Salok Vaaraan Te Vadheek (Mehl 1), Salok 7 — Walk the Straight Path
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O my mind, do not wobble or wander onto the crooked path; run on the straight and true one.
A frightening tiger is behind you, and a pool of fire is ahead.
My heart is stuck in doubt, and I can see no other way to go.
Nanak says: turning to the Guru, we are set free — staying close to the Beloved One.
When fear presses in from both sides, staying close to the Beloved is the way through.
Ray man deeg na dolee-ai: O mind, do not waver. Paachhai baagh, a tiger behind, aagai agan talaa-o, a pool of fire ahead: a picture of the mind trapped between fears, with sahsai, doubt, and no way out it can see.
The way out comes in the last line: gurmukh chhutee-ai, turning to the Guru we are freed, har pareetam si-o sang, in the company of the Beloved One.
When your mind starts to panic and spin, what helps you find the straight, steady path again?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI