Recently I discovered Snatam Kaur’s rendition of Ray Man Shabad. 15 minutes of conscious changing music. The halfway point captures a feeling of love to pure consciousness and enlightenment. It’s floored me. Further research showed me this beautiful mantra and powerful words.
“The Ray Man Shabad was written by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, who was a master of yoga, a master of poetry, a master warrior, and a master of the Shabad Guru.”
Notes from this post.
Ray man eh bidh jog kamaa-o
Singee saach akapat kanthalaa
Dhi-aan Bibhoot charaa-o
Taatee geho aatam bas kar kee
Bhicchhaa naam adhaarang
Baajay param taar tat har ko
Upajai raag rasaarang
Ughatai taan tarang rang
Gi-aan geet bandhaanang
Chak chak rehay dayv daanav mun
Chhak chhak bayom bivaanang
Aatam upadays bhays sanjam ko
Jaap so ajapaa jaapa
Kaal na kabahoo bayaapai
Translation
Oh my mind, practice Yoga in this way: Let Truth be your horn, sincerity your necklace, and meditation the ashes you apply on your body.
Catch your burning soul (self) and stop the flames. Let the soul (self) be the alms bowl in which you collect the sweet Naam and this will be the only support you will ever need.
The Universe plays its divine music. The sound of reality is shrill, but this is where God is.
When you listen to the reality from this place of awareness the sweet essence of Raag arises. Waves of melodies, emotions, and passions arise and flow through you. Bind yourself with the song of God.
The Universe spins like a potter’s wheel and from it fly demons and angels. The sage listens to this and instead of getting caught in either one, the sage drinks the nectar of the heavens and is carried to the heavens in a divine chariot.
Instruct and clothe yourself with self control. Meditate unto infinity until you are meditating without meditating. In this way, your body shall remain forever golden, and death shall never approach you.
