Savaiye in Praise of Guru Arjun, the Fifth (Bhatt Kall), Verse 4 — the wondrous play, the blessing handed down
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The Sovereign One has staged a deep and wonderful play. Contentment was gathered in, and clear, pure understanding was poured into the True Guru.
Kal says: I sing the praise of the One who was never born and exists on its own.
Guru Nanak blessed Guru Angad, and Guru Angad blessed Guru Amar Das with the treasure.
Guru Ram Das blessed Guru Arjun, who touched the stone that turns iron to gold, and was proven true.
The blessing of the Gurus passes from one to the next, like a baton in a relay race, all inside a deep, wonderful play staged by the One.
Khayl goorha-o kee-a-o har raa-ay means the Sovereign One has staged a deep, wondrous play. In it, contentment was gathered, and clear, pure understanding was poured into the Guru.
The bard Kal praises the One who is aajonee sambhvi-a-o, never born and existing on its own. This keeps the formless One in view, even while he praises a person.
Then comes the chain of blessing. Guru Nanak blessed Guru Angad. Guru Angad blessed Guru Amar Das with the treasure. Guru Ram Das blessed Guru Arjun.
It ends with paaras paras parmaan: Guru Arjun touched the Philosopher's Stone and was proven true. In old stories, that stone turned plain metal into gold. It is an idea a child can hold: touching what is true changes you.
What is a good quality someone passed to you just by being close to them?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI