Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The One made everything and gave each thing its work to do.
It brings each thing into being and gently gathers it back again, the way seasons turn.
It is the dock, the ferryman, and the boat — carrying us safely to the far shore.
Guru Ram Das says the One makes everything, gives each thing its job, and carries us across.
Aapay aap upaa-idaa pi-aaraa: the Beloved made everything all alone. Sir aapay dhandh-rhai laahu: the One gives each thing its work to do. The bee gets its flowers, the river gets its path.
Aap karaa-ay saakh-tee: the One brings things into being. Aap maaray mar jaahu: and the One ends them too. This is the natural turning of life, like autumn after summer, when leaves fall so new ones can grow. It isn't cruel. It is how the cycle works.
Then a picture from a river crossing. Aapay patan paat-nee: the One is the patan, the dock you leave from, and the paatnee, the ferryman who rows. Aapay paar langhaahu: and the One carries us to the other shore.
Think of a trip where the same friend plans the route, drives the car, and waits to welcome you at the end. That friend is with you the whole way.
What's something that both makes new things and clears old ones away, like the seasons?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI