Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Special clothes and grand gestures at holy places do not, by themselves, bring me close to the One.
Ask those who read the Vedas: without trust from the heart, the world is fooled.
Nanak says: with the Perfect Guru's wisdom, I see the value of the jewel I was holding all along.
What matters is the heart, not the robe.
Bhaykhee haath na labh-ee — the One is not found just by wearing holy robes. Tirath nahee daanay — nor by giving gifts at holy places. This is aimed at outer show without inner truth. It fits every tradition and is not against any one faith. Think of wearing a team jersey without ever playing the game.
Poochha-o bayd parhanti-aa — go and ask those who read the Vedas, the respected old scriptures. Moothee vin maanay — without real trust, the world is fooled. Maanay here means trust that shapes how you live, not only words you say.
Naanak keemat so karay pooraa gur gi-aanay — Nanak says that only one with the Perfect Guru's wisdom sees the jewel's true worth.
What matters more: looking the part, or meaning it inside?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI