ਮਿਥਿਆ (mithiaa)
Meaning: adjective: False, vain; transient.
Quote:
ਮਨ ਰੇ ਸਾਚਾ ਗਹੋ ਬਿਚਾਰਾ॥
ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਮਾਨੋ ਸਗਰੋ ਇਹੁ ਸੰਸਾਰਾ॥
ਹੇ ਮਨ! ਸੱਚਾ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਗ੍ਰਹਿਣ ਕਰ। ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਇਹ ਸਾਰਾ ਸੰਸਾਰ ਬਿਨਸਨਹਾਰ ਜਾਣ।
man re saachaa gaho bichaaraa.
raam naam bin mithiaa maano sagro ih saňsaaraa.
O mind! Embrace true thought/contemplation (of the Divine). Without the Naam of the Divine, consider this whole world transient. -Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Granth Sahib, 703
Message: The changeable nature of the world is a given. Only the Divine that dwells in it is permanent. No matter how much satisfaction worldly material possessions and sensual pleasures of the world may give us, there is nothing permanently valuable in them. They exist and they have value only at the will of the Divine.
Why are we seeking happiness from that which is transient in nature? Should we not be seeking happiness from its source, which is permanent?
In the quote above, the Guru is asking us to recognize the permanency of the Divine. Reflection on divine teachings in Gurbani provides clarity about what is more important in our lives, coming closer to the Divine who is permanent.
The Guru reminds us that the world is not permanent in any form. It is constantly changing. We can allow ourselves to be wrapped up in this transient world or we can put our trust and faith into the hands of the Divine. He brought us here. Why not let Him guide us.
Etymology: From Sanskrit mithyaa (wrongly, falsely; in vain).
