Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Sometimes we grab tight to things that do not feed us. We push away the sweetness that would.
We get pulled by wanting, by anger, by grabbing for more, and by picking others apart. And we let go of truth and contentment, which were right there.
Holding on to what hurts us, and pushing away what helps, is a strange trade.
Sanch bikhi-aa means gathering poison. Amrit is nectar, the sweet drink that gives life. Picture someone filling their lunchbox with candy wrappers and throwing out the actual lunch.
Then the verse names the pulls that do this. Kaam is strong desire, wanting too much. KroDh is anger. Lobh is greed, always grabbing for more. Nindaa is putting other people down behind their backs. With those in charge, sat santokh, truth and being content, get pushed aside.
These are habits to heal, the way a bad cold gets better. They are not crimes to be punished.
Is there something you cling to that does not make you feel good?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI