Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
A person can run from one power to the next, chasing help here and help there.
They end up going in circles, like someone riding a donkey and kicking up dust, never arriving anywhere.
Namdev says that running to many helpers out of fear can leave you going in circles.
The verse names powers people ran to when they were scared. Bhairo was a fierce guardian god. Bhoot are spirits. Seetlaa was a goddess people linked with sickness. Then comes the picture: khar baahan uho chhaar udaavai — they ride a donkey and kick up dust.
Imagine riding a stubborn donkey round and round a dusty field. You work hard and get covered in dirt, but you never get home. Namdev is not making fun of anyone who is afraid. He sees that fear split in many directions never settles down. In the next line he offers one steady place to rest.
Have you ever run around looking for help everywhere and felt more scattered, not less?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI