Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
When I make friends only to get something — to look good, to grab more — that kind of bond leaves me restless inside, always needing the next thing.
This life is a rare chance to build something real. I'd rather not let it slip past chasing what can never fill me.
Friendships made only to get something leave you empty inside.
Dunee-aa kayree dostee — friendship with the world, made only for what you can get. The manmukh makes friends that way. A manmukh is someone turned toward their own wants, away from the Guru's teaching. The verse says they burn up inside. They stay restless and never satisfied. Think of a "friend" who only calls when they want to borrow your games. That friendship feels hollow for both of you.
The next line uses hard pictures of the city of death. The lesson inside them is simple. Vaylaa na lahann — this chance will not come again. This life is precious, and it does not repeat. So spend it on bonds that are real.
How can you tell the difference between a real friend and a useful one?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI