Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Even the gods and goddesses of the old stories can be pulled along by Maya — the dazzling show of the world that makes passing things look permanent. What stays untouched is the One: Imperishable, unseen, beyond all our measuring. Turning toward the teaching is what steadies us in that.
This one says that even the mightiest can be dazzled by the passing show of the world.
Maa-i-aa, or Maya, is the shimmering show that makes passing things look solid and lasting. Think of a soap bubble shining with colors. It looks bright and real, and then it is gone.
Maa-i-aa mohay dayvee sabh dayvaa — all the goddesses and gods are charmed by Maya. Nanak is being evenhanded here. If even the gods feel the pull, no one is above it. So no one needs to feel singled out as weak.
Kaal na chhodai bin gur kee sayvaa — without serving the Guru, death does not let go. Serving the Guru means letting the teaching turn you toward the One who does not change. Then the dazzle loses its grip.
Oh abhinaasee alakh abhayvaa — only That One is abhinaasee (never ending), alakh (unseen), and abhayvaa (a mystery no one can crack open).
What is something shiny that once seemed like it would matter forever, but faded?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI