ਲਹਦਾ (lahdaa)
Meaning: verb, first person, singular: I seek.
Quote:
ਮੈ ਬਧੀ ਸਚੁ ਧਰਮ ਸਾਲ ਹੈ॥ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾ ਲਹਦਾ ਭਾਲਿ ਕੈ॥
mai badhee sach dharam saal hai. gursikhaa lahdaa bhaal kai.
I have established the place of dharma for preaching and spreading the truth. I earnestly search and seek the Sikhs of the Guru
– Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 73
Message: Let’s gather and discuss divinity
Wherever the Gurus travelled, they established gatherings of like-minded people. They set up preaching centres (dharamsaals) in towns to spread divine awareness and knowledge.
In this verse, Guru Arjan Sahib wants to share his spiritual joy and wisdom with others. The Gurus’ mission had been: first overcoming one’s own limitations, and then helping others to conquer their weaknesses and advance spiritually.
So the Gurus worked with like-minded, good people to help in the transformation of humanity. We too can first transform ourselves by reflecting on ourselves rather than judging others.
We need to treat everyone with love and respect by being humble in our approach and attitude.
Etymology: From Sanskrit labhate (catches, takes) → Pali labhati → Prakrit labhai/lahai (takes, obtains) → Sindhi lahaṇu (to obtain), Lahndi lahaṇ (to take, receive), Punjabi lahiṇaa/laiṇaa (to find, to take).
