Gurbani Word Of The Day : moorakh

ਮੂਰਖ (moorakh)
Meaning: noun: Fools, idiots.

Quote:
ਅਸੰਖ ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਧ ਘੋਰ॥ ਅਸੰਖ ਚੋਰ ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ॥
asaňkh moorakh aňdh ghor. asaňkh chor haraam-khor.
(In this creation) countless are the fools and the utterly ignorant people. Countless are the thieves who subsist on ill-gotten money. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 04

Message: After describing the spectrum of human worship in pauri 17, Guru Nanak now describes the baser side of human nature. He is again awe-struck by the existence of evil in the world: countless fools, thieves, swindlers; countless those who rule by force. Countless are the cut-throats, violent murderers; countless those who live evil lives.

Thus, both good and evil exist in the divine plan. Such is the world, it has good and bad. If there are positive sides of human nature and behaviour, there are negative sides too.

Hence, let us understand this and be compassionate and accepting. If possible, let us go and help those in need. We should not judge others as we have no right to hate or look down upon anyone. This understanding is possible only when we are spiritually evolved and rise above the duality of good and evil. Gurbani’s messages can help us in cultivating this awareness of the divine presence and the duality of this world.

The remarkable beauty of this stanza is that, having described the evil side of creation, Guru Nanak in the end identifies himself with the lowly, a lesson for all of us. 

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਕਹੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ॥ ਵਾਰਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਵਾ ਏਕ ਵਾਰ॥
Nanak, the lowly, puts forth the description (of the baser side of human nature) and humbles himself once and forever before You (O Formless One!). Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 04

Etymology: From Sanskrit moorkh (blockhead; fool, idiot).

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here