Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
And the One who holds the universe? That One lives right inside the hearts of the wise; the beloved Krishna is in Gokal; and Raam lives in Naam Dayv himself.
Three names, one rhyme, one truth: Raam, Shyaam, Govind — all names for the single One.
This one is the punchline the whole game was built for.
For three verses your ear got used to rhyming sets of pots, spices, and oil. Now the last set comes in exactly the same shape. But its three rhyming words are Raam, Shyaam, Govind — three names the tradition uses for the One. Raam si-aam gobind go — here they are.
The switch is the message. The earlier sets were different names for different things in one world. These are three different names for one and the same One. Naam Dayv steps right past every argument about which name is right. He shows that all of them rhyme into one truth. Think of a grandmother called Nani by one kid, Grandma by another, and Mom by her own daughter. Three names, one person.
Notice where he places the One. Santaa maDhay gobind aachhai — Govind lives within the wise. Shyaam, the beloved Krishna, is in Gokal. And, boldly, naamay maDhay raam aachhai — Raam lives in Naam Dayv himself. Some scholars place the One far away. Naam Dayv, a cloth printer from a caste others looked down on, says the One is right here in the heart.
It's a fitting close for Todee. The very first shabad of this raag wondered whether the One is near or far. Now a rhyme a child could sing answers it. The One is here, and every name is pointing home.
If different people use different names for the same One, is it worth fighting over the names? What are they all pointing at?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI