Gurbani Word Of Day: ku-mat

ਕੁਮਤਿ (ku-mat)
Meaning: noun: Evil-mindedness.

Quote:
ਮਨ ਰੇ ਕਉਨੁ ਕੁਮਤਿ ਤੈ ਲੀਨੀ॥ ਪਰ ਦਾਰਾ ਨਿੰਦਿਆ ਰਸ ਰਚਿਓ   ਰਾਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਹਿ ਕੀਨੀ॥
man re kaun kumat tai leenee.
par daaraa nindiaa ras rachio   raam bhagat nahi keenee.
O mind! What evil-mindedness have you adopted? You are engrossed in the pleasures of other’s spouse and slander, but you have not worshipped the Divine. – Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 631

Message: Have you ever paid attention to what thoughts fill your mind on any one day? Are the thoughts reflective of goodness and virtue or wisdom from Gurbani?  Or, are they related to pursuit of worldly riches and power? Are you indulging in thoughts that try to satisfy your emotional and sensual desires? Are you constantly slandering others in your mind? Only you know what your mind is preoccupied with.

Most of our thoughts are related to satisfying the needs and desires of the body and how to make a comfortable living in the outside physical world. It is in this arena that negative thoughts manifest in our mind and we become self-centered and egoistic. We think that we know it all and we know how to live the good life.

The mind is so focused on indulging in the worldly aspects of human behaviour that it pays scant attention to the advice being given by our Gurus – do not waste this precious human life in false worldly pursuits, nothing will go along with you. Utilize this opportunity to realize the presence of the Divine in you. Through the true teachings of Gurbani, humble yourself to serve creation.

Etymology: Blend of ku, prefix (false, wrong) + mat (understanding, thought).