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Summary of Question:	Gurbani In English
Category:	Gurbani
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 5/23/2001 6:32 PM MDT

Dear Khalsaji,

I read the english transilation of Kirtan and Gurbani but I don't seem to understand them without my father telling me it in an easier form.
Please help!!!!!!!!!

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REPLY 2 w/corrected Web address for Guruka Singh's English JapJi Sahib.
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Dear Amritar Kaurji:

Sat Siri Akal! Gurbani is not easily understood in English by many of us who are native speakers and perhaps older than you. Do not be hard on yourself; Gurbani is not only to be understood in the mind, it is to be experienced.

That said, perhaps you should look at different English translations of Gurbani. I do not know which ones you are using, but I personally find Dr. Sant Singh's translation to be clear and literal, without a lot of poetic interpretation. His translation of Siri Guru Granth Sahib is found on this Sikhnet Web site.

Additionally, you might check out S.S. Guruka Singh's translation of Japji Sahib, also on this Web site http://www.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/register.nsf/p/GuruGranthSahib!OpenDocument&ExpandSection=2#_Section2 (Click on "english translation" and then scroll down to view options.)

Also, there are MANY Indian, Hindu, Muslim and other, often older cultural references in Gurbani that would not be understood by someone who has not in someway been exposed to their meaning, which may also be why you are having trouble understanding. This is true for anyone learning Gurbani through any kind of translation. Personally, I find some of Kabir's poetry to be very hard to understand since he tells allegorical stories that reflect the culture of his time, not ours.

Guru bless you to continue your practice & study of Gurbani! Understanding will come over time.

-DKK