Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The True One is forever kind and forgiving. The perfect Teacher tied my heart to His, and everything came to good.
The One who shaped this body and placed a living soul inside it gives us clothes to wear and food to eat.
That same One keeps His loved ones’ honor safe. Nanak gives his whole heart to Him, forever.
The One who made you also looks after you, every single day.
This is the rahaa-o line, the "pause" line, the center of the shabad. Saachaa saahib sad miharvaan — the True Master is always kind. BanDh paa-i-aa mayrai satgur poorai — my Perfect Guru has tied me close to the One. This tie is a tender one, like two friends tying their ankles together for a three-legged race. Ho-ee sarab kali-aan — and everything came to good.
Then the verse lists everyday gifts. Jee-o paa-ay pind jin saaji-aa — the One shaped the body and put life inside it. Ditaa painan khaan — and gives us clothes and food. Every breakfast and every warm jacket is part of that care.
Apnay daas kee aap paij raakhee — the One keeps the honor of those who serve. Paij means honor, or good name. Naanak sad kurbaan — Nanak gives himself to the One, forever.
What everyday gifts are so constant you usually forget to notice them?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI