Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O friend, my Beloved has so many loving companions; I can't compare to any of them.
Each one is lovelier than the last; who would even consider me?
Countless are the One's lovers, forever enjoying its bliss.
Seeing them, longing wells up in me: when will I find the One, the treasure of virtue?
I give my heart to those who please and attract my Beloved.
Nanak says: hear my prayer, O joyful companions — tell me, what does my Beloved look like?
This verse voices a tender, painful feeling anyone who has loved knows: I don't measure up. "My Beloved has all these beautiful lovers... who could consider me?" The soul, seeing so many others seemingly more worthy, feels small, overlooked, sure she'll be passed over. But watch what she does with the feeling — she does not curdle into bitterness or envy. Instead: "I dedicate my mind to those who please my Beloved," and "tell me what my Beloved looks like." The insecurity turns into humble love — loving even the rivals because they please the One, wanting only to hear about the Beloved. Longing, even mixed with a sense of unworthiness, keeps reaching toward love rather than away.
When you feel like you don't measure up to others, does it turn into jealousy or can it turn into something kinder? What makes the difference?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI