Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O Lord of the world, what is Your Name, and what are You like?
If You call me into Your inner palace, I will ask You how I can become one with You.
Gusaa-ee tayraa kahaa naam kaisay jaatee: O Lord of the world, what is Your Name, and what are You like? This is the rahaa-o, the "pause" line, the center of the song.
Then the seeker says what they would ask if invited close. The mahal is the palace, the inner place of God's presence. The seeker does not ask for favors or gifts. They ask baat nirantee: how can I become one with You? Think of a child who runs to a parent, not for a present, but just to be held.
This pause keeps the whole song pointed at oneness. That is the heart of Ik Onkar: there is One.
What is a question you would ask something you deeply love and want to know?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI