Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The teaching is complete, its wisdom whole, and everything the One does is whole and good.
Holding on close, I cross the wide, wild waters of life, singing the Name the whole way over.
The Guru's teaching is complete, the One's work is complete, and holding on to it carries you safely across.
Pooraa gur pooree mat means a perfect Guru with perfect wisdom. Pooran prabh kay kaamaa: everything the One does is whole and good. Nothing is missing, and nothing is broken.
Bhav saagar means the ocean of life, with all its big waves of worry and wanting. Gur charnee laag tari-o: by holding on to the Guru's feet, Nanak crossed it. The Guru's feet stand for staying close and humble. Think of crossing a fast stream by holding a grown-up's hand. You don't need to be strong yourself. You just need to hold on. And the whole way over, Nanak keeps singing the Name, har har naamaa.
What helps you keep going when life feels like rough water?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI