Punjabi Vibes: A Cultural Obsession with Jugni

'Jugni' has a double meaning in Punjabi folklore. A literal translation is 'female firefly', while its meaning has also been construed in the Sufi circles to signify ‘light’. It has become more of a cultural obsession made linguistically into a Sufi song initially sung by Arif Lohar’s father, Alam Lohar, recently performed with a ‘chimta’ (traditional instrument which is tong-like in shape and made of brass jingles) and to the modernistic backdrop of Coke Studio.  Then, there are the Uncle Ji (Ji is a suffix used in order to give respect) tales of how they used to study in the post-Colonial era of the Pakistan and India separation, by using fireflies captured in jars as a source of light during periods of load-shedding which becomes the discourse of table-talk in a chai setting. Load-shedding action is to reduce the load on electricity provided by light, especially the interruption of an electricity supply to avoid excessive load on the generating plant. For that reason, it is boasted as to the great lengths they used to achieve the pursuit for the want of study and subtly hinted as to how we, the foreign born, have it very easy when it comes to learning within the English-medium language, as our first language, and, having easy access to electricity.  After all, the first command of the Quran is to read, “Iqra.” The second generation abroad-based Punjabi may think, “What better way to read, when surrounded by firefly light?" Right?

Ironically, during periods of load shedding was when the light by jugni was sought. In the darkest moments and when most needed.  A mystical experience as well as physical.  Everything is attracted to sources of light.  All of this could have happened, as difficult as it may have been!

In the spiritual journey context, the term signifies the whole of existence having little value until the Infinite Light of the True existence is cast into one’s heart; in a similar way to the firefly having light that never ceases to exist. The light of a firefly disappears at the time of dawn to reappear at night.  The essence always remains within. That is true beauty if we consider it more closely.  The creatures are of a dim light and created out of clay, though the more luminous fire is able to characterize it better.  These are the basic elements that are referred to in the Qu’ran which are cited as at the time of earliest of creation.  The slightest meditation, invocation or prayer is a release between the light and dark, to show that all things are relative. The amount of light one carries is always changing.  To carry it is in its spirit.  Early writings on Jugni are thus spiritual in nature and relate to one's understanding of the world and one's relationship with God. The term has been introduced from the teachings of Baba Bulleh Shah and popularity spread even to the screens of Bollywood.

Jugni can also be understood to all mystics who seek within.  Upon entering the inward self, the Guide heads toward the Unchangeable Light. Only this is able to purify.  The Light motif is used across most world scriptures and in all present within the sub-continent. Guru Nanak talks of the Unseen Supreme Being which can be seen via an inner light, Sufi mystics talk of Allah (God) being veiled by Light and the Gita talks of becoming what we see.  Hence, the mere contemplation of Light has an ability to transform into that energy.  

For such reasons the popularity touches the hearts of many Punjabis.  It has has become part of the defining moment in spirit and age.  It was also sung during a Jubilee celebration in Gujranwala, which followed a period of when Jubilee celebrations began in India when people started to wake up (jaagna) and became a movement of jugni.  The Sanskrit word ‘yug’, meaning life or being. It also means eternity or era. For that reason, the term extends across to all and is still relevant.

Since human institutions have failed us in trying to limit the findings of God, this is one of the only ways nothing will disappoint. When we open ourselves to the domain that is spirit, God’s gifts become abundant.  Jugni can contextualize the state of being woke, present in the moment and of a Guiding Light that leads us forward. Bring that light within.  Illuminate the world.  I’ll end this with the following quote:

    "Those who enshrine the Beloved in their hearts have both worlds at their command. Lovers remain completely intoxicated in the ecstasy of their love for the Beloved. They offer their souls to the Beloved while still living, and thus immortalize themselves in this life and in the hereafter." (Hazrat Sultan Bahu)

Transcend all boundaries.  Become immortal.  Bring light to the table.  Let it flow.

In a World full of Malalas, be your own Chaudhary!

Malala Yousafzai defied the Taliban in Pakistan and demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. She was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in 2012, but survived and went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The push of Pakistan towards a western model in education leaves many questioning.  There is a perception that a focus of organizing children and creating a reliable, predictable environment leads to obedient citizens without the ability to use critical thinking.  Compulsory schooling has once been looked upon as a branch of industry and even a tool of governance by a former, award-winning teacher, John Gatto. Furthermore, traditions become abandoned in favor of:

“Limitless resources, and the people yield themselves with perfect docility to our molding hand. The present educational conventions fade from our minds; and, unhampered by tradition, we work our own good will upon a grateful and responsive rural folk. We shall not try to make these people or any of their children into philosophers or men of learning or of science. We are not to raise up among them authors, orators, poets, or men of letters. We shall not search for embryo great artists, painters, musicians. Nor will we cherish even the humbler ambition to raise up from among them lawyers, doctors, preachers, statesmen, of whom we now have ample supply."​ - Rev. Frederick T. Gates, Business Advisor to John D. Rockefeller Sr., 1913 [1]

Luckily for me, I also had the hand of visiting Pakistan and growing up in a Western world with an ability to challenge and question the teachings that I had been taught by way of curriculum or by media.  My Uncle taught me the virtue of being a “Chaudhary,” and how important land ownership was to the fertile lands of Punjab. The prestigious title and/or surname 'Chaudhary' originates from the Middle East in Asia and means the "holder of four" in its literal sense.  It refers to the status and wealth regarding money and land of a certain small percentage of people from countries such as Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan (and others into which its people have migrated to over the years). Vast irrigation water systems, growing crop and raising cattle were all at the front of a life in what have become remote areas and discarded for the pursuit of a city life (for many.) The contrast was stark and apparent.  What I did not then realize was the access to a rural life was empowering.  I do recall in a visit to Pakistan having rice delivered after being harvested, the taste of fresh poultry and of butter that came in daily from the Buffalo that was close enough to the premises, but hidden behind the cement walls.  Breaking free from British India meant being self sufficient enough to rely on one’s own.  This was true independence and the breaking free of a slave cycle.  

After all, the British came to India and Pakistan in pursuit of spices, resources and to learn of In the  agricultural techniques which were practiced from which modern organic techniques are derived; where the fertilizers and pesticides were obtained from plant and animal products. Organic farming was the backbone of the economy at the time.  Marred by modernity, we all are now in favor of time saving mechanisms, more life spent on the cultivation of a “quality life” in favor of less cultivation of an authentic life.  By authentic, I mean less love and effort in clothing items, food grown and cooked and time spent in work and freeing oneself.  Now we are in the trappings of grocery items at stores, clothes that are manufactured and polluting our minds with idle trivialities.  Money and time appear to be in supply but we are not necessarily feeding with our own hands.  Let’s all take a step back and unlearn some of the lessons learned.  Are we truly free and fulfilled? Who’s hands are we serving? To be in touch with your soul, you need to be in touch with nature of better health and content with less. Therein lies the supply that can be filled over and over.  

Ex- Pat Aussie Musings: The Story of Mateship and of having a Fair Go

‘Mateship’ is an endearing value and characteristic of the ‘Australian way' implicit in the nation’s character which embodies in a 'fair go' egalitarianism. The word 'mate' is used to describe friends, colleagues, even just another person with whom you have just begun speaking terms with. It is speculated that the origins of the word come from the German term "gemate" which means to share a meal at the same table.

Both ‘mateship’ and the giving of a ‘fair go’ tap into the secular creed of the country and evoke a spirit that extends to break barriers. Though its ideology is secular, it is in line with the soul construct of what leads to contentment overall.  To give someone a ‘fair go’ is part of the Australian vernacular  that has often been used to demand or protest in favor of fairness - to be fair to someone by giving them a fair go.  It leaves one with not being ousted by hardship or a demand of backing off from unreasonableness. It also gives support to the party that does not have an upperhand in the matter before them.  A basic request for leniency. Every person endures a battle and is subsequently entitled to a ‘fair go’ as a result.

What’s more is that there has been political discourse and consideration of the inclusion of the term "mateship" in the preamble of the Australian constitution. The proposed change never passed the Senate:  

Australians are free to be proud of their country and heritage, free to realise themselves as individuals, and free to pursue their hopes and ideals. We value excellence as well as fairness, independence as dearly as mateship.

The concept is traced back to early colonial times due to the exposure that convicts had found themselves in. Both men and women closely relied on each other for help. The shared experience, mutual respect and unconditional assistance gave rise to this. Though it has been traditionally used by men, it has also been donned by females in favor of the spirit. It carried through World War I and the Australian Goldrush.  The dynamic changed during that period which included the massive influx of migrants from around the world including Asia, Europe and the Americas. Thus, it can serve as a force to cut down prejudice in race or disparity in wealth.

More recently, during the Sydney siege at the Lindt cafe, mateship was extended in one tweet whereby being Muslim and in the face of terror can also be daunting.  A hashtag and a tweetstorm was borne out of goodwill when an Asian Australian woman pledged to walk in solidarity with another woman who removed her hijab following the news of the siege.  The #illridewithyou stood in contrast with the way in which Americans handled any post terror attack. The response was more measured and a fresh approach welcomed by Muslims across the globe and represented progress.

In the exploration of their similarities and differences such things as attitudes toward equality, approaches to leadership, conversational styles, decision making, and risk taking all give rise to the wanting of the  same opportunities in life. This affords with an education and healthcare systems that provide high quality, world class healthcare and education to everyone. It has shaped a workplace where a higher minimum wage can exist. The welfare system means that streets aren’t full of beggars and homeless people. All of the above-listed, in turn, reduces the crime rate. An immigration system that is skills-based requires higher paid labor. This means most ‘Aussies’ clean their own homes and tend their own gardens, keeping them grounded. Viewing people as mates, reduces suspicion and a pro-gun or violent attitude.  

Patriotism and flag worship serves as a distraction to neighborly needs and that is why Australians do not engage in this behavior.  It needs to be seen that quality of a mateship is an act of being a patriot instead. At the end of the day, everybody demands to be treated fairly and equally.  The concept of mateship and fair go have proven to be timeless and have upheld and will continue to do so. Mateship speaks to many Australians in a way that global political discourse has failed others. It has been able to identify itself for over the course of more than 200 years of white-settler history, farmers, soldiers, laborers,bankers, poets, politicians and feminists.  It is time that its significance spoke to the rest of the world.  It shows a capacity to work together and challenges individualism.  In all things equal, then those who are different are also less dangerous. There is no need for fear mongering as a result.