Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Even before I was born, before I could ask for anything, You were already holding me and keeping me safe.
When the world feels like a stormy sea, You are the One who carries me across to the other shore.
The One was looking after you even before you were born, before you could ask for anything.
Maat garabh meh aapan simran day — in the mother's womb, You gave us Your remembrance. Tah tum raakhanhaaray — there, You kept us safe. Sikhi comes back to this again and again. The care came first, before you could earn it or even ask. Think of a baby who is fed and held long before she can say "please" or "thank you."
Then the verse looks at life now. Paavak saagar athaah lahar — an ocean of fire with endless waves. It is a picture of how hard life can feel, with waves of anger, worry and wanting.
Taarahu taaranhaaray — carry us across, O You who carry across. Taaranhaar means the One who ferries us over, like a boat. The One does not lift us out of the world. The One keeps us steady inside it, all the way to the other shore.
What helps you feel steady when everything around you feels rough?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI