Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Turning away from the One of the world to chase other things — these are passing, here and gone.
Grasp the One's lotus feet and hold them in your heart, Nanak; you will find complete peace and bliss.
This part sums up everything Guru Arjan has taught in this raag: hold on to the One who lasts.
First the warning. Taj gopaal aan jo karnee — leaving the One to do other things. So-ee so-ee binsat khaam — all of that passes away. Chasing passing things means putting your effort into what is here today and gone tomorrow. Think of family, riches and power, the things crossed off in an earlier shabad.
Then the one instruction the whole raag has been pointing to. Charan kamal hirdai gahu — hold the One's lotus feet in your heart. Take hold of the thing that lasts, and keep it close. Sukh samooh bisraam — then you find complete peace and rest.
Think of building a sandcastle next to building a friendship. The waves wash one away. The other stays. After all the crossing-off and the longing and the pictures, it comes down to one warm gesture. Hold on to the One, and be at peace.
Of everything you're 'holding onto' in life, how much of it is passing? What's the one thing worth grasping and keeping close?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI