Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Sometimes a mind can get so closed that even a good idea cannot find its way in — like a deep well that no light reaches. When we let that happen, life feels upside-down and joyless.
But a mind can also open. Some people listen, take in what they are told, and understand — and there is something beautiful about that. It helps to fill yourself with good things: music that moves you, wisdom, an honest sense of right and wrong. Nanak says the sad thing is being proud while having no goodness inside. Better to stay humble and keep learning.
A mind that listens and understands is wise and beautiful.
Manhu je andhay koop — a mind can be like a dark well, where even a good word does not reach. The old words use strong pictures for this: a heart-lotus turned upside down, a proud person with nothing good inside. These describe a closed state of mind, and a mind can open. Ik kahi jaanahi kahi-aa bujheh tay nar sugharh saroop — some know how to speak and understand what they hear, and they are wise and beautiful. Humility keeps the door open to learning.
When was the last time you took in what someone told you, instead of just waiting to reply?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI