Sikhism·Raag Bilaaval·Shabad 147
Verse 3 of 3

Fearless and Close

ਅਚਲ ਅਮਰ ਨਿਰਭੈ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਓ ਜਗਤ ਜਾਹਿ ਹੈਰਾਨੋ ॥
achal amar nirbhai pad paa-i-o jagat jaahi hairaano.
He obtained the immovable, eternal state of fearlessness, and all the world was amazed.
ਨਾਨਕ ਕਹਤ ਭਗਤ ਰਛਕ ਹਰਿ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਤਾਹਿ ਤੁਮ ਮਾਨੋ ॥੨॥੧॥
naanak kahat bhagat rachhak har nikat taahi tum maano. ||2||1||
Says Nanak, the Lord is the Saving Grace and the Protector of His devotees; believe it - He is close to you. ||2||1||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

That child grew into someone so steady inside that nothing could shake him -- calm, unafraid, at home in himself -- and everyone around was amazed.

Nanak says, the One who guards those who love Him is near. Trust it: that One is right here, close beside you.

Steadiness comes from knowing the One is always close.
The deeper layer

The one who loves becomes fearless, and the One is close.

Achal amar nirbhai pad paa-i-o — he reached a state that is steady, lasting, and fearless. Nirbhai means without fear. Jagat jaahi hairaano — the whole world was amazed.

Naanak kahat bhagat rachhak har — Nanak says, the One protects those who love. Nikat taahi tum maano — believe it, the One is close to you. Nikat means near.

This is a comforting ending. It is about nearness and care, not judgment. Think of a lighthouse keeper watching the boats at night. The keeper is always there. You only need to look toward the light.

A Question to Sit With

What helps you feel steady when things around you feel wobbly?

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI

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