Like a Fish Away From Water, the Heart Can't Rest Without the One
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
My heart is pierced right through with love for the One — I can't be at rest without it.
Just as a fish can't live away from water, I can't truly live away from the Name.
This one says the heart can't rest without the One, like a fish away from water. Har si-o pareet antar man bayDhi-aa — my inmost mind is pierced through by love for the One. This is viraha, the ache of missing someone you love.
Then comes the fish: ji-o machhulee bin neerai — like a fish without water. A fish simply cannot be itself out of the water. It needs water for everything. The verse says the soul is the same way with the Name.
The word "die" in the verse is the language of longing. It means "I can't truly live without You." It is like a child on a long trip far from home who says, "I just need to be home." It is a picture of love and need, not of dread.
What's something you feel you simply can't be your full self without?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI