mahalā 2.
salāmu jabābu dovai kare munḍhahu ghuthā jāi.
nānak dovai kūṛīā thāi na kāī pāi.2.
salāmu jabābu dovai kare munḍhahu ghuthā jāi.
nānak dovai kūṛīā thāi na kāī pāi.2.
mahalā 2. |
salāmu jabābu dovai kare munḍhahu ghuthā jāi. |
nānak dovai kūṛīā thāi na kāī pāi.2. |

Guru Angad explains in the second verse that if a servant salutes the Sovereign in respect, but then, in ego, refuses to accept the Sovereign’s command, then that servant has gone astray from their most basic essence — complete surrender to the Sovereign. Not only that, this duality and these mutually conflicting actions mean that both actions are false. By existing in this duality, the servant negates any moment in which they saluted in respect. They are mistaken from the very beginning, and nothing will be accomplished — they will not find any space or shelter either here or there. This is again about the calculations of the person who claims to be a lover, serving in devotion. Behaviorally, one who calculates and refuses to accept the command is not a lover.
If a devotee salutes IkOankar in respect, and in ego, refuses to accept IkOankar’s Command, then it ought to be understood that one is going astray from their primary purpose, which is complete surrender to IkOankar.
Because, Nanak! Both of these mutually conflicting actions, saluting and refusing, are false. None of these are accepted.
Because, Nanak! Both of these mutually conflicting actions, saluting and refusing, are false. None of these are accepted.
(If a servant) both gives salute to (the) Owner and gives refusal (to a command at the same time, that person) is going astray from the (very) origin.
Nanak! Both (of these conflicting actions of that person) are false; (out of these) none finds a place.
Nanak! Both (of these conflicting actions of that person) are false; (out of these) none finds a place.
This salok depicts the devotion of a servant towards the Owner or Sovereign. The imagery of two mutually opposing actions of saluting/bowing (salāmu) and refusal/denial (jabābu) is used to state that both of these actions (bowing to the Owner for seeking favor and then refusing to accept the order of the same Owner under ego) are useless, pretentious, and false. Such a hypocrite devotee can neither be acceptable to the Owner nor be successful in life, because complete surrender is the only option on a spiritual path.
The meter convention of this salok is 13+11. Consequently, it can be categorized under a two line verse/couplet with 13+11 characters each (doharā chand).
The meter convention of this salok is 13+11. Consequently, it can be categorized under a two line verse/couplet with 13+11 characters each (doharā chand).