Sikhism·Raag Gauree·Shabad 169
Verse 4 of 5

A Life Turned Toward the One Carries a True Mark

ਪਤਿ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਸਚੁ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥
pat parvaan sach neesaan.
His honor is acknowledged, and he bears the True Insignia;
ਜਾ ਕਉ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਫੁਰਮਾਨੁ ॥੩॥
jaa ka-o aap karahi furmaan. ||3||
the Lord Himself issues His Royal Command. ||3||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

When a life is turned toward the One, its worth is recognized and it carries a true mark of belonging — like a royal seal that says "this one is genuine." That mark is given by the One's own word.

A life turned toward the One carries a true mark that says it is genuine.
The deeper layer

Pat parvaan means "honor accepted, approved." Sach neesaan is the "true insignia" — a seal or stamp of authenticity, like the mark a sovereign puts on something to show it is real and protected. Furmaan (from Persian farman) is a royal decree. The image is of a person's life being stamped as genuine — not by their own effort or reputation, but because the One issues the word. It's the opposite of counterfeit: real, recognized, belonging.

A Question to Sit With

What makes something feel real and genuine to you, rather than fake or just for show?

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

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