Sikhism·Raag Maaroo·Shabad 84
Verse 6 of 16

When I Rest at Home, My Fears Grow Quiet

ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਬੈਸਿ ਰਹੇ ਭਉ ਖਾਇਆ ॥
nij ghar bais rahay bha-o khaa-i-aa.
One who sits in the home of his own self, eats his own fears.
ਧਾਵਤ ਰਾਖੇ ਠਾਕਿ ਰਹਾਇਆ ॥
Dhaavat raakhay thaak rahaa-i-aa.
He quiets and holds his wandering mind still.
ਕਮਲ ਬਿਗਾਸ ਹਰੇ ਸਰ ਸੁਭਰ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਸਖਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੬॥
kamal bigaas haray sar subhar aatam raam sakhaa-ee hay. ||6||
His heart-lotus blossoms forth in the overflowing green pool, and the Lord of his soul becomes his companion and helper. ||6||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

When I settle down inside my own self, my fears lose their appetite and simply fade.

I gently hold my restless mind still.

Then my heart opens like a flower on a full, green pond, and the One at the center of my soul becomes my closest friend.

When I feel at home inside myself, my fears grow quiet and my heart opens.
The deeper layer

When I settle down inside myself, my fears grow quiet.

Nij ghar means "your own home." Here it means your own inner self. Nij ghar bais rahay bha-o khaa-i-aa — the one who sits in their own inner home eats up their fear. The fear loses its power.

Then the wandering mind is gently held still. The verse gives a lovely picture. Kamal bigaas — the lotus of the heart opens, on a pool that is full and green.

Think of a thunderstorm at night. Outside it is loud. But you are home, under your blanket, with someone you love close by. The storm is still there, yet you feel safe. Aatam raam sakhaa-ee hay — the One in your soul becomes your friend and helper.

A Question to Sit With

What helps you feel most at home and settled inside yourself?

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

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