ਬੋਲਨਾ (bolnaa)
Meaning: verbal noun, abstract participle: To speak, talk, or speaking, talking.
Quote:
ਬਾਬਾ ਬੋਲਨਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਹੀਐ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਰਵਿ ਰਹੀਐ॥
baabaa bolnaa kiaa kaheeai. jaise raam naam rav raheeai.
O Bhai! If one is to speak, what words should one utter or say, so that one may remain absorbed in the Name of the Divine?
Bhagat Kabir, Guru Granth Sahib, 870
Message: Speech, the doorway to love…
Bhagat Kabir tells us some manners that need to be observed when talking to others:
In the verse quoted he asks, “What words should one use when conversing, such that one may always have the Divine in one’s mind?”
The succeeding verses give us the answer and teach us to speak such words which help us to have a good relationship with the person we are conversing with.
Converse with wise and virtuous people. When you do so, you learn and start thinking about good things.
If you encounter a foolish person, remain silent. When you converse with such people, you learn nothing. It is a waste of time.
Talking too much may sometimes lead you to calling names, or even physical fights.
But, if we avoid talking with everybody, then how can we improve ourselves?
Balance is the keyword. Speak in moderation. Always keep lines of communication open.
An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they who have the least wit are the greatest babblers. -Plato
Etymology: From Sanskrit boll (speak) → Prakrit bollai (speaks) → Kashmiri bolun, Sindhi bolaṇu, Lahndi bolaṇ, Punjabi bolṇaa, and Hindi bolnaa.
