Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O Baba, write an account like this.
When it is asked for, it will carry the Mark of Truth.
This is the Rahao, the "pause" line, the center of the shabad. It is short and simple.
Baabaa ayhu laykhaa likh jaan: "Dear one, write your account like this." Jithai laykhaa mangee-ai tithai ho-ay sachaa neesaan: "so that when it's asked for, it carries the mark of Truth."
Picture your life as a report card you are writing yourself. One day it will be read. Many traditions share this idea of a record of our lives. In Hindu stories, a record-keeper named Chitragupt writes down every deed. Other faiths speak of a heavenly book. Whatever the picture, that record isn't fooled by looks.
This points to a truth people everywhere share: live as if everything is being written down. Gurbani does suggest it is. But the real reason is simpler. Living this way keeps us honest.
If your inner life — every thought, every moment of this past week — were written down and handed to someone who loved you, what would they see?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI