Sikhism·Raag Bilaaval·Shabad 163
Verse 3 of 11

No One Can Erase What the One Writes

ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਉਪਾਇ ਆਪੇ ਸਭੁ ਵੇਖੈ ॥
sarisat upaa-ay aapay sabh vaykhai.
He created the Universe, and He Himself beholds all.
ਕੋਇ ਨ ਮੇਟੈ ਤੇਰੈ ਲੇਖੈ ॥
ko-ay na maytai tayrai laykhai.
No one can erase Your record, Lord.
ਸਿਧ ਸਾਧਿਕ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਕਹਾਏ ॥
siDh saaDhik jay ko kahai kahaa-ay.
If someone calls himself a Siddha or a seeker,
ਭਰਮੇ ਭੂਲਾ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਏ ॥
bharmay bhoolaa aavai jaa-ay.
he is deluded by doubt, and will continue coming and going.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੈ ਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਬੂਝੈ ॥
satgur sayvai so jan boojhai.
That humble being alone understands, who serves the True Guru.
ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੇ ਤਾ ਦਰੁ ਸੂਝੈ ॥੨॥
ha-umai maaray taa dar soojhai. ||2||
Conquering his ego, he finds the Lord's Door. ||2||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

The One made everything and watches over all of it. What is true and real cannot be rubbed out by anyone -- it holds.

You can give yourself grand titles, call yourself wise or holy, and still be lost if it is all just for show. The one who understands is the humble one who serves the Guru -- and when the me-first feeling quiets, the door opens.

Titles and showing off do not get you in -- humility opens the door.
The deeper layer

ko-ay na maytai tayrai laykhai -- no one can erase the One's record; a note of steadiness and reassurance. sidh saadhik -- those who claim spiritual titles (adept, seeker) but stay hollow; the verse prefers the humble follower. haumai maaray taa dar soojhai -- when ego quiets, the Door becomes visible: understanding is a matter of humility, not display.

A Question to Sit With

What is the difference between knowing something and just wanting to look like you do?

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

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