ਪੰਚ ਬਿਖਾਦੀ (paňch bikhaadee)
Meaning: adjective: Five trouble makers.
Quote:
ਪੰਚ ਬਿਖਾਦੀ ਏਕੁ ਗਰੀਬਾ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਰਾਖਨਹਾਰੇ॥
O Saviour, please save me! The trouble makers are five and I am only one. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 205
Message: We rarely realize that these five destructive impulses work against us and torture us throughout our life. Even when we realize and adopt changes, the change is laborious and ineffective at times. What else can we do to abandon these evil negative impulses?
The numerical advantage of the five vices can be easily overcome with the ‘army’ of Guru-oriented people who can help us to acquire divine wisdom. Once our minds are polished with divine knowledge, the mind begins to get under control when positivity and strength takes over.
Ultimately one can attain that exalted state where no evil desires can sneak into the mind and torture us anymore. But being even 30% there is already a very good start. However the journey must begin now.
ਮਾਰੇ ਪੰਚ ਬਿਖਾਦੀਆ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਦਲੁ ਸਾਧਿਆ॥
I have conquered the five trouble makers and have vanquished their army by the grace of the Guru. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 210
Etymology: From Sanskrit vishaadin (dejected, sorrowful).
Summary of the Week:
Our journey this week elaborates on vices and negative impulses referred to in Gurbani as five thieves, robbers, tax collectors, fires and trouble makers. These are lust, anger, greed, worldly attachment, and arrogance.
To overcome these evil impulses and walk across the stormy ocean of human life, we need wisdom and the right guidance from Gurbani as well as ‘good’ company which can be found anywhere, not only in a temple.
Guided with this understanding and a strong resolve, we will tread the right path and move away from vicious entanglements. We will imbibe and walk with Truth, and contentment. That will enable us to enjoy peace of mind and walk in harmony with nature, too.
The way to self-mastery seems a difficult and long journey. But we don’t have to do big things all at once. We can start small and gradually make progress towards living a more contented and virtuous lifestyle.
Good friends and mentors are needed who can share their knowledge with us.
‘A bunch of matchsticks is more difficult to break than one match stick. United we are strong, divided we fall.’
Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtues appear from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. –Buddha
