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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.
paüṛī.
sāhibu hoi daïālu kirpā kare   sāī kār karāisī.
so sevaku sevā kare   jis no hukamu manāisī.
hukami manniai hovai parvāṇu   khasmai mahalu pāisī.
khasmai bhāvai so kare   manahu cindiā so phalu pāisī. dargah paidhā jāisī.15.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
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Guru Nanak ends by warning people of the tricks of the Brahmin, who despite being spiritually ignorant, calls himself wise, who profits off these systems while being a hypocrite. The janeu ceremony is not how you go to the dwelling place of the Divine.
The Guru says that when the compassionate Sovereign (1Force, or IkOankar) bestows grace on a devotee (or servant), then the Sovereign causes the devotee to do only those deeds which are pleasing to the Sovereign — that the devotee is the one who accepts the Command. This is how the devotee arrives at the metaphorical dwelling place of the One — not through middlemen or sacred threads, not through exclusivity and ceremony, not through mantras and outward displays.
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