Word Of The Day: ikaantee

ਇਕਾਂਤੀ (ikaaṅtee)
Meaning: noun: one who lives in seclusion; a recluse.

Quote:
ਸੋ ਇਕਾਂਤੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਰਿਦਾ ਥਾਇ॥
so ikaaṅtee jis ridaa thaa-i.
One whose heart is stable and steady is a true recluse.
– Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 1180

Message: Some people believe that one can only find peace of mind in an isolated place where there is no distraction. Hence, in search of such quietness, they leave their normal household life and retreat to a secluded place. Physical seclusion may help us a little but will not bring true serenity and peace within. The reason for this is that our mind is not at peace. It is filled with doubt, delusion, anxiety and fear. Only when these are removed can the mind be stable and peaceful.

A true ascetic, the Guru says, is he whose mind is steady and stable. He seeks the Divine and realizes divine presence in everything and everyone. Enjoying the love and grace of the Divine, he is in perfect harmony while leading a normal household life.

Keen to Explore Further?
Etymology: From Sanskrit ekaant (lonely or secret place; seclusion) + ee (a suffix).

Summary of the Week:
A spiritual path is like a school where you learn the skills to attain divine fullfilment, how to remove flaws in your character and remain unaffected by vices and negative influences around you. Overcome your greed and self-centeredness, and love one another as the Divine dwells in us all.

If you understand and practise this divine wisdom, there is no need to leave the comfort of home. You can experience the Divine while leading a successful worldly life.

Life is an island, rocks are its desires, trees its dreams, and flowers its loneliness, and it is in the middle of an ocean of solitude and seclusion.
– Khalil Gibran, artist, poet & writer, 1883-1931