Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O mortal, remember the One in meditation. Your life is passing by!
Without the true Word, you will never be set free, and your life will go to waste.
Your life is passing, so remember the One now; the true Word is what sets you free.
This is the rahaa-o, the "pause" line, the center of the shabad. Paraanee har jap: O mortal, remember the One. Janam ga-i-o: life is going by. Saach sabad bin kabahu na chhootas: without the true Word, you will never be released. Birthaa janam: a life gone to waste.
The words are strong, and they come from care. Think of a coach calling out as the clock runs down: there is still time, so use it well.
What is one small thing you could do today that your future self would thank you for?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI