Raag Aasaa
Commentary

Raag Aasaa, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

The company of the holy is exalted; in it I sing of the One every hour and moment, walking, sitting, sleeping — for I am small and You are great, and Nanak seeks Your sanctuary.

The Arc

The Pause (Pauri 0): the Sangat is sublime; I sing of the One every moment. Pauri 1: walking, sitting, sleeping, I chant; I treasure His Feet. Pauri 2: I am small, You are great — Nanak seeks Your sanctuary.

Key Vocabulary

  • the exalted Sangat: holy company that sustains the constant song
  • praise in every posture: walking, sitting, sleeping — remembrance as the whole life
  • small and great: the soul's true proportion, leading to refuge

Themes and Cross-Connections

Continual praise "walking, sitting, sleeping" is the everywhere-remembrance of B00C786, sustained in the Sat Sangat. "I am small, You are great" rightly felt is the upside-down vessel humility that opens into saran (B00C831, the worthless soul).

For Raag Aasaa

Aasaa's hope is the small soul's continual song in great company, ending in refuge. The mood is humble and devoted.


Last updated: 2026-06-28

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