Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
There is only One. And the One is found by the True Guru's grace — a gift that is always here, waiting for an open heart.
The One shaped my very life and breath.
The One placed a spark of its own Light inside this body of dust.
The One lifted me up and gave me everything I use, and every food I enjoy.
So why would I ever turn away from the One? Where else would I go?
Guru Arjan says: look at everything the One has given you. How could you ever turn away?
He makes a list of gifts. Jee-a paraan — the soul and the breath of life. Maatee meh jot — a Light placed inside a body made of dust. Then food to eat, and everything we use each day.
Think of a birthday table piled high with presents from someone who loves you. It would be strange to walk past them all without a word.
The verse's old words are sharp here. They call the one who forgets a fool. The feeling underneath is surprise, not insult. How could anyone forget so kind a Giver?
The last words are kat jaa-ay — where else would you go? It is a question with only one answer.
What is something you use every day that you rarely stop to feel grateful for?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI