Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O blind one, what have you gained by coming into the world?
The One is not in your heart, and you do not serve the Guru. You will leave having lost even what you came with, like a trader who goes home with an empty purse.
Keep the One in your heart and serve the Guru, so your life gathers what lasts.
This is the rahaa-o, the "pause" line, the center of the shabad. Andhulay ki-aa paa-i-aa jag aa-ay: O blind one, what did you gain by coming into the world? It is a strong question, and an honest one.
Chaalay mool gavaa-ay: leaving with your starting money spent. Picture a trader who comes to the market with a full purse and goes home with nothing in it. Toys and trophies stay behind. The One kept in your heart and the service you give are what you gather.
If toys and trophies get left behind, what's worth gathering that doesn't?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI