Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
So this is my prayer: be kind to me, You who hold up the whole world. Just a little closeness to good people is all the treasure I need.
In the company of the true teaching, what's precious stays safe and whole. And so I stay awake — kept alert by the love of the One.
This one is a prayer: be kind to me, and keep me awake with Your love.
Kar kirpaa mohi saaringpaan — have mercy on me, Sustainer of the world. Santan Dhoor sarab niDhaan — the dust of the feet of the good is all the treasure I need. That means being humble, and close to good people. Saabat poonjee satgur sang — in the company of the True Guru, the poonjee stays whole. Poonjee is capital, the savings you trade with. Naanak jaagai paarbarahm kai rang — Nanak is awake in the love of the Supreme One. Rang means color, and love.
So staying awake is not willpower alone. The watching and the good company the shabad asks for are held together by love for the One. Love is what keeps a heart awake. Think of how easy it is to stay up late, waiting for someone you love to come home.
What keeps you "awake" and caring, even when it would be easier to drift?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI