Gurbani Word Of The Day: Bolan

Theme for the Week:
“Language is the apparel in which your thoughts parade before the public. Never clothe them in vulgar or shoddy attire,” said an American psychologist and physician, George W. Crane, 1901-1995

What we need to ask ourselves is: Do we clothe our words in polite and fine attire? Or do we clothe them in vulgar and shoddy attire?

What is the advice given in Gurbani? This week’s messages will show the way.

ਬੋਲਨਿੁ (bolan)
Meaning: verb, third person, plural: (They) speak.

Quote:
ਬਿਰਖੈ ਹੇਠਿ ਸਭਿ ਜੰਤ ਇਕਠੇ॥ ਇਕਿ ਤਤੇ ਇਕਿ ਬੋਲਨਿ ਮਿਠੇ॥
birkhai heṭh sabh jaňt ikaṭhe. ik tate ik bolan miṭhe.
All beings have gathered beneath the tree (of this world). Some speak rudely, and some speak politely.
– Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1019

Message: Varieties of life, varieties of speech…

Using the metaphor of a tree the Guru paints a picture of human reality.

Innumerable human beings from different cultures and backgrounds, speaking different languages, live in this world.

Some are hot tempered and use impolite and disrespectful language. Others, of mild temper, speak very sweetly or politely. In the succeeding verses the Guru says that when the night of their life ends they depart from the world.

Life on this earth is too short. Why speak and behave rudely with our fellow humans? Let us be polite.

Politeness reaps rich rewards when we are trying to get someone to work with us on building a bridge for communication and establishing relationship.

Etymology: From Sanskrit boll (speak) → Prakrit bollai (speaks).

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here