ਸਰਾ (saraa)
Meaning: noun: Liquor, alcoholic drink (prepared with molasses, etc.).
Quote:
ਸਚੁ ਸਰਾ ਗੁੜ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਉ॥
sach saraa guṛ baahraa jis vich sachaa naau.
Truth also is a spiritual intoxicant which is fermented without molasses; (instead of molasses) the true Name of the Divine is contained in it. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 15
Message: One of the ingredients for spiritual liquor is Truth. Truth that comes from divine awareness is intoxicating. The mind, when it finds a place of rest within, is spirit filled. It reaches an extraordinary level of consciousness and perception and stabilizes.
The world has given us another intoxicant – falsehood. Under its influence we forget the temporary nature of this life. We spend it looking outside of us, for the material, for some fun. So intoxicated are we by our senses and related desires, that possessed by them, we feel an immense sense of wellbeing. This elation, however, does not last long. As the intoxication slowly wears off, we are back in a state of misery. We want more and the cycle continues.
Which form of intoxication would one choose? Know the Divine as the Truth and serve Him? How can we forget the One who gives us our breath, our life? Instead of seeking joy and intoxication in false and transient pleasures of the world, try to seek the wealth of divine values. This alone will provide us with stability, joy, and lasting happiness.
Etymology: From Sanskrit sarak (goblet, especially for spirits; drink of liquor) → Prakrit saray → Old Punjabi saraa (liquor).
