Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Each day and night, this life is quietly getting shorter — the time we have is precious and passing.
So, my mind, meet the Teacher, and let what truly matters get set right while there is time.
Our time is precious and it keeps moving, so use it for what matters.
This is the Rahao, the "pause" line. It is the center of the shabad, the idea the other verses circle. It is a gentle wake-up call, not a scare. A-odh ghatai dinas rainaaray — with each day and night, the span of life gets shorter. That is simply the truth about time.
The answer is not panic. It is purpose. Man gur mil kaaj savaaray — mind, meet the Guru, and let your real work be set in order. Kaaj here means the soul's true task.
Think of a lovely summer day at the beach. Someone who loves you says, "Come on, let's not spend it all on our phones." That is the tone here: caring, and a little urgent.
If today were unusually precious, what is one thing you'd want to make sure you did with it?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI