Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The One moves through everything, and it is the One who first stirs us to speak its Name.
Having shaped the whole world, it sets each thing to its own work.
Some it draws close in loving devotion; some wander a while.
Some it sets straight on the path, and some find themselves lost in the wilderness for a time.
So I hold the Name in mind and sing its goodness, guided by the teaching.
One single Hand is moving through everything that happens.
Har aap vartai aap means the One is present everywhere, and the One also stirs us to call on the Name. Sir DhanDhai laa-idaa: the One gives each thing its work to do.
Then come the hard lines. Some are drawn into loving devotion, and some wander off. Some are set on the path, and some end up in the ujharh, the wilderness. These lines describe how wide human life is. They are not a verdict on anyone's worth. In this Vaar, even wandering happens inside the One's design, as Pauri 8 said too. No one is shut out for good. Think of a big school trip where some kids take a longer way round. They are all still on the same trip.
The verse ends in a warm, personal place. Whatever the bigger mystery is, my part is simple: hold the Name and sing.
When you can't understand the whole big picture, what is one small good thing you can still do?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI