Sikhism·Raag Gond·Shabad 26
Verse 4 of 5

Gathered Close in an Embrace

ਜੋ ਜੋ ਸਰਣਿ ਪਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ॥
jo jo saran pa-i-aa har raa-ay.
Whoever enters the Sanctuary of the Sovereign Lord
ਸੋ ਦਾਸੁ ਰਖਿਆ ਅਪਣੈ ਕੰਠਿ ਲਾਇ ॥
so daas rakhi-aa apnai kanth laa-ay.
- He saves that slave, hugging him close in His embrace.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਕਰੇ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
jay ko bahut karay ahaNkaar.
Whoever takes great pride in himself,
ਓਹੁ ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰੁਲਤਾ ਖਾਕੂ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੩॥
oh khin meh rultaa khaakoo naal. ||3||
in an instant, shall be like dust mixing with dust. ||3||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

Whoever comes into the shelter of the One,

is gathered close, held in a warm embrace.

And puffed-up pride, held tight, simply crumbles away,

the way a fistful of dust slips through your fingers.

Come to the shelter and you're gathered close; pride crumbles like dust in your hand.
The deeper layer

The Guru says that whoever comes to the One is held close in a warm hug.

Jo jo saran pa-i-aa har raa-ay — whoever comes into the shelter of the One. The word is "whoever." The door is open to everyone.

Apnai kanth laa-ay means hugging close to the neck. It is one of the most tender pictures in the Guru's words. Think of a parent picking up a child who ran to them after a scary dream. That is how the One holds us.

Then the verse speaks of pride. Khin meh rultaa khaakoo naal — in a moment, it turns to dust mixed with dust. Pride feels big, but it cannot hold on to anything. It is a lesson for our own hearts. It is never a wish for anyone to fall.

A Question to Sit With

When has letting go of needing to be right actually made you feel lighter?

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

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