Guru Arjan’s shabad “Mere Laalan Ki Sobha”, sung in Raag Kalyan, offers a profound meditation on spiritual renewal. At its heart is a simple but transformative idea: the glory (sobha) of the Divine Beloved (Laalan) has the power to continuously refresh and color the human mind. The refrain — “Sad navtan man rangi sobha” — conveys this with lyrical clarity: divine beauty is not a one-time experience but a perpetual renewal that saturates the mind in ever-fresh hues.
The concept of navtan (newness) is central here. In a world obsessed with external reinvention — new clothes, careers, and identities — Guru Arjan shifts our attention inward. True renewal, he says, doesn’t come from changing our outer lives but from immersing our minds in the ever-renewing beauty of the Divine. This is not the beauty of ego or performance, but the radiance of presence, of seeing the divine in all things and allowing it to transform our perception.
What’s striking is that even the gods — Brahma, Mahesh (Shiva), the Siddhas, Indra — are described as seekers of this beauty. Brahm Mahes Sidh Mun Indra bhagat daan jas mangee. Guru Arjan reminds us that spiritual renewal is not just for the broken or the beginner — even the highest beings long to taste the joy of devotion, the refreshment of divine praise. Renewal is a universal need.
In Raag Kalyan — a raag of serenity, dusk, and gratitude — this teaching unfolds like evening light: soft, gentle, and inward-turning. The musical mood supports the message that true freshness does not shout. It arises quietly, like a garden after rain. Kalyan means welfare, blessing — and here, renewal is presented not as a burden but as a gift, a natural unfolding for those who stay in tune with the Beloved.
Renewal, Guru Arjan teaches, comes through simran — remembrance of the Divine Name — not as recitation alone, but as a way of life. It is the mind’s daily refresh button. As Bhagat Kabir sings write, Khoj dil har roj — search your heart for the Divine every day. This daily practice is what allows the mind to stay new, alert, and alive to the divine presence.
This kind of renewal is not about erasing the past or escaping suffering. It’s about re-seeing everything — even pain — through the lens of connection, love, and surrender. The saints, Guru Arjan says, are those who live in this way: companions of God, constantly dyed in divine color. They are not better than others, but they are freer — because they live from the heart of sobha, not the shell of ego.
To live in this way is to bloom always. Not only in spring, not only in joy, but in every breath, with every turn of the mind toward the Divine.
Notes For Discussing Sobha Mere Laalan Ki
Discussion during Graduation Season
1. Prabh paas jan ki
Research on the Shabad "Mere Laalan Ki Sobha"
O the glory of my love!
Glory continuously renewing my mind!
Sobha -
Beauty; satyam shivam sundaram
But there is a problem with the beauty
Especially the beauty that we see in the world
Brahma, Mahesh, Sidha Munna, Indra
Jog, Gyan, Dhyan, Sekhnage
The beauty that we see in the world
and the beauty that we can imagine
let us imagine Brahma who spoke all the vedas
is still dependent on someone else
There is something bigger than us
that there is infinity in space and time
The real beauty is in the company of the saints
because saints are like flowers
they do not have egos
when the season comes they flower
and when the season goes they give everything
they have for the development of the others
dekh phool phool phoolai
and in doing so they are with oneness
they are with infinity -
Ja Tu Mere Val Hai
Lakh chaurasi medni, sabh sev karanda
the difference between real beauty
and temporary beauty is ego
Jenko apni sobha lorai, sadh sang eh haumai chhorai
that way they become beautiful
What simran provides is
continuous renewal
and simran is not just saying
something from your voice
or singing sweet - although it doesnt hurt
Guru Tegh Bahadur
when I
What is this shabad aboue: Newness and Navtan versus puratan
Navtan has the same origin as new
and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude],
In other words, you have to make yourself ungreat again. Go back to your roots. When you were a speck even in your own perspective. You will appear a smaller speck in the universe's perspective.
Loose Control
You don't have control about what will happen to you. Even great sages, and the devas of the Hindu pantheon don't have complete control. Brahma has control only only making; Shiva on destroying, Indra on rain. They don't have complete control. There is a bigger force encompassing all of us that has complete control.
In the end what I learn from this Shabad is that the singing of the glory of God, the remembrance of his virtues and their internalization in our mind, renews our mind.
I learn that Gurbani can be life transforming, only if we open the doors of our hearts.
"Everything changes but change itself." -Heraclitus Acceptance of change is acceptance of hukam.
The mind has a lot of choices. The beauty of unity colors the mind with new colors every moment.
It can be transforming if you realize the sobha, or the beauty of ekonkar. It can be transforming if you realize that a bigger power controls. The beauty and awesomeness of ekonkar lets you reliquish control. It lets you accept what is happening. It makes you happier. This is the renewal that is seeked in this shabad. Glory is what renews our mind. Glory is what renews us. Sad Natan Man Rangi Sobha.
We need the renewal all the time.
Graduation Lessons:
The two most important days in any one's life: one is the day they were born, and the second is the day they find out why.
How to graduate?
Renew yourself
I You are not in control. Accept.
>Brahm Mahesh
Obama said: “As we get older, we learn we don’t always have control of things — not even a president does. But we do have control over how we respond to the world. We do have control over how we treat one another.”
It is difficult. Because you want to be in control.
1. Sab Ko Terai Jor - Sri
2. Aakhan Aukha Saacha Nao
II Keep good company
> Kaho Nanak
> Man - Keep Guru in the heart
1. Chaar Padarath
2. Bisar Gayi
1. Simar Mana Raam Naam - Bilawal
III Remember, remind yourself. Simran. All the time.
Not just accept, singing of oneness. Day and night see the beauty. Wake up with hope, and sleep with thanks.
> Sobha
1. Bhinni Rainariye - Asa
2. Gagan meh thal rav - Dhanasri
V Love is the only path
> Laalan
1. Jim Prem Kiyo Tin hi Prabh Payo
2. Karima Rahima Allah Tu Gani
3. Mithbolra - Suhi
Conclusion: See oneness in all
The two most important days in any one's life: one is the day they were born, and the second is the day they find out why.
How to graduate?
Renew yourself
I You are not in control. Accept.
>Brahm Mahesh
Obama said: “As we get older, we learn we don’t always have control of things — not even a president does. But we do have control over how we respond to the world. We do have control over how we treat one another.”
It is difficult. Because you want to be in control.
1. Sab Ko Terai Jor - Sri
2. Aakhan Aukha Saacha Nao
II Keep good company
> Kaho Nanak
> Man - Keep Guru in the heart
1. Chaar Padarath
2. Bisar Gayi
1. Simar Mana Raam Naam - Bilawal
> Sad
1. Saas Saas Simro - Gauri
1. Saas Saas Simro - Gauri
IV Singing means seeing the beauty - Sobha
> Sobha
1. Bhinni Rainariye - Asa
2. Gagan meh thal rav - Dhanasri
V Love is the only path
> Laalan
1. Jim Prem Kiyo Tin hi Prabh Payo
2. Karima Rahima Allah Tu Gani
3. Mithbolra - Suhi
Conclusion: See oneness in all
1. Prabh paas jan ki
Research on the Shabad "Mere Laalan Ki Sobha"
O the glory of my love!
Glory continuously renewing my mind!
Sobha -
Beauty; satyam shivam sundaram
But there is a problem with the beauty
Especially the beauty that we see in the world
Brahma, Mahesh, Sidha Munna, Indra
Jog, Gyan, Dhyan, Sekhnage
The beauty that we see in the world
and the beauty that we can imagine
let us imagine Brahma who spoke all the vedas
is still dependent on someone else
There is something bigger than us
that there is infinity in space and time
The real beauty is in the company of the saints
because saints are like flowers
they do not have egos
when the season comes they flower
and when the season goes they give everything
they have for the development of the others
dekh phool phool phoolai
and in doing so they are with oneness
they are with infinity -
Ja Tu Mere Val Hai
Lakh chaurasi medni, sabh sev karanda
the difference between real beauty
and temporary beauty is ego
Jenko apni sobha lorai, sadh sang eh haumai chhorai
that way they become beautiful
What simran provides is
continuous renewal
and simran is not just saying
something from your voice
or singing sweet - although it doesnt hurt
Guru Tegh Bahadur
when I
What is this shabad aboue: Newness and Navtan versus puratan
Navtan has the same origin as new
It means new. Compared to puratan which means old.
Examples of renewal
Renewal is abundant in the world. Everything is changing.
Survival of the fittest and natural selection per Darwin shows how species can renew themselves. How did fish develop legs and the evaporating pool theory.
People don't want to renew
Aankhan aukha Saacha nau
The reality of truth is that renewal happens. Those who don't renew end up being dead. Those who don't renew their minds are spiritually dead.
A story about the Isle De Jean Charles - an island of the coast of Louisiana. It is drowning slowly under water. It might be the first community with "climate refugees". But there are some folks who don't want to move. They don't want to change. They are attached to their land. They are attached to the stories of their ancestors.
Even the best and brightest need renewal
Brahma and Mahadev.
Why do we need renewal? What happens when renewal happens?
To keep going. You need to refresh. Otherwise you are bogged down. The feeling that everything is new - exciting - chardi kala.
Advice on renewal comes from other scriptures too:
To keep going. You need to refresh. Otherwise you are bogged down. The feeling that everything is new - exciting - chardi kala.
Everything in this world is new. Everything is different. Difference is what makes it exciting. It makes life fun.
Only a few do something new. Most people are copycats. Whether it is art music or work. Lifestyle or vacation. There is much copying.
When you start a new year you make resolutions. When you restart your life you also make promises. You forgive and forget what happened in the past. You have a new hope. Once vivekananda was asked by an American boy - what is worse than losing your girlfriend, and he responded losing the hope that you will have another. A restart is important so many times. It gives you new hope.
Lets say there is a bank screen. You are going to notice the thing that changes the most. Whether its the color or the position. Whichever thing changes the most. Even if you have a beautiful diamond on a picture, after a while a still image with no changes becomes boring. You notice what changes, what moves.
Lady Gaga and Madonna are known for reinventing themselves. Lady Gaga once said about Madonna: “She reinvents herself from album to album. I reinvent myself week to week. I get quite bored with things and I don't want to let down my fans.” They are successful as artists.
When you start a new year you make resolutions. When you restart your life you also make promises. You forgive and forget what happened in the past. You have a new hope. Once vivekananda was asked by an American boy - what is worse than losing your girlfriend, and he responded losing the hope that you will have another. A restart is important so many times. It gives you new hope.
Lets say there is a bank screen. You are going to notice the thing that changes the most. Whether its the color or the position. Whichever thing changes the most. Even if you have a beautiful diamond on a picture, after a while a still image with no changes becomes boring. You notice what changes, what moves.
What needs the renewal?
Thats the first kind of two renewals. The first is when you do it outside in. It is temporary. It comes off. What does not come off is the transformation that is done from inside out. Therefore it acts first on the "Man" - for sake of simplicity lets call it mind.
Romans 12:2
New International Version (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
New International Version (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ephesians 4:23
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Amplified Bible (AMP)
and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude],
How is the renewal done:
You have to press that refresh button of your mind. Otherwise whats on the mind's screen is outdated and stale, and it causes dissatisfaction.
You have be colored in the color of One! That is how renewal happens.
You have to press that refresh button of your mind. Otherwise whats on the mind's screen is outdated and stale, and it causes dissatisfaction.
You have be colored in the color of One! That is how renewal happens.
The closer you are to ekonkaar the fresher you are. But there are so many distractions in life. To remain fresh you have to remember all the time. You have to remind yourself incessantly. "Khoj dil har roj". Discover within your heart everyday.
You have to give up the load that you have been carrying from the past. You have to shed all the weight to start the renewal process.
Five Thieves: Kaam Krodh Lobh Moh Ahankar
You have to give up the load that you have been carrying from the past. You have to shed all the weight to start the renewal process.
Five Thieves: Kaam Krodh Lobh Moh Ahankar
The mind has to be changed
Kaam and Raam
Krodh and Daya
Ahankaar and Nirankaar
Jealousy and Gratitude
Jealousy and Gratitude
In other words, you have to make yourself ungreat again. Go back to your roots. When you were a speck even in your own perspective. You will appear a smaller speck in the universe's perspective.
Loose Control
You don't have control about what will happen to you. Even great sages, and the devas of the Hindu pantheon don't have complete control. Brahma has control only only making; Shiva on destroying, Indra on rain. They don't have complete control. There is a bigger force encompassing all of us that has complete control.
Have Gratitude
denda de lende thak pahi
The giver continues to give
The giver continues to give
Receivers grow wary
The giver of all does kalyan. He bestows all kinds of gifts upon us. But instead of being thankful we want something else. Guru Arjan is different. He is always newly colored by the love of Waheguru.
How did Dada Chelaram do it?
We forget about our gifts. In spite of being thankful for what we have, we often complain about what we don't have.
How did Ernest Hemingway do it?
I read a report in NY Times by David Brooks who went to see the house of celebrated American writer Ernest Hemingway when he was living in Havana, Cuba: Getting to Zero
How did I do it?
Anything that we repeat can be transformative. This poem transformed me. I have made a lot of friends from strangers who I've met on plane journeys. It also reminds me of Guru Arjan's words, "I have no enemy, I have no stranger".
ConclusionThe giver of all does kalyan. He bestows all kinds of gifts upon us. But instead of being thankful we want something else. Guru Arjan is different. He is always newly colored by the love of Waheguru.
How did Dada Chelaram do it?
We forget about our gifts. In spite of being thankful for what we have, we often complain about what we don't have.
How did Ernest Hemingway do it?
I read a report in NY Times by David Brooks who went to see the house of celebrated American writer Ernest Hemingway when he was living in Havana, Cuba: Getting to Zero
This is a process that we might call “getting to zero,” when an artist — or anyone, really — digs through all the sap that gets encrusted around a career or relationship and retouches the intrinsic impulse that got him or her into it in the first place. Hemingway’s career got overlayered by money, persona and fame, but sometimes even at this late stage he was able to reconnect with the young man’s directness that produced his early best work
Hemingway was a man who embraced every self-indulgence that can afflict a successful person. But at moments he shed all that he had earned and received, and rediscovered the hard-working, clear-seeing and unadorned man he used to be.We need to retouch our intrinsic impulses. We need to reconnect with our higher beings. We need to rediscover our true selves. We need to renew ourselves and the results are amazing.
Anything that we repeat can be transformative. This poem transformed me. I have made a lot of friends from strangers who I've met on plane journeys. It also reminds me of Guru Arjan's words, "I have no enemy, I have no stranger".
When do we need renewal
When do we need to replace the sheet. When it can't do its purpose. When do we need to replace a phone. When it stops working. Renewal is needed when the purpose is lost. As soon as you forget that the purpose of life is to sing, you need a renewal. You need to remind yourself of the song that you are meant to sing in this world.
You need renewal always because as soon as you forget your purpose it is as good as dying. Akhaan jeevan visrai mar jaon.
When do we need to replace the sheet. When it can't do its purpose. When do we need to replace a phone. When it stops working. Renewal is needed when the purpose is lost. As soon as you forget that the purpose of life is to sing, you need a renewal. You need to remind yourself of the song that you are meant to sing in this world.
You need renewal always because as soon as you forget your purpose it is as good as dying. Akhaan jeevan visrai mar jaon.
Just like vacation increases the productivity at work?
You need renewal when you are successful. You need renewal after your failings.
In other words you need it always. You need it continuously.
Guru Ram Das says in Raag Suhi:
jae sukh dhaehi th thujhehi araadhhee dhukh bhee thujhai dhhiaaee ||2||
jae bhukh dhaehi th eith hee raajaa dhukh vich sookh manaaee ||3||
If You will bless me with happiness, then I will worship and adore You. Even in pain, I will meditate on You. ||2||
Even if You give me hunger, I will still feel satisfied; I am joyful, even in the midst of sorrow. ||3||
So the answer is always. Continuously. And most importantly Now. Renewal is needed now.
In the end what I learn from this Shabad is that the singing of the glory of God, the remembrance of his virtues and their internalization in our mind, renews our mind.
I learn that Gurbani can be life transforming, only if we open the doors of our hearts.
"Everything changes but change itself." -Heraclitus Acceptance of change is acceptance of hukam.
The mind has a lot of choices. The beauty of unity colors the mind with new colors every moment.
It can be transforming if you realize the sobha, or the beauty of ekonkar. It can be transforming if you realize that a bigger power controls. The beauty and awesomeness of ekonkar lets you reliquish control. It lets you accept what is happening. It makes you happier. This is the renewal that is seeked in this shabad. Glory is what renews our mind. Glory is what renews us. Sad Natan Man Rangi Sobha.
We need the renewal all the time.
Singing oneness!
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