SGGS pp 912-914, Raamkali M: 5, Asttpadees 1-3.

 

ਰਾਮਕਲੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਅਸਟਪਦੀਆ   ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

Rāmkalī mėhlā 5 asatpaḏī▫ā  Ik▫oaʼnkār saṯgur parsāḏ.

 

Compositions of the fifth Guru in Raga Raamkali, (asttpadeeaa) of eight stanzas each.  Invoking the One all-pervasive Creator who may be known with the true guru’s grace/guidance.

 

Note: In this Shabad, the fifth Guru says people make an exhibition of what they do, but I humbly remember, and live by, Naam or virtues and commands of the Almighty. This peaceful state comes by participation in the holy congregation where one praises, and learns to live by, Naam.

 

ਕਿਨਹੀ ਕੀਆ ਪਰਵਿਰਤਿ ਪਸਾਰਾ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਕੀਆ ਪੂਜਾ ਬਿਸਥਾਰਾ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਨਿਵਲ ਭੁਇਅੰਗਮ ਸਾਧੇ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਆਰਾਧੇ ॥੧॥

Kinhī kī▫ā parviraṯ pasārā.  Kinhī kī▫ā pūjā bisthārā.  Kinhī nival bẖu▫i▫angam sāḏẖe.  Mohi ḏīn har har ārāḏẖe. ||1||

 

(Kinhi) someone (keeaa = does) makes (pasaara = expanse) a show of, i.e. lives as (parvirat-i) a householder; (kinhi) someone does (bisthaara = expanse) exhibition of (pooja = worship) devotion to God/deity.

Someone (saadhey) performs Hatth Yogic proceures like (nival) movement of contracted abdomen and assumed (bhuiangam) awakening of the serpent believed to be in the lower abdomen. But (moh-i) I, (deen) a poor person (aaraadh-e) remember (har-i har-i) the Almighty. 1.

 

ਤੇਰਾ ਭਰੋਸਾ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਆਨ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਵੇਸਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Ŧerā bẖarosā pi▫āre.  Ān na jānā vesā. ||1|| rahā▫o.

 

O (piaarey) beloved Almighty, I place (bharosa) reliance/faith (teyra = your) in You; I do not (jaana) know (aan) other (veysa) garb, i.e. I am Your devotee from within and have nothing to display. 1.

(Rahaau) pause and reflect on this.

 

Note: Verses 2 and 3 below are examples of display of perceived spiritual pursuits.

 

ਕਿਨਹੀ ਗ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਤਜਿ ਵਣ ਖੰਡਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਮੋਨਿ ਅਉਧੂਤੁ ਸਦਾਇਆ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਕਹਤਉ ਅਨੰਨਿ ਭਗਉਤੀ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਓਟ ਲੀਤੀ ॥੨॥

Kinhī garihu ṯaj vaṇ kẖand pā▫i▫ā.  Kinhī mon a▫uḏẖūṯ saḏā▫i▫ā.  Ko▫ī kahṯa▫o annan bẖag▫uṯī.  Mohi ḏīn har har ot līṯī. ||2||

 

(Kinhi) someone (taj-i) gives up (grih-u) home and (paaiaa = places) locates himself (khandd-i) in a part of (van) the jungle. Someone (sadaaiaa = wanting to be called) claims to be (mon-i) a silent or (audhoot-i) renunciate ascetic.

(Koee) someone (kahto) says s/he is (bhagauti) a devotee (anann-i) of none else, i.e. One Master. I, a poor person (leeti) have taken (ott) protection of (har-i har-i) the Almighty. 2.

 

ਕਿਨਹੀ ਕਹਿਆ ਹਉ ਤੀਰਥ ਵਾਸੀ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਅੰਨੁ ਤਜਿ ਭਇਆ ਉਦਾਸੀ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਭਵਨੁ ਸਭ ਧਰਤੀ ਕਰਿਆ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਿ ਪਰਿਆ ॥੩॥

Kinhī kahi▫ā ha▫o ṯirath vāsī.  Ko▫ī ann ṯaj bẖa▫i▫ā uḏāsī.  Kinhī bẖavan sabẖ ḏẖarṯī kari▫ā.  Mohi ḏīn har har ḏar pari▫ā. ||3||

 

(Kinhi) someone (kahiaa) says (hau) I (vaasi = resident of) stay or work at (teerath) a pilgrim center. (Koee) someone (taj-i) gives up (ann-u = grain) food and (bhaiaa) becomes (udaasi = withdrawn) an ascetic.

Someone (kariaa = does, bhavan-u = wandering) wanders (sabh) the whole (dharti) earth. (Moh-i) I (deen) a poor person (pariaa) have placed myself (dar-i) at the door, submit to care/obedience, of (har-i har-i) the Almighty. 3.

 

Page 913

 

ਕਿਨਹੀ ਕਹਿਆ ਮੈ ਕੁਲਹਿ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਕਹਿਆ ਬਾਹ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਕਹੈ ਮੈ ਧਨਹਿ ਪਸਾਰਾ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਆਧਾਰਾ ॥੪॥

Kinhī kahi▫ā mai kulėh vadi▫ā▫ī.  Kinhī kahi▫ā bāh baho bẖā▫ī. Ko▫ī kahai mai dẖanėh pasārā.  Mohi ḏīn har har āḏẖārā.

||4||

 

Someone (kahiaa) says (mai) my (kulah-i) lineage has (vaddiaaee) greatness, i.e. I am from a high lineage. Someone (kahiaa) says he has (baah = arms) support of (bah-u) many (bhaaee) brothers.

(Koee) someone (kahai) says (mai) I have (pasaara) widespread (dhanah) wealth. I, a poor one rely on (aadhaara) support of the Almighty, i.e. I obey Divine commands and have the strength to overcome vices. 4.

 

ਕਿਨਹੀ ਘੂਘਰ ਨਿਰਤਿ ਕਰਾਈ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੂ ਵਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਮਾਲਾ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਗੋਪੀ ਚੰਦਨ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਇਆ ॥੫॥

Kinhī gẖūgẖar niraṯ karā▫ī.  Kinhū varaṯ nem mālā pā▫ī.  Kinhī ṯilak gopī cẖanḏan lā▫i▫ā.  Mohi ḏīn har har har ḏẖi▫ā▫i▫ā. ||5||

 

Someone worships by (ghoonghar = bells) wearing bell-anklets and (nirat-i = dance, karaaee = doing) dancing – in front of the deities; while someone observes (neym) regular (varat) fasts and/or (paaee) wearing (maala) rosary round the neck.

Someone (laaiaa) applies (tilak-u) frontal mark, on the forehead, of (gopi chandan) clay – from the pool where the milkmaids sacrificed themselves on being separated from Krishna of Mahabharata. I, a poor one (dhiaaiaa) fix attention (har-i har-i har-i – three ways) on Divine commands in thought, word and deed. 5.

 

ਕਿਨਹੀ ਸਿਧ ਬਹੁ ਚੇਟਕ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਭੇਖ ਬਹੁ ਥਾਟ ਬਨਾਏ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਤੰਤ ਮੰਤ ਬਹੁ ਖੇਵਾ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸੇਵਾ ॥੬॥

Kinhī siḏẖ baho cẖetak lā▫e.  Kinhī bẖekẖ baho thāt banā▫e.  Kinhī ṯanṯ manṯ baho kẖevā.  Mohi ḏīn har har har sevā. ||6||

 

(Kinhi) someone (laaey) stages (bah-u) many (cheyttak = theatre plays) shows of (sidh) miracles. Someone (banaaey) makes (thaatt) display of (bah-u) many (bheykh = garbs) forms of religious devotion.

Someone (kheyva = cause to move – like a boat) conducts (bahu) many shows of (tant) charms and (mant) mantras. I, a poor one engage in (seyva = service) obedience to (har-i har-i har-i) the Almighty in thought, word and deed. 6.

 

ਕੋਈ ਚਤੁਰੁ ਕਹਾਵੈ ਪੰਡਿਤ ॥ ਕੋ ਖਟੁ ਕਰਮ ਸਹਿਤ ਸਿਉ ਮੰਡਿਤ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਕਰੈ ਆਚਾਰ ਸੁਕਰਣੀ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣੀ ॥੭॥

Ko▫ī cẖaṯur kahāvai pandiṯ.  Ko kẖat karam sahiṯ si▫o mandiṯ.  Ko▫ī karai ācẖār sukarṇī.  Mohi ḏīn har har har sarṇī. ||7||

 

Someone (kahaavai = wants to be called) claims to be (chatur-u = clever) a wise (pandit) priest and scholar; someone (manddit) adorns himself (siay) with (khatt-u) the six (karam) deeds – namely giving and receiving charity, doing and getting done Yagna or fire sacrifices, teaching and learning.

(Koee) someone (karai) performs (aachaar) deeds based on rites and superstitions and considers them (sukarni) virtuous deeds. (Moh-i) I, a poor one have placed myself (sarni = in sanctuary) in care/obedience of the Almighty in thought, word, and deed. 7.

 

ਸਗਲੇ ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਜੁਗ ਸੋਧੇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨ ਪ੍ਰਬੋਧੇ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਉ ਸਾਧਸੰਗੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਬੂਝੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਮਹਾ ਸੀਤਲਾਇਆ ॥੮॥੧॥

Sagle karam ḏẖaram jug soḏẖe.  Bin nāvai ih man na parboḏẖe.  Kaho Nānak ja▫o sāḏẖsang pā▫i▫ā.  Būjẖī ṯarisnā mahā sīṯlā▫i▫ā. ||8||1||

 

I (sodhey) reflected on the value of (sagley) all (karam) rituals (dharam) prescribed as duty for (jug) all ages – Satyug, Tretayug, Duaaparyug and Kaliyug; But none (prbodhey) enlightened/convinced (ihu) this/my (man-u) mind.

(Kahu) says fifth Nanak: (Jau) when I (paaiaa) found (saadhsang-u) holy congregation – where Divine virtues and commands are praised and learnt to practice; my (trisna) craving (boojhi = quenched) was satisfied and the mind (mahaa) greatly (seetlaaiaa = cooled) pacified. 8. 1.

 

———————————————————

 

Note: In this Shabad the fifth Guru mentions the numerous beneficences of the Creator and motivates the humans to acknowledge the benevolent Master and obey IT’s commands. One should follow the guru’s guidance in this regards to be at be at peace.

 

ਰਾਮਕਲੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ ਇਸੁ ਪਾਨੀ ਤੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਤੂ ਘਰਿਆ ॥ ਮਾਟੀ ਕਾ ਲੇ ਦੇਹੁਰਾ ਕਰਿਆ ॥ ਉਕਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਲੈ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਪਰੀਖਿਆ ॥ ਮਾਤ ਗਰਭ ਮਹਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਤੂ ਰਾਖਿਆ ॥੧॥

Rāmkalī mėhlā 5.  Is pānī ṯe jin ṯū gẖari▫ā.  Mātī kā le ḏehurā kari▫ā.  Ukaṯ joṯ lai suraṯ parīkẖi▫ā.  Māṯ garabẖ mėh jin ṯū rākẖi▫ā. ||1||

 

C0mposition of the fifth Guru in Raga Raamkali. O Human being, the Creator (jin-i) who (ghariaa) formed you (tey) from (is-u = this) the (paani = water/fluid) semen of the father and egg of the mother; (ley) took and (kariaa) made (dehura/deyhi) body of (maattee) clay.

(Jin-i) who (lai) taking (jot-i = light/spirit) the soul, (ukat-i = reasoning) intellect and (surat-i) consciousness and (preekhiaa = examination) power to discern, and (raakhiaa) placed (too) you (mah-i) in (garabh) womb of (maat) the mother. 1.

 

ਰਾਖਨਹਾਰੁ ਸਮ੍ਹਾਰਿ ਜਨਾ ॥ ਸਗਲੇ ਛੋਡਿ ਬੀਚਾਰ ਮਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Rākẖanhār samĥār janā.  Sagle cẖẖod bīcẖār manā. ||1|| rahā▫o.

 

O (janaa = person) human being, keep that (raakhanhaar-u) protector (samhaar-i = carefully) in mind – and obey IT.

(Chhodd-i) leave (sagley) all other (beechaar) thoughts ideas – of worshipping gods/goddesses and rituals. 1.

(Rahaau) pause and reflect on this.

