ਕੋਇਲ (koil)
Meaning: noun: Koel, the Indian cuckoo (a singing bird).
Quote:
ਕਾਲੀ ਕੋਇਲ ਤੂ ਕਿਤ ਗੁਨ ਕਾਲੀ॥ ਅਪਨੇ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਕੇ ਹਉ ਬਿਰਹੈ ਜਾਲੀ॥
kaalee koil too kit gun kaalee.
apne preetam ke hau birhai jaalee.
O black koel! What has made you black? (She responds) I have been burnt (become black) because of the separation from my Beloved. -Sheikh Farid, Guru Granth Sahib, 794
Message: Koel is an Asian and Australasian cuckoo with a melodious call resembling its name. The males typically have all-black plumage.
In this quote, Baba Farid holds a conversation with a koel. He inquires: What shortcomings have caused her to become dark. The bird replies: She has been burnt by the pain of separation from her beloved spouse.
She is right. How can anyone find peace without her beloved? We are also disconnected from our Beloved. Do we realise that? How can we reconnect with the Divine?
No one can help us besides the teachings of the Guru. When we associate with virtuous people and pay heed to the Guru’s words, we will realise, our true Friend dwells within us and all around us. We only need to extend our hand, He is right there with us.
Etymology: From Sanskrit kokil (the Indian cuckoo) → Pali kokil → Prakrit, Sindhi and Punjabi koil.
