ਰੇਣੁਕਹ (reṇukah)
Meaning: noun: Dust (of the feet of virtuous people).
Quote:
ਪਰ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਨਹ ਸ੍ਰੋਤਿ ਸ੍ਰਵਣੰ ਆਪੁ ਤ੍ਹਾਗਿ ਸਗਲ ਰੇਣੁਕਹ॥
par niňdaa nah srot sravṇanǧ aap tiyaag sagal reṇukah.
(Sixth trait of saintly persons): Not listening to slander of others with their ears and becoming the dust (humblest) of all by renouncing self-centredness. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1357
Message: A mind free and its senses pure
The verse above sums up the character of all saintly and good people.
Not only are they wise, virtuous, conscious and kind to all. They also show moral courage and do not look down on anyone.
They do not speak evil of others or rebuke people. They do not judge anyone. They shed their conceit and are so unassuming that they become humblest of all.
They walk humbly and talk politely. They are loved by all.
Be humble and never think that you are better than anyone else. For dust you are and unto dust you return. – Anonymous
Etymology: Modified from Sanskrit → Pali → Prakrit reṇu (dust, sand).
Summary of the Week:
Learn from the best. Become like them.
We had our Gurus as exemplars when they were around. Now we have their writings in the Guru Granth Sahib and we have the Guru-oriented, wise, and humble people, from whom we can learn Gurbani’s life lessons.
Does it get any easier than that?
ਖਟ ਲਖ੍ਹਣ ਪੂਰਨੰ ਪੁਰਖਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਸਾਧ ਸ੍ਵਜਨਹ॥
Nanak! These are the six traits of accomplished persons. Those who enshrine these traits are called profound wise and saintly persons. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1357
