Some things are so wonderful that no words can hold them. You simply take shelter and rest.
The Arc
Guru Arjan opens with a confession that lands like a bow: the One's greatness cannot be put into words, so he lets go of all else and simply takes shelter. In short, ringing couplets he sings the infinite lotus-feet a heart falls in love with, the boat of the good that carries us across, the string of love that ties the mind to the One, the wonder of gazing on God and tasting perfect delight. Those who keep the One in mind live safe and fearless, undisturbed by any terror. The Merciful One is 'held' by the love of those who love; even the old scriptures cannot map the mystery, yet quiet sages serve it gladly. He ends worn out at the door, bowing again and again, asking only to become the dust of good company -- and trusting the wish will be granted.
Key Vocabulary
upmaa -- praise; here, praise so great it cannot be spoken
charan kamal -- the lotus-feet, a loving image of the nearness of the One
naav sant -- the boat of the good ones, which ferries the heart across
bismaad -- wonder, awe, being amazed
anhat bain -- the unstruck word, a music heard within
Themes and Cross-Connections
Praise beyond words; refuge as rest; love pictured as lotus-feet, a boat, a string; wonder and perfect delight; and safety and fearlessness for the heart that keeps the One in mind. Guru Arjan's short lines give the hymn a clean, chiming momentum.
For Raag Bilaaval
Bilaaval's brightness suits Guru Arjan's crisp, joyful couplets of praise and refuge.
Translation Notes
Pauri 5's 'never go to hell' and 'never see the Messenger of Death' are rendered as living safe, fearless, and at peace, keeping the reassurance while dropping the terror imagery, per the project's wellbeing rules.
Some things are so wonderful that no words can hold them. You simply take shelter and rest.
The Arc
Guru Arjan opens with a confession that lands like a bow: the One's greatness cannot be put into words, so he lets go of all else and simply takes shelter. In short, ringing couplets he sings the infinite lotus-feet a heart falls in love with, the boat of the good that carries us across, the string of love that ties the mind to the One, the wonder of gazing on God and tasting perfect delight. Those who keep the One in mind live safe and fearless, undisturbed by any terror. The Merciful One is 'held' by the love of those who love; even the old scriptures cannot map the mystery, yet quiet sages serve it gladly. He ends worn out at the door, bowing again and again, asking only to become the dust of good company -- and trusting the wish will be granted.
Key Vocabulary
Themes and Cross-Connections
Praise beyond words; refuge as rest; love pictured as lotus-feet, a boat, a string; wonder and perfect delight; and safety and fearlessness for the heart that keeps the One in mind. Guru Arjan's short lines give the hymn a clean, chiming momentum.
For Raag Bilaaval
Bilaaval's brightness suits Guru Arjan's crisp, joyful couplets of praise and refuge.
Translation Notes
Pauri 5's 'never go to hell' and 'never see the Messenger of Death' are rendered as living safe, fearless, and at peace, keeping the reassurance while dropping the terror imagery, per the project's wellbeing rules.
Last updated: 2026-07-08