Baba mai karamheen kurhiaar – Raag Maroo – Ang 989

SGGS Angg 989.

Raag Maroo M.1

Gurbani tells us that with Gur Parsad, there comes a time when the Lord Himself inspires you to recite His Name. Earlier, the Sikh was making efforts (“ghaal”) with Naam praying for Darshan. In His Grace, He takes over and “Jab Aap Kirpaal hovay Har Suami ta Apna Naao Har Aap japaave.” (Ang 555).

In this Shabad Guru Ji tells us of some blessed Sikhs who are called upon by the Lord to awaken at Amrit Vela recite His Name; (for those who do not take to Naam, they have to face the horrible jamms – “jamm ka thenga bura hai oh nahi sehiya jaaye.” – Ang 1368). Those blessed Sikhs who are inspired by the Lord to recite His Name, instead of jamms, they have tents, canopies, pavilions and carriages readied for them; those who recite Your Name, Lord, receive Your Gracious Call (to come home to your nijhi ghar – “tum ghar aavho Mere meet.”)

“Picho rati sadra Naam Khasam ka leh; Kheme chattar saraiche dissan rath pirhe; jinni Tera Naam dhiaaya tin ko Sadh milhe.”

After telling us about the blessed Sikhs and the dignity with which they are treated, the rahao of this Shabad tells us about the miserable ones who did not take to Naam.

Father, I am unfortunate and debased; I did not acquire Your Name. My mind is blinded and full of misconceptions.

“Baba mai karamheen kurhiaar; Naam na paaya Tera andha bharam bhula mann mera.” (rahao).

I have relished the tastes (of maya) and my pains have come to fruition, such is the destiny I have earned O mother, based on my past actions; my joys are few and my pains are many and my life ebbs in utter agony.

“Saadh kitay dukh parfarhe purab likhe maaye; sukh thorhe dukh aggle dukhe dukh vihaaye.”

What worse deprivation can there be for those separated (from the Lord) and what further Union can there be for those who are merged (into the Lord); Praise the Lord and Master who having created this Play, beholds it.

“Vichariya ka kya vichrey miliya ka kya melh; Sahib so salahiye jin kar dekhiya khel.”

By good destiny this union (of jeev and body) comes about and this body enjoys pleasures; Nanak says, the ones distanced from the Lord (jeev and body) are (even) separated from each other, such is their destiny.

“Sanjogi melavrha ein tann kitay bhog; vijogi milh vichray Nanak bhi sanjogh.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shahad Kirtan available on YouTube