Ghaal khaye kich hatho deh – Raag Sarangh – Ang 1245

SGGS Angg 1245.

Raag Sarangh M.1.

Guru Ji looks at pretenders on the spiritual path. There are plenty of them. They exist in all religions. At the end of the Shabad, Guru Ji concludes by telling us what is true rightful conduct by anyone on the Path towards Union with God.

Many sing religious songs, but internally, they lack spiritual wisdom.

“Gyan vihunaa gavhe geet.”

The greedy Mullah turns his home into a mosque (in the hope of collecting money from the faithful).

“Bhukhey mullah gharey maseet.”

The “makhatoo” i.e. one who is too lazy to do any “khatee,” i.e. earning by honest means, gets his ears pierced to look like a yogi.

“Makhatoo hoye ke kanh parhaye.”

Some take to begging (disguised as fakeers) and claim they have no caste (i.e. pretend they have risen above caste consciousness).

“Fakar karey hor jaat gavahey.”

Guru Ji says one who claims to be a guru or a peer (spiritual guide), yet goes about begging; do not ever fall at the feet (touch his feet) of such a pretender.

“Gur peer sadayeh manggan jaiye; ta ke mool na lagiye paiye.”

One who earns his earnings by honest effort; Nanak says, such a person has truly recognized the Path (to God).

“Ghaal khaye kich hatho deh; Nanak rah pechaney seh.”

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Bhai Ji further elaborated on November 27, 2024:

Guru Ji traces the decadent ways of the world.

They Sing Songs of His Praises but have no inner wisdom about Him.

“Gyan vihuna gaavhe geet.”

The greedy Mulla turns his house into a mosque (hoping there will be charitable contributions from those who come to pray).

“Bhukhe Mulla ghare maseet. ”

The lazy wastrel gets his ears pierced and acts like a yogi.

“Makhatu hoye ke kann paraahye.”

He acts like a fakeer hoping to shed his repute as a useless person.

“Fakarr kare horh jaat gavaahe.”

Some call themselves Gurus and Pirs, but such pretense is merely a guise for them to beg.

“Gur Pir sadaaye manggan jaaye.”

Guru Ji says one should never fall at the feet of such persons.

“Ta ke mool na laggiye paaiye.”

After warning us about the numerous crafty practices of people to make money under the guise of religion, Guru Ji now tells us what we should do.

One who makes honest effort and gives some part of his earnings to charity, Nanak says, such a man has recognized the Way (the Path to Union with God).

“Ghaal khaye kich hatho deh; Nanak rah pechane se.”

As can be seen, nothing much has changed from the times of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In fact many more ingenious methods are now being used to fleece honest men and women using the guise of religion.

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shahad Kirtan available on YouTube