Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Sometimes a person lets the loud voice of "me, me, me" run their whole life — always grasping, always proving, never at rest. Living that way is exhausting, like walking a long road and never stopping for water.
A heart cut off from the Oneness stays thirsty no matter how much it grabs, because it is looking for peace in the one place it cannot be found. Nanak says: it is simply what comes of chasing the wrong thing. The thirst is a signpost, gently pointing us back toward the well.
A heart that lives only for "me" stays thirsty no matter how much it grabs, and that thirst is a gentle signpost back to the One.
This Shalok names the cost of haumai, the loud sense of "me." Ha-o ha-o karat bihaanee-aa — a life spent saying "me, me." The verse calls such a person saakat, one turned away from the One, and mugaDh ajaan, not knowing. Heard gently, this describes a heart that is cut off and unaware. It is not a label to throw at anyone.
The stark line is rharhak mu-ay ji-o tarikhaavant — suffering like someone dying of thirst. Its teaching is about a living thirst that no grabbing can quench. Think of drinking salt water. The more you drink, the thirstier you get.
Naanak kirat kamaan — this comes from the deeds one has done. It is held as a result, not a condemnation. The thirst is a signpost pointing back to the well. Ego is something to heal.
When you notice yourself grasping and still feeling restless, what do you think you are thirsty for?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI