Raag Wadahans
Commentary

Raag Wadahans, Shabad, Mehl 3 (Guru Amar Das)

The settled assurance — "my True Beloved is always with me" — the two cloaks (grabbing that makes you slip, love that steadies), and the jewel of wisdom that lights the heart.

The Arc

Pauri 0: the confident witness — "my True Beloved is always with me." Pauri 1: the two cloaks — Maya's false robe makes you slip, love's true robe satisfies. Pauri 2: give your whole heart to what's wise and become happy. Pauri 3 closes: without wisdom, darkness; the "jewel of wisdom shines within the heart."

Key Vocabulary

  • "Always with me" (P0) — the settled assurance the good is never absent.
  • The two cloaks (cholaa) (P1) — grabbing (unsteady) vs. love (steady, satisfying).
  • The jewel of wisdom (P3) — wisdom lighting the heart.

Themes and Cross-Connections

"Always with me" caps the raag's healing counterpoint (B00C1203/1204) and its "near not far" theme. The "cloak dyed in love" is Guru Amar Das's Rang (dye) imagery (Aasaa B00C920) and the "ever-fresh color" of the Ghorees (B00C1194). "The jewel of wisdom in the heart" joins the raag's inner-treasure images (B00C1175/1185/1187).

For Raag Wadahans

Two keepers for a child. First, the settled confidence the whole raag has been building toward: the deepest good is always right here with you — never truly absent. And a vivid picture: what you "wrap yourself in" matters. A covering made of grabbing and pretending makes you slip and stumble; a covering dyed in the color of love keeps you steady and satisfied. Choose the cloak of love — and let the jewel of wisdom light up your heart so you can see clearly.


Last updated: 2026-07-05

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