Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
I have heard the old books that sort people into ranks and stages of life — and it only makes me thirstier to see the One directly.
For the One has no shape, no outline, and is not made of the elements the world is made of — the One never fades.
The old rule books about ranks in society only make you thirstier to see the One directly.
Baran aasram saastar sun-o — I listen to the Shaastras, old Hindu books of rules. They teach about baran, the four classes of society, and aasram, the four stages of a person's life. Darsan kee pi-aas — and I grow thirsty for the sight of the One.
The point is not to put down any book. It is that rules about rank cannot bring you face to face with the One. Think of reading every page about the ocean. It still makes you want to go and stand in the waves yourself.
Roop na raykh na panch tat — the One has no shape, no outline, and is not made of the five elements that make up the world: earth, water, fire, air and sky. Thaakur abinaas — the Master never fades. The One stands beyond every rank the world dreams up.
Have you ever noticed people being sorted into ranks in a way that felt unfair?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI