Sukhmani Sahib

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Sukhmani Sahib is found on Ang 262 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib (Punjabi: ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ) is usually translated to mean Prayer of Peace[1] is a set of 192 padas (stanzas of 10 hymns)[2] present in the holy Guru Granth Sahib, the main scripture and living Guru of Sikhism from Ang 262 to Ang 296 (about 35 count). This Gurbani text (writing of the Gurus) was written by the 5th Guru, Guru Arjan (1563–1606) at Amritsar in around 1602.[3] Guru Arjan first recited the bani at Gurdwara Barth Sahib in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India.

Content[edit]

The composition deals with such topics such as Simran (general meditation that leads to merging with God)[4] and Nam Japna (meditation of Naam), the greatness of Saints and Sadh Sangat (holy congregation),[5] true devotion,[6] doing good deeds,[7] the nature of the mind, the badness of slandering,[8] concepts relating to Brahmvidya, Advaita, Sargun and Nirgun, materialism and death, Hukam, and other similar topics.[9]

Recitation[edit]

Sukhmani Sahib being recited as a group at Gurdwara Ameerpet, Hyderabad, India.

Sukhmani Sahib is frequently recited by Sikhs is one of the popular Banis (compositions of the Guru).[10] It can be done individually or as a group usually in either a place of worship (Gurdwara) or at home. Reciting the entire Sukhmani Sahib takes about 60[11] to 90 minutes, and is sometimes undertaken by everyone in a smaller congregation with turn by turn reading. Reciting the Gurbani of Sukhmani Sahib is believed to bring peace to one's mind[12] and aid help remembering God constantly.

Form[edit]

Sukhmani Sahib belongs to the Raag Gauri with Gauri meaning pure.[13] The term Sukhmani comprises two words: Sukh (peace) and Mani (the treasure or jewel of the mind)[14] It typically is found in Gutka form (small prayer book).

Structure[edit]

Sukhmani Sahib is divided into 24 Ashtpadi (Section). The Ashtpada is the Sanskrit word for a verse that has eight (Asht) metrical feet (pādi). Before the Ashtpadi begins there is a Salok of two lines and then each Ashtpadi contains eight padas of 10 hymns per pada.[15]

History[edit]

Sukhmani Sahib was composed by Guru Arjan around 1602 before he compiled the Adi Granth. The Guru compiled it at Ramsar Sarovar (Sacred pool), Amritsar which at the time was in thick woods.[16]

Prominent Sikh saint Baba Nand Singh would tell Sikhs to recite Sukhmani Sahib twice daily.[17]

References[edit]

  1. N., Muthumohan (2003). "Reading Sukhmani Sahib". Abstracts of Sikh Studies. 5: 59.
  2. Singh, H. S. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Sikhism (over 1000 Entries) (Second ed.). New Delhi: Hemkunt Press. p. 190. ISBN 978-8170103011.
  3. Singh, Harbans (1998). The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism: S-Z. Patiala: Punjab University. p. 265. ISBN 9788173805301.
  4. Anand, Balwant (1979). Guru Tegh Bahadur, A Biography. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers. p. 229.
  5. Dhillon, Dalbir (1988). Sikhism Origin and Development. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers and Distribution. p. 201.
  6. Kohli, Surinder. The Sikh and Sikhism. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors. p. 76.
  7. Singh, Indrajit (2008-10-20). Favourite Heroes and Holy People. A&C Black. p. 200. ISBN 9781441120151.
  8. Sikh Dharma Brotherhood. Sikh Dharma Brotherhood, Incorporated. 1975. p. xv.
  9. Chauhan, G.S. (2005). Shri Guru Nanak Dev's Japji. New Delhi: Hemkunt Press. p. 37. ISBN 9788170103141.
  10. Jean, Holm; Bowker, John (1994). Worship. A&C Black. p. 149. ISBN 9781855671119.
  11. The Sikh Review, Sikh Cultural Centre. 29: 13. 1981. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  12. Sethi, Manmohan (2014). Sukhmani Sahib: English Translation. Sukan Sethi. ISBN 9781502237149.
  13. Sharma, Arvind (2002). Methodology in Religious Studies: The Interface with Women's Studies. SUNY Press. p. 9. ISBN 9780791453476.
  14. Journal of Religious Studies Punjabi University. Dept. Of Religious Studies. 8: 118. 1980. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  15. "Semiotics of Simran in Sukhmani Sahib". Journal of Sikh Studies, Department of Guru Nanak Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University. 30: 95. 2006.
  16. Singh, Harbans (1998). The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism: S-Z. Patiala: Punjab University. p. 265. ISBN 9788173805301.
  17. Singh, Partap (1993). Eternal Glory of Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj of Kaleran, Part 1. Reliance Publishing House. p. 39. ISBN 978-81-85972-48-0.

External links[edit]

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