These shabads are hymns or spiritual poems written by saints and mystics from different spiritual traditions of the Indian subcontinent. The shabads convey a deep message of truth and are sung with heartfelt devotion. They express the intense longing of the soul for union with the Lord. These songs of devotion are prayers that inspire the true seeker to turn inwards to contact the ultimate Truth - the inner divine music that reverberates within every being.
English Translation:
Pay attention to me, O Master -
I am tossing about in the ocean of existence.
Left by myself, I will be swept away
if you do not take hold of my hand.
With folded hands I pray to you -
hear me, O fountainhead of mercy!
Grant me the blissful company of Saints
and the gifts of compassion and humility.
When my Master meets me this time,
I will cry my heart out to him.
Putting my head at his feet,
I will say what I have always longed to say.
My Master will meet me
and ask about my well-being.
I will tell him the tale from beginning to end
and convey all that is in my heart.
With what face do I pray?
I am ashamed of myself.
You see me sinning all the time -
how then can I win your approval?
Forgetting you, O Satguru,
who could I go to for refuge?
Shiv, Brahma, and muni Narad
do not dwell in my heart.
I am a born sinner
and am filled with vices from head to toe.
You are the beneficent giver, the destroyer of misery -
please take me under your care.
O Father, you are merciful to the meek -
forgive my faults.
I am an unworthy son;
only you, O Father, can hide my shame.
I have indulged in countless vices;
never did I tire of committing misdeeds.
Punish me or forgive me;
do with this slave as you please.
Please do not take to heart
what I have spoiled due to my blunders.
The Master in his greatness always forgives,
even if a servant constantly errs.
O Lord, do not ever forget me
even if millions are devoted to you.
For you, there are countless people like me;
for me, there is no one like you.
With folded hands I pray to you -
boundless is this ocean of existence.
Shower your grace on this servant, O Lord,
and liberate me from the cycle of transmigration.
You alone are all-knowing
and you are the support of the soul.
If you let go of my hand, O Lord,
who will ferry me across?
The ocean of existence is vast,
deep, impassable and unfathomable.
O Compassionate One, shower your grace -
only then can I hope to fathom its mystery.
O Master, you alone are merciful;
it is only to you that I can run for shelter,
just as a crow flying across the vast seas
finds no refuge other than a sailing ship.
I have no idea how to get dyed
in the colour of the Beloved’s love.
My mind has no faith or sweet love,
nor do I have any charm or grace.
Those whom the Lord dyes in the colour of his love
never lose their hue.
Day by day, as Shabd takes hold,
its effect becomes more profound.
I am a sinner bereft of virtues -
totally cold-hearted am I.
Truly mighty is the Satguru,
who ferries even this sinner to the eternal abode.
Truly powerful are you, O Master -
firmly hold my arm.
Take me to the eternal abode,
and do not abandon me on the way.
Entreats Kabir: O Master,
listen carefully!
Show me the path
that leads to the almighty Creator.
Bestow on me the gift of devotion, O Master,
Lord of all the gods.
Nothing else do I seek
except to serve you day and night.
This shabad is published by Radha Soami Satsang Beas.
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