Gurbani Word Of The Day: sudaamaa

ਸੁਦਾਮਾ (sudaamaa)
Meaning: noun: A poor Brahmin who was a school mate friend of Krishna.

Quote:
ਬਿਪ੍ਰ ਸੁਦਾਮੇ ਦਾਲਦੁ ਭੰਜ॥ ਰੇ ਮਨ ਤੂ ਭੀ ਭਜੁ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ॥
bipr sudaame daalad bhaňj. re man too bhee bhaj gobiňd.
(Through the remembrance of the Divine) the poor Brahmin, Sudama, has his poverty eradicated. O my mind, you too should contemplate on the Divine. –Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1192

Message: According to legend, Sudama was a childhood friend of Krishna. He came from a poor family unlike Krishna who was royalty. They had attended school together at Sandipani’s hermitage but lost contact over the years. Krishna became the King of Dwarka while Sudama was going through bad times, not having enough money to feed his family.

Sudama’s wife asks him to visit his friend Krishna with a view to get financial assistance. Reluctantly he goes to meet Krishna with some beaten rice in a cloth as a present. He remembers that the rice had been Krishna’s favourite. Krishna is pleased to see his friend and treats him in a loving manner. His social status did not come in the way of their friendship. Overwhelmed, he forgets to ask what he came for, but Krishna knows what his friend needs and helps him accordingly.

The story illustrates that, similarly, the Divine does not differentiate between people based on their social and financial status and that He will always reward devotion. The mind is reminded to meditate on the Divine with love and, as in all of these stories the devotee is ultimately rewarded for this. Our relationship with the Divine cannot be transactional. It is love and devotion that keep us close to Him.

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