Raag Aasaa
Commentary

Raag Aasaa, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

Remembering the One removes suffering; He is companion within and without, the cool Name quenching the inner fire — and becoming the dust of the Saints' feet brings peace, poise, and bliss.

The Arc

Pauri 0: remembering Him removes suffering; meditate with folded hands. The Pause (Pauri 1): all beings belong to Him, the Truest of the True. Pauri 2: companion within and without; adoring Him cures the mind. Pauri 3: the cool Name quenches the inner fire; the Savior saves even from the fire of the womb. Pauri 4: becoming the dust of the Saints brings peace; the Guru resolves all affairs.

Key Vocabulary

  • the cool Name: water on a burning mind, quenching the inner fire (cf. Shabad 122)
  • companion within and without: the One present in heart and world (cf. Shabad 145)
  • adoration cures: devotion as medicine for the sick mind
  • the dust of the Saints: humility bringing peace and resolved affairs (cf. Shabad 116)

Themes and Cross-Connections

"The cool Name quenches the inner fire" joins the fever-cooled shabads (Shabad 122, Shabad 169); "saves from the fire of the womb" recalls Shabad 128. "Companion inwardly and outwardly" is the immanence of Shabad 145. Peace through "the dust of the Saints" is Sat Sangat humility (Shabad 116).

For Raag Aasaa

Aasaa's hope is cooling and healing: the Name as cool water, the One as companion within and without, humility resolving all. The mood is soothing and settled.

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