Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
I could rub sweet sandalwood oil on my arms, dress myself in silk and satin and turn every head. But without the Name of the One held in my heart — where would I ever find real peace?
Nice things are lovely, but they cannot give the peace that the Name gives.
Guru Nanak starts a question that comes back again and again in this shabad. Bin har naam kahaa sukh paava-o — without the One's Name, where will I find peace? Sukh means peace and deep happiness.
Cho-aa chandan ank charhaava-o — I may rub sandalwood oil on my body. Paat patambar pahir hadhaava-o — I may dress up in silk and satin. Every luxury is named, and then gently set aside. Think of a birthday with the best cake and the best presents, while you still miss your best friend. The finery is fine. It simply cannot give what only the Name gives.
What is something you thought would make you happy — until you got it?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI