Sikhism·Raag Aasaa·Shabad 145
Verse 1 of 5

Be Fully Engaged Outside, Anchored Deeper Within

ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
aasaa mehlaa 5.
Aasaa, Fifth Mehl:
ਸਾਚਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗਾ ॥
saach naam mayraa man laagaa.
My mind is attached to the True Name.
ਲੋਗਨ ਸਿਉ ਮੇਰਾ ਠਾਠਾ ਬਾਗਾ ॥੧॥
logan si-o mayraa thaathaa baagaa. ||1||
My dealings with other people are only superficial. ||1||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

My mind is bound to the True Name;

my dealings with others are only on the surface.

Be fully engaged on the surface while your heart is anchored deeper.
The deeper layer

You can take part fully in the world while your heart stays anchored in the One.

Guru Arjan describes a person living an ordinary family life. Saach naam mayraa man laagaa — my mind is joined to the True Name. Logan si-o mayraa thaathaa baagaa — my dealings with people are on the surface.

This does not mean cold or fake. It means the deepest part of the heart is given to the One, while the everyday part deals kindly with the world. Think of a boat tied to a strong anchor. On top it bobs and moves with the waves. Down below it is held firm.

A Question to Sit With

Can you be warm with everyone while keeping your heart rooted in one thing?

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI

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