Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
In attachment to Maya, they have forgotten the Father, the Cherisher of the World.
Without the Guru, all are unconscious. They are held in bondage by the Messenger of Death.
O Nanak, through the Guru's teachings, you shall be saved — contemplating the True Name.
This one says that busy with the world's shine, people forget the Father who takes care of them.
Jagat pitaa partipaal — the Father of the world, who cares for all. Love of Maya, the world's glitter, makes people forget Him. The picture is warm. Think of children so lost in their games that they forget their dad is in the next room, making dinner for them.
Baajhahu guroo achayt hai — without the Guru, all are asleep inside, not awake to what is real. They stay caught by the Messenger of Death, the one who comes when life ends. This isn't blame. It's like a doctor saying what is wrong so it can be healed. The Guru is that doctor.
And the cure is right there. Nanak says: through the Guru's teaching, remember the True Name, and you are saved.
What are the things in your life that most reliably make you forget what actually matters most to you? How do you find your way back?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI