Introduction To The Book 'Sukhamani Sahib - Fountain Of Eternal Joy' By Swami Rama 

Sukhamani Sahib: Fountain of Eternal joy has also been called the Psalm or Prayer of Peace. It is a beautiful and inspiring hymn composed by Sri Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh guru. Guru Arjan Dev lived from 1563-1606. He was himself the compiler of the Holy Granth Sahib, the Bible of the Sikhs, and the poem/hymn called Sukhamani forms one part of the Granth Sahib. The Sikh Gurus following Guru Nanak used "Nanak" as their nom de plume, since it is believed that Guru Nanak reincarnated himself in the gurus who came after him.

The hymn Sukhamani is composed of twenty-four cantos, each of which is followed by eight stanzas. The poem is traditionally recited early in the morning by all devout Sikhs, and inspires and elevates the heart. It is a lofty and soaring statement of the beauty of the Divine in all things, and as such, soothes the mind and provides solace for those who feel themselves tossed by the storms and winds of life.

And yet, this beautiful and inspiring poem was written by a man who was no stranger to pain and life's suffering. He lived in the world, married and raised a family, and was active as a leader to his people during a time of great opposition and strife. He saw the suffering of his people and lived without indulgence or wealth. He also initiated projects to end their suffering. His notion of peace was not one of escapism from the issues of life, nor was it one of sloth or weakness--he fought injustice and was ultimately martyred for his purpose. His affirmation of joy and peace in life inspires the reader.

It is the practice of remembering the Name of the Divine that brings this peace, tranquility, and contentment to the seeker and aspirant. It is establishing oneself firmly in the practice of the Name that has the power to trans­form the human personality and character. This is a universal Truth of all the great teachings, which is ex­pressed beautifully by Guru Arjan Dev in Sukhamani Sahib. Inner joy and contentment are the basis for all external unity and peace in life. The human being yearns always and ever for this transforming joy and sense of oneness. We live in a world which often seems to focus on conflict and differences between human beings, communi­ties or nations. Let Sukhamani Sahib remind us of that level at which all human experience is One and all discord ceases. When each human being realizes and experiences this purity and union within his own mind and heart then, in truth, will we "love all and exclude none."

K. S. Duggal

New Delhi