Gaathaa, Salok 24 — sweet things that fade like quick dye
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
People get lost in sweet words and pleasures that fade fast, like the bright dye of the safflower.
Nanak says: then sickness, sorrow and being apart from loved ones come, and they find no peace, not even in their dreams.
Some sweet things fade fast, and chasing only them leaves a person without peace.
Sukhayn bain means sweet, pleasant words. The verse puts them beside other quick pleasures and compares them to kasumbh, the safflower. Its bright red dye looks wonderful, but it washes out fast in the sun.
Think of a new phone game that feels exciting for a week and then feels empty. The verse says what can follow: sickness, sorrow, and being apart from those we love. A person who lives only for quick pleasures finds no rest, not even in dreams.
The peace that stays is quieter. It comes from the One, and it does not wash out.
What is something sweet that faded — and something peaceful that has stayed?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI