ਭਗਤਿ (bhagati)
Meaning: noun: Devotion.
Quote:
ਉਪਦੇਸੰ ਸਮ ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਤ੍ਰਹ ਭਗਵੰਤ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਵਨੀ॥
updesanǧ sam mitra satrah bhagvaňt bhagati bhaavnee.
(Fifth trait of saintly persons): Knowing friends and enemies to be alike and encouraging everyone to be devoted to the Divine with devotion. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1357
Message: Friendly Embrace
If we realise that all are manifestations of the same Spirit, then we will not consider anyone as our foe.
The verse above talks about the friendly attitude of saintly persons. It is hard to behold friends and enemies alike – to treat a foe as your friend, but it is not impossible.
In fact, that’s what makes us compassionate, kindly and saintly, or good human beings, in the true sense. If we learn to keep our minds free from hatred, we will be able to consider everyone as our friends. This will help us attain more peace and serenity.
Furthermore, the wise and saintly give the same good advice to everyone, irrespective of their social class or status. They inculcate in them the desire to nurture love for Gurbani. They inspire everyone to lead a spiritually oriented meaningful life.
They treat everyone equally. They are friends of all. Enemies of none!
Etymology: From Sanskrit bhakti (possession, worship, devotion).
