Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Real wisdom doesn't grow just from living in Benares, the holy city. And it isn't lost by leaving it.
Wisdom is born when you meet the true teaching. That is where this understanding comes from.
Wisdom comes from the teaching, not from the holy place.
naa kaasee mat oopjai — wisdom does not grow in Kaasee. Kaasee, also called Benares, is one of India's holiest cities. naa kaasee mat jaa-ay — and wisdom is not lost there, or by leaving. Everyone thinks the right place makes a person wise. The shabad cuts that link.
Wisdom travels with the heart, not the address. It's like kindness. You don't leave it at school when you go home. It goes wherever you go.
So you don't need to reach the perfect place to grow wise. satgur mili-ai mat oopjai — wisdom is born when you meet the True Guru, the true teacher. That can happen anywhere.
Have you ever thought you'd become 'better' if you were just somewhere else? What actually changes a person?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI