Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
No one can bring You under their control by turning away from the world in disgust.
No one can bring You under their control by studying the Vedas.
No one can bring You under their control by bathing at holy places.
No one can bring You under their control by wandering all over the earth.
No one can bring You under their control by any clever trick.
No one can bring You under their control by giving huge gifts to charity.
Everyone is in Your power, One beyond reach and beyond sight.
You are held by Your devotees' love; You are their strength.
Love alone draws the One close.
The verse makes a long list, and each line begins naa too aavahi vas — "You are not won over by..." It names many things people try.
Bahut ghinaavanay — turning away from the world in disgust. Bayd parhaavanay — studying the Vedas, the old holy books. Tirath naa-ee-ai — bathing at holy rivers. Dhartee Dhaa-ee-ai — wandering all over the earth. Kitai si-aanpai — being clever. Bahutaa daan day — giving huge gifts to charity.
The list reaches across many traditions. And not one of these is mocked. Each is simply shown to be empty without love.
Then comes the turn, and it is the whole teaching. Too bhagtaa kai vas — You are held by those who love You. Bhagtaa taan tayraa — and You are their strength.
Think of a grandparent. You cannot win their heart with a clever speech or an expensive gift. But a hug from a loving grandchild melts them every time.
What is something that can only be given, never earned or bought?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI