ਛਾਪਰੀ (chhaapree)
Meaning: noun: Thatched roof, straw hut (used as shelter).
Quote:
ਭਲੀ ਸੁਹਾਵੀ ਛਾਪਰੀ ਜਾ ਮਹਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਏ॥
ਕਿਤ ਹੀ ਕਾਮਿ ਨ ਧਉਲਹਰ ਜਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਬਿਸਰਾਏ॥
ਉਹ ਛੱਪਰੀ ਚੰਗੀ ਅਤੇ ਸੋਭਨੀਕ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿਚ ਹਰੀ ਦੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਏ ਜਾਣ। ਉਹ ਚਿੱਟੇ-ਸਫੈਦ ਮਹੱਲ ਵੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਕੰਮ ਨਹੀਂ, ਜਿਨਾਂ ਕਰਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਮਨ ਤੋਂ ਵਿਸਰ ਜਾਏ।
bhalee suhaavee chhaapree jaa mahi gun gaae.
kit hee kaam na dhaul-har jit hari bisraae.
Even a straw hut is sublime and beautiful, in which Divine praises are sung. Those white mansions are of no use, because of which the Divine is forgotten. -Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 745
Message: Remembering the Creator…
What will your choice be? A small, simple, spartan house or lavish, marbled mansions?
The Guru says that the hut where the Creator is remembered at all times is more pleasant and beautiful than marbled, white mansions if the latter causes us to be ungrateful.
Let us learn the art of living with serenity and gratefulness in whatever circumstances we may have to live.
Improving our dwellings and making them lavish is fine so long as the Creator is not forgotten and removed from the mind.
Etymology: Nepali chhaapro (hut) and chhaapree (trap consisting of a pit covered with twigs, etc.), Sindhi chhaparu (grass thatched on a frame for covering) and chhapiree (framework of reeds), Lahndi/Punjabi chhappar (thatched roof) and chappree (thatched hut).
