Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Singing about the One is my good conduct, my work, and my standing in the world.
And just listening to those praises, I'm completely lifted.
This one says your real standing doesn't come from your rank or your job.
Aachaar bi-uhaar jaat har gunee-aa — the One's praises are my aachaar, good conduct; my bi-uhaar, work; and my jaat. Jaat means caste or class, the group you were born into. Society used all three to rank people. Guru Arjan moves them into the Name.
In his time, your caste was set at birth. It decided how much you were worth. Here he simply says his "class" is singing the One's praises. It quietly takes apart the whole ladder of ranks. Who you are, and your dignity, come from a connection open to everyone. Think of a team jersey that every kid gets, no tryout needed.
And the reward? Mahaa anand keertan har sunee-aa — listening to the songs of praise, I am filled with great joy.
How does the world usually decide who's important? What does this verse say instead?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI