Seven Days of the Week: A Divine Reflection by Sri Guru Amar Das Ji..by KBS Sidhu

As "Barah Maah Paath" of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, connects with changing months, these verses offer a divine reflection on each day carrying its own spiritual opportunity for connecting with the Almighty.

Chandigarh: Composed by Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Nanak, in Raag Bilawal and enshrined in Ang 841 to 842 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, this beautiful yet lesser-known composition illuminates the spiritual essence of each day of the week.

Unlike the more widely revered and recited "Barah Maah Paath" of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Ang 133 to 135), especially on the occasion of Sangrand, marking the new month in the Sikh Nanakshahi lunisolar calendar, these verses offer a profound reflection on the spiritual significance of each day of the week. While the "Barah Maah Paath" connects with the changing months, this priceless composition highlights how every day carries its own potential for connecting with the Divine. Guru Amar Das Ji teaches that through devotion, wisdom, and deep understanding, the soul can rise above worldly attachments and embrace the eternal truth.

Each day, from Sunday to Saturday, is an opportunity to delve deeper into the Lord’s grace, overcoming doubts, ego, and attachment, leading the seeker toward inner peace and divine union through the Guru’s Shabad (Word).

This divine composition is a reminder of the Lord’s ever-pervading presence and the importance of daily contemplation on His virtues to achieve a harmonious, spiritually enriched life.

Sunday (ਅਾਦਿਤ ਵਾਰ / Ādit Vār):

Punjabi:

ਆਦਿਤ ਵਾਰਿ ਆਦਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਹੈ ਸੋਈ,

ਆਪੇ ਵਰਤੈ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ।

ਓਤਿ ਪੋਤਿ ਜਗੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਪਰੋਈ,

ਆਪੇ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੈ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ।

ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ,

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਈ।

ਹਿਰਦੈ ਜਪਨੀ ਜਪਉ ਗੁਣਤਾਸਾ,

ਹਰਿ ਅਗਮ ਅਗੋਚਰੁ ਅਪਰੰਪਰ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਜਨ ਪਗਿ ਲਗਿ ਧਿਆਵਉ ਹੋਇ ਦਾਸਨਿ ਦਾਸਾ।

English:

Sunday: The Lord, the Primal Being, pervades everything.

He Himself acts, and no one else has any power.

Through and through, He is woven into the fabric of the world.

Whatever the Creator does, that alone happens.

Those who are imbued with His Naam (Name) live in eternal peace.

Yet, rare is the one who, as a Gurmukh, understands this truth.

In my heart, I meditate on the Lord, the treasure of virtues.

The Lord is beyond reach, incomprehensible, and infinite, yet I seek to become the servant of His servants.

On Sunday, we are reminded of the Lord as the Eternal, Primal Being who pervades all creation. He alone governs the universe, and nothing happens without His will. Every fibre of existence is infused with His presence, and everything unfolds according to His divine plan. Those who are blessed to be immersed in His Name experience an everlasting sense of peace and fulfilment. Yet, the true understanding of this deep reality is rare and only attained by those who walk the path of the Gurmukh, aligned with the Guru's wisdom. In my heart, I hold the Lord close, for He is the treasure of all virtues. Though He is beyond human comprehension—boundless, unreachable, and infinite—I humbly strive to serve Him by becoming the servant of His beloved devotees. Through this devotion, I seek to draw closer to the Divine, living in constant remembrance of His grace.

Monday (ਸੋਮਵਾਰ / Somvār):

Punjabi:

ਸੋਮਵਾਰਿ ਸਚਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ,

ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ।

ਆਖਿ ਆਖਿ ਰਹੇ ਸਭਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ,

ਜਿਸੁ ਦੇਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ।

ਅਗਮ ਅਗੋਚਰੁ ਲਖਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ,

ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਹਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ।

English:

Monday: The True Lord is everywhere, permeating all creation.

His worth cannot be expressed in words.

All who meditate on Him speak His praises with deep focus.

Only those whom He blesses receive the gift of devotion.

He is beyond reach and cannot be comprehended.

Yet through the Guru’s Word, we realize that the Lord pervades all.

On Monday, we reflect on the all-encompassing presence of the True Lord, who permeates every part of creation. His greatness is beyond the capacity of words to describe, for His worth is infinite and immeasurable. Those who meditate upon Him do so with unwavering focus, and their hearts are filled with His praises. Yet, it is only through His grace that one receives the precious gift of devotion. The Lord remains beyond the grasp of human understanding, unfathomable to the mind. However, through the Guru's wisdom, we come to realize that He is present everywhere, in all things, silently guiding and sustaining all of existence. This understanding fills the soul with deep reverence and awe for the Divine.

Tuesday (ਮੰਗਲਵਾਰ / Mangalvār):

Punjabi:

ਮੰਗਲਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ,

ਆਪੇ ਸਿਰਿ ਸਿਰਿ ਧੰਧੈ ਲਾਇਆ।

ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ ਸੋਈ ਬੂਝੈ,

ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਦਰੁ ਘਰੁ ਸੂਝੈ।

ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ,

ਹਉਮੈ ਮਮਤਾ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇ।

English:

Tuesday: The Lord created love and attachment to Maya (illusion).

He assigns each person their duties according to their destiny.

One can only understand this if the Lord grants them the wisdom to do so.

Through the Guru's Shabad (Word), one gains awareness of their true home and inner self.

With deep love and devotion, they focus on God,

and through the Shabad, they burn away their ego and self-centeredness.

On Tuesday, we reflect on how the Lord Himself has created the powerful forces of love and attachment to Maya, the illusion that binds us to the material world. He has assigned each soul their duties and roles, guiding them according to their unique destiny. Yet, understanding the deeper purpose of these attachments is only possible when the Lord, in His grace, blesses us with wisdom. It is through the Guru's Shabad—the divine Word—that we begin to gain true insight into our real home, our inner self, beyond the illusions of the world. As we cultivate deep love and devotion, focusing entirely on the Divine, the Shabad helps us burn away the ego and self-centeredness that cloud our vision. In this way, we are freed from the grip of Maya, allowing us to live in harmony with the truth of the Lord's presence within.

Wednesday (ਬੁਧਵਾਰ / Buḏẖvār):

Punjabi:

ਬੁਧਵਾਰਿ ਆਪੇ ਬੁਧਿ ਸਾਰੁ,

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ।

ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਇ,

ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਲੁ ਖੋਇ।

ਦਰਿ ਸਚੈ ਸਦ ਸੋਭਾ ਪਾਏ,

ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਹਾਏ।

English:

Wednesday: The Lord Himself grants sublime understanding.

The Gurmukh contemplates the Shabad and performs righteous actions.

Imbued with the Naam, their mind becomes pure and immaculate.

By singing the Lord’s glorious praises, they remove the dirt of ego.

In the court of the True Lord, they receive everlasting glory.

Those adorned with the Guru’s Word shine brightly with divine grace.

On Wednesday, we acknowledge that the Lord Himself bestows the gift of sublime understanding upon His devotees. The Gurmukh, guided by the Guru’s wisdom, contemplates the divine Shabad and dedicates themselves to righteous actions. When one is imbued with the Naam—the Lord’s sacred Name—their mind becomes pure, cleansed of all impurities. By singing the glorious praises of the Divine, the stains of ego are washed away, leaving the soul radiant and free. In the court of the True Lord, such souls are blessed with everlasting glory. Those who are adorned with the Guru’s Word shine with a divine brilliance, reflecting the grace and light of the Almighty.

Thursday (ਵੀਰਵਾਰ / Vīrvār):

Punjabi:

ਵੀਰਵਾਰਿ ਵੀਰ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਏ,

ਪ੍ਰੇਤ ਭੂਤ ਸਭਿ ਦੂਜੈ ਲਾਏ।

ਆਪਿ ਉਪਾਏ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਵੇਕਾ,

ਸਭਨਾ ਕਰਤੇ ਤੇਰੀ ਟੇਕਾ।

ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਰਣਾਈ,

ਸੋ ਮਿਲੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਲੈਹਿ ਮਿਲਾਈ।

English:

Thursday: Fifty-two warriors were led astray by doubt,

and all demons and spirits are attached to duality.

The Creator made them and watches each one distinctly.

O Creator, You are the support for all beings.

All creatures take shelter under Your protection.

Only those whom You unite with Yourself truly meet You.

On Thursday, we reflect on how even the mighty, like the fifty-two warriors, were led astray by the fog of doubt, while demons and spirits remain trapped in the bonds of duality. Yet, the Creator, who made them all, observes each one with distinct attention, knowing their paths and their struggles. O Divine Creator, You alone are the ultimate support for all beings. Every creature seeks refuge in Your protection, for You are the shelter for all who wander in this world. Only those whom You, in Your grace, unite with Yourself truly experience the joy of meeting You. It is through Your divine will that the soul finds its way back to its eternal source.

Friday (ਸੁਕਰਵਾਰ / Sukravār):

Punjabi:

ਸੁਕ੍ਰਵਾਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ,

ਆਪਿ ਉਪਾਇ ਸਭ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਪਾਈ।

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੁ ਕਰੈ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ,

ਸਚੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਹੈ ਕਾਰ।

ਵਰਤੁ ਨੇਮੁ ਨਿਤਾਪ੍ਰਤਿ ਪੂਜਾ,

ਬਿਨੁ ਬੂਝੇ ਸਭੁ ਭਾਉ ਹੈ ਦੂਜਾ।

English:

Friday: The Lord pervades everywhere and is present in all creation.

He created everything and evaluates the worth of all beings.

Those who become Gurmukh reflect on the Lord’s teachings.

They practice truth and self-restraint as their noble duty.

All rituals and fasts are meaningless without true understanding.

Without spiritual wisdom, all such practices only lead to attachment to duality.

On Friday, we contemplate the Lord's all-encompassing presence, as He pervades every corner of creation. He is the creator of all beings and, in His infinite wisdom, evaluates the true worth of each soul. Those who become Gurmukh, aligned with the Guru’s teachings, reflect deeply on the divine wisdom and live by it. They practice truth and self-restraint as their noble path. However, rituals, fasts, and religious observances are hollow without true understanding. Without spiritual insight and wisdom, these practices only lead to deeper attachment to duality, distancing the soul from its true connection with the Divine. True devotion comes from inner realization, not external rituals.

Saturday (ਛਨਿਛਰਵਾਰ / Cẖẖanicẖẖarvār):

Punjabi:

ਛਨਿਛਰਵਾਰਿ ਸਉਣ ਸਾਸਤ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ,

ਹਉਮੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਭਰਮੈ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ।

ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਅੰਧਾ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ,

ਜਮ ਦਰਿ ਬਾਧਾ ਚੋਟਾ ਖਾਇ।

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ,

ਸਚੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਾਚਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਏ।

English:

Saturday: People contemplate omens and scriptures,

yet the world wanders lost in ego and the illusion of "mine."

The self-willed Manmukh remains blind, entangled in duality.

At death’s door, they are bound and beaten by their karmic actions.

However, by Guru’s grace, one finds everlasting peace.

Such a person practices truth and lovingly focuses on the True Lord.

On Saturday, we reflect on how people often look to omens and scriptures for guidance, yet remain entangled in the ego-driven illusion of "mine." The self-willed Manmukh, blinded by their attachment to duality, continues to wander aimlessly in the material world. When faced with death, they are bound by the consequences of their actions and suffer the weight of their karma. However, those who receive the Guru’s grace are blessed with everlasting peace. Through this grace, they transcend ego and illusion, practicing truth and lovingly focusing on the True Lord. Such souls are guided towards spiritual liberation, living in harmony with divine wisdom.

Contemplating the Divine through the Days of the Week

This Shabad beautifully encapsulates how each day of the week can be a reminder to contemplate the Divine and the deeper realities of life. By reflecting on the Guru's wisdom and immersing oneself in the Name of the Lord, one can rise above worldly distractions and connect with eternal peace and truth.

Transcending Celestial Cycles and the Auspiciousness of Every Moment

The Timeless Spiritual Union

As Guru Arjan Dev Ji guides us through the "Barah Maah" verses, particularly in the month of Poh, we are reminded that true spirituality transcends the limitations of time and seasons. While the natural world flows through cycles of warmth and cold, light and darkness, Guru Sahib reveals a profound truth—every moment, every breath, carries the potential for divine connection if one is attuned to the Divine. No particular time or season is exclusively auspicious; rather, it is the constant presence of the Lord's grace that makes each moment spiritually potent. This lesson emerges from the concluding verses of Poh, where the essence of divine omnipresence and eternal grace is illuminated.

The Message of Barah Maah Path

The closing lines of the Barah Maah Path echo with the universal message: "ਮਾਹ ਦਿਵਸ ਮੂਰਤ ਭਲੇ ਜਿਸ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ", which translates to "Every month, day, and moment is auspicious for those upon whom He casts His Glance of Grace." Guru Arjan Dev Ji powerfully dispels the notion that spirituality is bound to specific days or times. For those who live in constant devotion, guided by the Guru's wisdom, every moment becomes a blessed opportunity to serve and connect with the Divine. Just as each month of the year presents its natural tendencies, the spiritual seeker knows that with the Guru's guidance, each moment can be turned towards spiritual progress.

The Significance of the Seven Days

Similarly, Guru Amar Das Ji, in his Shabad on the seven days of the week, expounds a parallel understanding. Just as each month has its unique spiritual atmosphere, so does each day of the week. Guru Amar Das Ji imbues each day—Sunday to Saturday—with divine significance, illustrating how they serve as reminders to contemplate the Divine. Through the Guru's Shabad, one can rise above the distractions of Maya (illusion) and ego, and focus on the eternal Naam (Divine Name), which leads to inner peace and spiritual harmony. Whether it is Monday’s reflection on the omnipresence of the True Lord or Saturday’s caution against ego and self-conceit, Guru Ji reveals that all days are equally conducive for noble actions (Shub Karaj) when filled with sincere devotion.

Grace Transcends Time

As Guru Arjan Dev Ji concludes, "ਨਾਨਕ ਮੰਗੈ ਦਰਸ ਦਾਨੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਹਰੇ," meaning "Nanak begs for the gift of divine vision; O Lord, shower Your Grace," he teaches that it is divine grace, not external circumstances, that makes every moment ripe for spiritual growth. This lesson parallels Guru Amar Das Ji's reflections on the days of the week—despite the different tendencies associated with each day, every moment can be made auspicious through devotion, humility, and grace.

The Sacredness of Every Moment

In summary, just as every month holds the potential for spiritual connection regardless of its natural characteristics, so too does every day of the week. Through the Guru’s teachings, we learn that it is not the external markers of time that determine the sacredness of an action or a moment. Rather, it is our inner state, guided by the Guru’s wisdom and divine grace, that elevates each day and every breath into a spiritual journey as well as a unique opportunity toward eternal truth and peace.

September 8, 2024