Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
People have grown tired of fasting, of vows, and of strict self-control.
Nanak lives with God, in the shelter of the Saints.
Hard self-control can wear you out. Staying close to good people and the One brings you home.
Varat naym sanjam kar thaakay — people grow tired from fasting, from keeping vows and from strict self-control. They try so hard, and the effort leaves them worn out, still hungry inside.
Naanak saaDh saran prabh sang vasai — Nanak lives with God, in the shelter of the Saints. The Saints are good people who remember the One. Think of a runner pushing alone on a treadmill, getting nowhere, versus someone who simply walks home with friends. Another shabad in Raag Aasaa makes the same point. Shelter in good company does what tiring effort alone cannot.
Have you found refuge and good company more nourishing than sheer effort?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI