Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
It's easy for anyone, in any tradition, to mix up a reminder of the sacred with the sacred itself.
A carved thing made by human hands is only a pointer — it isn't the vast One it points to.
The real One has no shape you can hold; it lives everywhere and inside every heart.
So let the reminders point you home, but give your heart to the living One they point toward.
This one warns us not to mix up a reminder of the sacred with the sacred itself.
The verse speaks sharply to Hindus of Guru Nanak's time who worshipped carved stones. It says they have forgotten the First One. So it needs care, to stay fair.
The Gurus spoke against empty ritual wherever they found it, in Hindu practice and in Muslim practice alike. Another verse in this Vaar speaks to a Shaykh, a Muslim teacher. Aasaa ki Vaar, another long ballad, calls out hollow show in every tradition.
Guru Nanak's point is this. The One is Nirankaar, without any form. So nothing made by human hands can be the One. A carved stone is at most a reminder.
Think of a photo of your grandmother on the fridge. It helps you remember her. But you would never mistake the photo for her. You call her and hug her.
The verse ends with a picture. Ohi jaa aap dubay tum kahaa taranhaar — if the stones themselves sink, how can they carry you across? Don't confuse the pointer with what it points to. This is a caution for everyone, never contempt for Hindus or any people.
How is a photo of someone you love different from the person themselves?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI