Sikhism·Raag Gauree·Shabad 134
Verse 2 of 5

To Be Allowed to Serve Is Itself a Gift

ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪੂਰਨ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥
paarbarahm pooran gurdayv.
O Supreme Lord God, O Perfect Divine Guru,
ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਲਾਗਉ ਤੇਰੀ ਸੇਵ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
kar kirpaa laaga-o tayree sayv. ||1|| rahaa-o.
show mercy to me, and commit me to Your service. ||1||Pause||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

O boundless One, perfect guide — show me your kindness, and let me take up the joy of serving you.

To be allowed to serve something good is itself a gift worth asking for.
The deeper layer

This one asks for a gift: the chance to serve.

This is the Rahao, the "pause" line. It is the center of the shabad. Paarbarahm pooran gurdayv — Supreme One, perfect divine Guru. Kar kirpaa laaga-o tayree sayv — be kind, and let me be joined to Your service. Sayv means service, helping with love.

Notice what is asked for. Not riches, not rest, but service itself. Being allowed to serve is treated as a kindness you receive, not a weight you carry. Think of a child asking, "Can I help stir the pot?" Getting to help is the treat.

A Question to Sit With

What is something you are glad you get to help with, not just have to?

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

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