Teri bhagat na chodho bhave logh hassey – Raag Basant – Ang 1195

SGGS Angg 1195/1196.

Raag Basant – Bhagat Namdev Ji.

Bhagat tells us sometimes we face terrible hardships. No solution appears. Prayers are not answered for some mysterious reason. Despite the trying times, Bhagat Ji says one must not run away. Be steadfast in your sewa to God.

Bhagat Ji describes a sewak who runs away (i.e. instead of reliance upon Naam, he now turns to some siana, baba, feng shui, tantric, taggey taveets, sakats etc). Such a person cannot hope for eternal life and instead brings shame to his lineage here and hereafter.

“Sahib sang katve sewak bhajeh; chirankaal na jeeve douu kol lajeh.”

With respect the internet translation is inaccurate.

Bhagat Ji’s “Sahib” cannot be anyone other than God Himself. God never gets into any “sankat”(trouble, misfortune, entanglements).

Bhagat Kabir Ji, in describing God, says at Angg 338:

“sankat nahi parey jonh nahi aave Naam Niranjan ja ko re” (the Lord never falls into any misfortune, does not take birth and His Name is Immaculate and Pure).

The internet translation stems from the fact they have used “sankatve” as one word, which means misfortune. With respect it should be read separately as “sang katve” i.e. to cut the “sang,” to sever the relationship of sewak with his Master.

In the rahao, there is a firm commitment by the Bhagat that He will not waver from devotional worship to the Lord, even if people laugh at Him; Your Lotus Feet (Bani), abide within my heart.

“Teri bhagat na chodho bhave logh hassey; Charan Kamal mere hiarey bassey” (rahao).

Just as a mortal is prepared to risk his life to protect his wealth; in the same way, the Saints will not forsake the Lord’s Name at any cost.

“Jaise apne dhane prani maran maande; taise Sant janaa Ram Naam na chodey.”

Pilgrimages to places like the Ganges, Gaya, and the Godavari are merely worldy affairs (i.e. you cannot reach the Lord by tirath yatras).

“Ganga Geya Godavari sansar ke kamaa.”

Only if the Lord is pleased, can Namdev call himself His sewak.

“Narayan suparsan hoye te sewak Nama.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shahad Kirtan available on YouTube