Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Even if someone once spoke against the Guru and then comes seeking the Guru's shelter,
the Guru forgives what is past and gathers them warmly into the Sangat.
It is like rain. The water in ditches and streams and ponds all flows into the great river. Flowing in, it becomes clean and pure.
This is the greatness of the Guru, who holds no grudge at all. Meeting the Guru, the endless hunger settles, and a deep peace arrives at once.
Nanak says: behold this wonder of my True King -- everyone is glad with the one who trusts the Guru.
The True Guru holds no grudge, and forgives anyone who comes back.
This is the last pauri of the Vaar, by Guru Ram Das. Earlier verses spoke of people who found fault with the Guru. Here they get their answer, and it is kindness.
Ko-ee nindak hovai satguroo kaa fir saran gur aavai — if someone slandered the True Guru and then comes back for shelter. Nindak means someone who speaks against another. Pichhlay gunah satgur bakhas la-ay — the True Guru forgives the past wrongs. They are welcomed into the satsangat -- the Sangat.
If someone is being unkind to you or hurting you, that is never something you have to accept. Telling a grown-up you trust is always the right thing to do.
Then comes a lovely picture. Rain falls. Water from dirty ditches and little streams flows into the great river, the Ganga, and becomes clean. That is change, not punishment.
Nirvair means without any enemy, holding no grudge. That is the Guru's greatness. Meeting such a Guru, the hunger of wanting settles, and peace comes at once.
The Vaar ends on wonder, not on a verdict against anyone. Everyone is glad with the one who trusts the Guru.
Is there someone you could welcome back, or forgive, the way the river takes in every stream?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI