Some people raise doubt, questioning that if Satnaam was established only by Guru Sahib and if true liberation and spiritual upliftment of worldly beings can only be achieved through Satnaam, then how did the salvation of humans occur before the manifestation of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji? According to the principles of Gurmat, true salvation is affirmed to occur solely through Satnaam.
In response, we boldly declare, not just once but hundreds of thousands of times, that true liberation and spiritual welfare according to Gurmat principles are only possible through Satnaam. This Satnaam was manifested solely by Satguru Nanak Sahib. Sri Guru Nanak-Dasmesh Ji has made it explicitly clear in his Bachitar Natak Bani that despite the numerous incarnations, prophets, and messengers who appeared in this world, sent by the Eternal Being for the welfare of souls, their teachings were not the same as Satnaam.
ਸਭ ਅਪਨੀ ਅਪਨੀ ਉਰਝਾਨਾ ॥ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕਾਹੂੰ ਨ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥…
They all placed their own interests first, they did not recognize the Supreme Parbrahm
ਜੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਰਮ ਪੁਰਖ ਉਪਜਾਏ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਤਿਨ ਅਪਨੇ ਰਾਹ ਚਲਾਏ ॥…
All the great Purushas created by me started their own paths
ਜਿਨਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਤਨਿਕਿ ਸਿਧ ਕੋ ਪਾਯੋ ॥ ਤਿਨਿ ਤਿਨਿ ਅਪਨਾ ਰਾਹੁ ਚਲਾਯੋ ॥
Whosoever attained a little spiritual power, he started his own path
ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ਨ ਕਿਨਹੂੰ ਪਹਿਚਾਨਾ ॥ ਮਮ ਉਚਾਰਿ ਤੇ ਭਯੋ ਦਿਵਾਨਾ ॥੧੬॥…
None of them could recognize the Supreme Lord, and instead they went insane with their own ego
ਪਰਮ ਤਤ ਕਿਨਹੂੰ ਨ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥ ਆਪ ਆਪ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਉਰਝਾਨਾ ॥…
They did not recognize Akaal Purakh, they were lost in their own egos
ਸਭ ਤੇ ਅਪਨਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਯੋ ॥ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਾਹੂੰ ਨ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਯੋ ॥੨੭॥
They all made others recite their own name, no one gave the True Naam
– Dasam Granth Sahib
It has been confirmed through Sri Nanak Dasmesh Jee’s Bani that “Satnaam was not established by anyone.” Satguru Nanak was the first to reveal Satnaam. Who could establish it? Satnaam was not accessible to anyone other than Satguru Nanak, as it was granted directly from the Eternal Being’s court. No one paid any attention to how the salvation of beings was to be achieved. Everyone was concerned only with their own interests. They were content with the notion that they had received divine instructions to go and save souls and that they had been appointed as guides. These prophets lost themselves within their own egos. Only Guru Nanak-Dasmesh Ji was able to escape from this pride and arrogance.
Sri Guru Dasmesh Ji, immersed in the highest humility, proclaims:
ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਬਾਚ ਇਸ ਕੀਟ ਪ੍ਰਤਿ ॥
Akaal Purakh’s Words to this insect
Akaal Purakh gave Hukam to Guru Sahib:
ਮੈ ਅਪਨਾ ਸੁਤ ਤੋਹਿ ਨਿਵਾਜਾ ॥ ਪੰਥੁ ਪ੍ਰਚੁਰ ਕਰਬੇ ਕਹ ਸਾਜਾ ॥
I have adopted you as my son and hath created you for the propagation of the Panth
ਜਾਹਿ ਤਹਾ ਤੈ ਧਰਮੁ ਚਲਾਇ ॥ ਕਬੁਧਿ ਕਰਨ ਤੇ ਲੋਕ ਹਟਾਇ ॥੨੯॥“
You go therefore for the spread of Dharma (righteousness) and cause people to retrace their steps from evil actions”.29.
In response to this, Sri Dasmesh Ji humbly says the following:
ਠਾਢ ਭਯੋ ਮੈ ਜੋਰਿ ਕਰ ਬਚਨ ਕਹਾ ਸਿਰ ਨਯਾਇ ॥
I stood up with folded hands and bowing down my head I said:
ਪੰਥ ਚਲੈ ਤਬ ਜਗਤ ਮੈ ਜਬ ਤੁਮ ਕਰਹੁ ਸਹਾਇ ॥੩੦॥
The path (Panth) shall prevail only in the world, with THY ASSISTANCE.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji came as sent by the Eternal Being and received instructions directly from the Divine Court. However, when He arrived, and even when He continued to come for the welfare and salvation of various realms, He did not make any self-assertive claims or actions. Instead, He reached the True Sachkhand, received divine commands, and continued to do so, acknowledging Akal Purkh (the Eternal Being) as His Guru and receiving divine initiation. He attained true initiation and continued His mission.
Receiving and continuing to receive the complete divine gift in this manner, Guru Nanak Sahib, having obtained the true gift of Satnaam from the Divine Court, brought it to the world. He, the true King, Guru Nanak, made the essence of Satnaam known to people. Not only did He introduce this Satnaam in the land of India, but He also spread its influence across the entire world.
ਗੜ ਬਗਦਾਦੁ ਨਿਵਾਇਕੈ ਮਕਾ ਮਦੀਨਾ ਸਭੇ ਨਿਵਾਇਆ॥
After making Baghdad bow, Mecca Medina and all were humbled
ਸਿਧ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਮੰਡਲੀ ਖਟਿ ਦਰਸਨਿ ਪਾਖੰਡਿ ਜਿਣਾਇਆ॥
Baba Nanak subjugated the eighty four siddhs and hypocrisies of the six schools of Indian Philosophy
ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਆਕਾਸ ਲਖ ਜੀਤੀ ਧਰਤੀ ਜਗਤੁ ਸਬਾਇਆ॥
Lacs of underworlds, the skies, earths and the whole world were conquered
ਜੀਤੀ ਨਉਖੰਡ ਮੇਦਨੀ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਚਕ੍ਰ ਫਿਰਾਇਆ॥
Subjugating all the nine divisions of earth he established the cycle of Satnaam
ਦੇਵ ਦਾਨੋ ਰਾਕਸਿ ਦੈਤ ਸਭ ਚਿਤਿ ਗੁਪਤਿ ਸਭ ਚਰਨੀ ਲਾਇਆ॥
All the gods, demons, raksasas, daitys, chitragupt bowed at his feet
ਇੰਦ੍ਰਾਸਣਿ ਅਪਛਰਾ ਰਾਗ ਰਾਗਨੀ ਮੰਗਲੁ ਗਾਇਆ॥
Indra and his nymphs sang auspicious songs
ਭਇਆ ਅਨੰਦ ਜਗਤੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਕਲਿਤਾਰਨ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਇਆ ॥
The world filled with joy because Guru Nanak came to give deliverance to the kaliyug
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣਿ ਨਿਵਾਇਆ ॥੩੭॥
He made Hindu Muslim humble and suppliant.
– Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaar 1
Not only did Guru Nanak spread Satnaam across this world, but He also made it prevail across countless other worlds. Indeed, Guru Nanak spread the influence of Satnaam across millions and billions of worlds and saved countless beings through the grace of Satnaam. ਕੋਟਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡ ਕੋ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸਰਬ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਰੇ ॥ Guru Sahib is the giver to countless beings in this universe. ਜੀਅ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੇ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਇਨਿ he is giver the of gift of Bhagti.
Scientists today have discovered that in the vast expanse of space, there are stars, Earth-like planets, and suns similar to our own. However, even five hundred years ago, Guru Nanak Dev Ji had already proclaimed the existence of countless stars, moons, and suns in the cosmos and declared the grandeur of these celestial realms. ਕੇਤੇ ਇੰਦ ਚੰਦ ਸੂਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਮੰਡਲ ਦੇਸ ॥
Guru Nanak Sahib did not merely proclaim His teachings but also demonstrated them vividly. Guru Sahib showed this to Gursikhs as well. While scientific knowledge is still in its early stages and limited, Guru Nanak Sahib showed the son of Peer Dastgir a vision where, in the blink of an eye, he saw countless heavens and countless netherworlds. This means that He made the exploration of countless realms and universes possible in a single moment.
ਨਾਲਿ ਲੀਤਾ ਬੇਟਾ ਪੀਰ ਦਾ ਅਖੀ ਮੀਟਿ ਗਇਆ ਹਾਵਾਈ॥
Guru Nanak Dev Jee taking along with him the son of the pir, melted into thin air
ਲਖ ਅਕਾਸ ਪਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਅਖਿ ਫੁਰੰਕ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਭਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ॥
And in a wink of the eye visualized him the upper and lower worlds.
ਭਰਿ ਕਚਕੌਲ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਦਾ ਧੁਰੋ ਪਤਾਲੋ ਲਈ ਕੜਾਹੀ॥
From the nether world he brought a bowl full of sacred food and handed it over to the pir.
– Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaar 1, Pauri 36
It is clear and evident that before saving this earth, Guru Nanak Sahib saved numerous planets and realms with Satnaam. The Supreme Being, the Lord of countless universes, cares deeply about every part of His creation.
That Satnaam, which gods, sages, and people have long desired, can only be obtained from the Guru Nanak Sahib. This is why this teaching is emphasized.
ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸੋਈ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਖੵ ਅਰੁ ਕਿੰਨਰ ਸਾਧਿਕ ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਹਰਾ ॥
ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਨਖੵਤ੍ਰ ਅਵਰ ਧ੍ਰੂ ਮੰਡਲ ਨਾਰਦਾਦਿ ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦਿ ਵਰਾ ॥
ਸਸੀਅਰੁ ਅਰੁ ਸੂਰੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਲਾਸਹਿ ਸੈਲ ਲੋਅ ਜਿਨਿ ਉਧਰਿਆ ॥
ਸੋਈ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਛਲੁ ਭਗਤਹ ਭਵ ਤਾਰਣੁ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਫੁਰਿਆ ॥੨॥
In this Gurvaak, the word ਸਿਮਰਹਿ leads some people to think that the name that Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru Amardas Ji meditated on is the same name that Kinnars and Siddhas also chanted.
These people misunderstand the meaning of the word ਸਿਮਰਹਿ. In this context, ਸਿਮਰਹਿ means to desire or long for, as shown in the following teaching:
ਇਸ ਦੇਹੀ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਦੇਵ ॥
ਸੋ ਦੇਹੀ ਭਜੁ ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਸੇਵ ॥੧॥
To translate ਇਸ ਦੇਹੀ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਦੇਵ as meaning that the gods Simar or do Bhagti of the human body, is incorrect within this context. ਸਿਮਰਹਿ within the first shabad means desire as well. The gods long for this human body and you have this body. You have the opportunity to do Naam Abhiaas, so take advantage of this chance!
The name that gods, Kinnars, and Siddhas yearn for, and which has been sought through deep meditation and effort, is the same name desired by saints like Nabhshat, Dhruv, Narad, Prahlad, and others. This name has saved even the most stubborn and hard-hearted people. The whole creation has thirst for the same Naam that Sri Guru Amar Das Ji has. This Naam can only be obtained from Satguru Nanak Dev Ji.
ਹੰਸਾ ਸੇਤੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਉਲਾਸਹਿ ਕੁਕੜ ਦੀ ਓਡਾਰੀ ॥੨॥
The word ਉਲਾਸਹਿ both here and in the first shabad means to desire. So it can be said without any doubt that the word ਸਿਮਰਹਿ within the previous Shabads means to want something – not to do Bhagti of.
There is no doubt that in every age, the true salvation of beings has been through the blessing of Satnam. The task of spreading this Satnam across the ages has always been entrusted to Satguru Nanak Dev Ji. Otherwise, as stated in the Gurvak, ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਬਿਸਨੁ ਸਿਰੇ ਤੈ ਅਗਨਤ ਤਿਨ ਕਉ ਮੋਹੁ ਭਯਾ ਮਨ ਮਦ ਕਾ ॥ This means that even these deities did not achieve their own salvation, so how could they help others? They were overwhelmed by their own delusions and pride.
The true salvation of souls is achieved by seeking refuge with the Guru and receiving Satnam from Satguru Nanak Dev Ji. True salvation is only possible through Satnam. Throughout the ages, many devoted beings were born, but during those times, they did not receive the blessing of Satnam due to the conditions of their times. The Guru Avatars, who spread Satnam, had to appear when the entire world needed salvation. Although many devotees were saved, they still had lingering ego and imperfections due to the absence of Satnam. The worship of the Kirtam Naam did not provide the highest level of salvation. Some devotees remained without selfless devotion, while others were overwhelmed by miracles.
Bhai Gurdas Ji explains that compared to the devotees of earlier ages, the practice of Satnam is exceptional. The greatness of devotion in those who practice Satnam is characterized by their complete removal of ego and self-centeredness. Devotees of Satnam are free from even the smallest trace of ego in their hearts.
ਕਲਜੁਗਿ ਨਾਮਾ ਭਗਤੁ ਹੋਇ ਫੇਰਿ ਦੇਹੁਰਾ ਗਾਇ ਜਿਵਾਈ॥
In Kalyuga, a devotee named Naamdev made the temple rotate and dead cow alive.
ਭਗਤੁ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ਬੰਦੀ ਖਾਨੇ ਤੇ ਉਠਿ ਜਾਈ॥
It is said Kabir used to go out of prison as and when he liked.
ਧੰਨਾ ਜਟੁ ਉਧਾਰਿਆ ਸਧਨਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਅਜਾਤਿ ਕਸਾਈ॥
Dhanna, the jat (farmer) and Sadhana born in a known low cast butcher got across the world ocean.
ਜਨੁ ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਚਮਾਰੁ ਹੋਇ ਚਹੁ ਵਰਨਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਕਰਿ ਵਡਿਆਈ॥
Considering Ravi Das a devotee of the Lord, all the four varnas praise him.
ਬੇਣਿ ਹੋਆ ਅਧਿਆਤਮੀ ਸੈਣੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਕੁਲੁ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਨਾਈ॥
Beni, the saint was a spiritualist, and born in a so-called low barber caste Sain was a devotee (of Lord).
ਪੈਰੀ ਪੈ ਪਾ ਖਾਕ ਹੋਇ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾਂ ਵਿਚਿ ਵਡੀ ਸਮਾਈ॥
Falling at and becoming the dust of the feet is the great trance for the Sikhs of the Guru (their caste should not be considered).
ਅਲਖੁ ਲਖਾਇ ਨ ਅਲਖੁ ਲਖਾਈ ॥੧੫॥
The devotees, though they behold the imperceptible Lord, yet do not disclose this to anyone.(15)
– Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaar 12, Pauri 15
Through the practice of Satnam, the Guru’s devoted followers reach a higher level than those who practice other names. Guru Nanak Sahib’s followers attain a state that the devotees of other names cannot reach. For example, it is said that the spiritual realm of Dhruv, which is very high, is far from Sachkhand (the highest spiritual realm). Similarly, this applies to other devotees as well.
There are different types of Mukhti. The Bhagats mentioned in this Pauri were Mukhat as well. Being saved from reincarnation is a type of Mukhti. For those who seek it, being saved from hell and finding a place in heaven is another type of Mukhti. Above heaven there are other realms and those that reside in these realms are also considered Mukhat. Those in Karam Khand are also Mukhat. That being said, the highest type of Mukhti is reserved for those Gursikhs that are in love with Akaal Purakh`s Charan Kamal. ਰਾਜੁ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲਾਰੇ ॥ With their Nishkaam Bhagti, (Bhagti done only out of love for Akaal Purakh and nothing else), these Gurmukhs receive supreme status. They achieve this:
ਮਾਨ ਮੋਹ ਅਰੁ ਲੋਭ ਵਿਕਾਰਾ ਬੀਓ ਚੀਤਿ ਨ ਘਾਲਿਓ ॥
Pride, emotional attachment, greed and corruption are gone; I have not placed anything else, other than the Lord, within my consciousness.
ਨਾਮ ਰਤਨੁ ਗੁਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਬਣਜੇ ਲਾਦਿ ਵਖਰੁ ਲੈ ਚਾਲਿਓ ॥੧॥
I have purchased the jewel of the Naam and the Glorious Praises of the Lord; loading this merchandise, I have set out on my journey. ||1||
ਸੇਵਕ ਕੀ ਓੜਕਿ ਨਿਬਹੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
The love which the Lord’s servant feels for the Lord lasts forever.
ਜੀਵਤ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸੇਵਿਓ ਅਪਨਾ ਚਲਤੇ ਰਾਖਿਓ ਚੀਤਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
In my life, I served my Lord and Master, and as I depart, I keep Him enshrined in my consciousness. ||1||Pause||
ਜੈਸੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਕੀਨੀ ਠਾਕੁਰਿ ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਮੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਮੋਰਿਓ ॥
I have not turned my face away from my Lord and Master’s Command.
ਸਹਜੁ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਰਖਿਓ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਉਠਿ ਉਆਹੂ ਕਉ ਦਉਰਿਓ ॥੨॥
He fills my household with celestial peace and bliss; if He asks me to leave, I leave at once. ||2||
ਆਗਿਆ ਮਹਿ ਭੂਖ ਸੋਈ ਕਰਿ ਸੂਖਾ ਸੋਗ ਹਰਖ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਨਿਓ ॥
When I am under the Lord’s Command, I find even hunger pleasurable; I know no difference between sorrow and joy.
ਜੋ ਜੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਭਇਓ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਾ ਸੋ ਮਾਥੈ ਲੇ ਮਾਨਿਓ ॥੩॥
Whatever the Command of my Lord and Master is, I bow my forehead and accept it. ||3||
ਭਇਓ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲੁ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਕ ਕਉ ਸਵਰੇ ਹਲਤ ਪਲਾਤਾ ॥
The Lord and Master has become merciful to His servant; He has embellished both this world and the next.
ਧੰਨੁ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਸਫਲੁ ਓਹੁ ਆਇਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਖਸਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥੪॥੫॥
Blessed is that servant, and fruitful is his birth; O Nanak, he realizes his Lord and Master. ||4||5||
– Guru Granth Sahib ji: And 1000
According to this Shabad, this type of liberation is reserved only for Gursikhs who receive Satnaam. It is only through the Guru Ghar that this priceless Naam can be obtained. Without this Satnaam, many avtaars, sages and others have come and gone. Sri Dasmesh Jee makes this clear:
ਜਿਹ ਕੋਟਿ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਾਰ ॥
He who hath created millions of King Indras,
ਕਈ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਬਿਸਨ ਬਿਚਾਰ ॥
He hath created many Brahmas and Vishnus after consideration.
ਕਈ ਰਾਮ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਰਸੂਲ ॥
He hath created many Ramas, Krishnas and Rasuls (Prophets),
ਬਿਨ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੋ ਨ ਕਬੂਲ ॥੮॥੩੮॥
None of them are approved by the Lord without devotion.
this true Naam only comes from the Taksal of Guru Nanak Sahib. Sri Guru Gurdev Guru Granth Sahib Jee and Panj Pyare have the authority to give this Naam. So let’s bow before this Gurdev through Bhai Gurdas Jee:
ਨਮਸਕਾਰ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਕੋ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮ ਜਿਸ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਸੁਣਾਇਆ॥
I bow before the Guru (Guru Nanak Dev) who recited the Satnam Mantra (for the world).
ਭਵਜਲ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਕਢਿ ਕੇ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ॥
Getting (the creatures) across the World Ocean he raptly merged them in liberation.
ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਭਉ ਕਟਿਆ ਸੰਸਾ ਰੋਗੁ ਵਿਯੋਗ ਮਿਟਾਇਆ॥
He destroyed the fear of transmigration and also the malady of doubt and separation.
ਸੰਸਾ ਇਹੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਖ ਸਬਾਇਆ॥
The world is only illusion which carried with it much of birth, death and sufferings.
ਜਮ ਦੰਡ ਸਿਰੋਂ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਸਾਕਤ ਦੁਰਜਨ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ॥
The fear of the rod of Yama is not dispelled and the Sakts, the followers of the Goddess, have lost their lives in vain.
ਚਰਨ ਗਹੇ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਦੇ ਸਤਿ ਸਬਦ ਦੇ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕਰਾਇਆ॥
Those who have caught hold of the feet of the Guru have been liberated through the True Word.
ਭਾਉ ਭਗਤਿ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬਿ ਕਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਦਾਨ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ॥
Now being full of loving Devotion they celebrate the Gurpurbs (anniversaries of the Gurus) and their acts of remembrance of God, Charity and Holy Ablutions, inspire others also.
ਜੇਹਾ ਬੀਉ ਤੇਹਾ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
As someone sows, so he reaps.(1)
– Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaar 1, Pauri 1
