Gurbani Word Of The Day: bighan

ਬਿਘਨ (bighan)
Meaning: noun: Obstacles.

Quote:
ਬਿਘਨ ਬਿਨਾਸਨ  ਸਭਿ ਦੁਖ ਨਾਸਨ   ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗਾ॥
bighan binaasan  sabh dukh naasan   gur charṇee man laagaa.

My mind is attached to the feet or teachings of the Guru, which are meant to remove all obstacles and eliminate all sufferings. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 616

Message: Reading opens a treasure trove and new realms are opened for us. It provides enriching experiences. However, the joy of reading can be felt only if we understand and contemplate on what we have learnt.

Hence, along with listening and reading, the next step is to understand what we have read. By understanding the Guru’s verses, we are further enabled to attune our mind to the Guru’s feet, i.e. the Guru’s words of wisdom.

The process could be as follows: first, we read or recite the words of a passage. Then, we learn its literal and metaphorical meanings. We can further combine this with a search into the history and culture of the time when the passage was composed. This will give us a good understanding of the idea and logical insight of the verses that we are reading. Then, pause and reflect on the meanings that you have read in the passage you are processing. Pray from the depth of your heart for divine guidance. This will provide a practical lesson for us to use in our daily life.

As our mind gets closer to the messages of Gurbani, we are better equipped to handle obstacles and difficulties in life. We handle the ups and downs of life differently. Instead of using our usual way of thinking to handle problems in life, we resolve them in accordance with the wisdom of Gurbani. With the guidance and practicing of teachings in Gurbani, sufferings and woes are alleviated.

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਪੂਰ ਕਰੰਮਾ   ਜਾ ਕਾ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਨੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗਾ॥
Nanak says, one whose mind is attuned to the Guru’s feet (wisdom) has the perfect fortune. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 614

Etymology: From Sanskrit vighna (obstacle, difficulty).

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here