Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Holding a grudge against the One who holds no grudges at all is like fighting the ocean. It simply cannot be won, and it only tires us out.
Nanak says: the people who love the One are quietly watched over by the Formless One, the boundless kindness behind everything. There is a protector, and it plays no favorites.
You can't win a fight against the One who has no enemies. But you can always find shelter there.
Nirvair means without grudges. The One holds none against anyone. So holding a grudge against the One is a fight that only wears you out. The verse calls this foolish.
Think of shouting at the ocean to stop its waves. The ocean doesn't mind. You just get tired.
Then the song ends in comfort. After all its pictures of trouble we make for ourselves, it promises shelter. Santan kaa raakhaa paarbarahm nirankaarai — the protector of the good is the Supreme One, nirankaar, without any form.
How does it feel to know something good is quietly looking out for you?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI