ਪਉੜੀਆ (pauṛeeaa)
Meaning: noun: Steps of a ladder, staircase.
Quote:
ਏ ਮਨ ਮੇਰਿਆ ਬਿਨੁ ਪਉੜੀਆ ਮੰਦਰਿ ਕਿਉ ਚੜੈ ਰਾਮ॥
e man meriaa bin pauṛeeaa maňdar kiu chaṛai raam.
O my mind! Without a staircase, how can one climb up a house or building? -Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1112
Message: Gurbani is full of metaphors to help us comprehend things better, just like in this verse.
How can one climb up a house or building without a ladder? Or, how can one cross a river without a boat?
We all want shortcuts. We want things to happen quickly and fast. In the religious field too, we look for quick fixes.
We attempt to climb the stairs of our spiritual journey without any effort. The divinity or spiritual bliss, we are searching, is on the other side of the shore or up there on the roof of the house!
Consistently keeping in touch with like-minded Guru-centred people, singing praises of the Creator, and instructing the mind with the teachings of Gurbani are some of those steps that will take us to our desired destination.
Follow them and the mind will be beautified. You will be internally elevated. You will be exalted to a higher state of spiritual consciousness and peace. Take the steps to the higher calling!
Etymology: From Sanskrit paadu (foot) → Pali pav/pau → Kumauni pau and Old Punjabi pauṛee (step, rung).
