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The great, immaculate Name of God may only be realized by one whose mind is firmly fixed in faith.

Adi Granth (Japuji)

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Firmly Fixed In Faith

Topic: Belief & Faith

Inexpressible is the state of faith;
Whoever attempts to describe it shall in the end regret his rashness.
This state pen and paper cannot record,
Nor cogitation penetrate its secret.
The great, immaculate Name of God
May only be realized by one
Whose mind is firmly fixed in faith.

Through faith the mind and intellect find concentration;
And to the seeker are revealed all the stages of enlightenment.
Through faith one will not receive blows in the Hereafter,
Nor be subjected to death’s terror.
The great, immaculate Name of God
May only be realized by one
Whose mind is firmly fixed in faith.

Through faith man meets no obstacle on the Path,
And shall proceed to his abode with God with his honor universally
proclaimed.
One with faith shall not stray into sects and byways,
But be fixed in true religion.
The great, immaculate Name of God
May only be realized by one
Whose mind is firmly fixed in faith.

Through faith man finds the Door of Liberation:
Even his relatives are liberated through him.
Through faith are both Preceptor and disciple liberated.
Says Nanak, One with faith
Need not wander about begging for divine grace.
The great, immaculate Name of God
May only be realized by one
Whose mind is firmly fixed in faith.

Sikhism
Adi Granth (Japuji)

Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture - a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1991, p. 538 [Adi Granth Japuji 12-15, M.1, p. 3].


Theme: Belief and Faith

Commentary About Adi Granth Japuji 12-15, M.1, p 3 [Short Commentary]

This treasured scripture from Adi Granth Japuji holds a profound lesson about the power of belief and faith. It tells us that only those with unwavering faith can truly appreciate the “great, immaculate Name of God.” This reveals an essential truth in Sikhism: without a deep-seated faith, we can’t fully understand God’s nature or sense His divine presence. Repeated throughout the scripture, this message forms a steady drumbeat, reminding followers of the faith about the critical role of belief.

Commentary About Adi Granth Japuji 12-15, M.1, p 3 [Extended Commentary]

In this passage, faith isn’t portrayed as something that can be thrust upon someone or attained solely through mental exercises. Instead, it’s like a seed that must be nurtured through consistent care and devotion to grow into a strong tree. Sikhism considers faith as more than just accepting God’s existence. It’s about letting this belief guide our daily actions and decisions. When faith firmly takes root in our minds, it changes our perspectives, allowing us to perceive the world through a divine lens. Therefore, the passage reminds us to develop our faith through practice and devotion as the means to divine wisdom and enlightenment.

Lastly, the scripture shows us how faith, like a multi-faceted gem, serves multiple purposes in Sikhism. Beyond enlightenment, faith lends us strength to withstand life’s storms, knowing we’re not alone but backed by a divine force. It instills hope, making us realize we’re part of a larger, meaningful universe, fostering an optimistic view of life. Additionally, sharing faith helps us connect with others on a deeper level, creating bonds of understanding and compassion. To summarize, this passage from Adi Granth Japuji vividly illustrates how faith, nurtured through devotion and practice, is key to spiritual enlightenment, personal resilience, and harmonious co-existence. It’s a powerful force, capable of transforming not only our personal lives but also our society as a whole.