The Source Book On Sikhism

1.7 The Arrangements of the Hymns Given in Guru Granth Sahib.

The order of the poetry listed in Guru Granth Sahib is as follows:

I - Japji Sahib (pp 1-8)

It is a long poem consisting of:

a preamble - the Mool Mantar (the basic doctrine) - one verse.

2 Sloaks - one in the beginning just after the preamble - one verse.

one at the end - one stanza of six verses, and 38 Pauris.

Japji is one of the most important BANI (composition) listed in Guru Granth Sahib. Every Sikh recites this Bani early in the morning. The main theme of this Bani is:

a. How the distance between God and Man can be eliminated.

b. What is 'Hukam' (God's Order)?

c. What are the ways to understand and execute God's Orders.

d. What are the different divisions of life? How can a person enter the kingdom of God?