ਦਾੜੀ (daaṛee)
Meaning: noun: Beard.
Quote:
ਤਗੁ ਨ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਤਗੁ ਨ ਨਾਰੀ॥ ਭਲਕੇ ਥੁਕ ਪਵੈ ਨਿਤ ਦਾੜੀ॥
tag na iňdree tag na naaree. bhalke thuk pavai nit daaṛee.
There is no sacred thread for senses and no thread for veins, due to which one’s beard is spat upon daily, i.e., one is dishonoured regularly. –Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 471
Message: Unbreakable thread
It is believed that Guru Nanak uttered this verse and the preceding couplets in response to the prevalent custom of thread wearing.
This happened when a Hindu priest (pundit) came to put a sacred thread (janeu) around his neck.
However, being against false and unnecessary show of religiosity, the Guru refused to wear that thread.
He pointed out that a human has no thread or restraint for their excessive lust and covetousness which bring disgrace to them. There is no thread which restrains a human being from committing wrongdoings with hands or feet. There is no restraint for tongue or eyes to stop one from slandering others or gazing at others with evil intent.
Are not many of us without any such moral restraint or ‘real ethical thread’? Is this not strange that we too are spiritually ignorant and blind, but consider ourselves wise by merely following some rituals?
Without practising being ethical at all times, our beautiful faces, which may be adorned with beards, or our bodies wearing beautiful clothing, will continue earning us disgrace. Only a real ethical restraint of our sensual organs and behaviour can bring us respect and honour.
Etymology: From Sanskrit daaḍhikaa (beard).
