Friday, 22 July 2011
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Baba Sri Chand & Guru Ram Das
Once the elder son of Guru Nanak Sahib Jee went to Amritsar to visit Guru Raam Daas Sahib Jee, the fourth heir to the throne of Guru Nanak Sahib Jee.
Baba Sri Chand Jee tried to belittle and laugh at the Guru. He said, "O Raam Daas! Why is your beard so long?" The Guru replied "I have a long beard to wipe the feet of holy men like you." The Guru Sahib's humility hit Baba Sri Chand Jee who fell at the feet of Guru Sahib and he said; "Now I know why I didn't become chosen to be Guru and instead you are sitting on my father's throne."
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Jang: Bhagat v Vikars
Gursikhs can never lose a battle because both fateh and Gursikhs belong to Vaheguru. Siri Guru jee on ang 1356 of Siri Guru Granth Sahib jee has written briefly on a battle that takes place between Bhagats and the Bikaars. These bikaars that number 5 in count, are so strong that the whole world is under their control. Siri Guru jee starts the shabad by declaring that the army of Sant Gursikhs is unbeatable - ਸੈਨਾ ਸਾਧ ਸਮੂਹ ਸੂਰ ਅਜਿਤੰ ...|| The army of Saadh jan is unbeatable. Here is how battle ensues and why Gursikhs are unbeatable in this battle:
1) These Gursikhs wear the armour of humility on their bodies - ਸੰਨਾਹੰ ਤਨਿ ਨਿੰਮ੍ਰਤਾਹ ॥.
2) The ਆਵਧਹ i.e. weapons they wear are ਗੁਣ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਰਮਣੰ i.e. singing the praises of Gobind Vaheguru i.e. doing kirtan of Gurbani.
3) Their shield that they wear on their hands or hold with their hands is ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦ ਕਰ ਚਰਮਣਹ i.e. the Shabad of Guru i.e. Gurmantra of Guru. This is their ਕਰ ਚਰਮਣਹ i.e. shield in their hands.
4) Finding the path of Vaheguru is for them riding horses and elephants in the battlefield. How do Gursikhs find the path of Vaheguru? We will refer to another shabad for this question - ਰਾਮ ਰਾਮ ਬੋਲਿ ਬੋਲਿ ਖੋਜਤੇ ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ॥ By japping Naam again and again, they find Vaheguru.
5) In the spiritual battlefield that goes on inside, they walk around without fear and attack the enemies by doing kirtan of Gopal.
6) They win over the whole world, by bringing under control the five powerful thiefs i.e. Kaam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh and Ahankaar.
Below is that shabad based on which the above has been written.
ਸੈਨਾ ਸਾਧ ਸਮੂਹ ਸੂਰ ਅਜਿਤੰ ਸੰਨਾਹੰ ਤਨਿ ਨਿੰਮ੍ਰਤਾਹ ॥
ਆਵਧਹ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਰਮਣੰ ਓਟ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦ ਕਰ ਚਰਮਣਹ ॥
ਆਰੂੜਤੇ ਅਸ੍ਵ ਰਥ ਨਾਗਹ ਬੁਝੰਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਾਰਗਹ ॥
ਬਿਚਰਤੇ ਨਿਰਭਯੰ ਸਤ੍ਰੁ ਸੈਨਾ ਧਾਯੰਤੇ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਕੀਰਤਨਹ ॥
ਜਿਤਤੇ ਬਿਸ੍ਵ ਸੰਸਾਰਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਵਸ੍ਯ੍ਯੰ ਕਰੋਤਿ ਪੰਚ ਤਸਕਰਹ ॥੨੯॥
May Guru Sahib bless us with victory in our individual spiritual battles that are going on our inside.
1) These Gursikhs wear the armour of humility on their bodies - ਸੰਨਾਹੰ ਤਨਿ ਨਿੰਮ੍ਰਤਾਹ ॥.
2) The ਆਵਧਹ i.e. weapons they wear are ਗੁਣ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਰਮਣੰ i.e. singing the praises of Gobind Vaheguru i.e. doing kirtan of Gurbani.
3) Their shield that they wear on their hands or hold with their hands is ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦ ਕਰ ਚਰਮਣਹ i.e. the Shabad of Guru i.e. Gurmantra of Guru. This is their ਕਰ ਚਰਮਣਹ i.e. shield in their hands.
4) Finding the path of Vaheguru is for them riding horses and elephants in the battlefield. How do Gursikhs find the path of Vaheguru? We will refer to another shabad for this question - ਰਾਮ ਰਾਮ ਬੋਲਿ ਬੋਲਿ ਖੋਜਤੇ ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ॥ By japping Naam again and again, they find Vaheguru.
5) In the spiritual battlefield that goes on inside, they walk around without fear and attack the enemies by doing kirtan of Gopal.
6) They win over the whole world, by bringing under control the five powerful thiefs i.e. Kaam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh and Ahankaar.
Below is that shabad based on which the above has been written.
ਸੈਨਾ ਸਾਧ ਸਮੂਹ ਸੂਰ ਅਜਿਤੰ ਸੰਨਾਹੰ ਤਨਿ ਨਿੰਮ੍ਰਤਾਹ ॥
ਆਵਧਹ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਰਮਣੰ ਓਟ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦ ਕਰ ਚਰਮਣਹ ॥
ਆਰੂੜਤੇ ਅਸ੍ਵ ਰਥ ਨਾਗਹ ਬੁਝੰਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਾਰਗਹ ॥
ਬਿਚਰਤੇ ਨਿਰਭਯੰ ਸਤ੍ਰੁ ਸੈਨਾ ਧਾਯੰਤੇ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਕੀਰਤਨਹ ॥
ਜਿਤਤੇ ਬਿਸ੍ਵ ਸੰਸਾਰਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਵਸ੍ਯ੍ਯੰ ਕਰੋਤਿ ਪੰਚ ਤਸਕਰਹ ॥੨੯॥
May Guru Sahib bless us with victory in our individual spiritual battles that are going on our inside.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Brahmgyani... Baba Gurbachan Singh Bhindranwale
Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji |
Bhai Paramjeet Singh Mahalpurwale said that one evening at Sachkhand Sri Punjokara Sahib Ji when all the sangat was standing for ardas after katha he began to feel unwell and took hold of Sant Ji’s arm for support. At this point Bhai Sahib thought to himself that as I am standing near a Mahapursh Naam Simran should start. As soon as this thought passed though his mind Naam Simran began in Bhai Sahib’s heart. Bhai Sahib stated that when he was near to Sant Ji Naam Simran continued but as soon as he moved away from Mahapursh this type of Naam Simran stopped.
To achieve Brahmgyan one must be completely in love with the beautiful charankamal of Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj. It is not something which comes about just like that but requires effort.
For example one time on the Avtar Purab of Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj Sant Ji and twelve other Singhs from the jatha had organised 127 Sri Akhand Paat Sahibs to be conducted. Mahapursh at 2am in the night would go into a hut and sit there doing Naam Abhiyaas until 11am when he would come out. In the evening Sant Ji would do paat for one hour and the rest of the Singhs from the jatha would listen with their Sri Pothi Sahibs.
ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਸਾਚਾ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਪੇਖੈ ਏਕਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹ ਲਛਣ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥
ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰਲੇਪ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਕਮਲ ਅਲੇਪ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰਦੋਖ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਸੂਰੁ ਸਰਬ ਕਉ ਸੋਖ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਮਾਨਿ ॥ਜੈਸੇ ਰਾਜ ਰੰਕ ਕਉ ਲਾਗੈ ਤੁਲਿ ਪਵਾਨ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਏਕ ॥ ਜਿਉ ਬਸੁਧਾ ਕੋਊ ਖੋਦੈ ਕੋਊ ਚੰਦਨ ਲੇਪ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਇਹੈ ਗੁਨਾਉ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਉ ਪਾਵਕ ਕਾ ਸਹਜ ਸੁਭਾਉ ॥੧॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਤੇ ਨਿਰਮਲਾ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਲਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਧਰ ਊਪਰਿ ਆਕਾਸੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਤ੍ਰੁ ਸਮਾਨਿ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਅਭਿਮਾਨ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਊਚ ਤੇ ਊਚਾ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਅਪਨੈ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਨੀਚਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਭਏ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥੨॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਗਲ ਕੀ ਰੀਨਾ ॥ ਆਤਮ ਰਸੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਚੀਨਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਮਇਆ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਤੇ ਕਛੁ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਭਇਆ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਸਮਦਰਸੀ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਬਰਸੀ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬੰਧਨ ਤੇ ਮੁਕਤਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਜੁਗਤਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਗਿਆਨ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥੩॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਏਕ ਊਪਰਿ ਆਸ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਨਾਸ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਸਮਾਹਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰ ਉਮਾਹਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਧੰਧਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਲੇ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਬੰਧਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਭਲਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੁਫਲ ਫਲਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਗਲ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਪੈ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥੪॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਏਕੈ ਰੰਗ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਬਸੈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੰਗ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਵਾਰੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਸਦ ਜਾਗਤ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਅਹੰਬੁਧਿ ਤਿਆਗਤ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਅਨੰਦ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੁਖ ਸਹਜ ਨਿਵਾਸ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਨਾਸ ॥੫॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕਾ ਬੇਤਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਏਕ ਸੰਗਿ ਹੇਤਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਹੋਇ ਅਚਿੰਤ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਮੰਤ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਕਰੈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਿ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਬਡ ਪਰਤਾਪ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਦਰਸੁ ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਉ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈਐ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਉ ਖੋਜਹਿ ਮਹੇਸੁਰ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਆਪਿ ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ॥੬॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਸਗਲ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਕਉਨ ਜਾਨੈ ਭੇਦੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਉ ਸਦਾ ਅਦੇਸੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਕਥਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਅਧਾਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਰੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਰਬ ਕਾ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਮਿਤਿ ਕਉਨੁ ਬਖਾਨੈ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਾਨੈ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਰੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਉ ਸਦਾ ਨਮਸਕਾਰੁ ॥੭॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਭ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਾ ਕਰਤਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦ ਜੀਵੈ ਨਹੀ ਮਰਤਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਜੀਅ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਪੂਰਨ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਬਿਧਾਤਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਅਨਾਥ ਕਾ ਨਾਥੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਹਾਥੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਸਗਲ ਅਕਾਰੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬਨੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਰਬ ਕਾ ਧਨੀ ॥੮॥੮॥
{ਪੰਨਾ 273-274}
ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹ ਲਛਣ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥
ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰਲੇਪ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਕਮਲ ਅਲੇਪ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰਦੋਖ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਸੂਰੁ ਸਰਬ ਕਉ ਸੋਖ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਮਾਨਿ ॥ਜੈਸੇ ਰਾਜ ਰੰਕ ਕਉ ਲਾਗੈ ਤੁਲਿ ਪਵਾਨ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਏਕ ॥ ਜਿਉ ਬਸੁਧਾ ਕੋਊ ਖੋਦੈ ਕੋਊ ਚੰਦਨ ਲੇਪ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਇਹੈ ਗੁਨਾਉ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਉ ਪਾਵਕ ਕਾ ਸਹਜ ਸੁਭਾਉ ॥੧॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਤੇ ਨਿਰਮਲਾ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਲਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਧਰ ਊਪਰਿ ਆਕਾਸੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਤ੍ਰੁ ਸਮਾਨਿ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਅਭਿਮਾਨ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਊਚ ਤੇ ਊਚਾ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਅਪਨੈ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਨੀਚਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਭਏ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥੨॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਗਲ ਕੀ ਰੀਨਾ ॥ ਆਤਮ ਰਸੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਚੀਨਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਮਇਆ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਤੇ ਕਛੁ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਭਇਆ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਸਮਦਰਸੀ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਬਰਸੀ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬੰਧਨ ਤੇ ਮੁਕਤਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਜੁਗਤਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਗਿਆਨ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥੩॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਏਕ ਊਪਰਿ ਆਸ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਨਾਸ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਸਮਾਹਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰ ਉਮਾਹਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਧੰਧਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਲੇ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਬੰਧਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਭਲਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੁਫਲ ਫਲਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਗਲ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਪੈ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥੪॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਏਕੈ ਰੰਗ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਬਸੈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੰਗ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਵਾਰੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦਾ ਸਦ ਜਾਗਤ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਅਹੰਬੁਧਿ ਤਿਆਗਤ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਅਨੰਦ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸੁਖ ਸਹਜ ਨਿਵਾਸ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਨਾਸ ॥੫॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕਾ ਬੇਤਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਏਕ ਸੰਗਿ ਹੇਤਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਹੋਇ ਅਚਿੰਤ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਮੰਤ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਕਰੈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਿ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਬਡ ਪਰਤਾਪ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਦਰਸੁ ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਉ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈਐ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਉ ਖੋਜਹਿ ਮਹੇਸੁਰ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਆਪਿ ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ॥੬॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੈ ਸਗਲ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਕਉਨ ਜਾਨੈ ਭੇਦੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਉ ਸਦਾ ਅਦੇਸੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਕਥਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਅਧਾਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਰੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਰਬ ਕਾ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਮਿਤਿ ਕਉਨੁ ਬਖਾਨੈ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਾਨੈ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਰੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਉ ਸਦਾ ਨਮਸਕਾਰੁ ॥੭॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਭ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਾ ਕਰਤਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਦ ਜੀਵੈ ਨਹੀ ਮਰਤਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਜੀਅ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਪੂਰਨ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਬਿਧਾਤਾ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਅਨਾਥ ਕਾ ਨਾਥੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਹਾਥੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਸਗਲ ਅਕਾਰੁ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬਨੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਰਬ ਕਾ ਧਨੀ ॥੮॥੮॥
{ਪੰਨਾ 273-274}
Bhai Shingara Singh Additional Info...
I have also just remembered how much he would stress the importance of pronunciation of Gurbani. And used to say, watch the sehaj paat from Baru Sahib daily. He told me that he would listen to this after amritvela. And said how the Bani was shudd and that Baru Sahib is doing brilliant seva.
Another memory is that he would tell me to build my sayth/body and become stronger because of my natural skinny build, by having one spoon of ghee in milk before bed as he said he used to.
And also he would often go down in keertan programs and tell those off who were not sitting in darbar.
He would also tell us to wear bigger karay saying, 'ah kee ya, baday eik kilo dhay karay paayaa karo, puratan singha vangoo', 'what are these? you should wear bigger karay of 1 kg and more just like the puratan gursikhs used to'
And also he would often go down in keertan programs and tell those off who were not sitting in darbar.
He would also tell us to wear bigger karay saying, 'ah kee ya, baday eik kilo dhay karay paayaa karo, puratan singha vangoo', 'what are these? you should wear bigger karay of 1 kg and more just like the puratan gursikhs used to'
- - - - -
This was posted on akj.org by bhenjee Jatinder Kaur d/o Bhai Rajinder Singh, with an amazing photo attached at the end:
-------
Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fateh
I was really sad to hear that Bhai Sahib has passed away.
I was fortunate to be able to interview him when I was in the UK last year while interviewing gursikhs who knew my father. I have audio recording not video.
I remember seeing Bhai Sahib at many rehnsbahi and kirtain programs when I was growing up, he had such an aura and presence around him, it was so inspiring. I remember seeing him perform gatka at the annual Birmingham Vaisakhi nagar kirtain.
The following are some extracts from the interview I had with Bhai Sahib Shingara Singh Oct 2011:
When my father Bhai Sahib Rajinder Singh was approximately 19-20 years he approached one of the Naam imbued Gursikhs - Bhai Shingara Singh ‘Nihang’ after an Amrit Sanchar at Smethwick Gurdwara. Bhai Rajinder Singh was doing joriya thi seva and Bhai Shingara Singh had just entered the foyer areas. Bhai Rajinder Singh approached him and asked him “when should a Sikh take Amrit?. Bhai Shingara Singh replied that when the Sidhas had asked Guru Nanak Dev Ji this question, Guru Ji replied that
pvn ArMBu siqgur miq vylw ]
pavan ara(n)bh sathigur math vaelaa ||
From the air came the beginning. This is the age of the True Guru's Teachings.
sbdu gurU suriq Duin cylw ]
sabadh guroo surath dhhun chaelaa ||
The Shabad is the Guru, upon whom I lovingly focus my consciousness; I am the chaylaa, the disciple.
(This Shabad is by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Raag Raamkalee on Pannaa 942)
Which meant, that as soon as the body has breath, you should think about the guru. Bhai Rajinder SIngh was so moved by this gursikh’s bachan. Over a 6 month period, Bhai Rajinder SIngh would go to Bhai Shingara Singh house and discuss gurmat. Bhai Shingara SIngh gave Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh ‘Jail Chetia’ book for Bhai Rajinder Singh to read.
Eventually Bhai Raijinder Singh became ready to take Amrit and this happened during the Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) Rehnsbahi at Smethwick High Street Gurdwara in April 1972.
Bhai Shingara SIngh was in the Panj Piyaray along with Bhai Rama SIngh and many other Naam imbued gursikhs at that time.
Bhai Rajinder Singh was very close to Bhai Shingara Singh ‘Nihang’ and was actively involved in the seva with AKJ during the 1970’s in the UK through organising kirtain and Rensbahi and Amrit Sanchar seva.
When I interviewed Bhai Shingara SIngh, he told me that when my father (Bhai Rajinder SIngh) passed away in 2000, it was such a big 'vichora' and dukh, there was so much piyaar between them that it was like he had lost his saka brother or relative.
Even when I interviewed him, he provided me with Gurmat guidance, that for a SIkh their Jeewan is essential. I should regular do sehaj path (he asked me whether I had ever done this, luckily I had). He emphasised the importance of Amrit vela and reading as many bania in the day.
"Gursikh ki har thoor they"
Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ke fateh
Jatinder Kaur (Brisbane, Australia)
-------
Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fateh
I was really sad to hear that Bhai Sahib has passed away.
I was fortunate to be able to interview him when I was in the UK last year while interviewing gursikhs who knew my father. I have audio recording not video.
I remember seeing Bhai Sahib at many rehnsbahi and kirtain programs when I was growing up, he had such an aura and presence around him, it was so inspiring. I remember seeing him perform gatka at the annual Birmingham Vaisakhi nagar kirtain.
The following are some extracts from the interview I had with Bhai Sahib Shingara Singh Oct 2011:
When my father Bhai Sahib Rajinder Singh was approximately 19-20 years he approached one of the Naam imbued Gursikhs - Bhai Shingara Singh ‘Nihang’ after an Amrit Sanchar at Smethwick Gurdwara. Bhai Rajinder Singh was doing joriya thi seva and Bhai Shingara Singh had just entered the foyer areas. Bhai Rajinder Singh approached him and asked him “when should a Sikh take Amrit?. Bhai Shingara Singh replied that when the Sidhas had asked Guru Nanak Dev Ji this question, Guru Ji replied that
pvn ArMBu siqgur miq vylw ]
pavan ara(n)bh sathigur math vaelaa ||
From the air came the beginning. This is the age of the True Guru's Teachings.
sbdu gurU suriq Duin cylw ]
sabadh guroo surath dhhun chaelaa ||
The Shabad is the Guru, upon whom I lovingly focus my consciousness; I am the chaylaa, the disciple.
(This Shabad is by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Raag Raamkalee on Pannaa 942)
Which meant, that as soon as the body has breath, you should think about the guru. Bhai Rajinder SIngh was so moved by this gursikh’s bachan. Over a 6 month period, Bhai Rajinder SIngh would go to Bhai Shingara Singh house and discuss gurmat. Bhai Shingara SIngh gave Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh ‘Jail Chetia’ book for Bhai Rajinder Singh to read.
Eventually Bhai Raijinder Singh became ready to take Amrit and this happened during the Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) Rehnsbahi at Smethwick High Street Gurdwara in April 1972.
Bhai Shingara SIngh was in the Panj Piyaray along with Bhai Rama SIngh and many other Naam imbued gursikhs at that time.
Bhai Rajinder Singh was very close to Bhai Shingara Singh ‘Nihang’ and was actively involved in the seva with AKJ during the 1970’s in the UK through organising kirtain and Rensbahi and Amrit Sanchar seva.
When I interviewed Bhai Shingara SIngh, he told me that when my father (Bhai Rajinder SIngh) passed away in 2000, it was such a big 'vichora' and dukh, there was so much piyaar between them that it was like he had lost his saka brother or relative.
Even when I interviewed him, he provided me with Gurmat guidance, that for a SIkh their Jeewan is essential. I should regular do sehaj path (he asked me whether I had ever done this, luckily I had). He emphasised the importance of Amrit vela and reading as many bania in the day.
"Gursikh ki har thoor they"
Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ke fateh
Jatinder Kaur (Brisbane, Australia)
- - - - -
Gurfateh,
Another memory that has just come to mind is when I was doing Matha Tekh in front of Guru Sahib in Shingara Singh's home. And I had one hand on my kirpan to stop it from falling foward.
Shingara Singh quite strictly told me that there must be 2 hands touching the floor when doing matha tekh and should hold the other hand back at all. 8 parts of the body should touch the floor, or even better is full dandhaouth (laying prostrate)
Another memory that has just come to mind is when I was doing Matha Tekh in front of Guru Sahib in Shingara Singh's home. And I had one hand on my kirpan to stop it from falling foward.
Shingara Singh quite strictly told me that there must be 2 hands touching the floor when doing matha tekh and should hold the other hand back at all. 8 parts of the body should touch the floor, or even better is full dandhaouth (laying prostrate)
• Bhai Shingara Singh passed away between the hours of 12am – 1am on the 1/7/11
• In the meeting with the elder Gursikhs he requested for his funeral to be in chardi kala and the keertan to be in the same spirit, as it was. He also wished for his saathees and elders to take lead in the funeral.
• In the last few days he met with all the elder Gursikhs for the last time as he knew he would pass away very soon; however he never directly signalled when.
• He also offered to give the one of the elder Gursikhs who he met with on the last day a large amount of money so that he could take it to India and donate it to Nanaksar, I believe, to help with seva there.
• One of the points out of them 15 was that he told the Gursikh was that he wanted all the Sikhs to get together and fight for justice in India and to unite and fight oppression. The other Singh told him that the court fees are very costly. But Bhai Shingara Singh as he used to in chardi kala spirit said 'Singha dhay bohath paesay yaa, katay hokay larro!' 'The Singhs have got a load of money, get together unite and fight!
• Bhai Madhan Singh was a very good friend of Bhai Shingara Singh Jee. Bhai Madhan Singh was also a saathee of Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh.
• Bhai Madhan Singh met Bhai Shingara Singh in the UK when Bhai Shingara Singh came in 1963. There were very few kesadharee Sikhs and Bhai Shingara Singh actually went out to look for Gursikhs. This is how he met Bhai Madhan Singh.
• Bhai Madhan Singh also said that whenever there was any sort of protest of panthic masla Bhai Shingara Singh was always at the front with Bir Ras Spirit and always holding a big kirpan.
• In the meeting with the elder Gursikhs he requested for his funeral to be in chardi kala and the keertan to be in the same spirit, as it was. He also wished for his saathees and elders to take lead in the funeral.
• In the last few days he met with all the elder Gursikhs for the last time as he knew he would pass away very soon; however he never directly signalled when.
• He also offered to give the one of the elder Gursikhs who he met with on the last day a large amount of money so that he could take it to India and donate it to Nanaksar, I believe, to help with seva there.
• One of the points out of them 15 was that he told the Gursikh was that he wanted all the Sikhs to get together and fight for justice in India and to unite and fight oppression. The other Singh told him that the court fees are very costly. But Bhai Shingara Singh as he used to in chardi kala spirit said 'Singha dhay bohath paesay yaa, katay hokay larro!' 'The Singhs have got a load of money, get together unite and fight!
• Bhai Madhan Singh was a very good friend of Bhai Shingara Singh Jee. Bhai Madhan Singh was also a saathee of Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh.
• Bhai Madhan Singh met Bhai Shingara Singh in the UK when Bhai Shingara Singh came in 1963. There were very few kesadharee Sikhs and Bhai Shingara Singh actually went out to look for Gursikhs. This is how he met Bhai Madhan Singh.
• Bhai Madhan Singh also said that whenever there was any sort of protest of panthic masla Bhai Shingara Singh was always at the front with Bir Ras Spirit and always holding a big kirpan.
· I remember when I first met him it was at his home. I gave him a naam hug and a thought came in my mind to touch his feet out of respect and earn the charan dhoor of such an amazing Gursikh. However I sat down and funnily enough the first thing he told me was that a person has only 1 head and not 2. Therefore once a person has given his head to the Guru then he cannot possibly give it to anyone else or even put someone so highly compared to the Guru. It was as if he had read my mind.
· Another Singh told me about his first meeting with Bhai Shingara Singh occurred at a raensubhaee keertan program. It was the first time the Singh had worn bana and naturally he was feeling a little nervous. Shingara Singh approached him and immediately said Gurfateh and told the Singh how good bana looks and instructed him now to also become shastardharee. The Singh told me that it was as if Bhai Sahib knew that it was the first time he had worn bana.
· Everyone has mentioned how Bhai Shingara Singh treated everyone as his own child and he would always say Fateh with much pyaar for the other. Even if someone were not to greet him first, he would still approach them with Gurfateh first no matter who it was.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Bhagat Sadhna Ji
Bhagat Sadhna ji is one of the fifteen saints and süfis whose hymns are incorporated in the Guru Granth Sahib jeeo. He was born in 1180 AD at village Sehwan in Hyderabad Sindh province.
He was a butcher by profession who, by his piety and devotion, had gained spiritual eminence. He was cremated at Sirhind, in the Punjab, where even today a tomb stands in his memory. He is considered to be a contemporary of Bhagat Namdev ji, another medieval saint.
His ancestors were butchers by profession. He also took up the family profession of slaughtering goats and selling meat. Sadhus (holy people) and beggars passing-by would sit outside his shop for a rest under the large tree.
Collisions Due to Profession
Many vegetarian saints would tell him, "Sadhna, your profession of slaughtering and selling meat is not good. You shall have to repay by taking birth as a goat many times over."
Sadhna used to reply, "My ancestors have been following this profession for generation and so I have had to take it up as well. The Lord who has brought me into this world has given me this profession by sending me as a son in this family who have for many generations prectised this trade. Which profession is good or which is bad, I don't know. Only the One who gives us life knows better about it."
One day a mendicant(faqir or holy-man) came to him. He saw Sadhna weighing meat against a black-stone as weight and said, "0' Sadhna, you weigh meat with this Saligram (holy black-stone), symbol of Shiva, instead of worshipping it. This is bad."
Sadhna replied "This black-stone is my weight."
The mendicant said, "A butcher should not touch this Saligram. Give it to me. I shall worship it."
Sadhna gave that stone to the mendicant without any hesitation. The mendicant took that stone and went his way. On his way a thought came to his mind, "Before starting his everyday work, Sadhna used to bathe this Saligram with all his devotion, burn incense before it and paid obeisance to it. I am taking it away from a true devotee. This Saligram will never be pleased with my hypocritical worship."
At this thought, the mendicant came back, returned the stone to Sadhna and said, "One day, the real Saligram will reveal to a true devotee like you."
After the departure of the mendicant, the longing for a glimpse of the Lord took root in Sadhna's mind. Whenever, he was free, he would start singing holy praises to the Lord:
ਬਾਣੀ ਸਧਨੇ ਕੀ ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁ
बाणी सधने की रागु बिलावलु
Banī sadhnė kī rāg bilāval
The Word Of Sadhana, Raag Bilaaval:
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ੴ सतिगुर प्रसादि ॥
Ikoaʼnkār satgur parsād.
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:
ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਕੰਨਿਆ ਕੇ ਕਾਰਨੈ ਇਕੁ ਭਇਆ ਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ ॥
न्रिप कंनिआ के कारनै इकु भइआ भेखधारी ॥
Nrip kanniā kė kārnai ik bhaiā bhėkhdhārī.
For a king's daughter, a man disguised himself as Vishnu.
ਕਾਮਾਰਥੀ ਸੁਆਰਥੀ ਵਾ ਕੀ ਪੈਜ ਸਵਾਰੀ ॥੧॥
कामारथी सुआरथी वा की पैज सवारी ॥१॥
Kāmārathī suārthī vā kī paij savārī. ||1||
He did it for sexual exploitation, and for selfish motives, but the Lord protected his honor. ||1||
ਤਵ ਗੁਨ ਕਹਾ ਜਗਤ ਗੁਰਾ ਜਉ ਕਰਮੁ ਨ ਨਾਸੈ ॥
तव गुन कहा जगत गुरा जउ करमु न नासै ॥
Ŧav gun kahā jagat gurā jao karam na nāsai.
What is Your value, O Guru of the world, if You will not erase the karma of my past actions?
ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਨ ਕਤ ਜਾਈਐ ਜਉ ਜੰਬੁਕੁ ਗ੍ਰਾਸੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
सिंघ सरन कत जाईऐ जउ ज्मबुकु ग्रासै ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
Singh saran kat jāīai jao jaʼnbuk garāsai. ||1|| rahāo.
Why seek safety from a lion, if one is to be eaten by a jackal? ||1||Pause||
ਏਕ ਬੂੰਦ ਜਲ ਕਾਰਨੇ ਚਾਤ੍ਰਿਕੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
एक बूंद जल कारने चात्रिकु दुखु पावै ॥
Ėk būnd jal kārnė chātrik dukh pāvai.
For the sake of a single rain-drop, the rainbird suffers in pain.
ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਗਏ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਫੁਨਿ ਕਾਮਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥੨॥
प्रान गए सागरु मिलै फुनि कामि न आवै ॥२॥
Parān gaė sāgar milai fun kām na āvai. ||2||
When its breath of life is gone, even an ocean is of no use to it. ||2||
ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਜੁ ਥਾਕੇ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੈਸੇ ਬਿਰਮਾਵਉ ॥
प्रान जु थाके थिरु नही कैसे बिरमावउ ॥
Parān jo thākė thir nahī kaisė birmāvao.
Now, my life has grown weary, and I shall not last much longer; how can I be patient?
ਬੂਡਿ ਮੂਏ ਨਉਕਾ ਮਿਲੈ ਕਹੁ ਕਾਹਿ ਚਢਾਵਉ ॥੩॥
बूडि मूए नउका मिलै कहु काहि चढावउ ॥३॥
Būd mūė naukā milai kaho kāhi chadhāvao. ||3||
If I drown and die, and then a boat comes along, tell me, how shall I climb aboard? ||3||
ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਹਉ ਨਹੀ ਕਿਛੁ ਆਹਿ ਨ ਮੋਰਾ ॥
मै नाही कछु हउ नही किछु आहि न मोरा ॥
Mai nāhī kachh hao nahī kichh āhi na morā.
I am nothing, I have nothing, and nothing belongs to me.
ਅਉਸਰ ਲਜਾ ਰਾਖਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਧਨਾ ਜਨੁ ਤੋਰਾ ॥੪॥੧॥
अउसर लजा राखि लेहु सधना जनु तोरा ॥४॥१॥
Aosar lajā rākh lėho sadhnā jan torā. ||4||1||
Now, protect my honor; Sadhana is Your humble servant. ||4||1||
Some brief about the SHABAD.
The beginning of this shabad is talking about the son of a poor man who heard that a king's daughter wanted to marry Vishnu. This young man then dressed up to look like the God Vishnu. The princess on seeing this youngman fell in love with him.
As time went on, her father's kingdom was attacked by another king, who had an ever larger army and kingdom. When the princess saw the forces of the other king, approaching her father's kingdom she told everyone that she had Vishnu with her and that he would save all the people in her father's kingodom.
The poor man's son who was dressed up as Vishnu, heard what the princess was saying. He got very worried and scared. What could he do, he wasn't the lord vishnu and possessed no power to defend himself let alone a whole kingdom. As a consquence of this, the boy fell to the ground crying and begged the Lord Vishnu to save him and everyone in the kingdom.
The boy prayed with so much devotion and faith and love, that Vishnu listened to his prayers and helped the army of the girl's father defeat the much larger army of the invading king. Vishnu as a result saved all the people of the kingdom, including the boy who begged for his mercy.
This Shahbad is a conversation that Bhagat Sadhna Ji is having with Waheguru about his present situation.
In the first two lines of this shabad, Bhagat Sadhna Ji is narrating the story above to Waheguru. He is asking Waheguru why he hasn't come to save him when he came and saved the poor man's son.
Change in Sadhna ji's life
One evening, a customer came and asked Sadhna, "Weigh for me a leg of mutton."
Sadhna said, "There is no meat left now. Please come tomorrow and take it."
The customer said, "I need the meat badly now. I have very important guests and nothing to cook for them. Please you must help me out. I am a loyal, regular and old customer of your family's business. You may charge double the price for it."
Sadhna said, "If I slaughter a goat now, it will rot by tomorrow."
The man said, "You have no need to slaughter a goat. Just cut one leg and give it to me."
Pressed by the customer, Sadhna went near the goat with a hatchet. As he approached the goat, he felt as if the goat was laughing. This shocked Sadhna.
Then the goat said: "O' Sadhna, in your worldly greed, today you are going to open a new account of pain and misery. We have been going through many thousands of cycles of births and deaths; but never before has any of us cut a limb off while the other was still alive. You are beginning a new level of cruelty!"
At this point, the hatchet fell out of Sadhna's hand and he turned to the customer to tell him of his helplessness. But there was no one there. He did not find any customer there. A thought came to Sadhna's mind, "It was the Lord Himself Who had come to reveal Himself to his devotee in the form of a customer."
With dedication and devotion, Bhagat Sadhna obtained salvation -
ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਤਿਲੋਚਨੁ ਸਧਨਾ ਸੈਨੁ ਤਰੈ ॥
नामदेव कबीरु तिलोचनु सधना सैनु तरै ॥
Nāmdėv Kabīr Tilochan sadhnā sain tarai.
Naam Dayv, Kabeer, Trilochan, Sadhana and Sain crossed over.
ਕਹਿ ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੇ ਸਭੈ ਸਰੈ ॥੨॥੧॥
कहि रविदासु सुनहु रे संतहु हरि जीउ ते सभै सरै ॥२॥१॥
Kahi Ravidās sunhu rė santahu har jīo tė sabhai sarai. ||2||1||
Says Ravi Daas, listen, O Saints, through the Dear Lord, all is accomplished. ||2||1||
His spiritual quest led him to renounce the life of a householder. He left Sehvan and roamed about the country preaching the love of God. His solitary hymn preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib jeeo, which keeps his memory alive.
Bhagat Sadhna ji & a lady
Bhagat Sadhna became wrapped up in the love of God, abandoned everything he possessed, and bent his steps towards the forest to enjoy the uninterrupted Worship of God.
On the way he saw some of his relations at a distance. He concealed himself and avoided them by taking another route in case any of them should put pressure on him to return.
On arriving in the evening at a village, he went into the house of a married man and asked for something to eat. The lady of the house on seeing Bhagat Sadhna Ji young and handsome fell in love with him. She prepared exquisite food for his repast and induced him to stay. At night she proposed to elope with him.
Bhagat Sadhna Ji spurned her, and said he would not do such a thing even though she were to cut his throat for refusing. Understanding by this that, if her husband's throat were cut, Bhagat Sadhna Ji would be ready to accede to her wishes, she forthwith went and killed her husband.
On returning to Bhagat Sadhna Ji she told him what she had done, and repeated her immoral proposal. Bhagat Sadhna Ji replied, 'O unworthy woman, you have lost your reason; how can I agree to what you propose?' In her despair she raised loud cries and invented a false accusation against him:
'I believed this person to be a holy man, and accordingly entertained him. He has now killed my husband, and made improper overtures to me.' Bhagat Sadhna Ji was arrested and taken before a magistrate. When asked what he had to say, he, with the meekness and unwillingness to throw blame on others, pleaded guilty to the charge.
He thought to himself, 'Since God has placed me in this position, no one will accept my denial.'
Even though You, O God, consign me to hell, I shall not dispute it or turn away from it.
Even though You bestow heaven on me, I shall not rejoice or praise it.
If You reject me, I cannot constrain You; if You accept me, I shall not be puffed up with excessive joy.
He by whom You stand shoulder to shoulder is dyed with You.
Let him whom You order cheerfully burn his body.
My mind desires not death, yet You may, if it please You, put me in the fire.
What the Beloved desires ought to be the heart's desire also.
The judge sentenced Bhagat Sadhna Ji to have his hands cut off. The punishment was duly carried out, and Bhagat Sadhna Ji was then discharged. He set out without a frown on his forehead notwithstanding his barbarous mutilation.
Bhagat Sadhna Ji's devotions proved so successful that it is said, akaal purakh blessed him with new hands which sprouted from his body.
He was a butcher by profession who, by his piety and devotion, had gained spiritual eminence. He was cremated at Sirhind, in the Punjab, where even today a tomb stands in his memory. He is considered to be a contemporary of Bhagat Namdev ji, another medieval saint.
His ancestors were butchers by profession. He also took up the family profession of slaughtering goats and selling meat. Sadhus (holy people) and beggars passing-by would sit outside his shop for a rest under the large tree.
Collisions Due to Profession
Many vegetarian saints would tell him, "Sadhna, your profession of slaughtering and selling meat is not good. You shall have to repay by taking birth as a goat many times over."
Sadhna used to reply, "My ancestors have been following this profession for generation and so I have had to take it up as well. The Lord who has brought me into this world has given me this profession by sending me as a son in this family who have for many generations prectised this trade. Which profession is good or which is bad, I don't know. Only the One who gives us life knows better about it."
One day a mendicant(faqir or holy-man) came to him. He saw Sadhna weighing meat against a black-stone as weight and said, "0' Sadhna, you weigh meat with this Saligram (holy black-stone), symbol of Shiva, instead of worshipping it. This is bad."
Sadhna replied "This black-stone is my weight."
The mendicant said, "A butcher should not touch this Saligram. Give it to me. I shall worship it."
Sadhna gave that stone to the mendicant without any hesitation. The mendicant took that stone and went his way. On his way a thought came to his mind, "Before starting his everyday work, Sadhna used to bathe this Saligram with all his devotion, burn incense before it and paid obeisance to it. I am taking it away from a true devotee. This Saligram will never be pleased with my hypocritical worship."
At this thought, the mendicant came back, returned the stone to Sadhna and said, "One day, the real Saligram will reveal to a true devotee like you."
After the departure of the mendicant, the longing for a glimpse of the Lord took root in Sadhna's mind. Whenever, he was free, he would start singing holy praises to the Lord:
ਬਾਣੀ ਸਧਨੇ ਕੀ ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁ
बाणी सधने की रागु बिलावलु
Banī sadhnė kī rāg bilāval
The Word Of Sadhana, Raag Bilaaval:
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ੴ सतिगुर प्रसादि ॥
Ikoaʼnkār satgur parsād.
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:
ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਕੰਨਿਆ ਕੇ ਕਾਰਨੈ ਇਕੁ ਭਇਆ ਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ ॥
न्रिप कंनिआ के कारनै इकु भइआ भेखधारी ॥
Nrip kanniā kė kārnai ik bhaiā bhėkhdhārī.
For a king's daughter, a man disguised himself as Vishnu.
ਕਾਮਾਰਥੀ ਸੁਆਰਥੀ ਵਾ ਕੀ ਪੈਜ ਸਵਾਰੀ ॥੧॥
कामारथी सुआरथी वा की पैज सवारी ॥१॥
Kāmārathī suārthī vā kī paij savārī. ||1||
He did it for sexual exploitation, and for selfish motives, but the Lord protected his honor. ||1||
ਤਵ ਗੁਨ ਕਹਾ ਜਗਤ ਗੁਰਾ ਜਉ ਕਰਮੁ ਨ ਨਾਸੈ ॥
तव गुन कहा जगत गुरा जउ करमु न नासै ॥
Ŧav gun kahā jagat gurā jao karam na nāsai.
What is Your value, O Guru of the world, if You will not erase the karma of my past actions?
ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਨ ਕਤ ਜਾਈਐ ਜਉ ਜੰਬੁਕੁ ਗ੍ਰਾਸੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
सिंघ सरन कत जाईऐ जउ ज्मबुकु ग्रासै ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
Singh saran kat jāīai jao jaʼnbuk garāsai. ||1|| rahāo.
Why seek safety from a lion, if one is to be eaten by a jackal? ||1||Pause||
ਏਕ ਬੂੰਦ ਜਲ ਕਾਰਨੇ ਚਾਤ੍ਰਿਕੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
एक बूंद जल कारने चात्रिकु दुखु पावै ॥
Ėk būnd jal kārnė chātrik dukh pāvai.
For the sake of a single rain-drop, the rainbird suffers in pain.
ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਗਏ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਫੁਨਿ ਕਾਮਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥੨॥
प्रान गए सागरु मिलै फुनि कामि न आवै ॥२॥
Parān gaė sāgar milai fun kām na āvai. ||2||
When its breath of life is gone, even an ocean is of no use to it. ||2||
ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਜੁ ਥਾਕੇ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੈਸੇ ਬਿਰਮਾਵਉ ॥
प्रान जु थाके थिरु नही कैसे बिरमावउ ॥
Parān jo thākė thir nahī kaisė birmāvao.
Now, my life has grown weary, and I shall not last much longer; how can I be patient?
ਬੂਡਿ ਮੂਏ ਨਉਕਾ ਮਿਲੈ ਕਹੁ ਕਾਹਿ ਚਢਾਵਉ ॥੩॥
बूडि मूए नउका मिलै कहु काहि चढावउ ॥३॥
Būd mūė naukā milai kaho kāhi chadhāvao. ||3||
If I drown and die, and then a boat comes along, tell me, how shall I climb aboard? ||3||
ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਹਉ ਨਹੀ ਕਿਛੁ ਆਹਿ ਨ ਮੋਰਾ ॥
मै नाही कछु हउ नही किछु आहि न मोरा ॥
Mai nāhī kachh hao nahī kichh āhi na morā.
I am nothing, I have nothing, and nothing belongs to me.
ਅਉਸਰ ਲਜਾ ਰਾਖਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਧਨਾ ਜਨੁ ਤੋਰਾ ॥੪॥੧॥
अउसर लजा राखि लेहु सधना जनु तोरा ॥४॥१॥
Aosar lajā rākh lėho sadhnā jan torā. ||4||1||
Now, protect my honor; Sadhana is Your humble servant. ||4||1||
Some brief about the SHABAD.
The beginning of this shabad is talking about the son of a poor man who heard that a king's daughter wanted to marry Vishnu. This young man then dressed up to look like the God Vishnu. The princess on seeing this youngman fell in love with him.
As time went on, her father's kingdom was attacked by another king, who had an ever larger army and kingdom. When the princess saw the forces of the other king, approaching her father's kingdom she told everyone that she had Vishnu with her and that he would save all the people in her father's kingodom.
The poor man's son who was dressed up as Vishnu, heard what the princess was saying. He got very worried and scared. What could he do, he wasn't the lord vishnu and possessed no power to defend himself let alone a whole kingdom. As a consquence of this, the boy fell to the ground crying and begged the Lord Vishnu to save him and everyone in the kingdom.
The boy prayed with so much devotion and faith and love, that Vishnu listened to his prayers and helped the army of the girl's father defeat the much larger army of the invading king. Vishnu as a result saved all the people of the kingdom, including the boy who begged for his mercy.
This Shahbad is a conversation that Bhagat Sadhna Ji is having with Waheguru about his present situation.
In the first two lines of this shabad, Bhagat Sadhna Ji is narrating the story above to Waheguru. He is asking Waheguru why he hasn't come to save him when he came and saved the poor man's son.
Change in Sadhna ji's life
One evening, a customer came and asked Sadhna, "Weigh for me a leg of mutton."
Sadhna said, "There is no meat left now. Please come tomorrow and take it."
The customer said, "I need the meat badly now. I have very important guests and nothing to cook for them. Please you must help me out. I am a loyal, regular and old customer of your family's business. You may charge double the price for it."
Sadhna said, "If I slaughter a goat now, it will rot by tomorrow."
The man said, "You have no need to slaughter a goat. Just cut one leg and give it to me."
Pressed by the customer, Sadhna went near the goat with a hatchet. As he approached the goat, he felt as if the goat was laughing. This shocked Sadhna.
Then the goat said: "O' Sadhna, in your worldly greed, today you are going to open a new account of pain and misery. We have been going through many thousands of cycles of births and deaths; but never before has any of us cut a limb off while the other was still alive. You are beginning a new level of cruelty!"
At this point, the hatchet fell out of Sadhna's hand and he turned to the customer to tell him of his helplessness. But there was no one there. He did not find any customer there. A thought came to Sadhna's mind, "It was the Lord Himself Who had come to reveal Himself to his devotee in the form of a customer."
With dedication and devotion, Bhagat Sadhna obtained salvation -
ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਤਿਲੋਚਨੁ ਸਧਨਾ ਸੈਨੁ ਤਰੈ ॥
नामदेव कबीरु तिलोचनु सधना सैनु तरै ॥
Nāmdėv Kabīr Tilochan sadhnā sain tarai.
Naam Dayv, Kabeer, Trilochan, Sadhana and Sain crossed over.
ਕਹਿ ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੇ ਸਭੈ ਸਰੈ ॥੨॥੧॥
कहि रविदासु सुनहु रे संतहु हरि जीउ ते सभै सरै ॥२॥१॥
Kahi Ravidās sunhu rė santahu har jīo tė sabhai sarai. ||2||1||
Says Ravi Daas, listen, O Saints, through the Dear Lord, all is accomplished. ||2||1||
His spiritual quest led him to renounce the life of a householder. He left Sehvan and roamed about the country preaching the love of God. His solitary hymn preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib jeeo, which keeps his memory alive.
Bhagat Sadhna ji & a lady
Bhagat Sadhna became wrapped up in the love of God, abandoned everything he possessed, and bent his steps towards the forest to enjoy the uninterrupted Worship of God.
On the way he saw some of his relations at a distance. He concealed himself and avoided them by taking another route in case any of them should put pressure on him to return.
On arriving in the evening at a village, he went into the house of a married man and asked for something to eat. The lady of the house on seeing Bhagat Sadhna Ji young and handsome fell in love with him. She prepared exquisite food for his repast and induced him to stay. At night she proposed to elope with him.
Bhagat Sadhna Ji spurned her, and said he would not do such a thing even though she were to cut his throat for refusing. Understanding by this that, if her husband's throat were cut, Bhagat Sadhna Ji would be ready to accede to her wishes, she forthwith went and killed her husband.
On returning to Bhagat Sadhna Ji she told him what she had done, and repeated her immoral proposal. Bhagat Sadhna Ji replied, 'O unworthy woman, you have lost your reason; how can I agree to what you propose?' In her despair she raised loud cries and invented a false accusation against him:
'I believed this person to be a holy man, and accordingly entertained him. He has now killed my husband, and made improper overtures to me.' Bhagat Sadhna Ji was arrested and taken before a magistrate. When asked what he had to say, he, with the meekness and unwillingness to throw blame on others, pleaded guilty to the charge.
He thought to himself, 'Since God has placed me in this position, no one will accept my denial.'
Even though You, O God, consign me to hell, I shall not dispute it or turn away from it.
Even though You bestow heaven on me, I shall not rejoice or praise it.
If You reject me, I cannot constrain You; if You accept me, I shall not be puffed up with excessive joy.
He by whom You stand shoulder to shoulder is dyed with You.
Let him whom You order cheerfully burn his body.
My mind desires not death, yet You may, if it please You, put me in the fire.
What the Beloved desires ought to be the heart's desire also.
The judge sentenced Bhagat Sadhna Ji to have his hands cut off. The punishment was duly carried out, and Bhagat Sadhna Ji was then discharged. He set out without a frown on his forehead notwithstanding his barbarous mutilation.
Bhagat Sadhna Ji's devotions proved so successful that it is said, akaal purakh blessed him with new hands which sprouted from his body.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Sant Mani Singh UK
Sant Mani Singh was named Resham Singh at birth at St Chads Hospital Birmingham on 4th November 1970 at approximately 1am. He was raised and bred in Smethwick, West Midlands until he graduated from Secondary High School. Between his childhood and teenage years he remained unattached from materialistic objects just as a lotus blossom remains untouched by the water. He was to join the British Royal Marines, but had no idea what royalty awaited his existence. Whilst throwing away the career of the Royal Marines and serving the country, he instead decided to serve the whole of humanity.
Whilst in his teens he spent numerous years with the akhand kirtani jatha in India and England all of the pratan Singh still speak very highly of his jevaan. During those time and most recently between 1996-2001 he kept strict sarbloh bebek including using spring water which he collected himself not purchased in bottles from a supermarket. As time went on it became difficult to keep full saudh but still maintained his sarbloh rehaet.
Whilst in his teens he spent numerous years with the akhand kirtani jatha in India and England all of the pratan Singh still speak very highly of his jevaan. During those time and most recently between 1996-2001 he kept strict sarbloh bebek including using spring water which he collected himself not purchased in bottles from a supermarket. As time went on it became difficult to keep full saudh but still maintained his sarbloh rehaet.
Following enlightenment Sant Mani Singh stayed in deep meditation from 25th December 1990 to 13th April 1991 at the invitation of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sevak Jatha, Soho Road, Handsworth. In absolute deep meditation, he was drunk with the divine. During this period no thirst or hunger disturbed him, a great ecstasy took over him.
A question was asked at the time, what was the significance of this mediation? He smiled and said “I must have lost my consciousness, so drunk, so drowned. I must have been so drunk in the beatitude of realization that I must have forgot the wide world.”
On 15th April 1991 he came into the congregation at Guru Nanak Nishkam Sevak Jatha when Bhai Sahib Bhai Nurung Singh stated “you are a mirror that reflects so marvelously and as such your name should be Mani Singh rather than Resham Singh.”
Sant Mani Singh spent the last ten years researching into the Sikh Scriptures with the desire to write the Sikh Scriptures using twenty four carat gold, which would be placed on the throne at Sri Harimandhar Sahib (Golden Temple, India). Due to the complexity and intricacy of this task it was only this year that the technique for producing the scriptures was perfected. The first four Ang (pages) where shown to the congregated two months ago and the methodology to complete the project was described to their close associates. With the blessings of the Almighty this project will continue to fruition to produce the first ever Sikh Scriptures in gold.
----------
The Elephant.
At that time the unrest in Punjab was still on. Baba Ji was visited by police and Indian government agents, as a big Sangat had built around his parchar of Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj. Often people asked him about 1984, Baba Ji was fearless and told them that the Indian Goverment had no justification in their sacriledge of the Akal Takht Sahib and hundreds of Gurughar around Punjab. He spoke openly of women who were raped, and men who were killed and tortured. One of Baba Ji's heroes was a Puran chardikalah Gursikh Sant, Bhai Fauja Singh Ji. Bhai Fauja Singh was an embodiement of Naam bani and Seva. He saw all the Singhs from all Jathas as One, Baba Ji acted and thought along the same lines. At the time of the Shaheedi of Bhai Fauja Singh, Baba Ji organised a huge Nagar Kirtan. He insisted that elephants should be used with a Palki to take Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj. The night before we went near one of the elephants, he was trumpeting very loud and he charged at us. We were standing with Baba Ji, me and the other Singhs literally ran. The elephant was swinging its trunk wildly, smashing things up. Baba Ji just stood on the spot, I thought my God, the elephants gonna kill Baba Mani Singh! The elephant was going straight for Baba Ji, then the strangest thing happended, it just stopped literally a couple of centimetres infront of Baba Ji. Then it got down, and sat infront of Baba Ji. Baba Ji spoke to it and said ' Bhai, dont get angry, we haven't come here to harm you.' The elephant made noises, like it understood the conversation, its one of the most surreal moments of my life. Baba Ji then said 'Singho, laughing'. He said don't be scared, because animals feel your inside. He gestured for us to come nearer, which we did. The elephant seemed another being!
Baba Ji about the future
Baba Ji told me and the Singhs that he would not live long, and had completed what he was meant to do. He told us to see Guru Gobind Singh in each other, and every Singh we meet, regardless of Jathebandi. He told us Kalyug would get increasingly worse, but that there was nothing to worry about. He mentioned this as the elders members of the Sangat kept saying to Baba Ji to get married. He said I cant, I wont live long, they kept saying dont say things like that. He looked at us and smiled, we sensed he was telling the truth.
Baba Ji and the Singhnee with no nitnem.
A Singhnee came, she had so many problems, and kept crying infront of Baba Ji. Baba Ji said what is the matter? She went through a whole list of problems, and wanted Baba Ji to miraculously sort them out. He looked at her, and said how can you complain? She was shocked....Baba Ji went further and told her exactly how many months and weeks she had missed nitnem for! She cried so much, Baba Ji told her, read nitnem, and accept hukam. If that doesnt change your karam, I am nobody to interfere in the Divine Plan. Amazing!
Baba Ji sadly passed away, his prediction was exact. He left this mortal frame after ishnan and Nitnem, fully tyar bar tyar.
----------
Enlightenment
A great pain arose in Sant Mani Singh in 1990 that so many years had passed yet enlightenment had not arrived. He was crippled emotionally, tears were running down his eyes, he was going crazy from dawn to dusk, the heartache was accelerating just as the floods of the river in the rainy season flowing with such force. A great pain flooded his heart with sorrow and agony. In the east they call this phenomenon 'vairag'. Whilst describing this moment he said "Sadness has its own qualities. It can give you gifts that nothing else can; happiness never goes as deep as sadness because only sadness can take you deeper than anything else. The inner me was screaming I just could not tolerate it, it was getting to me. It was almost a state of madness." He went on to say "The craziness was I didn't know if I believed. I didn't know if I believed The whole phenomenon gave birth to enlightenment. Unexpectedly the phenomenon came into existence, something or some familiar energy arose that was pulling me towards the canal, and here near the canal was an embankment of trees, bushes and brambles. I tried to divert my mind to something else but I didn't succeed. The pull was like a magnet it became stronger and stronger. The whole situation was out of my control, I couldn't stay any longer and it became impossible! A gentle silence hung over the bank of the trees, I was thrilled by the place! it was a perfect place. My head was exploding with great force. I had never experienced this phenomenon before. Suddenly I lost all consciousness and dropped to the ground." About enlightenment he said "Enlightenment has always been sudden, nothing can really be said about enlightenment. There are no words to describe what is happening. The experience is far deeper than the words. The word enlightenment comes close to the experience but the closer comes blissfulness. Then even closer the word ecstasy. But beyond that there are no words. The experience is far deeper than ecstasy itself. Nothing can be said about enlightenment because all you know is from the outside. Enlightenment is from within. Once you are enlightened it is impossible for your enlightenment to fade. You wouldn't have to put a veil over your face the way Moses did, because enlightenment is not achieved and there is no technique that can bring enlightenment in existence. This is a great opportunity for us to learn. Now we can understand that Moses wasn't enlightened. Whatever Moses did was an effort to achieve and the essence to that is sadness. Paul describes his efforts in the Bible. He goes on saying 'Moses has spent forty days in the Mountain of Sinai, but what ever happened it was temporary.' For an example his face began to radiate, reflect light, but sadly it was all temporary. Enlightenment isn't temporary. Nor is it a dream the way Prophet Isaiah described. Enlightenment is a stage of awareness. For an example dreams only come into existence while you're asleep. There is no possibility of dreams coming into existence whilst your wide-awake. You can't be hallucinated because there is an experience. Dreaming is hallucinating, creating imaginations, and creating imaginations is a stage of fiction. Enlightenment is beyond hallucination. You will not be hallucinated the way the Bible records Elijah, the Prophet's events that he heard still small of God but saw nothing. Jesus said 'God is like love' Why has Jesus said this? Because nothing can be said about love. The only way to know is to become a lover. But the lover has to disappear, love can only be known when you love absolutely." "From this nightmare coming back into existence my body was so light, light as a feather. I was loosing gravity. Some energy was elevating me. I can't elaborate any more. It was happening I could not prevent it. It was out of my control. I was trying to avoid it. I had broken through the phenomenal. I was absolutely drunk on the divine, so drowned, and so drunk, in the beatitude of realization. Divine was flourish. I was intoxicated with divine. The ecstasy was uncontrollable; I was ruptured into eternal bliss. Sant Mani Singh had an amazing naïve character and would say "I am a very simple man. As a matter of fact, very ordinary, capable of making mistakes, don't have any qualities of any kind, I have something to be proud of, a ray of light penetrated upon me." His honorable beloved Mani Singh, had not just illuminated us on enlightenment but also talked on various other subjects; which in the age of darkness have been misunderstood because of our lack of intelligence.
Love
In San Francisco, California he said "What is love? It is madness, where you loose consciousness, the greatest drug even that exists on Earth. The only difference is it's an inner chemistry. Love is crucifixion. Only love is the light in which life becomes known, what we call resurrection. Only in love are you truly transformed. In reality you will only feel life when you are in love. Love opens windows towards the beyond. The love people talk about is the phenomenon of the mind. The love of the mind is like a dream because it is from the mind and only the mind can dream and the dream can't be reality. This love cannot be eternal. So what is eternal love? When love comes out of mediation, it's qualities are different from the ones of the mind. The love of the mind – thee essence of it is foolishness. You fall in love, the love of meditation, thee essence is wisdom, you rise in love. Wisdom can't be attained. You can gather as much knowledge, learn the scriptures by heart, still there will be no wisdom. Wisdom is that which liberates you. In this love there is a quality, just as a light surrounds the flame. The quality of love surrounds you. Whoever comes close, he/she will be enchanted, enriched, and this love of quality will shower around you. This is the real longing of the heart. Remember, once a person starts feigning, feigning is a stage of pseudo living. His whole life becomes false because love is the centre of life. Love is the ultimate purpose of life – the destiny of life." Then he said, "First you have to love yourself. Only then can you radiate and reach to others. When you are in love, it is illogical. There is no logic, no reason. It's irrational, that is why liking has nothing to do with loving, Liking has logic, there are many reasons as to why you like a person. Generations and generations have misunderstood the word love. Automatically they start thinking about sex, without them even realizing that sex has nothing to do with love." Then he goes on describing the phenomenon of love. "love is like a spring breeze. It comes and when it comes it brings a tremendous fragrance, the Odor of Sanctify. It gives you the feeling that it will remain forever. The feeling is so strong that you cannot doubt it. This love is divine. Love has always been God expressing himself. Love is the alchemy, where there is love, ego doesn't exist. That's what I always said, love is spiritual and only love can change lives. Only in love is there reconciliation and a great transformation. That is why a man of love faces more difficulties. That is the fundamental fact of life. Where there is no love, life is about to move smoothly. When asked if one can dissolve with another he replied, "When you burn two lamps in a room, they meet. The light meets. You can't divide the first light from the second light. Still there is a difference. You can bring them close, even then their flames will remain different. The light will dissolve into each other. You can't melt into each other. Only your light can melt in the other – your outer aura."
God
When asked about God at Orange County, California, sympathetically he replied, "You can't say its reality. You certainly can't say it's a fiction because something exists. That something needs to be experimented. Nothing can be said about God. You can study about God but nothing has been known because all you know is from the outside, what we would call external. Until you enter from within, the internal can't be known. By studying about God, you will miss the whole concept and the consequence to that is that you are left with knowledge only. To know is to enter the kingdom, to become one with eternity. Knowledge is from the outside and has nothing what so ever to do with God. Because God is happening." "Nothing is hidden from God because God is the inside of everything. The inside knows all. You can hide something from others, but you can't hide it from yourself. And it is there that God is hidden." He went on to say "Why have we invented so many names for God? There must be a certain reason, because God cannot be named, a name can easily be changed, but God remains the same. So why has God been addressed? Because there are moments when you would like to scream out your inner feelings to God in sheer joy. Some name is needed. Muslim Sufis invented ninety-nine names of God that are so beautiful, but why not a hundred? Ninety-nine looks a bit incomplete. There is a certain reason the hundredth name is kept silent and that is the true name of God, which of course can't be uttered. That is why Guru Nanak said 'Satnam'. Your name is thee truth. But in reality you can't utter it because it will lose its' beauty. It remains un-uttered at the deepest core of the heart. What is God's true name? Nobody knows that all the names are man's creation. The true name of God is the existence that surrounds you." How can one call Him by all His names? The wise give him names according to His manifestations – Jap Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji He goes on saying. "those kind (the irreligious) of people haven't known anything of spiritual experience. They've never felt any presence of God. The only way to receive God is to drop all your searching and seeking. The real question is recognition, not search, and the only way to know God is to live God."
Bau Maal Singh Ji
Bau Mal Singh jee was a great Gursikh who was a life long companion of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee. Bau jee and Colonel Pyara Singh used to do bhagti of Naam abhyaas together. Bau jee had some spiritual experiences and then he decided to bring his whole family on board of Guru Sahib's ship i.e. get his whole family to chhak amrit. Bau jee had been given amrit when he joined military. In those days, amrit was mandatory for Sikhs in military.
Bau jee brought his family to Amrit Samagam organized by Panch Khalsa Diwan Bhasaur. During their stay there, Bau jee got up at amritvela and sat in a corner and started japping Naam. He had been japping Naam for few moments only when he felt that someone had taken him in an embrace. When he opened his eyes, he saw that a Singh with manmohni soorat had taken him in embrace. This Singh was Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee. Bhai Sahib said to Bau jee, where he had been hiding for so long and that Bhai Sahib had been looking for him. Bau jee did not understand what Bhai Sahib said but Bhai Sahib had recognized his companion from previous lives. Bhai Sahib gave immense love to Bau jee. Before long, Bhai Sahib and Bau jee became so close that it seemed they had known each other forever.
Bhai Sahib asked him the purpose of his visit and when he found out that he had come for amrit chhak his family, he said to Bau jee and Babu Teja Singh Bhasaur the organizer of the samagam was also present when he said, "look at this Singh Babu jee. Look how chardi kala he is. We are going to take him along with us to Narangwal and find Brahmgyani Jyot Vigaasi Punj Pyaare for him and his family". Saying this, Bhai Sahib brough Bau jee and his family to Narangwal and this way did not let his family chhak amrit at Panch Khalsa Diwan Samagam. There an amrit sinchaar was organized for Bau jee in which Jyot Vigaasi Singhs did sewa. From that day on, Bau jee became an integral part of the jatha. So much so that Bau jee did all the administrative work of Jatha. Whenever he was present he always did ardaas and for 65 years he did sewa in Punj Pyaare and enabled thousands to connect with Guru Sahib.
When Bhai Sahib went to jail, Bau jee took care of Bhai Sahib's family. After Bhai Sahib came out of jail, the responsibility of getting Bhai Sahib's kids married was given to Bau jee. All family affairs of Bhai Sahib were taken care of by Bau jee. Bau jee did a lot of sewa of Bhai Sahib and other Singhs.
Before going to jail, Bau jee was stationed at Ambala Cant. and Bhai Sahib used to visit Bau jee there. Once Bhai Sahib and other Singhs with him felt strong urge to go to somewhere. They went to the train station and when the ticket clerk asked where they wanted to go, they did not know where they were going. Bhai Sahib asked the clerk to close his eyes and repeat the mool mantra and pick a random ticket for them. The clerk oblidged and the ticket that came was of Ambala city. Bhai Sahib and other Singhs knew immediately that it was Bau jee who was calling them. Singhs reached Bau jee but just the next day, Bhai Sahib started planning to go back. Singhs were getting ready to leave but Bau jee got into great bairaag. Bhai Sahib writes that he will never forget the scene when they went to the water well and saw Bau jee pulling water from it. Bau jee was in full bairaag. Seeing Bhai Sahib he went to even greater bairaag and then he lay down on floor. Lying on the kacha floor, he started singing "Meri khalon Maujde Gursikh handaandhe". All singhs got bairaag and started doing kirtan. Bhai Sahib changed his plan of leaving early. I think they did a Siri Akhand Paath Sahib there.
Bau jee was a very good Singh of Bhai Sahib's times and as the matter of fact he is the only Singh whom Bhai Sahib lavished with praise in his books, before his Akal Chalaana. Otherwise it was the policy of Bhai Sahib not to write about any Singh who was alive. All 23 Mahapurakhs of Ranglay Sajjan book had passed away before Bhai Sahib wrote about them.
Bau jee brought his family to Amrit Samagam organized by Panch Khalsa Diwan Bhasaur. During their stay there, Bau jee got up at amritvela and sat in a corner and started japping Naam. He had been japping Naam for few moments only when he felt that someone had taken him in an embrace. When he opened his eyes, he saw that a Singh with manmohni soorat had taken him in embrace. This Singh was Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee. Bhai Sahib said to Bau jee, where he had been hiding for so long and that Bhai Sahib had been looking for him. Bau jee did not understand what Bhai Sahib said but Bhai Sahib had recognized his companion from previous lives. Bhai Sahib gave immense love to Bau jee. Before long, Bhai Sahib and Bau jee became so close that it seemed they had known each other forever.
Bhai Sahib asked him the purpose of his visit and when he found out that he had come for amrit chhak his family, he said to Bau jee and Babu Teja Singh Bhasaur the organizer of the samagam was also present when he said, "look at this Singh Babu jee. Look how chardi kala he is. We are going to take him along with us to Narangwal and find Brahmgyani Jyot Vigaasi Punj Pyaare for him and his family". Saying this, Bhai Sahib brough Bau jee and his family to Narangwal and this way did not let his family chhak amrit at Panch Khalsa Diwan Samagam. There an amrit sinchaar was organized for Bau jee in which Jyot Vigaasi Singhs did sewa. From that day on, Bau jee became an integral part of the jatha. So much so that Bau jee did all the administrative work of Jatha. Whenever he was present he always did ardaas and for 65 years he did sewa in Punj Pyaare and enabled thousands to connect with Guru Sahib.
When Bhai Sahib went to jail, Bau jee took care of Bhai Sahib's family. After Bhai Sahib came out of jail, the responsibility of getting Bhai Sahib's kids married was given to Bau jee. All family affairs of Bhai Sahib were taken care of by Bau jee. Bau jee did a lot of sewa of Bhai Sahib and other Singhs.
Before going to jail, Bau jee was stationed at Ambala Cant. and Bhai Sahib used to visit Bau jee there. Once Bhai Sahib and other Singhs with him felt strong urge to go to somewhere. They went to the train station and when the ticket clerk asked where they wanted to go, they did not know where they were going. Bhai Sahib asked the clerk to close his eyes and repeat the mool mantra and pick a random ticket for them. The clerk oblidged and the ticket that came was of Ambala city. Bhai Sahib and other Singhs knew immediately that it was Bau jee who was calling them. Singhs reached Bau jee but just the next day, Bhai Sahib started planning to go back. Singhs were getting ready to leave but Bau jee got into great bairaag. Bhai Sahib writes that he will never forget the scene when they went to the water well and saw Bau jee pulling water from it. Bau jee was in full bairaag. Seeing Bhai Sahib he went to even greater bairaag and then he lay down on floor. Lying on the kacha floor, he started singing "Meri khalon Maujde Gursikh handaandhe". All singhs got bairaag and started doing kirtan. Bhai Sahib changed his plan of leaving early. I think they did a Siri Akhand Paath Sahib there.
Bau jee was a very good Singh of Bhai Sahib's times and as the matter of fact he is the only Singh whom Bhai Sahib lavished with praise in his books, before his Akal Chalaana. Otherwise it was the policy of Bhai Sahib not to write about any Singh who was alive. All 23 Mahapurakhs of Ranglay Sajjan book had passed away before Bhai Sahib wrote about them.
Beginning Naam Abiyaas
Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee's book - Gurmat Naam Abhyaas Kamaayee. It's taken from page 49-51 or so (edition 1999). Here Bhai Sahib is explaining that even if Naam abhyaas is done for a worldly reason in the beginning, it's perfectly fine. What is needed to be done is to engage in Naam Abhyaas. Naam Abhyaas is Kalyaankaari, no matter why you do it.
-----
Those who are themselves devoid of Naam (bemukh from Naam) and who cause others to become bemukh from Naam, such pseudo philosophers are often heard saying that to recite (japp) Naam for personal need or selfish need is a pakhand (hypocrisy or pretension) and such recitation of Naam for selfish need is useless. Their such saying is totally false. To japp Naam for one’s own salvation is also a kind of selfish need. Only a rare individual recites (japps) Naam entirely for the love of Naam; and for such person too, such pure love does not arise automatically on it’s own. Without doing satsant (holy congregation) and without getting hit by the sorrow of separation (Vairaag) from Vaheguru, how can someone develop the love and enthusiasm for reciting Naam? In Satsang Samagams, all attendees don’t come solely for the purpose of earning the commodity of Naam. In the first stages, many ways have to be employed to get the seeker to come to the Satsang samagams. There are many children and even adults who develop the habit of coming to Satsang just to get Karah Parshaad. Bhai Mani Singh in his childhood developed the habit of coming to sangat just for the sake of eating nectarous (amrit-like) Karah Parshaad only and because of his love for Karah Parshad he became a regular attendee and lover of sangat.
The writer of this article while studying for BA (degree) had no idea even in his dreams about Gurbani or what Gurbani paath is. His worldly father gave him hukam (order), “O child, if you want to pass BA exam, do Siri Jap jee Sahib in the morning and Siri Rehraas Sahib at evening time”. For this worldly reason of passing the BA exam, this daas learned paath within days and became a nitnemi (regular paathi) of these baanis at both times. While doing paath for worldly reason, he obtained rass (nectar like taste) from Gurbani and this rass kept increasing and increasing to this level that day and night he developed love for Gurbani paath. For him the doors of Spiritual Tatt-Vairaag (sense of separation from Vaheguru) were opened. Unfathomable, unreachable tastes of Satsang came to him. What to say, it enabled him to reach of position of mukti. The following shabad totally explains his situation:
ਗਉੜੀ ਮਹਲਾ 5 ॥
ਅਪਨੇ ਲੋਭ ਕਉ ਕੀਨੋ ਮੀਤੁ ॥
ਸਗਲ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦੁ ਦੀਤੁ ॥1॥
ਐਸਾ ਮੀਤੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਜਾ ਤੇ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਅਪੁਨੈ ਸੁਆਇ ਰਿਦੈ ਲੈ ਧਾਰਿਆ ॥
ਦੂਖ ਦਰਦ ਰੋਗ ਸਗਲ ਬਿਦਾਰਿਆ ॥2॥
ਰਸਨਾ ਗੀਧੀ ਬੋਲਤ ਰਾਮ ॥
ਪੂਰਨ ਹੋਏ ਸਗਲੇ ਕਾਮ ॥3॥
ਅਨਿਕ ਬਾਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਲਿਹਾਰਾ ॥
ਸਫਲ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਗੋਬਿੰਦੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ॥4॥79॥148॥
Paaras (philosopher’s stone) always applies it’s Paaras kala (it’s power to change a metal to gold). It has to apply it’s Paras Kala (on what comes in contact with it), all that’s needed is to bring the object in touch with it. Same way, it does not matter whether one touches paaras (of Naam and Gurbani) for spiritual purpose or for worldly purpose. What to say, if one touches the Gurbani roopi Paaras for purely spiritually purpose. Parmarthi Sidhis (powers) and worldly Sidhis all come after Naam the greatest Mantra. When while touching this Naam paaras again and again, it brings the Amrit Rass (divine taste), then all worldly powers and tastes feel unsavoury or tasteless. For this reason the ones who taste Naam Rass, don’t get involved in ridhis and sidhis and unbeknownst to them, all their tasks and desires are fulfilled.
But, when one starts the Naam Abhyaas kamaayee (begins japping Naam), it is not a must for everyone to have only the highest aim of Gurmat (i.e. attaining Vaheguru) in mind. One should get into Naam Kamaayee, for whatever reason it may be. The highest aim of japping Gurmat Naam is to have vision of Vaheguru. This highest aim is in the mind of only very few and very fortunate individuals. Regular people don’t have any idea of what is the purpose of human form and how to attain laaha (spiritual profits) of human body. Worry or concern about getting spiritual laaha on one side, they are not even aware of the fact that there is a need to do so. The creatures of 8.4 million life forms don’t know what it means by earning the spiritual profits of human life. Before the appearance of Guru Nanak Dev jee, the whole world was sliding towards nether worlds. There was no one to save the drowning world. The spiritually diseased world did not even know that it was diseased. The people of the world considered living a worldly life alone, the essence of human form. Even today, ones who have not adopted Satguru Guru Nanak Dasmesh and the visible form of ten Guru Sahibaan – Siri Guru Granth Sahib jee – are living in spiritual darkness. How would spiritual light come on it’s own, until they meet the ship of Kalyug, the true Guru.
Guru Harkishan Sahib and the Haughty Pandit
Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee was the great grandson of Siri Guru Hargobind Sahib jee and because of this, Siri Guru jee had following relationship with other Guru Sahibaan and Sahibzadas:
1) Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee was a grandson of Siri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib jee. Siri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib jee was son of Siri Guru Hargobind Sahib jee and thus brother of father of Siri Guru Har Rai Sahib jee – Baba Gurditta jee. This is why before leaving for Sachkhand, Siri Guru jee said that the next Guru is his Baba in Bakala (town). In short form he said – Baba Bakale – which meant that the next Guru is his Baba (Siri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib jee) who resides in Bakala town.
2) Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee was a nephew of Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee.
3) Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee was a cousin of 4 Sahibzadas of Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee Maharaj.
Siri Guru jee was only 5 Earth years old when he was chosen to be the Guru by his father and Guru – Siri Guru Har Rai Sahib jee. It is written in our history that all three siblings namely Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee, Baba Ram Rai jee and their sister Bibi Roop Kaur possessed great natural beauty. They were very beautiful. Siri Guru jee’s beauty was greatly enhanced by being Guru. The jyot of Guruship shone on his face. Whoever looked at Siri Guru jee could not taken his eyes away.
Siri Guru jee was a pooran Brahmgyani from the time of his avatar like his great great Grandfather – Siri Guru Arjun Sahib jee. This is why, at the tender age of 5, Siri Guru jee became the 8th Guru of Sikhs. Earth years don’t matter in spiritual wisdom. Age is not a factor in spiritual knowledge or Brahmgyaan. Siri Guru Amardas jee became the Guru at the age of 73 and on the other extreme Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee became the Guru at the age of 5. The same jyot of Guruship pervailed in both Guru Sahibaan and both were equal in status and possessed equal amount of Brahmgyaan. The body was not the Guru but the jyot was and is the Guru.
Many doubted that a 5 year old person cannot be the Guru and cannot possess the required spiritual knowledge to deliver sinners.
An incident involving doubting Siri Guru jee because of his age occurred at Panjokhra Sahib, where Siri Guru jee arrived on his way to Delhi. There was a Pandit who inquired from a Sikh as to who had arrived in the small town of Panjokhra. The Sikh replied by saying that Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee, the 8th master had arrived. This pandit was very proud of his knowledge of Vedas and Shastras. He was in the habit of debating and defeating scholars on the might of his knowledge. He took offense at the name of Siri Guru jee. He was a worshipper of Siri Krishna of Brindabana and he did not like the fact that Siri Guru jee’s name was longer than his deity. He addressed the Sikh as follows:
“ਜੇ ਸਾਰਥ ਇਹ ਨਾਮ ਧਰਾਵਹੁ।
ਕਰਿ ਗੀਤਾ ਕੇ ਅਰਥ ਸੁਨਾਵਹੁ।
ਨਾਹਿ ਤਾ ਕੂਰ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਨ ਕੇਰੋ।
ਹਮ ਨਹਿ ਮਾਨਹਿਂ ਕਹਿਬੋ ਤੇਰੋ।15।
(Equal to whom (Siri Krishna) they (Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee) have kept their name, then let them (Siri Guru jee) do translation of Geeta (written by Siri Krishna). If he can’t do these meanings, then go tell him that I don’t accept him as the Guru).
Hearing this the Sikh replied to the Brahmin as follows:
ਸੁਨਤਿ ਸਿਖ ਕਹਿ, “ਰਹੁ ਤੂੰ ਖਰੋ”।
ਮੈਂ ਆਬਿ ਜਾਇ ਬੂਝਿਬੋ ਕਰੋਂ।
(The Sikh said, you stay standing here. I will go and deliver your message to Guru Sahib).
The Sikh hurried to the darbar of Siri Guru jee and after matha-tek told Satguru jee the whole conversation he had with the Pandit. The sangat was hearing and some in Sangat were upset after hearing of the pandit's arrogance.
Because of the tender age of Siri Guru jee, many were placing doubts in the minds of sangat. Siri Guru jee wanted to prove that age is not a factor in attaining spiritual wisdom (Brahmgyaan). The Sikh with great humility and hope beseeched, “ਖਰੋ ਅਹੈ, ਕਿਮ ਕਹੌਂ ਬੁਝਾਈ। (He is standing waiting, what should I tell him).
Jaanee-Jaan (All knowing) Siri Guru jee said to the Sikh that this pandit is a very proud person who is full of Hankaar (pride, ego). He debates like a great fool and considers himself to be very wise. He is very far from the path of meeting Prabhu (Vaheguru). The sorrow of separation from Prabhu and haume are big dukhs that only Guru Nanak Dev jee can eliminate. The diseased and the suffering person has to take the word of Guru and place it in his heart. Then alone the dukh can go.
After pausing for a moment, Siri Guru jee with mercy and grace in their eyes, said:
ਸੋ ਇਸ ਕੋ ਦੁਖ ਹਤਹਿਂ, ਬੁਲਾਵਹੁ।
ਸਿਖ ਉਪਕਾਰ ਕਰਤਿ, ਬਿਦਤਾਵਹੁ।
(ਉਸ ਦਾ ਦੁਖ ਦੂਰ ਕਰੀਏ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਬੁਲਾਵੋ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋ ਕਿ ਸਿਖ ਉਪਕਾਰ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਸੋ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਬਚਨ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰੀਏ). Let us eliminate his sorrow, call him. You say this all the time that Sikhs are compassionate and benevolent. So let’s fulfill your bachan.
The Sikh went back to the pandit and asked him to come to the darbar of Siri Guru jee. The pandit came to the Darbar of Siri Guru jee with hankaar (pride) and sat near Siri Guru jee. Siri Guru jee addressed him as follows:
ਪਿਖਿ ਬੋਲੇ ਸੋਢੀ ਕੁਲ ਟੀਕਾ।
ਕਹੁ ਦਿਜਬਰ, ਕਯਾ ਬੂਝਯੋ ਚਹੈਂ।
ਬਿਦਤ ਬਤਾਵਹੁ ਜਿਮ ਚਿਤ ਅਹੈ।
(On seeing the pandit arrive, the prince of Sodhi clan said, O Dijbar, what is it that you want answered? Say out that which is in your mind.)
The pandit said:
ਦਿਜ ਤਬਿ ਕਹਯੋ, ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਅਵਤਾਰ।
ਰਿਦੇ ਜਿਨਹੁਂ ਕੇ ਗਯਾਨ ਉਦਾਰ।
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਯਾਨ ਮਯ ਗੀਤਾ ਕੀਨਸਿ।
ਜਿਹ ਪਠਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਕੈ ਲੇ ਸਭਿ ਚੀਨਸਿ।25।
Then the pandit said, “Krishna Avatar was great and in the heart of Siri Krishna immense spiritual wisdom had dawned. Using this Brahmgyaan, he uttered the Bhagwad Geeta. Hearing the paath of Geeta, one can realize everything.
ਤਿਨ ਨਾਮਨ ਤੇ ਤੁਮ ਅਧਿਕਾਯੋ।
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਨਾਮ ਰਖਾਯੋ।
ਪੁਨ ਗੁਰ ਗਾਦੀ ਪਰ ਥਿਤ ਅਹੋ।
ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਮ ਅਪਨੋ ਜਗ ਲਹੋ।26।
You (O Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee) have named yourself even greater than Siri Krishna i.e. the name “Harkrishan” is longer than “Krishna”. On top of this, you have placed yourself on the seat of the Gurus and made it famous in the world that you are the Guru.
ਗੀਤਾ ਬਿਖੈ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਨ ਬਡ ਮੇਰੇ।
ਉਤਰ ਦੇਹੁ, ਤੁਮ ਸੁਨੇ ਬਡੇਰੇ।
ਜੋ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਬਨਾਵਨਿ ਕੀਨਿ।
ਅਰਥ ਦੇਹੋ ਜੋ ਲੇਵੌਂ ਚੀਨ।27।
ਸਾਰਥ ਜਾਨੌ ਨਾਮ ਤੁਮਾਰੋ।
ਨਾਂਹਿ ਤ ਨੀਕੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਨਿਹਾਰੋ।
Regarding Siri Krishna’s Geeta, I have big questions, many questions. Answer me, I have heard from your Sikhs that you are great. If you are able to answer the questions that I will ask from Sri Krishna’s Geeta, I will consider you to be worthy of your name (Harkrishna); otherwise, I will not see you as good and pious.
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸੁਨਤਿ ਬਚ ਕਹਯੋ।
ਬਾਦੀ ਬਿਪ੍ਰ ਜਾਤਿ ਕੋ ਲਹਯੋ।
ਜੇ ਕਰ ਹਮ ਤੁਝਿ ਅਰਥ ਸੁਨਾਵਹਿਂ।
ਤਊ ਕਲਪਨਾ ਅਨਿਕ ਉਠਾਵਹਿਂ।
ਧਨੀ ਪੁਰਖ ਇਹ ਭਾਗ ਬਲੀ ਹੈ।
ਕਿਨਹੁਂ ਪਢਾਏ ਪਾਠ ਭਲੀ ਹੈ।29
Hearing the pandit, Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee said, “It’s the habit of Bipars (pandits) to have doubt on everything. If I successfully do the meanings of Geeta, you will raise the doubt by saying that since I am from a rich and resourceful family, I must have learned the meanings from scholars.
ਪ੍ਰਥਮ ਪਠੀ ਹੁਇ ਗੀ ਕਿਸ ਪਾਸ।
ਇਮ ਜਾਨਹਿਂ, ਨਹਿਂ ਹੁਇ ਬਿਸਵਾਸ।
ਯਾਂ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਥਮ ਕਾਰ ਇਮ ਕੀਜੈ।
ਆਪ ਨਗਰ ਮਹਿਂ ਜਾਇ ਪਿਖੀਜੈ।30।
You will say that I must have learned the meanings from someone. This way you will stay faithless i.e. you will not get faith. Therefore, the first thing you should do is that go to your town and look for someone.
ਜੋ ਅਪਠਤਿ ਹੁਇ ਮੂਢ ਬਿਸਾਲਾ।
ਤਿਹ ਬੁਲਾਇ ਆਨਹੁ ਇਸ ਕਾਲਾ।
ਸੋ ਉਤਰ ਦੈ ਹੈ ਤੁਝ ਚਾਹਤਿ।
ਜਿਨ ਬੂਝਨਿ ਹਿਤ ਨੀਤ ਉਮਾਹਤਿ।31।
Someone who is a “Moodh Bisaala” i.e. Big fool, very ignorant person and call him to our Darbar right away. Whatever your questions are about Geeta, he will answer them for you.
ਸੁਨਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੋ ਬਾਕ ਰਸੀਲਾ।
ਬਿਪੂ ਭਣੋ ਮਦ ਤੇ ਕੁਛ ਢਲਿਾ।
ਗਯੋ ਨਗਰ ਮਹਿ ਧਵਿਰ ਹੇਰਾ।
ਘਰ ਘਰ ਨਿਤ ਜਲ ਢੋਇ ਘਨੇਰਾ।32।
Hearing the nectarous bachans of Satguru jee, the pride in the pandit subsided a bit. He went to the town and looked for the most foolish person, house to house.
Finally he found a person who he thought was ideal for the situation. The person was a deaf and dumb, totally uneducated and very poor. Mahakavi Santokh Singh jee writes about him as follows:
ਮਹਾਂ ਮੂਢ ਬੋਲਬਿ ਨਹਿਂ ਜਾਨੈ।
ਪੇਟ ਭਰਨਿ ਲੌ ਕਾਰਜ ਠਾਨੈ।
ਕਾਰੋ ਬਰਨ ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਤਨ ਫਾਰੇ।
ਜਿਨ ਪਢਤੇ ਨਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਨਿਹਾਰੇ।33।
He was very big fool who could not speak. To fill his stomach he did meagre jobs. His skin colour was totally black, and clothes on him were torn. Let alone he getting any education, he had not even seen anyone study. This is how ignorant he was.
He was brought over to the Darbar of Siri Guru jee. The pandit was very happy thinking that Jheevar (the foolish person) would never be able to speak, let alone do any translations of Geeta. Siri Guru jee right away caught the thought of the pandit and glanced at the jheevar with “Shubh Disht” (Eye of grace) and with smile on his face said to the jheevar:
ਮੁਖਿ ਮੁਸਕਾਵਤਿ ਬਾਕ ਬਖਾਨਾ।
ਬਿਪ੍ਰ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਜਿਮ ਉਰ ਠਾਨਾ।37।
ਸੋ ਤੈਂ ਬੂਝਨਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਅਬਿ ਹੂੰ।
ਸ਼ੰਕਤਿ ਕੋ ਉਤਰ ਦਿਹੁ ਸਭਿ ਹੂੰ।
(With smiling face, Siri Guru jee uttered the bachans to the foolish jheevar. As per the wish of the pandit, you will realize all knowledge needed, and respond to all questions of the pandit.)
When Satguru jee uttered these Vaaks (words) and placed his chhadee (stick) on the forehead of the jheevar all divine knowledge dwelled in the heart of the foolish jheevar. The first thing that happened was that face of the jheevar started reflecting the inner knowledge he had attained. He face started shining. He was then able to speak.
The pandit asked the most difficult salok from Geeta to be translated. The Jheevar, spontaneously gave the most exalted translation of the salok. Such was the translation that the pandit had never heard of such words before. He was wonder-struck. He could not believe his ears. He asked couple of more questions but then was too wonder-struck to say anything else. Then at that time, his good karma from previous birth sprouted. His pride was overtaken by immense humility. His hand folded. He moved forward and prostrated before Siri Guru jee. With extreme humility he pleaded:
ਬੋਲਯੋ, ਮਹਿਮਾ ਲਖੀ ਅਨੂਪ।
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸੁ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸਰੂਪ।
ਭੇਦ ਨ ਫੁਰਤਿ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਨ ਮਾਂਹੀ।
ਵਹੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਤੁਮ ਹੋ ਅਨ ਨਾਂਹੀ।
ਭਵਸਾਗਰ ਤੇ ਮੋਹਿ ਉਧਾਰਹੁ।
ਧਾਰਹੁ ਕਰੁਨਾ ਬਿਰਦ ਸੰਭਾਰਹੁ।
(He said, I have realized that your greatness is unmatched. You O Siri Guru Harkishan are Siri Krishna for me. I have no doubt about it. You are the same jyot. Deliver me from this ocean of world. Have mercy on me.)
Siri Guru jee accepted his plea and gave him Naam Gurmantra there and then. Siri Guru jee accepted him as his Sikh. As per Mahakavi Santokh Singh jee, he was given Charan Pahul and initiated as a Sikh there and then.
What a great story this is. This story echoes hukams of Gurbani like:
ਕਰਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਹਥੁ ਧਰਿ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਕਢੀਆ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ॥
ਸਹਿ ਤੁਠੈ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਈਆ ॥18॥
ਅਤੇ
ਸਿਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ॥
ਕਰੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਸਤਜੁਗਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਧ੍ਰੂ ਪਰਿ ॥
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ ਭਗਤ ਉਧਰੀਅੰ ॥
ਹਸœ ਕਮਲ ਮਾਥੇ ਪਰ ਧਰੀਅੰ ॥
When Guru Sahib places their divine hand on our forehead, only then one can realize Vaheguru and only then the hardwork of japping Naam, doing paath and keeping rehit is accepted.
We think that Chhajoo Jheevar was very foolish but are we any less foolish than him? What's the point of having knowledge of this world when we don't have the knowledge or the gyaan that is relevant in the next world? It's like possessing a trillion dollars in Zimbawe's money and feeling proud of it. A 100 billion dollars of Zimbawe's currency can buy you only one loaf of bread. So what is this trillion dollars going to do for us in Canada? Nothing. Same way, one may have all the knowledge of physics, chemistry, accounting, mathematics, biology, genetics and what not but if one does not have Brahmgyaan i.e. the divine spiritual knowledge of Vaheguru, then all the worldly knowledge is a waste. It's going to be rendered useless in the next world. Even in this world, what's the point of having gyaan when that gyaan does not enable or prompt us to japp Naam and meet Vaheguru. Until we attain Gurmat-Gyaan, and until we eliminate the Durmat from within through Gurmat of Guru Sahib, we are just as foolish as Chajjoo Jheevar was prior to meeting Guru Sahib.
May Parm-Kirpaaloo, Param-Dyaaloo, Satguru Sache Paatshaah – Ashtam-Balbira – Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee have mercy on us and place their lotus hand on our forehead, so that the ignorance may be eliminated from our hearts and replaced with divine knowledge of Vaheguru jee.
1) Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee was a grandson of Siri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib jee. Siri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib jee was son of Siri Guru Hargobind Sahib jee and thus brother of father of Siri Guru Har Rai Sahib jee – Baba Gurditta jee. This is why before leaving for Sachkhand, Siri Guru jee said that the next Guru is his Baba in Bakala (town). In short form he said – Baba Bakale – which meant that the next Guru is his Baba (Siri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib jee) who resides in Bakala town.
2) Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee was a nephew of Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee.
3) Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee was a cousin of 4 Sahibzadas of Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee Maharaj.
Siri Guru jee was only 5 Earth years old when he was chosen to be the Guru by his father and Guru – Siri Guru Har Rai Sahib jee. It is written in our history that all three siblings namely Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee, Baba Ram Rai jee and their sister Bibi Roop Kaur possessed great natural beauty. They were very beautiful. Siri Guru jee’s beauty was greatly enhanced by being Guru. The jyot of Guruship shone on his face. Whoever looked at Siri Guru jee could not taken his eyes away.
Siri Guru jee was a pooran Brahmgyani from the time of his avatar like his great great Grandfather – Siri Guru Arjun Sahib jee. This is why, at the tender age of 5, Siri Guru jee became the 8th Guru of Sikhs. Earth years don’t matter in spiritual wisdom. Age is not a factor in spiritual knowledge or Brahmgyaan. Siri Guru Amardas jee became the Guru at the age of 73 and on the other extreme Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee became the Guru at the age of 5. The same jyot of Guruship pervailed in both Guru Sahibaan and both were equal in status and possessed equal amount of Brahmgyaan. The body was not the Guru but the jyot was and is the Guru.
Many doubted that a 5 year old person cannot be the Guru and cannot possess the required spiritual knowledge to deliver sinners.
An incident involving doubting Siri Guru jee because of his age occurred at Panjokhra Sahib, where Siri Guru jee arrived on his way to Delhi. There was a Pandit who inquired from a Sikh as to who had arrived in the small town of Panjokhra. The Sikh replied by saying that Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee, the 8th master had arrived. This pandit was very proud of his knowledge of Vedas and Shastras. He was in the habit of debating and defeating scholars on the might of his knowledge. He took offense at the name of Siri Guru jee. He was a worshipper of Siri Krishna of Brindabana and he did not like the fact that Siri Guru jee’s name was longer than his deity. He addressed the Sikh as follows:
“ਜੇ ਸਾਰਥ ਇਹ ਨਾਮ ਧਰਾਵਹੁ।
ਕਰਿ ਗੀਤਾ ਕੇ ਅਰਥ ਸੁਨਾਵਹੁ।
ਨਾਹਿ ਤਾ ਕੂਰ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਨ ਕੇਰੋ।
ਹਮ ਨਹਿ ਮਾਨਹਿਂ ਕਹਿਬੋ ਤੇਰੋ।15।
(Equal to whom (Siri Krishna) they (Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee) have kept their name, then let them (Siri Guru jee) do translation of Geeta (written by Siri Krishna). If he can’t do these meanings, then go tell him that I don’t accept him as the Guru).
Hearing this the Sikh replied to the Brahmin as follows:
ਸੁਨਤਿ ਸਿਖ ਕਹਿ, “ਰਹੁ ਤੂੰ ਖਰੋ”।
ਮੈਂ ਆਬਿ ਜਾਇ ਬੂਝਿਬੋ ਕਰੋਂ।
(The Sikh said, you stay standing here. I will go and deliver your message to Guru Sahib).
The Sikh hurried to the darbar of Siri Guru jee and after matha-tek told Satguru jee the whole conversation he had with the Pandit. The sangat was hearing and some in Sangat were upset after hearing of the pandit's arrogance.
Because of the tender age of Siri Guru jee, many were placing doubts in the minds of sangat. Siri Guru jee wanted to prove that age is not a factor in attaining spiritual wisdom (Brahmgyaan). The Sikh with great humility and hope beseeched, “ਖਰੋ ਅਹੈ, ਕਿਮ ਕਹੌਂ ਬੁਝਾਈ। (He is standing waiting, what should I tell him).
Jaanee-Jaan (All knowing) Siri Guru jee said to the Sikh that this pandit is a very proud person who is full of Hankaar (pride, ego). He debates like a great fool and considers himself to be very wise. He is very far from the path of meeting Prabhu (Vaheguru). The sorrow of separation from Prabhu and haume are big dukhs that only Guru Nanak Dev jee can eliminate. The diseased and the suffering person has to take the word of Guru and place it in his heart. Then alone the dukh can go.
After pausing for a moment, Siri Guru jee with mercy and grace in their eyes, said:
ਸੋ ਇਸ ਕੋ ਦੁਖ ਹਤਹਿਂ, ਬੁਲਾਵਹੁ।
ਸਿਖ ਉਪਕਾਰ ਕਰਤਿ, ਬਿਦਤਾਵਹੁ।
(ਉਸ ਦਾ ਦੁਖ ਦੂਰ ਕਰੀਏ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਬੁਲਾਵੋ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋ ਕਿ ਸਿਖ ਉਪਕਾਰ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਸੋ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਬਚਨ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰੀਏ). Let us eliminate his sorrow, call him. You say this all the time that Sikhs are compassionate and benevolent. So let’s fulfill your bachan.
The Sikh went back to the pandit and asked him to come to the darbar of Siri Guru jee. The pandit came to the Darbar of Siri Guru jee with hankaar (pride) and sat near Siri Guru jee. Siri Guru jee addressed him as follows:
ਪਿਖਿ ਬੋਲੇ ਸੋਢੀ ਕੁਲ ਟੀਕਾ।
ਕਹੁ ਦਿਜਬਰ, ਕਯਾ ਬੂਝਯੋ ਚਹੈਂ।
ਬਿਦਤ ਬਤਾਵਹੁ ਜਿਮ ਚਿਤ ਅਹੈ।
(On seeing the pandit arrive, the prince of Sodhi clan said, O Dijbar, what is it that you want answered? Say out that which is in your mind.)
The pandit said:
ਦਿਜ ਤਬਿ ਕਹਯੋ, ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਅਵਤਾਰ।
ਰਿਦੇ ਜਿਨਹੁਂ ਕੇ ਗਯਾਨ ਉਦਾਰ।
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਯਾਨ ਮਯ ਗੀਤਾ ਕੀਨਸਿ।
ਜਿਹ ਪਠਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਕੈ ਲੇ ਸਭਿ ਚੀਨਸਿ।25।
Then the pandit said, “Krishna Avatar was great and in the heart of Siri Krishna immense spiritual wisdom had dawned. Using this Brahmgyaan, he uttered the Bhagwad Geeta. Hearing the paath of Geeta, one can realize everything.
ਤਿਨ ਨਾਮਨ ਤੇ ਤੁਮ ਅਧਿਕਾਯੋ।
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਨਾਮ ਰਖਾਯੋ।
ਪੁਨ ਗੁਰ ਗਾਦੀ ਪਰ ਥਿਤ ਅਹੋ।
ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਮ ਅਪਨੋ ਜਗ ਲਹੋ।26।
You (O Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee) have named yourself even greater than Siri Krishna i.e. the name “Harkrishan” is longer than “Krishna”. On top of this, you have placed yourself on the seat of the Gurus and made it famous in the world that you are the Guru.
ਗੀਤਾ ਬਿਖੈ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਨ ਬਡ ਮੇਰੇ।
ਉਤਰ ਦੇਹੁ, ਤੁਮ ਸੁਨੇ ਬਡੇਰੇ।
ਜੋ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਬਨਾਵਨਿ ਕੀਨਿ।
ਅਰਥ ਦੇਹੋ ਜੋ ਲੇਵੌਂ ਚੀਨ।27।
ਸਾਰਥ ਜਾਨੌ ਨਾਮ ਤੁਮਾਰੋ।
ਨਾਂਹਿ ਤ ਨੀਕੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਨਿਹਾਰੋ।
Regarding Siri Krishna’s Geeta, I have big questions, many questions. Answer me, I have heard from your Sikhs that you are great. If you are able to answer the questions that I will ask from Sri Krishna’s Geeta, I will consider you to be worthy of your name (Harkrishna); otherwise, I will not see you as good and pious.
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸੁਨਤਿ ਬਚ ਕਹਯੋ।
ਬਾਦੀ ਬਿਪ੍ਰ ਜਾਤਿ ਕੋ ਲਹਯੋ।
ਜੇ ਕਰ ਹਮ ਤੁਝਿ ਅਰਥ ਸੁਨਾਵਹਿਂ।
ਤਊ ਕਲਪਨਾ ਅਨਿਕ ਉਠਾਵਹਿਂ।
ਧਨੀ ਪੁਰਖ ਇਹ ਭਾਗ ਬਲੀ ਹੈ।
ਕਿਨਹੁਂ ਪਢਾਏ ਪਾਠ ਭਲੀ ਹੈ।29
Hearing the pandit, Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee said, “It’s the habit of Bipars (pandits) to have doubt on everything. If I successfully do the meanings of Geeta, you will raise the doubt by saying that since I am from a rich and resourceful family, I must have learned the meanings from scholars.
ਪ੍ਰਥਮ ਪਠੀ ਹੁਇ ਗੀ ਕਿਸ ਪਾਸ।
ਇਮ ਜਾਨਹਿਂ, ਨਹਿਂ ਹੁਇ ਬਿਸਵਾਸ।
ਯਾਂ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਥਮ ਕਾਰ ਇਮ ਕੀਜੈ।
ਆਪ ਨਗਰ ਮਹਿਂ ਜਾਇ ਪਿਖੀਜੈ।30।
You will say that I must have learned the meanings from someone. This way you will stay faithless i.e. you will not get faith. Therefore, the first thing you should do is that go to your town and look for someone.
ਜੋ ਅਪਠਤਿ ਹੁਇ ਮੂਢ ਬਿਸਾਲਾ।
ਤਿਹ ਬੁਲਾਇ ਆਨਹੁ ਇਸ ਕਾਲਾ।
ਸੋ ਉਤਰ ਦੈ ਹੈ ਤੁਝ ਚਾਹਤਿ।
ਜਿਨ ਬੂਝਨਿ ਹਿਤ ਨੀਤ ਉਮਾਹਤਿ।31।
Someone who is a “Moodh Bisaala” i.e. Big fool, very ignorant person and call him to our Darbar right away. Whatever your questions are about Geeta, he will answer them for you.
ਸੁਨਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੋ ਬਾਕ ਰਸੀਲਾ।
ਬਿਪੂ ਭਣੋ ਮਦ ਤੇ ਕੁਛ ਢਲਿਾ।
ਗਯੋ ਨਗਰ ਮਹਿ ਧਵਿਰ ਹੇਰਾ।
ਘਰ ਘਰ ਨਿਤ ਜਲ ਢੋਇ ਘਨੇਰਾ।32।
Hearing the nectarous bachans of Satguru jee, the pride in the pandit subsided a bit. He went to the town and looked for the most foolish person, house to house.
Finally he found a person who he thought was ideal for the situation. The person was a deaf and dumb, totally uneducated and very poor. Mahakavi Santokh Singh jee writes about him as follows:
ਮਹਾਂ ਮੂਢ ਬੋਲਬਿ ਨਹਿਂ ਜਾਨੈ।
ਪੇਟ ਭਰਨਿ ਲੌ ਕਾਰਜ ਠਾਨੈ।
ਕਾਰੋ ਬਰਨ ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਤਨ ਫਾਰੇ।
ਜਿਨ ਪਢਤੇ ਨਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਨਿਹਾਰੇ।33।
He was very big fool who could not speak. To fill his stomach he did meagre jobs. His skin colour was totally black, and clothes on him were torn. Let alone he getting any education, he had not even seen anyone study. This is how ignorant he was.
He was brought over to the Darbar of Siri Guru jee. The pandit was very happy thinking that Jheevar (the foolish person) would never be able to speak, let alone do any translations of Geeta. Siri Guru jee right away caught the thought of the pandit and glanced at the jheevar with “Shubh Disht” (Eye of grace) and with smile on his face said to the jheevar:
ਮੁਖਿ ਮੁਸਕਾਵਤਿ ਬਾਕ ਬਖਾਨਾ।
ਬਿਪ੍ਰ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਜਿਮ ਉਰ ਠਾਨਾ।37।
ਸੋ ਤੈਂ ਬੂਝਨਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਅਬਿ ਹੂੰ।
ਸ਼ੰਕਤਿ ਕੋ ਉਤਰ ਦਿਹੁ ਸਭਿ ਹੂੰ।
(With smiling face, Siri Guru jee uttered the bachans to the foolish jheevar. As per the wish of the pandit, you will realize all knowledge needed, and respond to all questions of the pandit.)
When Satguru jee uttered these Vaaks (words) and placed his chhadee (stick) on the forehead of the jheevar all divine knowledge dwelled in the heart of the foolish jheevar. The first thing that happened was that face of the jheevar started reflecting the inner knowledge he had attained. He face started shining. He was then able to speak.
The pandit asked the most difficult salok from Geeta to be translated. The Jheevar, spontaneously gave the most exalted translation of the salok. Such was the translation that the pandit had never heard of such words before. He was wonder-struck. He could not believe his ears. He asked couple of more questions but then was too wonder-struck to say anything else. Then at that time, his good karma from previous birth sprouted. His pride was overtaken by immense humility. His hand folded. He moved forward and prostrated before Siri Guru jee. With extreme humility he pleaded:
ਬੋਲਯੋ, ਮਹਿਮਾ ਲਖੀ ਅਨੂਪ।
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸੁ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸਰੂਪ।
ਭੇਦ ਨ ਫੁਰਤਿ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਨ ਮਾਂਹੀ।
ਵਹੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਤੁਮ ਹੋ ਅਨ ਨਾਂਹੀ।
ਭਵਸਾਗਰ ਤੇ ਮੋਹਿ ਉਧਾਰਹੁ।
ਧਾਰਹੁ ਕਰੁਨਾ ਬਿਰਦ ਸੰਭਾਰਹੁ।
(He said, I have realized that your greatness is unmatched. You O Siri Guru Harkishan are Siri Krishna for me. I have no doubt about it. You are the same jyot. Deliver me from this ocean of world. Have mercy on me.)
Siri Guru jee accepted his plea and gave him Naam Gurmantra there and then. Siri Guru jee accepted him as his Sikh. As per Mahakavi Santokh Singh jee, he was given Charan Pahul and initiated as a Sikh there and then.
What a great story this is. This story echoes hukams of Gurbani like:
ਕਰਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਹਥੁ ਧਰਿ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਕਢੀਆ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ॥
ਸਹਿ ਤੁਠੈ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਈਆ ॥18॥
ਅਤੇ
ਸਿਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ॥
ਕਰੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਸਤਜੁਗਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਧ੍ਰੂ ਪਰਿ ॥
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ ਭਗਤ ਉਧਰੀਅੰ ॥
ਹਸœ ਕਮਲ ਮਾਥੇ ਪਰ ਧਰੀਅੰ ॥
When Guru Sahib places their divine hand on our forehead, only then one can realize Vaheguru and only then the hardwork of japping Naam, doing paath and keeping rehit is accepted.
We think that Chhajoo Jheevar was very foolish but are we any less foolish than him? What's the point of having knowledge of this world when we don't have the knowledge or the gyaan that is relevant in the next world? It's like possessing a trillion dollars in Zimbawe's money and feeling proud of it. A 100 billion dollars of Zimbawe's currency can buy you only one loaf of bread. So what is this trillion dollars going to do for us in Canada? Nothing. Same way, one may have all the knowledge of physics, chemistry, accounting, mathematics, biology, genetics and what not but if one does not have Brahmgyaan i.e. the divine spiritual knowledge of Vaheguru, then all the worldly knowledge is a waste. It's going to be rendered useless in the next world. Even in this world, what's the point of having gyaan when that gyaan does not enable or prompt us to japp Naam and meet Vaheguru. Until we attain Gurmat-Gyaan, and until we eliminate the Durmat from within through Gurmat of Guru Sahib, we are just as foolish as Chajjoo Jheevar was prior to meeting Guru Sahib.
May Parm-Kirpaaloo, Param-Dyaaloo, Satguru Sache Paatshaah – Ashtam-Balbira – Siri Guru Harkishan Sahib jee have mercy on us and place their lotus hand on our forehead, so that the ignorance may be eliminated from our hearts and replaced with divine knowledge of Vaheguru jee.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)