Page 22 - Gurmat Book 7

Chapter 8: JapuJi Sahib- The Journey to Spiritual Growth

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is probably the greatest teacher ever born. Japu Ji Sahib as
written by Guru Nanak Sahib may be viewed as a curriculum for every Sikh to
follow to attain unity with Waheguru. For us the word “Sikh” meaning student is

indeed very appropriate.

This path to unity with Waheguru can both be easy and difficult. If we have full
faith in Waheguru and we accept Waheguru’s Hukam and Guru Ji’s teachings, we
can be on a direct path to Waheguru. But our haume ( I-ness) often intervenes in

this path and makes our journey difficult.

Japu Ji Sahib has 38 paudis. The paudis contain information about what to do and

how to do and the benefits of following instructions. In between Guru Ji gives us
insights about the great gifts and powers of Waheguru so that we can appreciate
greatness of the almighty Waheguru. This spiritual journey however, is divided

into five stages.

Dharam Khand: In the first 35 Paudis, Guru Ji describes our duties and the

knowledge we gain in Dharam Khand. We prepare ourselves for our spiritual
journey by following the path shown in these Paudis. Guru Ji lays some ground
rules in the beginning.

First step is to accept Waheguru’s Hukam unconditionally. The second one is to
remember Waheguru with love and devotion and have full faith in Him. When we

meditate, we learn the art of truthful living. When we do so we are blessed with
honor. When we tune our mind to Waheguru’s creation we gain immense knowledge
about our own self and the universe. When we accept this divine knowledge with
full faith, our intellect develops spiritually. As our love and devotion for

Waheguru deepens, we gain more knowledge about everything around us.

We become humble, loose our ahankar (haume, I-ness) when we realize the

compassion Waheguru has for everyone. We are content and thankful to
Waheguru for all His gifts. By seeing that Waheguru showers gifts even on those
who are atheists or those who many not be good people, we become Nirvair. By
following the path of truth we become Nirbhau. Our real goal to inculcate these

virtues in us gets fulfilled as we progress on this journey. This is Dharam Khand
on our spiritual journey.

Stepping Stones PSL Gurmat Sikhia Book 7G 2023 Edition Page 20