Raag Soohee
Commentary

Raag Soohee, Du-Padas, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

"The words of the holy are life-giving water."

The Arc

A compact two-verse shabad (with the rahaao standing first). The pause-line (P0) praises the words of the good as amrit, nectar that frees whoever holds them. P1 promises relief from the difficulties of a hard age when a single Name settles into the mind. P2 closes on honored humility — taking the example of the good to heart and feeling carried in the teaching's shelter.

Key Vocabulary

  • amrit bachan — nectar-words, life-giving speech.
  • gat — release, a freed and settled state.
  • kalee kaal — the "dark age"; time itself feeling difficult.
  • parvaysaa — entry, moving in.
  • saaDhoo Dhoor — the dust of the holy; a gesture of humility.

Themes and Cross-Connections

The equation of holy words with nectar and water runs throughout Gurbani. Guru Arjan's addition is the single-pointedness of P1: not many remedies, but one steadying focus that quiets the noise.

For Raag Soohee

Soohee often turns on intimacy and refreshment — the beloved's words as water. This short shabad lives entirely in that gentle key.

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