Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Even the highest and most dazzling realms people can imagine are not permanent — nothing built there lasts forever. Without love for the One, there is no lasting peace, and the heart that turns away keeps drifting, coming and going.
This one says even the grandest places do not last; only being near the One is steady.
Siv puree barahm indar puree — the realms of Shiva, Brahma and Indra. These are great, honored figures in Hindu tradition, and their realms are pictured as places of wonder. Guru Arjan names them with respect, not to belittle them. He uses them to make a point his listeners would feel: nihchal ko thaa-o naahi — no place is nihchal, unchanging. Even the most glorious realms anyone can picture will pass.
Only nearness to the One is steady. Think of the biggest sandcastle on the beach. It is beautiful, but the tide comes in. Bin har sayvaa sukh nahee — without serving the One, there is no peace.
Saakat means someone turned away from the Source. The word describes a restless condition, coming and going. It is met with understanding, not contempt.
What in your life feels permanent that actually changes — and what feels truly steady?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI