Sohila is a sacred lullaby from the soul to the mind, gently wrapping up the day by embracing its joys, potentials, and challenges. It offers a sense of closure, allowing you to awaken refreshed and ready for a new beginning, not by planning ahead, but by finding peace in the present moment's end.
Imagine the day winding down, the sun's final rays casting a warm, golden hue over the horizon. The air is still, carrying a sense of calm, as if the world itself is exhaling a gentle sigh. You sit quietly, letting the last moments of the day drift away, and a soft, sacred melody begins to play. It’s a lullaby, soothing and tender, whispered by the soul directly to your mind.
The Sohila envelops you, delicate and serene, gathering all the experiences of the day—the small victories, the fleeting joys, the burdens and struggles—and holds them gently, acknowledging each one without judgment. It’s like a warm embrace, cradling your thoughts, easing the tensions that have woven themselves into your being.
In this stillness, your mind rests, ready to drift into sleep, knowing that tomorrow will come in its own time. For now, there is only this sacred lullaby, guiding you into a serene pause, inviting you to let go and awaken anew with a sense of renewal and peace.

The Source

Sohila originates from the tradition of Gurmat Kirtan, a philosophy and practice of composing the mind through sound started by Guru Nanak Sahib in the late 15th century in the Panjab region of India. When the tenth Guru of the Gurmat tradition, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, finalized Siri Guru Granth Sahib as the living scripture of eternal wisdom, he highlighted the composition of Sohila from Guru Arjan Sahib’s compilation of the Aad Granth. It is sung when the hustle and bustle of the day ends, with all its highs and lows, its discouragements and inspirations, when it’s time to reflect and bring our senses to neutrality.

Shaan

The opening Shaan, an instrumental composition, serves to attune the mind to the upcoming conversation with the soul. Its rhythmic elements give voice to the wandering thoughts of the mind, gradually bringing them to the center and opening the mind’s heart to the wisdom of the Sabd. Before we are ready to truly wind down and drift into peaceful sleep, it's time to listen to the mind's voice. Composed in Raag Gaurree Deepkee, the musical mood that opens the Sohila, the Shaan initiates an inner conversation in an inspiring light.

Sabds and Raags of Sohila 

Sohila is structured in five Sabds (poetic conversations with the mind) by three authors, Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Ramdas Ji, and Guru Arjan Sahib. They are presented in four different Raags, finely composed musical moods, especially selected to support the process of reflection and falling asleep in a natural and healthy way.

Raag Gaurree Deepkee: Reflective Inspiration 

Raag Gaurree Deepkee opens the Sohila, setting a reflective tone for this sacred lullaby. As night falls, this Raag encourages us to pause and look back on our day, gently guiding the mind to focus on the highlights—those moments of joy, success, and growth. It inspires a sense of gratitude, humbling the mind by reminding it of the blessings received. Rather than fixating on what went wrong or what could have been, Gaurree Deepkee directs attention to the positive, drawing inspiration from even the smallest successes. It’s a call to end the day feeling uplifted, allowing this inspiration to carry forward into rest and rejuvenation.

Raag Aasaa: Clarity 

Raag Aasaa infuses Sohila with a mood of courage and inner strength. It is a Raag that ignites an unstoppable drive, brimming with energy and determination. Aasaa propels the mind forward, empowering it to embrace challenges head-on with purpose and resilience. Rooted in clarity, this mood instills a sense of readiness and excitement for the future, motivating the mind to embrace each new opportunity with enthusiasm. Its role in Sohila is to quietly remind us that, with a clear vision and determined heart, tomorrow holds endless possibilities.

Raag Dhnaasree: Assurance 

Raag Dhnaasree brings a deep, calm assurance to Sohila. It is a mood of unshakable confidence—an inner knowing that all is well because the divine resides within. There is no need to boast or prove this; it simply flows naturally, manifesting as peace and ease. Dhnaasree supports the mind in trusting that the day has unfolded as it should, and whatever remains unfinished or challenging will find its resolution. By infusing this assurance, the Raag provides comfort, helping the mind settle into rest without lingering fears or doubts, secure in the knowledge that everything is happening as it is supposed to be.

Raag Gaurree Poorbee: Reviewing

Finally, Raag Gaurree Poorbee appears twice in Sohila, reinforcing the importance of introspection and learning. This Raag encourages us to look back on our day—not with judgment or regret, but with a balanced perspective. It’s a mood that promotes understanding, urging the mind to learn from both successes and mistakes. Gaurree Poorbee brings a gentle reminder that every experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to growth. By reflecting on these moments with clarity, we are inspired to learn, adapt, and continue evolving. This twice-emphasized presence in Sohila highlights the value of consistent self-improvement, ensuring that the reflections of today shape a wiser, more resilient self for tomorrow.

Raag Gaurree Poorbee: Reflecting

The closing Sabd of Sohila by Guru Arjan Sahib, the fifth Guru, in Raag Gaurree Poorbee, provides a fresh perspective and inspiration for the possibilities of tomorrow. It’s like sitting at the end of the day, saying goodnight to our dearest companion, our mind, before drifting to sleep. Through this evening reflection, we create a sense of closure for the day we’ve journeyed through. By consolidating our experiences and viewing them with inspiration, we prepare ourselves for a new day filled with opportunities for growth. In this reflective moment, we nurture the bud of tomorrow with gratitude and insight, welcoming the coming possibilities with an open and balanced heart.