 

ਜਿਨਿ ਦੀਏ ਤੁਧੁ ਬਾਪ ਮਹਤਾਰੀ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਦੀਏ ਭ੍ਰਾਤ ਪੁਤ ਹਾਰੀ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਦੀਏ ਤੁਧੁ ਬਨਿਤਾ ਅਰੁ ਮੀਤਾ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਉ ਰਖਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਚੀਤਾ ॥੨॥

Jin ḏī▫e ṯuḏẖ bāp mėhṯārī.  Jin ḏī▫e bẖarāṯ puṯ hārī. Jin ḏī▫e ṯuḏẖ baniṯā ar mīṯā.  Ŧis ṯẖākur ka▫o rakẖ leho cẖīṯā. ||2||

 

One (jin-i) who (dee-ey) gave (tudh-u) you (baap) the father and (mahtaari) mother; who gave (bhraat = brothers) siblings, (put = sons) children (haari = keep green) to be happy in their company.

Who gave you (banita = wife) the spouse (ar-u) and (meetaa) friends; (rakh-i leyhu) keep (tis-u kau) that (tthaakur) Master (cheeta) in mind – live by IT’s virtues and commands. 2.

 

ਜਿਨਿ ਦੀਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਪਵਨੁ ਅਮੋਲਾ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਦੀਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਨੀਰੁ ਨਿਰਮੋਲਾ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਦੀਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਪਾਵਕੁ ਬਲਨਾ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕੀ ਰਹੁ ਮਨ ਸਰਨਾ ॥੩॥

Jin ḏī▫ā ṯuḏẖ pavan amolā.  Jin ḏī▫ā ṯuḏẖ nīr nirmola. Jin ḏī▫ā ṯuḏẖ pāvak balnā.  Ŧis ṯẖākur kī rahu man sarnā. ||3||

 

The Creator (jin-i) who (deeaa) gave (tudh-u) you (amola) the invaluable (pavan-u) air to breathe/live; who gave you (nirmola) the priceless (neer-u) water.

Who gave you (balna) fuel/firewood for (paavak-u) fire for use. O (man = mind) human being, (rah-u) be (saran = sanctuary) in care/obedience (ki) of (tis-u) that (tthaakur) Master. 3.

 

Note: The three elements air, water and fire/energy are essential for life.

 

ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਜਿਨਿ ਭੋਜਨ ਦੀਏ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਥਾਨ ਠਹਰਾਵਨ ਕਉ ਕੀਏ ॥ ਬਸੁਧਾ ਦੀਓ ਬਰਤਨਿ ਬਲਨਾ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਿਤਿ ਰਖੁ ਚਰਨਾ ॥੪॥

Cẖẖaṯīh amriṯ jin bẖojan ḏī▫e.  Anṯar thān ṯẖėhrāvan ka▫o kī▫e. Basuḏẖā ḏī▫o barṯan balnā.  Ŧis ṯẖākur ke cẖiṯ rakẖ cẖarnā. ||4||

 

Who (dee-ey) gave you (amrit) the life-giving (bhojan) food of (chhateeh) thirty six types, i.e. of numerous types; (kee-ey) made (thaan = place) houses for you (tthahraavan) to stay (antar-i) in them.

Who (deeo) gave (basudhaa) the earth and (balna) wherewithal (bartan-i) for use; (rakh-u) keep (charna) the feet of (tis-u) that (tthaakur) Master (chit-i) in mind, i.e. be obedient to IT. 4.

 

ਪੇਖਨ ਕਉ ਨੇਤ੍ਰ ਸੁਨਨ ਕਉ ਕਰਨਾ ॥ ਹਸਤ ਕਮਾਵਨ ਬਾਸਨ ਰਸਨਾ ॥ ਚਰਨ ਚਲਨ ਕਉ ਸਿਰੁ ਕੀਨੋ ਮੇਰਾ ॥ ਮਨ ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕੇ ਪੂਜਹੁ ਪੈਰਾ ॥੫॥

Pekẖan ka▫o neṯar sunan ka▫o karnā.  Hasaṯ kamāvan bāsan rasnā.  Cẖaran cẖalan ka▫o sir kīno merā.  Man ṯis ṯẖākur ke pūjahu pairā. ||5||

 

Who gave (neytr) eyes (kau) to (peykhan) see, (karna) ears (kau) to (sunan) hear; (hast) hands (kamaavan) for work, (baasan = smelling faculty) nose to smell and (rasna) tongue to taste and speak.

Who gave (Charan) feet (kau) to (chalan) walk and (keeno) made (sir-u) the head (m-era/mer = Sumer mountain) above all these. O (man = mind) human being, (poojahu) worship (paira) the feet of, i.e. ever obey instructions of (tis-u) that Master – as given to the soul. 5.

 

ਅਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਤੂ ਕਰਿਆ ॥ ਸਗਲ ਜੋਨਿ ਮਹਿ ਤੂ ਸਿਰਿ ਧਰਿਆ ॥ ਅਬ ਤੂ ਸੀਝੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਨਹੀ ਸੀਝੈ ॥ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਸਵਰੈ ਮਨ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਧਿਆਈਜੈ ॥੬॥

Apviṯar paviṯar jin ṯū kari▫ā.  Sagal jon mėh ṯū sir ḏẖari▫ā.  Ab ṯū sījẖ bẖāvai nahī sījẖai.  Kāraj savrai man parabẖ ḏẖi▫ā▫ījai. ||6||

 

(Jin-i) who (kariaa) made you (pivtr-u) clean from (apivtr) unclean, i.e. from the womb to this body; (dhariaa = placed) made (too) you- of human form – (sir-i = head) sublime (mah-i) amongst (sagal) all (jon-i) life–forms.

It is up to you (bhaavai) whether (too) you (seejh-u) succeed or (nahi) do not (seejhai) succeed – in making this human birth a success by attaining union with the Creator. Remember, (kaaraj-u = purpose) this objective (savrai = made right) is achieved by (dhiaaeejai) paying attention to virtues and commands of (prabh-u) the Almighty. 6.

 

ਈਹਾ ਊਹਾ ਏਕੈ ਓਹੀ ॥ ਜਤ ਕਤ ਦੇਖੀਐ ਤਤ ਤਤ ਤੋਹੀ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਸੇਵਤ ਮਨਿ ਆਲਸੁ ਕਰੈ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਵਿਸਰਿਐ ਇਕ ਨਿਮਖ ਨ ਸਰੈ ॥੭॥

Īhā ūhā ekai ohī.  Jaṯ kaṯ ḏekẖī▫ai ṯaṯ ṯaṯ ṯohī. Ŧis sevaṯ man ālas karai.  Jis visri▫ai ik nimakẖ na sarai. ||7||

 

(Ohi = that) the Almighty (eykai) alone can help (eehaa) here and (ooha = there) in the hereafter. O Almighty, (jat kat) wherever we (deykheeai) see (tat tat) there everywhere (tohi) You pervade.

But (man-i) in the mind, the human being (karai = does/shows, alas-u = laziness) is indifferent to (seyvat = serve) obey (tis-u) that Master; by (visriai) forgetting/ignoring (jis-u) whom, not (nimakh) a bit (sarai) works out, i.e. the objective of human birth is not achieved. 7.

 

ਹਮ ਅਪਰਾਧੀ ਨਿਰਗੁਨੀਆਰੇ ॥ ਨਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਨਾ ਕਰਮਾਰੇ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਬੋਹਿਥੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਮਿਲਿਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸ ਸੰਗਿ ਪਾਥਰ ਤਰਿਆ ॥੮॥੨॥

Ham aprāḏẖī nirgunī▫āre.  Nā kicẖẖ sevā nā karmāre. Gur bohith vadbẖāgī mili▫ā.  Nānak ḏās sang pāthar ṯari▫ā. ||8||2||

 

O Almighty, (ham) we (nirguneeaarey) virtue-less creatures are (apraadhi) guilty; we neither carry out (kichh-u) any of (seva = service) Your instructions nor have (karmaarey) deeds – good deeds – which could take us across the world-ocean to You.

(Vaddbhaagi) by good fortune I (miliaa) found the guru, (bohith) the ship, and (sang-i) in company of (daas = servants) the guru’s followers (paathar = stone) the transgressor is being (tariaa) ferried across, says fifth Nanak. 8. 2.

 

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Note: In this Shabad, the fifth Guru lists the various pursuits people are engaged in, some positive some negative, but none leads a complete life. Those who have the Almighty in mind, live by IT’s instructions to the soul carrying out all duties connected with their respective roles allotted by the Creator. The Guru says that the creatures do not choose their paths but go on those the Creator puts them on.

 

ਰਾਮਕਲੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਰੰਗ ਰਸ ਰੂਪ ॥

Rāmkalī mėhlā 5.  Kāhū bihāvai rang ras rūp.

 

Composition of the fifth Guru in Raag Raamkali. (Kaahoo) someone (bihaavai) passes life engaged in (rang) merry-making, (ras = taste) eating or paying attention to (roop) looks – physical strength or beauty.

 

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ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਮਾਇ ਬਾਪ ਪੂਤ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਰਾਜ ਮਿਲਖ ਵਾਪਾਰਾ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਅਧਾਰਾ ॥੧॥

Kāhū bihāvai mā▫e bāp pūṯ.  Kāhū bihāvai rāj milakẖ vāpārā.  Sanṯ bihāvai har nām aḏẖārā. ||1||

 

(Kaahoo) someone (bihaavai) spends life as (maaey) mother, (baap) father or (poot = son) child. Someone spends life managing (raaj = kingdom) authority, (milakh) estate and (vaapaara) business. (Sant = saint) a seeker spends life with (naam) virtues and commands of the Almighty as (adhaara) support, i.e. as guide for life. 1.

 

ਰਚਨਾ ਸਾਚੁ ਬਨੀ ॥ ਸਭ ਕਾ ਏਕੁ ਧਨੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Racẖnā sācẖ banī.  Sabẖ kā ek ḏẖanī. ||1|| rahā▫o.

 

(Rachna) creation (banee) made by the Creator is (saach-u) real – and we should play our role in it – not forsake it; there is (ek-u) only One (dhani) Master – all should obey IT. 1.

(Rahaau) pause and reflect on this.

 

ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਬੇਦ ਅਰੁ ਬਾਦਿ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਰਸਨਾ ਸਾਦਿ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਲਪਟਿ ਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਰੀ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਰਚੇ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ਮੁਰਾਰੀ ॥੨॥

Kāhū bihāvai beḏ ar bāḏ.  Kāhū bihāvai rasnā sāḏ. Kāhū bihāvai lapat sang nārī.  Sanṯ racẖe keval nām murārī. ||2||

 

(Kahoo) someone spends life reading (beyd = Vedas) the scriptures (ar-u) and getting into (baad-u) arguments – to display knowledge. Someone spends life (saad-i = in taste) satisfying taste of (rasna) the tongue, i.e. lives to eat.

Someone spends life (lapatt-i = clinging) indulging (sang-i) with (naari) women. (Sant) the seekers (rachey = are used to) remain engrossed (keyval) only in living by Naam of (muraari = killer of demon Mur – metaphor for) the Almighty – the destroyer of evil. 2.

 

ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਖੇਲਤ ਜੂਆ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਅਮਲੀ ਹੂਆ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਪਰ ਦਰਬ ਚੁਰਾਏ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਨਾਮ ਧਿਆਏ ॥੩॥

Kāhū bihāvai kẖelaṯ jū▫ā.  Kāhū bihāvai amlī hū▫ā.  Kāhū bihāvai par ḏarab cẖorā▫e.  Har jan bihāvai nām ḏẖi▫ā▫e. ||3||

 

Someone spends life (kheylat) playing (jooaa = gambling) games of chance. Someone spends life (hooaa) being (amli) an addict to a drug/intoxicant.

Someone spends life (churaaey) stealing (darab = wealth) things of (par) others; (jan = servant) a seeker of (har-i) the Almighty spends life (dhiaaey = focusing attention) in obedience to (naam) Divine virtues and commands. 3.

 

ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਜੋਗ ਤਪ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਰੋਗ ਸੋਗ ਭਰਮੀਜਾ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਪਵਨ ਧਾਰ ਜਾਤ ਬਿਹਾਏ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਗਾਏ ॥੪॥

Kāhū bihāvai jog ṯap pūjā.  Kāhū rog sog bẖarmījā.  Kāhū pavan ḏẖār jāṯ bihā▫e.  Sanṯ bihāvai kīrṯan gā▫e. ||4||

 

Someone spends life engaged in (jog) Yoga, (tap) austerities or (pooja) worship – of deities. Someone (bharmeeja = wanders) runs around attending to (rog) illness and (sog) sorrow.

Someone’s life (jaat = goes, bihaaey = passing) is spent in (pavan = air, dhaar = support) breath control, i.e. Pranayama or other activities of Hatth Yoga. (Sant) a seeker spends life (gaa-e = singing) praising – and emulating (keertan-u) virtues of the Almighty. 4.

ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਦਿਨੁ ਰੈਨਿ ਚਾਲਤ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਪਿੜੁ ਮਾਲਤ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਬਾਲ ਪੜਾਵਤ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਵਤ ॥੫॥

Kāhū bihāvai ḏin rain cẖālaṯ.  Kāhū bihāvai so piṛ mālaṯ.  Kāhū bihāvai bāl paṛāvaṯ.  Sanṯ bihāvai har jas gāvaṯ. ||5||

 

Someone spends life (chaalat) moving (din-u) day and (rain-i) night; someone passes time (maalat) occupying (so) that (pirr) place – where s/he settles down once for all.

Someone spends life (parraavat) teaching (baal) children. The seeker spends life (gaavat = singing) praising (jas-u = glory) virtues of (har-i) the Almighty, and emulating them. 5.

 

ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਨਟ ਨਾਟਿਕ ਨਿਰਤੇ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਜੀਆਇਹ ਹਿਰਤੇ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਰਾਜ ਮਹਿ ਡਰਤੇ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਕਰਤੇ ॥੬॥

Kāhū bihāvai nat nātik nirṯe.  Kāhū bihāvai jī▫ā▫ih hirṯe. Kāhū bihāvai rāj mėh darṯe.  Sanṯ bihāvai har jas karṯe. ||6||

 

Someone spends life performing (naattik) drama or, as (natt) a dancer, (nirtey) dancing. Someone spends life (hirtey) killing (jeeaaih = creatures) people.

Someone (mah-i) in (raaj = kingdom) authority – commits transgressions and (ddartey) remains fearful. (Sant) a seeker passes life (kartey = doing, jas-u = glorification) praising virtues of (har-i) the Almighty – and emulating them. 6.

 

ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਮਤਾ ਮਸੂਰਤਿ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਸੇਵਾ ਜਰੂਰਤਿ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਸੋਧਤ ਜੀਵਤ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਬਿਹਾਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪੀਵਤ ॥੭॥

Kāhū bihāvai maṯā masūraṯ.  Kāhū bihāvai sevā jarūraṯ.  Kāhū bihāvai soḏẖaṯ jīvaṯ.  Sanṯ bihāvai har ras pīvaṯ. ||7||

 

Someone passes life in making (mataa) resolutions and (masoorat-i) in consultations – guiding others. Someone spends life (seyva) serving those (jaroorat-i) with needs.

Someone spends time (jeevat) living (sodhat) repairing. The seeker spends life (peevat) drinking (ras-u) elixir, i.e. being aware and emulating virtues, of (har-i) the Almighty. 7.

 

ਜਿਤੁ ਕੋ ਲਾਇਆ ਤਿਤ ਹੀ ਲਗਾਨਾ ॥ ਨਾ ਕੋ ਮੂੜੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੋ ਸਿਆਨਾ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਦੇਵੈ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਉ ॥੮॥੩॥

Jiṯ ko lā▫i▫ā ṯiṯ hī lagānā.  Nā ko mūṛ nahī ko si▫ānā.  Kar kirpā jis ḏevai nā▫o.  Nānak ṯā kai bal bal jā▫o. ||8||3||

 

There is nothing in hands of the creatures. (Jit-u) whatever way (ko) someone (laaiaa) is engaged by the Almighty, in (tit) that (hi) alone s/he (lagaana) engages; there is neither (ko) anyone (moorr-u) foolish nor (siaana) wise, i.e. everything happens by natural laws.

One (jis-u) whom the Almighty (kar-i kirpa) kindly (deyvai = gives) imparts awareness of (naau = naam) Divine virtues and commands – as guide and s/he follows them, I (bal-i bal-i jaau = am sacrifice to) adore (ta kai) that person – for earning Divine grace – , says fifth Nanak. 8. 3.