Raag Gauree
Commentary

Raag Gauree Maalaa, Chaupada, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

Shelter in the One steadies you while the glitter of things keeps you stumbling; wealth never stills the waves of wanting, craving burns without satisfying — so keep the Name close and stay near good people, the true ground of peace.

The Arc

The rahao (Pauri 0): refuge in the One saves; chasing maa-i-aa leaves people falling. Pauri 1: even the great scriptures conclude that remembrance of the One liberates. Pauri 2: the wealth of all worlds cannot still the waves of greed. Pauri 3: craving is a fire that burns without being satisfied. Pauri 4: keep the Name close and dwell in good company — the essence of perfect peace — humbly, as the dust of the humble ones' feet.

Key Vocabulary

  • sarnee: sanctuary, refuge — the shelter of the One that steadies
  • maa-i-aa: the glittering, shifting show of things — not evil, but not solid ground
  • lahray: "waves" — greed rising and falling, never still
  • jalto jalto: "burning and burning" — craving as a fire that consumes without satisfying
  • jan kee dhooraa: "the dust of the humble ones' feet" — the chosen low place as true greatness

Themes and Cross-Connections

This shabad works the trisnaa / Naam contrast central to philosophy.md: the waves of greed and the fire of craving versus the steady ground of devotion. It also enacts Radical Inclusivity and respectful engagement with other scriptures — the Hindu texts are cited approvingly, their own deepest conclusion enlisted. The closing jan kee dhooraa embodies the humility that Gurbani makes into greatness.

Interfaith Note

Pauri 1 cites the Shaastras, Simritis, and Vedas with full respect, appealing to their own conclusion rather than dismissing them. The move is inclusive, not polemical — the great sages of that tradition are enlisted as witnesses to the same truth.

For Raag Gauree

Gauree's grave, reflective mood suits this calm diagnosis of restless wanting and its steady cure — sober analysis warming into the friendly counsel of the close.

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