Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The Name is my standing in the world, my good name, my family.
It's the friend who's always with me — and it's what sets me free.
This one says your real worth comes from the Name, and the Name is open to everyone.
In Guru Arjan's time, people were often ranked by jaat — caste, the family group you were born into — and by clan and reputation. Guru Arjan quietly moves all of that into the Name. Naam jaat naam mayree pat hai — the Name is my caste, the Name is my honor. Naam mayrai parvaarai — the Name is my family. Your rank? The Name. Your good name? The Name. Your family line? The Name.
This gently turns the old rankings upside down. Your worth isn't handed down at birth or given to you by others. It rests in a connection anyone can have. Think of a school where the only badge that matters is one every student can earn.
Har naam mo ka-o nistaarai — the Name carries me across and sets me free. So the same Name that gives you your place also frees you. Belonging and freedom come together.
Where do people usually look to feel important? Where does this verse say real worth comes from?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI