Correct pronunciation is essential for understanding the true meaning of Gurbani. Even a slight change in a matra (vowel symbol) can significantly alter a word’s meaning. A key distinction in Gurbani lies between the use of ਸਿਹਾਰੀ (ਿ) and ਬਿਹਾਰੀ (ੀ); mispronouncing these can completely reverse the intended meaning.
Consider the following examples:
ਸੁਣਿਐ → Because of hearing.
ਸੁਣੀਐ → It means one should hear or it is heard.
ਸਿਮਰਿਐ → Because of remembering.
ਸਿਮਰੀਐ → It means one should remember or it is remembered.
ਮੰਨਿਐ → Because of believing.
ਮੰਨੀਐ → It means one should believe or it is believed.
It is incorrect to interchange words with ਸਿਹਾਰੀ (ਿ) and ਬਿਹਾਰੀ (ੀ) because doing so reverses the meaning. One clear example of this can be found in Japji Sahib (Pauriya 8, 9, 10, and 11), where ਸੁਣਿਐ means “because of hearing.”
For example, consider this verse from Guru Granth Sahib:
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੮॥
(Guru Granth Sahib, Ang: 2)
Meaning: Because of listening to Waheguru’s praises, a person’s sufferings and sins are destroyed.
Here, ਸੁਣਿਐ emphasizes the result achieved through the act of listening.
Another example is seen in the following Gurbani verse:
ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਪੜੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗੁਣੀਐ॥
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਕਥਾ ਨਿਤ ਸੁਣੀਐ॥੧॥੩॥
(Guru Granth Sahib, Ang: 95)
Meaning: The sermon of Waheguru’s Name should always be listened to continuously.
In this context, ਸੁਣੀਐ indicates that one should actively listen.
Understanding these subtle differences is crucial for accurately interpreting and reciting Gurbani, ensuring that its profound spiritual messages are conveyed as intended.
