Raag Aasaa
Commentary

Raag Aasaa, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

Gather the wealth fire cannot burn and water cannot drown — it never runs out, never deserts you, enriches the whole world from one heart, and is the only ornament that goes with you at the last moment.

The Arc

Pauri 0: the perfect wealth received by the One's self-revealing. The Pause (Pauri 1): fireproof, flood-proof, faithful wealth. Pauri 2: inexhaustible and uniquely satisfying. Pauri 3: the true banker gathers it at home, and the whole world profits. Pauri 4: received by destiny, it is the soul's only ornament at death.

Key Vocabulary

  • the imperishable wealth: fireproof, flood-proof, never deserting (cf. B00C731)
  • inexhaustible and satisfying: consumed, it brings contentment not more hunger
  • the true banker: the soul whose inner wealth enriches the whole world
  • the only ornament at death: the Name as what crosses the final threshold

Themes and Cross-Connections

This shabad develops the theft-proof wealth of B00C731, adding loyalty (it never deserts) and the social note that one soul's wealth lets "the whole world profit" (cf. B00C673, saving the family). "Satisfied the more you eat" pairs with B00C721's never-satiating praise. "The only ornament at death" is the Naam as what survives death.

For Raag Aasaa

Aasaa's hope is the one secure, shareable, undying wealth. The mood is warm and generous — a banker urging his siblings to gather a treasure that grows by being shared and lasts past death.


Last updated: 2026-06-28

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