< siqgur pRswid IkOnkarSatgurPrasaad SAYKINEHIYA?

BIOGRAPHYOFSANTBABAHARNAMSINGHJI(GURDWARARAMPUR KHERA)

BY:SEWASINGH(SANT) EnglishVersionby:BHULLASINGHMALHI

DEDICATED To Thatgreatsoulwhocametothismortalworld, InthewilloftheDivineLordwhoisinfinitebliss. Livinghimselfintranscendentalbliss, Distributedamongstsomany,thegiftofbliss. MergedwiththeLord,ineverlastingbliss, Eternalmemoriesofhisvisit,leavingbehindonly.bliss sy iknyihAw ? ijnw n ivsrY nwmu sy iknyihAw ] Bydu n jwxhu mUil sNweI jyihAw ]1] (Awsw m: 5, pMnw 397)

SEKINEHIYA? jinHaanavisrainaamsaykinayhiaa. bhaydnajaanhumoolsaaNeejayhiaa.||I|| Whomaretheylike,whoforgetnottheLordsname? TheyareliketheLordhimself. Knowthis,thereisabsolutely Nodifferencebetweenthetwo (AsaFifthGuru,GuruGranthSahibJi,Page397)

CONTENTS PRELIMINARYREQUEST .......................................................................................................................7 WITHTHERISEOFKNOWLEDGEWICKEDNESSDISAPPEARS ............................................................10 THEDESERTEDMOUNDWASINHABITED..........................................................................................11 GREATISTHEGURUANDTHOSEWHOAREBLESSEDBYHIM ..........................................................12 THEYBECOMEPERFECTPERSONSANDWAVERNOT........................................................................17 HOWTOTELLTHEGREATNESSOFASAINT? .....................................................................................19 1BIRTHANDEARLYCHILDHOOD.....................................................................................................25 2MARRIAGE .....................................................................................................................................26 3INSERVICEOFANUDASISAINT ....................................................................................................27 4DISENCHANTMENTWITHSADHUSANTOKHDASS .......................................................................29 5SPIRITUALGUIDANCEFROMSIKHSAINTS ....................................................................................30 6TAKINGSHELTEROFGURUGRANTHSAHIBJI ..............................................................................32 7THEWILLPOWEROFBABAJI ........................................................................................................34 8RELOCATINGFROMDHUGGATOSARGODHA..............................................................................36 9VISITATIONBYGURUNANAKDEVJIANDAPOISONOUSSNAKE .................................................41 10TENTHGURUAPPEARSINADREAMTOELDERBROTHER .........................................................43 11VISITATIONBYTHETENTHGURU ...............................................................................................44 12CORRECTTIMEFORTHEPRAYERCALLEDCHANDIDIVAAR ......................................................46 13MEDITATINGONMOOLMANTARATANANDPURSAHIB ..........................................................47 14CURINGS.AVTARSINGHDALERWITHGURBANI .......................................................................48 15CURINGCOLONELPIARASINGHUNDERTHEGURUSAUSPICE .................................................51 16TREASUREDDIARYOFINVALUABLEREFLECTIONSISBURNED ..................................................54 17MEDICINEOFNAAMISEFFECTIVEWHENGODSTANDSAMIDST ..............................................56 18WARDROBELOCKISOPENEDBYPRAYER ...................................................................................59 19CHAKNO119(SARGODHA)ACENTREFORNAAMLOVERS ....................................................61 20BABAJISSOULTRAVELSTOSAVEADEVOTEEFROMAMISDEED ............................................62 21BRAVESTISHEWHOGRAPPLESWITHTHEMIND ......................................................................66 22MEDITATIONINLAHORE.............................................................................................................70 23EXPERIENCEOFTHECOUNTRYSPARTITION ..............................................................................72 24MOVINGFROMSARGODHATOKARERUAVILLAGE ...................................................................74 25MEETINGDRKARTARSINGH ......................................................................................................76 26EXPOSINGAFALSEGURU ...........................................................................................................82

27PARTITIONOF1947 ....................................................................................................................85 28BABAJIANDTHETANTRICYOGI .................................................................................................86 29RAMPURKHERAESTABLISHEDASACENTREFORGURMATPREACHING ..................................89 30ANASCETICANDMUSLIMFAKIRTRYTOEVICTBABAJI ............................................................93 31TALEOFTHESECONDNIGHT ......................................................................................................96 32WHATISMAYA? ..........................................................................................................................97 33TAKINGMEALSATVILLAGEBAHLA...........................................................................................113 34MYMEETINGWITHBABAJI ......................................................................................................116 35THEDESERTEDMOUNDISNAMEDKUTTIARAMPURKHERA ..................................................118 36BHAIMOHINDERSINGHSEESASNAKEDAILY ..........................................................................121 37GODISDISPLEASEDBYCRUELTYTOANIMALS .........................................................................122 38EFFECTOFACURSE ...................................................................................................................124 39OLDCOMPANIONSSEEKOUTBABAJI ......................................................................................128 40HEPROVIDESFORTHEHUNGRY ...............................................................................................130 41OMINDIFYOUWAVERIWILLSTRIKEYOUWITHLORDSLOVE ..............................................133 42ANNUALGURMATCAMPINSEPTEMBER .................................................................................136 43MAKEYOURINVALUABLEHUMANLIFEBEAUTIFUL,THENYOUSHALLNOTGODEFEATEDTO THEGODSCOURT ...........................................................................................................................137 44SHARINGCOMMUNALFOOD(LANGAR) ..................................................................................156 45ATHOUGHTABOUTFALSEGURUS(GURUDOM) ....................................................................158 46GODSELIXIRMAKESPOISONINEFFECTIVE ..............................................................................161 47CONSTRUCTIONOFGURDWARASAHIB ...................................................................................165 48ONLYTHEDESTINEDAREORDEREDTOSERVE.........................................................................171 49ABANDONINGWICKEDDEEDSISTHEREALSERVICE ...............................................................174 50LIFECHANGESINTHISWAYTOO ..............................................................................................175 51ONEMUSTBEARTHECONSEQUENCESOFOURGOODORBADDEEDS ..................................177 52LEAVINGIDLETHOUGHTSISBENEFICIAL..................................................................................181 53WEREAPWHATWESOW,SUCHISTHEFIELDOFACTION ......................................................183 54ONEGETSTHEFRUITSOFTHECOMPANYWEKEEP.................................................................187 55BECOMINGGURUWARDISTHEONLYRELATIONSHIP.............................................................194 56BEGININGOFNAAMMEDITATIONSESSIONS...........................................................................201 57YOUTOODIDNOTDOSIMRAN ................................................................................................210 58FORGOARROGANTCLAIMSEMBRACEHUMBLESERVITUDE...................................................213

59MEETINGSANTKARTARSINGHJIKHALSABHINDRANWALE ...................................................218 60ITISMOREBENEFICIALTODOPATHYOURSELF ......................................................................220 61TRUEGURUBESTOWSALONGERLIFE .....................................................................................224 62MEETINGWITHBHAIVIRSINGH ...............................................................................................225 63JESUSCHRIST,MOHAMEDSAHIBANDBHRIGURISHIJIAPPEARINAVISION .........................228 64YOGISEALNATHTRIESTOFRIGHTENBABAJIWITHHISASTRALBODY ..................................229 65DRASTICCHANGEINTHELIFEOFS.KABULSINGH ..................................................................231 66ANOTHERINCIDENTOFTRANSFORMINGALIFEBYGURUSGRACE .......................................234 67YOULEAVELIQUOR,POVERTYWILLLEAVEYOU ......................................................................237 68THEREISNOPARTICULARTRADITIONOFRECITINGANAKHANDPATHIN48HOURS ...........244 69SIGNIFICANCEOFSALOKGURDEVMATAGURDEVPITA ..........................................................245 70REVERENCEFORGURBANI........................................................................................................247 71GURBANIISMOREBENEFICIALIFWELISTENTOIT .................................................................249 72GURBANI,ANAPPARENTMEDICINE .........................................................................................254 73ANOTHERINCIDENCEOFGURBANIASMEDICINE....................................................................256 74THEIMPORTANCEOFAMRIT:ESSENTIALTOBEINGGURUWARD ..........................................258 75RESPECTFORSRIGURUGRANTHSAHIBJI ...............................................................................263 76INSTRUCTIONSFORENTHRONINGSRIGURUGRANTHSAHIBJI ..............................................266 77HOWTOTAKETHEHUKAMNAMAFROMSRIGURUGRANTHSAHIBJI ...................................268 78WEARESONSOFTHELORD,OURFATHER ..............................................................................270 79HELPINGNEEDYSTUDENTSANDEDUCATIONALINSTITUTIONS ..............................................271 80SHARINGWOESOFTHEPOORANDDOWNTRODDEN ............................................................273 81MAKESERVICEYOURONLYDEVOTION ....................................................................................276 82KABIRTAKENOCOMPANIONSWHENGOINGTOMEETASAINT ............................................279 83CONSIDERHONOURORDISHONOUREQUALLY .......................................................................281 84CONSIDEROTHERSBETTERTHANYOURSELF ...........................................................................283 85HEARTHETRUETALEOFTHESAINTS .......................................................................................287 86PILGRIMAGETORELIGIOUSPLACES .........................................................................................293 87VISITSABROAD..........................................................................................................................299 88THELORDGRANTSWHATEVERHOLYMENWISHFOR.............................................................300 89MEDICINEASWELLASPREVENTIONISNECESSARY.................................................................304 90DEGPARSHADMUSTBECOOLEDBEFOREITISCONSECRATED...............................................308 91TERCENTENARYMARTYRDOMOFSRIGURUTEGHBAHADURJI .............................................309

92PROPHECIESOFBABAJI ............................................................................................................311 93BABAJIRECITESPRAYERSFORTHEKHALSAPANTH ................................................................312 94ONLYSRIGURUGRANTHSAHIBJIHASTHERIGHTTOBEWORSHIPPEDANDBOWEDTO .....313 95METHODTOCONCENTRATETHEMIND ...................................................................................314 96AGURSIKHISTESTEDEVERYDAY .............................................................................................321 97ITISCOMPULSORYTOINTROSPECTOURDAILYROUTINE .......................................................322 98ONEMUSTDONATEATENTHOFOURINCOME ......................................................................323 99ONEMUSTFOLDBOTHHANDSDURINGARDAS ......................................................................325 100ARDASINSANGATISAMUSTFORAGURSIKH ......................................................................326 101THANKSGIVINGARDAS ..........................................................................................................328 102ARRESTINTHERELIGIOUSCRUSADE ......................................................................................331 103MIRACLEOFANESTEEMEDLIFE .............................................................................................338 104MYSPORTINGFRIENDHASGONETOSLEEP ..........................................................................341 105THELASTJOURNEY .................................................................................................................345 106DUSSEHRA ...............................................................................................................................348 107SOMEOTHERPERSONALINCIDENTS ......................................................................................350 108THETRUEGURUHASARRANGEDYOURAFFAIRS ..................................................................353 109LASTREQUEST .........................................................................................................................355 110ANCIENTHISTORYOFRAMPURKHERA(MOUND) .................................................................358

PRELIMINARYREQUEST GodisInfinite.Itisverydifficultformortalsofthislimitedrealmtocomprehendthetrueextentof ourinfiniteLord.TryingtounderstandHimisimpossible,astheshallowdepthofourlimited intellectcannotfathomtheboundlessLord.Trappedinthisrealmofmaterialism,manfallsintoa lazyslumber,becomingobliviousandindifferenttotheexistenceoftheinfiniteBeing.So,from timetotime,theomnipotentAlmightyLordappearsonthisworldstageintheformofaSaint,to rekindletheinnermostdesiretounitewithhimandremindlostsoulsthemessage Thisisyouronceinalifetimechance, TomeettheLordoftheUniverse gobindmilankeeihtayreebareeaa. (Asa,5thGuru,page12) TowritethebiographyofsuchablessedandSaintlypersonality,whocametothisworldwiththe Lordsdivineblessing,isextremelydifficult.ForwhatissaidofholySaints Theygivethegiftofspirituallife ApplymentodevotionoftheLord AndmakemenmeetwithGod. jeeadaandaybhagteelaainharsiolainmilaaay.||2|| (Suhi,5thGuru,page749) FulfillingthetruemissionofspreadingthegospelofWaheguru,thistrueSaintmingledwiththe Almighty.OurfifthGurusaysofthetrueSaint WhatgloriesoftheSaintscanIdescribe? Unfathomableistheirknowledgeand Iknownottheirworth santankeemahimaakavanvakhaanao. agaaDhboDhkichhmitnaheejaano. (Gauri5thGuru,page181) Foralmost78yearstheSikhsangathadaskedonseveraloccasions,forabiographytobewritten aboutthelifeofBabaJi.Manyatime,thethoughtrepeatedlyarosewithinme,that,whateverI hadseenpersonallyofBabaJislife,whathetoldmedirectlyorthespiritualguidanceIgained fromBabaJistimeonearthshouldsomehowbeputtopaper.Again,Iwouldloseheart,thinking thatonlyahighlyspiritual,blessedsoul,possessingthemostsublimeimaginationcanwriteabout theteachingsofsuchareverentsoul.Towriteaboutthefeatsofaspirituallycompleteandhighly developedsoulcannotbedonejusticebythosewhoarenotasspirituallyevolvedasBabaJiwas. MuchtimepassedinthisstateofconfusionandIwasthus,unabletowritethelifeteachingsof thistrulygreatSaint.Again,withtheinspirationandblessingofthesangat,takingshelterofthe trueGuruandabidingbytheurgeofobtainingblessingsfromBabaJi,Iventuredtowritethe biographyofthisperfectSaint,adivinesoul,aSaintSoldier,acompleteGursikhSantBaba HarnamSinghJi. ThebasisofthisbiographyofthegreatSaintistheaudiocassette,whichherecordedin1970,and containsthemainspiritualexperiencesofhislife.Secondly,withtheGraceoftheTrueGuru,this humbleservanthadthegoodfortuneofhavingcontinuouscompanyofthegreatSaintfor35

years,uptothetimeBabaJibreathedhislastbreath.Thirdly,Ienquiredandcollatedasmuch informationasIcouldfromthemanyGursikhswhometBabaJiandreceivednumerousspiritual instructionsfromhimduringhislifetime.Throughoutthebook,onlythoselifechangingincidents arerecountedthatwillgivethereaderinspirationandspiritualteachingsonthelifeofatrue Gursikh.ThisbookendeavourstoinspirethereadertofollowthewayoftheKhalsaSaint,thusI haveavoidedtheneedtoincludenonessentialdetailsofhislife.Inthisageofmaterialism,timeis anexpensivecommodity.Littlesparetimeisavailabletoreadaboutspirituality,soonlythe essentialdetailsofBabaJislifethatwillgivethereaderguidanceareincludedhere. Thishumbleservantwillconsiderthisendeavourasuccess,ifevenonesoulisinspiredbythe piousguidanceofthisbiographyandattainsunitywiththegreatGuru.ThelifeofthegreatSaint waspurelyaGursikhlifeanditcontainednotaniotaofhispersonalintellect.WhatevertheGuru haswritten,theprinciplesofthetrueGursikhtobe,BabaJiwasthelivingembodimentofthat vision. NeedforanEnglishtranslation In199495,thishumbleservanthadanopportunitytovisitcountriesliketheUSA,Canadaand England.Thesangatofthesaidcountriesandespeciallytheirchildrenhadheardaboutthe biographyofSantBabaHarnamSinghJibutcouldnotreadthePunjabiversion.Takingnoteof theirrequestIwasinspiredtohavethebooktranslatedandacceptedtheirdesiretohavean Englishversionreleased.IcametoYubaCityfromHoustonandstayedwithS.SukhbirSinghRaifor amonth.HealsostressedtheneedforatranslationofSayKinehiyainEnglish.Allthedevotees relatedtheirobligationthat,wearecitizensofthiscountry.Thoughwecanspeakand understandPunjabi,wecantreadit.WehaveimmensefaithandlovefortheGurusteachingsbut wantthatfaithtoarisefromthebottomofourbeing.S.SukhbirSinghRaididnotjustgivethe meresuggestion,butwasalsoforthcomingwithadonationofRs50,000forthisnobletranslation. AftermeetingthesangatinCanada,IreachedUKandstayedtherewithmyyoungerbrotherS. HarbinderSinghDhillon.Isharedmythoughtsaboutthetranslationwithhim.Hetoo,warmly encouragedmeandofferedtohelpwiththeremainingexpenditureofthisproject.Hewasin favourofspeedyactionforthiscauseandwithGodsGraceandblessingsdonatedRs.50,000for thistranslation. ArrivingbackinIndia,ItrieddifferentwaystogetthetranslationofthebiographySayKinehiya accomplished.Unabletofindasuitablepersontotakeonthetask,Iwasdisappointed.ThenI prayedtothegreatGurutodeviseorevolvesomemeanssothatthistranslationcouldbe accomplishedwithHisblessings.TheGreatGuruheardmyprayer. OnedayS.BhullaSinghMalhiM.A(EngPollSci)B.sc,B.edandhiswifeBibiNirmalKaur,principal (SHGNgirlsSr.Sec.SchoolGardhiwala),cametotheGurdwaraSahibtopaytheirrespects.After havingsomethingtoeat,IsharedwiththemmythoughtsoftranslatingBabaJisbiographySay Kinehiya.Theyconsultedeachotherforafewminutesandthengraciouslyacceptedthetask,I advisedthem,Itisadifficultjob,butifthegreatGurushowershisblessingsonlythencanthis piousworkbeaccomplished.IfeltgreatlyrelievedwhenS.BhullaSinghMalhiacceptedthetask totranslatethebook.Afterafewdays,thefortunatecouple(Mr.AndMrs.Malhi)returnedtothe GurdwaraSahibtoseekpermissionandtheblessingsofGuruJitostartthisgreattask.AnArdas wasdoneatthefeetofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandthetranslationstartedinearnest.Withthe Gurusblessing,thetranslationwascompletedwithin45months.

Thehardwork,firmbeliefandpiousdevotionwithwhichMrandMrs.BhullaSinghMalhiserved arepraiseworthy.IpraythatthegreatGurublessthemwithhigherspirit,betterintellectandlove forotherGursikhssothatinthefuturetheyarebetterabletoservethesangat.S.ChetanSingh (Asst.DirectorLanguagedept.Punjab)belongstovillageGondpur(Gardhiwala).Sincechildhood, hehasremainedintheclosecompanyofBabaJi.HeisleadingaverypiousGursikhlife.Thisyoung manhasgonethroughthedifficulttaskofrepeatedlyproofreadingthetextandhasgivenanew shapeandstyletothebook.OurArdasisforGodtoblesshimaccordinglyforhisservice. IamdeeplythankfultoS.LehmberSinghBhullar,ownerofAmritPreetcomputersystemsfor typesettingthebookinsuchashortperiod.Healsohelpedagreatdeal,ingettingthebook printedinitspresentattractiveform.OurArdasisforthegreatGurutoblesshim.Eventhough thisbookhasbeentranslatedintoEnglish,someofouryoungstersfromtheUK,Canada,and Americahavefounditdifficulttounderstandthefullmeaningofthecontentsoftheprevious editionstothisbook;thisisduetothedifferenceinthenatureoftheirspokenandwrittenEnglish. ThemeaningsofGurbaniweregiveninthisbookbutsomeoftheactualquotesfromGurbani werenotthere,hencethismadeithardtograspwhichsentencefromGurbanihadbeenstated. DoctorGurinderpaulSinghDaler,(UK),willinglytooktheresponsibilitytosimplifyandadjustthe translationaccordingtotheneedsoftheyoungsters,inthestatedforeigncountriesandalsoto reinstatethemissingquotationsfromGurbaniinRomanEnglishwhichhehasdonewithfull convictionanddedication. RavinderKaurfromLeicester,(UK),hasalsoassistedDr.Dalerandworkedhardtocompletethis nobletasktogivethisbookanewformfortheintendedaudienceforwhichIamtrulygrateful.It isdifficulttoexpressmygratitudetoallthosewhoshelpfulinsightsandenduranceinthefaceof myunendingdemandsontheirtime,madethisbookpossible.Theirobservationsandsuggestions helpedbringcoherenceandconsistencytothemoreunclearsegmentsofthebook.Thehardwork andfirmbeliefwithwhichDoctorGurinderpaulSinghDalerandRavinderKaurhaveservedistruly apraiseworthyendeavour.IprayfrommyhearttothegreatSatguruJitoblessthemwithNaam daan,higherspirit,betterintellectandloveforGursikhisothatinthefuturetheycanserveina betterandnoblerway.Ifanythingwritten,deviatesfromtheGurusteachingthen,please considerthistobemypersonalerrorandfinditinyourhearttopardonme.Ifanydevoteehas anysuggestionswithregardtothisbook,orhassomethingtheyfeelshouldbepublishedabout BabaJispersonalandspirituallife,pleasesendthematerialtoussothatitcanbeincludedinthe nextedition. Thanks ServantoftheSadhSangat SevaSingh(Sant) GurdwaraRampurKhera P.O.Gardhiwala Dist.Hoshiarpur(Pb) 26thJune,2007India

WITHTHERISEOFKNOWLEDGEWICKEDNESSDISAPPEARS Thismeritoriousholybook,SayKinehiyahasbeenstudiedandreflectedover,inwhichSant BabaSevaSinghJihasrecountedthelifeofhighlyrespected,benevolentandgreatSaint,Sant BabaHarnamSinghJi,whopossessedsupremespiritualknowledge.Theconceptionofthisbookis forthebenefitofallthosewhohaveadesiretolearnaboutSikhi.Thisbookwillbecomea lighthousetothosewhoaredriftingawayfromSriGuruGranthSahibJiandhavenofaithin Gurmat.Itwillputforthguidelinesforotherseekersofspiritualknowledge.Readingthisbookwill instildeepfaithanddevotionupontheverywordofGuruGranthSahibJi.Thequalitiesofamrit, sadhsangat,gurmat,Naamrecitationandselflessservicewillbeinculcated.Readingthisbookwill convertandtransmutemanylivesintogemsanddiamonds.Itrelatesdifferentmethodsof attainingonenesswiththetrueGuru,firmnessingurmat,thetechniqueofNaamsimranandits benefits.Suchapraiseworthyholybookisneededinthesemoderntimes. ServantoftheGuruPanth ThakurSingh JathaBhindhranMehtaDamdamiTaksaal

THEDESERTEDMOUNDWASINHABITED GreatGuruRamDasJihassaid Amongstmen,blessedisthatmortalwho, Impartsspiritualinstructionforthegoodofothers, Godsnameheenjoinsandpreachesuntoothers, ThroughGodsnameistheworldemancipated oaypurakhparaaneeDhanjanheh updayskarahiparupkaariaa. harnaamdarirhaavehharnaamsunaaveh harnaamayjagnistaariaa. (Gujri4thGuru,page311) SantBabaHarnamSinghJiwasjustsuchamanasdescribedabove:themanwhoattaineda colossaldegreeofsupremacyinspiritualenlightenment,atruefolloweroftheGurusteachings, perfectSaintSoldier,followerofthepathledbyGuruJi.SantBabaHarnamSinghJiofRampur KheradistrictHoshiarpurcameandsettledatthedesertedandbarrenmound(calledatheh),later knownasRampurKhera.Thepeopleoftheareafearedthisbarrenplaceandknewittobe hauntedandpossessedbyevilspirits.ThegreatSainttransformedthedesertedplaceintoa magnificentplaceofworshipthroughconstantmeditationofAlmightyGod.Thisplaceblossomed intothecentreforSikhmissionarypreachingandmeditation.Intime,itsfragrancespreadfarand widearoundtheworld,proclaimingnaamineverycorneroftheworld.Hundredsofthousandsof mortalswerebaptisedintothefoldofSikhismandweresecurelysolderedspiritually,toSriGuru GranthSahibJi.Thus,thesedevoteeswereabletocrosstheworldoceaninthisharshageof kalyug.Therewasanacuteneedtobringforthandpublishdetailsofthelifeofsuchagiftedsoul forthebenefitofthepeopleatlarge.Livesofsuchrarepersonalitiesbecometheguidingstarsfor generationsofspiritualseekersofthegurmatwayoflife.Readingthebiographyinspiresoneto attaintheultimatetruegoaloflife,unionwithGod. ThisisyourchancetomeettheLordoftheUniverse. gobindmilankeeihtayreebareeaa. (Asa5thGuru,page378) Inthistremendousprojectandwithgreateffort,BabaSevaSinghJi,thesuccessorofSantBaba HarnamSinghJihasdoneanadmirableservicetohumanityinbringingtolight,thisrarebookon gurmukhliving.IhopetruespiritualseekerswillgainguidanceinattainingunitywithAlmightyGod. Humbleservant BabaSarabjotSingh 17thgenerationofGuruNanakDevJi GuruthroneofBabaSahibSinghJiBedi UnaSahib(H.P)

GREATISTHEGURUANDTHOSEWHOAREBLESSEDBYHIM BhagatRaviDasJisaysinBilawalraag Amongstthescholars,warriors Canopiedkingsandothers, Thereisnoequaltothe Lordsdevotedslave. panditsoorchhatarpatraajaa bhagatbaraabaraornakoay. (BilawalBhagatRaviDas,page858) Atruedevotee,whoisintunewithWaheguru,inconstantpraiseandadmirationofGod,isthe masterofallhumanity.GuruNanakDevJi,inJapJiSahibhasrevealedthistruth HetowhomtheLordgrants Hispraisingandeulogizing ONanak,heisthekingofkings jisnobakhsaysifatsaalaah. naanakpaatisaaheepaatisaahu.||25|| (JapuJi,1stGuru,page5) ThroughoutGurbani,themortalisgivenguidancetoleaveallothermeansandadoptnaam recitation.ThisfactisemphasizedbyGurbani ThatSaintanddevoteebecomesacceptable TotheLord,withwhomgodisappeased. WisearethepersonswhomeditateontheirLord santbhagatparvaanjoparabhbhaaiaa. sayeebichkhanjantjineeharDhiaaiaa. (VaarSorath4thGuru,page652) Itisnotchildsplay,neitheraneasytask,tobeacceptedintheLordscourt.Itinvolvesthe struggletovanquishtheegoandadoptHissweetwillasthewaytoGod.Thepersonwhofollows HiswillistermedaSikh.Itisachallengingwayoflife.Byadoptingthispath,onemergeswiththe AlmightywhentheGurushowersHisgrace.Thepraiseofsuchagursikhisbeyondtherealmof languageandexplanation.SuchagursikhishighlyesteemedinGurbani Ievermakeobeisanceuntothatgursikh WhotreadsintheGuruspath. tisgursikhkaNuhaNusadaanamaskaaree jogurkaibhaanaigursikhchaliaa.||I8|| (Pauri3rdGuru,page593) Truespiritualseekersaretherealassetsofthisuniverse.Theyareliketheusefultreesthat providedeeplycomfortingshadeanddeliciousfruittothewearytraveller.Theyarelikeamobile universityofspiritualknowledge,givingusefulguidanceonandtoallwalksoflife.TheseSaintly personshaveearnedthewealthofnaamwithgreateffort,sotheireverywordanddeedbecomes alighthousetothecurious,spirituallearner.Althoughthecreatorisinvisibleandnotseenreadily

withtheseeyes,hispresenceisfeltinthosepersonswhoareintunewiththatinvisibleforce. Theirsighthasasoothingeffectuponthemindandsoul,repairingourfaithinGod.Forthisreason ourancestorshaveprayedtoGodtoblessuswiththecompanyofSaints,meetingwithsuchSaints remindsusthat,wetoo,mustreciteHisname. Seyeepiyaremeljinhamilyateranaamchitaavai. Oftheseattuned,imbuedwithnaamandblessedpersonalitiesoftheKhalsapanth,SantBaba HarnamSinghJiofRampurKheraoccupiedauniqueplace.Hisglowingandspirituallyradiantface wouldexudepeaceandtranquillityallaround.Withhisconstantmeditation,thisoncebarren placebecameabloomingcentreforpreachingSikhismcalledRampurKhera.Duetohispious gurmatpreaching,manymortalswerebaptisedandbecameworthyofsittingasgursikhsinthelap ofourgreatGuru.BabaJilovedallgursikhsequally,asonebig,commonfamilyofourGuruSahib. ItiscommonlyobservedthatordinarySaintsandsadhusareindifferenttotheSikhwayoflifeand codeofconduct.NotsowithBabaJi.HewasveryfirminhisbeliefinGurbaniandthecodeof livinggiventousbyourGuru. Eveninhisoldage,BabaJiwouldwearaonefootlongswordinhisbelt(gatra).Thisfirmbeliefin theSikhwayoflifeattractedmanydevoteesofthearea,inlargenumbers,whoeventually becomebaptised.Thishumbleservant(JoginderSingh)metthisholysoulinTalwaratownin around1970.Thegurmatcamp(Smagam)forrecitationandmeditationonnaamwas indescribableintermsofthespiritualgainsthatoneearnedbyattending.However,thepersonal gurmatwayoflifethatBabaJilead,leftadeepandlastingimpressionuponmymind.Untilthen,I hadseenthatthecongregationwouldserveordinarySaints,buthereanagedSikhSaintwasseen servingfoodtothecongregation.MyjoyknewnoboundsandIwasoverwhelmed.Hispoliteness, humility,affectionandsenseofunitywithallgursikhsleftmespellbound.Theprogramof meditationatthenaammeditationcampswasplannedsowell,thatnobodywouldfeeltiredand; noonehadtimetogossipeither.Startingat2am,rightupuntiltheevening,thecurrentofnaam andGurbaniflowed.Ibecameaddictedtothemeditationcamptosuchanextent,thatIwould arrivewellbeforethecampstartedinordertogainthemaximumbenefitofGuruwardcompany. ThiscontinuedforfouryearswiththegraceofGod. Ononehand,BabaJihadimmensefaithandloveforGurbani,whichhegainedthroughconstant spiritualeffortandontheother,hewasalwayseagertorenderservicetothepanth.Hehada burningdesirethatallfollowersofSikhismbebaptisedoneday.Wheneverhewouldorganisea programforkirtanandkatha,itwouldbefollowedbyabaptismceremony(AmritSanchaar).He wouldemphaticallysay,NoonecanhavealinktothecreatorunlesshebecomesabaptisedSikh andbecomesGuruward.TheSikhsfromthesurroundingareawould,intheirsparetime,goto seeBabaJiandbegiventraininginreadingandunderstandingGurbani(Santhiya).Heusedto reciteoneBenatiChaupaiprayeroverandabovehispersonalscheduleofprayers(Nitnem)forthe bettermentandupliftmentoftheKhalsapanth.BabaJiwouldencourageotherstoreciteanextra prayerforthepanthtoo.HeoftentoldusthattheImmediatefutureisterrifyinganddestructive forthepanth.Onmanyoccasions,hedidhardpenanceoverfortydays,whenhewouldrecite Gurbaniconstantly,fortheprotectionoftheKhalsapanth.Duringthistenure,hewouldtalkvery sparinglyandinvolvehimselfcompletelyinGurbani,whilstlivinginhissmallhut.Withthiszeal,he andhisfollowersjoinedthecrusade(dharmayudhmorcha)startedbytheKhalsapanthin1982. Whereverwegoandsit,letustalkgood.Skimanddrinkonlythisnectar. jithaijaaaybaheeaibhalaakaheeaijholamritpeejai. (Suhichhant1stGuru,page766)

Onthiscrusade,heconvertedthejailandanysituationintoaplaceofworshipandmeditationof Gurbani.TheChiefMinisterofthetimewasoneofhisfollowers.HeforbidBabaJitojointhe crusadepolitely,butBabaJididnotagree.Heleftallsoftoptionsandobligations,tostandonthe sideofthewarriors,tosavethereligion.HestoodbytheKhalsapanth,evenatthecosttohisown health. BytheorderoftheGreatGuru TheycomeneartheLord Butdisclosenottheirsecrettoanyone. honnajeekkhudaaaydaibhaytnakisaidayn.||II6|| (SalokBhagatFarid,page1384) TheaforementionedisexactlysuitedindescribingthisgreatSaint.Healwaysconcealedhimself andtriedtoenjoineveryonetorealisetheAlmighty.Thereisnodenyingthatthosegursikhswho earnthewealthofnaamarefollowedbymiraculousphenomena... Theninetreasuresandeighteenmiraculouspowers Goafterhimwhoeverkeepsensrined TheLordwithinhismind navniDheeathaarahsiDheepichhailageeaafireh joharhirdaisadaavasaaay. (Salok3rdGuru,page649) Thegreatnessofsuchgursikhsliesinthefactthattheyneverbotheraboutthesemiraculous powers.Insteadofbeingdistracted,theyfollowthepathofnaammeditationwithoutlookinghere orthere.Theallureofmiraculouspowerscannotdistractthetruedevoteefromthepathofnaam meditation. Duetothegraceofnaammeditation,wordsspokenbysuchSaintsbegintocometrue.Theynever usethispowerforfame,personalgainandgreatness.Theydonotfeignpersonalgreatness;onthe contrary,theywantthegreatnessoftheLordtoberecognised.Yes!Thecreatorblessessuchholy soulswithgreatness Godloveshispraiseandslaveswhopraisehim Hencecauseshisslavetobeacclaimed. haraapneevadiaaeebhaavdeejankaajaikaarkaraaee. (Salok4thGuru,page652) Naamisthemasterkeytogainalltheheightsofmaterialandspiritualprogress.Whateverweask fromnaam,weget.ItistheorderofGurbanithat AllgloriesareintheLordsname So,rememberthouyourGodsname IfmanfixeshismindonhisGodsname Heobtainsallthethingsheasksfor sabhvadiaaeeaaharnaamvichhargurmukhDhiaaeeai. jevasatmangeeaisaaeepaaeeaijaynaamchitlaaeeai. (Pauri3rdGuru,page850)

Thesimranofnaamisfoodforthesoul.Withit,thesoulbecomesstrongandhealthy. Remember,rememberthenameoverandoveragain Nanak,itistheonlysupportofthesoul. simarsimarnaambaaraNbaar. naanakjeeakaaihaiaDhaar.||2|| (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page295) BabaJiconductedauniqueexperimentbasedononelineofGurbanifromSukhmaniSahib:His nameisthefoodforthehungry. Heprovedinthisexperimentthatnaamsimranisthecompletedietforhumanlife.Hespentforty daysinhighmoralspiritswithouthavingfoodorwater.Anatheistinthismaterialisticworldmay thinkituntrue,butthoseluckyfewwhohavefaithinGurbani,itstruefollowers,understandthis factcompletely.Gurbaniiseternallytruethroughouttheages GodsnameismyfoodofthirtysixVaarieties PartakingofwhichIamsatiated. harnaamhamaaraabhojanchhateehparkaar jitkhaaiaihamkaotaripatbhaee. (Pauri3rdGuru,page593) Wherenaamisfoodforthebodyandsoul,itisalsoawonderfulmedicine,whichcanbringabout miraculouscures.BabaJiusedthismiraculousmedicinehimselfandencouragedotherstouseit too.Byuseofthemedicineofnaam,BhaiAvatarSinghandBhaiSherSinghwerecuredofchronic illnesses.Theytoo,thenimmersedthemselvesinnaam.IfsomeonewouldgiveBabaJicreditfor curinganyone,hewouldreplylikeatrue,humble,selfeffacinggursikh,thatthemiraculouspower belongedtoGurbani.Hewouldsay,TheGreatGuruhascuredthem.Iwasonlyentrustedwith dutytoreciteGurbaniforthem.Inthiscontext,anotherpointisworthmentioning;BhaiSher SinghsailmentwaspartlycuredwhenhestartedsweepingtheGurdwaracourtyardeveryday. Thiswashispenance,issuedbythefivebelovedones.Afterthis,thegreatGuruappearedina vision,inhisdream,todirecthimtothephysician,whowouldcurehim.Thus,thetrueGuruused thecurativepowerofGurbanitoprovidearemedytohisailment.Fromthisincident,welearnthe lessonthatoneshouldnotwastethevaluablegiftofGurbaniontheupkeepofthisperishable body. Themedicinesareeffective,whentheLordHimselfstandsintheirmidst. aukhadaaayraasvichaapkhaloiaa. (page1363) Thereisnodoubtthatagurmatimbibedwayoflife,inwhichonemeditatesonnaamconstantly, isnottouchedbyphysicalillnesses.Ifduetopastkarmicdebtonedoesfallvictimtoanillness then,touseGurbaniandtakingtheshelterofWahegurudoesnoharm.Itmustberemembered thatnaammedicineonlybecomeseffectivewhenitpleasestheLord,whenitisHiswill.Here,I recallanincidentwhenBabaJiwasillandbeingtreatedinahospitalinAmritsar.Oneday,hewas veryillandDrHarcharanSinghasked,BabaJi,youareintunewiththecreator,whydontyou beseechhimtocureyou?BabaJilaughedandsaid,DoctorSahib!Whatistheuseofbeggingfor acureforthisperishablebody?Onedayitmustperish,ifnottodaythentomorrow.Nowthereis onlyonedemandandthatistorecitehisnamewiththislastbreathandminglewithHim.

WhateverspiritualachievementsBabaJigained,wereduetothegraceoftheGuruandhis completefaithinGuruGranthSahibJi.Beforestartinganywork,hewouldbow,payhomageand askfortheGuruspermissionintheformofahukamnama.Ifanyoneinvitedhimtotheirhouse, hewouldreplythatiftheGuruwillshimtohaveglimpsesofthesangat,thenhewouldcome.He wouldperformanArdasatthefeetofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandaskpermissionfromthe Almightyfirst.IftheGurugavepermission,hewouldgo,otherwisenot.Eventhedatesforthe gurmatmeditationcamp(naamabhyaskammaiSmagam)wereaffixedinthismanner.Thus,he hadcompletelysurrenderedhimselftotheLord. EventhoughBabaJihadafirmbeliefinthegurmatwayoflife,healwayshaddueregardand respectforthethoughtsofothers.Oneexampleofthis,tofollow,wouldhelpgursikhfamilies immensely.Mymotherleftfortheheavenlyabode.Sehajpathwasrecitedforherdepartedsoul. Allnearanddear,kithandkinwereinvitedtoattendthelastprayersandArdasforher.This humbleservant(BhaiJoginderSinghTalwara)sentamessagetoBabaJi,throughourclosefriend DrPritamSingh,askingBabaJitoattendtheceremony.ItwasmadecleartoDrPritamSingh,to tellBabaJithatthebhogceremonyoftheSehajpathwillbecompletedatmundawanionly.Dr PritamSinghgaveBabaJitheletterofinvitationandtheverbalmessagetoo.Afterreceivingthe message,BabaJifellsilentandreplied,Weshould attendonthebasisthatwearealllinkedasgursikhs,intoonefamilyoftheGuru. Thus,BabaJiparticipatedinthefinalprayerceremonyofmymotherandobligedme.Thisisa shiningexampleoftheregardBabaJihadforallgursikhs.Heshowed,practically,thatweareall gursikhsoftheGuru,belongingtoonefamilyoftheGuru.Despiteideologicaldifferences,opinions onissues,heneversacrificedmutuallove,respectandcooperationamonggursikhs.Thegreat Gurulikesthefactthatinspiteofdifferences,gursikhssittogetherwithmutualrespectand honouroneanother. So,thetaskofwritingthisbookaboutthesupremeSaintandtruefolloweroftheGuruis praiseworthy.Themotivebehindwritingthisbookisonlytodescribetheboonsandblessings showeredongursikhs,whoadopttheGuruwardpathtosalvation.Itistoinspirethenewcomers tospiritualityontheirpathtosalvation.ThisbookshowsthegreatnessofWaheguru,ofnaam meditation,oftheGuruandofblessedpersonswhotoiledhardtoearnthewealthofnaam.In doingso,theywereacceptedatthedoorofWaheguru.Theydeservetobecalledgreat ProfitableisthebirthandadventoftheLordsslave WhohaspraisedtheLordofsuchmeritoriouschildren? safaljanamharjankaaupjiaajinkeenosautbiDhaataa. (Devgandhari5thGuru,page532) Humbleservant JoginderSingh(Talwara) 29.12.1990Amritsar

THEYBECOMEPERFECTPERSONSANDWAVERNOT SayKinehiyaisthebiographyofthatgreatSaintofthetwentiethcenturySantBabaHarnam SinghJi,writtensimplisticallyandinnocently,whosegentlewordsdepictandreflectanatural instinctfordevotion.Throughconstantrecitationofnaam,loveforallmankind,selflessserviceof humanityandsacredunitywiththegurmatwayoflife,SantJiacquiredgreatspiritualheights, achievedonlybyrarebeings.Attainingimmovablepeace,inanatmosphereofpiousandmusical Gurbani,SantSevaSingh,adevotedservantofBabaHarnamSinghJihascreatedthisuniquework, SayKinehiya.Themeritsofsimplicityandspontaneityhaveenteredthetextsoprofoundly,that thetruthisawitnessuntoitself.Thishumbleservanthaswitnessedthegurmukhwayoflifeledby SantBabaHarnamSinghJiclosely.Heconqueredhismindinarealsenseandshunnedegotism, vanityandjealousyateverymoment,inhiseveryactionuntiltheveryendofhislife.Thescenes andincidentsinthisbookaresaturatedwiththesweetsimplicityofspiritualpleasureslikethe fragranceofamorningbreeze.Theseincidentsbringforthaclearpicturesurroundingthedeep mysteriesofGurbani,infrontoftheKhalsapanth.TheSaintauthor(SantSevaSingh)haselevated himselfaboveego,understandingtheeternalcontributionofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,tohuman lifeandthencreatedthisuniquebiography. Intheseconddecadeofthe20thcenturySantAttarSinghofMastuana,districtSangrur,rekindled thedivinelightofSikhismintheMalwaregionofPunjab,reorientingthediseasestrickentowards theSikhfaith.Similarly,SantBabaHarnamSinghJimadeGurdwaraRampurKhera,district Hoshiarpur,Punjabacentrefordevotion,knowledgeandgurmatwayoflifeintheDoabaregion, thusblessingthelandwiththedivinetouchofthegreatGuru.ToenlightentheidealsofSantBaba AttarSinghJiMastuana,histruedevoteeSantTejaSinghJi(doubleM.A.)arenowned,seasoned scholar,jumpedintothearenaandwroteabeautifulbiographyofSantBabaAttarSinghJi. ItcanbeconsideredthegoodfortuneoftheKhalsapanththatatruedevoteeofSantBaba HarnamSinghJiiswithus.Atruedevoteeofsuchhighstandards,whoisfullyabsorbedina practicalSikhwayoflife,standsanaturaltestimonytothepiousdeedsofSantBabaHarnamSingh Ji. Ihavereadofmanyselflessmiracles,relatingtothelifeofBabaHarnamSinghJioverthepastfew days,sittingcompletelyabsorbedinthebook,SayKinehiya.Itismyfirmbelief,thatthetender lifeofthegreatSaintandhissinceritytowardsSikhidealswillgivesolaceandguidancetoour woundednationpassingthroughitspresentcrisis.JusttwomonthsandfifteendaysbeforeBabaJi passedaway,Iwitnessedwithmyowneyeshishighmoraleanddivinelyinspired,sublimemood. AfterseeingBabaJi,Iwasfullyconvincedbywhatthekingofmartyrs,GuruArjunDevJiwritesin SukhmaniSahib Theybecomeperfectpersonsandwavernot. pooranpurakhnaheedolaanay (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page289) SantSevaSinghJihaspennedthiselevatedstateofbeinginthechaptercalledArrestina religiouscrusadeTheSaintdidnotcourtarrestundersocialorpoliticalcustom.Hishighspirited moralewasindifferenttopoliticaltrendsandopinions.Despitehisoldageandphysicalweakness, hesatfearlesslyandinatranscendentalmoodonhiswaytocourtarrest,withalonghistoryof pastmartyrsandcrusadersbehindhim.Hewassittinginperfectpeaceandimmovablecalmness.

Thatparticularmomentturnedhislifeintoalonglyricalpoem.Hisblissful,radiantfacewas emanatingthemessage,NoevilpersonwillbeabletoeliminatetheentityoftheKhalsapanth. Hisjourneywasactuallyamartyrdom,whichculminatedinitsperfectendon4thJanuary1983. SantSevaSinghJi,whilstportrayingthepictureofhisspiritualguide,hasalsopaintedaportraitof theKhalsaandhiswayofspiritualliving.TheluckySinghsreadingthisbiographywillbeableto followthepathshownbythetenthGuru. Prof.HarinderSinghMehboob,KhalsaCollegeGardhiwala,DisttHoshiarpur

HOWTOTELLTHEGREATNESSOFASAINT? HowcanonetellthegreatnessofaSaint? Whoisfathomless,withthislimitedintellect? WhatgloriesoftheSaintcanIdescribe? Unfathomableistheirknowledge,and Iknownottheirworth. santankeemahimaakavanvakhaanao. agaaDhboDhkichhmitnaheejaano. (GauriGuareri5thGuru,page181) Onlyaseekerofspiritualknowledge,atruefollowerofthedivinepath,whohasspiritualinsight, candescribeandwriteaboutthegreatspiritualpersonalityandSaint,SantBabaHarnamSinghJi. BabaJiwhospokethoughtandlivedthetruth,tohim,Icanonlypaythisheartfelttributeinafew lines ThemanwhowasincompleteunisonwiththeAlmighty TheretheLordconverseswithHisdevotedSaints bhagatsangparabhgosatkarat.(p.894) HewasabletotalkwiththeAlmightyinpersonandafirmbelieverinSriGuruGranthSahibJi.He knewtheeternaltruth,wasapioushumanbeingwithinandoutwardly.Hewasamanifestationof thecompleteKhalsa,itstraditionsandwayoflife,leadingadedicatedlifebasedontheprinciples laiddownbyGuruNanakDevJi,uptotheteachingsofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Hewasthetrue incarnationofapersonwhorecitednaamhimselfandthen,persuadedotherstofollowthispath too.Hewasanexemplarymanofhisword,practicingwhathepreached.Whoevermethimwas drawntohimandinsteadofleavinghim,wasdrawncloserandclosertohim.HisSaintly personalityradiatedastrangesenseofmagneticaffectionsuchthateveryonewhometwithhim wouldthinkthathelovedthemmorethananyoneelseinthewholeworld.Drenchedinlovefor theAlmighty,hedistributedthisdivinelovetoothersaroundhim. Hiswayofteachingwassimpleandeffective.Whateverhesaidinlife,hewouldpracticeithimself. Thereisoneincidentinthisbook,thatwhiledoingprayersofSukhmaniSahibhecameacrossthe line,Hegivesfoodtothehungry.Hewantedtoknowifapersoncouldindeedsurviveonnaam alonewithoutfoodandwater.ToverifythetruthofGurbani,heexperimentedoverfortydaysby noteatingordrinkinganythingandtakingthenourishmentoftheLordsname.Lockedinhishut, heonlyrecitedthenameofGodandemergedfortydayslaterwithoutanyphysicaldetriment.I rememberaskingBabaJiwhenhestayedwithmehereinEnglandtoclarifyandexpandonthis incident.BabaJiemphaticallytoldme,Weateordranknothingforfortydays. Iwasinquisitiveandreplied,BabaJi,waterismostessentialforhumansurvival.Didntyoueven drinkwater?Ifellsilentandthoughttomyself,abouthowsomeonecouldsurvivefortydays withoutwater?BabaJireadmymindandreplied,HarbinderSinghJi,Ididnotdrinkwateroreat anythingbecauseIfeltnothirstorhungerforwaterorfood.So,toauthenticatethewordsof Gurbaniheundertookthisexperiment GodsnameismyfoodofthirtysixVaarieties Partakingofwhich,Iamsatiated.

harnaamhamaaraabhojanchhateehparkaar jitkhaaiaihamkaotaripatbhaee. (Wadhans4thGuru,page593) HewasafirmbelieverinGurbaniandoftensaid,EverywordofGurbaniistrueandwhateverI haveobtained,isfromthefeetofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.IfIhaveseenanyoneworshipping GurbaniastheembodimentofGod,thenitisSantBabaHarnamSinghJi.Startingearlyinthe morning,afterbathinghewoulddohisNitnem,naammeditationandthen,withhisownhands, washthealtarwhereSriGuruGranthSahibJiwastobeinstalled.Hewouldcleanthepalanquin; decoratetherobesandsheetsbeforeplacingSriGuruGranthSahibJioverhisheadandbringing GuruJitoenthroneuponthepedestal(ManjiSahib).Therobesandsheetswouldbeimmaculately straightandironed.Inhisoldage,hewouldstandnexttoGuruJisthronetooverseethe installationofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Beforestartinganyjob,hewouldseekthepermissionof GuruJibytakingahukamnamafromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Ifpermissionwasgranted,onlythen wouldheproceed,nomatterhowbigtheemergencywas.Ifanydevoteesoughthisadvice,he wouldnotjustgivehisopinion.HewouldseektheblessingofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandnot asserthisownego.HewouldtakethedevoteetotheGurdwaraandaskthemtodoArdasinfront ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.HewouldofferArdasbeforeeating,drinkingandbeforeundertaking anysortofactivity Maymylust,wrathaVaarice,worldlylove Andegodepart Nanakhassoughtyourprotection O,LordmydivineGuru,havemercyuponme. kaamkroDharlobhmohbinasjaaayahaNmayv. naanakparabhsarnaagateekarparsaadgurdayv.||1|| (GauriSukhmani5th,page269) Regardingthewoesofthemind,BabaJiwouldsay,makesupplicationbeforetheGuru.Every gursikhshouldcommunicatewiththegreatGuruthroughArdas.Ifanyofthefiveinstinctsoflust, wrath,greed,attachment,prideandvanitytriestooverpowerthemortal,thenthatpersonshould immediatelyengrosshimselforherselfinprayer.TheGuruwillprovidethatsoulwithshelterfrom theseinstincts.AtruebelieverishelpedandguidedthroughGurbani.Whenhewasvisiting EnglandIonceasked,BabaJi,whatistheneedtoreadGurbaniwhenwedontunderstandits meanings?BabaJireplied,GurbaniistheGuru.Ithasthepowertoilluminatethedarkness. Irepeatedmyquestiondifferentlyandsaid,IfwedonotunderstandGurbanithatweread,how willhelpus?Hereplied,If,whenreadingGurbani,youdonotfollowitsmeaning,eventhen,try tobeattentivetothewordsspoken.Whateveryouutter,listenandreadthewordsaffectionately. Then,Gurbaniautomaticallyshowsitsgreatnessandrevealsitsmeaningclearlyinduetime.The needisforpureemotionanddevotionwhenreadingandlistening.BabaJigaveutmostregardto sangat.Hewouldsay IntheSaintscongregationTheLordabides.||2|| milsatsangatkhojdasaaeevich sangatharparabhvasaijeeo.||2|| (page94)

Assuch,itwashisroutinetoservethesangatwithhisownhands.Hewouldalwayssitintherows (pangat)withtherestofsangatwhentakinglangar.Nitnemwasrecitedingroupssothatevery onebenefited.TodoNitneminagroupismorebeneficialas: Liketheazadirachtatree,abidingwithsandalwoodtree Gainsitsscent.OLord,youarethesandalwood Ihaveacquiredyourqualities jiochandansangbasainimmbirkhaa gunchandankaybaskhay.||2|| (page976) Theconsciousnessriseswhensittinginthecompanyofholypersons.Moreover,anyerrorsinyour prayersareremovedwhilstreadingGurbani. Ifsomedevoteewouldquestion ShowmethepathOSaints HowcanImeetmyLord? maidasihumaaragsantahokioparabhoomilaaeeaa. (page1098) BabaJiwouldaskthedevoteetositwithhimwhenhewasmeditating.Thedevoteewouldbetold themethodofcontrollingthemindandtechniqueofmeditation.Sometimes,toadevoteelacking inspiritualachievementorlapsedonthespiritualpath,BabaJiwouldsay,Wherethereisaguide totelltheway,thereisnoonewillingtofollowandwherethereissomeonetoaskthere,isno onetoguide!Butwhenthetwoaspectsareunitedthen,thereisnothingincompleteleft.Any devoteecouldmeethimwithoutreservations,exceptwhenhewasengrossedinhispersonal meditation.Therewasnobarriertohim.Hisdoorswerealwaysopentohelpthepoorandthe needy.Inthisworld,suchpersonsareraretofind. BabaJiwassoliberalandbroadmindedthatifsomeonecommittedanerrorandaskedfor forgiveness,feltremorseandvowedtoreformhisorherways,hewouldforgivethemthereand then.Hewouldnevermakehimconsciousofhismistakeinfuture Youarewithoutenmityand YourSaintsarepure tooNnirvairsanttayraynirmal.(page108) BabaJiwasverypunctualandkepthispromises.Irememberhepromisedafamilythathewould attendtheirbhogceremonyatRasulpurnearTandaUrmur.Thedaybeforeandontheappointed day,therewastorrentialrain.Allcommunicationscamedownandtheroadsbecameimpassable. Inthemorning,hebegantosaythathehadpromisedtobeatthebhoginRasulpur.So,afterhe hadfinishedhismorningNitnem,hesetoffonfoottothebhoginRasulpur.ThefamilyinRasulpur hadgivenuphope,thinkingthatBabaJiwouldnotcomeinthisweather.Theywereall wonderstruckwhenBabaJiarrivedandgreetedthemwiththeGurusFateh.WaheguruJika KhalsaWaheguruJikiFateh HestucktoonemoreprincipleinhislifeandthatwastoreciteBenatiChaupaiSahibatleastfive timeswhenevertravellingenroutetosomewhereandthendoArdas.Hewouldrecite27Benati ChaupaipathsfortheupliftmentanddivineprotectionoftheKhalsapanth.Hiswholelifewas

dedicatedtothiscause.Hehadtheutmostrespectfortheswordandhairconsideringthema divinegiftfromGodandGuruGobindSinghJi.Hewouldkeeptheloosehairfromcombinghishair andburnthemrespectfully. Manyotherswhofollowedgurmatandthespiritualpath,seekingtruenaamcameintoveryclose contactwithBabaJiandknewhimfarbetterthanIdid.IdidnotcomeintothecompanyofBabaJi tomeettheAlmighty.Duetosomepredestinedgooddeed,myparentssawitfittoputmeinto thecompanyofsuchaholyperson.Nodoubt,IhadthecompanyofBabaJibutremained indifferent.However,thepious,fragrantsouldidnotabandonitsnatureofspreadingthe fragranceofnaamandassuchoverlookedmydemeritsandfaults.Itwasauniqueblessingover meofthatgreatSaintthat,wheneverIfeltsad,gloomyorlonelyduetothelackofsangatinthis materialisticworld,hecametothiscountrytwicetoblessmewithhiscompany.Mymind blossomedwithpleasureandwasinbliss,recallinghiswordsasheembracedme,Ithought KakaJi(child)isverysad,soIshouldgoandseehim. WhenhelastcametoseemeinEngland,Isharedwithhimsomeincidentsofmylife,whichI couldntsharepreviously.WesatinaquietplacewherethegreatSaintblessedmewithmany boonsandblessings.Theseboonshavestoodwithmethroughthickandthininthestruggleofmy life.Whoevercameintohisaffectionateembracebecamehisthroughoutlife.Eventoday, countlessdevoteesbaptisedwhenBabaJiwashere,areseeninhighspiritseverreadyandfirmin theirGursikhresolve.ThesedevoteestrulybearwitnesstotheGuruswordsthat Theholymansaveshimself Saveshisentirelineage Andreformshislifetoo aaptaraikulsaglaytaaraygurmukhjanamsavaarniaa.||3|| (page125) Asisthelawofnature,thisphysicalbodydoesnotlastforever.Hedepartedfortheheavenly abode,livinganddyingintheGuruswill Aswatermingleswithwater Separatesnotagain jiojaljalmehpaisnaniksai (page692) And Nodoubttheveilofsomeonehasslipped Outofthehand Butthelinkofthatthoughtneversnaps Thelinkandshelterofthehumanbodymaynotremainbutthebondofblissfulthoughtsdoesnot fade.Itisstrengthenedthroughteachingsandspokenwords.WecansayaboutthegreatSaints Blestisthelineage,blestthefatherand BlestthemotherwhogavebirthtoGodsslave They,whowitheachbreathandmorsel RemembertheLordGod,thosemenofGod

Lookbeauteousinthetruecourt DhansovansDhansopitaaDhansomaataajinjanjanay. jinsaasgiraasDhiaaiaamayraaharhar saysaacheedargehharjanbanay.||3|| (page1135) Intheend,Ihumblypraytoallgursikhs,whohadthecompanyofthegreatSaint,wereinspired andmettheAlmighty,toblessmewiththeboontocarryonthegursikhwayoflifewithdevotion andhumility untomylastbreath Givemeyourblessings,ofriends!That Imayattainunionwithmymaster. dayhsajanaseesrheeaajiohovaisaahibsiomayl.||3|| (page12) Humbleservant HarbinderSinghDhillon 43ParkHallRoad,Wolverhampton,U.K

ikoNkaarsatnaamkartaapurakhnirbhaonirvairakaal mooratajooneesaibhaNgurparsaad. SUHIMAHLLAFIFTHGURU bhaagtharhayharsanttusmHaarayjinHgharDhanharnaamaa. parvaanganeesayeeihaaaysafaltinaakaykaamaa.||1|| mayrayraamharjankaihaobaljaaee. kaysaakaakarchavardhulaavaacharanDhoorhmukhlaaee.||1||rahaao|| janammaranduhhoomehnaaheejanparupkaareeaaay. jeeadaandaybhagteelaainharsiolainmilaaay.||2|| sachaaamarsacheepaatisaaheesachaysayteeraatay. sachaasukhsacheevadiaaeejiskaysaytinjaatay.||3|| pakhaafayreepaaneedhovaaharjankaipeesanpeeskamaavaa. naanakkeeparabhpaasbaynanteetayrayjandaykhanpaavaa.||4||7||54|| YourSaintsareveryfortunate;theirhomesarefilledwiththewealthoftheLordsName. Theirbirthisapproved,andtheiractionsarefruitful.||1|| OmyLord,IamasacrificetothehumbleservantsoftheLord. Imakemyhairintoafan,andwaveitoverthem;Iapplythedustoftheirfeettomyface. ||1||Pause|| Thosegenerous,humblebeingsareabovebothbirthanddeath. Theygivethegiftofthesoul,andpracticedevotionalworship;theyinspireotherstomeetthe Lord.||2|| Truearetheircommands,andtruearetheirempires;theyareattunedtotheTruth. Trueistheirhappiness,andtrueistheirgreatness.TheyknowtheLord,towhomtheybelong. ||3|| Iwavethefanoverthem,carrywaterforthem,andgrindcornforthehumbleservantsofthe Lord. NanakoffersthisprayertoGodplease,grantmethesightofYourhumbleservants. ||4||7||54|| (ang748749)

1BIRTHANDEARLYCHILDHOOD SantBabaHarnamSinghJiwasbornin1897duringthemonthofAsarh(Nameofthelunarmonth thatfallsbetweenmidjunetomidjuly)atvillageDhuggaKalan,districtHoshiarpur,Punjab.This sacredsoulwasthethirdbornsonofdeeplyreligiousandGursikh(TruefolloweroftheGuru) parentsbythenameofSardarAccherSinghJiandBibiNarainKaurJi.BabaJisfatherwasafarmer andbothhisparentswereofapiousandgentlenature.BabaJihadthreebrothersandtwosisters. HiseldestbrotherwasS.MeharSingh,secondeldestS.TaraSinghandyoungestwasS.Lachhman Singh.HistwosisterswereBibiJawaliJiandBibiRukmanKaurJi. BabaJisfatherusedtocarryouthisfamilydutiesandresponsibilitieswithgreatinvolvementand workedhardwithhonesty,whilsttheirmotherusedtolookafterthefamily.BabaJismotherused torisewellbeforedawnandafterbathingwouldgotothevillageGurdwara(theplaceof congregationforSikhs,literallytheresidenceoftheGuru)toprayandreceiveGodsblessings.She wouldcarryoutallherhouseholdchoresanddutieswhilstrecitingMoolmantar(Thefirstwords ofGurbanifromIkonkartoNanakHosiBhiSach)allthetime. S.AccherSinghJiwastrulydevotedtoWaheguru(ThewonderfulteacherthatisGod).Hewould gotothegurdwaraeverydayonthewaytohisfarm.SuchwashisdevotiontoGodthatevery sangrand(thefirstdayofeveryIndianmonth)hewouldgotoKangmai(historicalGurdwaraof BhaiManjhJinearDasuya,Hoshiarpur)gurdwara,takingfoodandmilkforLangar(thefreefood thatisdistributedatallGurdwaras)onhiscart.Hewouldtakeotherpeoplefromthevillagealong withhimtolistentoKirtan(singingofhymnsfromSikhscriptures)andkatha(discourse, explanationofthescriptures).Asachild,BabaJiwouldoftengetthechancetogowithhisfather toKangmaiGurdwara. BabaJismotherhadspecificallyinstructedhimto,Alwayswalkwithduecareandcaution,lest westeponsmallinsectsandants.ShewouldinstructBabaJinottodisturbbirdsnestsorbreak theireggs.Hewasalsotoldnottostealorquarrelwithothers.Intheevening,withoutfail,Baba Jisfatherwouldtellthemareligiousstoryfromourscriptures.Inthismanner,therighteous teachingsandconducttaughtbyBabaJisparentshelpedtounravelhisSaintlydisposition.From earlychildhood,BabaJisdesirewastobecomeaSaintandimbibetheholyteachingsofGuru NanakDevSahibJi.Withencouragementfromhisfather,BabaJiwouldtrytorecitetheMool mantarcontinuously.BabaJiwaslessinterestedinplayingwithchildrenthoughhewouldenjoy physicalexerciseinordertokeepfit.Hehadastrongandsolidbuild,whichwouldallowhimto overcomehiscompanionsinsportwithease. Attheturnofthecentury,fewresourceswereavailableforeducationandschoolswereonly foundinbigcities.Consequently,BabaJiwasunabletoreceiveschoolingoreducationduetoa lackofschoolsinhisarea.However,aswasthecommonpracticeinthosedays,thevillage GurdwarapriestwouldteachGurmukhi(ThewrittenscriptofPunjabi)andGurbani(Thewordof GodspokenorwrittenbytheGuru)tothechildren.BabaJisintensedesirewastolearngurmukhi script,sothathecouldreadandreciteGurbaniassoonaspossible.Tothisend,BabaJilearntto readandreciteGurbanifromtheGurdwaraGranthi(TheSikhpriest).Thus,hewasabletoacquire agoodcommandofPunjabitoread,studyandunderstandourscripturesandhistoricalbooks.

2MARRIAGE Aswastheageoldtradition,parentsusuallybetrothedtheirchildrenatayoungage.Attheageof abouteight,BabaJisparentsarrangedhismarriagetoBibiGianKaurofanearbyvillagecalled NangalBoorayJattan(Distt.Hoshiarpur).BabaJiusedtosaythathepleadedwithhismother, Dearmother!IrequestnottobemarriedasIdonotwishtobecomeafamilyman.Hisrequest notwithstanding,themarriagetookplaceattheinsistenceofBabaJisparents,asiftocompletea preordaineddestiny. Alittleoverayearhadpassed,BibiGianKaurhadnotevenvisitedBabaJishouseatDhugga villageasecondtime,whenshefellvictimtoplagueandpassedawaytoherheavenlyabode.Baba JisparentsinlawapproachedS.AccherSinghJiwithaviewtobetroththeiryoungerdaughterto BabaJi.WhenBabaJicametoknowofthisnewdevelopment,hefirmlyandwithgreat determinationdeclinedtheoffertohismother,Idontwishtobeafamilymanatall.Ifyoutryto marrymeagain,thisbridetoo,willnotlivelong.So,pleasedroptheideaofgettingmemarried. BabaJisfirmandpropheticwordsmeltedhismotherssentimentsandshedulydeclinedthe matchproposedbytheinlaws.BabaJispentallhislifeasachaste,celibate,Saintsoldier, attuninghisconsciousmindtotheGuruslotusfeet.Thus,hefulfilledtheGuruswords Hewhoseeyesgazenotuponthebeautyofotherswives, WhoservestheholyandbearslovetotheSaints, Whowithhisears,hearsnotslanderofanyone, Whodeemshimselftheworstofall, WhobyGurusgracerenounceswickedness, Whobanisheshismindsdesiresfromhissouland Whoconquershislustandisfreefromthefivesinfulinstincts, Nanak,oneamongstmillions,thereisscarcely Suchaperson,abovetheseworldlyattractions. partariaroopnapaykhainaytar. saaDhkeetahalsatsanghayt. karannasunaikaahookeenindaa. sabhtayjaanaiaapaskaomandaa. gurparsaadbikhiaaparharai. mankeebaasnaamantaytarai. indreejitpanchdokhtayrahat. naanakkotmaDhaykoaisaaapras.||1|| (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page274)

3INSERVICEOFANUDASISAINT UdasianorderofasceticSaints,followersofBabaSiriChandJi,oldersonofGuruNanakDevJi. Theylivewithoutworldlypossessionsandrenounceownershipofallthingsandmeditate. Asdescribed,fromanearlyage,BabaJiwasdeterminednottofollowaconventionalmarriedlife andwantedtodevotehiswholelifeefforttoattainGod,bybecomingasadhu(ascetic,Saintwho renouncesworldlypossessionsasawayoflifetoattainGod).Duringthesedays,twomenfrom BabaJisvillagelefttheirhomestobecomesadhus,butwithinayear,hadreturnedhome, disenchanted.Nosoonerhadoneofthemcomehomethanhestartedworkingbackinhisfields, farmingtheland.Thesecondmancamehomeandforaboutsixmonthsthereafter,setabout givingholy,consecratedashesfromhiscampfiretotroubledpeople,supposedlytobringthem goodfortuneandwardoffbadspiritsandomens.Afterawhile,hetoogaveuphisasceticrobes, gotmarriedandstartedworking.BabaJiusedtosaythatlookingatthesesocalledsadhus,used toarouseasenseofgrievanceagainstsadhusandmadehimquestion:thatifafteracoupleof yearsoneistogiveintoworldlypleasuresandmaterialattachment,thenwhatistheuseof leavingandrenouncingyourhomeinthefirstplace?Surely,itismoreworthwhiletoremainat home,goaboutyourdailychoresrememberingGod,byensrininghisnameinyourheart.Inside BabaJi,therewasadeepyearningtomeetGod.Tofulfilhislonging,hissoulneededguidance. WheneverBabaJicametoknowofanyholySaintsvisitinghisarea,hewouldgotomeetthem.He wouldkeenlyobservetheirwayofliving,demeanourandmeditation,inordertogainaninsightto thepathofsalvation.Duringthesedays,onesuchUdasisadhunamedSantokhDasscametoBaba Jisvillage.Hesetupcampinadesertedoldtomb,besideapondoutsidethevillage.Atfirst,Baba Jididnotgotoseethesadhu.Onedayitstartedtorain,butthesadhusatwithgreatpoise throughtherainanddidnotgetuptogointothevillagetobegforfoodorshelter.Itrained continuouslyforthreedaysandBabaJiobservedthesadhufromadistanceeverymorningand evening,tocheckifthesadhuhadperhapsleftthetomb.Thesadhu,truetohisname (Santokhmeanscontentedandpatient)hadremainedsteadfastforthethreedaysandhis fortitudeimpressedBabaJideeply. BabaJiimmediatelygatheredsomedrywood,foodandwaterfromhomeandbroughtthemto thesadhu.BabaJimadeasmallfireandservedfoodtothesadhu,bringingmuchjoyand satisfactiontoBabaJisheart.AnygrievanceBabaJihadagainstsuchasceticsadhusvanished fromhismind,afterwitnessingthepatientandcontentedactionsofSantokhDass. Eachdayinthemorningandevening,BabaJiwouldtakefoodanddryfirewoodforthesadhu. Sincetherewasnofreshwateratthetomb,BabaJiwouldcarryasmanybucketsofwaterthe sadhurequestedfromthevillagetothetomb.BabaJiwouldsitawhilewiththesadhu,learnabout meditationandtherestofthetimehewouldhelphisfatherfarmtheland.Hewouldworkharder thanhisbrotherstohelphisfatherploughthefields.Inthisway,theGurbaniofBhagatNamdevJi wasfulfilled Withyourhandsandfeet Performallyourdailywork Butletyourmindbeattuned WiththeimmaculateLord. haathpaaokarkaamsabhcheetniranjannaal. (BhagatNamdevJi,page1376)

BabaJiwouldfulfilhisfamilyobligationsandcarryouthisspiritualdutyofmeditation. AsGuruNanakDevJihadfedsomehungrysadhusasachild,sothisgreatSaintsoldierofGuru NanakDevJiservedtheUdasisadhufoodandwater.BabaJiservedthesadhuoutofrespectbut didnotservehimwiththeintentionofbecominganUdasisadhu.Allthewhile,heremained steadfastinhisbeliefsandatruefollowerofGurmat(ThepathshownbyGreatGurus). Throughouttheday,hewouldrecitetheGurmantar(WAHEGURU)andMoolmantar. AfterafewyearsofservingsadhuSantokhDas,thesadhutriedtotemptBabaJitofollowhisways ofmeditation.SantokhDastriedtoconvinceBabaJi,Recitesomemysticalcharmsforforty consecutivedaysandyouwillberewardedwithmiraculouspowerssuchascommandingthe spiritsofHinduGodslikeHanumanandBhairon,whowillfulfilyoureverywishandcommand. BabaJideclinedthisoffersaying,IyearntomeetWaheguruAlmightyGod,thecreatorandnot hiscreation.Idontwanttofollowthepathofwealthandmiracles,becausethesemystical powersenticeyouintogreedandattachment,thustakingapersonawayfromGod.AsBhagat KabirJisays Kabirhasmademanydisciplesandfollowers, But,hasnotmadeGodhisfriend. HehadsetouttomeetGod But,hismind,betrayedhimhalfway. kabeersikhsaakhaabahutaykeeaykaysokeeonameet. chaalaythayharmilankaobeechaiatkiocheet.||96|| (BhagatKabir,page1369).

4DISENCHANTMENTWITHSADHUSANTOKHDASS Forelevenlongyears,withoutfailBabaJiservedtheUdasiSaint.Onedaywhilstworkinginthe fields,anintensethoughtoverwhelmedhim,whoamI?Leavinghisworkaside,hesatdownand thought,Iamnotjustamerebody,someconsciousforcewithin,isdrivingme.Withthis thoughtinmind,hedecidedtoaskthesadhuaboutthisquestionandsetofftomeethim immediately. Uponarrivingatthetomb,hebowedrespectfullytothesadhuandaskedhim,WhoamI?The holysadhulistenedintentlybutremainedsilent.Afterashortperiodheanswered,Harnam Singh!Ifyouwishtoknowtheanswertoyourquestionthenbecomemydisciple,byputtingashin yourhair.(Itisnoteworthythatasamarkofrenouncingworldlypossessionsandattachments disciplesoftheUdasicultrubashesintotheirhairandbody).BabaJi,beingaSikh,hadimmense respectforhisunshornhair(kesh),whichisthegloriouscrowngiftedtoaSikhbyAlmightyGod. Hewasdeeplyhurtbythesadhusrequestandthought,Surely,thissadhuthinksofmeasaSikh, whichIamindeed.Ihavemistakenlybeenservingthissadhu,thinkinghimtobewithoutprejudice foranyone.SurelyhediscriminatesbetweenaSikhandanUdasi. BabaJirepliedimmediately,Iservedyou,thinkingyoutobewithoutprejudice,treatingall humanityasone.Ifyoucananswermyquestionwithoutmakingmeadiscipleandrubbingashin myhair,thenpleasedoso.Otherwise,IamnotreadytobeadiscipleorrubashonmyGodgiven giftofkesh.ItisbetterthatIdonotaskyouforspiritualguidanceinthefuture. Fromthatdayonwards,anyhopethatBabaJihadofgettingspiritualguidancefromSadhu SantokhDaswasbroken.Disillusioned,hismainstayandonlyhopeforspiritualguidancenowwas Waheguru Nanak,mymainstayofhopeisthecreatoralone AndIhaverenouncedallotherhopes||2||10||19|| naanaktaykbhaeekartaykeehoraasbidaaneelaahee.||2||10||19|| (Gujri5thGuru,page499)

5SPIRITUALGUIDANCEFROMSIKHSAINTS DisenchantedwiththeadvicefromtheUdasisadhu,BabaJibegansearchingforcontemporary SikhSaintstoquenchhisthirstforspiritualknowledgeandenlightenment.BabaJiwashopingto findaSikhSaintwhohadattainedenlightenmentandunionwithWaheguru.Furthermore,he hopedthatsuchaSaintcouldvouchforthespiritualblissobtainedbymeditationonGurbani. Afteragreatdealofsearching,BabaJicouldfindnoSikhSaintwhowouldgivesuchaguarantee, becausealltheSaintswouldimparttheirspiritualknowledgeaboutSikhdharmaonlyonthe conditionthatonebecameadiscipleoftheirwayoflife.ItwasasifalltheseSaintsusedthe spiritualknowledgeofGuruGranthSahibJitofurthertheirownname.ManyatimeBabaJiwould spenddaysdiscussingtheimportanceofGuruGranthSahibJibeingthewordofGodtheonly trueGuru.However,theseSaintswouldnotgiveuptheirinsistenceonbelievinginalivingperson tobetheGuru.BabaJiwassteadfastinhisbeliefthatGuruGobindSinghJihadenthronedGuru GranthSahibJiastheGuruoftheSikhs.HeinstructedusthatthewordofGod(shabad)isthe spiritualteacher(Guru)andnottoplaceourfaithinlivingGurus.Furthermore,BabaJithought tohimselfthatoncealivingGurudies,onewouldneedtogolookingforanotherGurutoreplace thefirstone.BabaJiknewthatallSikhssingthepraiseofGuruGranthSahibJiattheendofthe Ardaswithloveanddevotionthat ByorderofthetimelessWahegurustartedthisenlightenedpath AllSikhsareorderedthatyourGuruistheGranth InGuruGranthJibelieve,itisthemanifestationofalltenGurus WhosoeverwishestoglimpseGodfindhimenshrinedintheword. Aagyabhaeeakaalkeetabheechalayopunth Subhsikhunkohukamhaigurumaanyogrunth (PanthParkash.GianiGianSingh) Thisdivineorderofour10thspiritualmaster,GuruGobindSinghJi,invokestheultimatetruththat GuruGranthSahibJiisindeedthewordofGodforustofollowandbelieve.IfweSikhsdonot followtheordersofourfather,thenwhoelsewillfollowthem?Furthermore,ourfourthGuru, GuruRamDasJigivesustheorderoftheAlmightyWaheguruthat ThewordofGod,(Gurbani)istheGuru, TheGuru,isthewordofGod, WithinGurbani,isembodiedthewholenectarofimmortality, IfthefolloweractsuponthemessageenjoinedinGurbani, TheGuruinpersonsavesthefollowerofGurbani baneegurooguroohaibaneevichbaneeamritsaaray. gurbaneekahaisayvakjanmaanaipartakhguroonistaaray.||5|| (Nat,4thGuru,page982) And ThewordofGod,shabad,ishisGuruandspiritualguide, Profoundandunfathomable. Withouttheshabad,thisworldhasgoneinsane. sabadgurpeeraagahirgambheeraabinsabdaijagbauraanaN. (Sorath1stGuru,page635)

And ThetrueGuruistheword AndthewordisthetrueGuru Theholywordshowsthewaytoemancipation. satgurbachanbachanhaisatgurpaaDharmukatjanaavaigo.||5|| (Kanra5thGuru,p1309) And ThewordismyGuru,uponwhom Thisdiscipleattuneshisconsciousness sabadguroosuratDhunchaylaa. (Sidhgosht,1stGuru,page943) ManydivineordersaretobefoundinGuruGranthSahibJiwhichstateGurbanithewordofGod, isthetrueGuruorspiritualguide.BabaJisawallmankindasbrethrenanddislikedtheideaof havingspiritualmastersanddisciples.BabaJiexperiencedfurtherdisappointmentthroughhis meetingswithVariousSaints.Havinglosthishopeinworldly,spiritualguides,hislastandonly hopeofenlightenmentlayinWahegurualone,hefelt OmysoulgraspthesupportoftheoneLord Forsakehopeofallothers ONanakmeditatingonnaam,thenameoftheLord Youraffairswillberesolved Dharjeearayiktayktoolaahibidaaneeaas. naanaknaamDhiaaeeaikaarajaavairaas.||1|| (Gauri5thGuru,page257) OMymind!PlaceyourhopeinGod,yourbeloved Whoshallcarryyouacrossandsaveallyourfamily? mayraymanaaskarharpareetamapunaykee jotujhtaaraitayraakutambsabhchhadaaee.||2|| (Gond4thGuru,page859)

6TAKINGSHELTEROFGURUGRANTHSAHIBJI Whenhissearchforenlightenmentprovedfruitless,BabaJiwasmovedtodeepsadness.Twoor threedayspassedwithhimstrickenwithgrief,unabletoanswerhisquestion.Atlast,hewentto theGurdwarainhisvillage.SriGuruGranthSahibJiwasenthronedandwithutmosthumility,he bowedandprayedinfrontofGuruJi.AsGuruRamDasJiuttered NowIhavecometoyoumyLordmaster,weary NowthatIhavesoughtyoursanctuary OmyLordmaster,itisuptoyoutosavemeorslayme.Pause Cleverwordsandpraisesofpeople,Ihaveburntinafire, WhetherIampraisedasgoodorcalledbad Ihavesurrenderedmybodyandbeingtoyou MyLordmaster,whoeverseeksyourrefuge Mercifullydoyoupreservehimwithyourgrace Nanakyourservanthasenteredthysanctuary, OvenerableLord,Preservemyhonour. Abhamchaleethaakurpehhaar. jabhamsaranparabhookeeaaeeraakhparabhoobhaavaimaar lokankeechaturaaeeupmaataybaisantarjaar. koeebhalaakahaobhaavaiburaa kahaohamtandeeohaidhaar.||1|| joaavatsaranthaakurparabhtumreetisraakhokirpaaDhaar. jannaanaksarantumaareeharjeeoraakholaajmuraar.||2||4|| (DevGandhari,4thGuru,page52728) AndasthefifthGuruArjanDevJisays AllotherhavensIhaveseen Yourshelteristheonlyonethatremainsforme. avarotmaisagleedaykheeiktayreeotrahaaeeai.||3|| (Sorath,5thGuru,page62425) OtrueGod,Ihaveabandonedallhopeandnowpresentmyselfinfrontofyoutoseeksanctuary. Pleaseblessandgrantmerefugebymergingmeintoyourform.FromnowonIwillnotleaveyour havenorspreadmyhandsinfrontofanothertoaskforspiritualboons,beseechedBabaJi.Baba JiusedtotellusthathecouldntrememberhowlonghespentinlovingprayerinfrontofGuruJi. Inthisdeepstateofsupplication,BabaJiheardavoicesay,HarnamSingh!Takeamritand becomeonewiththeGuru.Youwillacquirethestateofblissyoucraveandyearnfor.Donotbe dejected.Thiswasit!Henceforth,BabaJisquestionwasansweredandhisyearningdesireto meetthetrueGurugaineddirection.Afewdayslater,BabaJitravelledtoTakhatSriKeshgarh Sahib(Anandpur)takingamritfromthefivebelovedones(panjpyaras).Thus,hesetoffonhis gursikhjourneyasGuruJidescribes Deargursikhfriend,doasyourGurubids Andfollowhisrighteoussteps gursikhmeetchalhugurchaalee. (Dhanasari4thGuru,)

NowBabaJihadreceivedtrueguidancefromGod.Hewasexcitedandeagerallthewhiletoseea visionofAlmightyWaheguru.BabaJiwouldrisewellbeforedawnandaftertakingabath,would recitehissacredNitnem(RecitationoffivepartsofGurbani(JAPJI,JAAPSAHIB,CHOPAEE, SWAYIAS,ANANDSAHIB)inthemorningandREHRAS,KIRTANSOHLAintheevening). Hethenperformedalldutiesandtasksgiventohimbyhisbrothers.BabaJisfatherpassedaway whenhewasagedtensoallthebrothersworkedandfarmedthelandtogether.Hewouldcarry onrecitingtheMoolmantarwhilstworking.IfforsomereasonhecouldntreciteMoolmantar,he wouldstartrepeatingtheGurmantarWaheguru.Thus,hiseverybreathwascapturedin meditationoftheLordandeverybreathwastingedwithlovingremembranceofGod.Allthetime, BabaJisyearningtomeetwithWahegurugrewmoreintense,likethepangsofseparationfeltby awifelongseparatedfromherhusband.Thisyearningwelledupadeepfeltprayerfromhissoul that MybelovedLord,Ipraiseyouever, AslongasIhavebreathinmybody, IfIforgetyouevenforamoment, Ideemitequaltofiftyyears. harjeeotuDhnosadaasaalaaheepiaaray jicharghatantarhaisaasaa. ikpalkhinvisrahitoosuaameejaanaobaraspachaasaa. (Sorath,3rdGuru,page601) Now,thepainofseparationfromGodAlmightywasunbearable,GuruJi,separationfromyouis worsethantorturewithpincersusedtoclinchflesh.OmercifulLord,unionwithyoualonecan turnthisunbearablepainintotheblissofyourglimpse.SodearGod,blessmeandshoweryour graceuponme,prayedBabaJi,withdeepdevotionandhope Thepincersofseparationarehardtobear Ifonlythemasterwouldcometomethen, ONanakIwouldthenattainalltruecomforts vichhohayjamboorkhavaynavanjangaakhrhay. jaysoDhaneemilannnaanaksukhsamboohsach.||1|| (Mohalla5thGuru,page520)

7THEWILLPOWEROFBABAJI BabaJiusedtomentionthatduringtheyearshespentservingsadhuSantokhDasinhisvillage, onedayhecasuallytoldBabaJithat,Whenayouthstepsintomanhood,heshouldlowerhisgaze, asamarkofhumility.Forthosewhodonot,areoftendeceivedbywhattheysee.Thesadhus wordsbecameengravedonBabaJisheart.WhenBabaJiwasreturninghomethatday,ayoung ladywasturningthecornerintothestreet.UponseeingBabaJi,thisyoungladypulledherveil overherface,aswasthecustominthosedays(asameasureofmodestyyoungwomenwould coverthemselvesinfrontofmen).BabaJithought,Thiswomancoveredherfaceinmypresence becausesheconsidersmetobegrownup.Imustthereforebehavelikeanelderandlowermy gaze. Thenextday,whenBabaJiwasgoingtowardsthefieldstowork,arespectableelderfromthe villagesawhimpassingandcalledouttoBabaJi.Oncallinghimoverhesaid,HarnamSingh,I needtoadviseyouonamatter.Donottakeitwrongly.BabaJirepliedverypolitely,BapuJi(A respectablewordusedforgenerallyoldmenoutofaffection;fatherorfatherly),pleasesaywhat youmustwithouthesitation,Itrustitwillbeformybenefitonly. Theoldgentlemansaid,Mansyouthislikeafloodedriverofemotions.Ifonelosestheir footholdinthewater,youarecarriedwiththewaterandonlygoodfortuneofyourdestinycan saveyou.Youaredeeplyreligious,eveninyouryouth.Bevigilantofthemindandcarefulofyour emotions.Donotlookuponanyonewithvanityorlust.Thatsall!Thisaloneisthewaytosave yourselffrommisdeeds.ThisadvicefromtheelderreinforcedBabaJisearlierconviction. Miraculously,theoldmanswordssankdeeplyandfirmlyintohisbeing.ThisincidentgaveBabaJi suchgreatfortitudeandwillpowerthat,forthe34yearshelivedamongsthisfamilyandthe village,heneverlookeduponanotherwomanwithbadintentions.Hewouldgoabouthisdaily work,inandaroundhishousewithhisgazelowered,inrespectandhumility.Asaresult,ofthis thinking,lustfulthoughtswouldneverariseinhismindorcloudhisconscience.Exceptforhis mother,BabaJiwouldavoidtrivialchitchatwithotherwomen.Thus,inhisbehaviour,hefulfilled thewordsofBhagatNamdevJi Hewhoforsakesanotherswealth Hewhoforsakesanotherswoman Nearhimalonedoes God(themanlion)abide parDhanpardaaraaparharee. taakainikatbasainarharee (BhagatNamdevJi,page1163) And Hewhoseeyesgazenot Uponthebeautyofanotherswife WhoservestheholySaintslovingly taakainikatbasainarharee saaDhkeetahalsatsanghayt. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page274)

TheselinesofGurbanibecamethepillarsofBabaJischastity.Hedidnotfeelanytemptationfrom desires,inattainingspiritualheights.Hebelievedthattheeyesplayamajorroleinmakingour mindwanderoutside.Whateveramanseeswithhiseyes,isreceivedbythemindandunderthe attractionofmaterialisticthings,themindthenwandersoutwardly.Themorewetrytocontrol thisextrovertnatureofthemind,thequickerwellbeabletoconcentrateourmindonmeditation. Allspiritualachievementsareproportionaltotheconcentrationofourmind.Itisessentialthatthe mindbecontrolled,byrestrainingtheeyes.

8RELOCATINGFROMDHUGGATOSARGODHA BynowBabaJiwastwentyoneyearsold.Ataboutthistime,BabaJiseldestbrother,BhaiTara SinghboughtsomefarmlandinavillagecalledChak119nearSargodha(thisisnowinPakistan). Thewholefamily,includingBabaJi,movedfromtheirancestralvillageDhugga,todistrict SarGodha.Ontheirnewfarm,allfourbrothers(fifthBrotherofBabaJiwasBhaiMeharSinghwho diedin1914infirstworldwar),includingBabaJiwoulduseoxentoploughthefieldsfromdawn untiltheevening.Hewouldthencomehomewithhisbrothersandpreparefodderforthecattle byhand,asinthosedays,therewerenomachinestoprepareandshredthehay. Afterthedayshardwork,hewouldwashandbathebeforehiseveningmeal.Thereafter,BabaJi wouldgotoanearbycanalashortdistancefromthevillagewhereitwasquiet,torecitehis eveningprayerofRehras.HewouldthenmeditateontheGurmantarandMoolmantarlateinto thenight.Ifhefeltdrowsy,duetotirednessfromhisdaytimework,hewouldsplashwaterinhis eyes,tokeepawake.Failingthis,ifhestillfeltlethargic,hewouldstandinthecoldwaterofthe canalandcarryonwithhissimran(recitationorremembrance).Whenhefeltcold,hewouldclimb out,sitbesidethecanal,crossleggedontheground,andcarryonwithhissimran.Byabout midnight,hewouldreturnhomeandrest.Hewouldsleepforaboutthreehours.Thenhewould getup,bathe,andrecitehismorningNitnem.Hewouldthengetreadytohelphisbrotherswith thetasksofploughingandfarming.BabaJiusedtosaythattherewasntasingledaythathe laggedbehindhisbrothersingettingupforwork.GuruJisgracewassuchthatinduecourse,his needtosleepwassolittlethatevenafewmomentsofshuteyeduringthenightwasenoughsleep fortheday.WithGodsgrace,BabaJiwouldfeelnophysicalormentalfatiguedespitesolittle sleep. Atabout5oclock,hewouldpickuptheploughandheadtowardsthefarmwithhisbrothers.All fourbrotherswouldploughthefieldsinalineandBabaJiwouldkeephisoxeninbetweenthe others.Inonehand,hewouldhavehisrosaryandtheothertheploughhandle.Hewouldspeak verylittle,unlesshewasspokento.Theoxenwouldcarryonfollowingtheoxeninfront,whilst BabaJiwouldbesowingtheseedofGodswordthroughrecitation.Thus,BabaJifulfilledthe wordsofGurbani Makeyourmindtheplough, Gooddeedsthejoboffarming Makeyourbodythefield, WateritwiththeVirtueofmodesty, SowtheseedoftheLordsname, Contentmenttheimplementtotillthesoil, Andthegarbofhumilitythefence.Pause. manhaaleekirsaaneekarneesarampaaneetankhayt. naambeejsantokhsuhaagaarakhgareebeevays. (Sorath1stGuru,page595) Whilstploughing,BabaJiwouldrecitemanyshabads(hymns)manytimes.Hewouldrecite32 rosariesadayofoneparticularhymn.Thenafterfortydaysofrecitingtheshabad,hewould pledgethiseffortthroughArdas(asupplication)totheGuruandstartonanothershabad.Atall othertimes,hewouldmeditateontheMoolmantar(fromIkonkartoNanakHosiBhiSach). Amongsomeoftheshabadsthathewouldrecitewere

Remainsteadyinthehomeofyourownself, ObelovedservantoftheLord. TheTrueGurushallresolveallyouraffairs.Pause| TheTranscendentLordhasstruckdownthewickedandtheevil. TheCreatorhaspreservedthehonourofHisservant. Thekingsandemperorsareallunderhispower; Hedrinksdeeplyofthemostsublime EssenceoftheAmbrosialNaam. MeditatefearlesslyontheLordGod. JoiningtheSaadhSangat,theCompanyof TheHoly,thisgiftisgiven. NanakhasenteredtheSanctuaryofGod, TheInnerknower,theSearcherofhearts; HegraspstheSupportofGod,hisLordandMaster. thirgharbaishuharjanpiaaray. satgurtumraykaajsavaaray.||1||rahaao. thirgharbaishuharjanpiaaray. satgurtumraykaajsavaaray.||1||rahaao. dusatdootparmaysarmaaray. jankeepaijrakheekartaaray.||1|| baadisaahsaahsabhvaskardeenay. amritnaammahaaraspeenay.||2|| nirbhaohoaybhajahubhagvaan. saaDhsangatmilkeenodaan.||3|| saranparayparabhantarjaamee. naanakotpakreeparabhsuaamee.||4||108|| (Gauri5thGuru,page201) And TheRestorerofwhatwastakenaway, TheLiberatorfromcaptivity; TheFormlessLord,theDestroyerofpain. Idonotknowaboutkarmaandgooddeeds; IdonotknowaboutDharmaandrighteousliving. Iamsogreedy,chasingafterMaya. IgobythenameofGodsdevotee; Please,savethishonourofyours. ODearLord,Youarethehonourofthedishonoured. Youmaketheunworthyonesworthy, OmyLordoftheUniverse; IamasacrificetoYourAlmightycreativepower.Pause Likethechild,innocentlymakingthousandsofmistakes Hisfatherteachesandscoldshimmanytimes, Butstill,hehugshimcloseinhisembrace. Pleaseforgivemypastactions,God, Andplacemeonyourpathforthefuture. TheLord,theInnerknower,theSearcherofhearts, Knowsallaboutmystateofmind;

So,whomelseshouldIgotoandspeakto? TheLordoftheUniverse,isnotpleased Bymererecitationofwords; IfitispleasingtoHisWill,Hepreservesourhonour. Ihaveseenallothershelters, Butyoursaloneremainsforme. Becomingkindandcompassionate, GodtheLordandMasterHimselflistenstomyprayer. HeunitesmeinUnionwiththePerfectTrueGuru, Andallthecaresandanxietiesofmymindaredispelled. TheLordhasplacedthemedicineofNaamintomymouth; ServantNanakabidesinpeace. gaeebahorhbandeechhorhnirankaardukhdaaree. karamnajaanaaDharamnajaanaalobheemaaiaaDhaaree. naampariobhagatgovindkaaihraakhopaijtumaaree.||1|| harjeeonimaaniaatoomaan. nicheejiaacheejkaraymayraagovindtayreekudratkao kurbaan.rahaao jaisaabaalakbhaaaysubhaaeelakhapraaDhkamaavai. karupdaysjhirhkaybahobhaateebahurhpitaagallaavai. pichhlayaogunbakhaslaayparabhaagaimaaragpaavai.||2|| harantarjaameesabhbiDhjaanaitaakispehaakhsunaaeeai. kahnaikathannabheejaigobindharbhaavaipaijrakhaaeeai. avarotmaisagleedaykheeiktayreeotrahaaeeai.||3|| hoaydaiaalkirpaalparabhthaakuraapaysunaibaynantee. pooraasatgurmaylmilaavaisabhchookaimankeechintee. harharnaamavkhadmukhpaaiaajannaanaksukhvasantee. (Sorath5thGuru,page624) And Veryfortunateandmodestarethebrides WhomeetwiththeirLord,theking ThroughtheirGuru. Thedivinelightshineswithinthem AndtheymergeinthenameoftheLord. vadbhaageeaasohaaganeejinHaagurmukhmiliaaharraaay. antarjotpargaaseeaanaanaknaamsamaaay.||1|| vadbhaageeaasohaaganeejinHaagurmukhmiliaaharraaay. antarjotpargaaseeaanaanaknaamsamaaay.||1|| (Salok5thGuru,page1421) And God,isthenourisher Godgivessalvation God,isbenevolent God,islimitless God,destroyerofall

God,creatorofall God,withoutname God,beyondtemptations. Gobindaymukundayudaarayapaaray Hurryungkurryungnirnaamayakaamay Chachrichhand(JaapSahib) And Excruciatingpain,countlesskillings,reincarnation, Povertyandterriblemiseryarealldestroyed BymeditatinginremembranceontheLordsName, ONanak,justasfirereducespilesofhaytoashes. ghordukhyaNanikhatyaNjanamdaaridaraNmahaabikhyaadN. mitantsagalsimrantharnaamnaanakjaisaypaavakkaasatbhasmaNkarot.||18|| (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1355) And TheSupremeLordGodhasprotectedmyheadandforehead; TheTranscendentLordhasprotectedmyhandsandbody. God,myLordandMaster,hassavedmysoul; TheLordoftheUniversehassavedmywealthandfeet. TheMercifulGuruhasprotectedeverything, Anddestroyedmyfearandsuffering. GodistheLoverofHisdevotee, TheMasterofthemasterless. NanakhasenteredtheSanctuary OftheImperishablePrimalLordGod. sirmastakrakhyaapaarbrahmaN hastkaayaarakhyaaparmaysvareh. aatamrakhyaagopaalsuaamee Dhancharanrakhyaajagdeesvareh. sarabrakhyaagurdayaalehbhaidookhbinaasneh. bhagatvachhalanaathnaathaysarannaanakpurakhachuteh.||52|| (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1358) TheseandmanyotherhymnswerechantedbyBabaJiinsuccession,timeandagain. Despitebeingsobusywithworkandpersonalmeditation,hewouldtakeouttimetolearnhowto readandpronounceGurbanioftheGuruGranthSahibJicorrectly(thistrainingtoreadand understandGurbaniiscalledSanthiya).BhaiHarditSinghJi,whowasalearnedandscholarlySikh, livedinanearbyvillage.BabaJiwouldtraveltothisnearbyvillageinordertogetSanthiya.Whilst travellingbetweenthetwovillages,BabaJicommittedtomemory,SukhmaniSahibandAsaadi Vaar,byreadingfromaGutka(asmallbookofprayercompilationusuallycontainingtheNitnem prayers,SukhmaniSahibandAsaadiVaar).Heincorporatedthesetwoprayersintohisscheduleof dailyprayerstorecite.Intheevening,itbecamethedailyroutineofBabaJitolistentostoriesand talesofourGurusandSikhsfromvarioushistoricaltexts,usuallyreadtohimbyhisyounger brother,BhaiThakurSinghJi.Inthisway,notonlywashegainingspiritualinsightfromGurbani

andmeetingwithscholarlySikhs,butalsogainedfurtherspiritualwisdomfromlisteningtoHoly Scriptures.Whenonescripturewasfinished,hewouldstartonanotherone.Hethuscontinued withfortitudeinthisroutine Standingorsittingdown,contemplate,theLordAlmighty, Nightandday,indulgeinthisgoodlabour. oothatbaithatharharDhiaaeeaiandinsukaritkareeai.||1||rahaao. (Sorath5thGuru,p622) BabaJi,notonlystudiedandlearnedfromGuruGranthSahibJiandotherSikhscriptures,healso studiedscripturesfromotherreligions.Thus,hedeepenedhisknowledgeandunderstandingof otherfaiths.Thefruitofthisstudyofdifferentreligionsandtheirscriptureswasanawarenessthat allholytextsaretoberespectedashavingtheirowntruthstoreveal.However,ourGurusinSri GuruGranthSahibJihaveplacedthetreasureofGodsknowledge.Thestraightforwardbutsimple pathtoattainGodisenlightenedupontheseekerofdivinetruththroughSriGuruGranthSahibJi, whichnootherholyreligiousscripturecanequal.Tothisend,weallmustfollowthepath enlightenedandrevealedbySriGuruGranthSahibJiwithallourfaith.

9VISITATIONBYGURUNANAKDEVJIANDAPOISONOUSSNAKE OneeveningBabaJiwassatindeepmeditationnexttothesmallcanalnearhishome.Suddenly, BabaJisattentionwasdrawntotherustleofdryleaves,alittledistancefromwherehewas sitting.Itwasamoonlitnight.BabaJisawthebrownandyellowoutlineofasnake,about23feet long,slitheringtowardshim.Itwouldraiseitshoodandlungeforwardafewfeetatatime.The snakehadonlymovedafewlengthstowardshimwhenBabaJithought,Thenexttimethesnake lungesforward,itwillsurelylandonme.BabaJirecounted,Atthatveryinstant,insteadoffear andpanic,aclearreasoningsprangtomymind,thatsurelythelightofGodresidesinthis poisonoussnaketoo.MaybetheGreatGuruhassentthissnaketotestmyresolveandfaith. MaybeGuruJiwishestotesthowattachedIamtothisbody.Mymindbecamecalmandsteady withimmovablefaith.Indeed,onitsnextmovethesnakeraiseditsheadandlandedonmyshoes, nexttomyfeet.Thesnakethenfellstillontheshoes.AsBabaJitoldus,thiswasapoisonous snakeparticulartothatregionofPakistan.Helookeduponthesnake,whichnowlowereditshood, circledaroundBabaJiandwriggledawaytowardsthedirectionfromwhichitcame.Witnessing thismiracle,mymindmeltedingratitudetoAlmightyGod.Everyporeofmybodyeruptedin joyousgratitudetoAlmightyWaheguru.BlessedandgreatisGodwhoprotectshishumblest servantsfromharm,evenfrompoisonoussnakes.PraisebetotheAlmighty,hiswillbearsuponall hiscreation. BabaJicontinued,MymindwasdrenchedingratitudeandthanksgivingtoAlmightyGod,whilst myinnerbeingwasabsorbedindeepwavesofmeditationovercomebyatideofjoyousecstasy.A littlewhilelater,stillinthisdeepstate,asensationofintense,resplendentlightdawneduponme andthislightsurroundedandbathedmeinside.Mysoulwasrelishingsuchpeace,tranquillityand pleasurethatcannotbedescribedinwords. BabaJiwasdeeplyengrossedinthisstateofbeingandmeditation.Theintensityofthelighthefelt grewfurther.Loandbehold!ThegreatBabaGuruNanakDevJiappearedinpersonbeforeBaba Jisveryeyes.SriGuruNanakDevJiappearedvividlyandplacedhissacredhandonBabaJishead inordertoblesshim.Inthenextmoment,BabaJifeltasifGuruNanakDevJiwasinsidehisbeing andoutside,whilsthishandwasstillrestingonhishead.Thatwasit!Whatelseremainedtobe asked?ThegreatGuruhasbanishedeventheslightestshadowofdoubtinmybeing,BabaJi thought,Allthatremainedwaspureandcompleteblissandtotaltranquillity.Sublimepleasure blossomedinside,withboundlessjoyatthevisitationofblessedGuruNanakDevJi Kabir,howcanIdescribe Theextentofjoy,immersedintheLordsfeet? Itssublimeglorycannotbedescribed Ithastobeexperiencedandseenforoneself kabeercharankamalkeemaujkokahikaisayunmaan. kahibaykaosobhaanaheedaykhaaheeparvaan.||121|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1370) Thatstateofpleasureandblisscannotbedescribedinwords,butcanonlyberealizedand experiencedinpersononly.TheinfiniteLordisimpossibletodescribeinwordsalone KabirseeingmyLord,howcanIdescribehim? Noonecanbesatisfiedorbelievemywords. TheLordisjustasHeis.

Idwellindelightsinginghisgloriouspraises. kabeerdaykhkaikihkahaokahaynakopateeaaay. harjaisaataisaauheerahaoharakhgungaaay.||122|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1370) Inthisstateofsublimebliss,IdonotrememberwhenGuruJidisappeared.Icametorealizethe sensationoftimeonlywhenmyattentionwasdrawnoutsidetothenoiseofthemorningtrain thatusedtopassnearthevillage.However,myinnercalmness,spiritualblissandtheradiantlight, allremainedwithme.Irelishedandenjoyedthisspiritualblisswithgreatpleasureuntilthesun cameup.ItbecameveryhotandIreturnedhomeatabout11am,recalledBabaJi.Hehad somethingtoeatandreturnedtothesameplacetocarryonmeditating.Nodoubt,Ifeltdeep wavesofecstasyandspiritualblisswhenImeditatedagainbutitwaslessintensethanthenight before,whenGuruJihadblessedmewithanaudience.Nonetheless,theeventsofthenight previoushasleftmefeelingagreatcloseness,insideandout,tothegreatGuru. Withinandaroundmewasthisresplendentandradiantaura,whichdidnotrecede,evenwhen thenightfell.Eveninthedark,thislightwassointensethatitappearedbrighterthanthelight frommanysunsputtogether,BabaJitoldus. BabaJibecamealittleconcernedwiththeglowoftheouterlight,thatpeoplemayseethislight, drawingattentiontohimandbecomingthefocusofidolatryandworship.Thiswouldgiverisetoa senseofvanityinthemindandbecomeanobstacletomeetingtheLord Kabirhasmademanystudentsanddisciples, ButhasnotmadeGodhisfriend. HesetoutonajourneytomeettheLord, Buthisminddesertedhimhalfway. kabeersikhsaakhaabahutaykeeaykaysokeeonameet. chaalaythayharmilankaobeechaiatkiocheet.||96|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1369) BabaJiprayedtotheAlmighty,withallhumility,tocontrolthisouterlightbuttokeephis consciousnessconnectedinwardlywithHim.TheGreatGuruheardBabaJispleaandcontrolled theouterappearanceoflight.However,hekeptshoweringhissublimegraceandlightinwardly uponhim.

10TENTHGURUAPPEARSINADREAMTOELDERBROTHER BabaJiusedtomention,thatdespitehisroutineofrigorous,spiritualmeditation,hewouldwork justashardashisbrothersontheirfarm.Withoutspecificeffort,constantremembranceand meditationcontinuedinsidehim.Afterfinishinghiswork,BabaJiwouldsitbesidethecanalnear thevillageandimmersehimselfinblissfulremembranceofAlmightyGod. BabaJiusedtotellusthataboutfifteendaysafterthevisionofGuruNanakDevJi,thetenth masterGuruGobindSinghJiappearedinadreamtohiselderbrother,BhaiTaraSinghJi instructinghimto,SpareBhaiHarnamSinghfromhisworkroutinenow.Hehasbeenassigned someotherduty.Atdaybreak,thenextmorningBhaiTaraSinghcalledallhisbrotherstogether. Narratinghisdreamtothemhefinallyconceded,Consideritarealvisionoradream,butGuruJi hasinstructedmetospareHarnamSingh.Mymindisconvinced.Ihavecompletebeliefand shouldlistentotheorderofGuruJi. AllthebrothersagreedunanimouslythatBhaiHarnamSinghhadtoworkhardduringthedayand meditateallnight.Thethreebrothersremarkedinaunitedvoice,Youcandowhateveryou please,youarefreefromdoingallfarmworkfromnowon.BabaJireplied,Theworkloadis heavy,soweneedtoseekafarmhandorworker.Whenyoufindanappropriatelabourer,Iwill stopworkthen.Inamatterofdays,ahardworking,faithfulfarmworkerwashiredtotakeupthe workdonebyBabaJi. Now,withthetimethatwaspreviouslyspentworkingonthefarm,BabaJiwoulddiligentlyspend itinremembrance.Hewouldleaveafterbreakfast,forsomehillsnearthevillage.Therehewould continueinmeditationandrecitation(simran)ofnaamuntiltheafternoon,whenhewouldreturn homeforsomelightrefreshment.Intheafternoon,hewouldreturntothesehills,wherehewould sitinremembranceofAlmightyGod.Hewouldreturnhomeatnighttoeatandsleepalittleuntil2 am.Arisingat2amhewouldbathe,recitehisNitnem.HewouldthenvisitandpayhomagetoSri GuruGranthSahibJiattheGurdwara,obtainblessings,beforereturningtotheidyllicandserene hillstomeditateontheoneAlmightyLord.HewouldthusmakemeditationofGodhistrue vocation MeditateonthenaamoftheoneLord Allotherjobsareuselessincomparison. (Suhi1stGurup728) Inhiseffortshewasfulfillingandrealisingthewords TheworkofearningthetruewealthoflovingthetrueLord

11VISITATIONBYTHETENTHGURU BabaJisfamilyhadapurposebuiltroomintheirfields,whereonecouldlodgeforthenightand watchoverthecrops.AnytimeBabaJiwantedtomeditateinsolitudeorhadanysparetime,he wouldoftencomeandsitinthissolitaryroomonthefarm.Onesummer,duringtheparticulary hotmonthsofMayorJune,BabaJisatindoorsoutofthesunrecitingtheMoolmantar.Suddenly thedooropened,thereenteredagursikhwithaveryradiantandenlightenedfaceandstood beforeBabaJi.Babatoldus,WegreetedeachotherbysayingWaheguruJikaKhalsa,Waheguru JikiFateh. TheGursikhspoke,Youmustgetready!Thetenthmaster,GuruGobindSinghJiisabouttograce youwithanaudience.TheprospectofavisitbythetenthGuruleftmethrilledandelated, BabaJitoldus.EagerlywebothsteppedoutdoorsinreadinessforthevisitofGuruGobindSingh JiMaharaj.Atashortdistancefromthewest,IsawGuruJiridingahorse,accompaniedbyfour othergursikhs.GuruJishorsecamenearmeandstoodstill.Withutmostreverence,Ibowedand touchedGuruJisfeetinthestirrup.GuruGobindSinghJismiledandwalkedhissteedahead.After ashortdistance,hedisappeared.Iwascompletelyenthralledandwonderstruckwiththisvisit. ThegursikhwhohadcometoannouncetheimpendingarrivalofGuruJistayedandstoodbeside BabaJi.HeaskedBabaJi,BhaiHarnamSinghJi,youshouldbeextremelyhappyandfullofbliss, yetyoulookastonishedandgloomysomewhat.Whatisthereason?BabaJireplied,Iam gloomybecauseGuruJiblessedmewithhisvisionbuthedidnotsayanythingtome.Thegursikh said,GuruJiisverypleasedwithyourmeditation,thushehasblessedyouwiththisvisit.Hedid notgrantyouaconversation,asyoudonotreciteJaapSahibinyourdailyNitnem.BabaJireplied, JaapSahibisveryhardtoreadandrecite,soinsteadofreadingJaapSahib,IreadSukhmaniSahib orAsaadiVaardaily.Thegursikhreplied,GuruJihasorderedustoreciteJaapSahibaspartof ourdailyNitnem,sowemustfollowhisordersandappeasehim,thusobtaininghisblessings.Ifa Sikhreadsotherprayersofhisownchoosing,sobeit.However,heorsheisdeprivedofthe blessingsofGuruJibynotfulfillingtheedictofGuruJi.Agursikh,whoreadsthedailyprayers, prescribedtousbythefivebelovedonesduringamritceremonyandthen,inaddition,meditates onandrecitesotherprayers,certainlyappeasesGuruJi.HewhodoesnotobeytheGuruJisedict isdeprivedofhisblessing. Afterthatday,nomatterhowlongittookBabaJitoreciteJaapSahib,henevercompletedhis NitnemwithoutsayingtheprayerofJaapSahib.Intime,helearnttheprayerofJaapSahiboffby heart,sothathecouldcompletehisNitnemanywherewithouttheneedforagutka.Gurbanialso enjoinsustoobeyGodscommand Obeyinghiscommand,manbecomesacceptable AndheobtainsaplaceintheLordsmansion hukammaniaihovaiparvaantaakhasmaikaamahalpaaisee. (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,page471) HewhosubmitstotheLordsorder Istakenintohistreasury hukamrajaaeejochalaisopavaikhajaanai. (Asa1stGuru,page421)

InthematterofappeasingtheGuruandobtaininghisblessing,thereisnorelaxationorpretence, infollowingthecommandmentsofourGuru Healoneisthetruedisciple,friend,andkinsman Andbrother,whowalksintheGuruswill Hewhowalksaccordingtohisownwill, Brother,heisseparatedfrom TheLordandsuffersinjury sosikhsakhaabanDhaphaibhaaeejegurkaybhaanayvichaavai. aapnaibhaanaijochalaibhaaeevichhurhchotaakhaavai. (Sorath3rdGuru,page601) InSikhism,obeyingthecommandoftheGuruistheultimateaim.TheLordAlmightyacceptsone whoabidesbytheGurusorder.Inreality,SikhismisaboutobedienceoftheGuruswill WhoeverobeysthewilloftheLord ThatpersonbecomesacceptabletotheLord hukammannaysojanparvaan. (Basant3rdGuru,page1175) AtruedisciplebowstothewilloftheLord Thenthedisciplefindspeaceinobeyingthewill. InhiswillthediscipleworshipsandrememberstheLord InhiswilldoesthetruedisciplemergeintheLord gurmukhhukammannaysahkayraahukmayheesukhpaaay. hukmosayvayhukamaraaDhayhukmaysamaisamaaay (Salok4thGurupage1423) BabaLehnaJiobeyedtheordersandeverycommandofGuruNanakDevJi.Hecarriedoutthe orderswithagladheartandwithoutquestion.Duetohisobedience,GuruNanakDevJiblessed BhaiLehnabyinstillinghisowndivinelightinhim,thustransformingBhaiLehnaJiintoGuru AngadDevJi.HewhoobeyedtheGurusedictwasaccepted WhoeversubmitstotheLordswill Isblessedwithpeace TheLordhascommandovertheheadsofkingsandemperors hukammannaysoeesukhpaaay hukamsirsaahaapaatisaahaahay.||3|| (Maru3rdGurupage1055) IfyouobeytheGurusorder Thenyoushallmeethim.Thenalone Shallegodepartfromwithinyou hukammanehtaaharmilaitaavichahuhaumaijaaay.rahaao. (Wadhans3rdGurupage560) So,foragursikhtheteachingsgiventousbythefivebelovedones(panjpyaras)duringbaptism areakintotheGurusorder.OnemustendeavourtofollowtheGurusorder,elsewillbedeprived ofhisblessingsandgrace.

12CORRECTTIMEFORTHEPRAYERCALLEDCHANDIDIVAAR BabaJiusedtorecitetheprayercalledChandidiVaardaily,aspartofhisNitnem.Thisisaprayer composedbythetenthGuru,describingabattlebetweendemonsandtheGoddesscalledChandi. ItisusuallyrecitedbySikhsduringwar.Manyatime,aquestionwouldariseinhismindasto,how manytimesandatwhattimeoneshouldrecitetheprayerofChandidiVaar?BabaJiaskedmany Saintsandsadhusregardingthisquestion,butcouldnotgetasatisfactoryanswer. Oneevening,athisroominthefields,afterrecitingtheeveningprayerofRehras,BabaJiwenton torecitetheprayerofChandidiVaar.Aftercompletingthisprayer,hepreparedtoretirebysaying hislastprayerofSohila.Itwasamoonlitnightandthedoorsoftheroominwhichhewassitting, wereopen.Ashehadjustlaindown,henoticedtwomenapproachingatashortdistance.BabaJi thoughttohimself,thatifthesepedestrianswerejusttravellers,hewouldofferthemfoodand shelterforthenightandiftheywererobbers,thenhewouldchallengethemincombat.No soonerhadthisthoughtenteredhismind,thanmiraculouslyoneoftheSinghscamebesidehim andgrabbedhisfeet.TheotheroneseizedBabaJisheadandpinnedhimdownontothebed. BabaJiusedtotellus,Iwasunabletomovefromthebed.Athoughtenteredmymindthatthese two,whohavemovedfasterthanthespeedoflightinordertograspmeareneitherrobbersnor travellers.ThesetwomustbeShaheedSinghs(theimmortalsoulsofSikhmartyrs).Ibeganto recitetheMoolmantar.IhadonlyutteredtheMoolmantartwicewhentheSinghwhoheldmy headdown,letgo,followedbythesecondSinghwhowasholdingmyfeet. BabaJigotupandtheShaheedSinghexplained,Wedidnotcomeheretofightwithorseizeyou, buttoansweryourquestion,regardingthecorrecttimetorecitetheprayerofChandidiVaar.As youthoughtaboutofferingusafight,wecameandimmediatelyseizedyou,aswedid.The ShaheedSinghcontinued,IfyoustartrecitingtheprayerofChandidiVaaraftersunsetthen,one mustkeeprecitingitcontinuouslythroughthenightuntildawn.TwoormoreSinghsmaytake turnstorecitethisprayerthroughthenight,itisallrighttodoso.Onemustsituponacleanmat orbed,bathingbeforerecitingtheprayer.Anoillamplitwithclarifiedbuttershouldbekeptalight throughoutthenight.Duringtheday,onecanreciteChandidiVaarasmanytimesasonewants. Thereisnospecificpracticetorecitingtheprayerexceptthatonereadstheprayerwithdevotion andunderstanding.Afterexplainingtheseinstructions,theSinghsdisappearedthroughthe doorstowardsthedirectiontheycamefrom.

13MEDITATINGONMOOLMANTARATANANDPURSAHIB BabaJiwasnowdevotingalotoftimetodeepmeditationonthenameofGod.Oneday,an overpoweringurgetookholdofhim.ItwascompellinghimtogotoAnandpurSahib(ShriGuruTeg BahadurJiboughtthispieceoflandonthebankofriverSutlejnearNainaDeviHills,inthevillage MakhowalinBikramiEra1723andestablishedthisplaceasResidencyofKhalsa)andmeditateat thatsacredplace,wherein1699GuruGobindSinghJihadcreatedthesacredSaintsoldierorder oftheKhalsa. AnandpurSahibwasfirstboughtbyGuruTeghBahadurJi,onthebanksoftheSutlejRiver,inthe villageofLakhowal.AtAnandpurSahib,GuruJinotonlylaiddownthefoundationsoftheKhalsa wayoflife,butalsoastonishedtheworldwithmanymiraculousdeeds.Helaiddownthe foundationofthespiritualroadtoenlightenmentuponwhichtheworldcouldfollowhisfootsteps. Asperhisownwords IamtheservantoftheAlmighty Comeintothisworldtowitnessthedivineplayunfold (BachittarNatak10thGuruDasamGranth) HeblessedthelandofAnandpurwithhissacredpresenceformanyyears.Thewishtovisit AnandpurSahibandmeditateatthissacredplacepenetrateddeeperintoBabaJisheart.Afew dayslater,BabaJitoldhisfamilyofhisplanstovisitAnandpurSahibandleftSargodha immediatelyforthesacredplace. AfterpayinghomageatTakhatKeshgarhSahib,hecametofortAnandgarhSahibtostay. AnandgarhfortwasbuiltbyGuruGobindSinghJitodefendthetownofAnandpurSahib(Thisfort cameintoexistencebyShriGuruGobindSinghJitodefendAnandpurSahib,atadistanceof1K.M. intheSouthdirectionandnameditasFortAnandGarh). Atthattime,SantKanhaiyaSinghJiwasinchargeofcarryingoutthebuildingservicesofthefort. HegaveBabaJiaroomtostayandrestin.Thenextday,BabaJibecameengrossedinmeditation ofMoolmantarashehadplanned. AlongwithhisdailyNitnem,hewouldrecite32rosaries(eachrosaryhas108beads)dailyofMool mantar.Hewouldthenhavesomelangarbutjustoncedaily.AnyextratimeBabaJihad,hewould helpcrushrocksintogravelandcarrytheminabaskettohelpwiththeconstructionofTakhat KeshgarhSahib.ForsixmonthsBabaJifulfilledhisheartsdesiretomeditateatAnandpurSahib andheparticipatedintheselflessserviceoftheGuru.ThegreatGurushoweredmanyspiritual blessingsuponBabaJi.Aftersixmonths,BabaJiofferedDegparshad(consecratedsweetdish madefromflour,purebutter,sugarandwater,givenasanofferingtoGuruanddistributedtothe congregationinaGurdwara)atTakhatKeshgarhSahibandreturnedhometoSargodha,paying homageandvisitingmanyhistoricalGurdwarasonhispilgrimage.

14CURINGS.AVTARSINGHDALERWITHGURBANI DuringthesedaysSardarAvtarSinghDaler,whowasBabaJisnephew,fellillintheprimeofhis youthwithincurablearthritis.Hiswholebodybecamestiffandimmobile.Dayandnighthewould groaninexcruciatingpain.Hehadaconstantburningsensationinhisbodyallthetime.(Avtar SinghsfatherS.SunderSinghwasrealcousin(sonofmotherssister)toBabaJi.BabaJismother BibiNarainKaur&AvtarSinghsmotherBibiPartapKaurwererealsisters.Thereparentswere fromGarhdiwala,Distt.HoshiarpurfromSahotafamily.AvtarSinghsgrandfatherwasS.GujjarSingh &hisnativevillagewasManko,Distt.Hoshiarpur.S.GujjarSinghwasservinginarmy.After completionofarmyservicein1907,hegotfiftyacresofland(TwoMorabbas)inChakNo.119, Distt.Sargodha,Pakistan.So,healongwithhisfamilymemberslefthisnativevillageMankoand migratedtoChakNo119,Distt.sargodha,Pakistan.) Hisparentshadgrownwearyofhisconstantgroaningandcryingso,hisinlawstookhimtotheir hometolookafterhim.Hewastreatedwithayurvedicandallopathicmedicinesbuttonoeffect. Onthecontrary,hishealthandwoesincreased.Finally,hewasadmittedtoMayohospitalin Lahore,Pakistan.Aftersixmonthsoftreatment,therewasnoimprovementinhishealth.His strengthandbodydeteriorated.AsGuruJisays Whenadversitysurroundsyou Alltheassociatesandfriendsdepart Andnoonecomesnearyoutohelp bipatpareesabhheesangchhaaditkooonaaavatnayrai.||1|| (Sorath9thGuru,page634) OnhisreturnfromAnandpurSahibtoSargodha,BabaJismothertoldhimofS.AvtarSinghs illness.HewentovertoseeS.AvtarSinghathishouseandenquireabouthishealth.BabaJi enteredtheroomwhereS.AvtarSinghlaygroaninginpain.NosoonerhadBabaJienteredthe roomthanS.AvtarSinghfeltsomerelieffromhispain.Heimmediatelyfeltsomepeaceand calmnessinthepresenceofBabaJi,aswellasaslightimprovementinhispains.BabaJireturned homeashortwhileaftervisitingS.AvtarSingh. Afewdayslater,BabaJiwenttovisitS.AvtarSinghagain.Oncemore,hefeltsomereliefinhis painandfeltmentallyupliftedinthepresenceofBabaJi,somuchsothatheeventalkedalittleto BabaJi.AshewasgettingreadytoleaveS.AvtarSinghrequested,BabaJi,pleaseblessmewith yourgrace.BabaJirepliedspontaneously,SayWaheguru,Waheguruinsteadofcryingand groaning.AvtarSinghreplied,ItisbeyondmeBabaJi,eventosayWaheguru.BabaJireturned tohishomeandS.AvtarSinghconfessedtohismother,Ifyouwantmetobecuredthenplease requestchachaJitoblessme. S.AvtarSinghsmotheraskedBabaJismothertoaskhim,ifhecoulddosomethingtocureS. AvtarSingh,asallotherhopes,remediesandtreatmentshadfailedtocurehim.BabaJismother requestedhimtohelpS.AvtarSingh,pleading,thathewastheonlysonandheirinthefamily.At hismothersrequestBabaJiagreedtohelpS.AvtarSingh,replying,Icannotreturnyourplea unfulfilledmother. Thoughmyheartdoesntwishtogetinvolved,IamreadytohelpS.AvtarSinghbutonlyatyour request.AsGuruJisaysinSukhmaniSahib:

TheGodconsciousbeingissteepedinhumility. TheGodconsciousbeingdelightsindoinggoodtoothers. barahmgiaaneekaigareebeesamaahaa. apnaabigaarbiraaNnaasaaNdhai. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page273) Hedoesgoodtoothers Evenatdetrimenttohimself apnaabigaarbiraaNnaasaaNdhai. (GondBhagatNamdev,page875) NowBabaJiwouldgotoseeS.AvtarSinghdaily,aftercompletinghisownNitnem.Hewouldputa cleanclothonthefloor,layS.AvtarSinghbesidehimandwouldthenrecitealoud,32rosariesof theprayerbelow,sothatS.AvtarSinghcouldhearit: TheSupremeLordGodhasprotectedmyheadandforehead; TheTranscendentLordhasprotectedmyhandsandbody. God,myLordandMaster,hassavedmysoul; TheLordoftheUniversehassavedmywealthandfeet. TheMercifulGuruhasprotectedeverything, Anddestroyedmyfearandsuffering. GodistheLoverofHisdevotees, TheMasterofthemasterless. NanakhasenteredtheSanctuary OftheImperishablePrimalLordGod. sirmastakrakhyaapaarbrahmaNhastkaayaarakhyaaparmaysvareh. aatamrakhyaagopaalsuaameeDhancharanrakhyaajagdeesvareh. sarabrakhyaagurdayaalehbhaidookhbinaasneh. bhagatvachhalanaathnaathaysarannaanakpurakhachuteh.||52|| (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1358) BabaJirecalledthat,itwasonlyafewdayssincehehadstartedtheaboveroutineofrecitingthe prayer.Onthisparticularday,hehadjustrecitedtworosarieswhensuddenlyaShaheedSingh appearedandgrabbedBabaJiwithonehandbehindhisneckandplacinghisotherhandatthe bottomofBabaJisspine,tryingtobendhimforward.HetriedasecondtimetopushBabaJi. WhentheShaheedSinghtriedtokneelBabaJioverthethirdtimeBabaJisaid,Comeinfrontof meandtellmewhoyouare,whatdoyouwant?AsecondShaheedSinghwasstandingbeside BabaJi,whoreplied,Thisatheistyouaretryingtosavethroughprayer,doesntdeservetobe helped.Thismanstoodonstageandpubliclydenounced,malignedandinsultedGuruNanakDev Ji,inwordsthatcannotbementioned.Wewouldhavekilledhimthereandthen,insteadwe decidedtokillhimslowlyandmakehimsufferasmuchaspossible.Nowyouareprayingonhis behalfforhimtobeforgiven. BabaJiaskedtheShaheedSinghs,Ifyouorderit,Iwillgethimtobegpardonofyou. TheShaheedSinghsreplied,BhaiHarnamSinghwhatuseishispardonnow?Weonlytroubled himinordertomakehimsufferforhismistake.Wewillreleasehimnowbuthedoesnotdeserve tobepardoned.Aftersayingthesewords,bothSinghsdisappeared.BabaJitoldusthatforthree daysfollowingthevisitoftheShaheedSinghs,thereremainedfingerprintsonhisneckwherethe

ShaheedSinghshadgrabbedhim.Thehandmarksremainedsoretotouchandhisneckwasstiff forthefollowingthreedays.Afterthisincident,S.AvtarSinghshealthimprovedwitheveryday thatpassed.AfterfortydaysabhogceremonytothankAlmightyGodwasperformed.Nowthe sameS.AvtarSingh,whocouldnotevengetupfromhisbedwithouthelp,begantowalkabout himself,unaided. Inafewweeks,hewasstoutandhealthy.BabaJiquestionedS.AvtarSinghabouttheincident narratedtohimbytheShaheedSinghs.HedisclosedtoS.AvtarSingh,howhehadcometoknow ofS.AvtarSinghJisindiscretion.BabaJilatercametoknowthatS.AvtarSinghhadbecomea communist,asinthosedaystherewasawaveofMarxistthinkingamongsttheyouth.Hewas evenacongresspartyworkerandinhiscollegedayswasaMarxistsupporter.HeadvisedS.Avtar Singh,tofollowthefootstepsofthegreatGuruinfuture,withreverence,awe,respectand affection.AslongasS.AvtarSinghrememberedhisagonizingordeal,hecontinuedtoremember God,byrecitingGurbani.Afterawhile,heletsliphisroutineofrecitingGurbaniandremembering GodAlmighty.Afterhisencounterwithdeathanddespairfromtheworld,heoughttohave forsakenhisworldlyattachmentandtiedafirmknotofattachmenttotheGurusfeetalas Withoutgooddestiny OnecannotservetheLord binbhaagaagursayviaanajaaay. (Maru3rdGuru,page1064) Evenso,BabaJirepeatedlyappealedtoS.AvtarSingh(BabaJicametoknowafterthatAvtarSingh hadturnedtobeacommunistastherewasawaveofMarxisminthosedaysandAvtarSinghwas acommunistleaderinhiscollegedays.Beforethepublicationofsecond(Panjabi)editionofSe KinehiyaS.AvtarSinghpassedaway)toadoptagursikhwayoflife,devotedtothefaithandGuru. WhenS.AvtarSinghwasworkingasablockdevelopmentofficerinBhunga,districtHoshiarpur,he wasfinallyinspiredbyBabaJitobebaptised.Duetothekarmaofpastdestiny,heeventually falteredinhisvowsandfellfromgraceoftheGuru.ThesedaysheislivinginLivingstonCalifornia, USA,servingaspresidentoftheGurdwara.Throughservice,heistryingtoatoneforhisprevious misdeeds.

15CURINGCOLONELPIARASINGHUNDERTHEGURUSAUSPICE ThemedicineofnaamcuredS.AvtarSinghsincurableillnessandthewholeincidentbecamethe talkofthetown.Particularlyamongstfriendsandrelatives,manywerewonderstruck,questioning astohowthebestmedicine,fromthemostlearneddoctors,failedtocurehimyet,somehow,he hadbeencured?Everyonewhoheardofthismiraculouscurewascurioustofindouthowthis personhadbeencured?WhentheylearntthatAvtarSinghhadbeencuredbythebountiful medicineofGurushabadwithouttakinganymedicine,theywouldbeastonishedandadeep yearningtomeetwithBabaJiwouldspringupintheirhearts. S.AvtarSinghhadafriendcalledPiaraSingh(S.PiaraSinghbelongedtovillageRaipurBhaian (Sangha)Distt.Hoshiarpur).HewasagiftedstudentofKingGeorgeRoyalIndianMilitarySchool, Jalandhar.HewasselectedasasecondlieutenantintheBritisharmyartilleryunit. Beforegettinghiscommissionasanofficer,hehadtoundergoamedicalexamination.Theeye specialist,ColonelDrBasufailedPiaraSinghbecauseofhisshortsightedvision.Asaresult,Piara Singhwasonlyeligibletoserveasaregularsoldier.Heservedasasoldierfortwoyearsandwas thenpromotedtotherankofHavaldarandtransferredtoLahorebarracks.Here,PiaraSinghmet upwithBhaiWadhawaSingh(S.WadhawaSinghsonofSNiranjanSinghdeputyassistant controllermilitaryaccountsLahore.NativevillageisSudharDistt.Ludhiana)andenquiredaboutS. AvtarSinghsillness.BhaiWadhawaSinghreplied,Heisingoodhealthandwascuredofhis terribleillness.HewascuredbythemedicineofnaamadministeredtohimbytheSaintlyBhai HarnamSingh,whohasgreatspiritualfortitudeandstrengthwithinhim.ThesameinvalidAvtar Singhnowgoesabouthisdailyworkrejuvenatedwithhealth. PiaraSinghwascompletelyastoundedandexpressedadesiretoseeAvtarSinghforhimselfand meetthevenerableBhaiHarnamSinghinperson.Atanarrangedday,bothofthemsetoffto meetAvtarSinghathishomeinChak119,Sargodha,Pakistan.Uponarriving,theyexchanged greetingsandnewsoftheirhealthwithoneanother.Inhisownwords,AvtarSinghdescribedin detailhowBabaJihadcuredhimthroughnaamrecitation.Thethreeofthemdecidedtomeet BabaJiinpersonandhelpwiththeeyesightofS.PiaraSingh.AllofthemarrivedatBabaJishouse. S.WadhawaSinghandAvtarSinghintroducedS.PiaraSinghandtoldBabaJiabouthisfailed medicalexaminationduetohiseyesight.TheytoldhimhowPiaraSinghwasduetohaveasecond examinationasorderedbythemilitarypromotionboard.Iftheboardpassedhisapplication,he wouldbepromotedtotherankof2ndlieutenant.TheypetitionedBabaJi,Pleasecouldyoubless himaccordinglysohemaypassthismedicalexamination? AfterlisteningpatientlytotheirpoliterequestBabaJireplied,OnlythegreatGuruisomnipotent. YoushouldcometotheGurdwaraat7amwithparshad.WewillallprayinthefeetofLord Almighty.Healoneiscapableofblessinguswithboons. Attheappointedtime,thethreeofthemarrivedtomeetBabaJiattheGurdwara.Asperhis everydayroutine,BabaJihadarrivedtoobtaintheblessingsofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.After kneelinginfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,BabaJiprayedwithfoldedhandstotheAlmightyLord onbehalfofPiaraSingh.BabaJithenreadthehukamnama(aholyorderoftheGuruwhichisread fromthescripturesofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandliterallymeanstheholyorderoredict)fromSri GuruGranthSahibJioutaloud.HethenturnedtoPiaraSinghandsaid,Yourprayerhasbeen answeredandyourwishhasbeensanctionedbyourtruefather.Hethengotupandwalkedover tothepassageinfrontofthepalanquinwherethecongregationkneelsinfrontoftheGuru.Baba

Jithenpickedupapinchofdust,walkedovertoS.PiaraSinghandappliedthedusttobothofhis eyes.BabaJithensaid,Gonow!Theboardwillnotbeablefailyou.Afterreceivingtheblessings ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,S.PiaraSinghwentbacktoLahore. ThefollowingweekPiaraSinghattendedthemedicalexamination.AnEnglishdoctor,whowas alsothechairmanofthepromotionboard,carriedouttheexamination.S.PiaraSinghreadallthe wordsfromAtoZwithgreatease.Thedoctorrepeatedthetesttosatisfyhimselfandsaid, Whichstupiddoctorhasfailedyouonyoureyesightandruinedyourlife?Youreyesightis perfectlynormal.ThechairmanoftheboardrecommendedreinstatingS.PiaraSinghasa commissionedofficerattherankof2ndlieutenantthereandthen.PiaraSinghwasreinstatedand retiredmanyyearslaterasacolonel.Whereallmeansandeffortsknowntomanfailthen heartfelt,humbleprayertoinvokeGodsgracealwaysbearsfruit.Whatelseremainstobegained whenblessedbytheGuruandhiscongregation?AsGuruArjundevJitellsus,thatwhenoneis blessedthen Thecripplecrossesoverthemountain, Thefoolbecomesawiseman,and Theblindmanseesthethreeworlds, BymeetingwiththeTrueGuruandbeingpurified. ThisistheGloryoftheSaadhSangat, theCompanyoftheHoly; Listen,Omyfriends.Filthiswashedaway, Millionsofsinsaredispelled,and Theconsciousnessbecomesimmaculateandpure.Pause SuchisdevotionalworshipoftheLordoftheUniverse, Thattheantcanoverpowertheelephant. WhoevertheLordmakesHisown, Isblessedwiththegiftoffearlessness. Thelionbecomesacat,and Themountainlookslikeabladeofgrass. Thosewhoworkedforhalfashell, Willbejudgedverywealthy. WhatgloriousgreatnessofyourscanIdescribe? OLordofinfiniteexcellences?Pleaseblessme WithYourMercy,andgrantmeYourName; ONanak,Iamlostwithoutyourblessedvision pingulparbatpaarparaykhalchaturbakeetaa. anDhulaytaribhavansoojhiaagurbhaytpuneetaa.||1|| mahimaasaaDhoosangkeesunhumayraymeetaa. mailkhoeekotaghharaynirmalbhaaycheetaa.||1||rahaao. aiseebhagatgovindkeekeethasteejeetaa. jojokeenoaapnotisabhaidaandeetaa.||2|| singhbilaaeehoaygaiotarinmayrdikheetaa. saramkartaydamaadhkaotayganeeDhaneetaa.||3|| kavanvadaaeekahisakaobayantguneetaa. karkirpaamohinaamdayhnaanakdarsareetaa.||4||7||37|| (Bilawal5thGurupage809810)

TheomnipresentAlmightyWaheguruisthegiverofallboons.Anygiftcanbeobtainedthroughhis graceandselflessserviceofGodAlmighty.Godmakesthelowlyfollowersintoleadersandfulfils thehopesofthosewhohavegivenuphope.Byhisgrace,apoordestitutebecomesawealthy tycoon.GodAlmightycanbanishtheillnessofthesickanddiseased.Godblesseshistruedevotees withdevotion,faithandtheboonofremembranceoftheLordGodAlmighty Thosewhowereleftbehind theLordbringsthemtothefront. Hefulfilsthehopesofthehopeless. Hemakesthepoorrich,and Curestheillnessesoftheill. HeblessesHisdevoteeswithdevotion. TheysingtheKirtanof ThePraisesoftheLordsName. ONanak,thosewhoservetheGurufind TheSupremeLordGod,theGreatGiver paachhaNkarotagarneevehniraasaNaaspoornah. nirDhanbhayaNDhanvantahrogeeaNrogkhandnah. bhagatyaNbhagatdaanaNraamnaamgunkeeratneh. paarbarahmpurakhdaataarehnaanak gursayvaakiNnalabhyatai.||20|| (SalokSahaskriti5thGurupage1355)

16TREASUREDDIARYOFINVALUABLEREFLECTIONSISBURNED Asawealthytycoonconcealshiswealthandrevealsonlyasmallpartofitwheninutmostneed, similarlyBabaJihesitatedinrevealingthetreasureofnaamgraceduponhimbythetrueGuru. Whateverboonsorspiritualinsightshewasblessedwiththroughnaammeditation,heboreand absorbedquietlywithinhisheart.WiththeGurusblessing,helivedamongsttheordinaryworld withoutattractingundueattentiontohimself. IntheearlydaysofhisspiritualtransformationwheneverGuruJiblessedhimwithavisitation, spiritualinsightorknowledge,BabaJiwouldpentheseexperiencesinadiary(BabaJibeganto writetheseselfexperiencedexchangeofwords.WiththeGreatGuru,sothatanytruefollower mayatunehimselfwithAlmightyafterhismortalbodyturnsintoashes).BabaJibegantowrite thesepersonalspiritualexperienceswiththegreatGuru.BabaJiwishedtheseexperiencestobe publishedafterhisdeath,sothatanytruefollowermayreadaboutthemandattunehimselfwith theAlmighty.Thediarywaskeptunderlockandkeyinawardrobe.Once,acompanionofBabaJi wasstayingthenightathishouseinChak119Sargodha.Aswashisroutine,BabaJiwenttohis favouriteplacetomeditatebesidethecanalnearhishousewellbeforedawn.Forsomereason thewardrobewasleftunlocked.Notwithstandinghiscuriosity,thiscompanioncouldnothelp himselfandreadthesacreddiary.After3or4hourswhenBabaJireturned,thecompanion addressedBabaJi,BhaiSahibJi(BabaJineitherallowedanybodytocallhimasaintnorany utmostrespectedaddressingwordswereallowedtobeusedforhim.Heusedtosay,Weallare thechildrenoftrueGuru,sowearebrothers.Therefore,weshouldaddresseachotherasBhai Sahib.Moreover,thepositionofBhaisahibisthehighestinGurusHome.So,theold companionsofBabaJiusedtoaddresshimasBhaiSahib,andevennowuseit.Butduetotheold age,hewasaddresseachotherasBabaJibytheremainingsangat)!GuruJihasblessedyouwith hisvisions,talkedandvisitedyouonnumerousoccasions,yetyouhaveneverrevealedanyofthis tous. BabaJienquired,HowdoyouknowthatIhavetalkedtoandhadvisionsofthetrueGuru?This companionadmittedthen,Ihavereadyourhandwrittendiarythatwasinyourwardrobe.Init youhavepennedalltheseutterancesandvisitsbythetrueGuru. BabaJisaidgravely,Youhavenotdoneagooddeed.Itisnotgoodtounravelsomeonesspiritual secrets.So,whatisdoneisdone.Irequestpolitelythatyoudonotdisclosethesecretsofthediary toanyonefromnowonwards.Thatcompaniondidnotkeephisword.Overtime,herevealedto allhisfriendsandcompanionsthespiritualheightsBabaJihadachieved,aswritteninhisdiary.In time,peoplewhofoundoutaboutthetruespiritualaccomplishmentsofBabaJistartedtocome andseehim,demandingtoreadthediaryorbetoldaboutconversationsandvisitsbythetrue Guru.BabaJiwouldtrytodetractfromsuchtopicsandputthesepeopleoff.Oneday,athought cametoBabaJithat,Ifanyoneelsereadsthisdiarythentheywilltellmanyothersaboutthe spiritualgiftsthathavebeengiventomebyGuruJi.Soon,peoplewillstartcomingwithworldly demandsandaskforselfishboonsandmaterialisticthings.IfIrefusetohelpthem,theywill returndisappointed.Iftheirdesiresarefulfilled,thentheywillencourageevenmorepeopleto comeandsoontheywillveneratemeinsteadofGod.Thiswillgiverisetovanityandattachment tothisworld.Themindwillbeentangledinthesepursuits,asBhagatKabirJisays Kabirhasmademanystudentsanddisciples, ButhasnotmadeGodhisfriend. HesetoutonajourneytomeettheLord,

Buthisminddesertedhimhalfway. kabeersikhsaakhaabahutaykeeaykaysokeeonameet. chaalaythayharmilankaobeechaiatkiocheet.||96|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1369) OnehadstartedmeditatingonnaamforsalvationandtomeettheLordAlmighty,nottoentice peopletorevereandworshipme.Ifthefeelingofbenevolencebecomesgreatbeforethetimefor salvationofthesoularrives,thenitmaybecomeahurdleinmyspiritualprogresstowards redemptionofthesoul.Babausedtosaythataftermuchthought,hedecidednottowritedown hisspiritualexperiencesinthefutureandthediaryhekeptwasputinafireandburned.Hadthe writtendiaryandallthespiritualexperiencesofBabaJisurvived,then,todaytheywouldhave becomeaninvaluabletreasureforfuturegenerationsofspiritualseekersofnaam.However! Godswillisdone. On24thSeptember1970attheageof73yearsBabaJinarratedsomeofhisexperiencesandlife incidents,whichwererecordedonanaudiocassette.Itisstillkeptinthelibraryandformsalarge partofthisbiographycompiledbythishumbleservant(SantSevaSingh).

17MEDICINEOFNAAMISEFFECTIVEWHENGODSTANDSAMIDST WhenAvtarSinghwascuredbythemedicineofnaam(Godsword),hewenttovisithisfriendsin Lahore.Hisfriendswereastonishedandsurprisedtoseehisrecovery.Theyenquiredabouthis healthandhowhehadmanagedtorecover.AvtarSinghendearinglynarratedhismiraculouscure byGurbaniandthecurativeeffectitsrecitationhadonhim. BhaiWadhawaSinghandBhaiBaksheeshSingh(s/oS.BhagSingh,villageBahlaDistt.Hoshiarpur) weredeeplyimpressedafterhearingaboutthisincident.Atthetime,boththesegentlemenwere studyingtogetheratF.C.CollegeLahore.BothofthemcametomeetBabaJiatChak119Sargodha andexchangedviewsabouttheprinciplesofSikhism(gurmat).Theywerebothdeeplyimpressed bythepersonalityofBabaJiandinspiredbytheirnewlyfoundknowledgeofSikhism,started readingGurbani. S.WadhawaSinghwasfromavillagecalledSudharnearLudhiana.Hisfatherworkedinthe militaryaccountsdepartmentinLahore.SWadhawaSinghwaslivingwithhisparentsatLahore barracks,whilststudyingatthecollegementionedabove.ArelativecalledBhaiSherSingh(s/o S.SunderSingh)wasoftenverysickwithanunknownillness.WadhawaSinghnarratedthewhole taleofAvtarSinghandhowhewascuredbyGurbaniwiththeinvolvementofBabaJi,tohisuncle BhaiSherSingh. BhaiSherSinghJipersuadedBhaiWadhawaSinghtotakehimtoBabaJi,sothat,followingany advicegivenbyBabaJi,hetoocouldbecured.S.WadhawaSinghtookhisuncleBhaiSherSinghto meetBabaJiatChak119Sargodha.TheystayedthenightwithBabaJiandthenextmorningBhai SherSinghJinarratedhisconditionandillnesstoBabaJi.BabaJirepliedthat,Youshouldtake amrit(becomebaptised)andthusobtainrefugeinthehaventhatisourgreatGuru.ThetrueGuru curesnotonlyphysicalailmentsofhisgursikhsbutallmannerofspiritualmaladiesaswell.Thus, hereformstheirlifeinthisworldandtheworldhereafter.Onachosenday,BhaiSherSinghalong withmanyofhiscompanionsandfamilytookamritattheGurdwarainSadarbazaarLahore.On thesameday,BhaiWadhawaSinghandtherestofhisfamilytookbaptismandobtainedrefugein thefeetofthetrueGuru. BhaiSherSinghJiwasilliterateandunabletoreadorwrite.Assuch,BhaiSahibwasorderedto recitetheMoolmantaronarosaryinsteadofreadinghisNitnem,bythefivebelovedones(panj pyaraswhoadministerAmritinthebaptismceremony).Tobecuredofhisailment,hewas orderedtosweeptheGurdwaraasanactofselflessservice(seva).AfterstayinginLahorefora fewdays,BhaiSherSinghreturnedtohisvillageSudhar.There,heimmersedhimselfinreciting theMoolmantardailyandcarryingouttheteachingsimbibedbythefivebelovedonesathis baptism. HewouldarisewellbeforedawnandgototheGurdwaratosweepthefloorandcourtyard.Whilst there,hewouldsitinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandrecitetheMoolmantaraspart ofhisdailyNitnem.Hewouldthenlistentothedailyedict(hukamnama)beforecominghometo rest.Evenwhenlyingdown,hewouldcarryonrecitingtheMoolmantar.Withthegraceofthe Guru,soprofoundwashisdevotionthatheforgotallworldlyaffairsandhissoulbecameattuned totheMoolmantarandGurmantar.

Afteraboutsixmonths,earlyonemorning,GuruGobindSinghJiappearedinfrontofBhaiSher Singhandordered,SherSingh!ThereisaphysicianbythenameofHarnamSinghinoldLudhiana. Gotohim.Hewillcureyou. Atdaybreak,accompaniedbysomeonefromhisfamilyandaftermakingnumerousenquiries,Bhai SherSinghfoundthephysicianHarnamSingh,justasthetrueGuruhadforetold.Thephysician askedindetailaboutBhaiSherSinghsillnessandthenprescribedsomemedicine.Afterafew daysoftakingthismedicine,BhaiSherSinghwascured.BhaiSherSinghJihadtriednumerous remediesbeforebutwithnoimprovementatall.Thiscurewasablessingwrappedupintheguise ofmedicine Ihavegrownwearyoftreatingmyselfwithmanymedicines HowcanthisdiseasebeeradicatedwithouttheGuru? aukhaDhkarthaakeebahutayray. kiodukhchookaibingurmayray. (Basant1thGurupage1189) And Themedicineofnaambecomeseffectual WhentheLordstandsamidstthem aukhadaaayraasvichaapkhaloiaa. (Funhay5thGurupage1363) BhaiSherSinghwasalreadycuredbythegraciousandbenevolentvisionoftheGuru.The medicinewasjustanexcusetobringaboutacompletecure.Afterthisincident,BhaiSherSingh developedtremendousfaithinthetrueGuru.WiththegraceofGuruJi,hewascompletelycured. HenowworkedvigorouslyinthefieldsandsimultaneouslyfollowingtheGurusedict Whetherstanding,sittingorsleeping MeditateontheyourLord Walkingthispathsing ThepraiseoftheLordmaster. oothatbaithatsovatDhiaaeeai. maaragchalatharayhargaaeeai.||1|| (Asa5thGurupage386) Therefore,hemadeaprofitablejobofworkingandrecitingHisname.Allthewhile,hewould pray OmybountifulLordforgetmenot Andblessmewithyournaam ThisaloneistheferventrequestofNanak OLord,dayandnightmayIeversingyourpraises visarnaaheedaataaraapnaanaamdayh. gungaavaadinraatnaanakchaaoayhu.||8||2||5||16|| (Suhi5thGurupage762)

BhaiSahibwouldperformallhisworldlydutiesyethismindwouldbeimmersedandattunedin thedearLord,thusaccumulatingtheinvaluabletreasureofHisnaam.AsGuruJisays WhyapplyyourmindtoanythingbuttheLord? Standing,sitting,sleepingandwhenwalking ForeverandevermeditateonyourLord. kaahayaykbinaachitlaaeeai. oothatbaithatsovatjaagatsadaasadaaharDhiaaeeai.||1||rahaao. (Asa3rdGurupage379) ThistrulynobledeedupliftedBhaiSherSinghtonewspiritualheightsyetallthewhile,he continuedhishumbledutyofsweepingtheflooroftheGurdwara.

18WARDROBELOCKISOPENEDBYPRAYER Asperhisdailyroutine,BhaiSherSinghwasrecitingMoolMantaraftersweepingtheGurusfloor. Fourorfiveotherdevotees,whousedtocomedailytobowtoSriGuruGranthSahibJi,weresatin theGurdwarawaitingtogainaglimpseofthetrueGuru.Thepriesthadmislaidthekeystothe lockofthewardrobewhereallthecoversandrobesofSriGuruGranthSahibJiwerekept(called RumallahsstheseornatecoversaredecoratedoverSriGuruGranthSahibJi).Aftersearching highandlow,thekeycouldnotbefound.Alltherumallahswerelockedinthewardrobe.Finally, theotherdevoteesdecidedtobreakopenthelockofthewardrobe.BhaiSherSinghwasdeepin meditationandinfusedwithresolutefaithinthetrueGuru.Insteadofbreakingthelockofthe wardrobehecounselledtherestofthesangatto,PraytoAlmightyGod.Ardashasimmense powerinitandIbelieveGuruJiwillopenthelockwhenhehearsourprayer.Allthosepresent listenedtothewordsofBhaiSahibJiandoneofthedevoteesrequestedBhaiSahibtoconductthe Ardas. BhaiSahibagreedandpreparedhimselftosubmithissupplicationtotheWaheguru.Reciting whateverhecouldoftheArdas,hebeseechedtheAlmighty,invokingthenamesofthetenGurus andSriGuruGranthSahibJi,toopenthelockonthewardrobe.AfterbowingtothetrueGuru,he walkeduptothewardrobeandassoonashetouchedthelock,itopened!Everyonewas astonished.ThelockonthewardrobeopenedbutsimultaneouslytheinnerspirituallocksofBhai Sherwereopenedtoo.ThetrueGurushoweredimmenseblessingsonhim,givinghimdeep insightandspiritualknowledge:howthegreatGuruempoweredhimtoserveothers,howhis wordswereblessedtocometrueandhowhewasgiventhegiftofprophecyisasubjectof separatediscussion. ThosewhosufferedfromleprosywerecuredwhenBhaiSherSinghJiwouldprayfortheminthe lotusfeetoftheGuru.Assuch,thewifeofShamsherSingh,theInspectorGeneralofPunjabpolice atthetime,wascuredofleprosywhenBhaiSherSinghdidArdasforherwellbeing.Thosewho haveseenBhaiSherSinghknowhowdeepaspiritualinsightSriGuruGranthSahibJibestowed uponhim.Anydevoteeswhocometohimfordeliverancefromimpediments,BhaiSahibwouldbe abletoseeintotheirpastlivesandpointoutwhatmisdeedshadledtotheirpresentsufferingand agonyinthislife.Thishumbleservant(SantSevaSingh)hadtheopportunityandhonourof meetingBhaiSherSinghJionmanyoccasions.HewouldoftencometoRampurKheratomeetand payrespectstoBabaJi,whichaffordedthishumbleservantfurtheropportunitiestomeetBhai SherSinghJi.AsGuruJisays Theninetreasuresandeighteen Miraculouspowersfollowhim Whoeverensrinesthename OftheLordinhismind navniDheeathaarahsiDheepichhailageeaafireh joharhirdaisadaavasaaay. (Salok3rdGurupage649) Whenoneisblessedwithconcentrationofthemindthroughmeditationonnaamthen,such spiritualgiftsofinsightandmiraculouspowersareobtainedwithease.BabaJiusedtosaythatthe pursuitofsuchmiraculouspowersdistractsthetrueseekerfromobtainingthesupremeposition ofunionwithAlmightyGod.EvenifaGursikhachievessuchpowers,heorshemustnotusethem withouttheexpresswishesofthetrueGuru.Thesepowersmustbeenduredwithin.Hewho

absorbsandbearsthesespiritualpowerswithinbecomesonewiththeindestructibleLord Almighty TheAbsolute,Formless,EternallyUnchanging, ImmeasurableLordcannotbemeasured. SaysNanak,whoeverendurestheunendurable Thisstatebelongstohimalone nirgunnirankaarabhinaaseeatulotulionajaavat. kahonaanakajarjinjariaatisheekaobanaavat.||4||9|| (Sarang5thGuru,page1205)

19CHAKNO119(SARGODHA)ACENTREFORNAAMLOVERS AsBhaiGurdasJisays Asanaddictlovestomeetanotheraddict Anonaddictmeetsanonaddict Gamblerslikethecompanyofothergamblers Thievesadmirethecompanyofotherthieves Cheatsfraudthemasseswithmutualcooperation Clownsenjoythecompanyofotherclowns Slanderersenjoythecompanyofothergossipmongers Swimmerspraiseotherstrongswimmers Suffererssharetheirwoeswithotherswhohavewoes Similarly,agursikhlivesforthecompanyofholypeople. Ummleeruchunummliaasopheesopheemailkurrunday Juaareejuaariaaveykurmeeveykurumruchunday Choraachoraapirrhurrydhuggdhuggmilleetheysdhuggunday Muskariaanmillmuskuraychugglaachuggalumaahaymillunday Muntaaroomuntaarooaataarootaarootaarturunday Dukhiaaraydukhiaariyaanmillmillupnaydukhruvunday Saadhsungutgursikhvusunday (BhaiGurdasVaar5Pauri4) Itisonlynaturalthatwherethereisafragrantflowerinblossom,butterfliesandbeeswillbe drawnfromafartothefragranceandbesatisfiedonlywhentheytastethenectar.So,itwaswith BabaJi.HissoulwasoverflowingwiththefragranceofnaamofthetrueGuru.Toshareinthis fragranceofnaam,devoteesandgursikhswouldtravelfromnearandfartomeetBabaJiand tastethenectarofnaam.Somewouldcometostayadayortwo,othersaweek,attheirleisure. TheywouldenjoythecompanyofBabaJiandstayvariouslengthsoftimedependingonleave fromtheirworldlyaffairs.AfewoftheseblessedSikhslikeBhaiSherSinghJi,SantSadhuSinghJi, SantMangalSinghJi,BhaiGurbaxSinghJi,andBhaiWadhawaSinghJiareworthmentioning.

20BABAJISSOULTRAVELSTOSAVEADEVOTEEFROMAMISDEED Bythistime,BabaJihadachievedgreatspiritualaccomplishmentsthroughconstantmeditationof naam.Somuchso,hecouldconsciouslyseparatehissoulfromhisphysicalbodyandtravelasan astral(Formless)body(Formlesswetheloversofthisperishablebodymadeoffivebasic elementsthinkitimpossibletoseparatethesoulfromthephysicalbodyorthinkitabsurdtobe abletomoveasanastralbodybecausewemeasureeverythingaccordingtoourrealworldand thoughts.Theseabilitiesareminorforthosewhohaveadoptednaam.DrBhaiVirSinghJihas clarifiedthissubjectinhisbooksUchayKhandaanDeKautak(Miraclesofhigherdimensions), PyaraydaPyara(Loverslover)andRajaShivNabhSingh.Inthesebooks,hehaswrittenhowthe soulofadeeplymeditativeperson,throughrecitationofnaam,leavesthephysicalbody,feels itselffree,lighter,andenjoystheopennessofthespiritualandphysicalrealmsoftheuniverse. Thesoulafterleavingthebodyobservesthatthebody,madeoffiveelementsbyGod,isseparate fromandadifferententitytothesoul.ThegreatSaintswhothroughmeditationand concentrationofthemindcandifferentiatetheirsoulfromthebodyjustliketakingclothesoff. Theycantraveltoanypartoftheuniverseasaseparateentitywithoutobstruction.Theycanre entertheirconcretephysicalbodywhentheywishandcarryonasbefore.Paramhansa YogananadawritesinAutobiographyofayogiaboutsuchincidentsaswell,wherebyhisGuru andotheryogiscouldeasilyleavetheirphysicalbodiesandtraveltoVariousplaces.Theirastral bodieswouldappearrealtothedevoteeswhosawthem.Theneedisforonetoreachsuchalevel ofmentalconcentrationotherwisesuchabilitiesarebutminorfruitsofthepowerofmeditation onnaam). TheastralbodyofBabaJicouldtravelwhereverhewishedintheblinkofaneyetotalkandmeed devotees.AndevooteewhoexperiencedBabaJisastralbodywouldfeelhewastalkingwiththem asarealperson,inphysicalform.Oneevening,BabaJiwasimmersedinmeditation(simran) followingRehras.Suddenly,hisattentionwasdrawntoadevoteewhowasveryclosetoBabaJi.In hisdeepstateofmeditation,BabaJisawthatthispersonhadsetofftocommitadeedthatwas immoral.Thethoughtofsexualgratificationhadoverpoweredhisconscience.BabaJithoughtthat ifanefforttosavethispersonwasnotmadethenquitepossiblythispersonwouldrepenthis misdeed,asGuruJisays,Onlyformomentarysexualpleasure,miseryformanyyearsissuffered. Thisimmoralthought,whichhadcompelledthebodyonthepathtofulfilitsdesire,maylandits ownerintothedeepwellofdamnation.Itisonesdutytosavehimasthispersonisourwell wisher,thoughtBabaJi.BabaJiprayeduntoGurusfeetandwithhisastralbodylefthisphysical bodyinSargodha.BabaJisastralbodyreachedthedevoteewhohadsetoffonhiswayinLahore. BabaJiaskedhim,BhaiJi,whereareyougoing?Wehavecomeallthiswaytomeetyou.The sightofBabaJiandhiswordsstoppedthedevoteeinhistracks.Theoverpoweringthoughtsthat wereleadinghimtocommitanactofdisreputevanishedandthisdevoteewasovercomewith shameandrepentance. ThedevoteereturnedhomewithBabaJiandastheynearedthehouse,tohissurpriseBabaJihad vanished.HelookedeverywherebutBabaJiwasnottobefound.ThegreatSainthadalreadyleft andreturnedtoSargodhatoreenterhisphysicalbody.Thisdevoteerestedathomeandthenext daysetofftowardsSargodhatomeetBabaJiandaskforhisforgiveness.BabaJiinspiredhimto followtheGurusteachingswithgreaterresolveandadvisedthat,Ifinthefutureanimmoral thoughtisoverpoweringtheconsciencethenturntothegreatGuru,whoisallpervasive,

omnipotent,omnipresentandwithusallthetime.Beseechhimwithasupplicationasheseesall ourdeedsandallourthoughts. Thedeeddoneinsecrecy,assuredly Comestolight,eventhough Oneweretodoitunderground andarkamaanaasarparughrhaibhaavai koeebahiDharteevichkamaaee. (Mohalla4thGuru,ang16) And Heknowstheinnermostfeelings Ofeverybodyandrecognises Thepainofeverygoodorbad Ghuttghuttkayunturkeejaanutbhulayburaykeepeer Puchhaanat (BenatiChaupai,10thGuru) Apersoncommitsanimmoraldeedwhentheyknowthatnooneiswatchingoverthem.Butif theyrememberthewordsbelowofthegreatGuruJithentheycanbesavedfromevildeeds Fromwhomdoyouhideyourevildeeds? SincetheallpervasiveLordisholdingyou MyeverpresentLordpervadesinallplaces. lookkamaavaikistayjaavaykhaisadaahadoor. thaanthanantarravrahiaaparabhmayraabharpoor.||3|| (SriRaag5thGurupage48) And Behindmanyscreens,themortalcommitssins Butinaninstant,theyarelaidbaretotheworld anikparhdaymehkamaavaivikaar. khinmehpargathohisansaar.||3|| (Gauri5thGuru,page194) Baddeedsoncecommitted,leadapersontothecycleofcountlessbirthsanddeaths.Thepoor soulshouldcontinuetoprayatthefeetofGodAlmightythenhewillshowmercy.Beseechthe LordasGuruArjundevJisays Regardingyourmindswoe MakesupplicationbeforetheGuru Forsakeyourcleverness Anddedicateuntohimyourmindandbody jeeakeebirthaahoaysogurpehardaaskar. chhodsiaanapsagalmantanarapDhar. (Mohalla5thGuru,page519)

SurrenderingonesevilintellectandprayingtoWahegurufromthebottomoftheheart,one becomesworthyoftheGurusgraceandallourboonsaregranted.Takingheedofthe inspirationaladvicegivenbyBabaJi,thedevoteerepentedhispastmisdeedandpromisedto followGuruJisprinciplesmoreclosely. AnotherIncidentlikethis Thishumbleservantwillnotthinkitunworthytomentionasimilarincidentthatoccurredaround 1953.Asithappened,aGurmukh(onewhoselifeiscentredtowardstheGurusteachings)family thatwasdevotedtoBabaJilivedinModeltown,Jalandhar.Theyhadtwodaughtersandoneson. ThefamilymarriedtheironlysontoagirlinEngland.Beingfromarichfamily,thissonhadnot beenusedtodoingmuchlabour,butinaforeigncountry,hehadtostrugglehard.Beingaloneina newcountry,awayfromtheloveofhisfamily,hebecamelonelyanddejected.Tothisend,he wrotealettertohismotherexplaininghislonelyplightandhisintentiontogiveupworkandcome backhomeassoonaspossible.Havingreadtheletter,themotherbecameverydistraughtand wenttoseeBabaJi.ThemotherpleadedwithBabaJi,explainingthat,Itwaswithgreateffortand expensethatthisfamilyhadsentoursontoEngland,butnow,heisplanningtoreturn.Ifhe comesbacktoIndiathenhiswifewillhavetocomebacktoo.Ifhiswiferefusestocomebackthen itwillcreategreatturmoilinthefamily.ShepleadedwithBabaJitosuggestasolutiontothis problem. BabaJiconsoledthelady,urginghernottobedejected,Praywithdevotionfromthebottomof yourheartinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,whoiswithoutdoubtthelivingandspiritual embodimentofthetenGurus.Hecontinued,Secondly,apartfromyourownnitnem,recite JapJifivetimesadayinthenameofyourson.PraytoAlmightytoblessyoursonandverilythe GreatGuruwillhearyourprayersandblessyourson.Themotheragreed,bowedinfrontofGuru GranthSahibJiandreturnedtoJalandhar. Sometwoweekslater,brimmingwithdelight,theladyreturnedtoseeBabaJi.Afterexchanging GurFatehBabaJienquired,Pleasetell,isthereanynewsfromyourson?Theladyreplied,You haveblessedhimimmensely,Ihavebroughthislettertoshowyou.However,Iampuzzledby whathehaswritteninhisletter.TheladyhandedoverthelettertoBabaJiandheaskedmeto readtheletter.TheletterstartedwithGurFatehandthesonwrote,AsalreadydecidedIhad plannedtoreturntoIndiaposthaste.LastSunday,inaverygloomymood,Iwassatinaquiet corneroftheparksayingmyprayers,asIhadnotgonetoworkthatday.Suddenly,SantBabaJiof RampurKheracameuptomeandtalkedtomeforalmosthalfanhour.Itoldhimofmyintention ofgoingbackhometoIndiaandhowIwasburdenedwithdespair.BabaJiconsoledand persuadedmethattherewasnoneedtoreturntoIndia.Hecounselledthat,whenthemind despairsandyouaresadthenmeditateafterhavingsaidyourdailyprayers.Withhumble supplication,requesttheGreatGuru.Fromthatday,Inowfeeluplifted;Igotoworkdailyandmy plantoreturntoIndia,ofwhichIwrotetoyouinmylastletter,isshelved.Ihavedecidedtostay hereinEngland,pleasedonotworryaboutme.IwassoimpressedatthesightofBabaJisitting nexttome,thatIcompletelyforgottoaskhimwhosehousehewasstayingatwhilstinEngland. So,canyougotoRampurKheraandaskoneoftheattendantSikhsthereastowhereandwith whomBabaJiisstayinginEngland?PleaseaskthemhowlongheisstayinginEnglandandsend meareplybyreturnofpost. IreadouttheabovelettertoBabaJi.BabaJiheardthecontentsoftheletterandtakingtheletter frommetoreitupintopieces.Heturnedtotheladyandinstructedhernottopublicisethis incidenttoanyone.Pleasetellyoursontosteadfastlyrecitehisprayersandcarryonwithreciting

theprayersofJapJiSahibthatyouhavepromisedtodoforyourson.Donotwritetoyourson regardingthisepisode.BabaJithengotupandwalkedtoanopenfiretodestroytheletter.After theladyhaddeparted,BabaJitoldme,GreatGuruJihasblessedmesuchthatmysoulcantravel freelyasanastralbodytoanyplaceintheworld,whilstmyphysicalbodyisstillseatedhere. Thosewhoperceivemecannottellwhetheritismyrealphysicalbodyormyastralbodythatthey areseeing.ThisisaspecialblessingbestoweduponmebytheAlmighty.Sointhismanner,this exaltedgreatsoulwouldliveamongstthephysicalworldandwhendeeplyimmersedin meditationwouldfreehimselffromthephysicalbodytotraveltheworldinhisastralbodyto meetandhelpmanydevotees.Toadvisedevoteesoftheirtruepotentialwithhisastralbodyin thephysicalandspiritualworld,andtoenjoytheblissofthehighestspiritualdimensionswasbut aminorachievementforBabaJi.

21BRAVESTISHEWHOGRAPPLESWITHTHEMIND AlthoughmanyepisodesinBabaJislifemayseemtrivial,yetwithcloserobservationthese apparentlyinsignificantincidentsrevealahiddensourceofgreatmotivationandinspiration. Thosedevoteeswhotrytolearnfromthesefountainsofinspirationwillfindmanyobstacles removedfromtheirspiritualjourneyandtheirlifewillbecomeeasyandpleasant. BabaJioncetoldus,BackinmyvillageofChak119,Iwouldwalktothenextvillageeveryfew daystovisitafellowcompanionwhowasill.Ontheway,Ihadtowalkpastalargefieldofripeand sweetsugarcane.AsIwasnearingthefield,Ifeltadesiretochewsomesweetsugarcane.I thoughttomyselfthatasIwalkbythefield,Iwouldpickupacoupleofsugarcanesfromit.With thisthought,atusslestartedwithinmymind.Myinnervoiceofconsciencewhisperedthat, undoubtedlythefieldwouldntlosemuchifIremovedoneortwosugarcanes,buttakingthe sugarcanewithoutconsentistheft.Theftistheft,whetheritisofapennyorofthousandsof pounds,thegreatGuruhaswarnedagainststealinginthat Noonetakesresponsibilityforathief Howcanwhatathiefdoes,begood? chorkeehaamaabharaynakoay. chorkeeaachangakiohoay.||1|| (Dhanasari3rdGuru,page662) Asecondvoicearosewithinandansweredthatwetooarefarmers.Wheneveraneedyperson wantssomevegetablesorsugarcane,theytakeitfromourfields,regardless.Theydontbotherto askusforpermission,dothey?Withthisthoughtcameananswerfrommyconsciencethat,even thoughsuchpeopletakefruitandvegetablesfromourfields,withoutpermission,westilldonot holdagoodopinionoftheirbehaviour,dowe?Westilldescribethemasthievesandthinkthat heavenknowswhichdesperatepersonhasstolenproducefromourfieldsatoddhoursand damagedthecropswhilststealing.Westilltrytocatchsuchapersonredhanded,stealingfrom ourfields.MyinnervoicegoadedmetothinkaboutwhatpeoplewillsayifIwascaughtgrabbinga coupleofsugarcanes.Surely,theywillsaythatHarnamSinghwearsthegarbofaGurmukh, claimingtofollowaspiritualpathbutgivenhalfachance,hestealslikeanyotherordinaryman. Wheneverpeoplewilltalkofyourindiscretion,youwillbedefamedandsotoowillthenameof yourGuruandSikhism.Thiscannotbeallowedtohappenatanycost.Icannottakethesugarcanes. Asthesethoughtsunravelledandweavedinmymind,Idrewclosertothesugarcanefield.Bynow, mymindhadconcoctedanotherplan.Iwouldgouptothefield,callouttotheownerofthefield, S.UttamSinghandtellhimthatIamtakingacoupleofsugarcanesfromhisfield,ifitwasallright withhim.Inthisway,Iwouldntbestealingfromtheownerofthefield.Butmyinnerconscience begantorecitespontaneouslythewords PlacingrelianceonyouOmind Whoisitthathasnotfallen? Youarebewitchedmymammon Thisisthewaytohell Oviciousmindnofaithcanbeplacedinyou Youareexceedinglydrunkwithsin Thefootchainofthedonkeyisremoved Onlywhenaloadisputonitsback Youdestroythemeritofcontemplation

Andpenanceandselfmortification Youshallsufferagony Atthehandsofyamasrod Oshamelessbuffoon WhydoyounotrememberGod? Youshallsufferthepainofrebirth kavankavannaheepatriaatumHreeparteet. mahaamohneemohiaanarakkeereet.||1|| mankhuthartayraanaheebisaastoomahaaudmaadaa. kharkaapaikhartaochhutaijaoooparlaadaa.||1||rahaao. japtapsanjamtumHkhandayjamkaydukhdaaNd. simrahinaaheejondukhnirlajaybhaaNd.||2|| (Bilawal5thGuru,page815) Inordertofulfilyourlowlydesire,Omind,youmakemanyalameexcuseandputforwardmany anargument.Ohmymind,ifyouaredestinedtohavesugarcanefromthisfield,youwillgetit.Be patientandcontent.HaveresolveandfaithuponGuruswordsandthefruitofyourdestiny.O mind,donotmakemeathiefjusttofulfilthesensuousbutpettydesireoftaste.Iwillnotgive intothee,Omind.Inthisconflictofthemind,thevoiceofthedesireriddenlowermindwas silencedandbeatenbythetruevoiceoftheconscience.Avoicefrominsideroseup Omymindremainsteadfast Thenyoushallbearnoinjury aymanmayriaatoothirrahuchotnakhaavheeraam. (Page1113) Omymindbebrave,dontabandonyourprinciplesforpettyandsensuouspleasures.Thetussle withinthemindwasstillcarryingonwhenIcametothesugarcanefield.Ihadonlywalkedpast abouthalfofthefieldlengthwhenSUttamSinghappearedfromthemidstofthesugarcanecrop clutchinganarmfulofbrokenanddiscardedshootsofsugarcane.Standingafewfeetawayfrom me,hesawmeandreverentlyexchangedGurFatehwithme. IwasastonishedyetfeltashamedofmyselftoseeSUttamSingh.AfterexchangingGurFateh,he continued,Somecontemptiblepersongoesthroughmysugarcanefieldstealingthesugarcane anddiscardingtheleafyshootsintothemiddleofthefield.S.UttamSinghshowedmetheleaves hewasclutchingandremarked,Thesearefreshlybrokenshootsfromyesterday.Forafewdays nowIhavebeensittingamongstthesugarcane,lyinginwaitfortheculprit.IfIcatchhim,hellbe taughtagoodlessonanddraggedpubliclyinfrontofthevillagecouncil.Evennow,Iwassatlying inwaittocatchthethief,hiddeninthemidstofmycrop.ThenIsawyoucomingandthought, thankGod!IhaveglimpsedthepresenceofaholymanlikeHarnamSingh.EventhoughIwaslying inwaittocatchathief,Ihavebeenblessedwithyourcompany.AllmorningIvebeensittinginthe heat,inwaitoftheculpritandamtirednow.So,whereveryouweregoing,pleasetakeashort breakfromyourjourneyandsitwithmeawhileasIwishtoaskyousomequestionsregarding Sikhismandgurmat.Youcananswermyquestionsandremovemydoubts.Hepointedovertoa denselyshadytree(tahli)andsaid,Pleasesitonthebedundertheshade.Iwillbringsome sugarcaneforustohavewhilstwediscussgurmat.Youwilldomeagreathonourbylettingme serveyousomesugarcaneandbydiscussinggurmat.BabaJiusedtotellus,ItriedtopersuadeS UttamSinghtoallowmegoonwithmyjourneyasIwasinahurrybuthisaffectionatemanner overpoweredme.HewenttothefieldtocollectsomesugarcanesandIsatundertheshadytree.I

wasthankingAlmightyGodontheonehandandatthesametimefeelingguiltyandashamedon theother.Thesuperconsciencerebukedthelowermind,Oweakandfeeblemind,hadIatyour instigationbrokenthosesugarcanes,Iwouldhavebeendeclaredathief.Notonlythat,Iwould havebeenblamedforthetheftofthesugarcanebytherealthief.Godonlyknowshowmany otherpeopleS.UttamSinghwouldhavetoldabouthowS.HarnamSinghwastheculprit,stealing sugarcanefromhisfield.Iwouldhavebeendefamed,thatHarnamSinghlookslikeagurmukh fellowbutstealssoexpertlythathewillevencallouttotheownersbeforehesteals.Thehigher mindwasscoldingandrebukingthelowerevilmind,whichwasshamedintosilence.Atthesame time,myfaithinGodandresolveindestinygrewevenstronger.Myconscienceexplainedfurther that,HadIbrokenthesugarcaneatthebehestofmywickedmindIwouldhavebeenlabelleda thiefforever.Yet,IwouldhavegotthesugarcanewithoutstealingandasdestinedbyGod.Idid nothavetogiveintomywickedmind,insteadSUttamSinghofferedmethesamesugarcanewith greatloveandrespect. BabaJiusedtosay,FromthatdayonwardsIwasdeterminednottobelievethemindasitalways dragsyoutothebadside.Weshouldlistencarefullytothesoft,fainttoneoftheinnerconscience, whichadvisesonetoresisttemptationofmisdeedsandactuponguidance.Thus,BabaKabirJi cautionsustoguardagainstthemindasfollows Kabirthemindknowseverything Yetknowinglycommitssins Whatuseisthelampinhishand? Ifmanstillfallsintothewell kabeermanjaanaisabhbaatjaanatheeaugankarai. kaahaykeekuslaathaathdeepkooayparai.||216|| (SalokBhagatKabirJi,page1376) Inspiteofknowingthemeritsordemeritsofasinfulact,themindstillpersuadesonetowardsevil. Everyoneknowsthattheft,adultery,cheating,robbery,lyingetcarebaddeedsbutthemindstill dragsonetocommitsuchacts.Thepunishmentfortheseactsisbornebythebodyinthisworld andbythesoulinthenextworld.Tobesavedfromtheevilmachinationsofthemind,weshould usethetouchstonethatisGurbani,toevaluatewhetheradeedissinfulornot.Ifthemindstill refusestoyieldtorighteousaction,thenasBhagatKabirJisays Beatingandthrashinghismind Heappliesittothetouchstone OftheLordslove Thatpersonobtainsperfectsalvation kutkutmankasvateelaavai. sokootanmukatbahopaavai.||1|| (Bilawal,BhagatKabirJi,page872) ThemindmustbeallowedtodirectouractionsunderthecommandofGurbani,onlythencanwe saveourselvesfrombaddeeds.Ifwefollowtheleadershipofourmind,itwilltemptthebodyto commitallmannerofabsurdandridiculousdeedsofdemerit Sufferseverinloss,Theperversewandersindoubt TheblindinfidelremembersnottheLord,Howcanheobtaininsight? manmukhtotaanithaibharmehbharmaaay.

manmukhanDhnachayteekiodarsanpaaay.||6|| (Asa1stGuru,page421) Thepersonoverwhelmedwithbasedesiressuchaslustandangerdoesnotknowwhatis righteousornot.Heorshecannotevaluatewhatistherightplaceortimeforrighteousactions Theegocentricknownothowtospeak Withinthemislustprideandanger Theydistinguishnotbetweenrightandwrong Theyeverthinkevil IntheLordscourttheyareheldtoaccount Theyarethenjudgedasfalse manmukhbolnajaananHeeonaaandarkaamkroDhahaNkaar. thaaokuthaaonajaanneesadaachitvahibikaar. dargehlaykhaamangeeaiothaihohikoorhiaar. (Salok3rdGuru,page1248) InordertopleasetheAlmighty,weshouldalwaysabandontheteachingsofthemind.Thoughitis difficulttoletgoofthedeviousmachinationsofthemindone,shouldrememberwhatthegreat Guruadvisesustodo Omindrenounceyourcleverness Howeverhardthistaskmaybe ReceivinginstructionsfromthegreatGuru ReflectupontheLordsnamenightandday WeshouldalwayslistentotheGurusword Insteadofthemindsfalsearguments mankeemattiaagahuharjanayhaabaatkathainee. andinharharnaamDhiaavahugursatgurkeematlainee.||3|| (Bilawal4thGuru,page800) Insteadoflisteningtotheimmoralteachingsofthemind,oneshouldlistentotheGurustrue gospel Forsakeyouthemindscleverness AndhearkentotheGurusgospel. mankeemattiaageeaisuneeaiupdays.||1||rahaao. (Bilawal5thGurupage814)

22MEDITATIONINLAHORE DeeplyimpressedbyBabaJiswayoflife,BhaiWadhawaSinghoncerequestedBabaJitocome andstaywithhiminLahore,sothatotherscouldavailthemselvesofhispiouscompanytoo.Baba JiacceptedthisaffectionateinvitationtocomeandmeditateinLahore.Thefamilyprepareda quietandpeacefulroomforBabaJitostayinandmeditatewithoutdisturbance.Allday,BabaJi wouldbeimmersedinmeditationandimbuedwiththeLordsremembrance.Intheevening,Baba JiwouldsitwiththefamilytorecitetheeveningprayerofRehrasafterwhichheimparted knowledgeandteachingsofSikhismtothefamily.BabaJiwouldsimilarlyrecitethemorning Nitnemamongstthefamily.AsthefamilyhadaseparateroominwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJi wasenthroned,BabaJiwouldpayhomagetothetrueGuruathomeinsteadofgoingtothelocal Gurdwara.Asamatterofprinciple,BabaJiwouldonlyeatafterhehadpaidrespectstoSriGuru GranthSahibJi. Oneday,aftercompletinghisNitnem,BabaJiwenttoprayandpayhisrespectstoGuruJi,whena questionaroseinhismind,HowisitthatSriGuruGranthSahibJiembodiesthespiritoftheten Gurus?WiththisthoughtinmindBabaJibowedtoGuruJi,paidobeisance,gotupand pronouncedGurFateh.Ashedidso,helookeduptoSriGuruGranthSahibJiandsawtheintensely radiantformsofthetenGurusarisingoutofthepalanquin.Theroomwasfilledwithradiant, incandescentlight.Hiseyeswerefindingitdifficulttobeartheintensebrightnessofthelight.A fewsecondslater,theradiantformsoftheGurusappearedtotransformintoonebright,radiant, glowinglightandonebyonemergedintothebodyofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Thentheformsof theGuruswouldreappearonebyoneoutofthebodyofthetrueGuru.Thistransformationof thetenGurusfromandintothebodyofSriGuruGranthSahibJihappenedthreetimes.Nowall thatBabaJicouldperceivewasthisglowingradiantlightaroundSriGuruGranthSahibJithatwas spreadingintotherestoftheroom.BabaJithankedtheAlmightyandfeltthatthismiraclewas performedbyGodtoanswerhisquestion.InBabaJismindtherewasdeepcontentmentandfaith that Godtheembodimentoflighthascaused HimselftobecalledGuruNanak FromhimAngaddevbecametheGuru WhomheforthwithunitedwiththeLord Showeringhisbenediction AngaddevestablishedAmarDasasthetrueGuru AmarDasshasblessedGuruRamDasJiwiththeambrosialumbrella SaysMathura,seeingthevisionofGuruRamDas NectarsweetbecamethespeechofArjunDev Withtheseeyes,seetheembodiment OftheapproveddiscipleArjundev,thefifthGuru. jotroopharaapguroonaanakkahaayao. taatayangadbhayaotatsiotatmilaayao. angadkirpaaDhaaramarsatgurthirkeeao. amardaasamratchhatargurraamehdeeao. gurraamdaasdarsanparaskahimathuraaamritbayan. mooratpanchparmaanpurakhgurarjunpikhahunayan.||1|| (Swaiyas5thGuru,page1408)

Thedivinelight,whichmanifestedwithinthebodyofGuruNanakDevJithenpassedthrougheach ofthetenGurus.ThesamedivinelightpassedintoandisnowseatedinSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Itisonlyourvisionthatisdistortedandclouded,unabletoseethisreality.Thisisthereasonwe meditateonnaam,sothatthegrimeofsiniswashedfromoureyesandtheillusionofdoubtis banishedfromwithinus.MaytheAlmightyremovethisdoubtthatmakesusperceivetheGurus andSriGuruGranthSahibJiasseparateentities,when,infact,theyareoneandthesamedivine light.Maywetoo,recognisethisdivinelightasthelivingembodimentoftheAlmightyLord.May wegetguidancefromthelivingSriGuruGranthSahibJi.ThetenthmasterGuruGobindSinghJi tellsus AllknowtheLordinhisdifferentforms Therareonerecognizeshimasone Theonewhoknowsthisistheblessedone. Bhinnbhinnroopsubhhookurjaanaa Eykroopkinhoopehchaanaa (BachittarNatak10thGuruDasamGranth) BabaJispentaconsiderabletimeenjoyingthedivinemiraclethathadjustoccurred.Hethenread ahukamnamafromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.AfterbowingandpayinghisrespectstothetrueGuru, hereturnedtohisroomtoimmersehimselfinmeditationofnaam,overflowingwithblissat witnessingthemiracle.AtLahoreBabaJispent40odddaysinastateofdivineelationand returnedtoSargodhatoresumehisroutineofmeditation OSaintsthroughtheLordsname Themortalissaved Standingorsittingdowncontemplate TheLordGod,nightandday Dothesegooddeeds.Pause. santahuraamnaamnistareeai. oothatbaithatharharDhiaaeeai andinsukaritkareeai.||1||rahaao. (Sorath5thGuru,page621622) And Contemplatetheonename Fruitlessareallotheraffairs japahutaaykonaamaa. avarniraafalkaamaa.||1||rahaao. (Suhi1stGuru,page728)

23EXPERIENCEOFTHECOUNTRYSPARTITION ThegreatSaintBabaHarnamSinghJispent29yearsinthegracefulareaofSargodhaimmersedin contemplativemeditation.Oneday,duringastateofdeepmeditation,BabaJiperceivedthatthe landonwhichtheyhadsettledandfarmedwouldneedtobeabandoned.Ahorrificscene,of peoplemigratingasrefugees,greatlootingandmurderousriotsflashedbeforehisspiritualvision. ThewordsofSriGuruNanakDevJiinBabarBani(ThisistheGurbaniutteredbyGuruNanakDevJi whenhewitnessedthemassacreofpeopleinEminabadatthehandsofthemughalinvaderBabar, whocamefromSamarkhand,Uzbekistan)materializedbeforehiseyes.Hesaw,howneighbours, wholivedlikebrethren,withmutualloveandrespect,helpingeachotherintimesofneed,now, turnedononeanotherwithhatred.Naturefuelledtheirinstinctsofhatredandalienatedfriends andneighboursfromoneanother.Genocideturnedthegroundredwithblood.Witnessingsuch horrificscenes,BabaJibecamepensiveattheimpendinghavoctobefallGodscreation. Thenextday,seeinghiminsuchaseriousmood,BabaJiselderbrotheraskedhimthereasonfor hisdejectedmood.Ifwehaveinconveniencedyouinanywaythenpleasetelluswithout hesitationandwewilltrytosortoutanyobstaclesorproblemstothebestofourability? reassuredhiselderbrother,BhaiTaraSingh.Onaskingonceortwice,BabaJitriedtodetractfrom tellinghisolderbrotherwhatthematterwasbutthenheagreedtotalkandcalledallhisbrothers together. Henarratedtothemhispropheticvisionandtoldthem,Wewillhavetoabandonthislandthat wearesettledonandreturntoourcountry.Countlesspeoplewillbecomehomelessrefugeesand havetomigrateonbothsides.ThesignsofgreatdestructionarevisibleAfterlisteningtoBabaJi, hisyoungestbrotherbrokethesilenceandsaid,Afarmerdoesnotleavehislandevenafter death.Youaretellingustoleaveitnowwhenwearealiveandwell.Howcanthisbepossible?We boughtthisuncultivatedlandandwithhardwork,dayandnight,turneditintoproductivelandfor farming.BabaJiansweredpolitely,Youaskedthereasonformydejectedmood.Whatever insightthetrueGurugrantedme,Ihavesharedwithyou.Regardingtheland,itisyourcollective decisionwhethertoleaveitornot.Almostfourmonthspassed.BabaJithoughttohimself,I takefoodandshelterinthishouseholdandtheyareattachedtomethroughdeepworldly relationsasbrothers.Ishouldtrytopersuadethemonemoretime,sothattheymaybespared fromtheforthcomingdisaster. So,BabaJiassembledhisbrothers,repeatedhiswarning,andtoldthemabouthispremonition. BabaJiaskedthem,Ifyoudontwanttoleave,sobeitbutatleastsendmotherandtheladiesof thehousewithnecessarythings,toournativevillageofDhugga.Theimpendinghourofdisasteris nearlyuponus.Headdedfurther,Someonehasreliablyinformedmethatcheapfarmlandisfor salenearthecityofBarhi,Rajasthan.ManyPunjabishaveboughtlandthereandturnedthem intoproductivefarms.Pleasesellsomelandhereandbuyapieceoflandwiththeproceedsofthe sale,inRajasthan. Asnaturewouldhaveit,thebrothersagreedtoBabaJisrequest.BhaiTaraSingh,alongwiththe ladiesofthehouse,setofftowardstheirancestralvillagewithonlythemostessentialitems.After stayinginDhuggaforaweek,BhaiTaraSinghreturnedtoSargodha.Withtheconsentofallthe brothers,BhaiTaraSinghthenwenttoseethelandforsaleinavillagecalledKarerua,nearthe cityofBarhi,Rajasthan.Afterinspectingtheland,hewaspleasedwithitandreturnedwiththe

goodnewstoSargodha.ThefamilysoldapieceoflandinSargodha,addedsomemoremoneyand boughtaboutfiftyacresoflandinthevillageofKarerua.

24MOVINGFROMSARGODHATOKARERUAVILLAGE AfterbuyinglandinthestateofDholpur,Rajasthan,thenextstepwastoreclaimtheland,makeit productiveandestablishsomeaccommodation.Inordertoeasetheirworkload,allthreebrothers jointlyrequestedBabaJitohelpalittleinfarmingandresettlingtheland.BabaJireplied,Whatis yourcommand?Thebrothersrepliedpolitely,Itisnotproperforustoinvolveyouinfarming againbut,ifyoutakeupresidenceinthenewfarmthen,bothendsofourfamilyneedscanbemet. One,youcansupervisethetenantswhocultivatetheland.Secondly,youcancarryonregardless withyourmeditationandsimran(simranmeansremembranceorrecitationofGurbaniusuallythe GurumantarorMoolmantar).Toenableyoutostaythere,wewillbuildyouasmallfarmlodge. AsBhagatKabirsays ThewholeworldbelongstotheSaintoftheLord. BabaJihadnoparticularattachmenttoanyoneplace.Moreover,hefeltintuitivelythathewould beleavingthisplacesoon.So,hehappilyagreedtotheirrequestandbidfarewelltothelandof Sargodha,wherehehadspentnearly30yearsofhislifeinblissfuldivinecommunionwiththe Lord.HearrivedatKareruavillageafewdayslaterwithhisbrotherBhaiTaraSingh.Asmallriver passedthroughthefarmandthebrothershadconstructedasmalllodgewithacoupleofrooms onthefarm.Aftertakingcareofthearrangements,BhaiTaraSinghreturnedtoSargodha.Tenants whowouldfarmthelandweresoonfound. Asperhisroutine,BabaJiwouldariseafewhoursbeforedawn.Afterbathing,hewouldimmerse himselfincontemplativemeditation.Atdawn,hewouldcompletehisNitnemafterwhich,he wouldgotothevillageGurdwaratopayhomagetoSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Hewouldlistentothe hukamnamaandreturnhometoeatandrestalittle.Afterashortrest,hewouldresumehis programmeofrecitinghymnsfromGurbani.Hewouldthengotothefarmandsuperviseanywork untiltheafternoon.Intheevening,hewouldreciteRehrasandsohilabeforeheretiredforthe night.Whilsthisbodyrested,hissoulwouldremainimmersedinmeditationonthelotusfeetof theLord. Thislandwassparselypopulated,barrenwiththickshrubsandjungleallaround.Therewerewild animalslikelions,leopardsetc.somuchso,thatatashortdistancefromwhereBabaJiusedto stay,wasasmallriverandontheembankmentoftheriver,alionhadmadeasmalldenforitself. Anydeerorpreythatwouldcomeforadrinkofwaterwerepounceduponbythelionandmadea mealof.Beingcloseby,BabaJioftenwitnessedthelionhuntingitsprey.Thelionnever threatenedorlookeduponBabaJiinanger Faridaifyousubmityourselftomethenthewholeworldwillbeyours. fareedaajaytoomayraahoayrahehsabhjagtayraahoay.||95|| (SalokBhagatFaridJi,page1382) ThenativevillagersanddisciplesdiscoveredthatBabaJihadleftSargodha.Thevillagersof KareruafoundoutthatBabaJiwouldcometotheGurdwaraeverydaytoperformprayersand worshipSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Asaresultofthis,thevillagerswouldcomeinlargenumbersto theGurdwaraeverydaytolistentoBabaJiexplainthehukamnama.Somuchsothatfarmers wouldstoptheirploughingandcometotheGurdwarainordertolistentoBabaJisdailydiscourse ofGurbani.HewouldexplainthemeaningsofGurbaniandthehukamnama.Inparticular,he wouldextolthevirtuesofmeditation(naamsimran)andrenunciationofalcoholandmeat.Beinga

wildarea,thelocalswerefondofhuntingandhomebrewedalcohol.BabaJioftenthoughtthatif ourPunjabibrethrendidnotstopabusingalcoholthenoursocietywouldbesweptawayinthe tideofalcoholabuseandimmorality.ThelocalkingofDholpurstateandthehostcommunity, whichhasrespectforthehardworkingandindustriousPunjabisnow,willloserespectforthemin thefuture.Wherealcoholandmeatareusedfrequently,onescharacterbecomesimmoraland baseinstinctslikeangerandlustoverpowerhigherprinciples.Inacharacterriddledwithbase desiresandinstincts,theminddoesnotimmerseeasilyinmeditation.Thereisnottheslightest linkbetweenanemotiondrivenmindandmeditation. ThepersuasivemessageofGurbani,explainedwithconvictionbyBabaJi,convincedmanytogive upmeatandalcohol.Many,nowgotreadytotakeamritandbebaptisedbythefivebelovedones. BabaJiinvitedfivehighlyspiritualSinghsandarrangedforabaptismceremony.Healsogathered thenecessarykakaarstoo(thesearealsoknownasthefiveks.Theyarethefivesymbolsofa baptisedSikhandthesesymbolsarewornallthetime.TheyaretheKirpanasmallceremonial sword,Keshuncuthair,Kangasmallcomb,KaraasteelbangleandtheKashehraspecial shorts).ThefiveSinghsweresentwritteninvitationsandtheyarrivedontheduedateto administerbaptism,when20orsovillagerstookamrit.Withinafewmonths,inthevillageof Karerua,therewasacongregationofdevotedSikhs,whoassembledinthemorningandeveningat theGurdwara.TheywouldavailthemselvesofthecompanyofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,gettingthe addedbenefitofbeinggivenguidanceonspiritualmattersandGurbanibyBabaJi.Thenumbersin thecongregationgrewdaybydayuntil,induecourse;thewholevillagebecamedevoteesand SikhsofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.AnoldassociateofBabaJi,SantSadhuSinghJijoinedBabaJiat Kareruavillage.SantSadhuSinghJitookupresidenceattheGurdwara.Asthesizeofthe congregationgrew,sothesizeoftheGurdwarabuildingincreasedaccordingly.TheGurdwarais nowabeautiful,grandbuildingtobehold.SantSadhuSinghJiisservingtheGurdwarawithgreat zealandenthusiasm.

25MEETINGDRKARTARSINGH AshortdistancefromKareruaVillagewasasmallcitycalledBari.Peoplefromthesurrounding areawouldvisitthemarketsatthiscityfortheirnecessitieslikeclothes,teaetc.Ifanyonebecame ill,theywouldhavetotraveltothiscityfortheirmedicine.APunjabidoctorcalledDrKartarSingh usedtorunhispracticeinthissmallcity.PunjabipeoplefromthelocalitywouldgenerallyvisitDr KartarSinghfortheirmedicaltreatment.DrSinghwasanatheistandanyleisuretimehehad,he spentpersuadingpeople,withgusto,aboutthefutilityofbelievinginGod.Impressedbyhis argumentsmanybecameatheists. BabaJitoo,cametohearofthismakeshiftcentreforpreachingatheism.Takingsometimeout fromhismeditation,BabaJiwenttomeetDrKartarSinghathispractice.ThedoctortreatedBaba Jiasanyotherpatientofhisandaskedhimwhathisailmentwas.BabaJireplied,Ihavenothing wrongwithmephysicallyandhaveonlycometomeetyouandlistentoyourviews.TheDoctor wasverypleasedtoreceiveawillinglistenerwhohadobviouslytravelledsomedistance. Normally,hewouldhavetopersuadepeopletolistenhisviewsonatheism.Afterofferingsome refreshmentstoBabaJi,thedoctorlaunchedstraightintohislecture,whichwasasfollows:Look! Howsimplemindedandinnocentthepeopleofourcountryare!NoonehasseentheSupreme Being,norcanhebeseenwiththeseeyes,neitherdoeshehaveanyphysicalbodynorcananyone showanotherpersonifGodexists.SuchabeingthathasnoentityisworshippedasGod.Whats more,peoplewhoareprayingtohimdayandnight,havegivenhimnumerousnames.Howcan onepintheirhopesonabeing,whichcannotbeseen?Howcanthatnonexistententitylistento ourprayers?Whatpurposeofyourswillitfulfilorserve?Yes,thismuchistruethatdueto peopleswhimsicalanddelusionalhopessomeothersprofitfromtheirvulnerability. ThedoctorcontinuedhislectureandBabaJilistenedpatientlytohisrhetoric.Thedoctorput forwardmanyeloquentandimpassionedargumentstoprovethatGoddoesnotexist.BabaJi askedthedoctorpolitely,DoctorSahib,accordingtoyourownwordsyouonlyacknowledgethe existenceofthosethingsthatcanbeseenbyoureyes?Thoseobjectswhichcannotbeseen,you believedonotexist.DeardoctorSahib,toseeGodisadistantconcepttovisualise.Evensomeof hiscreationcannotbeseenbutonlyperceivedthroughoursenses.Forexample,hasanyoneseen thebitternessofchilly?Youcanseesugarbutcannotseeitssweetness.Similarly,yougivequinine pillsformalariatomanypatientseverydaybutcannotseethebitternessofthetablets.Many thingsinnaturecanbeseenoutwardlybuttheirhiddenmeritsornaturecannotbeseenreadily. Thedoctorinterrupted,Brother,nodoubtsweetnessofsugarorbitternessofquininecannotbe seenbutitcanstillbetastedandwethereforeknowthatitexists.BabaJireplied,Theycanonly feelbutnotsee.Hereisaglassofmilkbeforeus.Canyouseethebutterthatishiddenwithin milk?Evenifyouputyourhandintothemilk,youcannotbringoutthebutterfromthemilk.Even upondrinkingthemilk,youcannottasteorseethebutterinthemilk.Ifhoweveramilkmanheats themilkandcurdlesit,thenchurningandwhiskingthemilkattherighttemperature,hewillbe abletoremovethebutterfromthemilk.Ifhenowmeltsthebutter,hecanthencreamoffthe ghee(clarifiedbutter). Now,ifthismilkmantellsyouhowtoremovebutterfrommilkbutyousteadfastlyassertyour viewthatthereisanobutterinmilkbecauseyoucannotseeit,tasteit,smellit,ortouchitinthe milkthen,isitnotyourownignorancetoadmitthatthatbutterdoesntcomefrommilk?

However,itisnotyourfaultthatyouarenotconvincedbysomeoneelsesexplanationofbutter comingfrommilk.Ifhowever,youyourselfpreparemilk,whiskandchurnitattheright temperature,youtoowilldemonstratefirsthandthatbutterindeedcanberemovedfrommilk, providingyoufollowthecorrectmethodofpreparingthemilk.Anotherexamplegiventousby GuruJitellsusthatfireliesdormantinfirewood,butcannotbeseen.Itdoesnotfollowthat becausewecannotseefireinfirewoodthatfiredoesnotexist.Ifwewishtoexperienceafire,we onlyneedtorubsomebambootogethertocreateafireandreleasetheheatenergywithinthe firewood.OurfifthGuruhasdescribedtheabovetwoexamplesasfollows Asfireiscontainedinalltimber Andbutterinallmilk Soinhighandlowheresides TheLordofwealthisallpervading Theheartsandmindsofallhumanbeings OSaintshepervadesallhearts TheperfectLordisfullycontainedinall Inthewateranddryland TheLordpervades.Pause Nanaksingsthepraiseofthetreasureofvirtues ThetrueGuruhasdispelledhisdoubts TheomnipresentLordiscontained Amongstall,thougheverdistinctfromthem sagalbanaspatmehbaisantarsagaldooDhmehgheeaa. oochneechmehjotsamaaneeghatghatmaaDhaojeeaa.||1|| santahughatghatrahiaasamaahio. pooranpoorrahiosarabmeh jalthalramaeeaaaahio.||1||rahaao. gunniDhaannaanakjasgaavaisatgurbharamchukaaio. sarabnivaaseesadaaalaypaa sabhmehrahiaasamaaio.||2||1||29|| (Sorath5thGurupage617) Justasfirecannotbeseeninapieceofwoodandbutterishiddenwithinmilkbutisnotseen. Similarly,Godresidesinallhiscreation,regardlessofwhethertheyarerichorpoor,greatorsmall. Alas,hecannotbeseenwiththeseeyesthatwepossess.IfyouyearntoseeGodandwishto manifestGodinreality,thenitisclearfromGurbanithatyouwillneedtomakeaspecialeffortto seetheAlmighty.Whateffortwillyouadopt?Namely,tosingtheLordspraises,whoisthe treasureofallvirtues.Youwillhavetoadoptthemethodofsingingthepraisesoftheallpervasive Lord.DearDoctor,youreyeswillneedthespectaclesofdevotiontoseeGodasBhagatKabirJi says EverperformthoutheLordsservice Wearthesespectaclesand Seehimpresenteverywhere karfakardaaimlaaaychasmayjahtahaamaujood.||3|| (TodiBhagatKabirJi,page727) IfweconcentrateandquietenourmindofthoughtsthentheomnipresentLordspresencewill becomeapparentinashortwhile

Ifyoufixyourmindevenforamoment ThentheLordshallbeseenpresentbeforeyou tukdamkaraareejaokarahuhaajirhajoorkhudaaay.||1|| (TodiBhagatKabirJi,page727) DearDoctor,whatgreaterguaranteecanbegivenbythosewhohaveseentheLordasBhagat FaridJisay MeetthyLordrightnowOFarid Ifyourestrainthedesiresthatdistractthemind aajmilaavaasaykhfareedtaakimkoonjarheeaa manhumachindrheeaa.||1||rahaao. (AsaBhagatFaridJi,page488) And Bindthepugnaciouspassionsofthemind AttainyourbeauteousLord dundarbaaDhhusundarpaavhu.||1||rahaao. (BhaironBhagatKabirJi,pagep1160) DearDoctor,theneedisforonetowalkonthepathofenlightenmenttoGod.GuruNanakdevJi tellusaboutthispath: Sittingdownwashandperfumethevessel Thengoandfetchthemilkinit Goodactionsarethemilk Fermentthemilkwithmeditation Thenleaveitwithoutdesire CurdlethemilkwithcontemplationofthenameoftheLord Fruitlessareallotheraffairs.Pause. Makeyourmindthehandpieces Beingeverawakethecordtochurnthemilk Utteringthenamewiththetongue Themilkischurned Inthismanner,gathertheambrosialbutter Makethemindbathedinthetankoftruth TheabodefortheLord Makeofferingsofdevotiontopleasehim TheservantwhoservestheLord Byofferinghisverylife RemainsabsorbedinhisLord Othersutteryourpraise Merelyrecitingyourpraises,theydepart ThereisnoequaltoyouLord DevotionlessslaveNanakprays MayeversingthepraisesofthetrueLord bhaaNdaaDhoaybaisDhoopdayvhutaodooDhaikaojaavhu. dooDhkaramfunsuratsamaainhoayniraasjamaavahu.||1||

japahutaaykonaamaa.avarniraafalkaamaa.||1||rahaao. ihmaneeteehaathkarahufunnaytaraoneednaaavai. rasnaanaamjapahutabmatheeaiinbiDhamritpaavhu.||2|| mansampatjitsatsarnaavanbhaavanpaateetaripatkaray. poojaaparaansayvakjaysayvayinHbiDhsaahibravatrahai.||3|| kahdaykahehkahaykahijaavehtumsaravarnakoee. bhagatheennaanakjanjampaihaosaalaaheesachaasoee.||4||1|| (Suhi1stGuru,page728) Listen!DoctorSahib,ifitisamatterofsight,thenpeopleallaroundtheworldfeelsleepy,hungry andaresubjecttopain,pleasure,happiness,sadness,lust,anger,greed,affectionandvanity. Theseareallemotionsthatareexperienced.Ifweasksomeone,nomatterhowwise,toshowus wheresleeporhungeris,whatwilltheythinkofourwisdom?Weallfeelsleepandhungerbut cannotshowwheretheycomefrom.Wecanquantify,toanextent,whattheyarebutonly, subjectively.Nonetheless,onlythepersonwhoexperiencestheseemotionscandescribeorfeel them.Look!DoctorSahiblookathowhowsciencehasprogressed.Scientistscanmeasureblood pressure,temperatureetcbuthavenotinventedinstrumentsfineenoughtomeasurethe imperceptibleexistenceofGod.Neitherhungerorgreed,norlustorangeretccanbemeasured accurately.Noonehasmeasuredhisorherformorquantityinaperson.Onlytheperson overpoweredbytheseinstinctscanfeeltheirinfluence.DoctorKartarSinghwaslisteningintently toBabaJi.BabaJicontinued,DoctorSahib,scientistshavediscoveredelectricityandproduced lightbulbs,givingusgreatconvenienceandluxury.Electricitywasalreadypresentinnaturebut duetoourignorance,wewereunabletoutiliseituntilrecently.Somescientistshavedevised waystodemonstratetheexistenceofelectricitywhichotherwisecannotbeseen. Accordingtotheinstructionsgivenbyscientiststothegovernment,ithasbuiltpowerstationsand builtcablestocarryelectricity.However,untilthiswasdone,wewereallunawareoftheexistence ofandtheusefulnessofelectricity.Similarly,ifwewanttomanifestorrevealAlmightyGod,who isallpervasiveintheformofenergyandderivepleasurefromthateternalsourceofenergy,then wewillhavetofollowtheadviceofthoseblessedoneswhohaveseentheAlmightyafter undertakingmanystrugglesandtoiledhard. Asyousay,Godisinvisible,butthegreatGurusaysthat,OManyoudonothavetheeyestosee God!TheeyeswithwhichGodcanbeseenaredifferentfromtheonesthatseetheworld Nanak!Theyaresomeothereyes Withwhichthebelovedspousecanbeseen naanaksayakhrheeaabiannjineedisandomaapiree.||3|| (Mohalla5thGuru,page1100) So,howcanoneobtaintheseeyes,withwhichonecansee,theallpervasiveLord.GuruJihas calledthesetheeyesofdivinevisionortheeyesofconsciousness.Hetellsustowalkuponthe followingpath MakefearofGodthyfeet Hisloveyourhands Hisunderstandingthyeyes SaysNanak,inthiswayOwisewoman

Unionwiththebridegroomisaccomplished bhaikaycharankarbhaavkayloinsuratkarayi. naanakkahaisiaaneeayivkantmilaavaahoay.||2|| (Salok2ndGuru,page139) Omortal!IfyouwalkinaweofGod,workwithlovinghandsandmakedivinewisdomyoureyes then,byfollowingalltheseactions,youcanmeettheLord.Alwaysremaininaweofyourcreator andknowthatheiswatchingyoureveryaction,goodorbad.Thisawarenesswillremovetheroot ofevilthoughtanddeedsfromyourheartandmind.Atreasureofgoodandnobledeedswillfill yourbeing.TheheartthatisfullofvirtueswillgivebirthtoaspringofloveforGod.Inwhoseheart thereisloveforGod,theirconsciousnesswillseetheLordhimself Theywholovehim,attainhim Theretheeyesofconsciousnessseehim JinPremKeeyoThinHeePrabhPaaio (TavparsadSwaiyas,10thGuru,AkalUstat) DearDoctor!Itisonlyrecentlythattheradiowasinvented.Thevoicethatisbroadcastispresent intheair.Onlywitharadio,canonereceivethissignalorhearthevoicefromtheradiostation.If wehavearadiobutdonottuneitoritisbroken,thenthefactthatwecannothearthevoiceis ourfaultandnotthefaultoftheradiostationorthesound TheLordisseen,heardandknown Buthisrelishisnotobtained Howcanalamearmlessandblindperson disaisuneeaijaaneeaisaaonapaaiaajaaay. ruhlaatundaaanDhulaakiogallagaiDhaaay. (Salok2ndGuru,page139) ItmeansthatGodispresentinallhiscreationandisvisible.Hislifeforcereverberatesaudibly,in allcreation.Heworksthroughhiscreationbutthehumanconditionissuchthatweareunableto relishthetasteofunionwithGod.Whyisthis?Itisbecausehumanshavenotthehands,feetnor eyeswithwhichtoperceiveGod.HowcanthishaplessbeingembraceGod?Inordertomeethim andbeembracedbyGod,wewillhavetofollowthepathasmentionedbefore.Thepathistowalk inaweofGod,loveforGodshouldbethelabourofourhands,divineintellecttheeyeswith whichweseeGod. WiththeseeloquentexamplesfromGurbanigivenbyBabaJi,DrKartarSinghwasnearly convincedabouttheexistenceofGodwhereuponhehintedofanacquaintanceofBabaJi.He askedaboutS.AvtarSinghDaler,whohadrecoveredthroughrecitationofprayersbyBabaJi. BabaJireplied,IwasonlygiventhehumbleserviceofrecitingGurbanitohim. Gurbanicancurephysicalailmentsofthebodyaswellasthediseasestrickensoulofmaladiesthat haveaccumulatedovermanylifetimes.CuringailmentsofthebodyisaminorbenefitofGurbani comparedtowhatGurbanicandoforusinallowingustomeetGod.Throughbaddeeds,thesoul becomesstrickenwithdiseaseandeventuallythebodybecomesilltoo.WhenDrKartarSingh cametoknowthatthispersonwasthesameSaintthatcuredS.AvtarSinghandwhomhehad heardofasbeingastalwartSaint,hisconvictionandfaithstrengthenedfurther.(DrKartarSingh wasthebrotherinlawofS.AvtarSingh)

DrKartarSinghpolitelypersuadedBabaJitostaythenight.AfterrecitingRehras,hisremaining doubtsweredispelled.BabaJiansweredallhisquestionsandremovedallhisdoubtsbasedupon theteachingsofGurbani.Atlast,BabaJisaid,Ifyouwishtohaveeternalblissthenresearchand studyGurbanifurther.AsyoustudyGurbanideeply,yourdoubtswillbeswayedlikegrassswayed byacurrentofwater.Moreover,youwillbegintoseewhatrealityis.Youwillfeelthatmuchtime hasbeenwastedinidleignorance.DoctorSahib!ThehardworkergetseverythingfromtheLords doorandtheonewhoarguesbaselessly,leaveshisdooremptyhanded.Whenyoutreaduponthis path,otherswillthenseekyourguidance. ThepracticallifeofBabaJisoimpressedDrKartarSinghthatwithinafewdays,hehadtotally changed.HebroughtSriGuruGranthSahibJitohishouseandstartedtoreciteit.BabaJicameto visitregularlyandtheirmeetingsbecamemorefrequent.Inashortperiod,theDoctorhad developedadeepunderstandingofGurbaniandhestartedtomouldhislifeaccordingtoit. AfterstudyingandunderstandingGurbani,DrKartarSinghJiwroteseveralbooksandtracts.These weredistributedfarandwideforthemissionarypurposeofspreadingtheteachingsofGurbani. TheverypersonwhowasunwillingtoacceptthatGodexistedwasnowguidedbyGurbanito preachitsmessage.ThetruecompanyofBabaJihadtransformedDrKartarSinghintoafirm believerofGod,whonowbecameagreatpreacherofdivinity,guidingnumerouspeopletowards themessageofGurbani.HewroteseveralbooksonSikhism: 1.Aimoflife 2.Whatisnaamanditsform 3.Ego 4.Thegurmatmethodofpracticingnaam 5.Howtofocusattentioninmeditation 6.Thenectarofnaam 7.Whyisitessentialtopracticenaamtimeandagain 8.Attainmentofnaamanditstest 9.Fundamentalprinciplesofgurmatandourpresentmodeofliving 10.HowisGurbanitheGuru?

26EXPOSINGAFALSEGURU ItisworthmentioninganotherincidentconcerningDrKartarSinghthatmadehisfaithinGurbani firmerandgavehimdeeperinsightintothefaith.Intheinspirationalcompanyandguidanceof BabaJihewasnowofthefirmconvictionthatGurbaniistheGuruandGuruistheBani,buthis fatherandothermembersofthefamilyhadnosuchfaith.Infact,theywerefollowersofaliving Guru(LivingGuru:DoctorKartarSinghsfatherandothermembersofthefamilywerefollowersof NarankariDarbarofBabaRattanSinghofRawalpindiAndbelievedinthephysicalformofaGuru. BabaHaraSinghJiwasthepresentheadofthatDera). TheywerefollowersoftheNirankarisectbasedinRawalpindi,Pakistan,whosGuruatthetime wasBabaRattaSingh.(ThesectisstillinexistenceanditspresentGuruisBabaHaraSingh).The GuruofthissecttaughtthatalivingGuruisrequiredforsalvationandwouldhimselfsitonasoft thronewhilstSriGuruGranthSahibJiwasplacedonabookstandbesidehisstage.Thecommon masseswouldbowtohimandinhisdiscourseshewouldquoteGurbaniyetmaintainthat, understandingofGurbanicouldonlycomethroughthelivingGuru.Hewouldemphaticallystate thatnospiritualprogresscouldbemadewithoutthelivingGuru.Hisviewwasthat,theperson whoteachesyouGurbani,isthetruelivingGuru. GurbaniIsTheOnlyGuru Onthecontrary,DrKartarSinghwasafirmbelieverofGurbaniandthatitwasthetrueGuru.His eldersisterBibiPremKaur,wholivedinLahore,hadanAkhandpath(acontinuous,nonstop recitaloftheentirescripturesoftheSriGuruGranthSahibJiusuallyovertwodays.Literally akhandwithoutbreak,pathprayerorhymns)performedatherhouse.BibiPremKaurhad specificallyinvitedBabaJitogracetheoccasionalongwithallherrelativesandfriendstothebhog ceremony(thisistheceremonyatendofareligiousactordeedtothankGod).S.AvtarSingh Daler(whowasherbrotherinlaw),squadronleaderSuratSingh(hereldestbrother),wing commanderMuratSingh(heryoungerbrother)andsomeotherdevoteesarrivedattheakhand pathadayearly. Intheevening,DrKartarSinghsfatherarrivedwithBabaRattaSinghJi,whomtheyallreveredas thelivingGuru.Thefamilygreetedhimwithgarlandsofflowersandledhimtoaspeciallybuilt anddecoratedroomtostayinforthedurationoftheakhandpath.Afterlightrefreshments,the congregationwentforanaudiencewithBabaRattaSingh.DrKartarSinghandhisfriendsstruckup aconversationontheissueofGurbanibeingthetrueGuru.Theissuewasdiscussedand debatedlateintotheevening.Severalhoursofcontentiousdebateyieldednofirmanswertothe questionandfinallyanexasperatedDrKartarSinghresolved,Wemustdecideonceandforall tonightwhetherGurbaniisthetrueGuruoralivingGuruisrequired. AStrangeSuggestionBabaJisFirmFaith DrKartarSinghsaidexcitedly,Thisdiscussionwontend.Weclearlyneedanevident,yesorno answer.Ihaveanovelsuggestion.Wewillsidewithandbelievewhoevercanmaterialize5 kilogramsofKashmiriapplesthroughtheirspiritualprowessinthepresenceofthecongregation. Theentirecongregationfellsilentforafewminutes.AtlastDrKartarSinghsfatherbrokethe silenceandsaidcontentiously,Firstofall,youshouldaskyourBhaiSahib(BabaJiwascalledBhai Sahibthen)ifheagreestotheconditionsofyourstrangechallenge?Wetoowillconsultwithour Guruoverthismatter.DrKartarSinghJiandhisfriendsleftthecongregationandwenttoBabaJis room.HetoldBabaJiaboutthediscussionandtheconditionhehadsettoresolvetheissueof whetherGurbaniistheGuru.BabaJilistenedpatientlyaboutthewholeincident,pausedfora

fewmomentsandreplied,Ifitisaquestionofupholdingthehonour,prestigeandsanctityof Gurbani,theembodimentofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,thennotjust5but10kilogramsofapples willmaterializeamidstthecongregation.ItisnotabigtaskforthetrueGuru.Wesimplyhaveto praytoSriGuruGranthSahibJi.ThetrueGuruwillfulfilourprayers. Onhearingtheserobust,resoluteandfaithimbuedwordsfromBabaJithedevotees spontaneouslyhailed,BoleSoNihal,SatSriAkal(meanstrueisthetimelessLord,exaltedare theoneswhodeclarethis)inunison.TheyallwenttotheroomofthelivingGuruandsaidThe followersofGurbani,thetrueGuruarewillingtomaterialize10kilogramsofapples,insteadof5 kg.Sopleasetelluswhereyoustand. OnhearingtheseferventwordsthelivingGurusimplybackedoutofthedemandandsaidthathe doesnotbelieveinsuchmiraclesbeingperformed.Hefurtheraddedthathehadbeeninvitedto thehouseandinsulted.Protestingthus,helefthastilyduringthenightbeforedawnofthenext day.Inthemorning,afterthebhogceremonyGurbaniisthetrueGuruwasthetopicof discussioninthecongregation.AfterKirtan(singingofhymns)wasperformed,BabaJiexplained themeaningsofthehukamnamatakenfromSriGuruGranthSahibJitothewholecongregation. Hespeciallyinstructedthesangatthatwhosoeverwantstoattainspiritualenlightenment throughGurbanimustfirsttakeintotheirheartstheGurusinstruction.TheinstructiontoallSikhs istobeinitiatedintothespiritualpathofSikhismbytakingamrit(baptism).Baptismis administeredbythePanjPyaras(fivebelovedones)inthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,as ordainedbythetenthmasterGuruGobindSinghJi.WhereagursikhtakestheshelterofSriGuru GranthSahibJibybeingbaptisedthenthereisnoneedtoseekrefugeinalivingGuru.Inessence, itisvitaltobebaptisedtoobtainanyblessingsfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.DrKartarSinghand theotherdevoteesmadeaprogrammeandadaywasfixedonwhichanamritceremonywouldbe heldsothatoneandallcouldtakeamrit.BabaJinominatedfiveSinghswiththedutyofpreparing amritandalargenumberofdevoteesfromLahoretookamritonthechosenday. EverygursikhmustbecautiousandnotbedeludedbytheconceptthatalivingGuruisneeded. OnlyGurbaniistheGuruofagursikh.OneonlyhastostudythewordsofGuruRamDasJi TheWord,theBaniisGuru,andGuruistheBani. WithintheBani,theAmbrosialNectariscontained. IfHishumbleservantbelieves,and ActsaccordingtotheWordsoftheGurusBani, ThentheGuru,inperson,emancipateshim. baneegurooguroohaibaneevichbaneeamritsaaray. gurbaneekahaisayvakjanmaanaipartakhguroonistaaray.||5|| (Nat5thGuru,page982) And ThetrueGuruistheword AndthewordisthetrueGuru Theholywordshows Thewaytoemancipation satgurbachanbachanhaisatgurpaaDharmukatjanaavaigo.||5|| (Kanra5thGuru,page1309)

And TheGurbaniofthetrueGuru Istheembodimentoftruth ThroughGurbani,themortalbecomesperfect satgurkeebaneesatsaroophaigurbaaneebaneeai. (VaarGauri4thGuru,page304) And ThroughthetrueGurusword Themostsublimepersonsarerevealed TheyfixtheirmindontheGurusword HearingtheGurusword Mymindbecomestender Andimbuedwithit Thismindhasreturnedtoitshome. satgurbaneepurakhpurkhotambaneesiochitlaavaigo.||2|| gurbaaneesunatmayraamandarviaa manbheenaanijgharaavaigo. (Kanra4thGuru,page1308) ThedictateofourGurusleavesnoroomfordoubtandnoconcessionfortheconceptofliving Gurus.TheneedistorecognizeGurbaniasthetrueGuru;itisthewordandmessageofGodtous. WhoeverhasfaithinGurbani HewhohearsandpracticesGurbaniissaved. josunaykamaavaisoutraipaar. (Asa5thGuru,page370)

27PARTITIONOF1947 HereinKareruavillage,BabaJiwasperforminghisdutyofmeditationandserviceofthe congregation.Simultaneously,inwhatisnowSargodha,PakistanthevisionsthatBabaJihad experiencedaboutaviolentpartitionstartedtomaterialiseinactuality.Hatredgrewinthehearts ofpeoplewhooncelivedasaffectionateneighbours.Nowtheybecamemortal,bloodthirsty enemies.Arson,looting,communalriotsandrapeeruptedalloverthesubcontinentbutwere particularlyfierceinPunjab.NowBabaJisbrothersbegantorepenttheirdecisiontostayonin Chak119,Sargodha,andactinguponhispropheticwords. HadtheyagreedtotakeBabaJisadvicethentheywouldnothavehadtofacethemisfortuneof thepartitionofIndiathathadbefallenthem.Whatcouldbedoneatthislatehour?Adeepsense ofrepentancenowtormentedthemeverymoment.Indesperation,theyloadedasmanyoftheir belongingsastheycouldonacartpulledbyoxenandjoinedtheconvoysofrefugeestowardstheir nativecountryandvillage. Theyleftbehindthelandthattheydecidednottoabandoninthefirstplacewithgreatsorrow.At last,theyarrivedintheirnativevillageofDhugga,afterwitnessingmassmurders,riots, experiencingmanyhardships,thirst,hungerandtheconstantshadowofdeathsnoosehanging overtheirheads. Afterafewdaysrestintheirvillage,anewplanwasmadetosendtheyoungerbrotherBhai LacchmanSinghtoKareruavillage,whereBabaJiwaslookingafterthefarmwhilsttheothertwo brotherswouldremainandlookafterthelandandfamilyinDhugga.

28BABAJIANDTHETANTRICYOGI YogiAnasceticwhopracticesTantricyogaaformofyogawhichgivesonemiraculouspowers throughpracticingyogicbodypostures Apersonwhoindeedandwordistrueandvaliant,whatevertheysaythencarriesinfluenceand weightuponothers.Thosewhomerelypreachtoothersanddonotactupontheirwordsfindthat theirwordshavenoeffectonothers.SoGuruJisays Atfirstheinstructshisownmind Thenafterhepleasesothers. parathmaymanparboDhaiapnaapaachhaiavarreejhaavai. (Asa5thGuru,page381) Oneshouldfirstearnthespiritualwealthofenlightenmentbefore preachingtoothers.JustwitnesshowGuruRamDasJihonourssucha personwhothroughmeditationfillshisownheartwithloving remembranceofthedivineLordandthenhelpsotherstodothesame ServantNanakseeksthedustofthefeet OfthatgursikhoftheGuru WhohimselfrecitesGodsname Andencouragesotherstodosoaswell jannaanakDhoorhmangaitisgursikhkee joaapjapaiavrahnaamjapaavai.||2|| (Salok4thGuru,page306) AndBhaiGurdasJisays DeeplyIreveretheendeavourofthose WhopracticetheGurusteachings? (Vaar12,Pauri4,BhaiGurdasJi) Thepersonwhopreachestootherswithoutactingontheirown words,BhagatKabirsaysofthem Sandfallsintotheirmouths,Whodonotpracticewhattheypreach Theykeepaneyeonanothersproperty,Whilsttheirownfieldisbeingrobbed. kabeeravrahkaoupdaystaymukhmaiparhairayt. raasbiraaneeraakhtaykhaayaagharkaakhayt.||98|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1369) GuruArjundevJigiveusthesamemessageinSukhmaniSahib Hewhopracticesnotwhathepreachestoothers Shallcomeandgo,subjecttomanybirthsanddeaths avarupdaysaiaapnakarai. aavatjaavatjanmaimarai. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page269)

Throughouthislife,BabaJifirstpracticedandverifiedGurbaniforhimself,andthenheenjoined themessageofGurbanitoothersandtoldthemwhathehadpersonallyexperienced.Itwasonly naturalthatapersonalityofsuchunflinchingconducthadaninfluenceonhissurroundings.Fellow devoteesofBabaJiheededhiswordsandenshrinedthemintheirhearts.Thus,theyabandoned theiregodrivenmind(manmat),followinginsteadthewayofthetrueGuru(Gurmat).Amrit replacedtheiruseofalcohol.Anonvegetariandiet,whichincitedbasicinstinctslikeangerand lust,wassubstitutedwithavegetariandiet. TantricNath NearthevillageofKareruawhereBabaJilived,residedanasceticwhopracticedTantricyoga.The practiceofthisformofyogahadgivenhimmiraculouspowerslikegrantingboonsorwishesand beingabletocastspellsonpeople.Assuch,hehadbuiltupquiteafollowingofpeoplelocallyby useofthesepowersandoftenpeoplewouldholdbanquetsofmeatandalcoholatwhichto honourtheyogi.Forsometimenow,thepeopleoftheareahadstartedtoabandonsuchways andstartedtofollowGurbani.Consequently,thefollowersoftheyogidwindleddaybydayandhe cametoknowthereasonforhisdwindlingcongregation.Theyogithoughtthatwhoeverhad disruptedhisflourishingbusinessshouldbedealtwithsomehowandthispersonshouldbe disgracedandevictedfromthevillage.HenowthoughtoftryingtochaseBabaJioutofthevillage withhismagicalpowersbutasGurbanisays Ifoneweretobeacharmerofscorpions Andbeabletohandlecobrasbyhand Heisbeatenbadlyandstruckdownbytheirowndoing mantreehoayathoohiaanaageelagaijaaay. aapanhatheeaapnaidaykoochaaaapaylaaay. (Salok2ndGuru,page148) FirstAssaultByTheYogi Itwasasunnywinterday;BabaJiwassatindeepmeditationinfrontofhishouseinthesun. About200yardsfromthehousetherewasanarrowdustyfootpath.Theyogistoodonthispath, intendingtousehismagicalpowersthathewasadeptat,inordertoinfluenceBabaJi. Babawasindeepmeditationandwasunawarethattheyogiwastryingtousehismagicalpowers onhim.BabaJiusedtotellusthatwhilstindeepmeditation,hisheartbegantobeatalittlefaster. BabaJiopenedhiseyesandlookedaround,onlytoseetheyogistandinginthefootpathstaring back.UnperturbedBabaJiresumedhismeditation. SecondAssault ThenextdaytheyogihadreturnedandtriedagaintospellboundBabaJiwithhisTantricpowers. BabaJisconcentrationwasdisturbedagainandhelookeduptoseetheyogistandinginthe distance,tryingtodosomething.BabaJiresumedhissimranunconcerned. ThirdAssault ThethirddaytheyogireturnedandtriedtocasthisTantricmagicspellonBabaJi.BabaJilooked upandnotedthatthispersonhadntstoppedhisillwilledpracticesandhascontinuedtouseall hisenergiestocastTantricspells.SoinordertochecktheyogisTantricpowers,BabaJilookedat theyogiandwithdeepconcentrationuttered,Waheguru.Themomenthesaidthis,theyogi suddenlyfelltotheground.BabaJiagainuttered,Waheguruandthistimehesawtheyogiwas draggedfourorfivefeettowardsBabaJi,asifpulledbysomeinvisiblerope.WhenBabaJi

uttered,Waheguruathirdtime,theyogiwasdraggedafewfeetfurthertowardsBabaJiandthe yogistartedtobegforforgiveness,Pleaseforgivemeandletmego.Ihavemadeamistake.I wonttrytocastaspellonaSikhSaintagain.Pleaseexcusemethistime. BabaJitoldusthatthefeelingwithwhichheutteredtheGurmantarlefthimandheresumedhis mediationinbliss,justasbefore.Afterashortwhile,theyogigotup,bowedtoBabaJiandleft thatplaceinahurry.Afterhissimranwascomplete,BabaJigotupandwentovertowherethe yogihadfallen.Hesawthatthegroundboreimprintsandmarks,asifsomeonehadbeendragged onit.ThisincidentfurtherstrengthenedBabaJisresolveandfaithinthetrueGuru.Hefeltelated thatindeedtheGurmantarblessedtousbyGuruNanakDevJiissupremelypowerfulandwithout equal.GreatindeedisSatGuruwhohasblessedtheSikhswiththesupremeGurmantar WaheguruwhichisaboveallothernamesofGod,inalltheages. Ineachspiritualageofhumanity,thenameofGoduponwhichonehadtomeditateholdsthekey toenlightenmentandisdifferentforthefourages(theseagesarecalledyugs).BhaiGurdasJi explainsinhiswritingsthatinSatyugtheageoftruthAlmightywasaddressedasVasudeva.In thesecondageofDuapar,hewascalledHarikrishan.InthethirdageofTretayug,Godwascalled RamandinKalyug,hewascalledGobind.BycombiningthenamesofGodinallages,GuruNanak DevJigaveusthenameofGodWaheguru.AccordingtoSarabLohGranth,thefinest,most sublime,preciseandsupremenameofGodisWaheguruandisgiftedtotheKhalsabythetrue Guru.ThusthepowerofallthenamesofGodareencapsulatedintheGurmantarWaheguru. InSatyugVishnuintheformofVasudevawasincarnated VofVahegururemindsusofourLordthesustaineroflife InDuapar,thetrueGuruwasHarkrishan HofWahegururemindsusofHari InTretaRamwasthetrueGuru RinWahegurubringsjoyandhappiness Inkalyug,GobindistheGuruintheformofNanak GofWahegururemindsusoftheGodwhogivesenlightenment Mergingthefourletters,recitingWaheguru TheonewhorecitestheGurumantarmergesintotheLordagain (Vaar1,Pauri49BhaiGurdasJi)

29RAMPURKHERAESTABLISHEDASACENTREFORGURMATPREACHING OnedayBabaJiwasdeeplyengrossedinmeditation.HisconsciousnesswasattunedtotheLord, whenthetenthmasterGuruGobindSinghJiappearedbeforehimandordered,BhaiHarnam Singh!Youmustnowleavethesolitudeofthisplaceandreturntoyourancestralvillage.Thisland isbereftofSikhismandhassunkintothequicksandofatheism.Guidethosepeopleontothepath ofSikhismandpreachtothemtheprincipleslaindownbytheWaheguru.Thedictateofthetrue GurusunkdeepintoBabaJissoulandreboundedwithaquestion,OgreatGuruwhereshouldI go?ShouldIgotomyvillageorsomeotherplace?ThetenthGurureplied,Nowyoumustnot stayathome.Thereisadeserted,barrenmoundaboutfivemilesdueeastfromyourvillage. Makethatplaceacentreforteachinggurmat.TheplaceinquestionthenappearedinBabaJis innerconsciousness.Itappearedtohaveahugeclusteroftwelveorsobanyantrees,overgrown andthicklycoveringaraisedareaofland.Therewasthickundergrowthofsmallertreesand bushesmakingthewholeareaseemlikeadense,inhospitableandinaccessiblejungle.There seemedtobenoroomforadwelling,nothingbutthornybushes,talltrees,thickundergrowthand denseforest. ThenathoughtcametoBabaJi,MostofmylifeIhavelivedawayfrommyancestralvillage.No bodyknowsmeandIknowveryfewpeopleinthearea.WhatamItodointhearea?HowwillI carryoutyourorder? ThetrueGururepliedHarnamSingh!Justgoandsitatthisplace,allotherarrangementswillbe madeforyoubyAlmightyGod. AllarrangementstheLordhimselfmakes ByrememberingtheLord Alldesiresarerealized sagalsaraNjaamkarayparabhaapay. bhaaymanorathsoparabhjaapay.||2|| (Bilawal5thGuru,page805) InwardlyBabaJiwantedtoenjoytheblissfulpleasureofmeditation,butitwastheorderofthe Gurutoleavethissublimesolitudeandwanderthelandpreachinggurmat.Eventhoughhisbeing wasdrenchedinthenectarofnaamandhadnodesiretoleavethedeepstateofmeditation,Baba JicouldnotignoretheorderofthetenthGuru.Toobeyhisorderandwalkonthispathisdifficult. InfrontoftheorderofAlmightyGod,onesownentityhasnostature.ThewillofGodissupreme, againstwhichthereisnochoice,nopretenceandwithoutdiscretion,onemustsubmitwithout question,abandoninganyego.Theegodieswhenonesubmitstohiswillandyetthemortalstays alive. BhaiGurdasJi,agreatSikhscholarsaysthattheegoofatrueSikhmustdiewhilstheorsheisalive. Hemustabandontheegoandnotjustthroughmerewords.Hemusthaveunwaveringfaithand notbedeludedbyworldlymaterialism.Heshouldbereadytobeamartyrandenslavedtothe divinewill,obeytheordersoftheGuru.IncarryingouttheorderoftheGuru,thedevoteemust ignorepersonalcomforts,hungerandsleep Inobeyingthedivinewillonemust, Abandonthemindsintellect,

Giveuptheloveofmaterialism ThusyoushallappeaseyourLord Eventhehotwindsshallnottouchyou. tiaagayNmankeematrheevisaarayNdoojaabhaaojeeo. iopaavahihardarsaavarhaanahlagaitateevaaojeeo. (Suhi5thGuru,page763) Inthehouseofourlord,onlytheorderoftheGuru(hukam)issupreme,andisacceptedbeyonda shadowofdoubt.He,whobowsinsubmissiontothewilloftheAlmightyandabidesbyit, appeasestheLord.TheLordthenacceptssuchapersonashisown WhosoeverobeystheLordswill BecomesacceptabletotheLord. hukammannaysojanparvaan. (Basant3rdGuru,page1175) And Approvedarethosepersons WhoaccepttheLordswill? harkaabhaanaamanehsayjanparvaan. (Bhairon5thGuru,page1129) TheLordapprovesoftheonewhoacceptshiswill Allothersaccepttheonewhoacceptshiswill TheLordhimselfcausesalltoaccepthiswill Khusmaysoeebhaavdaakhusmaydaajisbhaanaabhaavay Bhaanaamunnaymunneeayupnaabhanaaapmunaavay (BhaiGurdasVaar29Pauri13) So,hewhoplaystheardentgameofobeyingthewilloftheLordisincludedinthedivinewill HewhosubmitstotheLordsorder Isconsignedtohistreasury hukamrajaaeejochalaisopavaikhajaanai. (Asa1stGuru,page421) BabaJibowedtotheorderoftheLordandacceptingitinhisheartbecamedeterminedtoabide bytheorder.BabaJithoughttoattainthepleasureoftheLordbyacceptinghiswillandcommand. HemadeuphismindtoleavethevillageofKareruaimmediately.BabaJisyoungerbrotherhad alreadyarrivedwithhisfamilytohelponthefarminKarerua.Herecountedthedivineorderof thetenthmastertogoandsetupamissionarycentreneartheirancestralvillagetohisyounger brother.Hetoldhisyoungerbrotherofthemissiongiventohimtopreachandspreadthe messageofSikhismandaskedhisyoungerbrothertotakeoverthemanagementofthefarm. FromRajasthanToPunjab BabaJireturnedtohismotherinDhuggavillagefromRajasthan.Aftermeetinghismother,he soughtouttheplacethatthetenthmasterhadshownhiminhisinnervision.Hesoonfoundthe placethatwashintedatbythetenthmaster.Themoundoflandhadbeendesertedforcenturies

andwasnowcoveredbyimpenetrableforest.Hewalkedaroundtheinhospitablemoundofland, surveyingitcarefullyforanyclearingorshelterthatmaybeavailable.Hethenwalkedtothe nearbyvillageofBahletothehouseofS.GurbaxSingh,whomhehadknownsincehisdaysin Sargodha.BabaJistayedthenightwithhim,tellinghimabouttheplantolodgeatthisin hospitable,desertedmoundandsetupacentretopreachSikhismandmeditation.SGurbaxSingh expressedhishappinessthatBabaJiwouldbenearbyandthankedGodthathewouldnowbeable toenjoytheSaintlycompanyofBabaJiwithouthavingtogoveryfar. PreparationOfAnEarthenCave Thenextdayatdawn,BabaJitookBhaiGurbaxSinghwithhimtoinspectthedesertedmoundof land.Hesurveyedthelandforaprotectedspotwherehecouldbuildasheltereasily,withouttoo muchexpense.Thelandwasalittlelowerattheend,wherethepresentdayGurdwaranowhasa tubewellandbathrooms.Thisbitofthedesertedmoundhadfewertreesandundergrowth.Baba JialongwiththehelpofBhaiGurbaxSinghdecidedtodigaholeintheshapeofasmallcaveinto thesideofthehighground.Withthehelpofacoupleofothers,BabaJisoondugoutthesmall caveintotheearthenmound.Itwasjustbigenoughtoaccommodateasmallbed.Foracoverto thecaveentrance,animproviseddoorwasmadefromweavingsomereedsandgrassintoaflat thatchedpanel.Thenextday,BhaiGurbaxSinghreturnedwithS.HariSinghandBhaiDasaundha SinghfromBahlevillage;Theybroughtsomespadesandchiselsandcarriedondiggingthecave duringtheday,returningtotheirhomesintheevening.Thenextday,theyreturnedtofinish diggingthecave,whichonedaywouldbecomethegrandGurdwaraRampurKhera,acentrefor naammeditationandmissionforpreachingthegospelofSikhism. Whiletheyweredigging,anoldmanfromthenearbyvillageofGondpurcametoBabaJiand asked,Iwaspassingthisway,whenIsawtheseboyswerediggingupasweat.Iaskedthemwhat theywerediggingfor.TheytoldmethattheirSaintwasgoingtostayandmeditateinthecave thattheyweredigging.IadvisedthemthatthisSaintshouldfirststayhereatleastonenight.Ifhe laststhenightthenputallthiseffortintodiggingthecaveelsewhywastetheeffortdigging,lest yourcaveremainuninhabited.Inthosedays,BabaJiusedtowearsimple,ordinaryclothesand turban.NoonecouldtellhewasaSaintjustbylookingathim.Theoldmandidnotrealizethatthe SaintreferredtowasBabaJihimself.Nonetheless,BabaJireplied,Whosoeverwillcome,will cometothisplacetostayhere.Trynottoworryyourself.Thiscavewillnotremainunoccupied. Theoldmanreplied,Mybeardhasbecomewhitewatchingthisplace.Somanypeoplehave cometostayherebutnoonestaysforlonginthisinhospitableplace.Thisisamysteriousplace thatishauntedbyghosts,demonsandspirits,whodonotallowanyonetostayonthisland. SayingthesewordstheoldmanwhosenamewasNarainSinghwentonhisway.Thecavewas readywithinacoupleofdays.Reedgrassfromthenearbystreamwascutandfashionedintoa wovendoorsothatthecaveentrancecouldbecovered.So,aplacetolodgewasbuiltwithoutthe needformoney,bricks,mortarorwood.Asmallbed(stillpreservedintheGurdwaramuseum) wasplacedinthecave,whichcompletedtheabodewhereBabaJiwouldstay.ThatnightBabaJi returnedtothehouseofProfessorGurbaxSingh. ThenextdayafterofferingprayerstoWaheguru,BabaJistartedtorecitenaaminthisdugout cave.BabaJiwouldgetupat2am,takeabath,andcompletehisdailyNitnem.Hewouldthen reciteSukhmaniSahibandcompletehisdailymeditationof32rosariesoftheMoolmantar.At noon,BhaiGurbaxSinghwouldbringfoodforBabaJi,andservehimwithaffectionanddevotion. Hewouldeatatnoonandthenrestalittlebeforeresuminghismeditationintheafternoon.Inthe evening,hewouldsaytheprayersofRehrasandSohila,afterwhichhewouldimmersehis

consciousnessinmeditationofGurmantar.Whensleepoverpoweredhim,hewouldrestfora shortwhileandthoughhisbodywouldberesting,hissoulwouldstillbeattunedtothelotusfeet ofAlmightyGod.BhaiGurbaxSinghwoulddevotetimetomeditationbysittingwithBabaJiafter lunch.Heattainedmuchspiritualbenefitfromthecompany,serviceandhumbleofferingstoBaba Ji.

30ANASCETICANDMUSLIMFAKIRTRYTOEVICTBABAJI Thenextmorning,BabaJiprayedtoAlmightyGodtoblesshim,beforehestartedhisprogramme ofmeditatingontheMoolmantaroverthenextfortydays.Allthroughtheday,hewouldrecite32 rosariesofMoolmantarandendthedaywiththeeveningprayersofRehrasandSohila.One evening,hewasdeeplyimmersedinmeditation,whenatabout10pmduetothehotandhumid conditionsinsidethecave,hetookhisbedoutside.Hecarriedonwithhisrecitationwhilstsitting onthebed,whensuddenly;aMuslimfakir(anascetic)cameby.Hespokeinananguishedvoice, Thisisourland.Wedonotallowanyonetostayonthisland.BabaJireplied,Ihaveleftmyown farmlandandhavenowishtocaptureyourland.Youcandoasyouplease.Idonotstopyoufrom cominghere.TheMuslimfakirreplied,WhenyoureciteyourGurbaniandGurusmantar,it disturbsmeimmensely.Ifyoustayhere,thenmystaywillbedifficult.BabaJijustreplied casually,BhaiIhavedoneArdastoAlmightyGodtoreciteMoolmantarforfortydays.Imust fulfilmypledge.Hearingthis,thefakirsaid,ThewordsofyourGuruareverypowerful.So,my powerbecomesineffectiveonyou.Hence,Iamleavingthisplaceforever.Beforeyoucame,I allowednoonetostayinthisplace.BabaJirepliedinafewwords,Goifyouplease,afterwhich theMuslimfakirwentaway,nevertoreturn. JatadhariSadhu(Jattadhari:Apersonhavinglong,unoiled,uncombedhair,amemberofsectof HinduswhobelievedinShivaastheultimatecreatorofuniverse.)Onlyafewdayshadelapsedin meditationwhenaHinduasceticwithmattedhairarrivedatthecave.Hetoorepeatedhisclaim liketheMuslimfakirandtoldBabaJithatthiswashisland.HeassertedthatBabaJihadlodged herewhilehewasaway.Uponhisreturn,thesadhunowthreatenedtoevictBabaJi.Heclaimed thathismysticalpowerswerehavingnoeffectonBabaJi.Hetoosaidthathewouldleavethis placebecausetherecitationofGurbanibyBabaJiwasinterferingwithhispowers.BabaJireplied casually,Goifyouplease.HearingthistheHindusadhuleftaswellnevertoreturn. EvilSpiritsInvade BabaJiusedtosaythatabouthalfanhourafterthesadhuleft,heheardthefootstepsofseveral peopleapproaching.Whenheopenedhiseyes,hesawthatmanypeoplewithugly,disfigured faces,ofallages,youngandold,menandwomen,appearedfromalldirections.Allofthem gatheredaroundBabaJisbed,surroundinghimfromalldirections.BabaJiclappedhishands, hearingwhich,suddenly;alltheseentitiesfelldown,asleepontheground,asifinatrance.Aftera coupleofminutes,anagedmangotupfromthedirectionofBabaJisfeetandsaid,Weareall dispossessedspiritswhodidnotgetsalvationafterdeath.Whenwewerealiveweusedto practiceoccultandblackmagicusingTantricpowers,charmsandtalismanstocontrolother peopleandtheirlives.Theseotherspiritsweremyfollowers,whodidnotgetsalvationeither. Nowweroamaboutasspirits.Untiltoday,wedidntallowanyonetostayinthisplacebutnow wehavenopoweroveryou.Wewillhenceforthleavethisplaceforever.Sayingthesewordsthe spiritsdepartedonebyoneastheyawoke,forever.BabaJirecalledthewordsoftheoldman, NarainSingh,whosaidthatthisplacewasindeedhauntedbyevilspirits.However,onewhois shelteredbytheAlmighty,powerful,supremeLorddoesnotneedanyothershelter Hewhosesupporteristheworldsustainer Sayunderwhosesubserviencecanhebe? taakaokahhuparvaahkaahookeejihgopaalsahaaay.||1|| (Malar5thGuru,page1266) And

HeonwhosesideistheLord Howcanprideofwealthenticehim? HeonwhosesideistheGuru Whatharmcanmillionsofarmsdotohim? jaamguroohoayvaldhanehkiaagaaravdijay. jaamguroohoayvallakhbaahaykiaakijay. (Swaiyas4thGuru,page1399) HewhoisprotectedbytheGuruandlodgesthenameoftheLordinhisheart,eventhekingofthe angelsofdeath(dharamraj),aswellasevilspiritspayhimutmostrespect TheywhocontemplatetheLordsname Ofriendwinthetreasureofhumanlife Nanaktherighteousjudgeaddressesthemthus, Mymansionhasbeensanctifiedbyyourpresence naamDhiaainsaajnaajanampadaarathjeet. naanakDharamaisaychavehkeetobhavanpuneet.||10|| (Salok5thGuru,page1425) Dharamrajahasgivenspecificadvicetohisangelsofdeath(yamraj)that ONanakwheretheSaintseverrepeat ThenameoftheLordoftheworld Therighteousjudgesaysuntohiscouriers, Donotgonearsuchaplaceotherwise NeitheryounorIwillbeabletoescape jahsaaDhoogobidbhajankeertannaanakneet. naahaonaatooNnahchhutehnikatnajaaeeahudoot.||1|| (Guru,BawanAkhri5thGuru,page256) And Therecordingangelswrite Theaccountsofallmortals ButtheSaintlypersons Theangelsdonotraisetheireyesonthem Saintlysoulsareservedeverywhere chitargupatsabhlikhtaylaykhaa. bhagatjanaakaodarisatnapaykhaa.||4|| (Asa5thGuru,page393) And Theworldisinthepowerand Bondageofdeathsinfluence NonecanholdhimunderGurusinstructions Servehimwhohascreateddeath Andnogriefshallbefallyou jinjamkeetaasosayveeaigurmukhdukhnahoay.

naanakgurmukhjamsayvaakarayjinmansachaahoay.||1|| (Salok3rdGuru,page588) And Godthetreasureofallexcellences Abideswithintheheartofspiritualfarers TheymeditateontheLord,enemyoftheego Therighteousjudgeisintheirservice FelicitousistheLord,theiradorner. aDhiaatmeeharguntaasmanjaapehaykmuraar. tinkeesayvaaDharamraaaykaraiDhansavaaranhaar.||2|| (SriRaag3rdGuru,page38) Theevilspiritsthathadhauntedthisdesertedmoundoflandforcenturiesandtormentedthe localpeoplehadleftthisplaceforever.

31TALEOFTHESECONDNIGHT ThenextdayBabaJiaroseearlyinthemorning,drewwaterfromasmallwellnearbyandbathed. AfterrecitinghisNitnem,hecontinuedwithhismeditation.Bytheevening,hefinishedhisprayers ofRehrasandhadsettledbackintomeditationoftheMoolmantarwhensuddenlyavoicefrom nowheresaid,HarnamSinghMaya(mammon)isapproachingyou.Becareful!BabaJithought tohimself,ItsokifMayaiscoming.Whathasittodowithme?Letherpleaseherself,what businessdoIhavewithMaya?Afterashortwhile,BabaJinoticedthatanoldwomanwithtorn clothesapproachedhimandsatattheedgeofhisbed.BabaJiclosedhiseyesinmeditationand thevoicespokeagain,ThisisMaya.Theoldwomansatforawhileandthenleft. Aftershedeparted,alittlewhilelateraverybeautiful,youngwoman,welladornedwithjewellery, camefromtheeasternsidetowardsBabaJi.Shehadaveryradiantface,asiflightwasemitting fromit.Shemovedinaverycharmingandanimatedmanner.AthoughtcrossedBabaJismind thatMayahasreturnedinhertrueform.Whoknowswhatshewilldowhenshecomesanycloser. BabaJitriedtostopherwithhispowerbutshestillkeptcomingcloser,undeterred.Hetriedagain butinvain.Finally,unabletostopher,BabaJiprayedtoGod,AlmightyLord,shelterofthepoor, pleasehelpmeandsavemefromtheonslaughtofMaya.Pleasesavethehonourofyourslave, grantmeshelter.ThetrueGuruheardBabaJisprayer.ThethirdmasterGuruAmarDasJi appearedinfrontofhim.GuruJiwhogavestrengthtotheweak,sheltertothehomeless,and gaveworthtotheworthlessplacedhishandonBabaJisforehead.AssoonastheGurushand touchedBabaJisforehead,theformofMayadisappeared.ItseemedasiftheformofMayahad justvanishedintotheearth.

32WHATISMAYA? Maya(mammon)isthatignoranceduetowhichallmaterialobjectsandphysicalthingsappear realtous.Attachmenttoallmaterialthingsandphysicallifeariseswithinusandassuch,wefeel separatedfromGod.AllofcreationthatwascreatedbyGodappearstrueandrealandweare unabletoidentifyourcreator,thetrueLord.Onebecomesattachedtoworldlyobjects,ourdaily liferevolvesaroundtheseobjects,andwebecomeenslavedbyourdesiretoacquiretheseobjects. Asweslowlybecomeengrossedinourattachmenttomaterialthings,wecometoacceptthis worldasrealandweidentifythisworldasourhome.Engrossedindesirewebecomeattachedto creationandforgetthecreator.Ouregoidentifiesitselfasbeingpartofthisworldandwefeel separatefromourLordthecreator.GuruAmarDasJihasexplainedtoussimplythemeaningof Maya.Hetellsusthatitisnotjustgold,silverorobjectsofdesirethataremayabutanythingof thisworldthatdeviatesthemindfromdevotionoftheAlmighty,involvingusingreedorlustfor worldlythingsismaya.Allthatismaya,causesustoforgetthecreator,ensnaringusthrough attachmenttoallmannerofobjects TheLordslovedeparts Greedattachestothechild Mammonswritbeginstounfold Suchisthismammon ThroughwhichtheLordisforgotten Totheloveofanother livchhurhkeelageetarisnaamaaiaaamarvartaaiaa. ayhmaaiaajitharvisraimohupjaibhaaodoojaalaaiaa. (Ramkali3rdGurupage921) Togainpleasureanddispelmiseryandwoesbroughtonbyunfulfilleddesiresonegoesthrough theirdailyroutinetogratifytheego Whatdomencallmammon? Whatworkdoesmammondo? Inwoeandwealmammonhas Enchantedthemortalandcausedit Togoabouthislifeinego. maaiaakisnoaakheeaikiaamaaiaakaramkamaaay. dukhsukhayhujeeobaDhhaihaumaikaramkamaaay. (Sriraag3rdGuru,page67) Thismayaactsthroughthefivethievesoflust,greed,anger,attachmentandego.Itentanglesthe mindofallmortals.OnlytheluckyoneisshelteredbytheGuruandthusabletoescapeitshold. Thevisiblemayaisanoutwardexpressionofthefiveabstractthievesofthemind Theforestfirehasburntdownmuchgrass Somerareplanthasescapedgreen SopowerfulistheLord Icannotdescribehim HispraiseIcannotutter daavaaaganbahuttarinjaalaykoeehariaabootrahioree.

aisosamrathvarannasaakaotaakeeupmaajaatnakahioree. (Asa5thGurupage384) Sopowerfulistheattractionofmayathatitnotonlyensnaresmeremortals,greatsagesandseers havebeenunabletoescapeitsinfluence Noneismorepowerfulthanmammon Thesheserpenthasdeceived ThelikesofBrahma,VishnuandShiva sarpaneetayooparnaheebaleeaa. jinbarahmaabisanmahaadayochhaleeaa.||1|| (AsaKabirJi,page480) Mencallthemselvessilentsages,yogis Andlearnedinshastras Butmammonhasthemallundercontrol ThethreeGodsBrahma,VishnuandShiva ThethreehundredandthirtymilliondemiGods Theirastonishmentknewnobounds Powerful,mammonpervadesamongstall HersecretisobtainedbyGurusgrace NootherbesidestheGuruknowsthissecret.Pause. munjogeesaastaragkahaavatsabhkeenHaybasapnahee. teendayvarkorhtayteesaatinkeehairatkachhnarahee.||1|| balvantbiaapraheesabhmahee. avarnajaanaskooomarmaagurkirpaataylahee.||1||rahaao. (Gujri5thGuru,page498) AllpervadingGodhascreated Suchatemptressasmammon Shehasdevouredthewholeworld TheGuruhassavedmeObrother.Pause. Administeringthesweetyetpoisonouspotion Shehassecuredthewholeworld ShehasbewitchedthethreeGodsBrahmaVishnuandShiva aiseeistareeikraamupaaee. unsabhjagkhaaiaahamgurraakhaymayraybhaaee.rahaao. paaaythaguleesabhjagjohiaa. barahmaabisanmahaadayomohiaa. (Asa5thGuru,page394) And Mammon,whichkeepsunderitscontrol Theworldofthreedispositions Andthefourdirectionoftheuniverse Anddestroysthemeritsofsacredfeasts

Ablutions,penancesandplacesofpilgrimage, Beforeherofwhatstrengthisthispoorman? jinkeenayvasapunaitaraigunbhavanchatursansaaraa. jagisnaantaapthaankhandaykiaaihjantvichaaraa.||1|| (Dhanasari5thGuru,page673) Mayaanditsattractionhavedevouredthewholeworldwithoutteeth.Hewhoabidesbythe Guruswordissaved.Hewhofollowshismindanddesiresisunabletoavoidthegripofmaya Bewitchingistheloveofwealth Thiswithoutteethhasdevouredthewholeworld Theapostatesareeatenaway TheGuruwardwhofixtheirmind Onthetruenamearesaved maaiaamamtaamohneejinvindantaajagkhaaiaa. manmukhkhaaDhaygurmukhubsrayjineesachnaamchitlaaiaa. (Salok3rdGuru,page643) Mammonisasheserpent Thisisclingingtotheworld Hewhoservesher Isultimatelydevouredbyher maaiaahoeenaagneejagatraheelaptaaay. iskeesayvaajokaraytisheekaofirkhaaay. (Mohalla3rdGuru,page510) Asafemalesnakeislovedbyitsoffspring,shekissesthemtotheextentthatsheswallowsthem. Similarly,herjawsdevourthosewhoaredrenchedinmammon.BhagatKabirJitellsusthat humansasideevenotherspeciesofanimalarenotimmunefromtheclutchesofmammon Thefishinwaterareattachedtomammon Themothburnsinthelampofmammon Themammonoflustclingstoanelephant Theserpentsandbeesperishthroughmammon Sobewitchingismammonobrotherthat Asmanybeingstherearehaveallbeendeceivedbyit Thebirdsanddeerareimbuedinmammon Sugarcausesgreathardshiptomammon Thehorsesandcamelsareabsorbedinmammon Eightyfourmenofmiraclesplayinmammon Thesixcelibatesareslavesofmammon Sotoothenineyogis,thesunandmoon Thepenitentsandsupremesages Areasleepinmammon Inswayofmammonaredeathandfivedemons Thedogsandjackalsaredyedinmammon Sotooaretheleopardsmonkeys,lions Catssheepfoxestreesandtubersarerootedinmammon. ThedemiGodsaresaturatedinmammonsoaretheearth

theskyandoceans. SaysKabir;hewhohasabellyisaffectedbymammon WhenamanmeetsatrueSaintthenaloneishefreed. jalmehmeenmaaiaakaybayDhay. deepakpatangmaaiaakaychhayday. kaammaaiaakuncharkaobiaapai. bhuiangambharingmaaiaamehkhaapay.||1|| maaiaaaiseemohneebhaaee. jaytayjeeataytaydehkaaee.||1||rahaao. pankheemarigmaaiaamehraatay. saakarmaakheeaDhiksantaapay. turayusatmaaiaamehbhaylaa. siDhchaoraaseehmaaiaamehkhaylaa.||2|| chhiajateemaaiaakaybandaa. navainaathsoorajarchandaa. tapayrakheesarmaaiaamehsootaa. maaiaamehkaalarpanchdootaa.||3|| suaansiaalmaaiaamehraataa. bantarcheetayarsinghaataa. maaNjaargaadararloobraa. birakhmoolmaaiaamehparaa.||4|| maaiaaantarbheenaydayv. saagarindraaarDhartayv. kahikabeerjisudartismaaiaa. tabchhootayjabsaaDhoopaaiaa.||5||5||13|| (BhaironKabirJipage1160) HowpowerfulisMaya?Knowingfullwellthatmayaisillusion,usmortalsstillcannotescapefrom itsclutches.Fromthis,onecangaugehowpowerfulmayais OmotherMayaispowerful WithoutmeditationoftheLordname Itdestroys,likefiretodrystraw. Illusionlikethefleetingshadowofacloud Andtherunningwatersofaflood. maaeemaaiaachhal. tarinkeeaganmayghkeechhaaiaa gobidbhajanbinharhkaajal.rahaao. (Todi5thGuru,page717) BhaiGurdasJitellsus(Kabit591)thattheattractionofmayaisoverwhelming.Anopiumaddict knowsopiumtobeharmfulbutcannotleaveit.Asagamblercriestimeandagainafterlosingbut stillindulgesingambling.Asathiefisalwaysfearfulofbeingcaughtbutstillsteals.Soallknow thatmayaistheprimesourceofallwoesandnooneisabletooverpowerit.Onthecontrary, Mayaislootingthemall.Mayahasfiveaccomplices,lust,ego,wrath,attachmentandgreed.They enterourbeinglikethievesinahouseandlootthepricelesstreasureofnaambydivertingour attentionthroughsensualpleasures.Thusourmindhankersafteroutwardpleasures;unableto concentrateandmeditateitisunabletoachieveunionwiththeAlmighty.Themortalisdeprived oftheeverlastingblissofnaam,unfulfilledoneleadsandanemptyandhollowlife

Withinthisbodydwellthefivethieves LustwrathaVaariceattachmentandpride Theyplunderthenectartheapostateknowsitnot Nonehearsiscomplaint Blindistheworldandsblinditsdealings WithouttheGuru,itispitchdark isdayheeandarpanchchorvaseh kaamkroDhlobhmohahaNkaaraa. amritlootehmanmukhnaheeboojhehkoaynasunaipookaaraa. anDhaajagatanDhvartaaraabaajhguroogubaaraa.||2|| (Sorath3rdGuru,page600) Thefivefellenemiesaredefraudingtheworld Theblindapostatehasnoknowledgeofthis panchdootmuhehsansaaraa. manmukhanDhaysuDhnasaaraa. (Maajh3rdGurupage113) FivearetheopponentsandIambutone HowcanIprotectmyhearthandhome? O,mysoultheybeatandplundermedaily TowhomshouldIturnandprofessmystate? avarpanchhamaykjanaakioraakhaogharbaarmanaa. maarehlootehneetneetkisaagaikareepukaarjanaa.||1|| (Gauricheti1stGuru,page155) GuruJihaswarnedustoguardagainsteachofthesefivethieves.Eachofthesevicesspoilsthe bodyandtarnishesthemind.WeareadvisedbyourGurunottoentertainthesefivevices.Weare advisedtobaseourlivesonthemoralteachingsofourGurus.RegardinglustGuruArjandevJitell us Olustyoulandthemortalinhell Youcausethemortaltowanderinmanyspecies haykaamaNnarakbisraamaNbahobharmaavneh. (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1358) Lust,wrathandcompanyofevilpeople Fromthemrunawaydayornight kaamkroDhsangatdurjankeetaatayahinisbhaagao.||1|| (RaagGauri9thGuru,page219) Withinthesinnersmindabideslust Thus,themercurialmindcannotberestrained Thisnetoflustiscastonallyogis Onallwanderingasceticsandrenunciates paapeeheeaimaikaambasaaay. manchanchalyaataygahionajaaay.||1||rahaao. jogeejangamarsanniaas. sabhheepardaareeihfaas.||1||

(BasantHindol9thGuru,page1186) Angerorwrathdestroysthebodyjustaslustdoestoo Asboraxsmeltsgoldeasily So,lustandangerrotthebody kaamkroDhkaaiaakaogaalai. jiokanchansohaagaadhaalai. (DakhniOankar1stGuru,page932) Gonotneartheneighbourhoodofthose Inwhoseheartdwellsthepariahwrath onaapaasduaasnabhiteeaijinantarkroDhchandaal.||3|| (SriRaag5thGuru,page40) Owrathyouaretherootofstrife Compassionneverwellsupinyou Sinfulmortalsyoutakeintoyourpower Thentheydancelikemonkeysatyourbehest haykalmoolkroDhaNkadanchkarunaanauparjatay. bikhyantjeevaNvasyaNkarotnirtyaNkarotjathaamarakteh. (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1358) Concerninggreedandavaricegurbanitellsusthat Thetideofavariceisallconsuming Liketherabidnessofamaddog lobhlaharsabhsuaanhalakhaihalkiosabhehbigaaray. (Natt4thGuru,page983) Greedsoilsthemortal Asgreenalgaeruinsclearwater labvinaahaymaansaajiopaaneeboor. (Ramkalikivaar,page967) Ocovetousnessyouhaveclungeventothegreat Bynumerousripples,youenchantmanymortals Throughyouthebeingsruninalldirections Theygreatlywanderinmanyways YouhaverespectforneitherfriendnorGuru Norrelationnorfatherormother Youmakemandowhatheoughtnotto Youmakemaneatwhatheshouldnot Suchisyourreputationyoumakeman Amassthatwhatheshouldnotamass PraysNanakoLordmanlion SavemeasIhavesoughtyourprotection haylobhaalampatsangsirmohrehaniklahreekalolatay. DhaavantjeeaabahoparkaaraNanikbhaaNtbahodoltay. nachmitraNnachistaNnachbaaDhavnachmaatpitaatavlajyaa.

akranaNkarotakhaadyakhaadyaNasaajyaNsaajsamajyaa. taraahitaraahisaransuaameebigyaapatinaanakharnarhareh. (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1358) GuruJitellusaboutattachmentthat Alltheseworldlyattachments,affectionsanddainties Allleaveablackstainonthesoul Hewhodepartswiththisstainofsin FindsnoplacetositintheLordspalace jaytaamohpareetsuaad.sabhaakaalakhdaagaadaag. daagdosmuhichaliaalaaay.dargehbaisannaaheejaaay.||3|| (Dhanasari1stGuru,page662) Stuckinthequicksandofattachment Hisfeetcannotmove pankajmohpagnaheechaalaihamdaykhaatahdoobeealay. (Asa1stGuru,page12) Intoxicatedinworldlyloveandthecompanyofsinners ThemortalinhismindhasforgottentheLord mohmaganpatitsangparaaneeaisaymanehbisaaran.||1|| (Bilawal5thGuru,page820) ForsakeyourworldlyloveanddoubtObrother Repeatthetruenameinyourbodyandsoul.Pause. Whenonereceivestheninetreasuresofthetruename Theirchildrenweepnotnorhismothergrieves Inworldlylovetheworldisdrowned Somerarepiouspersonswimsacross moharbharamtajahutumHbeer. saachnaamridayravaisareer.||1||rahaao. aytmohidoobaasansaar. gurmukhkoeeutraipaar.||3|| (Asa1stGuru,page346) Concerningprideandvanity,GuruJicautionsus O,selfconceitthesoulofsins Youarethecauseofbirthanddeath Youabandonfriends,holdfasttoenemies Spreadingmanyillusions Throughyou,themortalgrowswearyofcomingandgoing Andundergoesmanycyclesofpainandpleasure Throughyou,onewandersinthelonelywildernessofdoubt Contractingsupremelytroublingandincurableailments TheonlyphysicianisthetranscendentLord ThegreatGodmeditateuponNanak RememberthelifegivingLord

hayjanammaranmoolaNahaNkaaraNpaapaatmaa. mitraNtajantsatraNdarirhaaNtanikmaayaabisteerniH. aavantjaavantthakantjeeaadukhsukhbahobhognah. bharambhayaanudiaanramnaNmahaabikatasaaDhrognah. baidyaNpaarbarahmparmaysvaraaraaDhnaanakharharharay. (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1358) And Hewhotakesmuchprideandishaughty Inaninstantismadedustwithdust jaykobahutkarayahaNkaar. ohkhinmehrultaakhaakoonaal.||3|| (Gond5thGuru,page868) TheVedasproclaimaloudthat ThereverendLordlikespridenot Theywhodieofegogobereftofsalvation Theydiearebornandcomeagain harjeeoahaNkaarnabhaaveevaydkooksunaaveh. ahaNkaarmuaysayvigteegaaymarjanmehfiraavahi.||9|| (Salok3rdGuru,page1089) Naamdoesnotlodgeintheheartthathaspride Egoisatoddswithnaam Thetwodwellnotinthesameplace Inegoservicecannotbeperformed So,thesoulgoesemptyhanded haumainaavainaalviroDhhaiduaynavasehikthaaay. haumaivichsayvaanahovaeetaamanbirthaajaaay.||1|| (Vadhans3rdGuru,page560) InselfconceitLordsdevotionalservicecannotbeperformed Norcanhiswillberealized Thenamecomesnottoabideinthemind NanakmeetingwiththetrueGuru Mansegoisdestroyed ThetrueLordcomestodwellwithinhismind Thenhepracticestruthandabidesintruth Byservingthetrueone,heisabsorbedintheLord haumaivichbhagatnahovaeehukamnabujhiaajaaay. haumaivichjeeobanDhhainaamnavasaimanaaay.||3|| naanaksatgurmiliaihaumaigaeetaasachvasiaamanaaay. sachkamaavaisachrahaisachaysayvsamaaay.||4||9||12|| (Wadhans5thGuru,page560) So,throughthesefiveaccomplicesthemortalmindcomesundertheinfluenceofmayatosuchan extentthatheisdeprivedoftheblissofnaam,spiritualinsight,andtruepleasureofunionwith

GodAlmighty.NowthequestionarisesthatifhighlyevolvedsagesanddemiGodshave succumbedtotheinfluenceofmayaandallcreationisafflictedbyit,thenthequestionremains;is thereamethodofescapingitsclutches? ThegreatGuruhastoldusthatOmortal!Thismayacannotbekillednorbesoldoffatashop. OnlybytakingtheshelterofthetrueGuruandpracticingGurbanicanwegetridofmaya.The practiceofnaammeditationallowsustoburntheaccomplicesandthusberidoftheinfluenceof maya.Inthismanner,thesoulispurifiedbynaamgivenbyourGuruandthenectarofLord Almightyrunswithinourbeing.Thus,LordAlmightygrantsussalvation Throughfascinatingmammonwellsupego Thus,manisyokedtoduality Byslaying,itisnotslain Norcanitbesoldoffatashop WhenmanburnsitthroughGurbani Thenonlydoesitdepartfromwithin Hisbodyandsoulbecomeimmaculate Thenamecomestoabideinhismind NanaktheLordsnameisthedestroyerofmammon AnditisobtainedthroughtheGuru haumaimaaiaamohneedoojailagaijaaay. naaihmaareenamarainaaihhatvikaaay. gurkaisabadparjaaleeaitaaihvichahujaaay. tanmanhovaiujlaanaamvasaimanaaay. naanakmaaiaakaamaaransabadhaigurmukhpaaiaajaaay. (Bilawal5thGuru,page853) And Omandestroythepoisonofselfconceit ThisallowsyounottomeetyourLord Ah,thisgoldcolouredbody Pridehasruinedanddisfiguredit Alas,loveofmaterialvaluablesisallblack Thisfoolishapostateisattachedtoit ONanakthemortalisemancipated ThroughtheGuruandthroughhisinstruction Thismortalisreleasedfromego maarayhisvayjanhaumaibikhiaa jinharparabhmilannaditeeaa. dayhkanchanvayvanneeaainhaumaimaarviguteeaa. mohmaaiaavaysabhkaalkhaainmanmukhmoorhsajuteeaa. jannaanakgurmukhubraygursabdeehaumaichhuteeaa.||1|| (SuhiChhant4thGuru,page776) Obrother!ThismayahasneverallowedanyonetomeetGod.Thisbodywhichwasaspricelessas gold,hasbeenspoiledbyego.Attachmenttomayaislikeattachmenttoblackashesandonlythe foolishoneattacheshimselftosomethingthatisworthless.Thosewhohaveearnedthewealthof naamhavebecomepiousandbecomeridofmaya.GuruAmarDasJitellsusthewaytoberidof

theinfluenceofmaya.Withsheerloveanddevotion,meditatingonnaam,theillusionofmaya burnsupandrealitydawnsuponthemortal: WithoutlovetheLordsmeditationcannotbeperformed Andwithoutnaam,oneremainsunacceptable Withnaamtheegoisstilled Mammonsillusiondeparts ThroughtheGurumaneasilyobtains ThewealthofGodsname binpareeteebhagatnahovaeebinsabdaithaaaynapaaay. sabdayhaumaimaareeaimaaiaakaabharamjaaay. naampadaarathpaaeeaigurmukhsahjsubhaaay.||7|| (SriRaag3rdGuru,page67) ThefifthGurualsotellsusthathepraisesthetrueGuruwhoenabledtheunderstandingofthe mysteriousdramaofmaya,inwhoseunseenfirethewholeworldburns.Thosewhomeditateare sparedfromtheheatofmaya IamasacrificeuntomyGuru Whohasshownmethiswondrousplay? Withtheinnerfiretheworldisconsumed ButtotheLordsslavemammonclingsnot. haobalihaareesatgurapunayjinihchalatdikhaaiaa. goojheebhaahijalaisansaaraabhagatnabiaapaimaaiaa.||4|| (Dhanasari5thGuru,page673) And Seeingthisworlduponfire IhaverushedtotheLordsrefuge Savemeandblessmewith Thegloryofthyname,oLord ayhujagjaltaadaykhkaibhajpaayharsarnaaeeraam. ardaaskareeNgurpoorayaagairakhlayvhudayhvadaaeeraam. (Wadhans3rdGuru,page571) OurninthGurualsotellsusthatifonefollowsthepathofworship,meditatesonnaamandsings thepraisesofthelightgivingtranscendentLordthenthiseverwandering,mercurialmindisstilled. Theattachmenttomayaisremovedandthemindisfilledwithsupreme,spiritualintellect.Greed andattachment,theagentsofmaya,whichinvolvethemind,cannotcomenearsuchaperson. Thefeelingofdoubtthatwasthecauseofbirthandrebirthandhadtarnishedthesoulisdispelled too.Allmindborndesiresend,anditbecomescalm.Whendesireisquenched,eternalspiritual blissisobtained.ThistreasureofnaamisonlyattainedthroughtheblessingofthegreatGuru OmotherIhaveobtainedthewealthofGodsname Mymindhasceasedtowanderandlaiddowntorest.Pause. Theloveofricheshasfledfrommybody Immaculatedivineknowledgehaswelledupinside Avariceandworldlylovecannottouchme

IhavefirmlygraspedtheLordsmeditation WhenIacquiredthejewelofnaam Myfearofcontinualbirthswasdispelled Mymindwasridofalldesire AndIwasabsorbedinbliss Uponwhom,Godthetreasureofcompassionismerciful HealonesingsthehymnsofpraiseoftheLord SaysNanakonlytherareone GathersthiswealthbytheGurusgrace. maaeemaiDhanpaaioharnaam. manmayroDhaavantaychhootiokarbaithobisraam||1||rahaao. maaiaamamtaatantaybhaageeupjionirmalgiaan. lobhmohayhparasnasaakaigaheebhagatbhagvaan.||1|| janamjanamkaasansaachookaaratannaamjabpaaiaa. tarisnaasakalbinaaseemantaynijsukhmaahisamaaiaa.||2|| jaakaohotdaiaalkirpaaniDhsogobindgungaavai. kahonaanakihbiDhkeesampaikooogurmukhpaavai.||3||3|| (Basant9thGurupage1186) GuruNanakdevJitellusoftwomethodstopurifythesoul.Hetellsusthatifwewanttopurify thesoul,tastetherealityofspiritualblissthendedicatethemindtotheAlmighty.Consideringhim tobeyourmaster,praytohimandgatherthewealthofnaamthroughsinglemindeddevotion.If anyhurdleobstructsthepracticeofmeditationthensinglemindedandwithheartfeltdevotion praytoyourmasterfordivinehelp.PrayerorArdashasimmensepowerinit.Whereamortalis helplesstoachievesomethingthenhumbleprayerorsupplicationbringsaboutdivine intervention NanakisyourdealerandyouLordaremycapital Thenalonedoesdoubtdepartfromthemind WhenIpraiseandpraytoyou. naanaktayraabaaneeaatoosaahibmairaas. mantayDhokhaataalahaijaasifatkareeardaas.||4||1|| (Wadhans1stGuru,page557) SometimeswecanbesoengrossedindoinggooddeedsthatwearecaughtupinthewebofMaya discreetly.Thesubtlestofselfpridecanaffectuswhenweareperforminggooddeeds.AsBhagat KabirJi,tellus Kabirwhatavailistheabandonmentofmammon Ifmandoesnotabandonhisselfconceit ThesagesandsublimeSaintsare Destroyedbyego.Egoeatsupall. kabeermaaiaatajeetakiaabhaiaajao maantajiaanaheejaaay. maanmuneemunivargalaymaansabhaikaokhaaay.||156|| (SalokBhagatKabirJi,page1372)

Prideofmeditation,ofrecitingourprayers,ofgoingtopilgrimage,ofdonationsandconducting piousdeedscreateasubtleformofconceitandsoilthesoulofthismortal.Onlytherareoneis sparedtheclutchesofmaya Iamgreatpoetandhavehighcastefamily Iamascholaranadeptyogiandhermit Iamdivine,virtuousawarriorandadonor Suchegotisticalthinkingneverleftthee. hambadkabkuleenhampandithamjogeesaniaasee. giaaneeguneesoorhamdaatayihbuDhkabehnanaasee.||2|| Escapefromsuchsubtleegotismispossiblethroughtakingshelterof theGuruandmeditatingonnaam OserfNanakthemortalisemancipatedThroughtheGuruandthroughtheGurusinstructionis hereleasedfromtheego. jannaanakgurmukhubraygursabdeehaumaichhuteeaa. (Suhichant4thGurupage776) Howdoesonepray?WeshouldabandonouregoandsurrenderourselvestotheAlmighty.Even Ardasmustnottobetakenasamatterofpride.IntheLordscourtonlythetrulyhumbledevotee obtainsregard,thepowerlessgainpowerandthehomelessreceiveshelter IfAlmightypleasesonlythenArdascanbeheardOGod binatkaraoardaassunhujaythaakurbhaavai. (Swaiyas5thGuru,page1386). Somehaveothersastheirfriends IwithouthonourhaveonlyyouOLord kisheekoeekoaymanjnimaaneeiktoo. (VaarSuhi2ndGuru,page91) HearmysupplicationsOmyLordmaster Iamfullofmillionsofsins, Nevertheless,Iamyourslave sunhubananteeaasuaameemayrayraam. kotapraaDhbharaybheetayraychayrayraam. (Bihagra5thGuru,page547) OmasteryouaremybeneficentLord Thecherisherandthespouse Everymomentyounurseme Iyourchildhaveyoursupportalone.WiththistongueofminewhatvirtuesofyourscanI narrate? Infiniteandlimitlessareyou,OLord; Nooneknowsyourlimit.Pause. Youdestroyedmillionsofmysinsandinstructedmeinmanyways. Iamignorantwithlittleunderstanding. Savemebyyourholyinnatenature.

Iseekyourprotection,asyoualonearemyhopeandsympatheticfriend. Omercifulmasterandsaviour SaveNanaktheslaveofyourhouse. tumdaataythaakurpartipaalaknaaikkhasamhamaaray. nimakhnimakhtumheepartipaalahu hambaariktumrayDhaaray.||1|| jihvaaaykkavangunkaheeai.baysumaarbayantsuaamee tayroantnakinheelaheeai.||1||rahaao. kotparaaDhhamaaraykhandahuanikbiDheesamjhaavhu. hamagiaanalapmatthoreetumaapanbiradrakhaavahu.||2|| tumreesarantumaareeaasaatumheesajansuhaylay. raakhoraakhanhaardaiaalaanaanakgharkaygolay.||3||12|| (Dhanasari5thGuru,page6734) Prayacknowledgingourselvesasguiltyandsurrenderingunconditionally MyLordGod,Iamyoursasitpleasesyousopreserveme. HowmanymisdeedsofmineshouldIcount?Theyareinnumerable.CountlesssinsanderrorsI havecommitted, DaybydayIgowrong.IaminebriatedwithworldlyloveandtheHideousworldlyvaluables;by yourgracecanIberedeemed. InSecrecyIcommitagonizingsinsbuttheLordshowmercyuntomeandpullmeoutofthe whirlpoolsofthedreadfulworldocean jiojaanhutioraakhharparabhtayriaa. kaytayganoasaNkhavganmayriaa. asaNkhavgankhatayfayraynitparatsadbhooleeai. mohmaganbikraalmaaiaataoparsaadeeghooleeai. lookkaratbikaarbikhrhayparabhnayrhootaynayriaa. binvantnaanakdaiaaDhaarahukaadhbhavjalfayriaa.||1|| (Jaitsari5thGuru,ghar2ndChantpage704) Asitpleasesyou,socherishme,OLord. YouaremysupremeLordmasterandthetrueGuru. Iamyourchildandyouaremycompassionatefather.Pause. Iamvirtuelessandhaveabsolutelynovirtue. Icannotcomprehendyourdoing,yourstateandmeasure. Youaloneknow.Mysoul,bodyandwealthareyours. YouaremyomnipresentLord,theknowerofhearts Youknowmycircumstancesunuttered. SaysNanakOsireLordblessmewithyoureyeofgrace, Thatmybodyandsoulbetranquillised. jiobhaavaitiomohipartipaal. paarbarahmparmaysarsatgur hambaariktumHpitaakirpaal.||1||rahaao. mohinirgungunnaaheekoeepahuchnasaakaotumHreeghaal. tumreegatmittumheejaanhujeeopindsabhtumromaal.||1|| antarjaameepurakhsuaameeanbolatheejaanhuhaal. tanmanseetalhoayhamaaronaanak parabhjeeonadarnihaal.||2||5||121||

(Bilawal5thGuru,page828) Unitemewithyou,Omymercifulmaster. Ihavefallenatyourdoor. Safeguardme,Omercifultothedowntrodden, Wanderingabout,Ihavebecomeweary. ItisyourinnatenaturetoloveyourSaintsand Savethesinners,OLord. Withoutyouthereisnotanother. ToyouImakethissupplicationoGod. TakemebythehandObeneficentLordand Ferrymeacrosstheworldocean. mayllaihudaiaaldhehpaayduaariaa. rakhlayvhudeendaiaalbharmatbahohaariaa. bhagatvachhaltayraabiradharpatituDhaariaa. tujhbinnaaheekoaybinomohisaariaa. kargehlayhodaiaalsaagarsansaariaa.||16|| (PauriJaitsaripage709). WeneedonlyprayonthedoorstepsofWaheguruthatfor OsupremeLord Inviewofhisaccount Themortalcanneverbereleased Sinceheerrseverymoment. Othoupardoner,pardonmeand FerryNanakacrosstheworldocean laykhaikatehnachhooteeaikhinkhinbhoolanhaar. bakhsanhaarbakhaslainaanakpaarutaar.||1|| (GauriBawanAkhri5thGuru,page261) BhaiGurdasJiinstructsushowtopraytotheAlmighty Iamasinner,acriminal,evilandanapostate Iamthief,adulterer,gamblerwhocovetsanothershousehold Iamaslanderer,knave,venal&aswindlercheatingtheworld Ifeelproudofmysexualurges,anger,greed,infatuationsandintoxications Iamtreacherousandungrateful Noneliketokeepmewiththem Remembersingingdisciple!ThetrueGurualoneiscapableofpardoningyoursins (Vaar36Pauri21BhaiGurdasJi) AtdooroftheLordAlmightyonecanonlyrepeatthefollowingwordsofGuruArjunDevJi HavemercyonmeObeneficenttothemeek Andconsidernotatallmymeritsdemerits. Howcanthedustbewashed? SuchisthestateofmanomyLord. kirpaakarahudeenkaydaatay

mayraagunavgannabeechaarahukoee. maateekaakiaaDhopaisuaameemaanaskeegatayhee.||1|| (Ramkali5thGuru,page882) ThouoLordarepotenttodoallthedeeds. Hidethoumyfaults,omyGuruGod. I,asinner,havesoughttherefugeofyourfeet.Pause. Whateverthemandoes,that Thouwatchandknow,oLord. Theshamelessmanseesnowaytodeny. Greatisthyglory,Ihaveheard,oLord. Thynamedestroysmillionsofsins. Mynatureisever,evertoerrand Thyfaithistosavethesinners,oGod. Mymercifulmaster,theembodimentofkindnessand Thetreasureofcompassion,yourvision Hasblessedmewithimmortalstatus. tumHsamrathaakaarankaran. dhaakandhaakgobidgurmayray mohiapraaDheesarancharan.||1||rahaao. jojokeenosotumHjaaniopaykhio thaurnaaheekachhdheethmukran. badpartaapsunioparabhtumHro kotaghaatayronaamharan.||1|| hamrosahaaosadaasadbhoolantumHrobiradpatituDhran. karunaamaikirpaalkirpaaniDh jeevanpadnaanakhardarsan.||2||2||118|| (Bilawal5thGuru,page828) Iamfilthy,stonehearted,deceitfulandlustful. Asyoudeemitfit,sosaveme,omyLord.Pause. Thouareallpowerfulworthyofgivingrefugeand Exercisingyourmight,yousaveusthemortals. Worship,penance,religiousvows,physicalpurityand Selfmortification,bythesemeans, emancipationisattainednot. Castingyoureyeofgrace,OLord,pullNanak, Fromthisawfuldarkditch kuchilkathorkapatkaamee. jiojaanehtiotaarsuaamee.||1||rahaao. toosamrathsaranjogtooraakhahiapneekalDhaar.||1|| jaaptaapnaymsuchsanjamnaaheeinbiDhaychhutkaar. garatghoranDhtaykaadhahu parabhnaanaknadarnihaar.||2||8||19|| (Kanra5thGuru,page1301). BhagatNamdevJialsoshowsusinhumbleprayerGodwillhelp

Floatmeover,OLord,floatmeover.Iamunskilledmanandknownothowtoswim.OGod,my dearfather,givemeyourarm.Pause. mokaotaarlayraamaataarlay. maiajaanjantaribayna jaanobaapbeethulaabaahday.||1||rahaao. (GondNamdevji,page873) Suchdeepandemotionalprayerpreventsonesmindfrombeingtarnished.Humilityand politenessenterthehumanmind.Thus,thegreatGurucautionedBabaJitobecarefulfromevery formofmayaandescapefromit.Howdidheescape?Bylosinghisegoandunconditionally surrenderinghisbeingattheLordsfeet.WhenBabaJiabandonedallotherhopesandcompletely dedicatedhimselftotheAlmighty,thegreatGurusavedhimfromtheeffectofmayawithhisown hand.WhenSriGuruNanakdevJisetofffromTalwanditoSultanpur,RaiBularrespectfullyasked GuruJiwhatwastheorderforhim?TheGreatGurusmilinglyreplied,ORai,ifyouagree,thenmy orderisthatwhenyourownwillfailsthentaketheshelteroftheAlmightywithfoldedhandsand pray.Godwillhelpyou. Itdoesnottakemuchtimetoprayandneitherareparticularwordsrequiredtopleasethe supremeLord.Oneneedstosurrenderfromwithin,behumble,andofferservitudetotheLord... HowcanhebedefraudedwhohasthysupportoLord?Pause. taakaoDhokhaakahaabiaapaijaakaoottuhaaree.rahaao. (Todi5thGuru,page711) And Withoutyou,Ihavenootherfriend.Intheend,youaloneshallbemysustainer.Theywhoenter yoursanctuaryyouredeemthem. maitujhbinbayleekonaheetooantsakhaaee. jotayreesarnaagateetinlaihichhadaaee. (VaarSuhi5thGuru,page792) BabaJispentallhislifelivingthetenetsofdivineGurbani.Livingundertheshelterofthegreat Guru,mayacouldnotaffecthiminanyformordisguise.BabaJispentallhislifebeyondthegripof mayaasstatedinGurbanibelow Asalotusflowerremainsunaffectedinthewater, Asalsoaduckswimsagainstthestreamscurrentandbecomesnotwet,sowithfixedintenton theGuruswordandutteringthename,oNanak,thedreadfulworldoceaniscrossed. Hewholivesinseclusion,ensrinestheoneLordinhismind,livingwithoutdesireinthemidstof desires,andseesandshowstootherstheinaccessibleandincomprehensibleLord;ofhimNanak isaslave. jaisayjalmehkamalniraalammurgaaeenaisaanay. suratsabadbhavsaagartareeainaanaknaamvakhaanay. rahehikaaNtaykomanvasiaaaasaamaahiniraaso. agamagochardaykhdikhaaaynaanaktaakaadaaso.||5|| (Ramkali1stGuru,SidhGosht,page936)

33TAKINGMEALSATVILLAGEBAHLA HavingstayedinhisancestralvillageofDhuggafortheearlyyearsofhislife,BabaJispenta further29yearsatChak119,Sargodha(Pakistan)workingandmeditatingsimultaneously.He spentafurthertwoyearsinKareruavillageRajasthanafterthepartitionofIndia.Hefinallysettled attheblessedplacethatGuruJihadinstructedBabaJitoturnintoacentreforpreachingSikhism. Aswashisroutinebefore,inthisnewplaceBabaJiwasdeeplyengrossedinmeditationofthelord andattunedinrecitationofGurbani.Aftertheshowdownwithevilspiritsoverthefirstfewnights, everythingwascalmnow.BabaJirosedailywellbeforedawn,bathed,andsattorecitehis nitnem,meditateongurmantarandrecite32rosariesofmoolmantar. BhaiGurbaxSinghJi(M.AB.tP.C.S)whonowlivesinCanada,boughtlunch(Langar)forBabaJiat noondaily.AfterjoiningBabaJiinsomerecitationofmoolmantar,hewouldreturnhomeinthe lateafternoon.BabaJihadbeensettledinthisnewplaceforaboutsixmonthswhennewsspread intheneighbouringvillagesthatagreatSainthadtakenabodeatthecenturiesold,inhospitable, barrenmound,whichallknewwashauntedbyevilspirits.Outofsheercuriosityandadmiration, peoplestartedtocometothisplaceinordertoseewhohaddaredtostayatthisforbidden mound. AHutForBabaJi BhaiBawaSinghJi(sonofS.SunderSingh)ofGondpurvillage,whoselandwasnearthebarren mound,wasgreatlyimpressedbyBabaJisSaintlynature.Becauseofthis,hebecameadevoted followerofBabaJi.WherethepresentdayNishaanSahib(saffronKhalsaflag)standsinthe Gurdwara,somedevoteespreparedahutforBabaJibyfixingwoodensupportsintotheground andthatchingagrassreedroofoverthewoodensupports.Thehutwaspreparedbecausethe earthencavewouldgetveryhotandhumidduringthesummer. Sublimeandbeauteousisthehut WhereinGodspraisesaresung Ofnoavailaremansions Inwhichthelordisforgotten. bhaleesuhaaveechhaapreejaamehgungaaay. kitheekaamnaDhaulharjitharbisraaay.||1||rahaao. (Suhi5thGuru,page745) Inamongstthe1012banyantreestherenowwasasmallclearingwherethishutwaserected. BabaJicontinuedinhismeditationbringingnewspiritualenergytothehutandthedeserted mound.Bythistime,BhaiGurbaxSingh1hadbecomeaprofessor.After40daysofmeditation, BabaJiperformedanArdastothankalmightyforhisprotectionandstrengthtocompletethe prayers.Afterthebhogceremony,BabaJiwenttoDhuggavillagetovisithismother.Hestayedfor onenightonlyandreturnedthenextdaywithabout4kgofroastedwheatandmolassesmixed togethertomakeadrycerealthathecouldhaveinordertosustainhim.Uponhisarrival,he startedanother40daysofconstantmeditationandrecitalofhymnsfromGurbani.Whenhegot hungry,hewoulddissolvetheroastedwheatandmolassesinsomewaterforsustenance.Some timesthiswasallthefoodhewouldeatin24hours Witheverybreath,heeverremembersthelord Notasinglebreathpassesinvain

Thus,heobtainshonourineternallife. damdamsadaasamaaldaadammnabirthaajaaay. janammarankaabhaogaiaajeevanpadveepaaay. (Salok3rdGuru,page556) BabaJiwouldmeditatewithsuchintensitythatnotasinglemomentwentbywithout rememberingthelord.Allthepossessionsthatwerepresentatthehutwereabed,earthen pitcher,onebrassglass,onebrassbowl,ironbucket,twoearthenpotsandsomebedlinen.These arealltheutensilsBabaJiusedforhisdailyliving. Watershortage Inthosedays,afterashortperiodofdraught,waterinthenearbywelldriedup.BabaJiwould carrywaterbackfromawellabout300yardsfromwherethehutwasforhisdailyuse.After bathingatthewell,hewouldbringabucketloadofwaterthatwouldlasthimthewholeday.Baba Jiusedtosaythatat2amwhenhewouldgotothewell,whetheritwasstormyorraining,bythe graceofGodtheweatherwouldcalmdownorceasetobestormyjustlongenoughforBabaJito havehisdailybath.ThiswasGuruJisspecialblessinguponhim.Hewouldwalkaroundthefields soasnottodamagethefarmerscrops.Afterhisbath,hewouldimmersehimselfinhisdaily meditation. MeetingS.KabulSingh DuringthesedaysS.KabulSinghsonofS.BawaSinghofGondpurhadanopportunitytospendtime inthecompanyofBabaJi.Inhisleisuretime,hewouldcometoseeBabaJiandlearnrecitationof Gurbani(calledSanthiyawhichmeanstolearnthemeaningsofhymnsfromSriGuruGranthSahib Ji).BabaJiwouldlistentoSukhmaniSahibfromBhaiKabulSinghJidaily.Heattainedspiritual insightthroughmeditationaswell.Hewasakeenplayerofkabbadiandfondofthegame.BabaJi hadinsightintospiritualmattersandarrangedforS.KabulSinghJitoreceivebasicteachertraining. BabaJithenarrangedhismarriageaswell.S.KabulSinghreceivedbaptismandtothisdayhas cordialrelationswiththeGurdwaraSahib. MeetingBhaiLabhSinghofBahle BabaJihadbeenmeditatingforsixmonthsorsowithouttakinganyfoodexceptthewheatand molassesthathebroughtfromhome.OnedayLabhSinghofBahlevillagecametoseeBabaJias hehadlearntofthegreatSaintmeditatingatthedesertedmound.HebowedrespectfullytoBaba JiandaskedwhenBabaJiwouldfinishhisroutineofprayers.BabaJirepliedthathispresent routinewouldbecompletedinafewdays.SLabhSinghJienquiredifBabaJiwasgoingtohave langar(sacramentfood)atthebhogceremonyornot.BabaJirepliedthatnolangarwasarranged forthatparticularday.Afterthis,LabhSinghleft. OnthedayofthebhogSLabhSinghJiarrivedatthetimeofArdasandpolitelyrequestedBabaJi, Ihavepreparedlangarforyouatmyhouse,pleaseaccompanymeandblessusbyacceptingthe food.BabaJirefusedflatly.SLabhSinghrepeatedhisrequestcompellingBabaJitoaccede.Baba Jiagreedreluctantlybutoncondition,todayIwillgowithyoutohavelangarbutinfuturedonot compelmetodoso.SLabhSinghagreedandtookBabaJihometohavelangar.Afterlangar, BabaJiwentbacktohisvillageDhuggatoseehismotherandrestockonhis4kgofwheatand molasses.Assoonashearrivedbackatthehut,hestartedanotherprogrammeofmeditationthe nextday.S.LabhSinghwasdeeplyimpressedwithBabaJissacrificeanddeterminedmeditation. AfteraweekhepresentedhimselfwithfourotherSikhsinfrontofBabaJi,humblyrequesting, Todaywehavecometorequestyouassangattohaveonemealdailyatourhouseplease.Ifyou

donotagreethenallowustobringlangarforyouhereatthehut.HearingthesewordsBabaJi fellintothoughtfulsilence.Hebegantoponderthatifthisgursikhwasalone,hewouldhave declinedtheinvitation.However,thesepeoplehavecomeasacongregation(sangat).Thesangat istheabodeofGodandtoservesangatisthehighesthonour.Ifonerefusestogowiththegroup ofgursikhs,itisaninsultofthesangat.Secondly,thegursikhhasaskedtobringlangarheretothe hut.Iftheystarttobringlangar,heretothehutthentheywillhavetotaketimeoutfromwork andtheirdailyworkroutinewillbedisrupted.Afterall,almightyWaheguruprovidessustenance forall.WaheguruJihasinspiredthethoughtinthemindsofthesegursikhstobringlangar.After ashortsilenceBabaJireplied,Ididnotwanttogotopeopleshomestohavelangar.However,as youhavecomeintheformofsangat,onecannotrefuse.SoIwillcomedaily,inthemorningto havelangaratyourhome. BhaiLabhSinghJiwentbacktohisvillageafterthisinvitationwasacceptedbyBabaJi.Next morningBabaJiwenttothevillageGurdwarainBahle,bowedtoSriGuruGranthSahibJi,readthe dailyhukamnama(dailysermonoredictoftheGuru)andthenproceededtothehouseofSLabh SinghJitohavelangar.Thisroutinecontinueddailyforsometime.Ifthelangarwasenotreadyyet, thenBabaJiwouldreciteGurbaniuntilthelangarwasprepared.Slowlyneighbouringhouseholds cametoknowofthegreatSaintwhostaysatthedesertedmoundcomingtohavelangardailyat thehouseofSLabhSingh.ThefortunateonesstartedtoarrivetomeetBabaJi.Slowlyfourorfive peoplegathereddailyatthetimeoflangar.NowBabaJistartedtogiveadiscourseonGurbanito theassembledcongregationandinspiredthemwithtalesfromtheillustriousSikhhistory.Any childrenorladiesthatcameweretaughthowtoreadGurbani.Induecourse,withgreater inspiration,anumberofpeoplestartedtoreciteGurbanifromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Asaresult, anumberofpeopletookamrit(baptism).Afterlangar,BabaJiwouldreturntothehutandresume hismeditation.InthismannerwhilstvisitingBahlevillageforlangar,hewouldsingpraisesofthe almightylord,continuingeverforwardsonhisspiritualjourney.

34MYMEETINGWITHBABAJI MymotherMrsCharanKaurtoldmethat,Oneafternoon,BabaJisuddenlycametoourhouse. Hesatononeofthebedsintheverandaandsatyouonhislap.Youweresevenyearsoldatthe time.Mymotherwasapprehensive,insomuchthat,shehadheardthattheseSadhusscould mesmerisechildrenorharmtheminsomeway.Shethoughttoherselfthatthesoonerthissadhu leavesthebetter.ThoughtsofthistypewerestillrunninginhermindwhenBabaJispoke,Iam goingtoprofessorGurbaxSinghshouseandamtakingthisboywithme.Ishallsoonbringhim back.Afterwaitingawhile,mymotherseeingIhadnotreturned,setoffforGurbaxSinghJis house.OnthewayshesawBabaJicomingbacktodropmeoff.BabaJihandedmyarmbacktomy motherandsaid,Bibi(sister),wehavebeencomingtogethertothisworldfornumerouspast lifetimes.Inthislife,Iwaslookingandsearchingforhimandhewassearchingforme.Withthe graceofGod,wehavebeenunitedagain.FromtodayonwardsneithershallIleavehimnorwillhe beabletoleaveme.So,fromthatdayonwardsBabaJibecamesonearanddeartomethathe wasclosertomemoresothanmyparents.Ifanyvaluableorgoodthingwouldcomeintomy possession,IwouldbedeterminedtogiveittoBabaJifirst.Inthesummer,Iwouldpicktheripest mangoesandsavethemforBabaJi.Atthetime,Iwasstudyinginthegovernmentprimaryschool inthenearbyvillageofTalwandijattan.WhenBabaJiwouldcometohavelangaratthehomeofS. LabhSinghJi,beforegoingtoschoolIwouldgoovertopresentmangoesandsuchitemsoffood thatIhadsavedforBabaJi.Iwouldpaymyrespectsandthenleaveforschool.OnoccasionI wouldgetlateforschoolandberebukedbytheteacher,howeverBabaJiwouldalwaystryto arriveearlyatthehouseofLabhSinghJisothatIwouldnotbelateforschool. Afterschool,IwouldgotothehutwhereBabaJistayedratherthangoinghome.Thisistheplace whereGurdwaraRampurKheranowstandsinsteadofthebarrendesertedmound.Uponmy arrival,BabaJiwouldgivemesomethingtoeat,andthenhewouldteachmeGurbani.Towards theevening,eitherBabaJiwoulddropmeoffatmynearbyvillageormymotherwouldcomeand fetchme. Afterafewdays,mymotherrequestedBabaJitograceourhouse,byhavinglangarforatleast halfthedaysoftheweek.BabaJiagreedtodosoandwouldnowhavelangarforthreedaysatour house,threedaysatLabhSinghJishouseandonedayatBantaSinghJishouse.Hewasthefather ofHeadmasterPuranSinghMymaternaluncle(HeadmasterPuranSinghS/oS.BantaSinghof villageBahlawasmyuncle(Paternalside).Hewasdeeplyreligiousfromtheverychildhood.The companyofBabaJidevelopedhisinnerreligiouspotentialitiesverysoon.Hewasamanofhigh qualityandcallibrehavinghigherspiritualflightAfterpassingB.A.B.T,hestartedhiscareerasa teacherinKhalsaschoolGarhdiwala.DuringhisteachingtenureatGarhdiwala.Duringhisteaching tenureatGarhdiwala,hetooktwicethetraining(Santhya)ofstudyingShriGuruGranthSahibJi fromBabaJi.Inthistraininginstitutewewerethreestudents.HeadmasterPuranSinghJi,S.Nirmal SinghS/oS.GurbachanSinghofvillageBhanaandmyself.AllthreeofthistooktrainingfromBaba Jiforsufficienttime.AtthesametimeweacquiredmuchworldlyandspiritualmeritsfromBaba Jiscompany.HeadmasterPuranSinghworkedforsometimeatGarhdiwalaandthenjoinedpublic highschoolNangal(Ropar).FromthatplaceheshiftedtoGuruNanakKhalsaHighschool Takhtupura(Faridkot)asaHeadmasterandstayedthereforanumberofyears.Ashehadsome physicalailments.Sohehadtoundergooperationformorethanbuthewasnotcuredas medicine,hedisappearedon5.9.1983.Reason?Why?Where?Requiresthoroughinvestigation andverification).

TothisdaylangarstillcomesfromthesehomestobeservedattheGurdwara.Afterstudyingat theprimaryschoolinTalwandijattan,IjoinedKhalsahighschoolinGardhiwala.Evenathigh school,IwouldvisitBabaJidailyafterschooltolearnhowtoreadGurbaniandunderstandit. Afterlearningtoreadandunderstandthepanjgranthi,(acompilationoffiveprayers)Iprogressed toreadingfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.BythetimeIhadfinishedhighschoolIhadbeentaught toreadandunderstandSriGuruGranthSahibJithreetimes.WithencouragementfromBabaJi,I wouldrecitemyfiveprayersofnitnemevenbeforeIwasbaptised.WithBabaJisblessing,Iwas administeredbaptismbyhimpersonally. IntheeveningafterstudyingGurbaniwithBabaJi,Iwouldgohomeanddinewithmyfamily.I wouldthenreturntotheGurdwaratostaythenight.BabaJiwouldsitbesidemeandpersonally overseemerecitemanydifferenthymns(shabads)ontherosary.Prayerslikemoolmantar,Jaap Sahib,Chachrichhand(gobindaymukanday,udaaray,appaaray,hariang,kariangnirnaamay akaamay)andmanyothershabadswererecited125,000timesinsuccessionandmanytimesover. IfduetolazinessIcouldnotcompletetherosaries,theBabaJiwouldcompletetheshabadsand praytoalmightypledgingtheshabadsonmybehalf.Thiswashispersonalblessinguponme.After completingmyeducation,Itriedtogetajobbutwasunabletofindsuitableworkforthreeyears. ThenIgotajobasastenographerinaplacecalledUNA(HimachalPradesh).BabaJiwishedmeto staycloseandIdecidedtolookforajobnearerhome.InthosedaysDrPritamSinghJiwasa doctorinthegovernmenthealthservice.Hewantedtoretireandstartuphisownpractice.Dr PritamSinghJiwasatruefollowerofSantTejaSinghJi(doubleMA).SantTejaSinghJis predecessorwasSantAttarSinghJiMastuana.DrSahibmetBabaJiandgainedagreatdealof spiritualinsightfromkeepingcompanywithSantBabaHarnamSinghJi.Intime,hebecameanear anddeardevoteeofBabaJi.BecauseofDrPritamSinghJimeetingBabaJi,Itoobecameclose friendswithDrPritamSinghJi.Wehadgreatmutualrespectandaffectionforeachother.BabaJi wishedthatDrPritamSinghandIworktogetherandafterconsultingBabaJi,weopeneda practiceinthenearbytownofDasuya.Weworkedtogetherforourdailylivelihoodandgained muchspiritualityfromeachotherscompany. Weworkedtogetherforsixteenblissful,yearsandthisspanoftimepassedwithsuchmutual affectionandrespectthatmymindstillfeelselatedrecallingthistimespentinDasuya.Wewould eattogether,praytogether,facedmanytrialsandtribulationstogether.Wesharedourgoodand badfortunesandasbrothersinarmsfacedourjoyandsorrowtogether.ThoughIdidnotfeellike gettingmarried,BabaJistillarrangedmymarriagetoBibiGurdialKaur,daughterofS.Rattan SinghofvillageTalwandijattanin1966.OurmarriagewasblessedbyBabaJibyhisSaintly attendance.Aftermymarriage,ImovedmyresidencetoDasuyaandatleastthreetimesaweek wouldcometomeetBabaJi.IfforsomereasonIcouldnotcomeBabaJiwouldcomehimselfto visitourhouse.AlmightylordacceptedBabaJisprayerandblessedmewithasonon25thaugust 1969,whomBabaJipersonallynamedBhupinderSingh.Thisgiftedchildhadthegreatfortuneof playinginBabaJislapandreceivednumerous,affectionateblessingsfromhim. Duetounavoidablecircumstances,IhadtoleavethepracticeofDrPritamSinghJiandreturnto mynativevillageBahlewhereIresumedfarmingourland.Afterthat,Ihavebeenperformingthe dutiesentrustedtomebythegreatGurutothisdaywiththelordspatronage.

35THEDESERTEDMOUNDISNAMEDKUTTIARAMPURKHERA BabaJiclearedtheareaaroundthehutofbushesandthicketfordailyuse.However,the overgrowntreeswerestilltoodenseincoveringtheground.Henownamedthisplacekuttia RampurKhera.Leavesfromthelargebanyanandpeepultreeswouldcoverthegroundinanever moistcarpetthatwasahavenforpoisonousinsects.Acoupleofreedstoolsanddrystrawwould beusedtocovertheground.Thiswasallthatvisitorshadtositon.BabaJikeptsometongsand earthenpots.WheneverBabaJiwouldliftthesestoolsorstrawmats,hewouldfinddeadlyinsects andscorpions.Hewouldusethetongstoremovetheseinsectsandstoretheminthepots.Inthe evening,hewouldwalkdowntothestreamandlettheinsectsloose.Twoorthreesnakeswould appeardaily;BabaJiwouldcatchtheminajutebagandreleasethemawayfromthehut.Ifalarge snakeappeared,hewouldusealargebamboostickandbystrikingitontheground,scarethe snakeawayfromthehut.BabaJihadspecificallytoldeveryonewhocametovisitnottohurtthese creatures.Sometimespeoplewouldask,Whydontyoukillsuchpoisonouscreatures?BabaJi wouldreply,Whentheydontbotherus,whyshouldwekillthemwithoutreason.Supposewe startkillingthem,willwefinishallofthem? BabaJiisAnnoyedOverKillingACobra. BabaJicontinuedtorescuelittlecreaturesashedidforsometime.Onceanincidentoccurredthat Iwitnessedwithmyowneyes.Thecongregationhadcometogetherforthemeditationsession (calledNaamAbhyasKammaiSmagam)onetimeanditwasrainingheavily.S.ChananSingh,Dr PritamSingh,S.KartarSinghfromRasulpurvillageandsomeotherdevoteeswereoutforan afternoonwalk.TheGurdwarausedtohaveahedgeofcactusplantsallarounditsperimeter.On thiseveningattheeasternedgeofthecactusfence,alargekingcobraappeared. Onseeingthepoisonoussnake,twoSikhsimmediatelykilledthesnakewithsticks.S.ChananSingh andtheotherswentimmediatelytotellBabaJiofthislargehoodedsnakethatappearedamidst thecactusfence.BabaJiinterruptedthemimmediately,Youhaventkilledthesnakehaveyou? ChananSinghJireplied,BabaJiwhenwesawitwasalargepoisonoussnake,sowekilledit. BabaJiwasangryandsaid,Whydidyouneedtokillthesnake.Bykillingeverypoisonoussnake, willyoueradicateallsnakes?Wasthesnakechasingyou?withthesewordshemadehis annoyancecleartotheothers. Repentanceandforgiveness. CharanSinghJiandtheothersrespectfullyaskedforforgivenessfromBabaJiandwentoutfora walkagain.Astheywerewalking,theystumbleduponanothersnakeinthepathjustliketheone theyhadkilledearlier.Onreturning,theytoldBabaJiaboutseeingthissnakeonthepathwhen outwalking.BabaJisaid,Youcouldtrytokillitagainbutbeforekillingthesnakeyoushouldhave askedme.MeanwhileafewmoreSinghsreturnedandsaidthattheytoosawalargesnakeon thewaytotheGurdwara.Finally,thedevoteesgottogetherandpleadedwithBabaJifor forgivenessfortheirignorantact.Theypromisednottokillsnakesindiscriminatelyinthefuture. BabaJireplied,Asksomeonetopreparedeghparshad(sweetdishmadefromequalpartsflour, sugar,butterandwater)andbringitinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJitobeblessed.Theparshad waspreparedandbroughtinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.BabaJistoodinfrontofGuruJito pray,OGodalmightywemortalsarepronetoerror.SomeSinghshavemadeanignorantmistake. Forgiveusandguideussothatwemaybediligentinthefuture.Parshadwasdistributedtothe sangatandfortherestoftheweeknoonesawanymoresnakesagain.

BabaJihadaverykindheartedandtendernature;hewasnotinfavourofcrueltytoorharassing anycreature.HewouldsaythatifwewishtoseeGodatallthen Yourlightisinallcreatures Andtheyarecontainedinyourlight. jjaatmehjotjotmehjaataaakalkalaabharpoorrahiaa. (Asa1stGuru,page469) And Amongall,thereislightandthatlightisyou. sabhmehjotjothaisoay. (Dhanasari1stGuru,page13) RecognisethelightofGodinallcreaturesandhiscreation.WemustfollowtheedictofGuruTegh BahadurJithat TheSaintsproclaimthat InallheartsabidesthevenerableLord. ghatghatmaiharjoobasaisantankahiopukaar. (Salok9thGuru,page1426) GuruArjunDevJitellustheLordpervadesinallhiscreation TheluminousLordthesuprememaster ThegreatLordabidesinallhearts ghatghatbasantbaasudayvehpaarbarahmparmaysureh. (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1356) And HetheLordabidesinallhearts Withouthim,thereisnoother ghatghatantarraviaasoay. tisbinbeejonaaheekoay. (Parbhati5thGuru,page1348) And Ineveryheart,salutetheexaltedLord Withouttheonemasterthereisnosecondother Nanakthisistheessenceofwisdomofthefather. ghatghatantarpaarbarahmnamaskaariaa. ikasvinhordoojaanaahee baabaanaanakihmatsaareejeeo.||4||39||46|| (Maajh5thGuru,page108) And Allarepartnerstoyourgrace

Youarealientonone. sabhaysaajheevaalsadaaintooNkisainadisehbaahraajeeo.||3|| (Maajh5thGuru,page97) SotheGreatGuruhasenjoineduponus,severaltimestoobserveandregardthelightofthe divineLordresidinginallcreatures,greatandsmall.ThepersonwhoseesthelightofGodinall canharmnoone.Suchapersonwillnotspeakrudelytoanyone Faridthecreatorabidesinhiscreation Andthecreationabidesinitscreator Whomshallwecallbad Whenthereisnonwithouthim fareedaakhaalakkhalakmehkhalakvasairabmaahi. mandaakisnoaakheeaijaaNtisbinkoeenaahi.||75|| (SalokBhagatFarid,page1381) And Utternotasingleharshword Sinceyourtruemasterabidesamongstall Breakthounotanyonesheart Asinvaluableareallthesejewels Preciouslikejewelsarethemindsofall Tohurtthemisnotatallgood IfyoudesiretomeetthebelovedLordthen Hurtthounotanyonesheart ikfikaanagaalaaaysabhnaamaisachaaDhanee. hiaaonakaiheethaahimaanaksabhamolvay.||129|| sabhnaamanmaanikthaahanmoolmachaaNgvaa. jaytaopireeaadeesikhiaaonathaahaykaheedaa.||130|| (SalokBhagatFaridJi,page1384) SriGuruNanakdevJitellusthat Thebeingsareyoursandyouaretheirmaster. tayrayjeeajeeaakaatohi. (SriRaag1stGuru,page25) Thischangeinouroutlookisnotpossiblebymerereadingoremptydiscussionsofdivine knowledge.Tochangeouroutlookrequiresmeditation,introspectionofGurbaniandforustoact uponthemessagecontainedwithinGurbani.Evenwhenwalking,BabaJiwouldstepwithcareand attention,lestheinadvertentlytrampleinsectsontheground.Moreover,hewouldwarnothers walkingbesidehimtomindandnottrampletheinsectsontheground.

36BHAIMOHINDERSINGHSEESASNAKEDAILY BhaiMohinderSinghJiwasBabaJisjeepdriverandhetoldusofanincidenthewasinvolvedin duringtheseearlydays.BabaJiwasawayfromtheGurdwaraonsomeimportantbusiness.Inhis absence,someofthedevoteesdiscoveredaverylargecobra,whichhadenteredthecavewhere BabaJiusedtomeditate.Theattendantsanddevoteesatthegurdwaraweretryingtokillthe snake.Noonewoulddareenterthepitchdarkcaveasthesnakewasalargeandpoisonous.All andonedecidedtolightupakerosenelampinordertoilluminatethecave. Meanwhilesomeoftheattendantsbroughtacoupleofliveelectricwiresandtiedthebarecopper wireontotheendofalongbamboopole.Theycarefullyhungthekerosenelampinthecave, pluggedintheliveelectricwire,andtriedtoelectrocutethesnake.Whenthesnakewastouched withthewires,ithissedandspatsoviolentlythatitblewthelampout.Alltheattendantswere extremelyscaredbynow,andBhaiMohinderSinghsteppedin,usheringalltheotherstoleavethe cave.Hetookajutebag,dippeditinkeroseneandtiedittoalongbamboostick.Ignitingthejute bag,hethrewitontothesnake,thistacticeventuallykilledthesnake. IntheeveningwhenBabaJireturned,theattendantstoldhimwhathadtranspiredwiththesnake inthecave.BabaJiwasveryangryaboutthewholeincidentandsummonedBhaiMohinder,You havecommittedagreatwrong.Ifthesnakehadenteredthecavethenyoushouldhaveleftit there.Ihadntgonetoanothercountry;Iwasduetocomebackandwouldhavedealtwiththe snake.Inthefutureaskmebeforeyoucarryoutsuchatask.BabaJiwassilentforawhileand thensaidWell,whatisdoneisdone,takecareinthefuture. BhaiMohinderSinghtoldusthatfromthatdayonwards,wheneverhewentfromtheGurdwarato hishome,hewoulddailycomeacrossasnakeinhispath.Whenthishappenedforaboutfourdays, hecametoBabaJi.BabaJitoldBhaiMohinderSinghthatyoumustcompletetworosariesofthe Moolmantarfor21consecutivedays,inthemorningandevening,beggingforgivenessfromthe GreatGuru.Thenthesnakeswillleaveyoualone.Whenyoucompleteyourrosaries,prepare someparshad,donate1.25rupeesattheGurdwaraandprayforforgivenesswithallyour devotion.FromthedayBhaiMohinderSinghstartedtorecitetheMoolmantarhedidnotcome acrossanymoresnakes.Hecompletedtheprayersentrustedtohim.Hethenhaddeghparshad prepared,prayedinrepentanceforhiswrongdoingandbeggedforforgivenessinfrontofthe greatGuruGranthSahib. BhaiMohinderSinghwasthesonofSriRodeRamandbelongedtothevillageLoharli,districtUna, HimachalPradesh.Inhisearlychildhood,hecametoS.GurnamSinghSandherofvillageMachhian, DistrictHoshiarpur.Hewasbroughtupbythefamilyliketheirownsonandwaseducatedat KhalsaSecondarySchool,GhardiwalaandthenKhalsaCollegeGardhiwalauptodegreelevel.He servedS.GurnamSinghandBibiParmjeetKaurlikehisownparents.InBabaJiscompany,he becameaSikh. Afterhiseducation,heobtainedSanthiya(teachinginGurbani)ofGuruGranthSahibwhilst servingasajeepdriverforBabaJi.Afterhismarriage,hebeganworkingasaclerkatKhalsa SecondarySchoolGardhiwalaandisservingtheGurussangatregularly,withdevotion.Hemakes hislifeasuccessbyfirstmeditatingandrecitinghimselfandtheninspiringotherstofollowthe path.Intime,numerouspeopleweremouldedtoGurmatinBabaJiscompanyandwere subsequentlybaptisedthusfollowingthepathlaiddownbythegreatGuru.

37GODISDISPLEASEDBYCRUELTYTOANIMALS DuenorthfromBabaJishutwerefieldsthatwerefarmedbylocalvillagers.Onedayafarmer (whosenameisnotmentionedsoasnottocauseoffence)hadbeenploughingthefieldssince earlymorning.Itwasahot,humid,Augustday.Beingclosetomiddaytheheatwasrelentlessand atitspeak.Thefarmerwasclearlyhotandsweatingprofuselyashewasploughing.Hewas workingtheoxenwithoutrest,beatingthemwhilstploughing,tryingtogetthemtomovefaster andploughharder.Thetired,thirstyanimalswerehelplesslywalkingwiththeirtongueshanging outwiththirst.BabaJicameoutofhishutandlookeduponthepitifulconditionofthesehelpless animals.Takingpityontheplightoftheanimals,hisheartfilledwithkindnessandhemadeuphis mindtoaskthefarmertogivetheanimalsarest.Hedecidedtoaskthefarmertoallowthe animalstohavesomewaterandthefarmertofinishploughingintheafternoonwhenitwouldbe cooler.Withthesekindintentionsforthewelfareoftheanimals,hewalkeduptothefarmerand humblyaskedhimtotakeashortbreaktoallowtheanimalstobewateredandrested.Thefarmer listenedtoBabaJiandreplied,Ihavebeenworkingsincemorningwiththeseanimals,dont interfereinafarmerswork.Youbettergoaboutyourownjob. Afteranotherhalfanhourorso,BabaJisconscienceagaincompelledhim,Animalscannotspeak. Thisstubbornpersonisworkingtheanimalsfarmorethantheycanbeartoworkinsuchintense heat.Ifanimalsarespeechlessandcannotcomplain,wemustlookaftertheirwellbeingand welfare.Withthesethoughts,BabaJiagainwentuptothefarmertoaskhimtorestandwater hisanimalsforawhile.BabaJiadvisedhimthatbyworkingtheanimalsmercilesslywillnot improvetheyieldofthecrop.Theyieldofthecropandwhatwillbeharvestedfromthefieldswas inGodshands.BabaJitriedtoreasonwiththefarmerthat,IfGodweretogiveabumpercrop thenitwouldnotbemorelikelytohappenifthefieldweredeeplyploughed.Furthermore,by treatingtheanimalsmercilessly,withoutcarefortheirwelfare,speechlessanimalscurseus heavily.However,thefarmerpaidnoattentiontoBabaJisreasoningandrepliedonthe contrary,Afarmerwillnotevencrematehismotheruntilhehasfinishedsowinghiscrop.Baba Jisaid,Ihavedonemydutybyaskingyou,therestisatyourdiscretion. Thefarmerwentonploughinghisfield,levellingitandfinallygoinghomewiththeanimals.The animalsbeingthirstydranklotsofwaterassoonastheygotbackandoneoftheoxenfellill, needingprolongedtreatmentfromthevet.Thishumbleservantwitnessedwithmyowneyesthat afieldthatusedtoyieldagoodcropeveryyear,thistimeyieldedahandfulofsacksofgrain.The youngfarmersfatherwasaGodfearingpersonandhappenedtoaskhissonaboutthelowyield, Howisitthatafieldyouploughedsodiligentlyhashadsuchameagreharvestofgraincompared toalltheotherfields?Afewdayslater,theyoungfarmerconfessedtohisfatherthatwhenhe wasploughingthefield,theSaintatthemoundapproachedhim,askingforhimtogivethethirsty animalsarest.HetoldhisfatherthattheanimalswerehotandtheSaintcameovertwicetoask theanimalstoberestedandgivenwaterbytheSaint.TheyoungfarmertoldhisfatherhowBaba Jitoldhimthatspeechlessanimalscouldcurseusifwedonottreatthemproperly. Theoldfatherwaswiseandintuitivelyrealisedthatthepoorharvestwasduetooverworkingthe speechlessoxeninthehotafternoon.Theoldmanexplainedtohisson,Youworkedextrahard yourself,overexertedyouroxeninordertoreapabetterharvest.However,yougottheopposite result.Youendeduptormentingaspeechlessanimalthatwentontogetillandyouharvesteda meagrecropfromthatfield.Inthefuture,becareful,ifouranimalscannottellusoftheirpain thenweshouldlookoutfortheirwelfareourselves.Furthermore,oneshouldheedandactupon thewordsofadivineSaintevenifatthetimeyouwillloseoutmaterially

Afterrebukinghisson,theoldmancametoBabaJiandpleaded,Myyoungsondidnotlistento yourwordsofwarningoryouradviceandasaresulttheharvestfromthefieldwasverypoor. Pleaseforgivehim.BabaJirepliedverypolitely,AgoodorbadharvestisinthehandsofGod.On thathotdaytheanimalswerethirsty,tiredandwerebeingoverworked.Theirtongueswere hangingfromtheirmouthswithexhaustion.Theywerebeingbeatenandtheirpitifulplightwas disturbingtosee.Theiranguishwasdisruptingmymeditationrepeatedly.Inthefuture,donot beatanimalswithastickwithoutreason.Theytoohaveasoullikeours,whichfeelspainand pleasure.Itisduetotheirpastkarmaanddeedstheycommittedthattheyhavetoendurethis animallife.Byharassinganimals,wecommitcrueldeeds,earningbadkarmaourselves.Wewill enduphavingtopayforourbadactions.Ifwetormentanimals,thentheycancurseusandwe earnbadkarma.Wemustworkbutwithinourstrength.Therewardsforourlabourarewithinthe handsofGodalone Ifonecouldhavegoodfortune Byourowneffortsalone Theneveryonewouldbefortunateandrich Eventhoughalldesiretobefortunate Ourdestinyisdecidedaccordingtoourpastdeeds aapanleeaajaymilaitaasabhkobhaagathhoay. karmaauparnibrhaijaylochaisabhkoay.||3|| (Salok1stGuru,page156) And Withoutgooddeedsnothingcanbeobtained Thoughonemaychaserewardswithalleffort vinkarmaakichhpaaeeainaaheejaybahutayraaDhaavai. (Tilang1stGuru,page722) OneshouldengagewithotherswiththepreceptthatGodslightabidesinallhiscreatures.Totake pityonthesentientbeingsismorebeneficialthanbathingandgivingalmsatthesixtyeightplaces ofpilgrimageconsideredholybyHindus.OurGuruJitellsus Causenotannoyancetoanybeing Andgotothyhomewithhonour. athusaththeeruthsugulpunnjeeadhaeiaapuruvaan (Salok5thGuru,page322) SriGuruNanakdevJiconsiderkindnesstobeanattributeofGodandforgivenessadivinerosary Thosepeoplearesublime Whomakecompassiontheirdeity Andforgivenesstheirrosary daiaadayvtaakhimaajapmaaleetaymaanasparDhaan. (Salok1stGuru,page1245) Bymaking,theteachingsofourGuruthebasisofourliveswewillbeabletoattracthis benevolence.

38EFFECTOFACURSE Itwasthesummerseason.BabaJiwassatundertheshadeofamangotreeoutsidehishut meditatinginbliss.Itsohappenedthatacoupleofdevoteeswhowerepassingby,cameoverto BabaJi,exchangedGurFatehandsatdownbesidehim.BabaJiofferedthemcoolwaterand enquiredaboutthepurposeoftheirvisit.Theyreplied,Wewereonourwaytothenearbytown ofGardhiwalaanddecidedtodropbytoseeyou,restandchatawhile.Assoonasthey exchangedpleasantries,theydelvedintoidlechitchataboutallmannerofthingsfrompoliticsto worldlymatters.BabaJisatpatientlylisteningforawhilebutquicklygatheredthatthetwo visitorswereyokingwateri.e.makingidleconversationtowhileawaythetime.BabaJisensed thatthesetwowerenotinanyhurrytoleaveeither,sohestartedtoquietlyreciteSukhmani Sahib(aprayercomposedbyGuruArjunDevJi).Thetwomenspokeup,BabaJi,wehadcometo sitandtalkwithyou,wedonotknowhowlongyourprayerswilltakesopleasegiveusleave.We bidyoufarewell.BabaJinoddedhisheadwhilststillrecitinghisprayer,toacknowledgethe visitorswishtodepart.BabaJiwouldoftenhavepeopleliketheonesabovecometowastehis timeinidleworldlydiscussionandpolitics.IfBabaJiwouldsensethattheconversationisturning toidlegossipthenhewouldaskthoseassembledtojoininmeditationorrecitingprayers.Thiswas topreventwastingtimeingossipinsteadofrememberingGod.Onsuchoccasions,hewould eitherreciteprayershimselforgetoneofthedevoteestoreadprayers. Oftenitwouldcometopassthatatthestartoftheprayerrecitation,peoplewhowerethereto makeidlegossipwouldgetupandaskpermissiontoleave.Hewouldjustnodtoacknowledge thosewhowereleaving.OnlyafewblessedoneswouldremaintolistentoGurbani,somewould sitandlistentoafewmoreversesasGuruJisays ThereisnofoodfortheminSaintlycompany Thefalsegoandfindfilthlikesheep onaadaabhakhsoothainaaheejaaaykoorhlahanbhaydaaray. (Salok4thGuru,page332) Thefoodofgossipandidleslandernolongeravailable,thosewhothrivedonthisdiet,would depart.WecanputthisexperienceofBabaJitothetest.Onecangossipforhoursonendabout worldlymattersbutifwestartrecitingnaamamidsuchcompanywewillfindthatonebyone, suchpeoplewillleave.Onlyafewexceptionaloneswhoarepurveyorsofthetruemerchandiseof Gurbaniwillremainwithyoutolisten.AsGuruArjunDevJisays Onlyafewengageinthisfruitfultrade. ihvaapaarvirlaavaapaarai. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page283) And ThemerchantwhofollowstheGurusinstructionobrother HedefinitelysecuresthistruemerchandiseofGodsname. ihvakharvaapaareesodarirhaibhaaeegursabadkarayveechaar. (Sorath1stGuru,page636) Truthandfalsehooddonotgohandinhand.AsGuruAmarDasJitellus

Falsehooddoesnotmixwithtruth Omysoulwitnessesandverifiesthis Gurbaniinspiresustobetruthful Whereasthebasisoftheworldisalie vichsachaykoorhnagadeemanvaykhhukonirjaas. (Salok3rdGuru,page314) Gurbanistrengthensourresolveinthetruththus Rareistheoneamongmillions WhoenshrinetheLordsnameinhismindONanak. kotanmainaanakkooonaaraainjihcheet.||24|| (Salok9thGuru,page1427) And TheSaintsarefewinnumber Therestisashowofwranglingintheworld hainvirlaynaaheeghanayfailfakarhsansaar.||12|| (Salok1stGuru,page1411) TheaforementionedvisitorshadjustleftwhenamannamedS.HarbaxSinghfromthenearby villageofMachhianarrived.HepaidhisrespectstoBabaJibygreetingwithaGurFatehandsat downtolistentoGurbanibeingrecited.WhenBabaJihadcompletedhisSukhmaniSahibprayer, heaskedHarbaxSinghJithereasonforhisvisit?HarbaxSinghJipleadedwithBabaJi,Asyou know,rainisunpredictablebecauseofwhichcropscansometimesperish.Myneighbouring farmershavehadtubewellsdugintotheirfieldssothattheycandrawwaterfromthegroundto irrigatethecrops.Theycannowwatertheirfieldsanytimetheychoose.Seeingthem,Itoo decidedtodigaboreholeintothegroundinordertoinstallatubewell.Ihavedugup10or12 boreholesintothegroundtogreatdepthsbutnowatercomesup.Thewaterengineeragreesthat theboreholesaredugcorrectlytotherightdepth.Theboreholesinneighbouringfarmersfields areofthesamedepth.Theyproducesufficientwaterbutnowatercomesupinmyfields.I beseechyou.Canyouadviseofaremedysothattoogetwaterinmyfields?Ihavelostallhope andhavethereforecometoseeyou. AfterlisteningtoHarbaxSinghJisplea,BabaJifellsilentforawhileandthensaid,Youhave comeintheheatoftheday,firsthavesomethingtodrinkandeat.HarbaxSinghJihadsomething toeatanddrinkandreturnedfromthelangar,takingaseatnearBabaJi.Assoonashesatdown, BabaJicontinued,SardarJiyouowesomemoneytoapoorman,whichyoudidnotreturn.You couldhavereturnedthemoneybutdeliberatelysatonhismoney.Thepoormanscurseisnow becominganobstacleinyourattemptstodrawwaterfromtheborehole.Hearingthisstartling revelation,HarbaxSinghJicunninglydeniedthathehadusurpedanymoneyorowedanymoney toanyone.BabaJiaskedagain,HarbaxSinghJi!Thinkagaincarefully,thisistheonlyreason.As longasyoudontreturnthatpoormansmoney,youwillnotescapehiscurse.Notjust12bore holes,youcandigasmanyboreholesforgroundwaterasyoulikebutyouwillnotgetwaterfrom thatland.Thecurseofapoormanislonglastinganddeep.Apoormanmaynothavetheforceor meanstorecoverhismoneyfromyouinacourtbuttheconstantcursethatarisesfromhisheart isnonethelessbecominganobstacleinyourefforttoraisewaterinyourtubewell.Takeafew momentstosearchyourheartandjogyourmemory.Youwillfindthisistheonlyreason.Harbax

SinghJialreadyknewwhatthetruthwasbuthearingtheresolute,truthfulwordsofBabaJi,his innerconsciencebrokeoutfrombehindtheveiloffalsehood.Hewasforcedtoadmitthatwhat BabaJihadsaidwasindeedtrue.Heconfessed,IindeedhavenotrepaidRs280toapoorman.It hasbeentwoyearssinceIhavenotrepaidhismoney.Infacthehasaskedforhismoneyon severaloccasionsbutIdeliberatelydidnotrepayhismoney.BabaJireplied,SardarJi!Ifyou wantwaterinyourfieldthenreturnthepoormansmoney.Youwillgainhispleasureandhisgood willtoo.Onceyoureturnhismoney,askforforgivenessfromSriGuruGranthSahibJibyoffering parshadandadmittingyourmistakeinfrontoftheGuru.Youwillseethatwaterwillriseinthe tubewellonyourlandfromtheboreholesalreadydug. BabaJisresolute,propheticandtruthfulwordssunkdeepintoHarbaxSinghJisheart.Theyhad theeffectoffillinghimwithremorse.GurbaxSinghJipromisedBabaJitoreturnthepoormans moneyandaskedpermissiontoleave.Whenhearrivedhome,hegatheredthemoneyheowed andaddedanotherRs50ontopandinvitedthepoormantohishouse.Thepoormanwas delightedtoreceiveRs330andthemoneyrekindledmanydreamswithinhim.Eventhoughthe poormanreceivedthemoneywithinterestthatwasduetohimfromHarbaxSinghJi,hewas elatedandfullofhopefuldreamsagain.Theunexpectedreturnofhismoneymadethepoorman overjoyedandheleftshoweringhisgoodwishesandblessings.ThenextdayHarbaxSinghJi gatheredalltheingredientsforparshadandarrivedattheGurdwara.BabaJiofferedArdas (supplicationorprayers)infrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,ForgiveyourdevoteeLord,whohas erredinhisways.Forgivehistrespassagainstanother,whichwascommittedinignorance.Grant HarbaxSinghJisinnerwishesasperyourdivine,sweet,will.Attheendoftheprayers,Harbax Singhpartookofthedegparshadandhastenedtohisfields.Thewaterengineerclearedthe boreholeofanyresidualsandandstartedthewaterpump.Loandbehold!Toeveryones amazement,watercamegushingthroughthetubewell!Ithasbeenabout30yearssincethis incidentoccured;thetubewellstillproducesastrongflowofwatertothisday.Themoralofthe storyisthatGoddwellsinallhiscreation,andinallbeings,whetherhighorlow.Whenwehurt, someonesfeelingswithoutjustcauseandunnecessarily,itnotonlybecomesahindranceinour spiritualprogressbutbecomesanobstacleinourworldlyaffairstoo.AsBabaFaridJisays Preciouslikejewelsarethemindsofall Tohurtthemisnotgoodatall. sabhnaamanmaanikthaahanmoolmachaaNgvaa. jaytaopireeaadeesikhiaaonathaahaykaheedaa.||130|| (SalokBhagatFaridJi,page1384) BhaiNandlalJiwhowasaverydearandbelovedSikhofGuruGobindSinghJialsowritesthat Hurtnotthenatureknowingit Tobethecreationofthecreator. Ifyouhurthiscreation Youearnthecreatorsdispleasure. BabaFaridJialsosays Faridcreatorabidesinhiscreation Andthecreationabidesinhim Whomcanwecallbad Whenthereisnonewithouthim

fareedaakhaalakkhalakmehkhalakvasairabmaahi. mandaakisnoaakheeaijaaNtisbinkoeenaahi.||75|| (SalokBhagatFaridJi,page1381) And YouarecontainedamongstalloLord Everyonethinksofyoudayandnight. sabhnaavichtoovaratdaasaahaasabhtujhehDhiaavahidinraat. (Dhanasari5thGuru,page670) And HetheoneLordiscontainedamidstall. sabhnaavichvartaiiksoee. (Maru5thGuru,page1049) And Allbelongtoyouandyoubelongtoall OLordyouhavecreatedall sabhtayreetoosabhasdaasabhtuDhupaaiaa. sabhnaavichtoovaratdaatoosabhneeDhiaaiaa. (Pauri5thGuru,page548) Ifwecannothelporfulfilanotherpersonsneedorwecannotbringhappinessorcomfortto anotherthenweshouldnotearnillwillbycommittingmisdeedsuponfellowhumanbeings.Guru Jihascautionedusnottoviolateanotherpersonsearningsandavoidthesinofusurpinganother personswealth.Thus Nanakanotherswealthislikeeating SwineforaMuslimandacowfortheHindu Thespiritualguideorprophetwillonlyvouchforyou InGodscourtifmansurelydoesnoteatsuchcarrion hakparaaiaanaankaaussooarusgaaay. gurpeerhaamaataabharayjaamurdaarnakhaaay. (Mohalla1stGuru,page141)

39OLDCOMPANIONSSEEKOUTBABAJI BabaJihadcomediscreetlytoRampurKhera,withouttellinganyoneexcepthisimmediatefamily. OldacquaintancesandcompanionsweresearchingforBabaJi.Slowly,theseoldcompanions begantodiscoverthathewasengrossedinsolitarymeditationofGodatadesertedbarrenmound calledRampurKhera.Loveissuchaconditionthatitattractspeoplethroughaninvisiblebond evenacrossthesevenseas.So,thepullofdevotionandloveledthesespiritualseekerstothis place. AstherewasnoprovisionforstayinginthecaveatthemoundofRampurKhera,thesedevotees wouldspendthedayinthecompanyofBabaJi,gainingspiritualknowledgeandguidance.Atnight, BabaJiwouldaccompanytheguestsandvisitorstoBahlevillage.Hewoulddelegatesomeone fromthevillagetoaccommodatethevisitorsforthenight.Afterawhile,attherequestofthe congregation,asmallverandaandcavernwasbuilt,extendingwestwards,infrontofBabaJishut. Thefoundationforthisverandawaslaidon29thApril1951andwithin20days;thewholeveranda andcavernwerecompleted. SriGuruGranthSahibJiEnthroned ThecavernandverandawerecompletebynowandBabaJimusedthatthecaverniswellbuilt,so whynotinstallSriGuruGranthSahibJiinthecavern.Hehimselfcouldmoveoutintotheveranda. Bysodoing,thevisitingspiritualseekerswouldgetguidancefromSriGuruGranthSahibJiand BabaJiwouldgettocarryoutdailyserviceofthetrueGuru.Allnecessarypreparationsweremade andequipmentwasgatheredinordertoinstallSriGuruGranthSahibJi.BabaJifulfilledhis honourabledreambybringingSriGuruGranthSahibJifromtheGurdwarainBahlevillage.He enthronedSriGuruGranthSahibJiinthenewlybuiltcavern. BabaJiwouldnowarise,batheandthenwithgreataffectionanddevotioninstallSriGuruGranth SahibJidaily.Hewouldthenreadthedailysermon(Hukamnama),afterwhichherecitedhisdaily NitneminthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.AfterhavingsomethingtoeatatBahlevillage, hewouldcomebackandimmersehimselfinmeditationagain. BabaJioncetoldusthatwhenhefirstinstalledSriGuruGranthSahibJi,oneeveninghewondered whattouseinordertoilluminatethecavernwhereGuruJiwasinstalled?Hecouldnotuse keroseneoilinalanternasthetenthmasterprohibitsitsuse.ItissaidthatoncesomeSikhsasked himwhethertheycouldusekeroseneoilforlanternsandGuruGobindSinghforbidtheuseofthis oilbecauseitproducessootandblackpungentflames.BabaJithought,Ihavenoclarifiedbutter (ghee)toburninlamps.Hewasstillinthoughtwhenaladyappearedandplacedabout0.5 kilogramofghee.Shesaid,Ourbuffalohasjusthadanewborncalf.Iwouldhavebroughtthe gheeearlierbuthadntcollectedenoughbuttertomeltintoasufficientamountofghee.ThenI thought,letsjusttakewhatevergheehasaccumulatedregardlessandofferittotheGuru.Baba Jiacceptedtheofferingofgheeandreturnedthecontainertothelady.Hethenputsomeghee intoasmalllamp,lititandplaceditinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.BabaJiofferedthanksto AlmightyGodthinking Godknowsthewishesineveryonesheart Godknowsthesufferingofthegoodandbad (BenatiChaupai10thGuru,DasamGranth)

BabaJithankedGod,Lordyoualonegiverisetonoblesentimentandinspireyourdevoteeswith noblethoughts.Fromthatdayonwards,onlyalampwithgheewasusedtoilluminatetheroom ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Whenthegheewouldrunlow,Godwouldinspiresomeone,somehow tobringinanofferingofmoreghee.Neverdidthegheerunout.Eventually,provisionfor electricityarrivedafewyearslater. Everyevening,aftertheprayerofRehras,BabaJiwouldhavesomelightrefreshmentandthensit outsideintheveranda.Bedswouldbelaidoutontheclearinginfrontoftheveranda.Justnorth oftheverandawasthehighgroundwheretheGurdwaranowstands.Atfirst,thisareawas inaccessibleduetoheavyvegetationandtrees.Thelongvinesfrombanyanandpeepultrees drapedandrestrictedaccess.Thetalltreeshadnestsofeaglesandvultures.Thesebirdswould oftenbringcarrionandsuchintotheirnestscausingalotofmess.Anyhow,BabaJiwouldsiton thebedalongwithanyothervisitors,listeningtohistoricaltalesoftheGurusandofillustrious Sikhs.HewouldregularlylistentostoriesfromtextslikeKalgidharChamatkar,GuruNanak Chamatkar(byBhaiVirSingh).Whenonebookwasfinished,hewouldstartlisteningtothenext one.Thedutyofreadingthesehistoricaltextswasperformedbythishumbleservant(SantSeva Singh).Occasionally,oneortwopeoplewouldstaytolistenandIwouldbeverypleasedthatthere weresomeotherpeoplelisteningtothegreatdeedsofourGurus. AftertheeveningsessionoflisteningtothelifeofourGurusBabaJiwouldreciteSohila(thelast prayeraSikhreadsbeforesleeping)andrecitesomeextrashabadsbeforegoingtosleep.Atthe behestofthecongregationandtoaccommodatetheneedforwaterBabaJihadahandoperated waterpumpinstalled,neartowherethepresentdayshoedepositorystands.

40HEPROVIDESFORTHEHUNGRY AlongwithrecitinghisfiveprayersofthedailyNitnem,BabaJiwouldreadaprayercalled SukhmaniSahibeveryday.ThisprayeriscomposedbyGuruArjunDevJi.Onedaywhilsthewas deeplyattunedintheprayerofSukhmaniSahib,hecameacrossthefollowingpassage GodCanReviveTheDead HeGivesSustenance(Food)ToTheHungry mirtakkaojeevaalanhaar. bhookhaykaodayvataDhaar. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page283) Hestoppedtointrospectuponthesewordsandrepeatedthemovertohimselfseveraltimes.The meaningofthephrasesoverpoweredhimandhethought,LookhowpowerfultheLordis!Hecan bringalivethosethathavediedandsustainsthehungrywiththepowerofnaam.BabaJithen thoughtofanovelexperiment.Hethoughtthatifnaamcansustainonewithouttheneedfor waterorfoodthenwhynottrythisoutpractically.Whynottrytoexistandliveonthepowerof naamforfortydays,withouthavinganyfoodorwater.Inthisway,thestrengthofGurbanicanbe experiencedandinthefutureonewillbeabletoguidespiritualseekersonthebasisofpractical experience.Onecanassuretheseekerthatnaamindeedistheonlysustenanceofthebodyand notfoodorwater.Itcanbeshownthatthemeditationofnaamisallpowerfulandcanfulfilthe needsofthephysicalbody.Naamcanbeshownnottobesomeabstractconceptbutatangible practicalforcethatisthebasisofthisphysicaluniverse. Itwasthesummerseason.BabaJicompletedhisprayerofSukhmaniSahib.Hethensetoff towardstheresidenceofS.BawaSinghtothenorthfromhishut.BawaSinghwasntathome,so heleftamessageforhimtosendhissonSSurJitSinghovertoRampurKheraassoonashecame home,asBabaJihadanimportanttaskforhim.BabaJihadalreadydecidedtopracticallyverify therealityofthephrasesthathehadread.Hewantedtofindoutifnaamcanindeedsupportand nourishthebody. Aftercompletinghiswork,SSurJitSinghcameovertoseeBabaJiintheevening.BabaJitoldSurJit Singhthat,ForfortydaysIamgoingtomeditateinthiscaveandwillnotbehavinganythingto eatordrinkforthatduration.Forthefirst4or5days,canyoucomeandjustlookthroughthe ceilingventtocheckifIamstillaliveandthatmybodyhasntdecomposed?IfIhavepassedaway thencrematemybodybeforeitdecomposes.IfImokafterthefirstfewdaysthenyoudontneed tocometocheckonmeanyfurther. Hearingthesegraveinstructions,SurJitSinghwasdeeplymoved,fearingtheworstforBabaJi. However,BabaJireassuredSurJitSingh,thatonemustbefirmintheirresolvetoliveinthewillof theAlmighty.BabaJisaid,IhavefirmbeliefintheLordthatnothingwillhappentome.Ionlytold yousothatifIdoexpirethenmybodydoesnotdecomposeinthesummerheat. JaapWithoutFoodOrWater TheverynextdayBabaJicompletedhisdailyprayersandthenmadeasupplicationtotheLord,O patronofthepoor!Thishumblebodyofmineispresentedinyourfeetsothatitmayearnthe rewardsofthetruthensrinedinnaam.Showeryourblessingssothatnaambecomestheonly sustenanceofthisbody.BabaJistartedhissimran.Hewouldariseat2am,batheandrecitehis Nitnem.HewouldthenreciteSukhmaniSahibwithgreatdevotionandthenspendtherestofthe

daymeditatingonMoolmantarandGurmantar.Intheevening,hewouldreciteRehrasand Sohila.Hewouldtakeashortwalkforhalfanhourandthenretireforashortrest.Thiswashis routinethefortydays.BabaJiusedtotellusthatthosefortydaysandnightspassedin unimaginablebliss(thisincidentisalsorecordedonaudiocassetteinhisownwords).Hungerand thirstaside,eventhemerethoughtoffoodorwaterdidnotenterhismind.BabaJitoldusthathis bodydidntfeelweakinanyway,whatsoever.ThewordsofthetrueGuruwereverified GodsnameismythirtysixVarietiesoffood PartakingofwhichIamsatiated. harnaamhamaaraabhojanchhateehparkaar jitkhaaiaihamkaotaripatbhaee. (Mohalla3rdGuru,page593) Attheendofthefortydays,BabaJithankedAlmightyLordwithanArdas.Duringthosefortydays, theAlmightyshowereduponBabaJimanyboons,spiritualgiftsandthenectarofnaam,thebliss ofwhichisindescribableuntilexperiencedforoneself.HisbeliefinGurbanibecameimmovable andfirmthat,Gurbaniistruewithoutadoubt,likeanindeliblemarkonastone.Amarkonastone maydisappearintimebutGurbaniiseternallytrueandtimeless Themountains,theearth,allthewater Andtheairshallallpassaway ButtheSaintswordisinfallible. girbasuDhaajalpavanjaaigoiksaaDhbachanatlaaDhaa.||1|| (Sarang5thGuru,page1204) Theshortfallisinourfaith.IfonebelievesfirmlyandwithresolveinGurbani,thenitspower definitely,transformsthepersonwhobelievesinit.Theneedistobelievefirmlyinthetruthof Gurbani.AsGuruRamDasJisay OthedisciplesoftheGuru KnowthattheGurushymnsaretrue GodthecreatorcausestheGuruto Utterthehymnswithhismouth satgurkeebaneesatsatkarjaanhu gursikhahuharkartaaaapmuhhukadhaaay. (Mohalla4thGuru,page308) IfonehasanydoubtaboutthevalidityofGurbanithenthatpersonshouldverifytheprinciplesof Gurbanibyactinguponthem.DenouncingGurbaniwithoutpersonallytestingthetruthensrined inGurbaniisagreatsinandultimatelydeceivingoneself.Theywhofirmlybelieveandhavefaithin GurbanibecomeattunedintheLord,eventuallybecominghisform AcceptthewordoftheGuruastrue Inthisway,youshallmergeintheallpervasiveLord satgurkeebaneesatsatkarmaanhuio aatamraamaileenaahay.||14|| (Maru1stGuru,page1028) And

ThewordoftheGuruistheembodimentoftruth Throughtheword,themortalbecomesperfect satgurkeebaneesatsaroophaigurbaaneebaneeai. (Pauri4thGuru,page304) Gurbaniisthereforetheembodimentandessenceoftheultimatetruth.ThroughfaithinGurbani, onecanbetransformedintotheformofthetrueLord.

41OMINDIFYOUWAVERIWILLSTRIKEYOUWITHLORDSLOVE HeadmasterPuranSinghJi1,whowasmyuncle,wasadevoutgursikhofdeepfaithandhada profoundabilitytomeditate.Afterfinishinghisdegreeandpostgraduateteachertraining,he startedteachingmathsattheKhalsahighschoolinGardhiwala.Hewasspirituallymindedand devotedfromchildhood.Toawakenanddevelophisspiritualpotentialhewouldcometomeet BabaJiregularly.BabaJiadvisedMasterJi,Justasyouhavereceivedworldlyeducationtoahigh standard,similarlyyoushouldmakeeffortstoobtainthetreasureofspiritualknowledgethatGuru JihasblesseduswithinGurbani.AsGuruJisays... Theinexhaustibleandimmeasurablestoresarefulltothe brimWiththepricelessemeraldsandjewels ratanlaaljaakaakachhoonamol. bharaybhandaarakhootatol.||2|| (GauriGuareri5thGuru,page186) Firstly,yourinnerspiritualqualitiesareverygoodandyouwillgainquicklyfromlearningGurbani. Moreover,youareateacher.Whenyouacquirethepricelessjewelsofspiritualknowledgeofthe Lord,youcanimpartthistoyourstudents.HeadmasterPuranSinghJiaskedBabaJitoelaborate further.BabaJicontinued,MasterJiyoushouldbeginlearningSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Youwill soondiscoverwhatapricelesstreasureliesunopened.Asyoubecomeintrospectiveandmeditate deeperonGurbaniyouwillrealisethattrulythetreasureofGurbaniisfarmorevaluable comparedtoworldlywealth.Thistreasurelieswithinus,unused,unexploredandabandoned carelessly.Assoonasyoufinishyourwork,comeherestraightaway,eatwithusandaftertaking Santhiyareturnhomeintheevening.S.NirmalSingh,sonofGurbachanSinghandyourown nephewSevaSinghhavenearlycompletedSanthiyaofpanjgranthi(acollectionofprayersfrom GuruGranthSahibJi)andareduetofinishinadayortwo.Afterthis,theywillstartSanthiyaof GuruGranthSahibJi.Wehavebooks(pothiaan)toreadfrom;soallthreeofyoucanstart together.MasterPuranSinghJiagreedimmediatelytoBabaJisadviceanddecidedtocomeon theappointeddayforSanthiya. Duringourrecitation,wewouldallreadapageinturn.BabaJiwouldquietlylistenandwould rectifyanymispronouncedwordsandiftherewereanydifficultwordstounderstand,hewould explaintheirmeanings.Hewouldgetustowritethemdowninournotebooksaswewentalong.If therewereanynoteworthyincidentorrelatedstoryfromthelivesofourGreatGurus,hewould obligeusbynarratingthesetoo. AdailyroutinewasinprogresswherebyallthreeofuswouldtaketuitionfromBabaJi.MasterJi wouldcomeafterteachingatschoolandthetwoofuswouldreturnwithourschoolbags.BabaJi wouldhavelangarwithus,tutorusforanhourorsoandthisroutinecontinueduntilhalfofthe GuruGranthSahibJiwascompletedwithoutanyproblems.OnedaymasterPuranSinghJifellill withahighfeverof102degrees.Hemanagedtoreachhisschoolafterpausingtorestacoupleof timesontheway.Hetaughthispupilsalldaylong.Intheevening,hearrivedatthegurdwaraand laydownstraightaway.BabaJiservedlangarandrefreshmentandenquiredaboutmasterJis health.MasterJitoldBabaJihowhewasillwithafeverandiftheycouldcontinueSanthiya tomorrow.BabaJireplied,Doasyourbodypermitsbutifyourhealthallowsit,trytotakealittle tuitionsothatwedonotmissaday.MasterPuranSinghJideclinedtostayagain.BabaJiasked whendidhisfeverstart.MasterJireplied,Sinceyesterdaynight.Howdidyougotoschool? askedBabaJi.Byrestingtwiceonthewaytoschool,repliedMasterJi.Didyouteachthe

children?askedBabaJi.Yes,Itookallthelessons.ItooksomemedicinebeforeIleftandfelta littlebetter.answeredmasterPuranSinghJiBabaJispoke,MasterJiyouhavemanagedtotake allyourlessonsdespiteyourfever.Youhavedoneitwiththefearthatifyoutakeadayoff,you willloseyournewlyappointedjob.Nowwhenthetimetoearntherealtreasureoflifehasarrived themindiswaveringandlosinghope.Alldayyoucontinuedregardlessofyourfever.Now,despite youadmittingyourselfthatyoufeelalittlebetter,youarereadytoabandonthetruegiftof knowledgethatwillonlytakehalfanhour.MasterJipleasesearchwithinyou.Lookdeepintoyour mind.Isthisthecorrectthingtodo?Inyourownwords,youhaveadmittedthatyoufeelbetter nowthanyoudidearliertoday.MasterJiremainedquietforawhileandreplied,BabaJiyouare rightindeed.DespitemyfeverishconditionthismorningIwenttoworkallday.NowwhenIfeel lessfeverish,maybealittletired,mymindisbecominglazyatthetimeofrecitingjusthalfan hourstuitioninGurbani.SayingthisMasterJiaroseatoncedenouncingthemindasidle Thehumanisindolenttodogood Butbecomesatigertodoevil chaNgiaaeeNaalakkarayburiaaeeNhoaysayr. (Salok5thGuru,page518) MasterJiwashedhishands,face,andfeetandcompletedanhourorsooftuitionashenormally wouldhavedone.ThoughBabaJiaskedMasterJitwiceduringSanthiyaifhewantedtostop, MasterJicarriedonregardless,saying,Thismindcanrunaboutinworldlyaffairseveninadversity butalittleefforttogainrealspiritualbenefitanditwillmakeexcusesevenifthebodyisslightly ill.Attheendoftuition,BabaJiexplainedusingGurbanithatoneshouldworkwithinthecapacity ofthebody.Oneshouldnotoverworkobstinately.Butifthemindgetsworldlyworkcarriedout easilybutmakesexcusesforspiritualeffort,whichismuchlesstaxingthen,rememberwhat BhagatKabirJihassaid OsteedleftmedriveyoutotheLordsmansion IfyouhesitatethenIwillstrikeyou WiththewhipoftheLordslove. chalraybaikunthtujhehlaytaarao. hichehtaparaymkaichaabukmaarao.||2|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page329) TheGreatGuruhastriedtomouldthemindinnumerouswaystoencouragethemindfrom ditheringandwandering Oviciousmindnofaithcanbeplacedinyou Youareexceedinglyinebriatedwithsin Thechainofthedonkeyisremovedonly Whenaloadisfirstputonhisback. mankhuthartayraanaheebisaastoomahaaudmaadaa. kharkaapaikhartaochhutaijaoooparlaadaa.||1||rahaao. (Bilawal5thGuru,page815) SoMasterJi,hadyourmindconvincedyouotherwisewewouldhavebeendeprivedofanhourof thecompanyofgreatSatGuru.Sometimesthemindshirksawayfromrealwork.Ifweremain vigilantagainstitswilyways,itwillnotditherorwander.Ifwedonotreinitinandletitrunamok, itwillenduptakingusintospiritualloss.AsGuruArjunDev,Jihaswarnedusaboutthemind

Ofoolyouareveryslowrealiseyourrealprofit Butinregardtoyourlossyouhastilyruntoit OsinneryoutakenotthemerchandiseofGodsname Butaretiedtothedebtofvice. raymoorhaylaahaykaotooNdheelaadheelaa totaykaobaygDhaaiaa. sasatvakhartooNghinnehnaahee paapeebaaDhaaraynaaiaa.||1|| (Asa5thGuru,page402)

42ANNUALGURMATCAMPINSEPTEMBER Asthecongregation(sangat)discoveredthatBabaJiwasatRampurKhera,theystartedtovisit him,comingfromplacesnearandfar.Attheinspirationofsomenearanddeardevotees,thevery firstAkhandpath(continuousrecitationofGuruGranthSahibJi)washeldon22ndSeptember1951 andcompletedtwodayslateronSunday24thSeptember1951. Attheendoftheprayers(bhog),hymns(kirtan)weresungandreligiousdiscourses(katha)were givenbykirtaniragiSinghs(hymnsingers).TheysungthegloriesofWaheguru,awakeningthe thirstforSikhdharmaintheheartsofthecongregation.BabaJidiscussedwithsangatthetrue reasonforourhumanexistenceandwhywearehere Thishumanbodyhascometohand Thisisyourchancetomeet TheLordoftheworld Otheraffairsareofnoavail JoiningthesocietyofSaints Contemplateoverthenamealone. bhaeepargobindmilankeeihtayreebareeaa. aapatmaanukhdayhureeaa. avarkaajtayraikitainakaam. milsaaDhsangatbhajkayvalnaam.||1|| (Asa5thGuru,page378) ThiscanberealisedonlybytakingshelteroftheGreatGuru.Onewhohasnottakenrefugeofthe trueGuruhasameaninglesslife TheywhohaveneitherseennoradoptedtheirGuru Vainaretheyinthisworld jinguroonadaykhiaonahukeeaotayakyathsansaarmeh.||4||8|| (Swaiyas4thGuru,page1399) Preachinggurmatinspiredalargenumberofpeopleinthesangattobebaptised.Thenextday amritwaspreparedwiththeirondoubleedgedswordinanironvessel.Amritwasadministeredin frontofGuruJibythefivebelovedones(panjpyaras)andthesangatwereguidedtofollowthe pathlaidbythetrueGuru.ThemonthofSeptemberwaschosenbecausetraditionallyfarmers havesomefreetimebetweencrops.TheweatherisneitherhotnorcoldandaSundayallowed anypeopleinregularjobstoattendastheyhadadayoffworktoo.Tothisday,thesameannual gurmatcampisstillheldinSeptemberandiscalledtheAssu(September)Smagam(session).After theSmagamwasheldanyfearsordeliberationthatwasinthemindsofthecongregationwere dispelled.SoonpeoplestartedtovisitthisoncebarrenmoundRampurKheraingreaternumbers.

43MAKEYOURINVALUABLEHUMANLIFEBEAUTIFUL,THENYOUSHALLNOTGODEFEATEDTO THEGODSCOURT AttheSeptembercampin1951,withtheGurusinspirationBabaJiaddressedthecongregation. Hetoldthemthatsucheventsareusefulonly,ifwetakefulladvantageoftheopportunityto meditateonnaam.Ifwesimplycometothegurdwaraforsuchassemblies,bowtotheGuru,offer moneyforparshad,havelangarandslipoffbacktoourhomes,thenwewillgainverylittle.We havecometothehouseoftheGuru,leavingourjobsbehind.Therefore,itwouldbebetterifwe tooksomespiritualguidance,reflectuponitandputtheseteachingsintopracticeinourdailylives. Onlythencantheseassembliesbebeneficialtous.TheAlmightyLordhasblessedhumanbeings withthesupremepositioninthewholeoftheanimalkingdomsuchthat Outofalltheeightyfourlakhspecies TheLordhasblessedmanwithglory lakhchaoraaseehjonsabaaee. maanaskaoparabhdeeeevadiaaee. (Maru5thGuru,page1075) And Othercreaturesareyourwatercarriers, Inthisworldyouristhesovereignty avarjontayreepanihaaree. isDharteemehtayreesikdaaree. (Asa5thGuru,page374) And Ineightyfourlakhlifeforms,humanlifeisthesupremelifeform lukhchouraaseehjonvichmaanusjunumdhulunbhoupaayaa (BhaiGurdasVaar15,Pauri3) WehavebeenbestowedthislifetoservetheGuruandmeditateupontheLordsname.Those whousethislifetomeditateontheLordsnameandservetheirGurucanbeconsideredtohave succeededintheirlifemission.EventheangelsandlesserGodsyearntobebornashumanbeings. SowiththishumanbodyserveGod,meditatingonhisnameanddonotlosesightofyouraimto derivemaximumbenefitfromthispreciouslife ThroughtheGurusservice TheLordsadorationispracticed Thenaloneisobtainedthefruitofthishumanbody. EventheDemiGodslongforthishumanbody. Sothroughthatbodyofyours, ThinkofrenderingserviceuntoGod. MeditatethouontheLordofthe Universeandforgethimnot. Thisaloneistheadvantageofhumanlife.Pause. gursayvaataybhagatkamaaee.

tabihmaanasdayheepaaee. isdayheekaosimrahidayv. sodayheebhajharkeesayv.||1|| bhajahugobindbhoolmatjaahu. maanasjanamkaaayheelaahu.||1||rahaao. (BhaironBhagatKabirJi,page1159) ThefifthGururemindsusinoureveningprayerofRehras,astowhywehavebeengiventhis humanlifeandhowcanthislifebemadefruitful Thishumanbodyhascometoyourhand ThisisyourchancetomeettheLordoftheuniverse Otheraffairsareofnoavailtoyou JoiningthesocietyofSaints ContemplateontheLordsnameonly.Pause. bhaeeparaapatmaanukhdayhureeaa. gobindmilankeeihtayreebareeaa. avarkaajtayraikitainakaam. milsaaDhsangatbhajkayvalnaam.||1|| (Asa5thGuru,page378) ThefifthGurucautionsusthat,wehaveobtainedthislifeasahumanbeingafterwanderingmany lifetimesasotherspecies.So,withthisbodymeditate,recite,contemplatetheLordsnameand mergewiththeAlmightyofwhomyouareapart Forseveralpastlivesyouwereawormandamoth Inseveral,youwereanelephant,afishandadeer. Inseverallives,youbecameabirdandasnake. Inseverallives,youwereyokedasahorseandanox. MeettheLordoftheuniverse;thisistheonlytime, Afteralongtimethisbeinghasbeenfashionedintoahuman.Pause. kaeejanambhaaykeetpatangaa. kaeejanamgajmeenkurangaa. kaeejanampankheesaraphoio. kaeejanamhaivarbarikhjoio.||1|| miljagdeesmilankeebareeaa. chirankaalihdayhsanjareeaa.||1||rahaao. (GauriGuareri5thGuru,page176) BhagatKabirJitellsusnottowastethisgoldenopportunityinwhichwehaveobtainedahuman life Kabir,difficultisittoobtainthehumanlife. Thischancecomesnotagainandagain. Justastheripefruitfallstotheforestfloor Itattachesnotagaintothebranch. kabeermaanasjanamdulambhhaihoaynabaaraibaar. jiobanfalpaakaybhuaygirehbahurnalaagehdaar.||30|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1366)

And Theleaf(soul)separatedfromthetree(body) Unitesnotwithitagainandallalone, Itproceedsonitswaytodeath tarvarvichhunaynahpaatjurhtayjammaggaunikaylee. binvantnaanakbinnaamharkaysadaafiratduhaylee.||1|| (Bihagra5thGuru,page546) Howcanthisprecioushumanlifebeutilisedfully?GuruArjandevJitellus Foreverandevershouldyou RememberyourluminousLord Neverforgethiminyourmind.Pause. AttaintothesocietyoftheSaints, Bywhichyoushallnotgodown Thewayofdeath. HavetheviaticumofGodsname, Thus,noblemishshallattachtoyourlineage. Theywhomeditateonthemaster, Arenotthrownintohell. Eventhehotwindtouchesthemnot WithinwhosemindtheLordhascome Andacquiredanabode. Beauteousandgoodlookingarethey WhodwellamongstthesocietyoftheSaints. WhohaveamassedthewealthofGodsname Theyaresagaciousandextremelyexquisite Drinkthouthenamenectar Thehomeofhappinessandlivethou ByviewingthefaceoftheLordsslave Haveallyouraffairsofsetaright ByeverworshippingthefeetoftheGuru HealonereflectsontheLord WhomGodhasmadehisown Heisthewarriorandthechosenone Onwhoseforeheadgoodfortuneisrecorded WithinmymindIhavemeditatedonthemaster Formethisislikeenjoying Therevetmentsofsovereignty Evilneveroriginatesinme BeingdedicatedIamsaved Totherighteousaction ThecreatorIhaveensrinedinmymind AndIhaveobtainedthefruitofmylife Obride!IfGodthespousebecomes Pleasingtoyourmind Thenshallyourmarriedlifebecomeeverstable Byseekingtheshelterofthedispelleroffear

Ihaveobtainedtheeternalwealthofthename AttachingtohisrobetheLordhassavedNanak Andhehaswonforhimselfthepeerlesslife nitnitdayusamaaleeai.moolnamanhuvisaareeai.rahaa. santaasangatpaaeeai. jitjamkaipanthnajaaeeai. tosaaharkaanaamlaitayraykulehnalaagaigaaljeeo.||1|| josimrandaysaaNeeai.naraknasayeepaaeeai. tateevaaonalageejinmanvuthaaaaayjeeo.||2|| sayeesundarsohnay.saaDhsangjinbaihnay. harDhanjineesanjiaasayeegambheerapaarjeeo.||3|| haramiorasaainpeeveeai.muhidithaijankaijeeveeai. kaarajsabhsavaarlainitpoojahugurkaypaavjeeo.||4|| joharkeetaaaapnaa.tinehgusaaeejaapnaa. sosooraaparDhaansomastakjisdaibhaagjeeo.||5|| manmanDhayparabhavgaaheeaa. ayhirasbhoganpaatisaaheeaa. mandaamoolnaupjiotaraysacheekaarailaagjeeo.||6|| kartaamanvasaaiaa.janmaikaafalpaaiaa. manbhaavandaakanthartayraathirhoaasohaagjeeo.||7|| atalpadaarathpaaiaa.bhaibhanjankeesarnaaiaa. laaayanchalnaanaktaarianjitaajanamapaarjeeo.||8||4||38|| (Maajh5thGuru,page132) ThegreatGuruhastaughtusthemethodbywhichwecanmakesureweuseourbodyforspiritual gain Supremelyfruitfularethefeet IfthesefeetwalkonthewayofGuruAmardas Supremelyfruitfularethehands IfthesehandstouchthefeetofGuruAmardas Supremelyfruitfulisthistongue IfthistongueuttersthepraiseofGuruAmardas Supremelyfruitfularetheseeyes IftheseeyesbeholdthevisionofGuruAmardas Supremelyfruitfularetheseears IftheyhearthepraiseofGuruAmardas Fruitfulisthemind,inwhichGuruAmardas Thefatheroftheworld,himselfabides Fruitfulisthathead,saysjalapwhich EverbowsbeforeGuruAmardas charantaparsakyathcharanguramarpavalray. hathtaparsakyathhathlagehguramarpay. jeehtaparsakyathjeehguramarbhanijai. naintaparsakyathnayanguramarpikhijai. sarvantaparsakyathsarvanguramarsunijai. sakyathsoheeojitheeabasaiguramardaasnijjagatpit. sakyathsosirjaalapbhanaijosirnivaiguramarnit.||1||10|| (Swaiyas3rdGuru,page1394)

IntheprayerofAnandSahib,GuruJitellsustoquestioneverysenseorganofourstoaccountfor itsuse.Alloursensesareguidedtowardsspiritualbetterment.Whatistobeavoidedinourdaily lifeandhowweshoulduseoursensesdutifullyisordainedinthisprayer O,Mytongueyouareengrossedinotherrelishes Yourthirstdepartsnot Yourthirstshallnotdepartbyanymeans UntilyouattaintheLordselixir IfyouobtaintheLordselixir AnddrinktheLordselixir Thirstshallnotagainaffectyou saarasnaaDhanDhanhaimayreejindurheeay gungaavaiharparabhkayrayraam. taysarvanbhalaysobhneekhehmayreejindurheeay harkeertansunehhartayrayraam. soseesbhalaapavitarpaavanhaimayreejindurheeay jojaaaylagaigurpairayraam. gurvitahunaanakvaariaamayreejindurheeay jinharharnaamchitayrayraam.||2|| taynaytarbhalayparvaanhehmayreejindurheeay josaaDhoosatgurdaykhehraam. tayhasatpuneetpavitarhehmayreejindurheeay joharjasharharlaykhehraam. tisjankaypagnitpoojeeahmayreejindurheeay jomaaragDharamchalaysehraam. naanaktinvitahuvaariaamayreejindurheeay harsunharnaammanaysehraam.||3|| (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page922) Guruisaddressingthemindbehindthesenseoftastei.e.thetongue.Yourthirstforallrelishes andtasteswillnotbequencheduntilonetastesthenectarofLordsname.Similarlytheeyesare addressedinAnandSahib,MyeyesyourtaskistoseetheLordoftheworldin everythingthatyousee. OmyeyesGodhasinfusedlightinthee WithouttheLordseenotanother SavetheLordseenotanyother Themercifulmasteraloneisworthyof Beholdingthisentireworld Theentireworldyoubehold IstheLordsmanifestation SeeGodsimagealoneinit. ayrasnaatooanrasraachraheetayreepiaasnajaaay. piaasnajaaayhoratkitaijicharharraspalainapaaay. harraspaaaypalaipeeaiharras bahurhnatarisnaalaagaiaaay. (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page922)

OnemustwarnthemindtousetheseearstolistentothepraisesoftheLordsothatyoursoulcan hearthenameoftheLordonly OearsofmineyouweresenttoheartheLordsname Youweresentandattachedtothebody Tohearthetruename.Hearyethetrueword Hearingwhichthesoulandthebody Arerevivedandthetongueis Absorbedinthenamenectar aynaytarahumayrihohartummehjotDharee harbinavarnadaykhhukoee. harbinavarnadaykhhukoeenadreeharnihaaliaa. ayhuvissansaartumdaykhdayayhuharkaaroophai harroopnadreeaaiaa. (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page922) Onemusttakeanaccountfromthewholebodyandremindourmindthatthelightofthe Almightythathehasplacedinusisresponsibleforallowingonetolive.TheLordhasgivenus sensoryorgans,limbstowalk,intelligenceandbeautyandthenplacedusatthetopofallliving creation.However,theonewhomadeandfashionedus,hasbeenforgotten.RemembertheLord creatoraffectionatelythenyourlifewillbefruitful O,mybodywhatdeedshaveyoudonesince Youradventintothisworld? WhatdeedshaveyoudoneObodyofmine? Sinceyoucameintothisworld? HetheLord,whocreatedandfashionedyou ThatLordyouhavenotensrinedinyourmind BytheGurusgracetheLordabideswithinmymind AndIobtainwhatispredestinedforme SaysNanakthisbodyofhis WhoattacheshismindtothetrueGuru Becomesacceptable aysareeraamayriaaisjagmehaaaykai kiaatuDhkaramkamaaiaa. kekaramkamaaiaatuDhsareeraajaatoojagmehaaiaa. jinhartayraarachanrachiaasoharmannavasaaiaa. gurparsaadeeharmanvasiaapoorablikhiaapaaiaa. kahainaanakayhusareerparvaanhoaa jinsatgursiochitlaaiaa.||35|| (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page922) And OearsofmineyeweresenttohearthetrueName. Yeweresentandattachtothebody ToheartrueName.Hearyethetrueword. Hearingwhichthesoulandthebody Arerevivedandthetongueis,AbsorbedintheNameNector

aysarvanhumayrihosaachaisunnainopathaaay. saachaisunnainopathaaaysareerlaaaysunhusatbanee. jitsuneemantanhariaahoaarasnaarassamaanee. (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page922) Wemustaddressourownmindandtellitthat,TheLordisnotobtainedthroughcunningness,so leaveallyourguileandtreacheryaside.AdoptthepathshownbytheGuru.Walkontheprinciples ofGurbaniandpracticethem.Donotleadyourbodyintosinfulacts,committingwhichyouwill repentlater.BhaiGurdasJitoo,scoldseachofhissenseorgans,whichleadthebodyastrayand compelittowardsevilactions CursedistheheadthatdoesnotbowortouchtheGurusfeet CursedaretheeyesthatbeholdanotherthantheGuru ThoseearsarecursedthatdonotlistentotheGurusword Anddonotmeditateupontheword Cursedisthetongue,whichrecitesothermantras AndnottheGurusmantar WithoutservicetotheGuru Thesehandsandfeetarecursed (BhaiGurdasji,Vaar27,Pauri10) Nodoubt,theseorgansaretobeusedinthepursuitofgoodactionsbutGuruJihastoldusofthe mostsupremelypiousactionforwhichwemustallendeavour.Bytakingthisaction,ourlifes missionisrealised,obtaininghonourandpraiseinthisworldandintheLordscourthereafter. ThisactionistomeditateontheLordsname.Insodoing,thenooseoftheangelofdeath becomesineffectiveandenemiesturntofriends Makethouyourhumanbodyfruitful Thus,youshallnotgodefeatedtotheLordscourt Andinthisworldandthenextone Youshallobtainhonour TheLordshalldeliveryouatthelastmoment SingthepraisesoftheallpervadingGod MancontemplatingthewondrousLord Youshallbeembellishedthus Hereandinthehereafter.Pause. SittingandwhenstandingreflectsthouonGod Thusallyourafflictionsshallpass Allyourenemiesshallbecomeyourfriends Andyoursoulshallberenderedimmaculate Thisisthemostmajesticdeed Ofallthefaiths,thisisthemostsublimefaith ByGodsmeditationyoushallbeemancipated Andyoushallberid Oftheburdenofsinsofmanpastbirths Yourhopeshallthenbefulfilled Andthenooseofdeathshallbeshorn HearthoutheGurusinstructionand

ONanakthoushallmergeincelestialbliss dulabhdayhsavaar.jaahinadargehhaar. halatpalattuDhhoayvadiaaee. antkeebaylaalaaychhadaaee.||1|| raamkaygungaao. halatpalathohidovaisuhaylay achrajpurakhDhiaao.||1||rahaao. oothatbaithatharjaap.binsaisagalsantaap. baireesabhhovehmeet.nirmaltayraahovaicheet.||2|| sabhtayootamihkaram.sagalDharammehsaraysatDharam. harsimrantayraahoayuDhaar. janamjanamkaautraibhaar.||3|| poorantayreehovaiaas.jamkeekateeaitayreefaas. gurkaaupdayssuneejai.naanaksukhsahjsameejai.||4||30||41|| (Ramkali5thGuru,page895) GuruNanakDevJistatesthat Contemplatethoutheonename Unfruitfulareallotheraffairs japahutaaykonaamaa.avarniraafalkaamaa.||1||rahaao. (Suhi1stGuru,page728) GuruArjunDevJitellusinSukhmaniSahib Ofallthereligions ThebestreligionistorepeattheLordsname Andthisisthemostpiousdeed sarabDharammehsaraysatDharam. harkonaamjapnirmalkaram. (GuruSukhmani5thGuru,page266) And OfriendlySaints,dothisworkonly,abandonallelseandrepeatGodsname saajansantkarahuihkaam,aantiaagjapahuharnaam. ThefifthGurutellsusthatmanworkshardanddoesallmannerofjobsfrommorninguntil eveningyetfindsnotimetocontemplateGodsname.Onlyararepersonindulgesinthismajestic deed Mangoesaboutmakingallefforts HemakesnottheoneefforttomeethisLord Nanak,rareisthepersonwhorealisesthiseffort Whichsavestheworld? aaharsabhkardaafiraiaahariknahoay. naanakjitaaharjaguDhraivirlaaboojhaikoay.||2|| (Salok5thGuru,page965)

Inthisworld,allpiousactionslikedonatingmoney,austerities,ritualchantingandselfrestraint arenowherenearasfruitfulandsupremeastheutteringtheLordsname Asmanyastherearealmsgiving Charities,penancesandchanting Abovethemall,isGodsname WhoeverwithhistongueuttersGodsname Godarrangeshisaffairs punndaanjaptapjaytaysabhooparnaam. harharrasnaajojapaitispoorankaam.||3|| (Asa5thGuru,page401) And Toallreligiousrituals AndVaariousceremonialrites Superioristheconductofmeditatingonhisname karamDharamanaykkiriaasabhooparnaamachaar.||2|| (Asa5thGuru,page405) And Charities,givingalmsandreligiousrites EqualnotGodsname Thisdestroysallthesins SupplicatesNanak IlivebymeditatingontheLord Andmycomingandgoinghaveended punndaannatulkiriaaharsarabpaapaahantjeeo. binvantnaanaksimarjeevaajanammaranrahantjeeo.||1|| (Ramkali5thGuru,page927) And Ihaveweighedallthemerits Ofvisitingtheplacesof Pilgrimage,observingfasts Performingsacredfeastsandgivingalms Buttheyequalnotthemeasure UntotheLordGodsname sabhtirathvaratjagpunntolaahaa. harharnaamnapujehpujaahaa. harharatultolatbhaareegurmatjapomaahaaraam.||3|| (Jaitsari5thGuru,page699) Inthisdarkage.GuruJihasrecommendedthemostsublimedeedistosowtheseedofnaam (meditatingthenameofGod).Allotheractsofworshipespeciallyceremonialritualsandritesare uselessinthisage.Hehaswarnedusnottofoolourselvesinthepursuitofsuchfalsepractice

OtheDarkAgehascomearrived Sow,sowthoutheseedoftheoneLordsname Nowitisnottheseasonforotherplanting Wanderandstraynotindoubt abkalooaaioray.iknaambovhubovhu. anrootnaaheenaahee.matbharambhoolahubhoolahu. (Basant5thGuru,page1185) BhagatRaviDasJitellusthatinthepastthreeagesdifferentritualsandriteswereneededto obtainsalvation.IntheageofSatyug,truthfullivingwaspracticedtoreachsalvation.Intheageof trayta,sacrificialritesandofferingswererequiredforsalvation.IntheageofDuapar,performing ritualceremoniescorrectlywastheway.Intheageofdarknessorkalyug,salvationisobtained throughutteringandmeditatingontheLordsname InSatyugwastruth Intraytayugsacrificialfeasts AndinDuaparyug Theperformanceofgoodworship Inthethreeagesofmen,heldfasttothesethree Intheageofkalyug,thenameistheonlyprop. satjugsattaytaajageeduaaparpoojaachaar. teenoujugteenoudirhaykalkayvalnaamaDhaar.||1|| (GauriBairaganBhagatRaviDasJi,page346) GuruTeghBahadurJitellsusaswellthat,inthisageofdarkness meditateonthenameofthebenevolentLord,doingwhichthismortal canobtainsalvation.EventheVedas(Hinduscriptures)saythatno amountofritualscanmeasureuptothemeditationoftheLordsname. kalmaiayknaamkirpaaniDhjaahijapaigatpaavai. aorDharamtaakaisamnaahanihbiDhbaydbataavai.||2|| (Sorath9thGuru,page632) ThethirdGuru,GuruAmarDasJi,tellsusthatutteringtheLordsnameandsinginghispraisesare paramount.Itwasinthepastthatpilgrimages,austeritiesandsacrificeswerethewaytosalvation butinthisage,theultimatemethodtoobtainsalvationistomeditateontheLordsname: Celibacy,selfdisciplineandpilgrimages Arethefaithsofpastages Inthedarkage,glorificationof Lordsnameistheonlyrighteousdeed jatsanjamtirathonaajugaakaaDharamhai kalmehkeeratharnaamaa.||2|| (Bilawal3rdGuru,page797) OurfifthSatguru,GuruArjunDevJiinformsusthatsalvationinthedarkagecanonlybehad throughthepracticeofnaammeditation:

IntheDarkAge Oneisemancipatedonlythroughthename NanakuttersthenameofthecreatorLord kalijugmehiknaamuDhaar. naanakbolaibarahmbeechaar.||2||11|| (Bhairon5thGuru,page1138) GuruRamDasJihastoldusthatthepracticeofmeditationontheLordsnameissublimeand whosoeverpracticesthis,willobtainsalvationinthisageregardlessoftheircaste,colourorstatus inthislife: InthisDarkAge TheLordsnameisthesupremewealth ThroughittheSaintlypersonsaresaved AlltheblemishesofNamdev,Jaidev,Kabir,Tarlochan AndRaviDasthetannerweredispelled. kaljugnaamparDhaanpadaarathbhagatjanaauDhray. naamaajaidayokabeertarilochansabhdokhgaaychamray. InourdailyprayerofRehras,thegreatGurutellsusthat,themostsacredactinthisdarkageis contemplationoftheLordsname: ThisistheonlyvirtuousdeedintheDarkAge TheonewhosingsthepraiseoftheworldLord kalmehayhopunngungovindgaahi. (Salok5thGuru,page962) GuruRamDasJiclearlygiveshisverdictthat,onewhodoesnotsowtheseedofnaaminkalyug, andsimplydabblesinrituals,looseseverythingincludingthepricelessbreaththattheLordhas givenhimtorecitethenameofGod. IntheDarkAge Ifamansowsanyotherseedapartfromthename, Heloosesallhisprofitandcapital. kalijugbeejbeejaybinnaavaisabhlaahaamoolgavaaiaa. (Asa4thGuru,page446) TheabovementionededictsofourGurushow,thatintheageofdarkness,naamisgiventhe utmostimportanceandisthesuprememethodofobtainingsalvation.Gurbaniguidesanddirects onlytocontemplate,meditateandrecitethenameoftheLord.Itwouldnotbeanexaggerationto saythatGodhasgivenusthishumanlifetomeditateonhisnameandescapethecycleofrebirth, ultimatelymergingintotheAlmightyLord.Themortalwhoconfineshislifetoworking,worldly affairsandblindritualsisshunnedbyGuruAmarDasJi. Accursedisthemortal Alongwithhisfamilyandfriends Whenoneattainsnothismasternow Theopportunitylostcomesnottohandagain Andsuchamanlooseshislifeinvain

Dharigsareerkutambsahitsiojithunkhasamnapaaiaa. paorheechhurhkeefirhaathnaaavaiahilaajanamgavaaiaa. (Bilawal3rdGuru,page796) GuruRamDasJisaysthatitwouldhavebeenbetterifmothersofthosewhodonotutterthe Lordsnamewerebarren.Suchpeoplearestuckinthisworldandlamentlikesomeonecaughtina bushofthorns. OLordmasterthemotherofthose Withinwhosemindthenameabidesnot Oughttohavebeenbarren Theirforlornbodieswanderaboutwithoutthename Andtheywastetheirlivesanddiecrying. jinharhirdainaamnabasiotinmaatkeejaiharbaaNjhaa. tinsunjeedayhfirehbinnaavaioaykhapkhapmuaykaraaNjhaa. (Jaitsari4thGuru,page697) Nowthequestionariseshowandwherecannaambeobtained?Naam,whichallowsonetoenter theLordskingdom,bringsblissandpeace.AllGurbaniresoundinglydeclaresrepeatedlyittobe theonlywaytosalvation.GuruRamDasJitellsusthatthegreatGuruhimselfbestowsthegiftof naamonthemortal.Those,whoareblessed,meettheGuru,whothenbestowsthegiftofnaam uponthem.TheGuruhasalreadyknowntheLordAlmighty.GodhasempoweredtheGuruto bestownaamuponthemortal ThetrueGuruisthegiverofGodsname HimselfhecausesmetomeettheLord ThetrueGuruhasunderstoodtheLordGod NoneelseisasgreatastheGuru IgoandfallundertheGurusprotection ByhisgraceheunitesmewiththeLord satgurdaataaharnaamkaaparabhaapmilaavaisoay. satgurharparabhbujhiaagurjayvadavarnakoay. (SriRaag4thGuru,page39) GuruAmarDasJitellsusthatonlythetrueGurucanblessuswithnaam.Whogetstomeetthe trueGuru?TheonewhoisshoweredwiththeblessingsofthesupremeLord: FromthetrueGuru,thenameisobtained BytheGurusgracetheLordisobtained ssatgurtaynaampaaeeaikarammilaiparabhsoay.||4|| (GauriBairagan3rdGuru,page233) OncethetrueGuruestablishesresolutely,thenameoftheLordwithinourhearts,thenour destinyawakens.WhendoestheGuruawakenandchangeourdestiny?Answerwhenwesubmit ourselvesunconditionallytohimsothat ForthesakeoftheLordmaster IhavesoldoffmybodytotheperfectGuru ThebeneficenttrueGuruhasimplanted

Godsnamewithinme Onmyfaceandforehead Veryauspiciousdestinyisinscribed harhararathsareerhambaychiaapooraygurkaiaagay. satgurdaatainaamdirhaaiaamukhmastakbhaagsabhaagay. (GauriPurbi4thGuru,page171) GurbanitellsusthatwithoutreceivingnaamfromthetrueGuru,thereisnosalvation WithoutthetrueGuru ThenameisnotobtainedObrothers Andwithoutthenamedoubtdepartsnot binsatgurnaamnapaaeeaibhaaee binnaamaibharamnajaaee. (Sorath1stGuru,page635) And ItisthroughtheperfectGuru ThattheLordsnameisobtained Toremainmergedinthe TrueLordistheonlytrueformofyoga pooraygurtaynaampaaiaajaaay. jogjugatsachrahaisamaaay. (Ramkali1stGuru,page941) And Omyintimatefriend DevoteyourselftomeditationofLordyourspouse EverservethouyourGuru Andobtainthewealthofnaam saajanmayraypareetmahutumsahkeebhagatkarayho. gursayvhusadaaaapnaanaampadaarathlayho. (Asa3rdGuru,page440) Sodearfriends,meditateontheLordsname,asthisiswhatappeasestheLord.Thisblessingof remembranceisobtainedfromthetrueGuru OknowledgeableseekerwithouttheGuru Lordsdevotionalservicecannotbeperformed Asthebleachedclothcannotassumecolourofdye Howevermuchwemaydesireit.Pause. giaaneegurbinbhagatnahoee. korairangkadaynacharhaijaylochaisabhkoee.||1||rahaao. (Suhi4thGuru,page732)

Asstarchedclothwillnotpickupthecolourofadyeuntilitiswashedofitsstarchandbleached, similarlytocleansethemind,sothatitmaybecomeimbuedwiththecolouroftheLordsname,it isimportanttobeinawe(reverentialfear)oftheGuru WithouttheLordsawe Hisdevotionalservicecannotbeperformedever Lovingworshipentersonthewingsofreverentialawe bhaibinbhagatnahoeekabhee bhaibhaaaybhagatsavaaree.||6|| (Ramkali3rdGuru,page911) GuruAmarDasJitellsusthat,theywhoworshipwithoutthe guidanceofaGuru,wastetheireffortandbecomeweary.They,who followtheirmindandmeditatewithouttheGuru,findthattheireffortis notacceptedintheLordscourt.Astheyareunabletowashthedirtof egothemselves TheperverseworshiptheLord WithouttheGuru Buthowcandevotionalservicebe PerformedwithouttheGuru manmukhbhagatkarahibinsatgur vinsatgurbhagatnahoeeraam. (RaagSuhi3rdGuru,page768) So,mymind,themortalisonlycleansedwhenheenterstherefugeoftheGuruandpleads Omymind!IfyouseektheshelteroftheGuru Thenyoushallbecomefilthless TheperversehavegrownwearyofrepeatingGodsname Buttheirdirtofegocouldnotbecleansed manmayraygursaranaavaitaanirmalhoay. manmukhharharkarthakaymailnasakeeDhoay.||1||rahaao. (SriRaag3rdGuru,page39) EveryoneisutteringthenameoftheLordwithhisorhertongue.Justthemererecitalofhisname willnotleadtooursalvation.ThroughGurusgrace,whenGodsnameawakensandimbuesour completebeingthen,oureffortbearsfruit AllmenutterGodsname ButsuchutterancesdoesnotuniteonewiththeLord IfbytheGurusgrace,theLordabidesinthemind Thenalonedoesonegatherthefruit. raamraamsabhkokahaikahiairaamnahoay. gurparsaadeeraammanvasaitaafalpaavaikoay.||1|| (Gujri3rdGuru,page491) So,itisclearthatwithouttheGurusgrace,naamcannotabideintheheart.Nowthequestion arises,howdoweobtaintheGurusgrace?Itwouldbeappropriatetogiveaworldlyexample.In

ordertoobtainafavourfromourparents,friendsorrelatives,onewouldhavetoappeasethem bydoingwhattheyaskustodo.Wewouldfollowtheireverycommandorwishinorderto appeasethemfirst.Inthesameway,ifwewishtogaintheGurusgracethenweneedtoappease him Osisteryouwhowalkonthispath DotheworkthattheGurubidsyoutodo Abandonthouyourmindsintellect Andgiveuptheloveofanother Thus,youshallhavetheLordsvision Eventhehotwindsshallnottouchyou BymyselfIknownothowtospeak IutterallthatisthecommandoftheLord itmaaragchalaybhaaeearhay gurkahaisokaarkamaaayjeeo. tiaagayNmankeematrheevisaarayNdoojaabhaaojeeo. iopaavahihardarsaavarhaanahlagaitateevaaojeeo. haoaaphubolnajaandaamaikahiaasabhhukmaaojeeo. (Suhi3rdGuru,page763) ShriGuruNanakDevJiorders HewhoabidesbyGurusorder, GetspleasureofGuru. hukammaniaihovaiparvaantaakhasmaikaamahalpaaisee. (AasaDiVar,page471) So,byobeyinghiscommand,manbecomesacceptableandobtainsaplaceintheLordsmansion. Hewhoacceptshismastersbiddingobtainsallthathisheartdesires. WhatIsTheOrderOfTheGuru? DuringthelifetimeofourGurus,wheneveradevoteecamelookingforspiritualenlightenment, then,consideringhimasdeserving,hewouldbegivenCharanamrit.Atthattime,amritwas preparedbychantingMoolmantarandGurmantar.Itwasthenconsecratedandblessedbythe Guru,dippinghistoeinthewater.BhaiGurdasJitellsusinhisVaarthat,ThefeetoftheGuru werewashedafterprayerandthewater(Charanamrit)wasofferedtotheSikhstodrink. AfterGuruNanakDevJistartedpreachingthegospel,theLordsaimofnaammeditationcameto fruitionwhenGuruJiestablishedaseparatepanth(religionorspiritualpath).BhaiGurdasJiwrote thatgreatGuruNanakDevfoundedanewPanthinthisworld,winningovernumerousdisciplesof allfaithsandcreedsincludingtheSidhs.Todevelopandpreachthegospelofnaammeditation further,BhaiLehnaJi(latercalledGuruAngaddevJi)wasentrustedwiththedutytopreachthe messagefurther.HeinturnentrustedGuruAmarDasJiafterwardstonourishtheworldwiththe messageoftheLordAlmighty.GuruGobindSinghJiwritesinBachittarNatak Godhasgracedhimashisownson Andsenthimheretothisworldtopreachreligion AndestablishtheSikhpanthsothatthemasses Couldbestoppedfromindulginginevildoing

ThetenthGurueliminatedtheinstitutionofaphysicalGuru,bycreatingperfectionashehanded thedevoteeovertoShabadGuru(TheWord).AfterperformingthemiraculousdeedofBaisakhi 1699,whenheestablishedtheKhalsaintheimageofthefivebelovedones(panjpyaras),he arrivedatHazoorSahib,Nanded,India.HereatNanded,thecongregationwasamassedandwhile SriGuruGranthSahibJiwasenthroned,thetenthGuruGuruGobindSinghJibowedtoSriGuru GranthSahibJiandplacedfivepenniesandacoconutasanoffering.Indoingso,hetransferred hisdivinelightintotheShabadGuruandorderedtheKhalsatoacceptSriGuruGranthSahibJi astheirGuruinalltheagestocome.This,hetoldthem,wastheorderoftheAlmightyLord. TheSikhsbowedtotheordersofGuruGobindSinghJiandthenasked,Oredeemerofthepoor, wewillacceptandregardSriGuruGranthSahibJiasourGurubuthowwillwetransferthedivine lightofthewordintothemortalbodywithoutthetechniqueofpreparingCharanamrit?Whoshall beabletogiveCharanamritandblessitnow?ThegreatGurusmiledasheheardtheirrequest andreplied,WehavealreadybestowedthispowertotheKhalsaonBaisakhiof1699. Theauthorityofbaptisingresideswiththefivebelovedones(panjpyaras).Theyareentrusted withtheauthorityandpersonifymewhentheyadministerbaptism.Theycanimposepenanceor absolveadevoteeiftheyseefit.Theyarethesupremeauthorityandtheirorderisthefinalword. Theywillnowadministertheamritpreparedbyadoubleedgedsword(KhandeKiPauhul). Forus,itbecomesanimmovablefactthatwhosoeverwantstoappeasetheGuruandattracthis gracemusttakebaptismatthehandsofthefivebelovedones.HeorshemusttakeKhandeKi Pauhulandnotanyothertypeofinitiationwhatsoever,fromanyotherphysicalGuru.Allspiritual guidanceistobetakenfromSriGuruGranthSahibJiandthefivebelovedones.Onemustfollow thecodeofconductgiventousbythefivebelovedonesintheamritceremonyandifwedeviate inanyofourvows,seekpardonfromthefivebelovedonesatthefirstavailableopportunity.Ina nutshell,wemustcompletelysurrenderourwholebeing,mind,bodyandsoultoSriGuruGranth SahibJi,inthepresenceofthefivebelovedones.OnemustfollowtheGurusorderswithfaith. Thecodeofconductandlivingimpartedtousbythefivebelovedones,inthepresenceofSriGuru GranthSahibJi,mustbefollowedwithoutfail.Ourinnerandoutercodeofconductistoread Gurbani,reciteGurmantarandMoolmantar,Nitnemandliveaccordingtotheprincipleslaid downbytheGuru.Onlythen,canonebeaclaimanttotheGurusgrace..: Surrenderallyourbodysoulandwealth UntotheGuruandsubmittohiswill ThusshallyouobtaintheLord tanmanDhansabhsaupgurkaohukammaniaipaaee (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page918) TheGurutoo,donateshisalltothedevoteewhosurrenderscompletelytohim.Asthefive belovedonesgavetheirheadswhenasked,theGurugavehimselfforbaptismatthehandsofthe Khalsa.Somuchso,theGurugavehissonstomaintaintheprestigeofthepanth.Tosucha devotee,theGurugiveseverythingandhidesnothingfromhim.Khalsathetruedevoteeisgiven supremehonourbyGuruGobindSinghJi TheKhalsaismytrueembodiment,IresidewithintheKhalsa Khalsaismymouthandorgans,IamforeverwiththeKhalsa (10thGuru,SarabLohGranth)

TheGurusedictreceivedthroughthefivebelovedones,onceputintopractice,slowlystartsto washawaythedirtofegoandvanity Thesouldefiledwithsins IscleanedwiththeloveofGodsname. bhareeaimatpaapaakaisang. ohDhopainaavaikairang. (JapJi1stGuru,page4) Gurbaniservesthepurposeofspiritualsoapandmedicineforthediseasedmind.Recitationof GurmantarandGurbaniisamust,whetherweconcentrateornot.Tocleanourmindrapidly, Seva(humbleservicewithoutmaterialreward)ofthecongregationisessential.Slowly,after repeatedtrying,themindbecomespure.AffectionandlikingforGurbaniarisesinthemind.A tastethendevelopsforutteringWaheguru.Thesearesymptomsofamindbeginningtopurify.A mindsuchasthisisattractedtoGurbanianditselfappeasestheGuru.Thepurifiedmindwill concentrateonGurbanianditwillenshrinethewordsoftheLordornaam.Thisbecomesthe stageofunitywiththeAlmighty. Thecodeofconductgivenbythefivebelovedoneshelpstostabilisenaaminourhearts.The lengthoftimeittakesnaamtoenshrineinourheartsdependsonhowpromptlyoneabidesbythe GurusorderandpracticestheGurusinstructionswithfaithanddevotion HewhoheartilyrealizesthisGurbani WithinhismindabidestheLordsname ihbaneejojeeahujaanaitisantarravaiharnaamaa.||1|| (Bilawal3rdGuru,page797) AndbytheGurusgraceGodsfearisobtained AndbygreatgoodfortuneGodcomes Andabidesinthemind gurparsaadeebhaopaiaavadbhaagvasiaamanaaay. bhaipaiaimanvashoaahaumaisabadjalaaay. (Sorath3rdGuru,page645) WhenfearoftheLordarises,themindisrestrainedandthrough naamegoisburntup.EgoisburnedthroughGurmantarandGurbani Ifsheeffacesherego Thenshemergesinherspouse haumaijaaeetaakantsamaaee. (SuhiAstpadian1stGuru,page750) ThenGuruNanakDevJitellsusthat,whentheegoisburned,one obtainssalvation Whenselfconceitdeparts Thehighestrankisobtained haumaijaaayparampadpaaeeai.||1||rahaao. (Guru1stGuru,page226)

Whenthroughnaamtheegoisstilled ThenhefindstheLordsmansionpause haumaijaaaysabadgharlaheeai.||1||rahaao. (Ramkali1stGuru,page904) IfmanstillshisegobyGurusgrace HeimbibesLordslovethenhebecomespure Andattainssupremestatus haumaijaaaytanirmalhovai gurmukhparchaiparampadpaeeaa.||7|| (BilawalAstpadian4thGuru,page834) And WhenegoisstilledthenknowshetheoneLord SuchaGuruwardmergesintotheLord haumaijaaaytaaykoboojhaisogurmukhsahjsamaaidaa.||13|| (MaruSohila5thGuru,page1076) Whenegodies,theultimatespiritualposition(parampadh)isobtained.Thenthehumanlifeof themortalbecomessuccessfulandhemergeswiththeAlmighty HeONanakblendswiththeLord Aswatermingleswithwater naanakleenbhaiogobindsiojiopaaneesangpaanee.||3||11|| (Sorath9thGuru,page633) And ThepervadingGodandKabirhavebecomeone Andnoonecandistinguishbetweenthem. raamkabeeraaaykbhaayhaikoaynasakaipachhaanee.||6||3|| (RamkaliBhagatKabirJi,page969) Soinordertoattainthisblissfulstateofunion,itisinourbenefitthatwedonotwasteanymore time.BytakingtheGurusshelter,wemustseekhisblessings.GuruArjunDevJiordersthatwe shoulddelayactionsthataresinfulandpromptlytakethoseactionsthatarepiousandgood.So Delaynotinpracticingrighteousness Delayonlyincommittingsin nahbilambDharmaNbilambpaapaN. (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1354) Dearfriends,toperfectthishumanlife,taketheamritofkhandaandbatta(Irondoubleedged swordandbowl).Inthismanner,attaintheblessingofthegreatGuru,otherwise Youshallbebornrepeatedly Anddieandbebornagain Youshallsuffermuchpunishment

OnthewaytothedistantcountryoftheLord jamjammaraimaraifirjammai. bahutsajaaaypaiaadayslammai. (Maru5thGuru,page1020) andthiscircleoflife,deathandrebirthwillcontinue.BabaJiwouldgivethissermonatevery gurmatcampandnumerousdevoteeswouldbeinspiredtotakeamritthereafter.

44SHARINGCOMMUNALFOOD(LANGAR) AttheendoftheAkhandpathheldduringSeptember1951,theentirecongregationsatinstraight rows(pangatliterallymeansrows)alongsideoneanother,sothattheycouldallshareinthe langer(thecommunalkitchenwhereallSikhssharefood)together.OurGurusstartedthe traditionoflangar,andfreefoodisservedtoallwhocome,regardlessofcaste,colour,creedor status.AfewpeoplefromGondpurvillagegottogether,andapproachedBabaJi,andaskedto haveaprivateaudiencewithhim.BabaJiconsentedpolitelytogoaheadandaskwhateverthey wanted,withouthesitation.ThespokesmanforthegroupaskedBabaJi,Pleasecouldyou announceitoverthespeakerphonethatthosepeoplewhobelongtoloweranduntouchable castestositinaseparaterow.HearingthesewordsBabaJirebukedthegroupofpeopleandsaid, Atnocostcanthisrequestofyoursbeaccepted.Thiscannothappen.IntheeyesofourLordand Guru,weareallequal,withnooneofhighorlowcaste.Allhavebeenblessedwithequalstatus. Donotevendreamofouraccedingtoyourrequest.Ifyoufewpeoplefeelyouareabovetherest ofthecongregationthenyoucansitsomewhereseparatelybuttherowswillremainforallofus toeatlangartogether. Hearingtheserobustandimpressivewords,thegroupofpeoplestoodinsilence,nonedaringto speakanotherword.Onthecontrary,theytoowereinfluencedbyBabaJiswords,andsatback amongsttherestofthecongregationinthecommonrows. TheabovementionedincidentwasnotjustmerewordsonBabaJisbehalf.BabaJipracticedthe principleoflangarandpangatallhislife.Hewouldalwayssitinthesangat,daily,tohavelangarin rows,onthefloor,justasitwasinthetimesofourbelovedGurus.Hewouldneverhavefood madeforhimselforeatseparatelyfromthecongregation.Hewouldeatwhateverwasavailablein theGuruskitchenforoneandall.Infact,thisprincipleshowedthehumilityofBabaJiandhis beliefintheequalityofallhumanbeings.Itshowedhispracticalapplicationofthehighest principlesofourGuru,thathetoo,wasapartoftheGuruscongregationandnotaboveit. Generally,hewouldtakeverylittlesaltinhisfood.IfthereweretoomuchsaltintheDaal(lentil soup),hewouldjustdiluteitwithsomewater.Healmostneverategreenorredchillies.Ifhewas duetoeatatanyoneshouse,hewouldaskthembeforehandtorefrainfromusingchilliesinthe food.Ifsomehow,thefamilyhadputchilliinthefoodinadvertently,hewoulddiscreetly,without fuss,justdiphischapattiinwaterandeatit.Similarly,ifthereweretoomuchsugarinthetea,he wouldntscoldanyone.Hewouldjustaddsomewatertodiluteit.Itwasasifhefollowedwhat BhagatKabirJihassaid TheLordselixirofnaamIhavetasted TastingwhichnectarallotherrelishesIhaveforgotten. raamraspeeaaray. jihrasbisargaayrasaor.||1||rahaao (GauriBhagatKabirJi,page337) BabaJiwasutilitarian,inthatheateforthesimplepurposeofsatisfyinghisnutritionalneedsand nottoindulgeintastingculinarydelicacies.Hewasnotinfavouroffryingfoodoreatingspicy foods.Hewouldprefersimplefoodwithouttoomanyspices,garlicandothergarnishes.TheDaal madeforthesangatwouldbemadesimply,byboilinglentilswithchoppedonionsandsome butter.HewouldoftenhaveMasurDaal(ayellowlentilmadeintoasoup)oryoghurtwithsome chapatti.

