Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The sultans and kings, the rich and the mighty, have all marched away in succession, one after another.
In a moment or two — we shall also depart.
O my heart — understand this: you must go as well.
This line says: even kings and rich, powerful people have moved on, one after another. My heart, you will too one day.
Sultaan khaan malook umray: sultans, lords, kings and nobles, every level of power. Ga-ay kar kar kooch: they have marched off, one group after another. It is not one big event. It is a steady line of people, each leaving in their turn.
Gharhee muhat ke chalnaa: in a gharhee or a muhat, two old words for a short stretch of time, we will go too. Dil samajh toon bhe pahooch: "O my dil, my heart, understand: you will go as well."
Notice the word "we." Guru Nanak does not say "those people will go." He says "we." He includes himself. He is not lecturing from above. He is walking in the same line as everyone.
This is not meant to scare anyone. It is meant to help us see clearly. Think of a school year. Knowing that summer is coming helps you enjoy your friends and do your best now.
Samajh means to truly understand. When our heart really gets this, we hold things more lightly, and we hold on to the One more closely.
If you fully understood that you have only a moment or two, what would you do with it?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI