ਸਿਖ (sikh)
Meaning: noun: Teaching, instruction.
Quote:
ਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਤਨ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਿਕ ਜੇ ਇਕ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣੀ॥
mat vich ratan javaahar maaṇik je ik gur kee sikh suṇee.
(The divine virtues likened to) gems, jewels and rubies spring forth within the mind if one listens to the teaching of the Guru. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 01
Message: It is the teaching of Gurbani, if attended to and cultivated, that will lead us to right-minded actions, and to unearthing the divine virtues and wisdom, likened to jewels, which lie dormant within our mind. Guru Nanak here is extending the point made in earlier stanzas, namely that external rituals are of no avail. He says that pilgrimages and dips at holy places are not the way to attain divinity. One should bathe at places of pilgrimage only if this would please the Divine. If this act does not do so, then what is to be gained by such rituals? Will such an act make one a truthful person?
He further says nothing can be obtained without divine beneficence. Rituals with the aim of achieving something are futile. Be attuned to Gurbani’s divine insights and be spiritually enriched. This is where hidden treasures lie.
ਮਲੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਧੋਤੀ ਕਿਵੈ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਜੇ ਸਉ ਤੀਰਥ ਨਾਇ ॥
The filth of egotism cannot be washed away, even if one bathes at hundreds of sacred shrines. – Guru Amar Das, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 39
Etymology: From Sanskrit shikshaa (learning, study) → Pali/Prakrit sikkhaa (study, discipline) Sindhi sikh (learning), Punjabi sikkh (advice).
Notes: The word Sikh (disciple) comes from Sindhi sikhu (disciple) and Lahňdi sikkh (pupil), which derives from Sanskrit shikshya (to be taught) or shishya (pupil, disciple).
