Theme for the Week:
Each one of us is in pursuit of inner happiness but seldom do we realise that the hurdles on the path to lasting happiness are the five vices within us.
These vices or destructive emotions need to be controlled and reined in. If left uncontrolled, these will bind us in the grip of unending spiritual disaster. These disorders can become chronic and will cause disrespect, misery and no peace of mind. They are the stumbling blocks for a good life on the way to self-realisation.
It would be ideal if we could control all of them. We would then be able to have high moral and ethical qualities. This week’s verses explore the five vices and their negative influence on mankind.
ਅਜਿਤ (ajit)
Meaning: adjective: Invincible.
Quote:
ਹੇ ਅਜਿਤ ਸੂਰ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਾਮੰ ਅਤਿ ਬਲਨਾ ਬਹੁ ਮਰਦਨਹ॥
he ajit soor saňgraamanǧ at balnaa bahu mardanah.
O invincible warrior of the battle, i.e., worldly-attachment! You totally crush and destroy even the most powerful. -Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1358
Message: The verse above describes excessive worldly-attachment as one of the five vices or destructive emotions.
Worldly-attachment is very powerful and pervasive. All the creatures of the world: ordinary humans, devotees, animals or birds are trapped in its noose.
In our lives, we form many attachments and allegiances. Some of the attachments can be good for us, motivating us to be our best.
However, excessive attachment to worldly relations, wealth or property causes us to suffer severely when these possessions are deprived or taken away from us. We often chase wrong goals because of these attachments.
To save ourselves from its grip, we should keep ourselves close to spiritually conscious people. They will serve as regular reminders of the transient nature of wealth and worldly relations as emphasised in Gurbani.
That will help us to find the required balance between excessive attachment and non-attachment.
Note: The verses of this week are from five couplets (45 to 49) of Salok Sahaskriti, a beautiful composition at pages 1353-1360 in Guru Granth Sahib.
Etymology: Blend of a (negating prefix) + jit from Sanskrit jit → Pali jit → Prakrit jitt (to win, to conquer).
