Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Those who utter only One Word — those who take many forms — the naked renunciates and the wearers of patched coats.
The magicians. Those who remain always awake.
And those who bathe at holy places of pilgrimage.
The list reaches even further, from the most learned people to the most everyday pilgrim.
Ik sabdee: some repeat only one holy word. Baho roop: some take on many forms or costumes. Avdhootaa: some wander with no clothes at all, having given up everything, even clothing.
Kaaprhee: some wear coats made of patches, a sign of owning almost nothing. Kautay: some do magic tricks and wonders. Jaagootaa: some try to stay awake all night, every night, as their practice.
Ik tirath naataa: and some bathe at tirath, holy places of pilgrimage. This was the most common practice of all in northern India.
Picture a huge fair, with every kind of seeker in their own booth. Guru Arjan walks past each one. He does not mock anyone. He simply names them.
Every level of learning, every style, every group is here. And the question from the opening line is still waiting: does any of this, on its own, please the Lord?
How many different spiritual traditions or practices have you encountered in your life? What have you actually tried, and what happened?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI