He dwells in the home of his own self, and appears beautiful forever; meeting him, Nanak finds peace. ||2||
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
In plain words
Wanting quiets down, the small demands of the mind grow still, and the pure Name settles inside.
Awake and aware, day and night, the heart drinks in a quiet sweetness.
Its words come out gentle and kind, and the praise keeps rising through the day.
It lives at home in its own being, lovely and settled. Nanak says: meeting such a person, I find peace.
When wanting grows quiet, you finally feel at home inside your own self.
The deeper layer
A Guru Amar Das shalok, one of the Vaar's most peaceful. Kaal maar (conquering death) is read as the ego going quiet, not literal dying. Nij ghar vaasaa -- "dwelling in the home of one's own self" -- is a favorite Gurbani image for having stopped wandering and come home within. The outward fruit follows: meethaa bolay -- the settled heart speaks sweetly; inner peace becomes gentleness toward others. And such a person's mere company brings peace -- goodness is contagious.
A Question to Sit With
When do you feel most “at home” in yourself -- completely at ease, not performing for anyone?
