Sikhism·Raag Bilaaval·Shabad 35
Verse 5 of 5

Held Safe in the Name

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਪਹਿ ਜਨ ਨਾਮ ॥
kaho naanak jaapeh jan naam.
Says Nanak, the humble devotees chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord.
ਤਾ ਕੇ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਮ ॥੪॥੧੩॥੧੮॥
taa kay nikat na aavai jaam. ||4||13||18||
The Messenger of Death does not even approach them. ||4||13||18||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

Nanak says: the humble ones keep the Name close, and live wrapped in a quiet safety.

Fear cannot get a grip on them — even the biggest fears keep their distance, because their hearts are already at rest in the One.

A heart resting in the One is a heart that fear cannot rattle.
The deeper layer

Those who keep the Name close are promised safety.

Kaho naanak jaapeh jan naam — Nanak says the humble ones keep the Name close. Taa kay nikat na aavai jaam — jaam, death's messenger, does not even come near them.

Put simply, fear cannot get a grip on them. Their hearts are already at rest in the One. Think of a child asleep in the back seat on a long drive home. The road is dark, but they rest, because someone they trust is driving.

A Question to Sit With

What helps you feel calm when you are scared?

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

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