Guru Nanak Dev Ji Quotes in Punjabi That Inspire a Better Life

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was a spiritual leader whose teachings have had a profound impact not just on Sikhs but also on people seeking wisdom and spirituality worldwide. Born in 1469 in a small village called Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan), Guru Nanak Dev Ji conveyed powerful messages about the oneness of God, humanity, equality, and the importance of leading a righteous life. His words, often documented in the Guru Granth Sahib, resonate deeply in Punjabi and inspire countless spiritual seekers.

This post dives into some of the most powerful Guru Nanak Dev Ji quotes in Punjabi, categorized by his key teachings that continue to offer timeless guidance for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Quotes in Punjabi 🙏✨

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, preached truth, equality, humility, and devotion to God. Here are some meaningful quotes in Punjabi from his teachings.

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1. God & Spirituality 🙌

• “ਇਕ ਓੰਕਾਰ, ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮ, ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖ, ਨਿਰਭਉ, ਨਿਰਵੈਰ।”
  (“There is only One God, His name is Truth, He is the Creator, Fearless, and Without Hate.”)
• “ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਜਹਾਜ਼ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਚੜ੍ਹੇ ਸੋ ਉਤਰੇ ਪਾਰ।”
  (“The Name of Nanak is like a ship; whoever boards it shall cross the ocean of life.”)
• “ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ, ਵੰਡ ਛਕੋ।”
  (“Work hard, meditate on God’s name, and share with others.”)

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2. Truth & Honesty 🛤️

• “ਸਚੁ ਖੰਡਿ ਵਸੈ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ।”
  (“Truth resides in the realm of God.”)
• “ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ, ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ।”
  (“Walk in harmony with God’s will, as ordained by Him.”)
• “ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ, ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲ।”
  (“Those who remember God’s name, their hard work never goes in vain.”)

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3. Equality & Humanity 🤝

• “ਨਾ ਕੋ ਹਿੰਦੂ, ਨਾ ਕੋ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ।”
  (“There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim—only God’s children.”)
• “ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ, ਕੌਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ।”
  (“From one light, the entire world was created; then who is good and who is bad?”)
• “ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ।”
  (“God is the giver of all beings, may I never forget Him.”)

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4. Humility & Selflessness 🌿

• “ਵਡਾ ਹੋਇ ਕੈ ਆਪੁ ਨਿਵਾਏ।”
  (“The truly great person is one who remains humble.”)
• “ਨਿੰਦਾ ਭਲੀ ਕਿਸੈ ਦੀ ਨਾਹੀ, ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੁਗਧ ਕਰੰਨ।”
  (“Slandering others is never good; only the foolish do it.”)
• “ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ, ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ।”
  (“Humility and sweetness are the essence of virtue.”)

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5. Hard Work & Honest Living 💪

• “ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ, ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ।”
  (“Earn through hard work and share with others; this is the true path.”)
• “ਜੇਹਾ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਲੁਣੈ।”
  (“As you sow, so shall you reap.”)
• “ਵਿਚ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ।”
  (“Live in this world by doing selfless service.”)

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6. Inner Peace & Devotion 🕊️

• “ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਜੋ ਅਨਹੋਨੀ ਹੋਇ।”
  (“Worry only about what is impossible to avoid.”)
• “ਤੂੰ ਦਰੀਆਉ ਦਾਨਾ ਬੀਨਾ, ਮੈ ਮਛੁਲੀ ਕਿਵ ਕਰਿ ਤੁਝੁ ਤਰੀ।”
  (“O God, You are the great ocean, and I am just a fish—how can I cross without You?”)
• “ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਬਖਸੇ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹ।”
  (“Only those whom God blesses can truly sing His praises.”)

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🙏 “ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ, ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ।” 🙏
(“By remembering God’s name, may we rise in positivity and may His blessings be upon all.”)

Quotes on the Oneness of God (Ik Onkar)

One of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s central messages is the concept of Ik Onkar, which means “There is One God.” This simple yet profound statement lays the foundation of Sikhism and serves as a reminder of universal unity and divine presence in every being.

Quote in Punjabi

“ਇਕ ਓਅੰਕਾਰ ਸਤਿਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ…”

Translation: “There is but one God. His Name is Truth; He is creative and fearless, without enmity or hate.”

By emphasizing the oneness of God, Guru Nanak Dev Ji provided an inclusive philosophy for humanity that transcends religion, caste, or creed. His teaching urges us to see all of creation as interconnected and divine.

Another spiritual message supports this idea of transcendent unity:

Quote in Punjabi

“ਨਾਨਕ ਦੁਖੀਆ ਸਭ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ।”

Translation: “Nanak says, the entire world is in torment.”

Guru Ji urges us to seek solace through the remembrance of God and understand that suffering stems from disconnection with the divine.

Quotes on Honest Living and Hard Work (Kirat Karo)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji encouraged practitioners of his faith to engage in honest labor and hard work, also known by the principle Kirat Karo. He believed in dignity and self-reliance through ethical means of earning a living, without resorting to deceit or exploitation.

Quote in Punjabi

“ਉਦਮੁ ਕਰੇਦਿਆਂ ਜਿਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿਉ ਤਦ ਸੂਖੁ ਪਾਏ।”

Translation: “By working hard and diligently, one enjoys true peace.”

This teaching inspires us to lead a life of integrity, contributing positively to society while earning our livelihood fairly. It’s a timeless reminder to young and old alike about the importance of dedication and sincerity in all endeavors.

Another quote reflects the value of honest living:

Quote in Punjabi

“ਮਿਠਤ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤ।”

Translation: “Humility and sweet speech are the essence of all virtues.”

Here, Guru Nanak Dev Ji Quotes in Punjabi also ties in humility as part of ethical living, addressing how our work and interactions should reflect inner goodness.

Quotes on Sharing with Others (Vand Chakko)

Generosity and community are integral to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy. Through Vand Chakko, he taught us to share what we have with those in need. His message promotes compassion, empathy, and the importance of building nurturing communities.

Quote in Punjabi

“ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ।”

Translation: “Earn by honest labor and share what you earn with others.”

This principle is practiced today through langar (communal kitchen), a beautiful tradition where free meals are served to all regardless of background. Sharing is not just a spiritual act but also a way of spreading love and equality among people.

Another quote adds to this sentiment:

Quote in Punjabi

“ਸਭਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਦੋਖੁ ਨ ਦੇਈਏ ਪੜਿ ਅਖਰਿ ਏਹੋ ਬੁਝੀਐ।”

Translation: “Do not blame others; look within to understand yourself.”

This reminds us that sharing and community are not just about wealth but also about kindness, understanding, and forgiveness.

Quotes on Remembering God (Naam Japna)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Quotes in Punjabi emphasized the importance of meditating on the Lord’s Name, a practice referred to as Naam Japna. Repeatedly remembering God is a way to cultivate inner peace and center oneself spiritually.

Quote in Punjabi

“ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੇ ਮਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਰਖੀਐ।”

Translation: “Whatever work you desire, focus your mind on God as you do it.”

This reminds us that spiritual mindfulness brings guidance and fulfillment, and it can be practiced while living our daily lives. Guru Nanak Dev Ji Quotes in Punjabi teachings encourage balance between worldly responsibilities and spiritual devotion.

Another poignant quote inspires the practice of remembering God:

Quote in Punjabi

“ਨਾਮ ਤੇਰੇ ਕੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਲਗਾਈ।”

Translation: “The light of Your Name burns brightly within.”

Through Naam Japna, one experiences the divine presence within, transcending material distractions and finding true contentment.

Quotes on Social Justice and Equality

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Quotes in Punjabi was a revolutionary thinker who spoke out against the rigid caste system, discrimination, and inequality prevalent in his time. He preached universal equality and advocated treating everyone with respect and love.

Quote in Punjabi

“ਨਾਰੀ ਪੁਰਖ ਸਬੈ ਸਮ ਜੋਤੀ।”

Translation: “Women and men are equal souls of divine light.”

His teachings have had a lasting impact on feminism and human rights, showing how inclusivity is deeply rooted in spirituality.

Another quote highlights Guru Ji’s commitment to equality:

Quote in Punjabi

“ਅਵਲਿ ਅਲਹ ਨੂਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਬੰਦੇ।”

Translation: “First, God created light; all humans are made from it.”

This poetic assertion reinforces the idea that, at our core, we are all the same, originating from the same divine source. Such teachings are especially relevant in today’s world, where prejudice and division still exist.

Relevance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Teachings Today

The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Quotes in Punjabi resonate as deeply today as they did centuries ago. Concepts like Ik Onkar, Kirat Karo, Vand Chakko, and universal equality continue to guide millions toward a life of meaning, service, and divine connection. His quotes in Punjabi not only retain their poetic beauty but also serve as actionable philosophies for individuals and communities alike.

Whether you’re seeking inner peace, trying to cultivate a sense of purpose, or wanting to create a more inclusive society, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings offer timeless wisdom.

Feeling inspired? Share these Guru Nanak Dev Ji quotes in Punjabi with your friends and spread his message of love, unity, and equality.