ਸੋਭਾ (sobhaa)
Meaning: adjective: Glory, dignity, praise.
Quote:
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਲੋਰੈ॥ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਇਹ ਹਉਮੈ ਛੋਰੈ॥
je ko apunee sobhaa lorai. saadh-saňg ih haumai chhorai.
If one wishes for the honour for oneself, then one should renounce one’s egoism by associating with the saintly beings
– Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 266
The company of Guru oriented people and the Guru’s guidance will help us remove the egoism, which may even come from doing good work. This can involve making ourselves humble, helpful and imparting education to the underprivileged.
By practising the teachings acquired from Gurbani through sadh sangat, we will endeavour to remain free from egoism and this will give us real honour and dignity in life.
Neither genius, fame, nor love shows the greatness of the soul. Only kindness can do that. -Jean Baptiste Henri Lacordaire, preacher, journalist, and activist, 1802-1861
Etymology: From Sanskrit shobhaa (splendour, glory, fame, beauty) which comes from shubh (excellent, good, auspicious and beautiful). Punjabi sohana (handsome) is its later modification.