Jaban Sambhal Ke - mind your tongue

A train began pulling out of the station when five students managed to jump aboard. Seated beside an elderly baba they opened their note books to discuss a subject: What does AI understand about the human tongue?

The first explained that AI could analyse the tongue’s appearance for medical assessment and other applications. Two agreed, mentioning its potential in medical diagnostic and biometric security through unique “tongue prints". The third pointed out that electronic tongues could analyze food components and detect spoilage by measuring chemical molecules. However, AI does not experience taste as humans.

The fourth had done no research. His friends immediately mocked and humiliated him. Hurt and angry, he opened to consume a sachet of tobacco and joined the abusive exchange. Soon all four were arguing. Only the fifth remained composed. He concluded, “AI may analyse the tongue and process taste related information, but it does not experience taste as humans do.”

The Baba intervened. “May I contribute something?” The fourth student welcomed him.

Thanking them for sharing their learnings, the Baba said, “There is much more to the human tongue than taste and speech. Its greatest responsibility lies in how we use it.

“Our scriptures teach us that tongue can become an instrument of peace and devotion, or a source of conflict when driven by ego and uncontrolled desires. Both its functions- speaking and tasting require discipline.

“Look around you. At home, at work, on digital platforms and increasingly on streets, humiliation, foul language and anger are becoming normal. For generations our screen actors have influenced minds through their words and action. If only every story teller and censor board understood their responsibilities of influence!

Our words should build, heal and restore life, not demean. Sadly, reel-life behaviour is increasingly being replicated in real life.”

“Beta,” the Baba said to the fourth student, “the tongue’s appetite is equally important. That sachet you have consumed may offer temporary gratification; but harmful substances can damage your health. Worldly cravings promise satisfaction without necessarily fulfilling us.

Uncontrolled desire can become a habit, then a bondage. This thirst is never quenched.

When the mind is clouded by anger, greed and pride, the tongue becomes their servant. It criticises, abuses, argues and quarrels, compromising family values, social harmony and national pride. It never tires of speaking harshly, yet struggles to utter a prayer, engage in Naam Simran or remember the creator.

The fourth student interrupted, “Baba ji can even one word of Naam Simran change our karma or lekha?” The Baba replied, “Beta, a little curd can transform a vessel of milk into curd. A pinch of salt can change bland food. A small candle can illuminate a dark room. Likewise, a sincere beginning in Naam Simran can awaken the soul and guide us towards a better way of living.”

The highest use of the tongue is to remember and praise the creator; our everyday words should reflect compassion, humility and truth.

Gurbani in Ang560 expresses a state of a blessed soul “Rasnaa har saad lagee sahaj subhaae….” 

”My tongue is intuitively attracted to the taste of the Lord. My mind is satisfied, meditating on the Name of the Lord. Lasting peace is obtained, contemplating the True Word of the Shabad. I am forever a sacrifice to my True Guru”.

“Har koi Apni Jaban Ko Sambhale,” said the baba as he alighted from the train, leaving behind a thoughtful silence and perhaps a few tongues with a lesson to learn.