The Meaning of 34th Pauri (Jap Ji Sahib)

Tune into this episode to learn the meaning of the 34th Pauri of Japji Sahib, where Guru Nanak Sahib reminds us that this world is a temporary abode and that our actions are the true companions that follow us beyond this life. Together, we'll reflect on karma, authenticity, divine grace, and the importance of living truthfully in a world that often distracts us from our real purpose.

Music—Puratan shabad kirtan

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Transcript

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa 

Waheguru ji ki fateh 

Hello friends, welcome to season 3 of sikh history sakhi podcast, I am harpreet kaur, your host 

In today’s episode, we wil discuss the meaning of 34th pauree of jap ji sahib. Friends, Over the past episodes of Jap Ji Sahib, Guru Nanak ji has been gradually preparing and teaching us for a deeper understanding of the spiritual journey. We have learnt the power of Hukam, the power of Naam, limitations of ego and how we can live a truthful and meaningful life. Again and again, Guru ji has reminded us that life is not just about living in the world, but about awakening to a higher truth. 

Lastly, we discussed the meaning of Pauri 33 where Guru ji broke our illusion of having control in our lives. In today's Pauri, Guru Sahib reminds us why we have come into this world, how our actions shape our journey, and what it truly means to live on earth. So let's begin and explore the beautiful wisdom of the 34th Pauri of Japji Sahib. 

Guru ji begins the Pauri as: 

  Rati ruti thiti var

 Pawan pani agni patal.

Tis wich dharti thap rakhi dharamsal. 

Meaning- 

Guru Nanak ji begins this Pauri by telling us that Waheguru created everything—the nights and days, the changing seasons, the flow of time, the pavan that is air we breathe, the paani that is the water we drink, and the again that is  fire that sustains life. And in the midst of this vast creation, He placed the Earth as a Dharamsal, friends dharmsala means a rest house for pilgrims that is generally free of cost. 

However, my dear friends guru ji is guiding us towards a deeper truth here that Earth is a dharamsal as it is a temporary place for souls to live, learn, and fulfill their purpose. This world is not our permanent home; it is a temporary resting place. Just as a traveler stays in an inn for a night and then continues the journey, we too are here only for a short while. 

Think about it for a moment. If you were staying in a hotel for a few nights, would you spend all your energy becoming attached to the furniture, the walls, or the decorations? Of course not, because you know you will soon leave. Yet how often do we become attached to temporary things—our possessions, our status, our worries, and even the things we cannot control? 

Thus, guru ji reminds us us that this Earth is a place to perform our duties, grow spiritually, and move closer to Waheguru. We may rest here for a while, but we must never forget that our true destination lies beyond this temporary abode. 

We may rest here when we are tired, but we should never mistake this resting place for our final destination. 

And perhaps that is something all of us need to remember from time to time: we are not here merely to collect things, but to connect with the One who sent us here in the first place. 

Further, Guru ji continues 

  Tis wich jia jugat ke rang.

 Tin ke nam anek anant. 

Meaning: 

Here, Guru Nanak ji tells us that this world is filled with countless beings, each created in a unique form, with a unique purpose and journey. No two souls are exactly alike. 

Just think about it for a moment. Your thumbprint does not match anyone else's in the whole world, moreover, there are studies that even our organs are uniquely ours does not match anyone! 

Friends,  If almighty made every person so distinct, then why do we spend so much time comparing our lives, our progress, and our paths to others? 

Therefore, this Pauri is reminding us that comparison is unnecessary. Someone else's journey may inspire us, guide us, or teach us valuable lessons, but it can never be our journey. The path Waheguru has written for you is yours alone to walk. 

So instead of asking, "Why am I not where they are?" maybe we should ask, "Am I walking the path I have been given with honesty, faith, and love?" 

Because in the end, Guru ji reminds us that we are not judged against one another—we are judged according to our own actions! As is further said in this pauri as: 

  Karmi karmi hoi vichar.

Sacha Aap sacha darbar. 

Meaning- 

Friends, we all know this that when we leave this world, we take nothing with us. Not our wealth, not our status, not even our materialistic possessions but only the actions we performed! 

Now, Every action we repeat becomes a habit, and every habit slowly shapes our character. Whatever we practice, we become. for example- A kind word makes kindness easier the next time whereas Anger makes anger easier the next time. 

And if we are honest with ourselves, haven't we all done this? Sometimes we speak harshly to someone and then try to balance it with a good deed later. Sometimes we appear kind on the outside, while inside our hearts are filled with resentment. But Guru Nanak ji is reminding us that it is not appearances that matter—it is the sincerity behind our actions. 

Every choice we make is shaping the direction of our future. So perhaps the question is not, "What do people think of me?" but rather, "What habits am I building within myself?" Because in the end, we are not judged by what we claimed to be, but by what we truly became through our actions. 

So, Gurbani reminds us that in this dharamsal, this temporary world it is our duty to take charge of our actions, and meet the almighty, because think about reincarnations as we might be failing in each form to meet the almighty! 

Guru Nanak Sahib concludes this Pauri as: 

Tithe sohan panch parwan. 

Nadri karam pawai nisan. 

Kach pakai othe pai. 

Nanak gayia jape jai. 

Meaning- 

My dear friends, every action leaves its mark. Our thoughts, words, and deeds shape the direction of our lives and our spiritual growth. But Guru ji reminds us that the True Court of Waheguru cannot be deceived. We may hide our intentions from the world, but nothing is hidden from the One who knows our hearts. 

Guru ji says that in the almighty's Divine Court, the "ripe" that is kach and the "unripe" that is pakayi are distinguished—not by wealth, status, or religious appearance, but by the sincerity of their actions and the truth they carried within. Those souls who lived in remembrance of the Divine, who conquered their ego and walked the path of truth, are honoured by almighty’s divine Grace. 

Guru ji says when our journey here comes to an end, we will see this truth for ourselves. 

Therefore, my dear friends, let us end this episode with a little homework that we will observe now When we speak, serve, pray, or perform any action, are we doing it to be seen by others, or are we doing it to draw closer to Waheguru? 

I hope this Pauri inspires us to focus a little less on how we appear before the world and a little more on who we are becoming before Waheguru. 

I hope this brings some peace to your hearts 

Thank you!