ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ (gur-mukh)
Meaning: adverb, instrumental case: Through the medium of the Guru (Gurbani’s teachings); through Guru-orientation or Guru-centeredness.
Quote:
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ॥
gur-mukh naadaǧ gur-mukh vedaǧ gur-mukh rahiaa samaa-ee.
Through Guru-orientation, one attains naad (the knowledge obtained through sound), ved (the knowledge obtained through scriptures), and realises that the Divine is pervading everywhere in the universe. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 01
Message: Second half of stanza 5 emphasises on the medium of the Guru, which implies the instruction or the wisdom of the Guru (Gurbani). Through Guru-orientation, one is enabled to comprehend the mystery of “naad” (the unstruck melody supposedly heard from within during meditation), “ved” (the knowledge acquired by reading scriptures), and realises that one divine Force is pervading everywhere.
Hence, Gurbani – divine wisdom – should be the pivot of our focus. Through the appreciation and attainment of this wisdom, we do not have to look for anyone else.
Seek blessings from the Guru (Gurbani) and beseech thus the understanding of the Almighty, the provider and benefactor for all beings. May we always keep the Beneficent Provider in our memories and never forget Him from our minds!
ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ॥ ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ॥
O Guru! Please bless me with an understanding; May I never forget the One who is the only provider, benefactor for all beings. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 01
Etymology: guru (the Prophet, the Enlightener) + mukh (face, medium); hence, through the medium of the Guru, the divine instruction, divine wisdom.
