ਲੋਅ (lo-a)
Meaning: noun: Worlds, realms.
Quote:
ਅਸੰਖ ਨਾਵ ਅਸੰਖ ਥਾਵ॥ ਅਗੰਮ ਅਗੰਮ ਅਸੰਖ ਲੋਅ॥
asaňkh naav asaňkh thaav. agaṁm agaṁm asaňkh loa.
(In this infinite creation) countless are the names and countless are the places of creatures and things, and countless the realms, which are beyond human reach and understanding. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 04
Message: In this creation there are planets, places, people and species of animals and plants, which are beyond any imagination. If someone boasts to count them on the basis of one’s assumption and speculation, it is one’s own folly and stupidity.
The knowledge of the Creator and of creation can be obtained and discussed through words (knowledge/science). However, neither the Creator nor the creation has any end or limits. Therefore, instead of trying to find their respective limits, reflect on the amazing variety and extent of the creation and be in peace with the will of the Creator. Appreciate it and be humbled before it!
ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕੇ ਸਗਲੇ ਠਾਉ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਰਾਖੈ ਤੈਸਾ ਤਿਨ ਨਾਉ॥
All places belong to the Supreme Entity. According to the places in which He places the creatures, so are they named. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 275
Keen to Explore Further?
Pauri 19 relates to the significance of language and letters/words (akhar) to describe the divine message. Words alone, Guru Nanak tells us, allow us to attempt to describe the One that is otherwise unfathomable. Words enable us to give praise, to sing songs of glory. Words create scriptures and through words, we write our destiny.
Guru Nanak here suggests that language (spoken and written) is the means through which we acquire knowledge. Language is not perfect, nor can it capture the glory of the Almighty, but the Almighty appears to reveal Itself through this medium to humankind.
Etymology: From Sanskrit lok (space, world, territory) → Pali lok (world) → Prakrit log/loa (world, people) → Gurbani loa.
