Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Giving up tasty food, comfort, and pleasure, some have thrown off their clothes and wear animal skins instead.
Those who bear pain, soaked in Your Name, have become beggars at Your door.
This one is about how hardship only matters if it brings you to the One's door.
Saad sahj sukh ras kas tajee-alay — some gave up tasty food, comfort, and fun. Kaaparh chhoday chamarh lee-ay — they threw away their clothes and wore animal skins.
Guru Nanak describes these people who choose a hard, simple life without making fun of them. But look at the second line. It quietly shifts the focus. Naam ratay darvays bha-ay — soaked in Your Name, they became humble beggars at Your door.
What matters is being filled with the Name, the loving remembrance of the One. It matters that you come to the One's door with open hands.
Hardship on its own is not praised. It only has meaning if it brings the soul, empty-handed and humble, to the One. Think of a long hike. The tiring climb is not the prize. The view at the top is. Going without, just to go without, is not the point. Coming humbly to the right door is.
What is the difference between doing something hard to show off and doing it for love?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI