The Hawk Preying on Birds / The Net in the Hunter's Hands
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Think of the hawk preying on the birds, and the net in the hands of the hunter.
Those who are protected by the Guru are saved. The others are caught by the bait.
Without the Name, they are picked up and thrown away. They have no friends or companions.
Two predator images: the hawk (baaaj) and the hunter's net (vaagu). From below, the hawk; from the hunter's side, the net. Death approaches from multiple directions, through multiple agents. The 'bait' (chaug) catches those not Guru-protected: what seemed attractive becomes the trap.
'Picked up and thrown away' — utthai pattkai — the graphic image of casual disposal: caught, picked up, discarded. Without the Name, there is no friend or companion in the ultimate moment.
When you are most vulnerable — most frightened or overwhelmed — what feels like shelter? What do you turn to?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI