ਭਗਤ (bhagat)
Meaning: noun: Devotees, loving and dedicated worshippers of the Divine.
Quote:
ਭਗਤ ਅਰਾਧਹਿ ਏਕ ਰੰਗਿ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਗੁਪਾਲ॥
bhagat araadhahi ek raňg gobiňd gupaal
The devotees of the Divine Master worship and adore Him with single-minded love
– Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 816
Message: When a person adopts the love and devotion of a dedicated devotee, he or she develops a peaceful and steady state of mind.
Being in this peaceful state of mind is to see and experience the Divine as the source of supreme peace and poise. Such devotees absorb and practise the Divine qualities. They enjoy the Divine presence and abide in the Divine will wholeheartedly.
They revel in the beauty of divinity. They are calm, neither seeking riches nor amassing wealth. They are free from desires and shackles of material possessions because they live virtuous lives. They are contented and focused on the love and devotion to the Divine. Peace naturally surrounds such devotees.
Etymology: From Sanskrit bhakta (worshipper, devotee, votary), from bhakti (worship, devotion) which comes from bhaj (to give, to serve).
Summary of the Week:
Which form of spiritual relationship or connection would you like to take on?
The examples shared in this week are not exhaustive. Often, they are overlapping and intersecting in Gurbani.
We can use these illustrations as our states of progression (from emotions of a child to servant to friend to beloved and so on). Or, we can use some or all of them at the same time, depending upon our moods and swings of our mind.
Do let us know which one you like the most and why?
The common link in the use of these words is that they all allude to total trust. This is the relationship with the Divine that we should all try and cultivate: one of complete trust.
ਮੀਤ ਸਾਜਨ ਮਾਲੁ ਜੋਬਨੁ ਸੁਤ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਾਪੁ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਈ ਸੰਤਹੁ॥
Nanak: The Divine is my friend, companion, wealth, youth, son, father and mother, O saintly people. -Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 916
