The Jap Ji
Guru Nanak, by means of a prologue, attempts a definition of the nature of the Almighty, indefinable as He is; referring to His timelessness, His primacy, His being the Uncaused First Cause of everything; and goes on to hint about the means by which he may be reached. The theme is explored in greater details as we proceed further, and the entire piece is neatly concluded with a stanza which matches the opening one in its concentration, its condensation and its literary excellence. The prologue is concerned with the nature of God and hints at the means to salvation. The epilogue sums up beautifuly the nature of God’s creation and concludes with a song of triumph for those who attain salvation.
Prologue
There is One Reality, the Unmanifest-Manifested; Ever-Existent, He is Naam (Conscious Spirit), the Creator; pervading all; without fear; without enmity; the Timeless; the Unborn and the Self-Existent; complete within Itself. Through the favour of His True Servant, the Guru, He may be realised. He was when there was nothing. He was before all ages began; He existeth now, oh Nanak, and shall exist forevermore.
The text as given constitutes the Mul-Mantra or the basic principles as taught by Guru Nanak. God is described as the One Supreme Being – Nirankar –, the Unmanifest-Manifested – Ekankar –, the Eternal Verity, the Conscious Spirit pervading all forms that emanate from Him – He upholding the whole creation. He is not apart from His creation, but is immanent in every form.
This universe is the Abode of the True One and the True One resides in it.
He being the Creator of all, has no equal and has therefore, none to fear or envy. Again, He is above causation, has a sure existence, but not subject to births and deaths.
He, the Timeless One, existing before time, in time and beyond time, is the only object of worship, and can be reached only through the favour of His Holy Word in Man.