Karo benanti sunho mere meeta Sant tehal ki bela – Kirtan Sohila – Ang 13

 SGGS Angg 13.

The final (5th) Shabad of Kirtan Sohila, the bedtime prayer of every Sikh.

As a Sikh recites Kirtan Sohila, the Guru tells him in the 1st Shabad, to sing Praises of the Fearless Lord. Such Praises will give you peace always. (at night time, when it is dark, all kinds of fears tend to set in).

“tum gavho Mere Nirbhao ka Sohila jit Sohile sada sukh hoye.” (rahao).

In the 2nd Shabad, the Guru reminds the Sikh, where Praises of the Lord are sung, that house is always glorious and protected. (internal ghar and externally too).

“Baba jeh ghar Karte kirat hoye so ghar rakh vadaiiye tohe.”(rahao)

The 3rd Shabad is the Aarti Shabad by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It reminds the Sikh that the entire Creation/Nature is singing the Lord’s Praises. In the rahao, Guru Ji says the Sikh should look upon this outer Cosmic Aarti with wonder, and at the same time look dèep inwards to hear the inner Aarti resounding within through the Anhad Shabads.

“Kaisee Aarti hoye; Bhavkhandana Teri Aaarti; Anhataa Shabad vaajant bheri.”( rahao).

In the 3rd Shabad, Guru Ji has drawn the attention of the Sikh inwards. Continuing with the deep inner gaze, in the 4th Shabad, Guru Ji tells the Sikh, that the body is a village and it is full of kaam krodh, which can only be smashed to bits by meeting the Sadhu (Guru).

“Kaam krodh nagar baho bhareya milh Sadhu khandal khanda he.”

(as the Guru can save him from all vices) the Sikh is told to always bow in humility, internally to his Almighty Guru. This is noble and praiseworthy.

“Kar Sadhu anjuli punn vadda he; kar dandaaut punn vadda he.” (rahao).

In the final (5th) Shabad, the Guru speaks to the Sikh as a friend and reminds him that this lifetime should be spent in sewa of the Saint (Guru); as you reap profits by sewa (Naam), your life hereafter will be peaceful (happy).

“Karo benanti sunho mere meeta Sant tehal ki bela; eiha khaat chalo Har laaha aage bassan suhela.”

As the Sikh readies himself to sleep, the Guru reminds him that life is ebbing away day and night; in your mind meet  (Unite) with the Guru (Shabad) and get all your affairs resolved.

“Audh ghatte dinass raina re; mann Gur milh kaaj savaare.” (rahao).

The Sikh is further told this world is engrossed in useless acts and is restless (not at peace), only the Enlightened ones swim across; (but this Enlightenment comes only with His Grace), only those He awakens and gives the Sublime Essence (of Naam) to drink, they become aware of the Mysterious Indescribable Story (His Hukam) of the Lord.

“Eih sansaar bikaar sanse me tariyo Brahm Gyani; jisse jagaaiye piaaiye eh rass Akath Katha tinn jaani.”

Purchase only that for which you have come to this world, and through the Guru (Shabad), the Lord shall dwell in your mind; lovingly and with intuitive ease, reside in your true inner home, be admitted into the Palace of the Lord and you shall not be consigned again into the wheel (cycle) of reincarnation.

“Ja ko aaye soyee bihajho Har Gur te manne basera; nijh ghar Mahal pavho sukh sahaje bahur na bhavjal phera.”

After all this Divine Advice from the Guru, the Sikh reverently voices a prayer in the final two lines. O Knower of All Inner Secrets, Architect of Destiny, please fulfill this yearning in my mind; Nanak, Your slave begs for this happiness, that he be the dust of the Saints (that he live in humility, at the Feet of the Guru).

“Antarjami Purakh Bidhate sharda mann ki puray; Nanak dass eihe sukh maange mo ko kar Santan ki dhuray.”

(With respect, my translation is quite different from that found on the net).

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube