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Summary of Question:	Understanding A Pauree In Japji Sahib
Category:	Gurbani
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 4/17/2007 12:00 PM MDT

Hello,

I was interested in understanding Pauree 33 (i think) of JapJi Sahib. It begins with "Akhan na jor, chupa na jor". I have read the english tranlation but don't quite understand. The translation summarizes the Pauree with "No one makes himself good or bad. Only God is in control".

Do i have the correct translation? But how do i really interpret this?

If i say something negative about someone, or hurt someone - is this all meant to happen? This does not make sense to me as then anyone and everyone can use this as an excuse to their actions. To some degree we must take responsibility for our decisions and actions.

Parhaps i have this all wrong. Please help me to understand.

Thank you.

DGN.
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reply
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Dear one,
You are right in saying that we do make choices. ANd most people are making choices from a very shallow pool of experience. They do not see deeply into the repercussions of their actions and words. They are involved in the material realm of life and not aware of the deeply spiritual life of our soul.

The soul is where God consciousness lives. To live in that place one must visit it regularly through Nitnem and prayer etc. The 33rd pauri describes the mental state of the mind that is not immersed in the soul. "No power to speak or silence to keep, no power to beg no power to give, no power to die no power to live......... Then it ends...."He alone has the power to reveal the way..." This final line indicates that until you recognize that you are God.......you have no power because you are living your life in a fog of unconsciousness.

So, it takes a lot of refinement and repetition of Naam to refine our thoughts and actions to take us to the state of mind in which we accept that we are God and that all our deeds have action and reactions and we can see the results of our actions.

Blessings, SKKK