Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
There are nine forms of devotional worship.
The Pandits recite the Vedas.
And the householders assert their faith in family life.
Now the list turns to devotion, study, and family life.
Bhagat navai parkaaraa: there are nine ways of bhagat, loving devotion. In the Vaishnav tradition they are listening, singing, remembering, serving, bowing, worshipping, being a servant, being a friend, and giving yourself fully. Many believe that even one of these, done sincerely, reaches the Lord.
Pandit vayd pukaaraa: the pandits, learned teachers, recite the Vedas, the oldest Hindu holy books. This is centuries of careful learning, read, explained, and passed on.
Girsatee girsat dharmaataa: the girsatee are householders, people with families and jobs. They trust family life as their way of doing right. In Hindu teaching this is one of the four stages of life.
So even ordinary life in the world, raising children and doing your duty, is part of the survey. Guru Arjan names every path with respect. Think of a class photo: everyone is in it.
But the same question stands over each one. Is the path alone enough to please the Lord?
Of all the different approaches to the spiritual life you have encountered — which resonates most with you? And why that one?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI