Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
There are things that trap us. Confusion is a deep well we fall into. Always wanting more is sticky mud. Clinging too hard is a snare pulled tight.
Only the great Teacher of the world, the One who holds the whole universe, can cut us free. So let your heart come to rest at that Teacher's lotus feet.
This verse names three traps that hold us, and the One who can set us free.
The pictures are vivid. Bharam kee koo-ee — confusion is a well you can fall into. Trisnaa ras pankaj — always wanting more is sticky mud. Trisnaa means a thirst that is never satisfied. Moh kee faas — clinging is a tight snare, like a loop set to catch a bird. Moh means clinging too hard to people and things.
Who can cut all three? Kaatanhaar jagat gur gobid — the One who cuts them is the Teacher of the world, the Keeper of the universe. So the advice is gentle. Charan kamal taa kay karahu nivaas — make your home at those lotus feet. That means letting your heart come to rest in that teaching. Think of a kite string tangled in a tree. Pulling harder only tightens the knot. A patient helper sets it free.
Which trap do you notice most — getting confused, always wanting more, or holding on too tight?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI