Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
How long must you hunt for ankle-bells and cymbals, how long must you play the guitar?
In the brief instant between coming and going, I simply meditate on the Name.
Life is too short to spend it all getting ready.
Guru Ram Das compares a performer who is always preparing with a person who remembers the One right now. Kab ko bhaalai ghunghroo taalaa — how long will you hunt for ankle-bells and cymbals? How long will you play the rabaab, a stringed instrument?
Aavat jaat baar khin laagai — the time between coming and going is only a moment. That is our life, short as a blink. And in that moment, the devotee is already remembering the Name. Think of someone who spends the whole beach day setting up the umbrella and chairs. The sun sets before they ever touch the water. You do not need to set anything up to love the One. It can happen now.
What have you been "getting ready" to do that you could simply start now?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI