Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Rank and good looks will not travel with you to the next world.
As the deeds you do here, so you become.
Through the Word you rise to the highest of the high. Says Nanak: such a soul melts into the True One.
This one says rank and looks stay behind, but who you have become goes with you.
This line answers the rejected bride and all her fine clothes. Aagai jaat roop na jaa-ay — your place in society and your good looks do not go with you after this life.
What goes with you is your character. Tayhaa hovai jayhay karam kamaa-ay — you become what you do. The things you do each day shape who you are.
Think of moving to a new school. You cannot bring your old trophies or your spot on the team. But you bring your kindness, your honesty and your habits. Those came with you because they are part of you.
Sabday oocho oochaa ho-ay — through the Word, a person rises to the highest of the high. Then, says Nanak, that person melts into the True One.
If only your character went with you, what would you want it to look like?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI