Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
I have no merit, and I know nothing of meditation or hard discipline; what am I to do now?
Nanak: I am worn out; I seek your shelter — please bless me with the gift of fearlessness.
This part says that when you have nothing to offer, you can stop trying and simply ask.
The shabad ends in full honesty. Naahin gun naahin kachh jap tap — I have no goodness, and I know nothing of meditation or hard discipline. Ka-un karam ab keejai — so what should I do now? He claims nothing. It is the same empty-handed honesty we heard from Guru Arjan in an earlier shabad.
The answer isn't to go earn a list of good points. It is to stop trying and take shelter. Naanak haar pari-o sarnaagat — Nanak is worn out and seeks Your shelter. Abhai daan parabh deejai — please give me the gift of fearlessness.
Notice that fearlessness is a gift. It is asked for and received, not won. The fear that opened the shabad isn't beaten by the seeker's own strength. He asks the One to give him courage. Think of a nervous kid before a big game, getting a hug from a coach. Even courage, in the end, is grace.
Can you ask for courage as a gift, rather than having to manufacture it yourself? Does that make being afraid feel less lonely?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI