Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The eyes cannot see, and the body grows weak. Old age has won, and death waits close by.
Beauty, color and the fun of life do not last. How can anyone slip free of death's net?
Bodies grow old and good looks fade, so the heart looks for what lasts.
Nainee darisat nahee: the eyes lose their sight. Jar jeeti-aa: old age wins. Sir kaalo: death waits overhead. Roop rang rahas: beauty, color and pleasure do not stay. Then comes the question: ki-o chhodai jam jaalo, how does anyone get free of death's net?
Growing old is nothing to be ashamed of. Think of a favorite pair of sneakers that wear out. You loved them, and they could not last forever. The verse turns your heart toward what does last.
What is something in your life you hope will still matter to you when you're old?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI