Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
When I ask, I ask only from the One.
I have nothing to do with any other gods.
When you need something, ask the One alone.
This is the rahaa-o, the "pause" line at the center of the shabad. "ja-o jaacha-o ta-o kayval raam" — whenever I ask, I ask only from Raam, a name for the One. "aan dayv si-o naahee kaam" — I have no business with other gods.
Kabir is not putting down the many figures he just named. He is pointing past them all to the one Source they all come from. Think of a big family kitchen with many helpers. You thank each of them, but you know where the food comes from. This line is a turn toward the One, never a jab at anyone.
When you need help most, who or what do you turn to first?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI