Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The one who faces the Guru sings, understands, and thinks deeply about the Guru's word.
Body and soul are made new through the Guru, and all their work turns out well.
Someone who follows only their own wants stumbles along blindly. They gather only what leaves a bitter taste.
Pulled along by Maya, the glitter of the world, they stay unhappy, far from the Guru who loves them most.
Facing the Guru renews the whole self, while following only your own wants leaves you with bitterness.
Gurmukh gaavai, gurmukh boojhai, gurmukh sabad beechaaray — the gurmukh, the one who faces the Guru, does three things. They sing. They understand. They think deeply about the Guru's word.
Jee-o pind sabh gur tay upjai — body and soul are made new through the Guru, right at their source. It is like a plant getting fresh water at its roots. Every leaf perks up. And gurmukh kaaraj savaaray — their work turns out well.
The manmukh is someone who follows only their own wants. The verse says they act blindly and bikh khatay, earn poison. That means planting what leaves a bitter taste. Maa-i-aa mohi — caught by Maya, the glitter and pull of the world, they stay unhappy, far from the Guru who loves them most. The answer is not blame. It is turning around to face the Guru again.
What is a habit that leaves a bad taste, and what could you turn toward instead?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI