ਬਾਲਮੀਕ (baalmeek)
Meaning: noun: A highway robber, who transformed into a great sage.
Quote:
ਰੇ ਚਿਤ ਚੇਤਿ ਚੇਤ ਅਚੇਤ॥ ਕਾਹੇ ਨ ਬਾਲਮੀਕਹਿ ਦੇਖ॥
re chit chet chet achet. kaahe na baalmeekahi dekh.
O unconscious mind! Be conscious of the Divine. Why do you not look at Balmiki? – Bhagat Ravidas, Guru Granth Sahib, 1124
Message: Legend has it that in his earlier days, Balmiki was said to be a highwayman who robbed and killed travelers passing by. Once he met a wise man, a sage. After meeting him, he felt a sense of guilt and wanted to give up his evil deeds. Though he still had an urge to kill people yet his hands would not obey him.
He sought the sage’s counsel about his “profession” as this was his livelihood and a medium to sustain his family. The sage then asked him to enquire at home as to which of his family members would be co-partners of his evil deeds hereafter. Although his family members shared the proceeds of his evil deeds yet none of them were ready to accept responsibility for his wrong doings.
Thus, by planting truth in his heart, the sage helped him to restrain his evil impulses. By this realization, he was liberated from his misdeeds.
The impact of meeting the Guru and seeking his wisdom is immense. It not only enlightens us about the truths of life, but also helps us to transform. By becoming Guru-oriented, we are empowered to tackle our mind and overcome our evil desires and flaws.
ਬਾਲਮੀਕੁ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਿਆ ਮਾਰੈ ਵਾਟ ਨ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਸੰਗਾ॥
Though Valmiki is said to be emancipated yet one should not adopt the way of highway robbery. – Bhai Gurdas, Var 31, pauri 9
