Sikhism·Raag Basant·Shabad 58
Verse 2 of 5

A Parent Who Doesn't Wait for Perfect

ਪਿਤਾ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਧਨੀ ॥
pitaa paarbarahm parabh Dhanee.
My Father is the Supreme Lord God, my Master.
ਮੋਹਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਹੁ ਨਿਰਗੁਨੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
mohi nistaarahu nirgunee. ||1|| rahaa-o.
I am unworthy, but please save me anyway. ||1||Pause||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

My Father is the Supreme One, my Master.

I have no good qualities to show, but please carry me across anyway.

A true parent does not make you earn your way home first.
The deeper layer

The One is your Father, and even with empty hands you can ask to be carried across.

This is the rahaa-o, the pause line, the center of the shabad. Pitaa paarbarahm means the Supreme One is my Father, like a parent to me. Parabh Dhanee means the Master who looks after me.

Mohi nistaarahu nirgunee means please carry me across, though I have no good qualities to show. It is like a child who brings home a messy drawing and is hugged anyway. A loving parent does not wait for perfect. The answer to empty hands is a welcome, not a scolding.

A Question to Sit With

When have you been welcomed even though you felt you had nothing to offer?

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI

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