The Essence of Japji

The original Punjabi text of the Japji is exquisitely written and it is impossible to translate it without some loss. An effort, however, has been made in these passages to present to the public a literal translation of the text. Where the reader 'might lose the true import, recourse has been made to a free rendering. The japji deals with the practical aspect of the problem of spirituality more than with mere theory. It is not merely a work of literature. Earlier translations into English have tended to ignore this end and have often failed to convey the true import of the original. In these pages an effort has been made to concentrate upon the message that Japji contains rather than to indulge in a literary show. It has been prepared keeping in view that it will help all men irrespective of the religion that they may profess. True religious thought is ingrained in the hearts of all beings, it is inherent and appears in the form of search after Peace Everlasting and Joy Supreme. When this awakening comes to man from within, he takes to the religious pursuits as prescribed by one or other form of religion. He also begins a keen and passionate study of the holy scriptures. These are the elementary steps towards God-realization and are necessary. But he who does not go beyond this stage, thinking it to be the be-all and end-all of religion, never enters the realm of higher consciousness. There are primary means. He has to advance a step further, to quiet the spiritual unrest of his mind.