Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The beggar is called an emperor, and the fool is called a scholar.
The blind man is called a seer, one who can judge what things are worth. That is just how people talk.
The troublemaker is called a leader, and the liar sits in the seat of honor.
Nanak says: those who turn to the Guru know that this is how "justice" goes in this dark age.
The world often hands out its names backwards. A clear heart can see past the labels.
Naa-o fakeerai paatisaahu moorakh pandit naa-o: the beggar is called an emperor, the fool a scholar. Andhay kaa naa-o paarkhoo: the blind man is called a paarkhoo, an appraiser who judges what things are worth. The troublemaker becomes a leader, and the liar gets the best seat.
Kal kaa ayhu ni-aa-o: this is the "justice" of Kali Yuga, the dark age. The gurmukh, the one turned toward the Guru, sees this clearly and is not fooled by it.
When have you seen someone praised for the wrong thing, or overlooked for a good one?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI