Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Without the Guru's teaching, how can anyone find wisdom?
Without seeing, tell me, how can anyone hold the One in meditation?
Without a holy fear of the One, a deep awe, all talk is wasted.
Nanak says: this is the wisdom of the One's Court.
Wisdom comes through the Guru, and it begins in awe.
Bin gur deekhi-aa kaisay gi-aan: without the Guru's teaching, how can there be wisdom? Bin bhai kathnee sarab bikaar: without bhai, all talk is useless. Bhai is often translated "fear of God"; here it is the hush of awe that comes over you before something vast. Kaho naanak dar kaa beechaar: this is the wisdom of the Court, and it begins in wonder.
What fills you with awe — the good kind that makes you go quiet?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI