Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Sometimes I get dizzy on pride and clinging, the way someone gets tipsy — and I stumble into a tangle of anger and endless wanting.
But I am not stuck there. O dear One, be my helper.
Reach out, take me by the hand, and gently lift me back up. That is all I need.
Maan moh mahaa mad — pride and clinging like a strong wine that leaves one unsteady. The literal speaks of falling into a pit of desire and anger; for children this is rendered as a tangle one can be lifted out of, keeping the teaching (these feelings entangle) while dropping the frightening pit imagery. The turn is tender and hopeful: kar geh layho — take me by the hand — the ego treated as a stumble to be helped up from, not a crime. Guru Arjan signs the shabad.
Who is someone you trust to help you back up when you stumble?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI