Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
The true merchandise — the real wealth — is obtained through the radiant light of the teacher.
Just as fire is extinguished by water, desire becomes the servant of the servant of the Lord.
The Messenger of Death will not touch you. In this way, you cross the scary world-ocean. You carry others across with you.
This one says the Guru's light turns our wanting into a helper instead of a boss.
Sach vakhar dhan raas lai paa-ee-ai gur pargaas: the true goods and wealth come through the Guru's pargaas, its bright light. This light is the One's presence, made reachable through a human teacher. The True Guru doesn't keep the light. The Guru passes it on, like one candle lighting another.
Ji-o agan marai jal paa-i-ai: just as water puts out a fire, tarisnaa daasan daas — desire becomes the servant of the One's servants. That is a striking picture. Wanting is usually the boss. Now it becomes the helper. Its energy isn't destroyed; it is pointed in a new direction. Think of a kid full of wild energy who joins a sports team. The energy doesn't go away. It gets put to good use. Gurbani often speaks of this kind of change, like turning plain metal into gold.
Jam jandaar na lag-ee: the messenger of death won't touch you. Bha-ojal tarai taraas: you cross the scary ocean of the world and help others across too.
What would change in your daily life if your desires served your deepest values rather than competing with them?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI