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[[Image:Dakhnionkaar.jpg|thumb|right|250px|{{cs|[[Dakhni Onkar]] - The [[Bani]] Of [[Guru Nanak Dev]]}}]]

Oankar is composed in the form of an [[acrostic]], each stanza beginning with one of the letters of the script meant for writing [[Sanskrit]]. Some of the sounds of [[Sanskrit]] do not exist in the language used by [[Guru Nanak]]. In such cases, prevalent equivalent sounds are used to represent the letters of the old script. For example, 'j' is used for 'y' and 'b' for 'v'. Oankar opens with verses in praise of [[God]] who is remembered as the creator of all that exists; of time with all its different cycles; and of the entire universe. Then follows the verse of [[rahau]] (pause) indicating the central theme of the bani : 0 [[Pandit]], why are you involved in the writing of such idle hieroglyphics - write the name of [[God]] alone.  

After this begins the acrostic form. The emphasis is on ethical and spiritual teaching. Men whose deeds fall short of their professions have been called moving corpses, i.e. corpses which only breathe. They are dead, spiritually. But even those so degraded have a chance of saving themselves if only they would make a total surrender to the "will of God" - [[Hukam]]. If such a person devotes himself to [[Naam]], his mind would be cleansed of worldly temptations and cravings. The grace of the Guru will be a decisive factor in this process of spiritual regeneration. Temptation is the cause of suffering and sinfulness. Only those guided by the Guru's wisdom overcome it. No rituals can be of any help, nor any intellectual or scholarly accomplishment. Renunciation of the world and ascetic practices are of little avail. The real [[Pandit]] or wise man is he who follows the path shown by the [[Guru]] and remains united with God while performing his worldly duty.... {{aowf|Dakhni Oankar}}