Word Of The Day: Rabaab

Theme for the Week:
In one of our previous weeks, we featured 5 musical modes (Raags) used in the Guru Granth Sahib (see week 27 to 31 July for reference). This week we’ll introduce 5 musical instruments and the beautiful messages conveyed through them. The authors of the Guru Granth Sahib used a variety of mediums or tools of communication to put across their revelations to us.

These instruments are so different and thus the messages too are diverse. Again the Guru has shown unity in diversity through the medium of music. The Gurus and Bhagats were not only highly realized souls but they were very intelligent and creative people who knew the power and the potential of music and poetry to uplift man. Thus in these hymns we see the genius of the authors in employing musical images, sounds and rhythms to share the message of divinity. Just as music unites and soothes the soul, in the same complementary way the message of divine wisdom, when shared through poetry and music and its diverse range of instruments and sounds, creates peace in the minds of people.

It’s easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself. ― Johann Sebastian Bach, a German composer and musician, 1685 – 1750

ਰਬਾਬ (rabaab)

Meaning: noun: a medieval stringed instrument, rebec. Bhai Mardana used to play this while Guru Nanak sang divine hymns revealed to him.

Quote:
ਜੀਲ ਬਿਨਾ ਕੈਸੇ ਬਜੈ ਰਬਾਬ॥ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨਾ ਬਿਰਥੇ ਸਭਿ ਕਾਜ॥
jeel binaa kaise bajai rabab. naam binaa bir-the sabh kaaj.
As without string a rebec cannot be played, so without the Name of the Divine all worldly affairs are futile.

– Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 1140

Message: Using the image of a rabab or rebec, a stringed instrument, the Guru says that without knowledge and practice of the Name of God – (God’s attributes and guidance on how to be a good human being), the life of a human being and his worldly endeavours are of no use. Meaning – such a person cannot play a fruitful role in life, just like a rabab without a string, which cannot entertain listeners with its good music.
Basically without the guidance of the Guru and the lovely divine attributes that we can acquire from Him, we cease to be useful human beings on this earth. Even if we have all the riches and comforts of the world, we will still be lacking. Without divine blessings, we cannot function as an instrument of God’s kind benevolence and loving grace. We need divine support to be a positive influence to humanity.

Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.
― Kahlil Gibran

Keen to Explore Further?
Etymology:From Arabic rabaab (rebec).

Other forms of the word found in the Guru Granth Sahib: