Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
When we are not yet paying attention, we let the real chance slip right past us.
We get wrapped up instead in things that shine for a moment and then are gone.
Sometimes a wonderful chance is right in front of us, and we let it slip by.
This is the rahaa-o, the "pause" line, the center of the song. The whole shabad circles around this one ache.
A-osar apnaa boojhai na i-aanaa — the i-aanaa does not see their a-osar. A-osar means a precious chance. I-aanaa means someone not yet awake, like a little child who doesn't understand yet. It is not calling anyone stupid.
Maa-i-aa moh rang laptaanaa — they get wrapped up in maa-i-aa, the shiny world that keeps changing. Think of being so busy with a game on your phone that you miss a rainbow outside the window. A good chance, quietly missed.
What is a chance you are glad you did not let slip by?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI