????? (mu?daa)
Meaning: noun: Earrings; large glass earrings worn by yogis.
Quote:
????? ?????? �???? ??? ???? � ???? ?? ???? ???????
mu?da sa?tokh�� 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 mu??ra (seal) ? Punjabi mundar (earring).
