Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The Guru planted wisdom in my mind; I rejoice that I shall not return again, having found poise and the treasure within.
I have let go of all the chasing of my mind's wishes.
So long, so very long my mind has thirsted.
Reveal Your sight, show Yourself to me.
Nanak, meek as he is, has come to Your shelter; take me into Your embrace.
After a long, long thirst, the soul asks only to be held.
The verse starts with good news. Gur gi-aan man drirh-aa-ay — the Guru has planted wisdom firmly in my mind. The endless coming back is over. The soul has found calm and the treasure inside. It has let go of chasing every wish of the mind.
Then comes an honest cry. Chir chir chir chir bha-i-aa — it has been so long, so long, so long, so very long. The mind feels a great thirst. This ache of being apart from the One is called viraha. It is like missing a parent who has been away on a long trip.
The plea is tender. Naanak deen saran aa-ay gal laa-ay — Nanak, humble, has come to Your shelter; hold me close. The long thirst is not answered with a prize. It is answered by being hugged.
What is the longing you've carried so long that you most want answered?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI