Reflections on Nature and Divine Order – Japji Sahib (Paurī 16)

Based on Maskeen Ji’s Discourse on Japji Sahib

Introduction

The sixteenth pauri of Japji Sahib, revealed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, invites us to a deep reflection on kudrat—the Divine creation and its sustaining order. Guru Nanak highlights both the grandeur of creation and the futility of human attempts to measure the Infinite. This pauri critiques mythological explanations of creation, introduces the profound metaphors of dharma, compassion, and contentment, and concludes with humility and surrender before the Creator.

Giani Sant Singh Ji Maskeen, one of the most revered Sikh scholars, provides illuminating insights into this pauri. With examples drawn from history, scripture, and everyday life, Maskeen Ji helps us grasp Guru Nanak’s message in a way that resonates with our modern understanding.

This article explores Pauri 16 in depth, presenting the Gurbani with English translation, followed by expanded commentary inspired by Maskeen Ji’s interpretation and enriched with examples, analogies, and spiritual reflections.

Commentary and Reflections

The Meaning of the “pañc”

The word pañc has layered meanings. In traditional Indian culture, five elders would gather to resolve disputes and guide communities. Guru Nanak expands this term to signify the spiritually exalted beings—the saints, the Gurmukhs, those whose lives are aligned with the Divine.

These individuals are universally accepted—pañc parvāṇ—because their presence causes no harm and only brings benefit. They are leaders—pañc pardhān—because they embody truth, not through authority but through spiritual stature. They are honored not only in this world but also in the Divine Court—pañce pāvah dargahi mān.

Maskeen Ji explains that the glory of such beings is evident even in worldly assemblies. In gatherings of kings, where wealth and power dominate, it is the presence of the saint that truly elevates the atmosphere. Their radiance makes them the ornament of the assembly.

The reason for their exalted state is simple: “pañcā kā guru eku dhiān” Their focus is entirely on the One. Unlike the ordinary human whose mind scatters across countless desires, their mind is anchored in the Eternal. Wherever attention flows, energy flows. If our attention is absorbed in wealth, power, or pleasures, our energy dissipates outward. But if our attention rests on the Divine, Divine strength flows into us. This is why the pañc are celebrated—they embody focused devotion.

Beyond the Measure of the Creator’s Works

Guru Nanak tempers this vision with humility: even the greatest saints cannot measure the works of the Creator. “arte kai karaṇai nāhī sumār”, human intellect functions by measuring, weighing, counting, and categorizing. But the Infinite exceeds all these categories. The Creator’s order cannot be circumscribed by reason or mathematics.

Maskeen Ji notes that throughout history, religious traditions have speculated about the origin of the universe—when and how it began, and what laws govern it. Yet Guru Nanak emphasizes that no matter how advanced one becomes, the Divine plan cannot be fully explained. This recognition humbles us, preventing arrogance and inviting surrender.

The Bull of Dharma

In ancient cosmologies, it was believed that the world rested on the horns or back of a cosmic bull. Guru Nanak redefines this image with profound symbolism: “dhaul dharam daiā kā pūt, santokh thāp rakhiā jin sūt.” The real support of the universe is not a bull but dharma—born of compassion and upheld by contentment.

Compassion (dayā) is the seed of service. It allows us to see the suffering of others and respond with love. Contentment (santokh) is the root of remembrance. It prevents endless craving and anchors us in gratitude. Together, they form the foundation of a moral universe.

Maskeen Ji illustrates this with striking examples. Every creature is content in its natural form: the lion does not crave to be a swan, the cow does not hunger for meat, and the peacock does not desire the life of an eagle. Each being finds joy in its own design. Even the story of Bhagat Prahlad reflects this truth: when invited to heaven, a pig refused, preferring the filth it was accustomed to. For it, that filth was heaven itself.

Guru Nanak reminds us that contentment threads all of creation. If humans too discover inner contentment, life becomes harmonious, both with the world and with the Divine.

Infinite Earths and the Law of Hukam

Guru Nanak then questions mythological explanations: if the earth rests on a bull, what does the bull rest upon? If one bull carries this planet, who sustains the countless other planets, moons, and stars? With these questions, Guru Nanak leads us to the principle of hukam—Divine law.

There are no physical pillars holding up the heavens. “Bin thammā gagan rahāiā”—the sky stands without pillars. It is Divine order itself that sustains creation. Modern astronomy resonates with this: the earth orbits the sun, stars form galaxies, galaxies form clusters, all moving within the laws of cosmic order. Guru Nanak’s insight transcends time, pointing directly to hukam as the unseen foundation.

The Divine Pen and the Script of Creation

“jīa jāt raṅgā ke nāv, sabhnā likhiā vuṛī kalām.” Every being, every species, every form and instinct has been inscribed by the Divine Pen. The lion will not eat grass, the cow will not consume meat. Each being is born with tendencies that guide its way of life.

Maskeen Ji stresses that while animals follow their imprinted design, humans are unique in possessing awareness and the potential to transcend. Yet the vast diversity of life is beyond measure. Who can record the account of every species, every trait, every instinct? The attempt itself is infinite.

The Limitless Gifts

Guru Nanak then draws our attention to Divine generosity: the power, the beauty, the forms, the gifts—all are beyond counting. Food, water, sunlight, air—these have nourished life for countless ages, yet they never run out. The Giver does not tire. It is we, the receivers, who are limited.

Maskeen Ji shares a moving reflection: even when humans lose their faculties—sight, hearing, speech, or movement—the gifts remain. It is not that the Divine ceases giving; it is that our bodies grow unable to receive. The storehouse is inexhaustible, the dātā unchanging.

One Word, Infinite Creation

“kītā pasāu eko kavāu” With a single Word, the Creator expanded the universe. From that primal sound flowed countless rivers of life. Guru Nanak’s vision resonates with traditions across cultures: Islam speaks of creation from the command Kun (Be); Christianity of the Logos; Vedic sages of the sound Om. The truth is universal—the Divine Word gave rise to infinite diversity.

This insight is both poetic and profound: creation is not chaotic but harmonious, springing from the utterance of the Divine.

Humility Before Creation

Despite this cosmic vision, Guru Nanak ends with humility: “kudarat kavaṇ kahā vīcār, vāriā na jāvā ek vār.” Who am I to reflect on such vastness? I cannot even sacrifice myself once. The final lesson is surrender: “jo tuḍh bhāvai sāī bhalī kār, tū sadā salāmat niraṅkār.” Whatever pleases You is good. You alone are eternal, O Formless One.

Maskeen Ji emphasizes that the purpose of this pauri is not to fill us with intellectual pride but with spiritual humility. The path is to live with compassion, to practice contentment, to serve with love, and to remember the One. In aligning ourselves with hukam, we find true peace.

Practical Lessons for Today

1. Anchor in the One: Like the pañc, focus your life on the Divine. A scattered mind dissipates energy; a focused mind channels Divine strength.
2. Live with Compassion: Service to those behind us in society is the practical expression of compassion.
3. Practice Contentment: Gratitude transforms restlessness into peace. By accepting what we have, we connect with the Divine.
4. Respect Divine Order: Nature operates in harmony under hukam. Living in balance with the environment honors that order.
5. Embrace Humility: The vastness of creation is beyond comprehension. Surrender to Divine Will rather than trying to control or measure everything.

Conclusion

Pauri 16 of Japji Sahib is both a cosmic hymn and a practical guide. It draws our gaze to the boundless universe, reminds us of the sustaining forces of compassion and contentment, critiques false cosmologies, and ultimately humbles us before the Infinite.

Maskeen Ji’s commentary enriches our understanding, making clear that the true support of life is not myth but moral order; not a bull but dharma; not arrogance but humility. His words call us to live with compassion towards those behind us, contentment with what we have, remembrance of the Divine ahead of us, and surrender to hukam.

Guru Nanak’s teaching is timeless. In a world still filled with division, ecological crises, and endless striving, this pauri reminds us that peace lies not in conquest but in alignment—with compassion, with contentment, with hukam, and with the Eternal Formless One.