ਰਹਰਾਸਿ (rahraas)
Meaning: noun: Way of life.
Quote:
ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਸਖਾਈ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਹਮਰੀ ਰਹਰਾਸਿ॥
ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਮੱਤ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਪਰਾਪਤ ਹੋਇਆ ਨਾਮ, ਮੇਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਣਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਹਾਰਾ ਬਣੇ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਸਿਫਤ -ਸਲਾਹ ਮੇਰੀ ਜੀਵਨ -ਮਰਯਾਦਾ ਬਣ ਜਾਏ।
gurmat naam meraa praan sakhaaee
hari keerat hamree Rehras.
May the Divine Name obtained through the Guru’s teachings be my support of life and the Divine praises my way of life. -Guru Ram Das, Guru Granth Sahib, 10
Message: The quote makes us reflect on the role of the Guru’s teachings in our lives.
Explanation: Intuitively, many of us search for a connection with the Divine when we are faced with problems and are unable to find answers. It is at these times that we turn to the teachings of our Gurus.
In the hymn, we are reminded how in the grand scheme of creation, we are rather insignificant beings, as lowly as insects. Such lowly beings can only be supported by the grace of the Creator. The Guru’s teachings remind us that His wisdom is our life support.
Our Gurus remind us to be humble. They teach us the virtues we need to practise. They remind us to keep the company of devoted individuals who practise these teachings and virtues in their everyday life.
Once we understand these teachings and become conscious of the presence of the Creator in and around us, then we can connect with Him quite easily.
Remembering Him in prayer and keeping Him constantly in our thoughts allows His grace to fall upon us. We need to be sincere and devoted in our search for His wisdom. We need to yearn to make this wisdom the foundation of our everyday life. Those who seek this wisdom are blessed.
In our prayers, let us ask for enlightenment and understanding of His wisdom. Those who do not follow this path remain devoid of the essence and company of the Divine.
Etymology: Blend of Persian raah (way) + raast (right): right way of life.
