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This pauri (stanza), revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib, is accompanied by four saloks. There are seven lines in the first salok, six in the second salok, two in the third salok, and ten in the fourth salok. These saloks respond to the context of a janeu (Hindu sacred thread) ceremony. Through narrative description, the first salok introduces the idea of a janeu of virtues, in contrast to the temporary janeu of mere thread. The second salok conveys that a physical janeu is futile if the individual indulges in immoral and corrupt deeds. The third salok informs that only adoration is accepted at the court of IkOankar (the Divine), not superficial symbols. The fourth salok points to the moral degeneration of the Brahmin who puts the janeu on others. This pauri concludes that one who lives by accepting the Command receives honor in the court of IkOankar.
m: 1.
nāi manniai pati ūpajai   sālāhī sacu sūtu. dargah andari pāīai   tagu no.tūṭasi pūt.3.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
Guru Nanak says that honor cannot be gained just by wearing an external physical janeu. Instead, a person gains respect only through internalizing and practicing the Identification (Nam) of 1Force, or IkOankar. Praise of IkOankar alone is the eternal janeu which never breaks, because, through praise alone, honor is received in the Court of IkOankar. The Court of IkOankar is the dwelling place of IkOankar, where IkOankar operates and has authority. Wherever we feel the presence of IkOankar, that is the court of IkOankar. This is unlike the classically religious idea of an otherworldly place where judgment will be done later — instead, the decision-making is here and now, and the court is eternal.
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