The Human Birth Is a Jewel With No Second Issue
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Whoever ponders what is real underneath everything - that one is rightly called true.
Coming and going belongs to the false; the circling ends by serving the One. So set down the me-and-mine, and step into wisdom's shelter -
this is how the jewel of a human birth is kept from being spent on nothing. Remember the One who backs every breath you draw.
No pile of effort saves - not even mastering all the old books. Worship with a whole heart - and the heart's real wish is granted.
This one says a human life is a rare jewel, so do not spend it on nothing.
tat beechaar kahai jan saachaa — the one who thinks about tat, the real essence under everything, is called true. Everyone else, however busy, is dealing only in the wrapping paper.
In the middle is the jewel: i-o ratan janam kaa ho-ay uDhaar — this is how the jewel of human life is saved. Ratan means jewel. An earlier section called the human body a rare vessel. Here comes the warning: a jewel can be spent on nothing. Think of a gift card forgotten in a drawer until it runs out.
Next: anik upaav na chhootanhaaray, simrit saasat bayd beechaaray — many efforts do not set people free, not even studying the Simritees, the Shaastras and the Vedas. These are great old books of India. Guru Arjan was himself gathering a huge scripture, so this is not against study. It is a report from someone who read it all and tells what truly saves. An earlier salok in Sukhmani says the same.
Last, paraan aaDhaar — the Name is the support of every breath. It is not only an idea to hold. It is what already keeps you alive with each breath in. Remembering it is less like studying and more like noticing that.
What portion of your week goes to wrappers - and what portion to what is actually inside?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI