XIV
By obeying Him man's path is not obstructed ;
By obeying Him man departeth with honour and distinction ;
By obeying Him man proceedeth in ecstasy [1] on his way ;
By obeying Him man formeth an alliance with virtue -
So pure is God's name -
Whoever obeyeth God knoweth the pleasure of it in his own heart.
XV
By obeying Him man attaineth the gate of salvation ;
By obeying Him man is saved with his family ;
By obeying Him the Guru is saved, and saveth his disciples ;
By obeying Him, O Nanak, man wandereth not in quest of alms[2]-
So pure is God's name -
Whoever obeyeth God knoweth the pleasure of it in his own heart.
XVI
The elect[3] are acceptable, the elect are distinguished ;
The elect obtain honour in God's court ;
The elect shed lustre[4] on the courts of kings.
The attention of the elect is bestowed on the one Guru.[5]
If any one say he can form an idea of God, he may say so,
- ↑ Magun. This word is understood to be for magan. Those who read magu na translate-
(a) By obeying Him man proceedeth not by the path of destruction.
(b) Man proceedeth by the broad, not the narrow way. - ↑ This is explained to mean does not wander in transmigration.
- ↑ Panch, literally five. The number conveys the idea of selection. There is a Hindustāni proverb, Pānchon men Parameshwar hai, Where five are assembled, God is in the midst of them. Others say that panch refers to the five classes of persons previously mentioned those who walk according to God's will, who know Him to be true, who praise Him, who hear His name, and who obey Him.
- ↑ This is the interpretation of sohahi given by Bhai Chanda Singh in his commentary on the Granth Sāhib.
- ↑ The elect have one God as their Guru or spiritual guide, and meditate on Him.
