Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Nanak says: rare is the one who reflects and truly understands the most worthwhile thing a person can do in this life.
And what is that best action? Singing the praises of the One — for that is how you come to meet the One.
Guru Nanak ends by naming the most worthwhile thing a person can do: sing the One's praise.
Bhanat naanak boojhai ko beechaaree: Nanak says, few people stop, think, and truly understand this. Is jag meh karnee saaree: here is the best deed in this world. Karnee keerat ho-ee: the best deed is keerat, singing the One's praise.
Why? Because that is how you meet the One. And even then, jaa aapay mili-aa so-ee: it is the One who comes to meet us. It is a gift, not a prize earned.
The shabad has come full circle. It began with singing as a gift, and ends with singing as the best thing we can do.
Think of the simplest things in life, like a hug or a thank-you. They are small and easy, yet worth more than almost anything else.
What is one small thing you could do that feels genuinely worthwhile, not just busy?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI