Japji Sahib

Japa (Sanskrit: जप) means the recitation of a mantra. The Sanskrit word japa is derived from the root jap-, meaning "to utter in a low voice, repeat internally, mutter". Following are some accepted meanings of Jap: • A conventional meaning for Jap(u) is to recite, to repeat, or to chant. • Jap also means to understand. Gurbani cites Aisa Giaan Japo Man Mere, Hovo Chakar Sache Kere, where the word Jap means to understand wisdom. ==Content==

with Bhai Bala to side with a fly-whisk, circa 19th century. The Mul Mantar is inscribed to the left. The Japji Sahib’s first stanza or pauri states that one cannot be cleaned or stay clean by repeatedly taking bath at holy sites as the thoughts are not clean, by silence alone one cannot find peace as the thoughts come one after another in our mind, by food and all material gains alone one cannot satisfy one's hunger, to be purified one must abide in love of the divine. The Guru's shabda (word) is the protecting sound and wisdom of the Vedas, the Guru is Shiva, Vishnu (Gorakh) and Brahma, and the Guru is mother Parvati and Lakshmi. All living beings abide in Him. Verse 6 to 15 describe the value of listening to the word and having faith, for it is the faith that liberates. Verse 30 states that He watches all, but none can see Him. God is the primal one, the pure light, without beginning, without end, the never changing constant, states Hymn 31. ==Japji Sahib and Jaap Sahib==

The Guru Granth Sahib starts with Japji Sahib, while Dasam Granth starts with Jaap Sahib. The text includes Arabic and Persian words for God such as Allah and Khuda. The Japu Sahib includes a mention of God as wielder of weapons, consistent with the martial spirit of Dasam Granth. == Gallery ==

File:Japji Sahib composition of Guru Nanak inscribed on a plate of the 'Charaina' (translates to “four mirrors”) body armour worn by Guru Gobind Singh in the battle of Bhangani, ca.1688.jpg|Japji Sahib composition of Guru Nanak inscribed on a plate of the 'Charaina' (translates to “four mirrors”) body armour worn by Guru Gobind Singh in the battle of Bhangani, ca.1688 File:Guru Nanak with Japji Sahib inscribed all over.jpg|Artwork of Guru Nanak with Japji Sahib inscribed all over == References ==