Sikhism·Raag Bhairao·Shabad 82
Verse 4 of 5

Watched Over, Breath By Breath

ਅਪਨੇ ਸੇਵਕ ਕਉ ਸਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਰੈ ॥
apnay sayvak ka-o sadaa partipaarai.
He Himself cherishes His servant forever.
ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੇ ਸਾਸ ਨਿਹਾਰੈ ॥
bhagat janaa kay saas nihaarai.
He watches over every breath of His humble devotee.
ਮਾਨਸ ਕੀ ਕਹੁ ਕੇਤਕ ਬਾਤ ॥
maanas kee kaho kaytak baat.
Tell me, what is the nature of human beings?
ਜਮ ਤੇ ਰਾਖੈ ਦੇ ਕਰਿ ਹਾਥ ॥੩॥
jam tay raakhai day kar haath. ||3||
The Lord extends His Hand, and saves them from the Messenger of Death. ||3||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

The One always takes care of the One's own servant, and watches over every breath of those who love the One.

So tell me, what can mere people do to them? The One reaches out a hand and keeps them safe, even from the messenger of death.

You are watched over, breath by breath.
The deeper layer

The One watches over every breath of those who love the One, and holds out a hand to keep them safe.

Apnay sayvak ka-o sadaa partipaarai: the One always cares for the One's servant. Bhagat janaa kay saas nihaarai: the One watches each breath of the devoted, the way a parent listens to a sleeping baby breathe. Maanas kee kaho kaytak baat: tell me, what can mere people do? Jam tay raakhai day kar haath: the One gives a hand and keeps them safe from jam, the messenger of death. Even the biggest fear of all is held in that hand.

A Question to Sit With

Who watches over you in small, steady ways you might not always notice?

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI

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