Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Say the Name of the One.
Every other action, by itself, comes to nothing.
This is the "pause" line, the center of the shabad. It is the secret ingredient.
Japahu ta ayko naamaa — repeat the Name of the One. Avar niraafal kaamaa — other work, by itself, bears no fruit. Without the Name, all the careful washing and setting don't give butter.
This doesn't mean good deeds don't matter. They are the milk. The Name is what makes the milk turn. Think of a cake with every ingredient ready. If the oven is never switched on, there's no cake.
Remembering the One is what gives all the rest its fruit.
What is the 'secret ingredient' that gives your good efforts their meaning and fruit?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI