Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The true Maker is real and steady, holding everything up.
The One shaped itself, and set the great earth and sky in place.
It made the sun and the moon, and they move gently, day and night, exactly as they should.
Before any sadness, this song reminds us that a steady Maker holds everything up.
This is the first verse of a Dakhanee, a song in the southern style. It is one of Guru Nanak's Alaahnian, songs sung when someone has died. They are the most tender songs in Raag Wadahans.
It does not open with grief. It opens with how big and steady the Maker is. Sach sirandaa: the Creator is True. Sachrhaa parvadgaaro: the True One takes care of everything. Jin aapeenai aap saaji-aa: the One shaped its own self.
The Guru says the One set the earth and sky in place, and made the sun and moon. Day and night, they move just as the One intends. Think of the sunrise you can count on every morning, even on your worst day. Before any sorrow, Guru Nanak puts our feet on solid ground. Under all of life's changes, there is a steady Maker we can trust.
When things around you keep changing, what steady thing can you hold onto?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI