Gurbani Word Of The Day: beechaar

ਬੀਚਾਰੁ (beechaar)
Meaning: noun: Reflection, contemplation.

Quote:
ਸਭਸੈ ਊਪਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ॥
sabhsai oopar gur sabad beechaar.
Reflection on the Word of the Guru is above all (religious practices). – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 904

Message: Each verse in Gurbani contains a deep, rich meaning, which requires the mind to focus on the words in Gurbani themselves. Rote recitation or repetitious utterance of the words, without any thought and contemplation, provides no lasting spiritual benefit.

Gurbani repeatedly reminds us that we must reflect on the spiritual wisdom. The Guru is the Shabad and the mind must focus on the Shabad (and not focus on something else, like a picture, light source, third eye, breathing, catchy tune, etc.). Contemplation on the Shabad allows for the inscribing of the Shabad on to the mind, and the process of remembering the virtues and attributes of the Divine is activated. The Gurus wanted us to make such remembrance part of our daily lives, where we understand, appreciate, and imbibe these virtues.

ਸਮਝੈ ਸੂਝੈ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਬੂਝੈ   ਅੰਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਸਾਚਾ॥
One, who understands and comprehends what one reads and studies, realizes that the all-pervading Divine alone is constant in the end. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 930

Etymology: From Sanskrit vichaar (mode of action, pondering) → Pali vichaar (examination, thought). Comparable to English cogitate (co + agitate).

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