Mai mann mero bass nahi – Raag Sorath – Ang 632

SGGS Angg 632.

Raag Sorath M.9

In Gurbani the word “mai” is often used. Literally, it means mother, but in Gurbani, unless the context says otherwise, it refers to your matt, as in

“mata matt pita santokh.” (Ang 151).

Matt here refers to your learning, your wisdom. It means the Sikh is talking to his inner self.

Here, the Sikh says O mother (matt), I cannot subdue my mind; night and day it runs after sin and evil. How can I restrain it?

“Mai mann mero bass nahi; niss basar bikhyan ko dhaavat keh bidh roko tahe.” (rahao).

I listen to the Vedas, Puranas and Simritess but their teachings do not get enshrined in my heart, even for an instant; engrossed in wealth, and women of others, my life passes away uselessly.

“Bedh Puran Simrit ke matt sunn ke nimakh na hiyee basavhe; par dhan par dara seyo rachiyo birtha janam siravhe.”

I have gone insane with the intoxication of maya, and do not understand any spiritual wisdom; deep within me, the Immaculate Lord dwells, but I do not know His Mystery.

“Madh maya ke bheyo bavro sujjat neh kach gyanaa; ghat hi bhittar bastt Niranjan ta ko maram na janaa.”

Only when I took to the Sanctuary of the Holy Saints (Guru), my evil mindedness was dispelled; Nanak says, then (in Guru Ji’s Sharan), I reflected upon the Wish Fulfilling Jewel (Naam), and the noose of the messenger of death was cut.

“Jab hi Sharan Sadh ki aayo durmatt sagal binasee; tab Nanak chetiyo Chintaman katee jamm ki phasee.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube