Mat Vich Ratan Javahar Manik - The mind contains potential latent

[Guest guest]

>

> Jesus wanted his disciples to come into union with God. Any other

> life was steeped in illusion. Ego keeps that illusion strong

> because " I, me, and mine " is so rooted in world affairs. The most

> worthwhile life is spent discovering your spiritual core and

> building your existence on it. If you do that, you will be first in

> the eyes of God even if you are last in the eyes of the world. "

>

> Deepak Chopra, The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore,

> Harmony Book, 2008, pages 113-114

> ISBN:9780307338310

>

 

Mat Vich Ratan Javahar Manik

Je Ik Gur Ki Sikh Suni

The mind contains potential latent

That unfolds by the preceptor's teaching

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-wGLPbgoRM

 

 

Pauri - 6

 

Tirath Nava Je Tis Bhavan

Vin Bhane Ke Nai Kari

Jeti Sirath Upai Vekhan

Vin Karma Ke Mile Layee

Mat Vich Ratan Javahar Manik

Je Ik Gur Ki Sikh Suni

Guran Ik Deh Bujhai

Sabna Jiyan Ka Ik Daata

So Mein Visar Na Jayee

 

Translation

Bathe would I at holy places, only if He wills

Without His approval, I would not

When I see His vast creation

Without any effort I have it all

The mind contains potential latent

That unfolds by the preceptor's teaching

My Guru has revealed the riddle

Of all creation He is the bestower

This I should never forget.

 

Explanation

Guru Nanak in this stanza reveals the secret of being able to count

one's blessings, particularly, as mother Nature has blessed us with

infinite bounties to avail that are given to us without any of our

effort.

 

Think of it, the rising sun, the full moon, the changing seasons, the

air that we breath, the water that we drink, etc are the gift of God

to all creation.

 

Every human mind is potentially divine, yet this is revealed only by

the preceptor. And the highest perception is that for all the

creation there is One bestower, this we should not forget.

 

Pauri - 7

 

Je Jug Chare Arja Hor Dasuni Hoye

Navan Khandan vich Janiye Naal Chaley Sabhkoye

Changa Naun Rakhaye Ke Jas Kirat Jag Laye

Je Tis Nadar Na Avayee Te Vaat Na Puchey Ke

Kita Andari Kitu Kari Dosi Dosh Dhare

Nanak Nirgun Gun Kare Gunvantian Gun De

Teha Koi Na Sujhayee Ji Tis Gun Koyee Kare

 

Translation

If one lives the ages four or even ten times that score

Known in the nine continents with a great following

Assumes a good name to earn universal acclaim

Yet without His grace none would even care to take that name

Like a mere worm he would be accused even by a sinner

Says Nanak, (with His grace)

The fallen may obtain virtue while goodness further blessed

Incomprehensible He remains, none else can show such merit

 

Explanation

Guru Nanak in this stanza explains the importance of one obtaining

God's grace. Without His grace everything is futile and meaningless.

 

Pauri - 8

 

Suniye Sidh Peer Sur Naath

Suniye Dharat Dhaval Akas

Suniye Deep Loa Pataal

Suniye Pohi Na Sakey Kaal

Nanak Bhagtan Sada Vigaas

Suniye Dookh Paap Ka Naas

 

Translation

By associating* with the Word

one rises to become perfect and venerable

one learns the secrets of earth, its prop and skies above

one knows the mysteries of isles, regions and nether worlds

one is no more afraid of the clutches of Death

Says Nanak, with the Word pervading always in the devotee

All miseries and sins are annihilated

 

Explanation

Guru Nanak in this Pauri reveals the benefit one can obtain by one's

association with the holy Word.

 

*I have used the word " association " and not " hearing " or " listening "

as Suniye would normally be translated. Suniye in the above Pauri

distinctively suggests as " hearing " (sravana), " contemplating "

(manana) and " imbibing " (nidhyasan)., the initial steps for

inculcating spiritual discipline.

 

I have used the same word " association " while translating Suniye in

Pauri # 9, 10 and 11 also.

 

The importance of association is well known. In fact, the

word " Sangat " is of extreme importance to remember. It is by our

associating with things, both subjective and objective, we tend to

get influenced. And these influences manifest in our actions.

Repetitive actions form our habits and the sum total of our habits is

our character, the gateway to our ultimate destiny. This aspect has

been well known to all our ancients. And, Guru Nanak, very

wonderfully explains this phenomenon by using the word Suniye very

logically and purposefully throughout these four Pauris. Finally,

the last two lines of this Pauri are repeated exactly the same way in

all the four Pauris. Guru Nanak simply guarantees that one who is in

constant association with the name of God, then the holy Word

pervades the very being of that person and becomes like an armor to

ward off and annihilate all miseries and sins.

 

Pauri - 9

 

Suniye Isar Barma Ind

Suniye Mukh Salahan Mand

Suniye Jog Jugat Tun Bhed

Suniye Sasat Simrat Ved

Nanak Bhagtan Sada Vigaas

Suniye Dookh Paap Ka Naas

 

Translation

By associating with the Word

one comprehends Shiva, Brahma and Indra

even the ignorant praise the name of God

one learns the Yogic powers and the bodily humors

one develops insight to learn Sastras, Smritis and Vedas

Says Nanak, with the Word pervading always in the devotee

All miseries and sins are annihilated

 

Explanation

The famous Hindu trinity is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the Lords of

Creation, Preservation and Destruction. However, in this Pauri,

instead of Vishnu, the name used is that of Indra. If one follows

Hindu mythology, Indra many a times represents the same powers as

that of Vishnu.

 

What exactly is this trinity?

 

There is a need to understand this, for the trinity is again referred

to in the Japuji Sahib in Pauri # 30.

 

To me the trinity signifies the forces of creation, preservation and

destructions, known as the three Gunas or tendencies viz Sattva,

Rajas and Tamas. These Gunas are seen to manifest in all creation at

all times, though not in equal measure.

 

The understanding and comprehension of these tendencies is what seems

to be conveyed in the first line of this Pauri. The holy Word of

Japuji Sahib reveals one's predominant tendency (like an awakening)

and by following the teachings of Guru Nanak one is compelled to find

ways and means to modify one's pattern of life.

 

Ultimately, Japuji Sahib is meant to show the right path towards the

search of Truth.

 

Pauri - 10

 

Suniye Sat Santokh Gian

Suniye Athsath Ka Ishnan

Suniye Par Par Pave Maan

Suniye Lage Sahaj Dhyan

Nanak Bhagtan Sada Vigaas

Suniye Dookh Paap Ka Naas

 

Translation

By associating with the Word

one understands Truth, becomes Content and Wise

one earns merits of spiritual baths at the sixty-eight holy places

one gets honored by hearing and reading the Word

Meditation comes naturally with the Word

Says Nanak, with the Word pervading always in the devotee

All miseries and sins are annihilated.

 

Explanation

One's association with the Word insures that one realizes Truth,

feels contented and becomes wiser. Guru Nanak implies clearly that to

be constantly with the holy Word automatically earns one the benefits

that one would otherwise get by taking baths at 68 holy places.

 

" Suniye Lage Sahaj Dhyan " comes as a revelation. Meditation comes

naturally with the Word. The pre-requisite for one to get absorbed in

meditation is to be able to focus and concentrate on a single object.

Except God everything else is mutable and as such natural meditation

is only possible on Him and His holy Word.

 

Pauri - 11

 

Suniye Saran Guna Ke Gah

Suniye Sheikh Peer Patshah

Suniye Andhe Pave Rah

Suniye Hath Hove Asgah

Nanak Bhagtan Sada Vigaas

Suniye Dookh Paap Ka Naas

 

Translation

By associating with the Word

one becomes deeper like virtuous oceans

one acquires Sheikh's wisdom, Peer's virtue and sovereignty

Even the blind (ignorant) finds the way

and the Unfathomable is close at hand

Says Nanak, with the Word pervading always in the devotee

All miseries and sins are annihilated.

 

Explanation

By one's association with the holy Word, one acquires a distinct

poise and is fulfilled.

 

Pauri - 12

 

Manne Ki Gati Kahi Na Jaye

Je Ko Kahe Pichhe Pachtaye

Kagad Kalam Na Likhanhar

Manne Ka Bahi Karani Vichaar

Aisa Naam Niranjan Hoye

Je Ko Mann Jane Mann Koye

 

Translation

Believers mind cannot be explained

Whoever does try, later repents

No paper, pen, nor the writer

Can sit and reflect on such a mind

Such a Word (Naam) becomes Niranjan*

Realized only by one's faith

 

Explanation

*Niranjan literally means untainted. In this case, it would signify

God without any form and attributes. There is no suitable word in

English to clearly translate this word.

 

In Pauri # 12 through 15, the word Manne is frequently used. It

signifies mind (mun), contemplation (manan), obedience and belief

(manne).

 

The last two lines in Pauri # 12 through 15, signify that the Word is

God and is realized only by one's faith.

 

Pauri - 13

 

Manne Surat Hove Man Budh

Manne Sagal Bhawan Ki Sudh

Manne Muhn Chotan Na Kahye

Manne Jum Ke Saath Na Jaye

Aisa Naam Niranjan Hoye

Je Ko Mann Jane Mann Koye

 

Translation

Belief awakens the mind to higher consciousness

Contemplation unfolds the mysteries of the Cosmos

Obedience wards of all disgrace

Fear of death faith annihilates

Such a Word (Naam) becomes Niranjan*

Realized only by one's faith.

 

Explanation

*Niranjan literally means untainted. In this case, it would signify

God without any form and attributes. There is no suitable word in

English to clearly translate this word.

 

Pauri - 14

 

Manne Marag Thak Na Paye

Manne Pat Siun Pargat Jaye

Manne Mag Na Chale Panth

Manne Dharam Seti Sanbandha

Aisa Naam Niranjan Hoye

Je Ko Mann Jane Mann Koye

 

Translation

Obedience removes all hindrances from one's course

Gathering honor and distinction one treads on

Un-tempted by misleading ways

On righteous Dharma does one stay

Such a Word (Naam) becomes Niranjan

Realized only by one's faith.

 

Pauri - 15

 

Manne Pave Mokh Duar

Manne Parvare Saadhar

Manne Tare Tarey Guru Sikh

Manne Nanak Bhavahi Na Bhikh

Aisa Naam Niranjan Hoye

Je Ko Mann Jane Mann Koye

 

Translation

Faith takes one to salvation door

Making one's fellow beings find evermore

Liberates oneself, leads other to follow

Says Nanak, no more the obedient begs

Such a Word (Naam) becomes Niranjan

Realized only by one's faith.

 

http://www.boloji.com/sikhism/japujisahib/js01.htm