In the Golden Age of Truth, everyone spoke the Truth.

Truth was pervasive - the Lord was Truth.

With Truth in their minds and mouths, mortals were rid of doubt and fear. Truth was the friend of the Gurmukhs. ||5||

In the Silver Age of Traytaa Yoga, one power of Dharma was lost.

Three feet remained; through duality, one was cut off.

Those who were Gurmukh spoke the Truth, while the self-willed manmukhs wasted away in vain. ||6||

The manmukh never succeeds in the Court of the Lord.

Without the Word of the Shabad, how can one be pleased within?

In bondage they come, and in bondage they go; they understand and comprehend nothing. ||7||

In the Brass Age of Dwaapur Yuga, compassion was cut in half.

Section 25 - Raag Maaroo - Part 036

Only a few, as Gurmukh, remembered the Lord.

Dharmic faith, which upholds and supports the earth, had only two feet; Truth was revealed to the Gurmukhs. ||8||

The kings acted righteously only out of self-interest.

Tied to hopes of reward, they gave to charities.

Without the Lord's Name, liberation did not come, although they grew weary of performing rituals. ||9||

Practicing religious rituals, they sought liberation,

but the treasure of liberation comes only by praising the Shabad.

Without the Word of the Guru's Shabad, liberation is not obtained; practicing hypocrisy, they wander around confused. ||10||

Love and attachment to Maya cannot be abandoned.

They alone find release, who practice deeds of Truth.

Day and night, the devotees remain imbued with contemplative meditation; they become just like their Lord and Master. ||11||

Some chant and practice intensive meditation, and take cleansing baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage.

They walk as You will them to walk.

By stubborn rituals of self-suppression, the Lord is not pleased. No one has ever obtained honor, without the Lord, without the Guru. ||12||

In the Iron Age, the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, only one power remains.

Without the Perfect Guru, no one has even described it.

The self-willed manmukhs have staged the show of falsehood. Without the True Guru, doubt does not depart. ||13||

The True Guru is the Creator Lord, independent and carefree.

He does not fear death, and He is not dependent on mortal men.

Whoever serves Him becomes immortal and imperishable, and will not be tortured by death. ||14||

The Creator Lord has enshrined Himself within the Guru.

The Gurmukh saves countless millions.

The Life of the World is the Great Giver of all beings. The Fearless Lord has no filth at all. ||15||

Everyone begs from the Guru, God's Treasurer.

He Himself is the immaculate, unknowable, infinite Lord.

Nanak speaks the Truth; he begs from God. Please bless me with the Truth, by Your Will. ||16||4||