Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
One alone is the Doer behind everything that happens, the cause behind every cause.
That One is wisdom itself, the clear seeing inside all seeing -- never far away, always near, right here with everyone. So sing to the True One with love.
This one says the One is near, with everyone, the wisdom inside all wisdom.
The last verse gathers the whole shabad into praise. Karan karaavan sabh kichh aykai — the One is the Doer and the Cause of everything. It is Guru Arjan's name for the One acting through every action.
Aapay budh beechaar bibaykai — the One is also the wisdom, the thinking, and the clear judgment we imagine are our own. Budh is wisdom, and bibayk is telling right from wrong.
Then the tender ending. Door na nayrai sabh kai sangaa — not far, but near, with everyone. The shabad began with pride making us strangers. It ends with the Beloved sitting beside every person. Think of looking all over the house for your glasses, then finding them on your head.
The last instruction is simple. Sach saalaahan naanak har rangaa — praise the True One, O Nanak, with love.
If the most wonderful thing were always right beside you, how would you want to greet each day?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI