Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
There is only One. And the One is found by the True Guru's grace — a gift that is always here, waiting for an open heart.
The things you pile up will one day be left behind — like straw you gathered that blows away.
These tangles will be no use to you, and it's easy to pour love into what can't come along, and to mistake what troubles you for a friend.
We often love the things that cannot stay, and miss what helps for good.
The shabad begins with the opening blessing that names the One Creator and the true Guru's grace. Then it names a common mix-up. Chhod jaahi say karahi paraal — you gather paraal, straw, that you will have to leave behind. Jo bairaa-ee say-ee meet — what works against you, you treat as a meet, a friend.
Think of filling your room with prizes from every fair and party. One day you move house, and none of it comes along. The verse is a gentle wake-up call, not a scolding.
What is something you once wanted that doesn't seem so important now?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI