Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The clever one is whoever holds close to the Source of everything.
The champion and the rich one is whoever is soaked through with love for the One.
The clever, strong and rich person is the one full of love for the One.
This is the Rahao, the "pause" line at the center of the shabad. It plays with three words people used to boast about. Dhoorat means a sharp, clever dealer. Dhurandhar means a champion. Basundhar means a rich landowner.
Then the verse gives each word a new meaning. The real winner is not the one who wins the world's game. It is the one who is paagai, soaked, in har ayk paraym ras, the sweet taste of love for the One.
Think of a school prize for "most valuable player." This verse says the most valuable player is the one with the most love, not the most points.
What does your world call clever or successful — and do you agree with it?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI