Gurbani Word Of The Day: sohilaa

ਸੋਹਿਲਾ (sohilaa)
Meaning: noun: Literally, hymn of joy, nuptial song, but here, a blissful hymn of divine praise.

Quote:
ਤੁਮ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਕਾ ਸੋਹਿਲਾ॥ ਹਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਜਿਤੁ ਸੋਹਿਲੈ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ॥
tum gaavahu mere nirbhau kaa sohilaa. hau vaaree jit sohilai sadaa sukh hoi.
Sing the hymn of praise of my fearless Lord. I humble myself before that hymn of praise which brings peace for all times. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 12

Message: Sohila is a song of Divine praise which brings peace and joy.

At the end of a stressful day, after being exposed to the trials and tribulations of life, we look for some comfort from the Divine. To help overcome the fear and anxiety we have experienced during the day, we turn to the Creator for solace.

We meditate on His Name by singing His praises or virtues. In this state of mind, we humble ourselves before Him. The remembrance and practice of His virtues replace our anxiety with peace, and rests and restores us after a hectic day.

We are unable to comprehend the extent of His care and gifts. The best we can do is to appreciate and be grateful for all that we have been given, and believe that whatever happens, happens according to the divine will.

In the first hymn of the Sohila, the Guru reminds us of the pre-ordained day we will leave this home to be united with the Divine.

Using the imagery of a wedding, the Guru reminds us to be prepared for this union. In every home there will be this call i.e. into each and every heart summons will be sent. If the Divine is enshrined in our minds, this union with Him would be blissful and rewarding. Or else fear and foreboding will overpower us.

Etymology: From Sanskrit shobhin (resplendent) → Prakrit sohi/sohill (shinning) → Old Awadhi sohilaa (nuptial song).

Notes: “Sohila” or “Kirtan Sohila”? Which is the right term to use?  In the Guru Granth Sahib, this collection of hymns is referred to as “Sohila”. We are unsure when this began to be written and referred to as “Kirtan Sohila”. It is probable the word “kirat” in the first verse was combined with “Sohila” to become “Kirtan Sohila”.