Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The One guards the good name of the saints, loves those who love, and makes them part of the family.
Nanak says: I have come to the shelter of the Life of the world, and in kindness the One keeps me safe.
Those who come for shelter are taken in as family. Bhagat vachhal means the Lover of devotees. Vachhal is the tender love a mother cow has for her calf. Angeekaar kara-ee-aa — the One makes them His own, like being hugged into the family. Sant janaa kee har paij rakhaa-ee — the Lord protects the honor and good name of His people.
Then Guru Ram Das, who signs as Nanak like all the Gurus, speaks of himself. Naanak saran paray jagjeevan — Nanak has come to the shelter of the Life of the world. Har har kirpaa dhaar rakha-ee-aa — in mercy, the Lord keeps him safe.
Think of a child who has lost his way at a fair, and then feels a parent's hand take his. The whole hymn was heading here. It ends in being taken in, not left out.
When has someone made you feel like you belonged?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI