Word Of The Day: moorakh

Theme for the Week:
So far we have been reflecting on what makes us wise, good and upright. This week’s selection, in contrast, will shed some light on what causes us to be foolish, unwise and ignorant?

We spend most of our time earning a living and taking care of our material needs. We work in order to make our lives, and those of our loved ones, as comfortable as possible. When time permits, we give our attention to politics, sports or the latest scandal.

How many amongst us attempt to understand who we really are? How foolish are we to not even take a step in this direction? Ignorance is bliss. Truth is hard work.

Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.
– Dalai Lama

ਮੂਰਖੁ (moorakh)
Meaning: noun: Fool.

Quote:
ਸੋ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਜੋ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਈ   ਸਚਿ ਨ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ॥
so moorakh jo aap na pachhaaṇ-ee sach na dhare piaar.
One who does not understand one’s self and does not enshrine love for Truth is a fool.
– Guru Amar Das Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 492

Message: Who are we? We are a working physical body, an efficient machine created and working according to the laws of nature. Unlike a machine though, we all have a divine centre, a subconscious that is part of the Universal Entity. The ‘self’ that lives this life, which we all proclaim to know and to understand is but a shadow of who we really are. We are a divine creation and the Divine lives within us. Not recognizing this ‘self’ makes one a fool. We need to be aware of the Truth – that the ever existing, all pervasive reality is the true essence of every being.

If only we could understand that we are all created by and from the same source. Only by contemplating and tuning our mind to this Truth, can its secret be revealed to us. When the mind is illumined by the Guru’s teachings, it does not need to look around for answers. We are no longer foolish when we seek, yearn for and desire the wisdom of the Divine.

Etymology: From Sanskrit moorkh.