Salok Vaaraan Te Vadheek (Mehl 1), Salok 29 — Riches Without Peace
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
What are the signs of a rich man? His stores of food never run out.
Riches live in his home, full of the voices of girls and women.
All the women of his house cry and fuss over useless things.
Whatever he takes, he never gives back; earning more and more, he stays troubled and uneasy.
Having a lot is not the same as being at peace.
The salok, a short verse, asks a question. udosaahai ki-aa neesaanee — what are the signs of a rich house? The food never runs out. The rooms are busy and loud. From outside it looks like success.
But look inside. There is fussing and crying over things that do not matter. The owner keeps taking and never gives back. He tries to earn more and more, and he is always sahamee, uneasy.
Picture a kid with a full shelf of toys who still cannot enjoy one, because he is busy wanting the next. A full pantry and a worried heart can live in the same house. The trouble is grabbing without giving.
Have you ever seen someone who had lots of things but still did not seem happy, and what do you think was missing?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI