Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O Gobind, Caretaker of the whole world, I have done so much wrong.
You gave me this body and this life, and I have not given You my love and devotion.
Standing before the One honest and empty-handed is where turning back begins.
This is the Rahao, the "pause" line at the center of the shabad. Gobind ham aisay apraaDhee — O Lord of the world, I have done so much wrong. Gobind is a name for the One who cares for the whole world. Kabir says the One gave him body and life, and he has not given his love back.
This is not a cry of self-hate. It is like telling a parent, "You gave me so much, and I forgot to say thank you." Kabir is grateful for the gift and honest about falling short. Being honest is where turning back begins.
Is it easier or harder to be honest about the things you wish you had done better?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI