Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
What if I were a Siddha, a master with great powers? What if I could do wonders and call up riches?
What if I could vanish and appear at will? What if people looked at me in awe?
Seeing all this, I might lose my way and forget You. Your Name would not come into my mind.
This line says: even amazing spiritual powers could make me forget You.
Sidh hovaa sidh laa-ee: what if I became a Siddha, a master with amazing powers, and could do wonders? Ridh aakhaa aa-o: what if I could call up riches just by saying "come"?
Gupat pargat ho-ay baisaa: what if I could vanish and appear whenever I liked? Lok raakhai bhaa-o: and people looked at me in awe?
Mat daykh bhoolaa veesrai: seeing all this, I might lose my way and forget You.
This one is the trickiest trap. Palaces and jewels are easy to spot. But special powers come with a feeling of being "extra holy." That feeling can crowd out God even faster.
The Siddhas were famous masters in Guru Nanak's time. He is not mocking what they could do. He is naming the danger that comes with it. Showing off how special you are can take the place of the One who is truly amazing.
Think of a student who wins every trophy and starts to care more about the trophies than about learning. The gift was real. But it got pointed the wrong way.
Have you ever noticed someone using their gifts or achievements to feel above others rather than closer to them? What does that look like — and what does it cost them?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI