Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Clinging attachment is hollow, wanting is grimy, and craving corrupts.
Keep my faith steady, clear the doubts from my mind, and save me, Formless One.
This verse names three troubles plainly, and then asks the One to keep the speaker's faith safe.
Moh mithan — clinging attachment is false. Durant aasaa — wanting is dirty. Baasnaa bikaar — craving spoils things. These words are not meant to shame anyone. They help us see these pulls clearly, the way a doctor names a cold so it can be treated. Seeing clearly is the first step to being free.
Then comes an honest prayer. Rakh Dharam — keep my faith. Bharam bidaar — clear away my doubts. UDhar har nirankaar — save me, Nirankaar, Formless One.
Notice that faith itself is something to be kept safe. The speaker knows even his trust can wobble. So he hands it to the One to guard. Think of a child who asks a parent to hold their precious shell at the beach, so it won't get lost in the waves. Even our holding on needs help.
When your faith or resolve wavers, could you ask for it to be kept, rather than white-knuckling it alone?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI