ਪਾਰਜਾਤ (paarjaat)
Meaning: noun: A wish-fulfilling mythical tree.
Quote:
ਬਿਰਖੁ ਜਮਿਓ ਹੈ ਪਾਰਜਾਤ॥ ਫੂਲ ਲਗੇ ਫਲ ਰਤਨ ਭਾਂਤਿ॥
birakh jamio hai paarjaat. phool lage phal ratan bhaaṅt.
A wish-fulfilling tree, which bears flowers and fruits precious like jewels, has sprouted (within my mind). – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1180
Message: The paarjat, a night flowering jasmine, is another wish-fulfilling tree mentioned in Hindu mythology. In the verse above, Guru Arjan Sahib uses this tree as an illustration to help us visualize what can grow in our minds when we make a connection with the Divine.
He shares his personal experience, and states that by contemplating on, and imbibing divine attributes and virtues, one enjoys immense blessings. It feels as if within one’s mind, an all-wish fulfilling tree has grown, laden with jewel-like precious flowers and fruits. Thus, all of one’s thirst is satisfied.
When we sow the seeds of divine awareness and allow the tree of blessings to grow within, we attain inner peace, tranquility and grow with it spiritually. There is, then, no need to worship external objects or perform rituals.
ਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਤਨ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਿਕ ਜੇ ਇਕ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣੀ॥
Virtues likened to gems, jewels and rubies spring forth within the mind if one listens to the teaching of the Guru. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 01
Etymology: From Sanskrit paarijaat (the coral tree Erythrina indica) → Pali paarijaat (the coral tree).
