ਧੂੜਿ (dhooṛ)

Meaning: noun: Dust, the dust of the feet of the devotees.

Quote:

ਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮੰਗੈ ਧੂੜਿ ਤਿਨ ਜੋ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਸਿਖ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ॥

jan naanak maňgai dhooṛ tin jo gur ke sikh mere bhaaee.

Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of those who are Sikhs of the Guru, and my brothers/sisters.

– Guru Ram Das Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 310

Message: Let me show you my love dear ones!

How rare are those who in all humility would want to touch the dust of the feet of their fellow beings on their spiritual journey! But why, and what is the meaning of ‘dust of the feet’?

In Indian terminology, the dust of someone’s feet denotes humility and respect for the other party – a parent or a teacher. Here Guru Ram Das uses it metaphorically or symbolically to express his deep love and longing for the fellow travellers on the path of truth.

Our Gurus loved and yearned for the comforting company of those seekers who loved the Creator and His creation through their thoughts, words and actions.

In such a company, we are reminded, inspired and stay motivated to tread the path of the Guru’s teachings.

The real index of civilization is when people are kinder than they need to be. -Louis de Bernieres, a British novelist, b. 1954

Etymology: From Sanskrit dhooḍi (dust, powder) → Sindhi dhooṛi and Lahndi/Punjabi dhooṛ.