Gurbani Word Of The Day Kalip Tar

ਕਲਿਪ ਤਰ (kalip tar)
Meaning: noun: A wish-fulfilling tree in Hindu mythology.

Quote:
ਏਕ ਨਾਮ ਕਲਿਪ ਤਰ ਤਾਰੇ॥
ek naam kalip tar taare.
Only the Name of the Divine is the wish-fulfilling tree which (fulfills the desires of the mind and) carries one across. – Bhagat Kabir, Guru Granth Sahib, 330

Message: According to Hindu mythology, the kalp-taru, a wish-fulfilling tree (also referred to as kalp-vriksh) emerged from the churning of the ocean. People worship this tree in the hope that their wishes would be granted. The verse above, however, clearly states that only the Name of the Divine – Naam – can fulfill the desires that we have.

Naam is the essence of the Divine that is present in each one of us. To help us connect with the Naam, Gurbani serves as the source of wisdom that makes us aware of this living spirit in us. Through this wisdom, we gain knowledge of the attributes of the Divine. By contemplating on these and putting into practice divine virtues in our daily life, a gateway is opened to fulfilment of our desires. There is no other power or object or technique that can provide this fulfilment.

Even if there were such a thing as a wish-fulfilling tree, why worship a limited creation – the tree – when we can turn to and worship the Divine, the source of all creation?Why the need for outward rituals, when the sanctuary lies within us? Search within, embrace the wisdom and you may just realize that you have all that you need!

ਕਲਿਪ ਤਰੁ ਰੋਗ ਬਿਦਾਰੁ   ਸੰਸਾਰ ਤਾਪ ਨਿਵਾਰੁ   ਆਤਮਾ ਤ੍ਰਿਬਿਧਿ   ਤੇਰੈ ਏਕ ਲਿਵ ਤਾਰ॥
(O Guru!) You are the wish-fulfilling tree, who destroys illnesses and takes away the sufferings of the world; by seeking your sanctuary, the worldly beings are attuned to the Divine. – Bhat Kalyasahar, Guru Granth Sahib, 1391

Etymology: Blend of Sanskirt kalp (wish) + taru (tree).

Notes: This tree is also identified with many trees such as coconut tree, banyan tree, and  mulberry tree, etc.

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