Raag Sorath
Commentary

Raag Sorath, Du-Tukas, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

As long as you sort the world into love and hate, me and them, closeness stays far — set down self-importance, and let harsh words pass like wind.

The Arc

A Du-Tukas (two-line stanzas). Pauri 0: while one clings to bhaa-o abhaa-o (attraction/aversion) and the me/other split, union stays distant. Rahau (Pauri 1): a prayer for the right want — to keep the company of the good and not forget them; the restless mind hasn't yet learned this. Pauri 2: the ego-free heart is untouched by sorrow; harsh words pass like wind. Pauri 3: come empty-handed into shelter; lift the whole weight.

Key Vocabulary

  • bhaa-o abhaa-o: attraction and aversion — the sorting habit
  • aap na thaapai: not 'setting up' the self — releasing ego
  • saakat: the one turned away from the Source — here, harsh words to let pass
  • deen saran: empty-handed refuge
  • laykhaa uthaa-ee: the account lifted / cancelled

Themes and Cross-Connections

This is Ik Onkar as practice: dividing everything into liked/disliked, mine/yours is the very habit that manufactures separation. Ego is treated as a disease to heal, not a crime, and the heart is protected without being hardened — harsh words move through like wind rather than lodging.

For Raag Sorath

Sorath's contentment shows as a heart no sorrow can grip, because it has set down the need to be important.

Translation Notes

Ray man mugadh (foolish mind) softened to 'restless, distracted mind'; urjhi-o sang bairaa-ee (entangled with enemies) read as inner pulls that harm, not people to fear. The saakat's 'babbling' handled as wisdom about letting words pass, without contempt for a person. Kot paraaDh achhaadi-o softened to 'clouded over.'

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