Sikhism·Raag Gauree·Shabad 312
Verse 4 of 7

Enjoy the Pleasures, but Hold Them Lightly

ਹਾਥਿ ਤ ਡੋਰ ਮੁਖਿ ਖਾਇਓ ਤੰਬੋਰ ॥
haath ta dor mukh khaa-i-o tambor.
They hold the string of the kite in their hands, and chew betel leaves in their mouths,
ਮਰਤੀ ਬਾਰ ਕਸਿ ਬਾਧਿਓ ਚੋਰ ॥੩॥
martee baar kas baaDhi-o chor. ||3||
but at the time of death, they shall be tied up tight, like thieves. ||3||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

One hand flying a kite, mouth busy chewing a treat, the whole day spent in little pleasures — and then, at the end, tied to it all, unable to let go. It is easier to carry a light heart when we do not clutch too tightly at passing things.

Enjoy the passing pleasures — just hold them lightly enough to let them go.
The deeper layer

Enjoy the good things in life, but hold them lightly.

Haath ta dor mukh khaa-i-o tambor — a kite string in the hand, a betel leaf to chew in the mouth. Tambor is betel leaf, a treat people chewed. These are pictures of a life full of little fun things.

Martee baar kas baadhi-o chor — at the end, they are tied up tight, like thieves. It is a strong picture. Its point is clinging. It shows how hard it is to let go of what we held too tightly. It is not about being punished.

Think of a kid holding a kite string so tight it cuts into their hand. The kite is wonderful. Just do not let the string tie you up. Enjoy the kite, and keep your grip loose.

A Question to Sit With

What is something you enjoy that you could hold a little more lightly?

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI

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