Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
People adorn their bodies with saffron, flowers, perfume and gold.
But the One's devotees are like sandalwood — they hand their fragrance to everyone around them.
This one says: real beauty is what you give away.
Kaysar kusam — saffron and flowers. Add musk and gold. People put these on their bodies to look and smell nice. That beauty stays on the outside.
But those who love the One are like chandan, sandalwood. Sandalwood's scent spreads to everything near it. Rub your hand on it and your hand smells sweet too. Think of a friend who makes the whole room happier just by walking in.
That is the beauty Nanak means. It isn't something you wear. It is something you share, and it leaves others better and sweeter.
Whose presence 'leaves a fragrance' on you? How could yours do the same for others?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI