Ang 537556

Raag Bihaagraa

The Commentary

Raag Bihaagraa's Chhant section opens with this hymn by Guru Ram Das (the raag itself begins earlier, with Guru Arjan's and Guru Tegh Bahadur's shabads), addressed throughout to meri jindurhiye, "O my dear soul." Pauri 0 sets the practice: say the priceless Name, taste its sweetness (har ras), and above all steady the wandering mind. Pauri 1 turns to reunion — bichhurat maylaa, separated so long then met, held in a loving embrace, the anhad (unstruck music) beginning inside. Pauri 2 longs for the good company that turns us home and for the shelter (sarnaae) of the One. Pauri 3 closes with the raag's signature tenderness: the soul without the One is the lotus without water, drooping — but joined again by grace, it blossoms (vigaas).

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