ਊਤਮ ਕਿਰਿਆ (ootam kiriaa)
Meaning: noun: The best (religious or ritual) activity.
Quote:
ਸਗਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਆ ਮਹਿ ਊਤਮ ਕਿਰਿਆ॥ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਮਲੁ ਹਿਰਿਆ॥
ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਧਾਰਮਕ ਕਿਰਿਆਵਾਂ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਉੱਤਮ ਕਿਰਿਆ ਇਹੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸਾਧ-ਸੰਗਤ ਕਰਕੇ ਭੈੜੀ ਮਤਿ ਦੀ ਮੈਲ ਨੂੰ ਦੂਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ।
sagal kriaa mahi ootam kiriaa. saadhsaňg durmat mal hiriaa.
Of all religious activities, the best activity is, removing the filth of one’s false understanding through the association with virtuous people. -Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 266
Message: Religious activity has taken on various forms. There are rites and rituals followed without an understanding of their purpose. Scriptures are read in a rote manner without an understanding of the wisdom expressed by these words. Hence, the Guru states that ignorance of the truth has to be removed.
The best religious activity is in understanding the wisdom expressed in Guru Granth Sahib. What better way of being exposed to this wisdom than by learning from virtuous people around us. Our understanding of the scriptures widens and Divine virtues and attributes become real. Through reflection, questioning and understanding, ignorance and doubts are erased.
Etymology: Blend of ootam from Sanskrit uttam (highest, best) + kiriaa from Sanskrit kriyaa (deed, action, especially religious ritual or rite).
