Raag Maaroo
Commentary

Raag Maaroo, Chau-Padas, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

Set down the chase and the pride, and ask simply for the days you get to sing.

The Arc

The empty chase after riches and self-importance, the plea for "days I sing Your praise," the tangle of passing things, and the joy found in humble company and letting pride go.

Key Vocabulary

  • haumai - the ego, the feeling of being a separate self
  • maa-i-aa mad - the dizzying "wine" of the passing world
  • daataar - the Giver
  • daas rayn - the dust of the feet, a picture of humility

Themes and Cross-Connections

Ego as emptiness (deeds "come to nothing," not "are punished"); treasuring the day; humility as the door to joy.

For Raag Maaroo

The raag's memento-mori becomes gratitude - "give me this precious day to sing," not dread of its ending.

Translation Notes

haumai and self-effort framed as emptiness to release, not crime; the "wine of Maya" rendered as dizziness / distraction; no harsh imagery needed softening here.

Last updated: 2026-07-09

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