Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The chakvi bird aches for the sunrise.
The rainbird thirsts for a single drop of rain.
The deer's ears are pulled toward a certain sound.
Just so, the Name of the One delights the heart of the One's humble servant.
A loving heart longs for one thing, the way a bird longs for dawn.
The verse gives three pictures from nature.
Ji-o chakvee sooraj kee aas — the chakvee bird waits all night for the sun. Old poems say this bird is apart from its mate in the dark and waits for dawn.
Ji-o chaatrik boond kee pi-aas — the chaatrik, the rainbird, thirsts for a raindrop. Old poems say it drinks only rain as it falls.
Ji-o kurank naad karan samaanay — a kurank, a deer, turns its ears toward a sound it loves.
These are favorite pictures in Gurbani, the Guru's words. Each one shows a whole being tuned to one thing.
Then the point. Ti-o har naam har jan maneh sukhaanay — just so, the Name brings joy to the heart of the One's own. Think of waiting at the window for someone you love to arrive. Your whole self leans that way.
What do you find yourself always drawn toward?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI