Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
O brothers and sisters, to serve the True Guru is true.
When the True Guru is pleased, we find the Perfect Lord. No one can see Him or fully know Him.
This is the pause line, the Rahao, the center of the shabad. It says: serving the True Guru is what is real.
Bhaa-ee ray saachee satgur sayv means O brothers and sisters, serving the True Guru is true. Not showing off religion. Not long trips. Not hard trials for the body. Serving the Guru is what is real and lasting.
Satgur tuthai paa-ee-ai means when the True Guru is pleased, we find the One. The Guru is like a guide who has already walked the path and reached the end. Because the Guru knows the way from the inside, the Guru can bring others along.
Think of a friend who has already hiked a hard trail. They know where the slippery rocks are, so they can lead you safely.
Pooran alakh abhayv means the Perfect One, whom no one can see and no one can fully know. The One is beyond our eyes, but the Guru shows the way.
Who in your life has crossed something difficult and now helps others do the same? What is it about that person's having-crossed that makes them able to help?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI