Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The one who carries this treasure marked upon them turns naturally toward the One. So around the clock, sing what is good and true — and I would gladly give myself for such a person.
Guru Arjan ends by honoring anyone who lives in the Name, with deep humility.
Jaa kai maathai ayhu niDhaan — the one who has this treasure on the forehead. The maathaa, the forehead, is where old tradition said a person's destiny was written. Here the writing is grace: a readiness to turn toward the One.
Aath pahar means around the clock, all eight watches of the day. It returns here as the rhythm of a whole day given to remembering.
Then comes ha-o tis bal jaa-o — I would give myself for that person. This is Guru Arjan's great humility. He does not bow up to a king. He bows sideways, to anyone who lives in the Name. Think of a star player who cheers loudest for the quiet teammate who always shows up and does the work.
Is there someone whose steady goodness you admire enough to want to be a little more like them?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI