Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O Creator, You are the Master of everyone.
When one strong man strikes another strong man, no one's heart is especially troubled by it —
A fight between two equals is one thing. Hurting someone who can't fight back is far worse.
This is the Rahao, the "pause" line at the center of the shabad. Guru Nanak begins: O Creator, You are the Master of all. Then, jay saktaa saktay ka-o maaray taa man ros na ho-ee — if a strong person strikes another strong person, no one feels much grief. Saktaa means strong or powerful.
Why not? Because both of them can stand up for themselves. Think of two players of the same size in a tough game. It is a fair match. Guru Nanak is setting up the next part, where the fight is not fair at all.
What is the difference between a fair contest and an attack on someone who cannot defend themselves?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI