Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The whole world is like cattle that have strayed.
O God, please cut Nanak's bonds, and unite him with Yourself.
This one uses a picture from the farm: the whole world is like cattle that have wandered off.
Jaisay pas harhi-aa-o taisaa sansaar sabh — "as cattle that have strayed, so is the whole world." They have drifted from the herd, lost and far from home. Then Nanak prays: naanak banDhan kaat milaavhu aap parabh — "O God, cut Nanak's ropes and bring him to Yourself."
A lost calf does not find its own way back. The farmer goes out and brings it home. In the same way, the soul does not untangle itself. It asks the One, like a caring shepherd, to cut the tangle and gather it home.
When you feel you've wandered off, what helps you find your way back?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI