The first Aasaa shabad of the Ninth Master: the greedy mind runs in all directions and is made a beggar by its chasing, losing this human life in vain — why not turn, even now, and sing the One's praises?
The Arc
This opens the Ninth Mehl (Guru Tegh Bahadur) in Aasaa. The Pause (Pauri 0): to whom can I tell the mind's condition? — engrossed in greed, running in ten directions. Pauri 1: chasing pleasure brings pain and servility, wandering door to door like a dog. Pauri 2: this human life lost in vain, unashamed — why not sing the One's praises and be rid of the body's evil disposition?
Key Vocabulary
Ninth Mehl: Guru Tegh Bahadur, whose voice is sober and searching
the mind running in ten directions: greed scattering the soul
made a beggar by chasing: pleasure-seeking leading to servility (cf. B00C846)
this human life lost in vain: the squandered chance (cf. B00C848)
Themes and Cross-Connections
Guru Tegh Bahadur's characteristic theme — the restless, greedy mind and the squandered human life — joins the Panch Vikaar and the prize of human life (B00C848, B00C754). "Wandering like a dog" begging recalls B00C846 (begging from beggars). The remedy, "why not sing?", is Naam.
For Raag Aasaa
Aasaa's hope, in the Ninth Master's sober voice, is a turning still possible: even the wasted life can sing. The mood is searching and urgent, opening Guru Tegh Bahadur's Aasaa.
The first Aasaa shabad of the Ninth Master: the greedy mind runs in all directions and is made a beggar by its chasing, losing this human life in vain — why not turn, even now, and sing the One's praises?
The Arc
This opens the Ninth Mehl (Guru Tegh Bahadur) in Aasaa. The Pause (Pauri 0): to whom can I tell the mind's condition? — engrossed in greed, running in ten directions. Pauri 1: chasing pleasure brings pain and servility, wandering door to door like a dog. Pauri 2: this human life lost in vain, unashamed — why not sing the One's praises and be rid of the body's evil disposition?
Key Vocabulary
Themes and Cross-Connections
Guru Tegh Bahadur's characteristic theme — the restless, greedy mind and the squandered human life — joins the Panch Vikaar and the prize of human life (B00C848, B00C754). "Wandering like a dog" begging recalls B00C846 (begging from beggars). The remedy, "why not sing?", is Naam.
For Raag Aasaa
Aasaa's hope, in the Ninth Master's sober voice, is a turning still possible: even the wasted life can sing. The mood is searching and urgent, opening Guru Tegh Bahadur's Aasaa.
Last updated: 2026-06-28