Whom shall I tell of the anguish of my heart?
Greed has me in its hold.
I rush madly in the ten directions
Seeking gold.
I suffer much wanting life of ease
And serve all kinds of people,
And like a dog go from door to door
But I have no thought of prayer.
I waste my human existence,
I have no shame when people laugh at me.
O Nanak, why sing you not in praise of the Lord
And rid your mind and body of impure thoughts?
* * *
jo nar dukh mai dukh nahi manai
He who in adversity grieves not
He who is without fear
He who falls not in the snare of sensuality
Who has no greed for gold knowing it is like dust.
He who does not slander people when their backs are turned
Nor flatters them to their faces.
He who has neither gluttony in his heart
Nor vanity nor attachment with worldly things.
He whom nothing moves,
Neither good fortune nor ill,
Who cares not for the world’s applause,
Nor its censure,
Who ignores every wishful fantasy
And accepts what comes his way as it comes.
He whom lust cannot lure
Nor anger command,
In such a one lives God Himself.
On such a man does the Guru’s Grace descend,
For he knows the righteous path.
O Nanak, his soul mingles with the Lord
As water mingles with water.
* * *
Sadho eh tan mithiya jano
This body is a lie, O Seers,
The spirit of God within the only truth.
Why do you wallow in sweet illusions,
Why are you attached to worldly possessions
When nothing will go with thee?
Put away all thoughts of praise or blame,
And fix your mind on His glory.
In every heart dwells the Perfect One,
Says Nanak, know him as the Lord.
* * *
Sukh main bahu sangi bhaye
Many were my friends in the hour of happiness,
In sorrow none remains.
Says Nanak, recite the Lord’s Name, O mind,
He alone is yours in the end.
* * *
Na hi gun na hi kachhu jap tap
I possess no virtue, nor merit of worship;
How shall I redeem myself?
Says Nanak, Thou art my only refuge,
Give me the boon of courage, O Lord.
* * *
Jagat bhikhari firat hai
All the world is a wandering beggar,
The Lord alone is the bestower.
Says Nanak, remember Him, O heart,
Then all your efforts bear fruit.
* * *
A wall raised of sand
Will not last four days;
So are the joys of maya:
Know this, O mind, and be free.
* * *
Bal chhutkiyo bandhan pare
I have no strength, I am in shackles,
All my efforts are in vain.
Says Nanak, now save me, Lord,
As you saved the elephant king.*
* * *
Bal hova bandhan chhute
My strength returns, I am unshackled,
All my efforts avail;
Says Nanak, it is all in Thy hands, Lord,
You alone can save.