ਲਹਣਾ (lahṇaa)
Meaning: noun: Bhai Lehna, who succeeded Guru Nanak and was later known as Guru Angad.
Quote:
ਕਹੁ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਕਲ ਸਹਾਰ ਸਪਤ ਦੀਪ ਮਝਾਰ ਲਹਣਾ ਜਗਤ੍ਰ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਸਿ ਮੁਰਾਰਿ॥
kahu keerat kal sahaar sapat deep majhaar
lahṇaa jagatra gur paras muraar
al Sahar’s word is that the praise or glory (of Guru Angad) has spread throughout the seven continents. By coming in contact with the divine-like Guru Nanak, Lehna has become the Guru of the world
Bhatt Kal Sahar, Guru Granth Sahib, 1391
Message: The meeting that led to spiritual transformation
Before meeting Guru Nanak, Bhai Lehna was an ordinary devotee, who went on pilgrimages and worshipped a goddess.
One day after hearing the hymns of Guru Nanak, he was so internally moved that he decided to meet the Guru.
After having an audience with the Guru (listening to his divine verses sung in the congregation) he was so inspired that he submitted himself to the Guru’s service and renounced his former ritualistic practices.
He began following the Guru’s teachings devotedly. This brought a spiritual transformation to his personality including his words, thoughts, and actions.
The divine teachings of Guru Nanak and their practice in life elevated Bhai Lehna to such a spiritual height that he was able to rein in his vices.
He stabilized his mind by overcoming his fears and anxiety with guidance from Gurbani. His mind and heart were in perfect union with the Divine. He became an embodiment of divine traits, such as, unwavering faith, love, service, and humility.
From all his disciples and his two sons, Guru Nanak chose Bhai Lehna as his successor. Guru Nanak bestowed the name Angad on him to signify that he had become as much a part of him as his own limbs (ang).
We can also acquire these qualities and experience such inner transformation that Bhai Lehna experienced by sincerely treading the path of a Guru-oriented person and practising the teachings contained in Guru Granth Sahib
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Etymology: From Sanskrit labhan (obtaining) → Pali → Prakrit lahaṇ (gain) → Sindhi lahaṇo (debt, credit), Lahndi lahṇaa and Punjabi lahiṇaa (debt, loan).
