ਹਮ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਨਹ ਆਗੈ ਜਿਉ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਖੈ ਤਿਉ ਠਾਢੇ ॥
ham jaani-aa kachhoo na jaanah aagai ji-o har raakhai ti-o thaadhay.
I know nothing, and I do not know the future; as the Lord keeps me, so do I stand.
ਹਮ ਭੂਲ ਚੂਕ ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਹੁ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੁਤਰੇ ਕਾਢੇ ॥੪॥੭॥੨੧॥੫੯॥
ham bhool chook gur kirpaa Dhaarahu jan naanak kutray kaadhay. ||4||7||21||59||
For my failings and mistakes, O Guru, grant me Your Grace; servant Nanak is Your obedient dog. ||4||7||21||59||
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
I know nothing, and I cannot see what is coming; however the One keeps me, that is how I stand. For all my failings, give me your grace -- I am your faithful dog.
I know nothing of the future -- I simply stand where the One keeps me.
Radical humility and surrender (cf. whichever way you turn me): I know nothing, as You keep me, I stand. The self-image of the obedient dog -- utterly loyal, claiming nothing -- is the posture grace meets. Not-knowing is held without anxiety.
A Question to Sit With
Can not-knowing the future ever feel peaceful rather than frightening?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI
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