My Library

419 Why do the Yogis, the revellers, and the beggars wander in foreign lands? They do not understand the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, and the essence of excellence within them. ॥3॥ The Pandits, the religious scholars, the teachers and astrologers, and those who endlessly read the Puraanas, do not know what is within; God is hidden deep within them. ॥4॥ Some penitents perform penance in the forests, and some dwell forever at sacred shrines. The unenlightened people do not understand themselves — why have they become renunciates? ॥5॥ Some control their sexual energy, and are known as celibates. But without the Guru’s Word, they are not saved, and they wander in reincarnation. ॥6॥ Some are householders, servants, and seekers, attached to the Guru’s Teachings. They hold fast to the Naam, to charity, to cleansing and purification; they remain awake in devotion to the Lord. ॥7॥ Through the Guru, the Gate of the Lord’s Home is found, and that place is recognized. Nanak does not forget the Naam; his mind has surrendered to the True Lord. ॥8॥14॥ AASAA, FIRST MEHL: Stilling the desires of the mind, the mortal truly crosses over the terrifying world-ocean. In the very beginning, and throughout the ages, You have been the Merciful Lord and Master; I seek Your Sanctuary. ॥1॥ You are the Giver, and I am a mere beggar. Lord, please grant me the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan. The Gurmukh meditates on the Naam; the temple of his mind resounds with joy. ॥1॥ Pause॥ Renouncing false greed, one comes to realize the Truth. So let yourself be absorbed in the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, and know this supreme realization. ॥2॥ This mind is a greedy king, engrossed in greed. The Gurmukh eliminates his greed, and comes to an understanding with the Lord. ॥3॥ Planting the seeds in the rocky soil, how can one reap a profit? The selfwilled manmukh is not pleased with Truth; the false are buried in falsehood. ॥4॥ So renounce greed — you are blind! Greed only brings pain. When the True Lord dwells within the mind, the poisonous ego is conquered. ॥5॥ Renounce the evil way of duality, or you shall be plundered, O Siblings of Destiny. Day and night, praise the Naam, in the Sanctuary of the True Guru’s protection. ॥6॥ The self-willed manmukh is a rock, a stone. His life is cursed and useless. No matter now long a stone is kept under water, it still remains dry at its core. ॥7॥ The Name of the Lord is the treasure; the Perfect Guru has given it to me. O Nanak, one who does not forget the Naam, churns and drinks in the Ambrosial Nectar. ॥8॥15॥ AASAA, FIRST MEHL: The travellers travel from one road to another. The world is engrossed in its entanglements, and does not appreciate the Truth. ॥1॥ Why wander around, and why go searching, when the Guru’s Shabad reveals Him to us? Leaving behind egotism and attachment, I have arrived at my own home. ॥1॥ Pause॥ Through Truth, one meets the True One; He is not obtained through falsehood. Centering your consciousness on the True Lord, you shall not have to come into the world again. ॥2॥ Why do you weep for the dead? You do not know how to weep. Weep by praising the True Lord, and recognize His Command. ॥3॥ Blessed is the birth of one who is destined to abide by the Lord’s Command. He obtains the true profit, realizing the Lord’s Command. ॥4॥