Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O my mind, say the Name of the dearest, most beloved One.
I laid my mind and body down as a gift before the Guru. I gave my whole self — and it was the best trade I ever made, a treasure bought at a worthy price.
This is the Rahao, the "pause" line at the center of the shabad. It calls the mind to the dearest Name: mayray man bhaj raam naam at pirghaa — my mind, say the Name of the most beloved One.
Then comes a surprising picture. The poet gives his mind and body to the Guru and "sells his head": sir vaych lee-o mul mahghaa. Mahghaa means costly, precious. Giving your head means giving your whole self.
It sounds like a loss, but the verse calls it the best deal ever. Think of trading one small marble for a whole chest of treasure. You give up the little self that always wants its own way. In return you get something vast and lasting.
What is something worth giving your whole self to?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI