Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
In this kind of mix-up, the whole world loses its way, and the treasure of this life slips past unnoticed.
Sometimes what is true and good doesn't feel appealing, while what only looks sweet quietly pulls us in.
We can love the presents so much that we forget the One who gives them — and forget how short and precious this life is.
It is easy to love the gift and forget who gave it.
This is the Rahao, the "pause" line at the center of the shabad. Aisay bharam bhulay sansaaraa — in this kind of mix-up, the world has lost its way. Janam padaarath kho-ay gavaaraa — the treasure of this life slips by unnoticed. Padaarath means treasure. The verse says this gently.
The heart of it is one line: daat pi-aaree visri-aa daataaraa — the gift is loved, and the Giver is forgotten. Daat is a gift, and Daataar is the Giver. Think of a birthday. You tear open the present, run off to play, and forget to hug the person who gave it. The verse is a tender reminder, not a telling-off.
When you get a gift you love, how often do you think about the person who gave it?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI