ਨਿਵੈ (nivai)
Meaning: verb: Bows.
Quote:
ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਨਿਵੈ ਆਪ ਕਉ ਪਰ ਕਉ ਨਿਵੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ॥
(ਪ੍ਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਅੱਗੇ) ਹਰ ਕੋਈ ਆਪਣੇ ਸੁਆਰਥ ਲਈ ਨਿਵਦਾ ਹੈ, (ਕਿਸੇ) ਦੂਜੇ ਲਈ ਕੋਈ ਨਹੀਂ ਨਿਵਦਾ।
sabhkonivaiaap kau par kau nivaina koi.
Everyone bows down to (the Divine) for one’s own sake; no one bows down for another’s sake.-Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 470
Message: The words in this line show us our true colours or the reality. Everyone bows down for one’s own sake means that everyone tries to show humility if it benefits him or her but no one shows the same attitude or demeanour if it benefits the others.
In other words, the humility or bowing is not genuine, but has an ulterior motive. It is self-centred rather than altruistic or of benefit to others. In the same vein, we should never compromise with the Almighty by only seeking or loving Him during our time of need. We should embrace Him at all times.
Etymology: Combination of Sanskrit niv (bows) + suffix (ai).
