Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Imagine someone watching the road for a beloved who is far away, eyes brimming, breath catching with longing.
Her heart aches, but she will not turn back — she keeps watching, sure that one day she'll see the One she loves.
This one says longing is a kind of love that waits patiently and never gives up.
Kabir uses a very old picture: someone watching the road for the one they love. This is called viraha, the ache of being apart from the Beloved. Panth nihaarai kaamnee lochan bharee lay usaasaa — the bride watches the path with tear-filled eyes, sighing.
The longing is strong, even tearful. But notice the strength inside it. Pag naa khisai — her feet do not turn back. This is not sad and helpless. It is faithful, patient hope that will not give up. Think of a child at the window, waiting for a parent to come home from a long trip. Every car could be the one.
In Gurbani, longing for the One is itself a kind of love. It is the ache that keeps the heart pointed toward home.
Have you ever waited a long time for someone you love? What kept you hopeful?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI