Savaiye in Praise of Guru Amar Das (by the bard Salh), Verse 21 — the battle fought and won inside
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Wearing the armor of deep stillness, the Guru rides the saddled horse of wisdom.
He holds the bow of dharma, of doing right, in his hands, and shoots the arrows of devotion and gentle goodness.
He is fearless, standing in awe of the eternal One. He has driven the spear of the Guru's Shabad into his mind.
He has cut down the five troublemakers inside: wanting, anger, greed, clinging and pride.
Guru Amar Das, son of Tej Bhaan of the Bhalla family, blessed by Guru Nanak, is the master of kings.
Salh says the truth: O Guru Amar Das, you have beaten the army of wrong by fighting the battle this way.
The bravest battle is the one fought inside, and every weapon in it is a virtue.
The Guru wears the armor of deep stillness (samadhi), rides the horse of wisdom, holds the bow of dharma, and shoots arrows of devotion and humility; the spear of the Guru's Shabad is thrust into his own mind. The five he cuts down (panch doot) are the inner pulls: desire, anger, greed, attachment and pride. Guru Amar Das is named as son of Tej Bhaan of the Bhalla clan, blessed by Guru Nanak. The bard is Salh.
Which inner enemy — a quick temper, greed, showing off — would you most like to grow calm about?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI