ਮੁੰਦਾ (muňdaa)
Meaning: noun: Earrings; large glass earrings worn by yogis.
Quote:
ਮੁੰਦਾ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸਰਮੁ ਪਤੁ ਝੋਲੀ ਧਿਆਨ ਕੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਿਭੂਤਿ॥
muňda saňtokh saram pat jholee dhiaan kee karahi bibhoot.
(The divine-centred people) make contentment their earrings, effort/work their begging bowl and sack, and divine consciousness their ash (that the yogis use to smear on their bodies). – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 06
Message: In this verse from pauri 28, Guru Nanak addresses the insignia of the yogi and what it stands for: split ears adorned with earrings to signify the subjugation of desires; a begging bowl and bag slung over their shoulder symbolizing a break from the householder existence.
A patched coat and an ash-smeared body as a reminder of death and mortality; and a staff, which stands for yogic powers, are other symbols referenced in this pauri.
The Guru advises us to work hard and to earn a living rather than abandon the householders’ life and go around begging. Instead of piercing the ears, one ought to cultivate contentment by being happy with what one has. Be in awareness of the all-pervasive presence of the Divine rather than smearing the body with ash to show detachment from the world.
He further says, make awareness of your mortality, your tattered cloak; the body your means of spiritual experience; and faithfulness your method and staff. Instead of linking to any sect or group, befriend all and treat everyone as equal. Conquer your mind and you will conquer the world, the worldly temptations.
Thus, armed with a disciplined mind and modest appetites, a Guru-centred person is committed to working the divine will by fully engaging in the affairs of the world.
Etymology: From Sanskrit mudraa (seal, signet ring) → Pali muddaa (seal, stamp) and muddikaa (signet ring) → Prakrit muddaa/muddiaa (seal, ring) → Sindhi muṇḍra (seal) → Punjabi mundar (earring).
