The Mool Mantra by Guru Nanak begins with Ik Onkar or Ek Onkar, Satnam, There is One Sound in all, Transcending Everything.
Transcend the Mind and the Universe is yours – Guru Nanak Dev ji. The great Guru, mystic, sage, philospher and poet, who during his time was known as Baba Nanak Dev was born in Talwandi (now) Nankana, Pakistan in 1469. Over a span of twenty years, Baba Nanak Dev made four separate yatras – journeys, traveling extensively throughout Asia, from the core center of Hindus along the river Ganges at Hardwaar to the revered home of the Muslims, Mecca.
During these yatras he encountered and enjoyed discourses with sages, sadhus, yogis, pandits, scholars and emperors. He was a free-spirited, care-free wanderer, who loved to sing and share his understanding of the Universal Laws of the seen and unseen world. He was a non-conformist who denounced traditional dogma, formal religious ritualistic worship, the caste system and was a strong proponent of equality for women and free thought. He had a great insight to the sacred mystery of life which he expressed in various ragas – musical compositions.
Baba Nanak Dev lived harmoniously with nature till the age of 70. His writings reflect experiences of the beauty in the cosmos, love, compassion ways to overcome suffering to live a peaceful and compassionate life. He also showed us ways to resolve the conflict of duality in our minds by understanding and balancing the five great emotional states: desire, anger, greed, attachment and pride. To him material security was always transient and dispensable, but spiritual security always consistent and was not effected with time.
Below is an interpretation the foremost section (MOOL MANTRA – root mantra) of the sacred text (Jap) written by Baba Nanak Dev. This passage allows one to focus energy to the inner self. It connects the outside world to the inside. These passage is not only a prayer, but a practical guide to Conscious living, an inspiration for all of us to experience the beauty of Grace and to have a complete Cosmic experience.
Ik Onkaar, Satnaam Karataa Purakh, Nirabho Niravair,
Akaal Moorat Ajoonee, Saibhan Gurprasaadh ||
There is A Universal Sound resonating as the Absolute Truth.
This creative force is without fear and prejudice, Transcends mortality and reincarnation,
Become this Truth, allow Grace to unveil your Darkness.||
Jap || Recount And Meditate:||
Aadh Sach Jugaadh Sach ||
Absolute Truth has existed from the beginning.
Hai Bhee Sach Naanak Hosee Bhee Sach ||1||
Truth exists now and Nanak says
Truth will prevail in the future ||1||