ਕੂੰਜ (kooňj)
Meaning: noun: Demoiselle crane, a large bird with a curved beak.
Quote:
ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਜਾਗੁ ਹਰਿ ਚੇਤਿ॥ ਆਪਣੀ ਖੇਤੀ ਰਖਿ ਲੈ ਕੂੰਜ ਪੜੈਗੀ ਖੇਤਿ॥
man mere an-din jaag hari chet.
aapṇee khetee rakh lai kooňj paṛaigee khet.
O my mind! Remain conscious everyday and think of the Divine. Thus, protect your crop; the crane will descend on your farm soon. -Guru Amar Das Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 34
Message: This verse cites the example of a demoiselle crane or flamingo that often suddenly emerges and ruins the crop if the owner of the field is not watchful.
We also need to be wakeful from the onslaught of worldly temptations and remember the Divine at all times. In this way, we can protect the crop of our spiritual values.
We do not know when death, like the flamingoes, might suddenly break-in our ‘body-field’ and quash our life. Those who remain conscious (lead virtuous lives) are saved, while those who sleep (indulge in vices) are plundered.
If we are attentive and mindful of the advice of the Guru, we will experience the Divine within us and will be able to lead a fulfilling life.
Etymology: (i) From Sanskrit kruňch (a kind of snipe or curlew) → Prakrit kuṁch (a kind of bird) → Punjabi kuňj (crane).
(ii) From Sanskrit krauňch (curlew) → Pali koňch (heron) → Prakrit koṁch (a kind of bird) → Lahndi kooj (demoiselle crane) → Punjabi kooj (a large grey water bird).
