Gurbani Word Of The Day: Mukh

ਮੁਖ (mukh)

Meaning: noun: Face.
Quote:
ਮੁਖ ਸਚੇ  ਸਚੁ ਦਾੜੀਆ   ਸਚੁ ਬੋਲਹਿ  ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ॥
mukh sache  sach daaṛeeaa   sach bolahi sach kamahi.

True are the faces and true are the beards of those who always speak the truth and practise truth. – Guru Amar Das, Guru Granth Sahib, 1419

Message: Reality of Life in service of others

Everyone tries to look beautiful on the outside, but only a few put effort to be beautiful in their actions.

This verse reminds us that: not only do we need to pay heed to the teachings of the Guru, we also need to practise them in daily life. We need to earn an honest living. We need to be truthful in our speech and dealings. We need also to act righteously.

Only a truthful behaviour and conduct can earn us true honour and respect. Then our beards or faces will be truly beautiful and honourable.

Etymology: From Sanskrit mukh → Pali mukh → Prakrit muh (mouth, face).

Summary of the Week:
As is usual, our Gurus always aim to reform a human’s conduct and actions.

The Gurus remind us that physical and outward beauty pales in relation to the day to day good deeds of an individual.

Thus no one can claim that they look good in their long and lofty beards when they have no humility, compassion and care for the underprivileged.

An ideal role model for us is Bhagat Puran Singh who spent his entire life in service of the poor, weak and sick. He did not pay undue heed to his health or was preoccupied with his physical appearances and clothing because it was more important to care for the weak.

Notes: In the verses of this week, the beard is not used as a symbol of faith but used metaphorically. Depending on the context in which it is used, the beard is taken as a symbol of wisdom, adornment, or humility.

 

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