Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
People can call themselves emperors and rulers, but no one gets to stay forever, and not one of their grand forts or mansions travels with them. Gold, fast horses, clever schemes — impressive for a while, and then left behind.
Rich food in thirty-six kinds only weighs a person down. Nanak says the self-willed person who forgets the One who gives everything ends up in pain. Remember the Giver, and even a simple life feels full.
Nothing you pile up comes with you, so remember the Giver.
Khaan malook kahaa-iday ko rahan na paa-ee — they call themselves emperors and rulers, and none of them gets to stay. Garh mandar gach geeree-aa kichh saath na jaa-ee — forts and fine houses do not go along. Gold, horses as fast as the wind, clever tricks and thirty-six kinds of rich food are all left behind. Jo dayvai tiseh na jaananhee — forgetting the One who gives is what brings the pain. Remembering the Giver fills a life.
If you could not keep any of your things, what would you still be grateful for?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI