Theme for the Week:
What’s one important ingredient to living successfully?
Most wise people consider it to be life-long learning.
What a privilege to be called a Sikh! A learner! We are awashed with plenty of learning opportunities in life. Like our Gurus, we can also learn life lessons from plants, animals and birds. This week we feature five animal words.
ਕੁੰਮੀ (kuṁmee)
Meaning: noun: Female turtle, mother turtle.
Quote:
ਕੁੰਮੀ ਜਲ ਮਾਹਿ ਤਨ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਪੰਖ ਖੀਰੁ ਤਿਨ ਨਾਹੀ॥
kuṁmee jal maahi tan tis baahar paňkh kheer tin naahee
The mother turtle is in water; her babies are outside. They have no wings to fly, and no milk to feed on
– Bhagat Dhanna, Guru Granth Sahib, 488
Message: Turtle Lessons
Poor turtle with no mother nearby to feed and protect it.
Unfortunately, from our narrow restrictive lenses, we think and doubt the Creator’s handiwork.
In the hymn this verse is taken from Bhagat Dhanna explains that throughout the universe everything happens in accordance with Creator’s will. He describes how the Creator provides sustenance to creatures that are apparently vulnerable.
Using the example of the female tortoise he says that whilst the tortoise is in the water, her young are born outside the water. Without the mother, how will they feed themselves? Who will protect them?
It is the Creator who takes care of everything and determines the survival of the hatchlings and a continuation of the species.
Likewise, the Divine sustains and protects us, especially when we are most vulnerable and helpless.
Notes: Turtles are frequently depicted in certain cultures as easygoing, patient, and wise creatures. Due to their long lifespan, slow movement, sturdiness, and wrinkled appearance, they are an emblem of longevity and stability in many cultures around the world. See more
Etymology: From Sanskrit koorm (tortoise) → Pali kumm → Prakrit kumm/kummee (fem.) → Sindhi kumee andLahndi/Punjabi kumaaa/kummee (tortoise, turtle).
