Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The mind is the elephant. The teaching is the driver, and wisdom is the guiding stick. Wherever the teaching steers the mind, it goes.
Nanak says: without the guiding stick, the elephant wanders off into the wild, again and again.
The mind is like a strong elephant. It is not meant to be crushed. It is meant to be guided.
Man kunchar — the mind is an elephant. Peelak guroo — the Guru is the elephant driver. Gi-aan kundaa — wisdom is the driver's guiding hook. Jah khinchay tah jaa-ay — wherever the Guru steers, the mind goes.
An elephant is huge and strong. Left alone, it can wander anywhere and knock things over. With a good driver, that same strength can carry heavy loads and bring people home safely.
Our minds are like that too. The mind's strength is a good thing. The point is where it goes. Think of a fast bike. Speed is great when you are steering. It is scary when no one is.
Nanak says: hastee kunday baahraa, an elephant without the guiding hook, wanders into the wild fir fir, again and again. With the Guru's hand guiding it, the mind's power carries you well.
Your mind's power is real — what would help you steer it well rather than let it wander?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI