Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O mother, my mind races off on its own, hard to hold still.
Day and night it chases after things that don't serve it — how can I gently rein it in?
This one is Guru Tegh Bahadur telling his mother how hard it is to steady the mind.
This is the Rahao, the "pause" line at the center of the shabad. Maa-ee man mayro bas naahi: O mother, my mind is not in my control. Nis baasur bikhi-an ka-o Dhaavat: night and day, it runs after harmful things. Kihi biDh roka-o taahi: how can I hold it back?
Everyone knows this feeling. You sit down to do homework, and your mind runs off to games, snacks, and videos. The Guru names that struggle gently, as something we all share. He asks the question honestly, the way a child asks a parent for help.
What helps you settle your mind when it won't stop racing?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI