Without Nam Life is Pointless

The Sabad commences with a vivid image—the touch of the Guru's hand on the devotee's forehead, a profound moment when the jewel-like Nam of the All-Pervasive comes to reside in the heart. This transformative act, facilitated by the Guru's gift of Nam, is described as a remedy for the deepest pains and debts accrued over many lifetimes. 

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When Guru’s hand was placed on my forehead,
All-Pervasive’s jewel-like Nam¹ came to reside in my heart.
Through Guru’s gift of Nam, many lifetimes
of evilest pain and debt were removed.  1.

My mind recites Charmer-Divine’s Nam, the source of all wealth.
Perfect Guru instilled All-Pervasive’s Nam—without Nam, life is pointless.  Reflect.

Without Guru, the self-centered are foolish,
Every day, remain trapped in illusion.
Never serving at the feet of Goodness,
Entire lives become worthless.  2.

Those serving at the feet-base of Goodness-Guru
become Master’s own, and lives become fruitful.
O Master of the Universe, All-Pervasive, grace me
to be the votary of the votary of Your votaries.  3.

We are blind, wisdomless, unwise… How can we walk the Path?
O Guru, grant us the blind ones,
Your hem so commoner Nanak
may walk in harmony.  4.

1. Divine Identification

     Guru Ramdas Sahib in Rag Jaitsari  | Guru Granth Sahib 696
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About Sabad of the Week

We are finite; our understanding is finite. Our understanding was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad. In this trans-creation, we have chosen to keep the repeating words in the Sabad same. We aspire to learn and retain the Divine attribute used in the original Sabad and avoid terms like God or Lord.