Raag Aasaa
Commentary

Raag Aasaa, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan), Dupadas

The One beholds whatever we do in secret and knows all ahead of time; denial changes nothing, for our actions bind us and we become joined to whatever we cling to — so the wise plea is simply, forgive me.

The Arc

Pauri 0: You see what we do in secret; the fool denies, but his actions bind him. The Pause (Pauri 1): God knows all ahead of time; hidden deeds must finally be confessed. Pauri 2: you become joined to what you cling to — forgive me, Nanak is a sacrifice.

Key Vocabulary

  • nothing hidden: the One beholds secret deeds and knows all in advance
  • actions bind: deeds tie the doer whether admitted or denied
  • joined to what you cling to: you become your attachments
  • the plea for forgiveness: confession over self-justification

Themes and Cross-Connections

"You behold what we do in secret" is the heart-searcher before whom the counterfeit coin is exposed (B00C767). "You become joined to what you cling to" is moha — attachment as self-shaping (B00C724, "what you plant you become"). The closing plea is Gurprasad — mercy, not excuse.

For Raag Aasaa

Aasaa's hope is honest before a One who misses nothing: stop denying, ask forgiveness, and be taken in. The mood is candid and humble.


Last updated: 2026-06-28

Read this shabad →
← Back to Raag Aasaa