Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
I've made mistakes, I've pretended to be more than I am — and You are spotless and formless, pure through and through.
Yet when I taste the sweet nectar of Your presence, I light up with the highest joy. So here I am, resting in Your shelter.
This one starts with an honest "I've messed up," and ends in the One's shelter.
Guru Nanak says ha-o paapee patit param paakhandee — I've done wrong, I've slipped, and I've pretended to be better than I am. Next to that stands too nirmal nirankaaree: You are spotless, the One without any form.
But the very next breath is joy. Amrit chaakh — tasting amrit, the sweet nectar of the One. Thaakur saran tumaaree — Master, I rest in Your shelter.
Saying "I messed up" isn't the end of the story. It's the door. Think of telling your mom the truth about the broken vase. The worry melts, and you're wrapped in a hug. The confession doesn't say "I'm worthless." It says "I'm empty-handed, and You fill me."
Is there a mistake you've been carrying that you could set down and forgive yourself for?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI