In this stanza, Nanak develops more fully the paradox just touched upon in stanza IV. One cannot attain union with God through the observance of certain outward actions, viz.: reading of scriptures, saying of prayers, going on pilgrimages, observance of silence, fasts and vigils, performance of rites and rituals, all of which but form part of Apara Vidya which prepare the ground for creating interest for higher life and developing devotion. You may make the best use of them. But these outer acts cannot give emancipation. They are by themselves meaningless. What matters is His glance of Grace. If one has received this, one is blessed indeed. And yet, if Salvation depends on God's love alone, let us not live in idleness. A life of inertia can lead nowhere and God helps those who help themselves. No doubt Salvation is achieved only through Grace, yet one must make oneself worthy of the same. And the only way to make oneself worthy is by following the Path taught by a True Master. By becoming conscious of the Divine Plan, we make His Will our own.
Stanza VI
If I may only please Him, ’tis pilgrimage enough; if not, nothing – no rites or toils – avails; whichever way I look, I find that in His creation, none has won salvation without His Grace – regardless of Karmas.1 You can discover untold Spiritual Riches within yourself; if you but abide by the teachings of your Master.2 My Master has taught me one lesson: He is the Lord of everything, may I never forget Him.
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Explanation: 1) Karma: Action. This term in Indian thought refers to a very complex Hindu doctrine. It emphasises belief that our present actions determine our future, not only in this life but in the life to come. There is nothing like chance. Man works according to a chain of cause and effect. Though Spiritual Salvation is not possible without Grace, yet, says Nanak, we must deserve that Grace by our Karmas or actions in this life or the lives preceding. 2) Guru: This term makes its appearance frequently in the Jap Ji and indeed is freely used in all the Sikh scriptures. It stands for a Spiritual Teacher and whenever Nanak uses it, he does not mean any person who sets up as a Spiritual Guide, but one who has reached the highest plane in the Spiritual Journey, who is no longer separate from the Almighty and has become His mouthpiece.