ਭਾਉ (bhaau)
Meaning: noun: Love.
Quote:
ਗਾਵੀਐ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਮਨਿ ਰਖੀਐ ਭਾਉ॥
gaavee-ai suṇee-ai man rakhee-ai bhaau.
One needs to sing praises of the Divine, listen to them attentively and enshrine love for them in the mind. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 01
Message: First half of stanza 5 of Jap Ji explains that the Supreme Being cannot be constructed, created or installed in any form. Guru Nanak suggests that the Divine does not need a special idol or place to manifest. He is all pervading, and yet beyond the influence of worldly snares.
What we need to do is to praise and reflect upon the virtues of the Divine. Whoever does so, obtains honour and dignity in life. The Divine is the treasure trove of all virtues. Appreciate the worth of knowing these virtues, pursue them devotedly nurturing love for them within your mind, and cultivate them in daily life.
This will empower you to overcome grief and misery, and lead you to self-realisation – the state of inner awareness, stability and peace.
ਦੁਖੁ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਘਰਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ॥
(Singing praises of the Divine and heeding them with love) provides spiritual peace to the seeker by removing all one’s grief, and takes one to one’s own home (self-realization). – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 01
Etymology: From Sanskrit bhaav (being, thing; state, disposition).
