Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Wake up your own mind first, and understand the One for yourself. You can try to teach the whole world, but if no one is listening, start with your own heart — for the one who understands within finds a lasting peace.
This one says: wake up your own heart first.
It is a wise, practical verse. Aapnaa man parboDhahu boojhhu so-ee — teach your own mind, and understand the One for yourself. Lok samjhaavhu sunay na ko-ee — you may preach to other people, but no one will listen.
If no one listens, do not lose heart, and do not force it. The work begins at home, in your own heart. This is Guru Amar Das gently correcting the eager fixer who wants to change everyone. Change yourself first. Think of a kid who keeps telling everyone to clean up while their own desk is a mess. Tidying your own desk teaches more than any speech.
Gurmukh samjhahu sadaa sukh ho-ee — the one who understands within finds peace that lasts. The quietest teaching is a changed life, not a loud sermon.
Is it easier to tell others what to do, or to actually change something in yourself? Why?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI