Sikhism·Raag Maaroo·Shabad 80
Verse 5 of 8

Cherished by the One as Its Own Child

ਸੰਸਾਰੈ ਮਹਿ ਸਹਸਾ ਬਿਆਪੈ ॥
sansaarai meh sahsaa bi-aapai.
Within the world, one is afflicted by skepticism;
ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਅਗੋਚਰ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਪੈ ॥
akath kathaa agochar nahee jaapai.
he does not know the imperceptible Unspoken Speech of the Lord.
ਜਿਸਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ ਸੋਈ ਬੂਝੈ ਓਹੁ ਬਾਲਕ ਵਾਗੀ ਪਾਲੀਐ ॥੫॥
jisahi bujhaa-ay so-ee boojhai oh baalak vaagee paalee-ai. ||5||
He alone understands, whom the Lord inspires to understand. The Lord cherishes him as His child. ||5||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

In this busy world it is easy to doubt, and to miss the quiet voice that speaks without words.

Understanding comes as a gift, awakened and not forced,

and the One holds that person close, cherishing them like a beloved child.

You are cherished like a child, held close by the One.
The deeper layer

Understanding is a gift, and the One holds whoever receives it like a child.

The world is full of sahsaa, doubt. People miss the akath kathaa, the unspoken speech. That means the quiet knowing of the One, which needs no words. Think of how a good friend can tell you are sad before you say a thing. Some knowing comes before words.

Jisahi bujhaa-ay so-ee boojhai — only the one the One helps to understand, understands. Insight is given, by grace. It is not forced.

Oh baalak vaagee paalee-ai — that person is cared for like a child. Maaroo is a raag that often sings of death and loss. So this tender picture, of being held like a beloved child, stands out on purpose.

A Question to Sit With

When do you feel held and cared for, no matter what?

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI

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