Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
This world is caught in attachment and passing love, and suffers the sharp pains of birth and death.
Run to the shelter of the true teaching, say the Name in your heart, and you'll swim across.
Nobody is written off. The One calls everyone to safety.
The verse describes the world as it often is. Ih jag moh hayt — this world is wrapped up in clinging and passing love. So it suffers the pains of birth and death. Then comes an urgent, hopeful call. Bhaj saran satgur — run to the shelter of the true Guru.
The urgency is kind. It is the voice of a lifeguard shouting, "Swim this way!" It is not a scolding. And the promise is for anyone. Hold the Name in your heart, and you will swim across. People who are struggling are not condemned. They are called. The door is open, and the way across is simple.
What would it mean to 'run to shelter' rather than keep treading water in something that's wearing you out?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI