Sikhism·Raag Raamkalee·Shabad 90
Verse 21 of 26

The True Practice

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੋਗੁ ਕਮਾਵੈ ਅਉਧੂ ਜਤੁ ਸਤੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥੨੦॥
gurmukh jog kamaavai a-oDhoo jat sat sabad veechaaree. ||20||
The Gurmukh practices Yoga - he is the true hermit; he practices abstinence and truth, and contemplates the Shabad. ||20||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

The one turned toward the Guru practises yoga and is the true hermit,

living by self-control and truth, and thinking about the Word.

Self-control and truth, lived quietly, make a seeker.
The deeper layer

The Gurmukh is the true yogi and the true hermit.

Gurmukh jog kamaavai a-oDhoo — the Gurmukh, the one turned toward the Guru, practises yoga. They are the true hermit. Jat sat sabad veechaaree — they practice jat, self-control, and sat, truth, and they think about the Word.

Guru Nanak takes the yogis' own honored words: hermit, yoga, self-control. He fills each one with a meaning you live on the inside. Think of a team jersey. Wearing it does not make you a player. Showing up and playing well does. Living honestly and kindly is what makes the words true.

A Question to Sit With

What is a quiet, honest practice you could keep just for yourself?

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

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