Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
I am so tired from trying and trying, in so many ways.
Please look after Nanak, Your humble one, O my Lord.
When you are worn out from trying so hard, it is okay to stop straining and simply ask for help.
Ha-o kar kar thaakaa upaav bahutayray: I am tired out from trying so many ways. Naanak gareeb raakho har mayray: please look after Nanak, Your humble one, O my Lord.
The shabad ends by letting go. The longing to be close cannot be forced by pushing harder. Think of trying to fall asleep by squeezing your eyes shut as hard as you can. It only keeps you awake. Sleep comes when you relax.
Turning from tired effort to a simple request is not giving up. It is the doorway to peace.
What's something you've been straining at that you could set down and ask help with instead?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI