Introduction To 'Japji , A Way To God Realisation' By Dr. Sukhbir Singh Kapoor

Guru Nanak Devji's Jap(u)ji is the greatest revelation to any Prophet. It consists of two slokas and thirty-eight pauris. This long hymn is recorded as the first bani in Gum Grantli Sahib. The mool mantra (basic doctrine) precedes this bani.

There are a large number of translations or transcriptions of this bani available in the market. I have read almost all of them. They all have a place of their own. But none of them gave me all my answers. There was something missing in all of them. I pondered. Then my mind and heart worked together to produce this enlightened work which in my opinion is both unique and dynamic, but more importantly fulfils the gaps left by others.

A pauri means a step in a ladder. On the assumption that all steps in the ladder are inter-connected, if a step in a ladder is missing it will not be possible for the climber to reach the top. Similarly the pauris of the Japji lead to Sach Khand the house of God, the destination where resides bliss, happiness and contenment. Each pauri has a message which leads to the next pauri, and Japji in total is a sure way to God realisation.

London September 21, 1991

Sukhbir Singh Kapoor