Pehray
Pehrae(Pahafue), usually pronounced Pahire, is the title shared by four of the SIKH hymnstwo by GURU NANAK and one each by Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjanrecorded consecutively in the Siri Rag portion of the Guru GRANTH Sahib. The term pahareis the plural ofpahard, meaning a guard or watch, and is cognate, etymologically and semantically, with Sanskrit prahar which is a unit of time in the Indian system of calculation. Eight pahars make a day and night, a paharthus equalling three hours. In the poems entitled Pahare, the span of human life is compared to night and is divided into four stages, each stage being called pahar corresponding to four pahars of night. Man is called a trader (vanjdra) and is addressed in the vocative form as vanjdrid mitrd (0, friend trader). Each composition consists of four to five stanzas, and each stanza begins on the vocative note. For instance, the first stanza of Guru Nanak`s composition begins with: "pahalai paharai raini kai vanjdrid mitra hukami paia garbhdsi"in the first paharof the night, 0, friend trader, were you conceived in the womb by the Will of the Lord (GG, 74). Through the example of a vanjdrd starting out on his travels to sell his goods profitably, the purpose of human life and the frailties to which man is subject are set forth in these compositions. As the vanjdrd must make his deals wisely and ensure that his means are honest, the human soul should traverse the journey of life always mindful of the Creator, union with Whom is its ultimate purpose. This is the true bargain for the trader (the human soul). But the trader generally stumbles at each stage, called pahar of the night, and comes to harm. The first stage of human life begins when man is conceived in the womb of the mother. In the womb he constantly remembers God and prays for release from his travail. The second stage begins at birth. That is the time when he is unconscious of the purpose for which he has come into the world; he loses contact with the Creator and becomes increasingly entangled in the earthly temptations. The third stage is that of youth, when he indulges in sex and begins accumulating material goods. He loses all restraint, and is totally oblivious of the purpose of life. The fourth stage is that of old age of despondence and dejection, finally ending witli death. Thus the vanjdrd finishes his journey losing all that he possessed and throwing away a precious chance of regaining proximity to the Creator. It is repeatedly emphasized that MUKTI, i.e. release from the circuit of birth and death, can be obtained only by remembering God and by repeating His Name. This is the real aim of this journey of life which the vanjdrd (man) tends to forget as soon as he sets out on it.
Pehrey Bani
ੴ ਸਤਿਗਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:
ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਪਹਰੇ ਘਰ ੧ ॥
Siree Raag, First Mehl, Pehray, First House:
ਪਹਿਲੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਹਕਮਿ ਪਇਆ ਗਰਭਾਸਿ ॥
In the first watch of the night, O my merchant friend, you were cast into the womb, by the Lord's Command.
ਉਰਧ ਤਪ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਖਸਮ ਸੇਤੀ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥
Upside-down, within the womb, you performed penance, O my merchant friend, and you prayed to your Lord and Master.
ਖਸਮ ਸੇਤੀ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ਵਖਾਣੈ ਉਰਧ ਧਿਆਨਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਗਾ ॥
You uttered prayers to your Lord and Master, while upside-down, and you meditated on Him with deep love and affection.
ਨਾ ਮਰਜਾਦ ਆਇਆ ਕਲਿ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਬਾਹੜਿ ਜਾਸੀ ਨਾਗਾ ॥
You came into this Dark Age of Kali Yuga naked, and you shall depart again naked.
ਜੈਸੀ ਕਲਮ ਵੜੀ ਹੈ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਤੈਸੀ ਜੀਅੜੇ ਪਾਸਿ ॥
As God's Pen has written on your forehead, so it shall be with your soul.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਪਹਿਲੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਹਕਮਿ ਪਇਆ ਗਰਭਾਸਿ ॥੧॥
Says Nanak, in the first watch of the night, by the Hukam of the Lord's Command, you enter into the womb. ||1||
ਦੂਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਗਇਆ ਧਿਆਨ ॥
In the second watch of the night, O my merchant friend, you have forgotten to meditate.
ਹਥੋ ਹਥਿ ਨਚਾਈਝ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਜਿਉ ਜਸਦਾ ਘਰਿ ਕਾਨ ॥
From hand to hand, you are passed around, O my merchant friend, like Krishna in the house of Yashoda.
ਹਥੋ ਹਥਿ ਨਚਾਈਝ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਮਾਤ ਕਹੈ ਸਤ ਮੇਰਾ ॥
From hand to hand, you are passed around, and your mother says, "This is my son.
ਚੇਤਿ ਅਚੇਤ ਮੂੜ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਅੰਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਕਛ ਤੇਰਾ ॥
O my thoughtless and foolish mind, think: In the end, nothing shall be yours.
ਜਿਨਿ ਰਚਿ ਰਚਿਆ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਨ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਧਰਿ ਗਿਆਨ ॥
You do not know the One who created the creation. Gather spiritual wisdom within your mind.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਦੂਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਗਇਆ ਧਿਆਨ ॥੨॥
Says Nanak, in the second watch of the night, you have forgotten to meditate. ||2||
ਤੀਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਧਨ ਜੋਬਨ ਸਿਉ ਚਿਤ ॥
In the third watch of the night, O my merchant friend, your consciousness is focused on wealth and youth.
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮ ਨ ਚੇਤਹੀ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਬਧਾ ਛਟਹਿ ਜਿਤ ॥
You have not remembered the Name of the Lord, O my merchant friend, although it would release you from bondage.
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮ ਨ ਚੇਤੈ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਬਿਕਲ ਭਇਆ ਸੰਗਿ ਮਾਇਆ ॥
You do not remember the Name of the Lord, and you become confused by Maya.
ਧਨ ਸਿਉ ਰਤਾ ਜੋਬਨਿ ਮਤਾ ਅਹਿਲਾ ਜਨਮ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
Revelling in your riches and intoxicated with youth, you waste your life uselessly.
ਧਰਮ ਸੇਤੀ ਵਾਪਾਰ ਨ ਕੀਤੋ ਕਰਮ ਨ ਕੀਤੋ ਮਿਤ ॥
You have not traded in righteousness and Dharma; you have not made good deeds your friends.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੀਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਧਨ ਜੋਬਨ ਸਿਉ ਚਿਤ ॥੩॥
Says Nanak, in the third watch of the night, your mind is attached to wealth and youth. ||3||
ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਲਾਵੀ ਆਇਆ ਖੇਤ ॥
In the fourth watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the Grim Reaper comes to the field.
ਜਾ ਜਮਿ ਪਕੜਿ ਚਲਾਇਆ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਭੇਤ ॥
When the Messenger of Death seizes and dispatches you, O my merchant friend, no one knows the mystery of where you have gone.
ਭੇਤ ਚੇਤ ਹਰਿ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਜਾ ਜਮਿ ਪਕੜਿ ਚਲਾਇਆ ॥
So think of the Lord! No one knows this secret, of when the Messenger of Death will seize you and take you away.
ਝੂਠਾ ਰਦਨ ਹੋਆ ਦਆਲੈ ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਭਇਆ ਪਰਾਇਆ ॥
All your weeping and wailing then is false. In an instant, you become a stranger.
ਸਾਈ ਵਸਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ਜਿਸ ਸਿਉ ਲਾਇਆ ਹੇਤ ॥
You obtain exactly what you have longed for.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਲਾਵੀ ਲਣਿਆ ਖੇਤ ॥੪॥੧॥
Says Nanak, in the fourth watch of the night, O mortal, the Grim Reaper has harvested your field. ||4||1||
ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥
Siree Raag, First Mehl:
ਪਹਿਲੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਬਾਲਕ ਬਧਿ ਅਚੇਤ ॥
In the first watch of the night, O my merchant friend, your innocent mind has a child-like understanding.
ਖੀਰ ਪੀਝ ਖੇਲਾਈਝ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਸਤ ਹੇਤ ॥
You drink milk, and you are fondled so gently, O my merchant friend, the mother and father love their child.
ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਸਤ ਨੇਹ ਘਨੇਰਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹ ਸਬਾਈ ॥
The mother and father love their child so much, but in Maya, all are caught in emotional attachment.
ਸੰਜੋਗੀ ਆਇਆ ਕਿਰਤ ਕਮਾਇਆ ਕਰਣੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਰਾਈ ॥
By the good fortune of good deeds done in the past, you have come, and now you perform actions to determine your future.
ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨ ਮਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ਬੂਡੀ ਦੂਜੈ ਹੇਤਿ ॥
Without the Lord's Name, liberation is not obtained, and you are drowned in the love of duality.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਪਹਿਲੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਛੂਟਹਿਗਾ ਹਰਿ ਚੇਤਿ ॥੧॥
Says Nanak, in the first watch of the night, O mortal, you shall be saved by remembering the Lord. ||1||
ਦੂਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਭਰਿ ਜੋਬਨਿ ਮੈ ਮਤਿ ॥
In the second watch of the night, O my merchant friend, you are intoxicated with the wine of youth and beauty.
ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਕਾਮਿ ਵਿਆਪਿਆ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਅੰਧਲੇ ਨਾਮ ਨ ਚਿਤਿ ॥
Day and night, you are engrossed in sexual desire, O my merchant friend, and your consciousness is blind to the Naam.
ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਘਟ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹੋਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਰਸ ਕਸ ਮੀਠੇ ॥
The Lord's Name is not within your heart, but all sorts of other tastes seem sweet to you.
ਗਿਆਨ ਧਿਆਨ ਗਣ ਸੰਜਮ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਨਮਿ ਮਰਹਗੇ ਝੂਠੇ ॥
You have no wisdom at all, no meditation, no virtue or self-discipline; in falsehood, you are caught in the cycle of birth and death.
ਤੀਰਥ ਵਰਤ ਸਚਿ ਸੰਜਮ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਨਹੀ ਪੂਜਾ ॥
Pilgrimages, fasts, purification and self-discipline are of no use, nor are rituals, religious ceremonies or empty worship.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ਦਬਿਧਾ ਵਿਆਪੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, emancipation comes only by loving devotional worship; through duality, people are engrossed in duality. ||2||
ਤੀਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਸਰਿ ਹੰਸ ਉਲਥੜੇ ਆਇ ॥
In the third watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the swans, the white hairs, come and land upon the pool of the head.
ਜੋਬਨ ਘਟੈ ਜਰੂਆ ਜਿਣੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਆਵ ਘਟੈ ਦਿਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
Youth wears itself out, and old age triumphs, O my merchant friend; as time passes, your days diminish.
ਅੰਤਿ ਕਾਲਿ ਪਛਤਾਸੀ ਅੰਧਲੇ ਜਾ ਜਮਿ ਪਕੜਿ ਚਲਾਇਆ ॥
At the last moment, you repent-you are so blind!-when the Messenger of Death seizes you and carries you away.
ਸਭ ਕਿਛ ਅਪਨਾ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਖਿਆ ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਭਇਆ ਪਰਾਇਆ ॥
You kept all your things for yourself, but in an instant, they are all lost.
ਬਧਿ ਵਿਸਰਜੀ ਗਈ ਸਿਆਣਪ ਕਰਿ ਅਵਗਣ ਪਛਤਾਇ ॥
Your intellect left you, your wisdom departed, and now you repent for the evil deeds you committed.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਤੀਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਪਰਭ ਚੇਤਹ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥੩॥
Says Nanak, O mortal, in the third watch of the night, let your consciousness be lovingly focused on God. ||3||
ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਬਿਰਧਿ ਭਇਆ ਤਨ ਖੀਣ ॥
In the fourth watch of the night, O my merchant friend, your body grows old and weak.
ਅਖੀ ਅੰਧ ਨ ਦੀਸਈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਕੰਨੀ ਸਣੈ ਨ ਵੈਣ ॥
Your eyes go blind, and cannot see, O my merchant friend, and your ears do not hear any words.
ਅਖੀ ਅੰਧ ਜੀਭ ਰਸ ਨਾਹੀ ਰਹੇ ਪਰਾਕਉ ਤਾਣਾ ॥
Your eyes go blind, and your tongue is unable to taste; you live only with the help of others.
ਗਣ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਉ ਸਖ ਪਾਵੈ ਮਨਮਖ ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣਾ ॥
With no virtue within, how can you find peace? The self-willed manmukh comes and goes in reincarnation.
ਖੜ ਪਕੀ ਕੜਿ ਭਜੈ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਆਇ ਚਲੈ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਣ ॥
When the crop of life has matured, it bends, breaks and perishes; why take pride in that which comes and goes?
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਗਰਮਖਿ ਸਬਦ ਪਛਾਣ ॥੪॥
Says Nanak, O mortal, in the fourth watch of the night, the Gurmukh recognizes the Word of the Shabad. ||4||
ਓੜਕ ਆਇਆ ਤਿਨ ਸਾਹਿਆ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਜਰ ਜਰਵਾਣਾ ਕੰਨਿ ॥
Your breath comes to its end, O my merchant friend, and your shoulders are weighed down by the tyrant of old age.
ਇਕ ਰਤੀ ਗਣ ਨ ਸਮਾਣਿਆ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਅਵਗਣ ਖੜਸਨਿ ਬੰਨਿ ॥
Not one iota of virtue came into you, O my merchant friend; bound and gagged by evil, you are driven along.
ਗਣ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਜਾਵੈ ਚੋਟ ਨ ਖਾਵੈ ਨਾ ਤਿਸ ਜੰਮਣ ਮਰਣਾ ॥
One who departs with virtue and self-discipline is not struck down, and is not consigned to the cycle of birth and death.
ਕਾਲ ਜਾਲ ਜਮ ਜੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਾਕੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੈ ਤਰਣਾ ॥
The Messenger of Death and his trap cannot touch him; through loving devotional worship, he crosses over the ocean of fear.
ਪਤਿ ਸੇਤੀ ਜਾਵੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ਸਗਲੇ ਦੂਖ ਮਿਟਾਵੈ ॥
He departs with honor, and merges in intuitive peace and poise; all his pains depart.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਗਰਮਖਿ ਛੂਟੈ ਸਾਚੇ ਤੇ ਪਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੫॥੨॥
Says Nanak, when the mortal becomes Gurmukh, he is saved and honored by the True Lord. ||5||2||
ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥
Siree Raag, Fourth Mehl:
ਪਹਿਲੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਉਦਰ ਮੰਝਾਰਿ ॥
In the first watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the Lord places you in the womb.
ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਉਚਰੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਸਮਾਰਿ ॥
You meditate on the Lord, and chant the Lord's Name, O my merchant friend. You contemplate the Name of the Lord, Har, Har.
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੇ ਆਰਾਧੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਅਗਨੀ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਵਿਆ ॥
Chanting the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, and meditating on it within the fire of the womb, your life is sustained by dwelling on the Naam.
ਬਾਹਰਿ ਜਨਮ ਭਇਆ ਮਖਿ ਲਾਗਾ ਸਰਸੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤ ਥੀਵਿਆ ॥
You are born and you come out, and your mother and father are delighted to see your face.
ਜਿਸ ਕੀ ਵਸਤ ਤਿਸ ਚੇਤਹ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਕਰਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਗਰਮਖਿ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
Remember the One, O mortal, to whom the child belongs. As Gurmukh, reflect upon Him within your heart.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਪਹਿਲੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਜਪੀਝ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ॥੧॥
Says Nanak, O mortal, in the first watch of the night, dwell upon the Lord, who shall shower you with His Grace. ||1||
ਦੂਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਮਨ ਲਾਗਾ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ॥
In the second watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the mind is attached to the love of duality.
ਮੇਰਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਕਰਿ ਪਾਲੀਝ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਲੇ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਗਲਿ ਲਾਇ ॥
Mother and father hug you close in their embrace, claiming, "He is mine, he is mine"; so is the child brought up, O my merchant friend.
ਲਾਵੈ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਗਲ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਖਟਿ ਖਵਾਝ ॥
Your mother and father constantly hug you close in their embrace; in their minds, they believe that you will provide for them and support them.
ਜੋ ਦੇਵੈ ਤਿਸੈ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਮੂੜਾ ਦਿਤੇ ਨੋ ਲਪਟਾਝ ॥
The fool does not know the One who gives; instead, he clings to the gift.
ਕੋਈ ਗਰਮਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸ ਕਰੈ ਵੀਚਾਰ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਵੈ ਮਨਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥
Rare is the Gurmukh who reflects upon, meditates upon, and within his mind, is lovingly attached to the Lord.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੂਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਤਿਸ ਕਾਲ ਨ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਖਾਇ ॥੨॥
Says Nanak, in the second watch of the night, O mortal, death never devours you. ||2||
ਤੀਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਮਨ ਲਗਾ ਆਲਿ ਜੰਜਾਲਿ ॥
In the third watch of the night, O my merchant friend, your mind is entangled in worldly and household affairs.
ਧਨ ਚਿਤਵੈ ਧਨ ਸੰਚਵੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾ ਹਰਿ ਨ ਸਮਾਲਿ ॥
You think of wealth, and gather wealth, O my merchant friend, but you do not contemplate the Lord or the Lord's Name.
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਸਮਾਲੈ ਜਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਅੰਤਿ ਸਖਾਈ ॥
You never dwell upon the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, who will be your only Helper and Support in the end.
ਇਹ ਧਨ ਸੰਪੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਝੂਠੀ ਅੰਤਿ ਛੋਡਿ ਚਲਿਆ ਪਛਤਾਈ ॥
This wealth, property and Maya are false. In the end, you must leave these, and depart in sorrow.
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਗਰ ਮੇਲੇ ਸੋ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਸਮਾਲਿ ॥
Those whom the Lord, in His Mercy, unites with the Guru, reflect upon the Name of the Lord, Har, Har.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੀਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਸੇ ਜਾਇ ਮਿਲੇ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੩॥
Says Nanak, in the third watch of the night, O mortal, they go, and are united with the Lord. ||3||
ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਚਲਣ ਵੇਲਾ ਆਦੀ ॥
In the fourth watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the Lord announces the time of departure.
ਕਰਿ ਸੇਵਹ ਪੂਰਾ ਸਤਿਗਰੂ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਸਭ ਚਲੀ ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਦੀ ॥
Serve the Perfect True Guru, O my merchant friend; your entire life-night is passing away.
ਹਰਿ ਸੇਵਹ ਖਿਨ ਖਿਨ ਢਿਲ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਕਰਿਹ ਜਿਤ ਅਸਥਿਰ ਜਗ ਜਗ ਹੋਵਹ ॥
Serve the Lord each and every instant-do not delay! You shall become eternal throughout the ages.
ਹਰਿ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਦ ਮਾਣਹ ਰਲੀਆ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਦਖ ਖੋਵਹ ॥
Enjoy ecstasy forever with the Lord, and do away with the pains of birth and death.
ਗਰ ਸਤਿਗਰ ਸਆਮੀ ਭੇਦ ਨ ਜਾਣਹ ਜਿਤ ਮਿਲਿ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਖਾਂਦੀ ॥
Know that there is no difference between the Guru, the True Guru, and your Lord and Master. Meeting with Him, take pleasure in the Lord's devotional service.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਸਫਲਿਓ” ਰੈਣਿ ਭਗਤਾ ਦੀ ॥੪॥੧॥੩॥
Says Nanak, O mortal, in the fourth watch of the night, the life-night of the devotee is fruitful. ||4||1||3||
ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
Siree Raag, Fifth Mehl:
ਪਹਿਲੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਧਰਿ ਪਾਇਤਾ ਉਦਰੈ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
In the first watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the Lord placed your soul in the womb.
ਦਸੀ ਮਾਸੀ ਮਾਨਸ ਕੀਆ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਕਰਿ ਮਹਲਤਿ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
In the tenth month, you were made into a human being, O my merchant friend, and you were given your allotted time to perform good deeds.
ਮਹਲਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੀਨੀ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਣੇ ਜੈਸਾ ਲਿਖਤ ਧਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
You were given this time to perform good deeds, according to your pre-ordained destiny.
ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਭਾਈ ਸਤ ਬਨਿਤਾ ਤਿਨ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਪਰਭੂ ਸੰਜੋਇਆ ॥
God placed you with your mother, father, brothers, sons and wife.
ਕਰਮ ਸਕਰਮ ਕਰਾਝ ਆਪੇ ਇਸ ਜੰਤੈ ਵਸਿ ਕਿਛ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
God Himself is the Cause of causes, good and bad-no one has control over these things.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਪਹਿਲੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਧਰਿ ਪਾਇਤਾ ਉਦਰੈ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥
Says Nanak, O mortal, in the first watch of the night, the soul is placed in the womb. ||1||
ਦੂਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਭਰਿ ਜਆਨੀ ਲਹਰੀ ਦੇਇ ॥
In the second watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the fullness of youth rises in you like waves.
ਬਰਾ ਭਲਾ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਮਨ ਮਤਾ ਅਹੰਮੇਇ ॥
You do not distinguish between good and evil, O my merchant friend-your mind is intoxicated with ego.
ਬਰਾ ਭਲਾ ਨ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਆਗੈ ਪੰਥ ਕਰਾਰਾ ॥
Mortal beings do not distinguish between good and evil, and the road ahead is treacherous.
ਪੂਰਾ ਸਤਿਗਰ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਨ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਸਿਰਿ ਠਾਢੇ ਜਮ ਜੰਦਾਰਾ ॥
They never serve the Perfect True Guru, and the cruel tyrant Death stands over their heads.
ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਜਬ ਪਕਰਸਿ ਬਵਰੇ ਤਬ ਕਿਆ ਜਬਾਬ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
When the Righteous Judge seizes you and interrogates you, O madman, what answer will you give him then?
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੂਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਭਰਿ ਜੋਬਨ ਲਹਰੀ ਦੇਇ ॥੨॥
Says Nanak, in the second watch of the night, O mortal, the fullness of youth tosses you about like waves in the storm. ||2||
ਤੀਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਬਿਖ ਸੰਚੈ ਅੰਧ ਅਗਿਆਨ ॥
In the third watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the blind and ignorant person gathers poison.
ਪਤਰਿ ਕਲਤਰਿ ਮੋਹਿ ਲਪਟਿਆ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਲਹਰਿ ਲੋਭਾਨ ॥
He is entangled in emotional attachment to his wife and sons, O my merchant friend, and deep within him, the waves of greed are rising up.
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਲਹਰਿ ਲੋਭਾਨ ਪਰਾਨੀ ਸੋ ਪਰਭ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥
The waves of greed are rising up within him, and he does not remember God.
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਸੰਗ ਨ ਕੀਆ ਬਹ ਜੋਨੀ ਦਖ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
He does not join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, and he suffers in terrible pain through countless incarnations.
ਸਿਰਜਨਹਾਰ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ਸਆਮੀ ਇਕ ਨਿਮਖ ਨ ਲਗੋ ਧਿਆਨ ॥
He has forgotten the Creator, his Lord and Master, and he does not meditate on Him, even for an instant.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਤੀਜੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਬਿਖ ਸੰਚੇ ਅੰਧ ਅਗਿਆਨ ॥੩॥
Says Nanak, in the third watch of the night, the blind and ignorant person gathers poison. ||3||
ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਰੈਣਿ ਕੈ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਦਿਨ ਨੇੜੈ ਆਇਆ ਸੋਇ ॥
In the fourth watch of the night, O my merchant friend, that day is drawing near.
ਗਰਮਖਿ ਨਾਮ ਸਮਾਲਿ ਤੂੰ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੇਲੀ ਹੋਇ ॥
As Gurmukh, remember the Naam, O my merchant friend. It shall be your Friend in the Court of the Lord.
ਗਰਮਖਿ ਨਾਮ ਸਮਾਲਿ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਅੰਤੇ ਹੋਇ ਸਖਾਈ ॥
As Gurmukh, remember the Naam, O mortal; in the end, it shall be your only companion.
ਇਹ ਮੋਹ ਮਾਇਆ ਤੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਨ ਚਾਲੈ ਝੂਠੀ ਪਰੀਤਿ ਲਗਾਈ ॥
This emotional attachment to Maya shall not go with you; it is false to fall in love with it.
ਸਗਲੀ ਰੈਣਿ ਗਦਰੀ ਅੰਧਿਆਰੀ ਸੇਵਿ ਸਤਿਗਰ ਚਾਨਣ ਹੋਇ ॥
The entire night of your life has passed away in darkness; but by serving the True Guru, the Divine Light shall dawn within.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਾਣੀ ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰੈ ਦਿਨ ਨੇੜੈ ਆਇਆ ਸੋਇ ॥੪॥
Says Nanak, O mortal, in the fourth watch of the night, that day is drawing near! ||4||
ਲਿਖਿਆ ਆਇਆ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਕਾ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਉਠਿ ਚਲੇ ਕਮਾਣਾ ਸਾਥਿ ॥
Receiving the summons from the Lord of the Universe, O my merchant friend, you must arise and depart with the actions you have committed.
ਇਕ ਰਤੀ ਬਿਲਮ ਨ ਦੇਵਨੀ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਮਿਤਰਾ ਓਨੀ ਤਕੜੇ ਪਾਝ ਹਾਥ ॥
You are not allowed a moment's delay, O my merchant friend; the Messenger of Death seizes you with firm hands.
ਲਿਖਿਆ ਆਇਆ ਪਕੜਿ ਚਲਾਇਆ ਮਨਮਖ ਸਦਾ ਦਹੇਲੇ ॥
Receiving the summons, people are seized and dispatched. The self-willed manmukhs are miserable forever.
ਜਿਨੀ ਪੂਰਾ ਸਤਿਗਰ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਸੇ ਦਰਗਹ ਸਦਾ ਸਹੇਲੇ ॥
But those who serve the Perfect True Guru are forever happy in the Court of the Lord.
ਕਰਮ ਧਰਤੀ ਸਰੀਰ ਜਗ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੋ ਬੋਵੈ ਸੋ ਖਾਤਿ ॥
The body is the field of karma in this age; whatever you plant, you shall harvest.
ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤ ਸੋਹਹਿ ਦਰਵਾਰੇ ਮਨਮਖ ਸਦਾ ਭਵਾਤਿ ॥੫॥੧॥੪॥
Says Nanak, the devotees look beautiful in the Court of the Lord; the self-willed manmukhs wander forever in reincarnation. ||5||1||4||
References
- Sabaddrth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. AMRITSAR, 1964
- Sahib SINGH, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Drazn.Jalandhar, n.d.
