Theme for the Week:
Do we behave affectionately with our fellow Sikhs?
A Sikh is constantly advised to behave lovingly to others as he or she would behave with their Gurus. However, what we read and hear today is not very positive.
The Gurus spread the message of love through their own personal examples. This week’s verses will show how our Gurus wanted us to behave with each other.
ਪਿਆਰੇ (piaare)
Meaning: adjective, vocative case: O beloved! O dear!
Quote:
ਆਇ ਮਿਲੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਆਇ ਮਿਲੁ ਤੂ ਮੇਰੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ॥
aai mil gursikh aai mil too mere guroo ke piaare
Come and meet me, O Sikh of my Guru, O beloved of my Guru!
– Guru Ram Das Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 725
Message: Come Dear One…
In the verse quoted, Guru Ram Das says, ‘Come and meet me, O Sikh of my Guru…’
Who is this Sikh of the Guru? It means the person who is passionately in love with the Divine.
Guru Ram Das valued and respected his fellow Sikhs who were passionately in love with the Divine.
How does one show this love for the Divine? Singing the attributes of the Divine and applying them in our life is what pleases the Divine.
We learn of virtues and attributes from Guru-oriented virtuous people. Hence, yearning for such company is the most desirable and remarkable decision.
Let’s embrace those who walk the path of the Guru.
Image: Sikhs gathering and singing hymns outside their billets (Le Sart, France).
Etymology: Modification of piaaraa (dear, loving) from Sanskrit priyakaar (doing a kindness, agreeable) → Prakrit piaarin (loving) → Apabhransh piyaaraya (dear) → Sindhi piaaro, Lahndi and Punjabi piaaraa (dear).
