Tao kaaran Sahiba rang rattay – Raag Assa – Ang 358

SGGS Ang 358

Raag Assa (Asa) M.1.

Guru Ji takes a deep look at various methods employed by different sects to reach God.

It is an amazing Shabad and in many ways encapsulates the essence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s vibrant and dynamic teachings.

The only ones who succeed to union are those who get coloured with love for God – “rang rattay.”

To reach God they colour themselves with His Love.

“Tao kaaran Sahiba rang rattay”

They also get enlightenment that His Names are Infinite, His Forms are endless and no one can tell how many Glorious Virtues He has.

“Tere Naam aneka roop ananta kahan na jaaye tere gunn ketay” (rahao).

The devas too tried to get Your Darshan. All they achieved was much pain and hunger at various shrines.

“Devteyian Darshan ke taaye dukh bhukh tirath kiyee”

Many lived disciplined lives as yogis and jatis, while many wore saffron robes and became wandering hermits. (There is no union with God like this).

“Jogi jatti jugat me rehtay kar kar bhagve bhekh bhaye”

Many left hearth and home, palaces, elephants, horses and their native lands journeyed to foreign lands (in their futile search of God).

But it was the Spiritual leaders, the Prophets and men of faith who renounced the world (in their hearts) and became acceptable (at His Court).

“Pir peghambar salak saadak chodi duniya thaee paeyee”

Many renounced tasty food, delicacies, comforts and pleasures. Some gave up their clothes and wore animal skins. (But reached nowhere close to God).

“Saad sahaj sukh rass kass tajiaalay kaparh choday chamarrh lieye”

But those who truly bore the pain of separation from You, travelled within themselves to Your Door and with love of Naam became true dervishes.

“Dukhiye dardwand Dar Tere Naam rattay darvesh bheye”

Many wear skins and carry begging bowls, bearing wooden staffs and sit on deer skins. Others raise their hair in tufts and wear sacred threads and loin cloths (but achieve no union).

“Khalrrhi khaprrhi lakrhhi chammrhi sikha soot dhoti kinni”

Guru Ji ends the Shabad in utter humility. You are my Lord and Master. I am Your puppet. What claim can I lay to any class or social status.

“Tu Sahib hao saangi tera pranvay Nanak jaat kaisee”

What a fantastic Shabad.

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube