Raag Bilaaval
Commentary

- Raag Bilaaval, Dupda, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

Real learning begins with being humble enough to receive it.

The Arc

The Rahau asks for the kindness of a lowered head among the wise -- to be near them, to sit in their dust. The first verse settles the teacher's word in the heart and sends off the five inner thieves, letting doubt burn away like fragrant incense. The close accepts whatever comes as good, sets down the two-mindedness, and asks the Giver for good company.

Key Vocabulary

  • santeh charan hamaaro maathaa: the forehead lowered where the good have walked
  • gur ko sabad mayrai hee-arai baasai: the teacher's word dwelling in the heart
  • taskar panch: the five inner thieves
  • bharmaa hom jarahu: doubts burning off like incense
  • so-ee bhal maanai: accepting what comes as good
  • dubidhaa: two-mindedness, set down

Themes and Cross-Connections

Humility, inner housekeeping, and trust: openness to learn, the quieting of craving/anger/greed/attachment/ego, and the relief of no longer being pulled two ways.

For Raag Bilaaval

Bilaaval's calm -- doubt turned fragrant, the mind settled among the good.

Last updated: 2026-07-08

Read this shabad →
← Back to Raag Bilaaval