Gurbani Word Of The Day: Adh

ਅਉਧ (a-u-dh)
Meaning: noun: Age, lifespan, life.

Quote:
ਅਉਧ ਘਟੈ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਰੈਣਾਰੇ॥ ਮਨ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰੇ॥
audh ghatai dinas raiṇaare. man gur mil kaaj savaare
Life is diminishing, day and night. O mind, do resolve the affairs of your life by meeting with the Guru. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 13

Message: Each new day that unfolds before us can never be replaced. The Guru reminds us to be aware of this passing time.

Even though most of us are focused on our individuality and enmeshed in the material outer world of delusion, deceit and corruption, this life is an opportunity to be in the company of wise people so as to awaken to the presence of an inner divinity within.

The mind is caught between the two inclinations – spirituality on one side and worldly allures on the other.

The Guru asks that we listen, and use some of this time to acquire divine knowledge and to practice its wisdom.  In this diminishing life, earn the merit of peace and comfort by consciously giving space to this wisdom and the realization that there is an inner haven of peace within us all.

This is an opportune time to associate with the awakened, serve the creation, appease the mind, and to fulfill its yearning to be closer to the Divine.

Etymology: From Sanskrit avadhi (time, time limit, period of time).

Summary of the Week:
Sohila is a song of praise to our Creator, an evening prayer, a doorway to take stock of our interactions with the world.  In it are several reminders as we lay down to rest for the night.

We are reminded that as the day has passed, so will our life on earth one day. We should be preparing for the ultimate union with our Creator not when we are on the death bed but now itself.  

Recognize the one Divine who is not only our teacher and guide but also provides us with daily sustenance and support. Celebrate the life we have been given in this world by understanding and practising the teachings and wisdom laid down by the Gurus.

Enlighten ourselves through the constant company of fellow devotees. There is no need for rituals of external piety.  Be attentive to how the entire cosmos is performing a continuous worship – the Aarti of the Creator.

We are a miniscule part of this whole. If we serve mankind (His creation), we may earn divine merit and have union with the Divine in the now.

We are weak but we belong to the Powerful. Let us hold His hand and let Him guide us into divine awakening.