', which stands for marnaa - death. ||28||
29: 'Y' ~ YaYaa
ਯਯੈ ਜਨਮੁ ਨ ਹੋਵੀ ਕਦ ਹੀ ਜੇ ਕਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥
Yayai Janam N Hovee Kadh Hee Jae Kar Sach Pashhaanai ||
Yaya: He is never reincarnated again, if he recognizes the True Lord.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਖੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੈ ॥੨੯॥
Guramukh Aakhai Guramukh Boojhai Guramukh Eaeko Jaanai ||29||
The Gurmukh speaks, the Gurmukh understands, and the Gurmukh knows only the One Lord. ||29||
30: 'R' ~ RaRaa
ਰਾਰੈ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਭ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੇਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਜੰਤਾ ॥
Raarai Rav Rehiaa Sabh Anthar Jaethae Keeeae Janthaa ||
Rarra: The Lord is contained among all; He created all beings.
ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਇ ਧੰਧੈ ਸਭ ਲਾਏ ਕਰਮੁ ਹੋਆ ਤਿਨ ਨਾਮੁ ਲਇਆ ॥੩੦॥
Janth Oupaae Dhhandhhai Sabh Laaeae Karam Hoaa Thin Naam Laeiaa ||30||
Having created His beings, He has put them all to work; they alone remember the Naam, upon whom He bestows His Grace. ||30||
31: 'L' ~ LaLaa
ਲਲੈ ਲਾਇ ਧੰਧੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਛੋਡੀ ਮੀਠਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਕੀਆ ॥
Lalai Laae Dhhandhhai Jin Shhoddee Meethaa Maaeiaa Mohu Keeaa ||
Lalla: He has assigned people to their tasks, and made the love of Maya seem sweet to them.
ਖਾਣਾ ਪੀਣਾ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਸਹਣਾ ਭਾਣੈ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਇਆ ॥੩੧॥
Khaanaa Peenaa Sam Kar Sehanaa Bhaanai Thaa Kai Hukam Paeiaa ||31||
We eat and drink; we should endure equally whatever occurs, by His Will, by His Command. ||31||
32: 'V' ~ VaVaa
ਵਵੈ ਵਾਸੁਦੇਉ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਵੇਖਣ ਕਉ ਜਿਨਿ ਵੇਸੁ ਕੀਆ ॥
Vavai Vaasudhaeo Paramaesar Vaekhan Ko Jin Vaes Keeaa ||
Wawa: The all-pervading Transcendent Lord beholds the world; He created the form it wears.
ਵੇਖੈ ਚਾਖੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥੩੨॥
Vaekhai Chaakhai Sabh Kishh Jaanai Anthar Baahar Rav Rehiaa ||32||
He beholds, tastes, and knows everything; He is pervading and permeating inwardly and outwardly. ||32||
33: 'Rh' ~ RhaRhaa
ੜਾੜੈ ਰਾੜਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਕਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਜਿ ਅਮਰੁ ਹੋਆ ॥
Rraarrai Raarr Karehi Kiaa Praanee Thisehi Dhhiaavahu J Amar Hoaa ||
Rarra: Why do you quarrel, O mortal? Meditate on the Imperishable Lord,
ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਵਹੁ ਓਸੁ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੁ ਕੀਆ ॥੩੩॥
Thisehi Dhhiaavahu Sach Samaavahu Ous Vittahu Kurabaan Keeaa ||33||
And be absorbed into the True One. Become a sacrifice to Him. ||33||
34: 'H' ~ HaHaa
ਹਾਹੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਦਾਤਾ ਜੀਅ ਉਪਾਇ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਿਜਕੁ ਦੀਆ ॥
Haahai Hor N Koee Dhaathaa Jeea Oupaae Jin Rijak Dheeaa ||
Haha: There is no other Giver than Him; having created the creatures, He gives them nourishment.
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਵਹੁ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਲਾਹਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਲੀਆ ॥੩੪॥
Har Naam Dhhiaavahu Har Naam Samaavahu Anadhin Laahaa Har Naam Leeaa ||34||
Meditate on the Lord's Name, be absorbed into the Lord's Name, and night and day, reap the Profit of the Lord's Name. ||34||
35: 'A' ~Airhai
ਆਇੜੈ ਆਪਿ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਛੋਡੀ ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਣਾ ਸੁ ਕਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥
Aaeirrai Aap Karae Jin Shhoddee Jo Kishh Karanaa S Kar Rehiaa ||
Airaa: He Himself created the world; whatever He has to do, He continues to do.
ਕਰੇ ਕਰਾਏ ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਇਰ ਇਵ ਕਹਿਆ ॥੩੫॥੧॥
Karae Karaaeae Sabh Kishh Jaanai Naanak Saaeir Eiv Kehiaa ||35||1||
He acts, and causes others to act, and He knows everything; so says Nanak, the poet. ||35||1||
Conclusion:
The summary of the message is that the entire world is God’s Creation, and runs as per His Will. We are just like pawns in the grand scheme and we should always remember Him. Guru Ji’s core message is in the Rahao line after the first stanza, where Guru Ji’s says learn to stay on track on the purpose of life. First, start with understanding of the world where you live in. Next understanding the purpose of life, stay focused on achieving the objective. Success is only achieved by those who stay focused and clear about their objective. Here, Guru Ji has addressed his mind by it as brother, reminding it that it will have to render account of how the capital of breath which is life has been utilized. There it will be judged as educated if it made the right choices.
References:
-
Singh, Prof. Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan. Volume 3. Raj Publishers.
-
Singh, Bhai Vir. Santhiya Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Volume 6. Bhi Vir Singh Sahit Sadan.
-
Singh, Bhai Vir. Sri Guru Nanak Chamatkar. Poorbarath (Volume 1). Bhi Vir Singh Sahit Sadan
-
Singh, Satbir. Baliyo Chirag. Life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. New Book Co.
-
Surma, M. S. Guru Nanak Apostle of Love. B. Jawahar Singh Kirpal Singh & Co.