Intheearlydays,ifadevoteebroughtmilktotheGurdwara,BabaJiwouldmaketeaorherbaltea (calledSaunfa)andusethemilkfortheserviceofthesangat.Ifnomilkwasavailable,hewould maketeaasnormalbut,insteadofaddingmilk,hewouldaddalittlebutterandofferittothe sangat.Withthetea,hewouldofferhisapology,WehavenomilkintheGurdwaraandIdontgo tobegformilk.Pleaseacceptthisteaasitis.WhateverthetrueGurusendshere,wedistributeit asitcomes,backtothesangat.

45ATHOUGHTABOUTFALSEGURUS(GURUDOM) GurudomAslangoftenusedforaderainwhichthepriestconsidershimselfasaGuru(Physical god)andherunshisinstutionsonsocalledreligiouslivesinwhichthegeneralpublicisaskedto worshiphim.ThisisagainstSikhism. OnlyashortwhilehadelapsedsinceBabaJihadcometoRampurKhera.Onedayamancalled BalwantSingharrivedfromBabaJisvillagetoseehim.Afterexchangingpleasantries,he petitionedBabaJi,DearBhaiSahibJi!YouhavebeenextollingtheVirtuesofbecomingaSikhof SriGuruGranthSahibJiandassertingthatGurbaniisthetrueGuruwithmuchenthusiasm.You alsotellthesangatthatitisthedivineorderoftheAlmightytobelieveinSriGuruGranthSahibJi asthetrueGuru.YoualsosaidthatGurbaniistheGuruandtheGuruisGurbani. Yet,despiteyourferventmessagemanypeopleofyourownvillagearebecomingfollowersof livingGurus.Atfirst,onlyafewlowcastepeoplejoinedthiscultbutnow,evenpeoplefromwell offfamilieshavestartedtofollowsuchlivingGurus.Thefarmworkerswhojoinedthecultofa livingGurupersuadedtheirlandowneremployerstoconverttothenewreligion.Twosuch familieshavegoneasfarastohavespecialmantraswhisperedintotheirearasamarkof initiationintothefoldofthislivingGuru. S.BalwantSinghcontinued,Iaskedthesepeoplewhytheyhadjoinedthegrowingflockofthis livingGuruandabandonedtheshelterofSriGuruGranthSahibJi?Theytoldmethattheliving GurupreachesaboutGurbanitoo.TheytoldmetheysingandreciteGurbanijustlikeus. MoreovertheytellmethattheyonlyfoundoutaftervisitingthelivingGuruthatGurbaniteaches usthatalivingGuruisneededforsalvation. BalwantSinghnarratedthewholeincidentandwentontopleatoBabaJitodosomethingtostop thetideofconversionorelsethewholevillagewouldendupfollowingthesocalledlivingGuru. BabaJireplied,YoushouldprayinthefeetofourGuruthatheblessthesepeoplewithgreater intellectandinsightsothattheyarenotledastray.BabaJitoldmelater,Ifeltgreatpityand sorrowforthesepeopleBalwantSinghhadtoldmeabout.Athoughtarosewithinmethatifthe spreadoffalselivingGuruswerenotdealtwiththereandthenthen,intime,itwoulderodethe valuesoftheSikhfaith.Moreover,weworldlypeopledonotwanttotoilinordertoearnthefruit ofspiritualbliss,obtainedbymeditatingonnaam.Peoplewantareadymadeblessingandwant someoneelsetoguaranteethattheywillgetsalvation.Theywantsomeoneelsetoassurethem thattheirspiritualdebtisrepaid.So,thesefalseGurus,givethesereadymadeblessingsand guaranteestosavetheirfollowersintheafterlife.Bygivingsuchreadymadeblessings,they propagatetheirfalsebusinesscausingthedevoteetoloseanychanceofredemptioninthe afterlife. BabaJitoldme,Apowerfulthoughtcameovermethattostopthespreadofsuchfalseprophets fromspreadingtheirGurudom,divinestrengthisrequired.WiththispowerthesefalseGuruswill befilledwithtrepidationandstopproliferatingtheirfalsereligion.Withthisinmind,Iprayedto AlmightyGodtoblessmewithdivinestrength.Afterthreedaysofconstantprayer,theGuru blessedmewithavision.Inthevision,thetrueGurusaidtome,Igiveyouallmypowerand bestowallmystrengthuponyou.Useitasyouplease. AfterhearingthesewordsofthetrueGuru,BabaJifeltasifthewholepoweroftheuniverse,the Lordsmiraculous,mysteriousandunimaginablestrengthpouredintohisbeing.Hefeltso

powerfulthathecouldkillapersonbyhisthoughtalone.BabaJifelthecouldstopagreatflowing riverbyutteringasingleword.Inshort,hefelthecouldmakeanythinghappenwithjustawordor histhought.BabaJiusedtosaythatafterattainingthistremendouspower,anotherthoughtcame tohim.Hethought,HowexactlycanIusethispower?Whatifbyusingthispowersomeoneis killed,orinjuredorharmedinanyway?Whowillberesponsiblefortheirsuffering?Ultimately,I willberesponsibleforwhatIdotothem.ThoughthispowerbelongstoGodAlmighty,the responsibilityforitsuseormisuseismine.Itismewhowillreapthefruitofgoodorbadactions. Twodayspassedinthisstateofintrospectionandturbulentthoughts.IntheendBabaJipleaded withthetrueGuru,Osaviourofthepoor!Pleasetakethisdivinepoweryoubestoweduponme, asIamincapableofusingitcorrectly.Yourwillissweet,doasitpleasesyou.Youaloneknowthe heartsofall.Thiscreationisunfoldingaccordingtoyourwillandonlyyouarecapableofdirecting it.Nothingisinthehandsofusmortals: Whatcanwepoorpuppetsdo? Theplaymasterknowseverything Thepuppeteerdressesthepuppet Toplattheroleassignedtoit kaathkeeputreekahaakaraibapureekhilaavanhaarojaanai. jaisaabhaykhkaraavaibaajeegarohtaisoheesaajaanai.||3|| (Guru5thGuru,page206) WemortalsactasdestinedbytheLord: Asisthecommandissuedbyyou Andisthewrittendestiny Soarethedeedsthemortalenacts jayhaatooNhukamkarahitayhaykokaramkamaavai jayhaatuDhDhurlikhpaaiaa.||2|| (Suhi4thGuru,page736) And Asyoucausemetomove,sodoImove OillustriousLordsodoeseveryonemove OGodonlyyoushowandguideoneonthetruepath Andwhocanfindthepathifyoumisleadthem? jioaapchalaaaytivaikoeechaalaijioharbhaavaibhagvaanaa. (Bilawal5thGuru,page797) And HewhomtheLordshowstheway Whocanmisleadhim? Whocanshowthepathtohim? Whomhecausestostrayfromtheoutset jisahidikhaalaavaatrheetisehbhulaavaikaun. jisahibhulaaeepanDhsirtisehdikhaavaikaun.||1|| (Salok1stGuru,page952)

And Mybelovedhimselfleadsoneintowilderness Andheshowstheway OLordblessmetowalkinyourwill aapayujharhpaaidaapiaaraaaapvikhaalayraahu. (Sorath4thGuru,page604)

46GODSELIXIRMAKESPOISONINEFFECTIVE S.AmarSinghfromvillageGondpur(nowagedabout65)usedtotellusthatinhisyouthheused todrinkalcoholandbecameaddictedtoopiumbecauseofthebadcompanyheusedtokeep. Drugsandalcoholnotonlydestroythebodyandspirituallybankruptitsuserbutalsodestroy familylife.S.AmarSinghwassodeeplyaddictedtotheseintoxicants;hewouldbeintoxicatedday andnightwithoutanyshameorremorsefortheeffectonhisfamilyorcommunity. Beingintoxicatedallthetimehadbecometheaimofhislifeandhisaddictiongrewtosuchan extentthathewoulddailyneedabout12gramsofopium.Toincreasethedurationofhis intoxicationhewouldusedopepowdertwiceaday.Ifhebecamealittlesober,hewouldthen resorttodrinkingalcohol.Thehouseinwhichaddictiontodrugstakeshold,headsstraightto bankruptcy;Moneybecametightandsoonhefoundhimselfpenniless.Tosustainhisaddictionto opiumandbuyit,hestartedtobrewanddistillalcoholathome.Hewouldsellthisillicitliquorto fundhisaddictiontoopium.Undercompulsion,hiswifewouldhavetokeepafiregoingunderhis homemadedistillery.Shewouldcollecttheevaporated,distilledalcoholalldaylongsothathe couldsellitillegally.S.AmarSinghusedthismoneytosupporthisaddiction.Homebrewedalcohol alsoallowedhimtoremaindrunkallthetime.Thelocalpolicewouldraidhishouseeveryfewdays todisrupthishomeenterprise.SAmarSinghconstantlyplayedcatandmouse,catchmeifyou canwiththelocalpolice.Hewasprosecutedmanytimesandwouldappearincourtrepeatedly, payingfines. Litigationbecameaconstantcompanion;hardshipwasnowawayoflifebutstillhismindwould notallowhimtogiveuphisawfuladdiction.BhaiAmarSinghwouldsaythathewasdestituteand wouldsleepoutsidehishouseincasethepoliceraidedhishouseduringthenight.Hisheartwas deeplytroubledbutasBhaiGurdasJisays Anopiumtakerknows Takingopiumisverybad Heisunabletoleavethishabit. jaisaeposutheesunuthkehuthposuthburo thaakaebasbhuyoshaadduochaahaipainshoottee (SwaiyasBhaiGurdasJipage591) So,itwaswithS.AmarSinghJi.Ifonepartofhimagreedtokicktheaddiction,anotherpartofhim wouldtellhimthatthisistheonlywaytoearnalivelihood.Hismindwouldtellhimthatsurvival withoutdistillingalcoholwasimpossible.Thereseemedtobenoalternativebuttocontinueashe haddone,financinghisaddictionbysellinghomemadealcohol.IfIdonotdrinkwithvisitorshow willIencouragemorecustomerstobuymyalcohol,hethought.AmarSinghusedtobeasoldier inthemilitaryandwasphysicallywellbuiltandfittostartwith,butaddictiontodrugsandalcohol hadweakenedhisbodyintoafeeble,emaciatedstate. OnedayS.AmarSinghwasstoodaroundwithhisfriendsandcustomerstalkingbusinessbythe roadside.Suddenly,BabaJi,whowaswalkingtoGardhiwala,caughthiseye.Hequicklydeserted hisfriendsforawhile,ranuptoBabaJiandbowinghisheadgreetedBabaJi.BabaJihaltedinhis tracks.AmarSinghatoncepleadedwithBabaJi,BabaJiIamfedupwithtakingtheseintoxicants. ThereisnosubstancethatIdonotabuse.Myfamilyisindeepthroesofpoverty;thepoliceare constantlyonmyback.Isleeproughinthefieldstoavoidarrest.Iamunableandpowerlessto giveupsubstanceabuse,Ihaveheardthatyouhavehelpednumerouspeopletokicktheir

addictionstodrugsandalcoholandputthemontherighteouspath.Pleasetakepityonthispoor fellow,remedyandblessmesomehow.BabaJispontaneouslyreplied,AmarSingh!First,we musthavecompassionforourselves,andthentheLordtoobecomesbenevolentuponus. Secondly,ifyouwishtoabandonyouraddictiontosubstancesthengetbaptised.Whentheelixir ofimmortality(amrit)entersyourheart,thenintoxicatingpoisonswillleaveyourbodyaslongas youremainsteadfastinyourvows.EarnthefavouroftheGreatGurubyactingandlivingbythe wordsofourGuru.Withoutquestioninganyfurther,heagreedwithBabaJiandaskedwhenthe nextbaptism(amritsanchaar)ceremonywasduetotakeplace.BabaJirepliedthattheweek following,thedaybeforethebirthdaycelebrationsofGuruNanakDevJi,anamritsanchaarwas duetotakeplace.Onthatday,AmarSingh,BabaJireplied,Takeamritandferryyourselfacross theoceanintheGurusship.AmarSinghagreedtobebaptisedandreturnedtohiscompanions butsaidnothingeventhoughtheykeptaskingwhyhewastalkingtotheSaintwithsuchsolemnity. WhenAmarSinghcamehome,heorderedhiswifetohavesomekacheras(specialtypeofshorts partofthefiveks)made.Hiswifewasflabbergastedatthisrequestfromherhusbandregarding hisintentiontobebaptised.AmarSinghswifecouldnothelpherselfandretorted,Beforegetting baptisedwhydontyoutryandgiveupsubstanceabuseorwillyoudistillyourwinewithakirpan (anotheroneofthefiveks)aroundyourneckorwhensellingliquor. SAmarSinghreplied,GoodladyIhavegivenmywordtoBabaJi.Soifwegohungry,liveordie destituteIamgoingtogiveupdrugsandalcohol.AmarSinghswifeknewhispromiseswere oftenempty.Shecouldnotjudgeifhewastellingthetruthorpullingthewooloverhereyes,with anotherhalfbakeddream.Shekeptstaringathisfacetojudgeifhehadnottakentoomuch opium,toseeifitwasthedrugmakinghimtalkirrationally.AlittleconvincedthatAmarSinghwas notundertheinfluence,shethoughtmaybeGodhasturnedthetideandturnedhismindaswell. Shethought,ThankfullyItoomightgetrelieffromtheheatofthefurnaceusedtodistillalcohol. Shethensaidtoherhusband,Ifyouarejustgoingtoreturntoyouolddaysofdrinkanddrugs thenitisbetterthatyoudonotgetbaptisedinthefirstplace.Butifyouaregoingtosticktoyour vowsaftertakingamritthenyoucanhaveasmanykacherasasyouwant. SAmarSinghreassuredhiswifethathewasreturningaftertastingthebitterexperienceof addiction.Thetruthbeknown,inmymindIwantedtogiveupalcoholanddrugs,butmymind wasfalteringandwavering.ImettheSaintfromRampurKheraonhiswaytoGardhiwala.Itold himaboutmywretchedaddictionandhesuggestedthattohelpmyselfImusttakeamrit.Torid meofintoxicantsamritwillhelpinobtainingthegraceofGod.ThesewordsofresolvefromBaba Jistrengthenedmywillandmymindhasbeenmadeuptogetbaptisedeversince,soyoutoo shouldgetpreparedtotakeamritonthegurpurabofGuruNanakDevJi.Letusbothdrinkthe elixirofimmortality,insteadoftheevilpoisonthatwasalcoholandseewhatensues,saidAmar Singhtohiswife.AmarSinghswifewastakenabackandthankedGodforhismercythather husbandwastodaytalkingofdivineknowledgeandmorality.Hiswifereplied,Idonotobjectto beingbaptisedbutletsnotbecomethelaughingstockamongstthecommunity.Ihaveheardfrom peoplethatapersoncursedbytheGurugetsnocompassionhereinthisworldorthehereafter.I amafraidthatwedonotcommitasinbybreakingourvowsinsteadofearningtheGurusblessing. SAmarSinghreplied,Dearwife,donotletyourmindwaver.Getready.ThetrueGuru,whose amritwedrink,willprotectushimself.Wearemeremortalsandcannotclaimtheabilitytofollow hisviews.AsBabaJisaid,amritwillguardyou.Getreadyanddispelyourdoubts.Ifyoudonot believethengivemeallthedistilling,equipmentandIwillbreakituprighthereinfrontofyou. Thisevilfurnacehasswallowedmyhealth,wealthandeverythinginthehouse.Iamnotgoingto

keepthisfurnaceinthehouse,AmarSinghreassuringlyconsoledhiswife.Inthisangrymood,S AmarSinghgatheredalltheequipment,brokeitupandthrewitinthestreamnearhishouse.He touchedhisearsandthankedGodforoustingthiswretchedevilfromhishouse.Hewasso emotionalhekepttouchingthegroundandthenhisforeheadrepeatedlyexclaimingOdearGod ifyoutrulyexistsavemefromthiseviladdiction.Donotletthesecursedintoxicantsreentermy house.Forgivemypastdeedsandkeepmefromfalteringinthefuture.Hiswifewasconvinced thatAmarSinghhadreformedandGodhadblessedhimwiththegoodintentionofbeingbaptised. Sheencouraginglysaid,Youhavedoneagoodthingbythrowingyourdistillingequipmentoutof thehouse.Iwasconstantlyworriedlestthepoliceraidourhouseandfindithere.Whenthepolice came,youwouldjumpoverthewallandhideinthefieldsbutIwastheoneleftbehindtolistento theabusive,filthylanguageofthepolice.Iwouldsitnexttothefurnacedayandnightbrooding overthethreatofbeingarrested.Iwasconstantlyanxious,alwayswatchingovermyshoulder.At leastnow,wewillbeabletosleepsoundandinpeace.Whyworryabouthunger,theLordwho hasmadeuswillprovidealivelihoodtoo. BothofthempreparedtotakeamritandonGuruNanakDevJisgurpurbtheywerebaptised. Withoutdifficulty,bothfollowedthemodestliferequiredafterbaptism.Duetothenotorietyhe hadgained,thepolicevisitedseveraltimesandexclaimed,AmarSinghwhathaveyoudone?We aresurprisedbyyoursuddentransformation.Youarenotstilldealinginillicitdrugsoralcohol underthisnewdisguiseareyou?AmarSinghwouldreply,IfIwasonlygoingtowanderbackto myoldlifestyle,Ihadnoneedtobebaptised.Noonecompelledmetotakethisnewguise.SinceI abandonedmyaddictionandoldlifestyle,Ifeelthatmyreallifehasonlyjustbegun.Mylifeasan addictwasalivinghellandallthattimewasjustawaste.AnyhowifIdostartdealinginillicit substancesitisnotasifyouwontfindoutsoonerorlater.Butfornow,Itrulyfeelfrommyheart thatIhaveforsakenallintoxicants. TobringmoreresolveinhischaracterAmarSinghwouldcometovisitBabaJiatthegurdwara.He wouldspendtimeinserviceoftheGurdwaraandtherestearninghislivelihood.Ayearpassedby inthiswayandSAmarSinghstartedtostaypermanentlyattheGurdwara.BabaJitoldAmarSingh thatagursikhmustearnhisdailybread.HewouldreplythatIdonotfeellikeleavingthepresence ofGuruJitogohome.TheAlmightywhohascreatedusmortalswillprovidesustenancetoo.At homebyGodsgrace,hisfieldswouldproduceenoughofaharvestforhisfamilysneeds.After manyyearsofserviceattheGurdwara,BabaJihadhimappointedasanattendantatGuruTegh BahadurGurdwara,centraltown,Jalandhar.Hecarriedouthisdutiesdiligentlyandwithgreat respectforthreeyearsandfinallyreturnedtoRampurKherawhereheisstillcarryingourhis dutiesasanattendant. ByGodsgrace,histwodaughtersweremarriedandsettledintogoodfamiliesatthehandsof BabaJi.TheyoungestsonlearnedtobecomeadriverandlandedawellpaidjobinAssam.Both husbandandwifeareenjoyingalifeofdevotionwithoutworriesandreceivingtheGurusgrace. WitnessingthetransformationofSAmarSingh,othersweremotivatedtofollowtheSikhwayof life. EventodayifagursikhhappenstomeetSAmarSinghhewillspeakfranklyofhispastlifeandhow itcompareswithhisnewlifestyle:Mylifeasanaddictwaspureslavery,dependence,fullof worriesanddoubtsequivalenttoalivinghell,wheremywifeandchildrenwereneglected.Iwas tauntedandcursedfromalldirections.Evenmyneighboursweretraumatisedbymylifeof addiction.Myfamilywouldsufferharassmentfromthepoliceonmyaccount.Evenmyrelatives

wouldmakemefeelunwelcome,wishingIwouldleavetheirpresenceassoonaspossible.Ihad nostandingorrespectinthecommunity.Noonetrustedme.NoonebelievedawordIsaidandin facttheywouldtellmetomyface,noonecantrustanaddictsword.Inthisintoxicatedstate youcouldgetmetopromiseanythingbutwhensoberIwouldnotremembermywordordeeds. Comparedtomylifenow,itwouldnotbeoverstatingthefactsthatlife,asanaddictwasfarworse thanhell.NowwhereverIgoIgetutmostrespect.PeoplearewillingtobelievemesaysAmar Singh.Ihavenofinancialworriesnow.Iamridoftheslaveryofaddiction.ThebestthingnowisI havepeaceofmind,mylifeistranquilandIamsatisfied.Allthesegiftswereobtainedthroughthe blessingofsangatwhenIbecamebaptised.Asthesipsofamrit(elixirornectar)passedmylips,it happenedjustasBhagatKabirJidescribes LordselixirIhavequaffed BywhichnectarIhaveforgotten Allotherrelishes raamraspeeaaray. jihrasbisargaayrasaor.||1||rahaao. (GauriBhagatKabir,page337) And Byquaffingthatnectar Thisworldlyrelishremainsnotpleasing. uhraspeeaaihrasnaheebhaavaa.||35|| (GauriPurbiBhagatKabirJi,page342) ThereisenormousstrengthintheGurusamrit,lestoneimaginesitisjustwatersweetenedwith sugar(patashasroundsugarcrystalsusedtoprepareamrit).Thisnectarhastremendouspower totransformalife,drastically,asitdidwithme.Ifanyonehasanydoubts,theycancomeand discusstheirdoubtswithme.Iamstillalivingproofofthetransformationbroughtaboutbyamrit. LifewithoutGuruJi,withouttastingtheelixirofimmortality,isworthless,accursedandfoul.One cannotfathomitsdepthorevaluateitworth.TheGurusamritcompletelytransformsoneslife Withouttasting Nooneenjoysthenamesrelish BytheGurusinstruction OnedrinkstheLordsnectarindrinkingnectar Themortalacquiresimmortalstatus AndnectarheenjoysthroughtheGurusgospel. vinchaakhaysaadkisainaaaiaa. gurkaisabadamritpeeaaiaa. amritpeeamraapadhoaygurkaisabadrastaahaahay.||7|| (Maru3rdGuru,page1046)

47CONSTRUCTIONOFGURDWARASAHIB Oneday,aftertheSeptemberAkhandpath,aboutthirtypeoplegotreadytobebaptised.Thefive belovedones(PanjPyaras)assembledthesangatattheGurdwarainthenearbyvillageofBahle, bestowingamritandgurmatwayoflifeuponthem. BabaJithoughttohimselfthattheAlmightyGuruisaccomplishingthemissionhewassentfor,by inspiringthesangat.AfterthefirstAkhandpathinSeptemberSriGuruGranthSahibJiwas installedinthecaveandkirtanwouldbeperformedeverySundayuntiltwelveatnight. Noprofessionalsingerswerecalledfromoutside.BhaiTaraSingh,BabaJiselderbrother,S DalwantSingh,BhaiGurbaxSinghfromDhuggavillagecameregularlyfromBahleVillage.My familyandSLabhSingh,MasterKabulSinghandtwoothergursikhswouldcongregateatRampur Khera.ThesangatwouldsitinthelapofGuruJi,singingdevotionalhymnswithoutanymusical instrumentsexceptachimta(cymbalsarrangedonalongironfork)instraightforwardsimple melodies,thustryingtospendtimeinremembranceofWaheguru. NightSessionduringFullMoon Totakeadvantageofthetime,thesangatwouldreciteJapJiSahib(theprayercomposedbyGuru NanakDevJi)inturnsonthenightoffullmoon.Onepersonwouldreciteandtheotherswould listen.Thenonerosaryofthefollowingprayerwaschanted Thedreadfuldiseases,sinsofnumerousmurders Thepenuryofmanybirthsandimmensemiseries ContemplatingtheLordsnamedestroysall Justasthefirereducestoashpilesofwood. ghordukhyaNanikhatyaNjanamdaaridaraNmahaabikhyaadN. mitantsagalsimrantharnaamnaanak jaisaypaavakkaasatbhasmaNkarot.||18|| (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1355) Itwouldbeearlymorning(amritvela)bythetimetheseprayerswerecompleted.Thenallwould recitethefiveprayersofNitnemfollowedbySukhmaniSahib.Then,degparshadwouldbeoffered withArdastotheGreatGuru.Everyonewouldthenhaveteainthelangarbeforeleavingforhisor herhomes.Thisroutinecontinuedforayearandthenumberofdevoteesbegantoincrease. Sometimesduetorainorcold,thesangatwouldexperiencesomehardship.Soabighutwas erectedtothenorthofthecaveinwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJiwasinstalled. KirtanThroughoutTheNight(RaensabhaiKirtan) SriGuruGranthSahibJiwasinstalledinthenewlybuilthut.TheweeklySundayprogramme continuedregularlyandonthenightoffullmoon,withtheeffortofthesangat,kirtanwas performedthroughoutthenight.Itwasattendedbysangatfromneighbouringvillages.Kirtanwas regularlyperformedbythelikesofBhaiSantokhSinghUsmanShaheed,DrPritamSingh,Jagat Singh,SBalJitSinghfromDasuyaandanyotherdevoteeswhowouldcometoperformkirtan.It wasatrulyblissfulevent.Daybydaythenumberofpeopleinthecongregationincreasedand soonanotherhuthadtobebuiltinfrontoftheoldone. Woodenbeamswereusedtomakeaseparatekitchentocooklangar.Thesangatwouldbring cookingmaterialsfromhomeandpreparelangaratthegurdwara.Itwouldbedistributed

throughoutthenightandcontinueuntilafterthebhogceremony.Itslowlybecamenecessaryto clearsomemorelandforthesangattositon,havelangarandforgeneraluse.Morelandcould onlybeacquiredbyclearingthetreesonthehighergroundabovethecave.Therewasadense coverageoftreesandvinesfromlargebanyantrees.However,peoplestilltrembledwithfearand heldwhimsicalthoughtsaboutclearingtheselargetrees.Noonedaredtocutthemdownandno merchantwoulddarebuythewood. ClearingTheBanyanAndPipalTrees Onedayatabout3pm,acourageousSikhcalledSUjjaggerSinghofVillageGondpurcamebyto seeBabaJi.BabaJisaidtohim,UjjaggerSingh,ifyouhelp,thenwecanclearawaysomeofthese banyantreebranchesandcreateaclearingwherethesangatwillbeabletosit. UjjaggerSinghrepliedwithconcern,Twopeoplefromourvillagetriedtocutdownapipaltree andmetwithaterriblefate.Onefellfromthetreebreakinghisbackboneandhip.Thesecond chaplosthismind.IcannotdisobeyyoubutIfearImayinjuremyselfandendupbeingthe laughingstockofthevillageforhavingtriedtocutdownthesetrees.Thishumbleservant(Seva Singh)wassatnearby,listening.BabaJiassuredhimatlengththatthingswerenotliketheyused tobe,thesituationhadchanged.Gurbaniischantedinthisplaceandmoreovertheevilspirits thathauntedthisplaceleftthedayIstartedmeditatinghere.Allthatremainsispeoples perceptionthatthisplaceishaunted.WhenyoucutthebranchesofthebanyantreeIwillbe besideyou.Letmeshoulderalltheresponsibilityforyoucuttingthesetreesdown.Bemindful though,nottotellyourfamily,otherwisetheywillnotletyoucome.SUjjaggerSingh(nowliving inEngland)wasnowconvincedandreturnedthenextdaywithanaxe,asawandahatchet.Baba Jiofferedhimsomethingtoeatanddrink.ThenheofferedprayerstotheGuruJi,Lordweask permissiontostartclearingawaythewoodforthecomfortandserviceofthesangat.Please shelteryourhumbleservant. AfterArdas,S.UjjaggerSinghclimbedthebanyantreeandcutthetwomainbranchesfromthe tree.Anydoubtorfearnowlefthismind.SeeingBabaJiandUjjaggerSinghatwork,other devoteesbegantohelpthem.Slowlythetreeswerecutdown,onebyone.Thewoodwascutinto planksandbeams,withanyleftoversusedasfirewoodinthekitchenforcookinglangar. AsmoreandmorepeoplefoundoutaboutRampurKhera,thesizeofthecongregationgrew,as didthenumberoffunctionsheldthere.NoweveryGurpurb(birthanniversary(knownasAvtaar) oftheGurus)wascelebratedbyholdinganAkhandpath.Ontheseconddayofthepath,a baptismceremonywouldbeheldandmanydevoteeswouldtakeamrit.BabaJiwouldalwaysbe readytoadministerbaptismeveniftherewereonlytwopeople.HewouldgatherfiveSinghs(panj pyaras)thenextdaytoadministerbaptism. TubewellToProvideWaterForBathing Astherewasonlyahandoperatedwaterpumpandthesangatwouldsometimeshavetowaitto haveabath,theneedarosetohaveatubewellinstalled.Adeeptubewellwassunkinfrontofthe presentdayGurdwara.Aholdingtankforwaterwasconstructedwithseveraltapsonthesideof thistanktodeliverwaterreadily.Theinstallationofthetubewellmeantwaterwasfreely availableformanypurposesincludingbathing,cookingandcleaning. AsoldcompanionsofBabaJifoundoutaboutwherehewasresiding,theyincreasinglystartedto visitandtakepartinthevariousgatheringsandfunctionsthroughouttheyear.Totakeadvantage ofhisdivinecompanyandreceiveblessingsofthecongregation,oldcompanionslikeBhai

WadhawaSingh,BhaiSherSingh,BhaiKulwantSingh,andDrKartarSinghJistartedvisiting, bringingwiththemmanyotherstothesereligiousgatherings.Rehansabhaikirtancontinuedevery monthfortwoyearsandthenBabaJistoppedtheseandcontinuedwithmoredaytimegatherings. InspirationToConstructGurdwara BabaJiwashesitantaboutrapidexpansionlestitdisrupthismeditationandleadtoundue attachment,thecauseofallmisery.Somuchso,thatifanymoneywasleftoverfromareligious function,hewouldgetsweets(ladoos)made.Hewouldhavethesweetsdistributedtochildrenin thenearbyschoolsandanythatwereleftoverweredistributedtopassersby.EventhoughBabaJi washesitant,someSinghswhoattendedtheSeptembergatheringin1957requestedBabaJito buildalargeGurdwaratoaccommodatetheneedsofthelargersangat.BabaJiobeyedthesangat butrepliedthatifitpleasedGuruJithentheirwisheswouldtakeshape.However,thesangat collectedaboutRs3000forthiscauseandgaveittoBabaJi.HehandedthismoneytoS.Labh Singhforsafekeeping. Anotheryearwentby.SangatgatheredforanothergurmatcampandagainrequestedBabaJito reconsidertheneedforagurdwara.BabaJiagainreassuredthesangatthat,Bhai!Workthatis accomplishedsteadilyisbetter.So,leaveitinthehandsoftheGreatGuru.Whenitpleasesthe Lorditshallhappenwithoutdelay.ThedayaftertheSeptemberSmagamsixthGuruHargobind SinghJi(LordofemperorsandSaintsofallSaints)appearedasavisiontoBabaJi.Hesaid,Bhai HarnamSinghJi!WesentyoutothisplacetoattachthesangatwithWaheguru.Thisplaceisto becomeacentreformissionarypropagationofSikhdharma.Thesangatthathasaskedforthe Gurdwarawasinspiredbyustodoso.Theplacewherewehavemadeyousitwasanancientsite wheresagesovermanymillenniasatandmeditated.ThisistheplacewhereintheageofDuapar LordKrishnamettheexiledPandavkings(ThePandavKingshiddisguisedasservantsunderthe shelterofKingViraatduringtheirexile.LordKrishnaoncecametoseethePandavkingsandwas toldbyKingViraatthattheyhadgoneouthunting.LordKrishnafollowedthePandavs,satand restedwiththematthismoundRampurKhera.ThepandavsnarratedtheirtaletoLordKrishna, whoblessedthismoundwithaboonthatfor3milesaroundthisplace,nocalamitywillbefallthe areaanditwillalwaysbearefugefortheneedy).Moreover,manyotherholySaintshave meditatedhere.Wevisitedthisplacewithourwarriorsandrestedhereawhile.TheGurdwara Sahibtobeestablishedinduecoursewillbenefitmanypeople,bestowingNaamSimran (meditation)andGurbanionthem.YoumaystarttheconstructionoftheGurdwara.Nohindrance orobstaclewillbefallthebuildingoftheGurdwara.Whatyoudeemtobeundueexpansionwill notaffectyourmeditationinfactitwillaidyourspiritualprogress. HavingobtainedthisblessingfromtheGreatGuru,thenextdaythesangatgatheredforthe SeptemberfunctioninfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,offereddegparshadandreada hukamnama(theGurusedict).Theirhukamreadasfollows HumblybowtothePerfectDivineGuru.FruitfulisHis image,andfruitfulisservicetoHim.HeistheInnerknower, theSearcherofhearts,andtheArchitectofDestiny. Twentyfourhoursaday,heremainsimbuedwiththeloveof theNaam,theNameoftheLord. ikoNkaarsatgurparsaad. karnamaskaarpooraygurdayv. safalmooratsafaljaakeesayv. antarjaameepurakhbiDhaataa.

aathpaharnaamrangraataa.||1|| (Gond5thGuru,page869) BabaJiaddressedthecongregationandsaid,YourwishtohaveaGurdwaraconstructedhasbeen acceptedbyGuruJi,sothetaskwillbestartassoonaspossible.Thecongregationwasoverjoyed, astheirwishhadtakenthreetofouryearstobefulfilled.AresolutionwaspassedwiththeGurus blessingon7thSeptember1958.Soonallmannerofbuildingmaterialsbegantoarrive.Withfive belovedones,BabaJilaidthefoundationstoneofthepresentGurdwaraon30March1959. Beforelayingthefoundationstone,anArdaswasperformed,degparshadofferedtoGuruJiand thesangat.Thefollowinghukamnamasappeared. SalokMohalla3 OmysoulrememberyourLordlovingly SinglemindedremembertheLord Withraptattention Imperishable,everlastingareGodsglories Heneverregretswhathegives IamasacrificeuntoGod ServingGodpeaceisobtained Nanakburningegothroughnaam TheGuruwardremainimmersedintheLord sulokmu3 aymanharjeeDhiaaaytooikmanikchitbhaaay. harkeeaasadaasadaavadiaaeeaadayaynapachhotaaay. haoharkaisadbalihaarnaijitsayviaisukhpaaay. naanakgurmukhmilrahaihaumaisabadjalaaay.||1|| (Salok3rdGuru,page653) ConstructionOfGurdwaraBegins ThebuildingworkfortheGurdwarastartedinearnest.Peoplefromneighbouringvillageswould arriveandhelpwithgreatzealandvigour.BabaJiwouldtendtotheneedsofthesangat personallywithhisownhands.Duringhisfreetime,BabaJiwouldcarrybricksandmortaronhis headorbreakuprocksfortheconcretewithahammer. ManyatimethecongregationwouldaffectionatelyaskBabaJitostopandleavethisserviceto them.BabaJiwouldreply,Thisisnotmypersonaljob.ThisistheGurusworkthatIamdoing.He whotoilsintheGurushousewithdevotionwillreapuntoldbenefits.Ifyouworkselflessly,you willearnthebenefitsandifIdosomework,Iwillreapsomebenefittoo.Moreoverthis opportunitytodotheGuruswork(Seva)doesnotariseeveryday.Afterthesangatleft,BabaJi andIwouldgatherupallthetools,equipmentandwouldwashthespadesetc.BabaJinever appealedformoneyatreligiousgatherings,neitherdidheprintpromotionalliteraturetoraise moneyforthebuildingoftheGurdwara.Whatevermoneywasrequiredwouldarrivemysticallyat thehandsofthesangatinspiredbytheGreatGuruhimself.Ifmoneybecamescarce,BabaJi wouldwithdrawmoneyfromthehiddentreasure.Yourhumbleservantwillrelateanincident thatIwitnessedduringtheseearlydays. ItwasthesummerseasonandIhadgoneoutonanerrand.IarrivedbacktoseeBabaJiat4pm. BabaJisatmebesidehim,servedmeasweetenedcolddrinkandsaid,SevaSingh,youknow

SadhuSinghwhohasthecementshop?Hecametomethismorningandsaidhehadtwo truckloadsofcementarrivingsoon.Hesaidthatinsteadofbuyingalittlecementatatime,it wouldbecheapertobuyitinbulk.Hecansendonetruckloadovertousassoonasitarrives.Itold himthatwewouldlethimknowbythisevening.AfterashortwhileBabaJicontinued,Itwould beconvenientifwegetthecementinbulkaseveryfewdayswehavetoaskforacarttobring smallerloadsofcement.Thisalsodisruptsthecartownerswork. BabaJithensaid,Youngman,howmuchmoneywill200bagsofcementcost?Atthattimebags ofcementcostRs6.25.IadvisedBabaJithatIhadcalculatedthetotalamountasRs1250.BabaJi pulledoutaclothbagfromunderhismattressandhandedmethebag.Havealookathowmuch isinthebag.Icountedthemoneyandtoldhim,ThereisjustoverRs200hereBabaJi.BabaJi fellsilentforawhile. Hethensaid,GotothelargehutwhereSriGuruGranthSahibJiisenthroned.Thereisaclothbag uponthefloorwithwhichtowipeourfeetbeforeonesitsbehindtheSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Lookinthatbagandseeifthereisanymoneyinit.JustbeforeIgotuptofetchthemoney,BabaJi askedme,Onlybringtheexactamountthatweneedandnomore.Ireplied,Yessirandwent intothehut.IbowedbeforeSriGuruGranthSahibJiandlookedinthebagasdirected. Muchtomyamazement,therewereseveralhundredrupeenotesinit.So,ItookRs1100,returned toBabaJi,andtoldhimthattherewasstillalotofmoneyinthebag.BabaJisaid,Thisisthe hiddentreasure. Donottouchitasitisthereforwhenwereallyneedit.Hetheninstructedmetogoandhandover themoneytoSSadhuSinghandaskhimtosendthetruckstraighttothegurdwara.Asinstructed, IwenttoGardhiwalaandpaidS.SadhuSinghasrequestedbyBabaJi.IcamebacktoBabaJiand bothofussattogethertoreciteRehras.AftersukhasanofSatGuru,hesatuponthebedlaidin frontofthehutandmeanwhileaskedmetobringBhaiVirSinghsbookKalgidharChamatkarthat heusedtolistentodaily.Iwentindoorswithalanternandmusedaboutlookingatthebagagain withthehiddentreasuretoseehowmuchmoremoneywasinit?Ikneltbythebag,puttingthe lanternbesidemetolookbutfoundthatthebagwasempty!Seeingitempty,mymindwasfilled withremorse,thinkingthatBabaJispecificallyaskedmenottotouchthehiddentreasure.Itwas meantfortimesofneedandIhadmadeamistake.Anyhow,Itookthebookoutsideandfilled withrepentancetoldBabaJithatoutofcuriosityIlookedinthebagtoseehowmuchmoneywas initandfoundthatitwasempty. Repentingmymistake,IclutchedBabaJisfeetandcriedbeggingforforgiveness.BabaJi affectionatelyreassuredmeandsaid,SevaSinghdonotmakeamistakelikethisinthefuture. ThisisthetrueGurushiddentreasure.WhenthereisneedformoneyforthesangatGuruJihas instructedmetousethistreasurewhenrequired.Imakenodistinctionbetweenyouorme,which iswhyIaskedyoutofetchthemoneythistime.Whathashappenedhaspast,sononeedto repentoveritnow. WhydontyoureadusastoryfromthelifeofGuruGobindSinghJi,tellingushowheguidedthe mortalsoftheDarkAge.Ibegantoreadthebookandreadthreechapterswithsuchdeep pleasure,asIhadneverexperiencedbefore.IcontinuedtoreadwithdevotionwhilstBabaJi listenedintentlyuntilunbeknowntousitwasnearly11pmatnight.

So,inthiswaywhenevertherewasashortfallincashrequiredfortheserviceofthesangat,Baba Jiwouldusethemoneyfromthehiddentreasure.FromthedayconstructionoftheGurdwara startednohindranceinitsbuildingworkoccurred.ItcontinueduninterruptedunlessBabaJis specificallyaskedworktostop.Ahall60x40feetwasreadywithaseparate12x12roomupstairs inwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJiwaslaidtorestatnightwascompletedwithintwoyears.The mainhallthatGuruJipointedtowastheplacewhereancientSaintsusedtomeditate.A10foot wideverandasurroundingthehallwaserectedsoonaftertoshelterthecongregationfromrainor sunandtoaccommodateextrasangatonspecialoccasions.Soonafterthecompletionofthe gurdwara,eightroomsof15x20toaccommodatesangatovernightwerebuilttoo.Atthe completionofthegurdwara,BabaJisentoutinvitationstothecongregationrequestingthemto attendanAkhandpathheldtothankAlmightyWaheguruforhisdivineguidance. BabaJiprayedandthankedtheLordthat Hewhosetaskitwas Hashimselfaccomplishedit Whatcanameremando? jiskaakaarujthinheekeeaamaanuskiaavaechaaraaraam (Suhi5thGurupage784) SincereandheartfeltthanksweregiventoGuruJibythesangatforhavingoverseenthe completionofthewholebuildingwithoutanyobstacles.InthefuturewhateverserviceAlmighty LordyouwishtoderiveinpreachingSikhdharmafromthisplacepleaseguideusaccordingtoyour will.Suchplacesarebeneficialonlyifgurmatistaughtandthesangatcanavailitselfofthisnoble benefittherebysecuringspiritualwealthforthisworldandthehereafter.Thistasktoocanonlybe completedwithyourguidanceOLord.

48ONLYTHEDESTINEDAREORDEREDTOSERVE Theconstructionofthegurdwarawasprogressingandwithnomeansoftransportbeingavailable, thestockofbricksonceranlow.Thebuildingworkwouldhavegroundtoahaltthenextdayif newsupplieswerenotbroughtfromthebrickfactoryimmediately.Themasonsandbricklayers wouldbeleftstanding.Attheendoftheday,thebricklayerswarnedBabaJithattheshortageof brickswouldbringworktoahalt.Thestockofbricksrequiredreplenishingassoonaspossible. BabaJirepliedtothemasonsWewilltrytogetmorebricks;itistheGurusworkthatisbeing carriedsohewillinspiresomeonetodothisservice. Asusual,BabaJiwentforhiseveningwalkafterthelabourershadgonehome.Onthisdayinstead ofwalkingtowardsTalwandivillageBabaJisaid,Today,wewillwalktoS.BawaSinghshouse.If wemeethimorhissonsonthewaytohishouse,wellaskthemtoparticipateintheeffortto buildtheGurdwarabyfetchingthebricksfromthebrickkiln.Thiswaywewillaccomplishtwo tasks. BabaJiandacoupleofothersincludingmyselfarrivedatS.BawaSinghshousewhilstreciting prayersonthewaythere.SBawaSinghJiwasnthome.However,hissonDayaSinghwasplanting onionsinaneighbouringfield.AftercompletingChaupaiSahib,BabaJiwalkedoverandgreeted himwithaGurFateh.HewasthesecondeldestsonofSBawaSinghandignorantaboutgurmat. Hegaveprioritytoworldlydutiesandwoulddoserviceofthesangatonlyifhecouldfititintohis dailyschedule.HehadaruggedfarmerstemperamentandrespondedhalfheartedlytoBabaJis greeting,askinghimthereasonforhisvisit.BabaJireplied,DayaSingh!Youknowthat constructionoftheGurdwaraisinprogressandthebrickshaveallbutrunout.Ifnewbricksare notbroughtbytomorrowthen,workwillcometoastandstillandthelabourerswillsitidle.Ifyou couldobligemebymakingonetriptofetchthebricksthenworkcancontinueuninterruptedand youwillbeabletocarryoutserviceoftheGreatGuru. AfterlisteningtoBabaJi,DayaSinghspoke,Asyoucansee,Iambusyplantingonions.HowcanI abandonthisjobtogoandfetchthebricks?Youknowthatafarmerneverleaveshistasks unfinished.IamabletogotomorroweveningafterIhaveplantedtheseonionsandnotbefore. BabaJisaid,Iamalsoafarmer,whichiswhyIamaskingyoutogotodayastheonionscanbe plantedtomorrowwithoutanyharmtothem.Iwouldnothaveaskedyoutogoifitwasnotto yourbenefit.DayaSinghheardBabaJioutbutrepeatedhisviewthathecouldonlygooncehis jobwascomplete.BabaJireplied,DayaSinghitisyourchoice.Youcouldeasilyhavecarriedout bothtasksoffetchingthebricksandplantingyouronionswithoutloss.Sayingthis,BabaJibid farewellandweallreturnedtotheGurdwara. Ontheway,backBabaJitoldus,Seehowwithoutthecorrectdestinyahumancannotevencarry outseva.IfDayaSinghhadagreedtothishewouldhaveearnedgreatblessingsfromtheAlmighty andmanagedtoplanthisonions.Hedoesnotknowiftheonionswillthriveornotbuthecertainly haslostanopportunemomenttodoseva.Alas,itisdestiny.WhomeverAlmightyLordwishesto grantservicewillbeinspiredtocarryitout.Onecanserveonlyifdestinedtodosobecause Hewhohasgooddestinymarkedontheforehead HealonecarriesoutserviceoftheLord jaakaimastakbhaagsesayvaalaaiaa. (Asa3rdGuru,page45)

ServiceoftheGurushouseisamostvaluablecommodityobtainedbyWaheguruJisblessing ThatpersonaloneisattachedtoLordsservice WhomtheLordhimselfblesses jisharsayvaalaaaysoeejanlaagai. (Maru4thGuru,page1070) BabaJicontinuedtellingusaboutthevirtuesofselflessserviceoftheGuruandthatweshould participateaccordingtoonesabilityintheserviceoftheGuru.Aftercompletingonesdailywork, weshouldspendasmuchtimeaspossibleintheserviceoftheGurusothatthisbodyisputto spiritualuseaswell.Inthismanner,weattracttheblessingsofourGuruandofpeoplewehelp thatarelessfortunatethanus.SometimestheAlmightycausessituationstoarisewhereonehas toleaveasidefamilydutiesinserviceofothers.Thefortunateonewhotakessuchanopportunity ofselflessservicenotonlygainstheLordsfavourbuthisworldlyaffairssuffernohindrance.The GreatGurucompensatesanylossesmanytimesover.InobtainingtheGurusfavour,many obstaclesinoneslifeareobliterated.SuchserviceGuruJiappreciatesasGurbanistates Profitableisthatservicetocarryout WhichappeasestheGurusmind ByappeasingtheGurusmind Allevilsinsanddeedsareredeemed saasayvaakeeteesafalhaijitsatgurkaamanmannay. jaasatgurkaamanmaniaataapaapkasamalbhannay. (VaarGauri3rdGuru,page314) ListeningtothesewordsofBabaJi,wearrivedbackatthegurdwara.Asperourroutine,weall washedourfaces,handsandfeet.Sittingtogether,wetookturnstoreciteRehras.SriGuruGranth SahibJiwaslaidtorest(sukhasan)followingwhichwehadlangarandsatdowntolistentostories fromSikhhistory.WeretiredtobedandawokethenextdaybeforedawntoinstallSriGuru GranthSahibJiwhenBabaJiexplainedtheedictoftheday(hukamnama).Whilsthewas explaining,adevoteefromGondpurarrivedwithhisbrandnewtruck.HebowedinfrontofGuruJi, satdownandlistenedtotheongoingdiscourse.Attheendofthesession,thepersoninquestion askedBabaJi,BabaJi,theAlmightyhasblessedmewithanewtruckandbeforestartinganyjobI wishtousethetrucktopartakeinsomeserviceoftheGurdwarasothatmybusinesswillbe blessedbytheGuru.AstheconstructionoftheGurdwaraisongoing,withyourpermission,canI bringacoupleofloadsofsand?Ifthereisanyotherservicerequiredpraytellmenow. BabaJiheardthegentlemansrequestandbowedinthankstoGuruJi.Theycameoutsidewhere everyonehadlangartogether.BabaJiaddressedthedevotee,Wehaveplentyofsandbutifyou couldbringacoupleofloadsofbrickswewouldbemostgrateful.Thepersoninquestion promptlybroughttwoloadsofbricksbymiddaybeforeworkcouldcometoahalt.Beforeleaving, thedevoteepetitionedBabaJihumblytosendforhimagainifanymoreloadsweretobecarried fortheconstructionwork. BabaJithankedGodAlmightyandsaid,GreatGuruhasonlymadepretencethroughme.All worriesfortheconstructionofthegurdwarahecarriesonhisownshoulders.Hehimselfarranges allthedeeds.

S.DayaSinghhadbynowplantedhisonionswiththehelpofhisfamily.AsisGodswillthenext daytherewasheavyrainfall.Allwaterfromthenearbyroadwashedoff,drainedintothefield, andpooledaroundthenewlyplantedonions.Whilstsomeoftheonionplantshadalreadybeen washedawayonthefirstdayofheavyrain,theremainingonionsstartedtorotinthestanding water. AfewdaysafterthisS.DayaSinghrepentedhisfollyandcametoseeBabaJi.Admittinghis mistake,heconfessed,BabaJiIdidnotlistentoyourhumblerequest.TheveryonionsIwasbusy plantingwereeitherwashedawayorarerotting.Ifthereisanyservice,tellmenow?BabaJi replied,Wheneverthereisanysevatobecarriedout,thesangatandyouaretheonesthatwill doit.Wewilldefinitelytellyouifsuchanopportunityarises.AftersittingawhilewithBabaJi,S DayaSinghleft.Oneshouldalsolearnfromthisincident.Itisbeneficialtoheedtheadviceof thoseblessedoneswhohavesacrificedeverythingatthefeetoftheGuru.Weshouldlistento theirwordsevenifwefeelwewilllosefinanciallyorotherwise.Bylisteningtoablessedbeingand actingupontheirwords,weattracttheirblessings.TheblessingthatisladenwiththeGurus favouristheonlygraceworthobtaining.Thisisrealmeditationandwilltransformourpresent worldandthehereafter.ThisboonisobtainedonlyifweheedthewordsofGuruAmarDasJi that Astheelephantoffersitsheadtothegoad Astheanviloffersitselftothehammer So,placeyoursoulandbody BeforetheGuruandeverbereadytoservehim InthiswaytheGuruwardeffaceshisegoand Gainssovereigntyofthewholeworld hasteesirjioankashaiahranjiosirdayay. mantanaagairaakhkaioobheesayvkarayi. iogurmukhaapnivaareeaisabhraajsarisatkaalayay. (SalokMohalla3rdGuru,page647) Furthermore,servicecarriedoutattheLordsbehestatatimeofneedfaroutweighsservicedone atourwhim.Suchserviceinatimeofneedismuchmorevaluableandbestoweduponthosewith goodfortune NanakwhentheLordcastshisgraciousglance,thenalonedoesmanunderstandshiswill naanakgurmukhbujheeaijaaaapaynadarkarayi.||1|| (Page648) WhenWahegurublessesthosewithgoodfortune,theyobtaindeepinsight.Wepraythatthe AlmightyLordblessesustoo,sothatwemaycarryoutservicethatisinhiscommandandpleases him.Onlythenwillwederivefullbenefitfromthishumanlife Inthisworld,performtheLordsservice Thenyoushallobtainaseatinheaven Thus,youwillswingyourarmsindelight vichduneeaasayvkamaaeeai. taadargehbaisanpaaeeai. kahonaanakbaahludaaeeai. (Sriraag1stGuru,page26)

49ABANDONINGWICKEDDEEDSISTHEREALSERVICE AfewdayslaterS.DayaSinghvisitedBabaJiagaintoaskiftherewasanysevatobeperformed. BabaJitookpityonDayaSinghandreplied,DayaSingh,ifyouheedmyadvice,thenallbenefits willcomefromcarryingoutthisservice.DayaSinghthoughttohimself,Thebrickshavealready beendelivered,atmostIwillbeaskedtocarryaloadortwoofsandorcement.Whateverservice heasksofmeIwilldoit.WiththesethoughtsinhismindheagreedtoBabaJisadviceandsaid, Yes.BabaJismiledandcontinued,Thisservicehasnothingtodowithyourwetordryfieldsbut concernscultivatingtheinnerfieldofyourheartinwhichyoumustsowtheseedofGodsword (Naam).Theinnerfieldisdryandbarren.Tocultivateit,youmuststopdrinkingalcoholandafter preparationgetreadytobebaptised.Ifyouacceptthisseva,thenallcharitableserviceswillcome underthisparamountservice. DayaSinghwasdumbfoundedhearingthisnewandstrangerequest.SeeinghimsilentBabaJi questioned,Youaskedforaservice,bestrongnowandcarryitout!DayaSinghemergedfrom hissilence,Youreminence,thistypeofserviceisbestsuitedtoyou.Iamafarmers(jat)son. Drinkandjatsgotogetherhandinhand.OneisnotthesonofaJatifhedoesnotdrink.Secondly, wepeoplecannotbetiedbythevowsofbaptism.Weareusedtoalifeoffreedomandease.Day andnight,weworkinthemud,whowillbeabletolookafterthesekakaars(fiveksaresymbols wornbybaptisedSikhs)?BabaJireplied,LookhereDayaSingh.Yourotherfourbrothersare baptised.Beingyourbrotherstheirstatusasfarmershasnotchanged.Theyworkalldayinthe fieldsandstillmaintaintheirvows.Theyhavenevercomplainedthattheirsymbolsarea hindrancetotheirwork.Donotmakeexcuses;yourbenefitisinbeingbaptised.Moreover,ifyou doleavealcoholandgetbaptisedwhatbenefitdoIget?None;Iamonlytellingyouwhatisbest foryou.Secondlyyouaskedforaserviceandnowyouarerenegingonyourword. DayaSinghsaid,Iaskedforaservicelikebringingaloadofbricksorsandnottogetbaptised. BabaJireplied,Itisyourwish.Itoldyouofaservicethatisfarmorevaluableandworthwhile thantheoneaskedofyoubefore.Foryoutofollowmyadviceornot,isyourchoice. DayaSinghthought,IhadafewdaysfreeinwhichIcouldcarryafewloadsofbuildingmaterials andthusgainthefavouroftheSaint.Onthecontrary,BabaJihasaskedmetogiveupliquorand wearaswordaroundmyneck.BettermakeamovebeforeBabaJisetsanymoreconditions.With thesethoughts,DayaSinghsoughtleaveofBabaJi.AshewasleavingBabaJisaid,DayaSinghI havegreataffectionforyourfatherandfamily,whichiswhyIaskedthisserviceofyou.Ifyouhad acceptedthisadvice,itwouldhavebeenbetterforyou.Youcouldhavehonouredmywordsand doneyourselfagreatservice.Buttakeheed!Ifsomeonedoesnotchangeforthebetterat anothersbehestthennaturehasitsownwayofsubduingyouontothenoblepath.Hearing theselastwordsleftDayaSinghfeelingsomewhatashamed,andsohequicklytookhisleave.

50LIFECHANGESINTHISWAYTOO TimewentbyandDayaSinghcarriedonwithhiswaywardlifestyle.SBawaSingh,hisfatherwas fedupofhimandtriedmanytimestotalksomesenseintohisson,buttonoavail. SixtosevenmonthslateratthefestivalofDushehra(festivalcommemoratingLordRama defeatingRavan)DayaSinghdonnedhisbestclothes,tiedhisbestturbanandtankedupwith alcohol,madehiswaytonearbyGardhiwala.Asisthenatureofalcohol,itremovesallinhibitions fromthedrunkandisunabletodistinguishbetweengoodorbad,friendorfoe.Inadrunken stupor,onefeelsallpowerfulandaggressive.So,DayaSinghstartedtopickafightbyabusing passersby.Hewasofastrongandstoutbuildandstartedtoswearatothersaswell.Inthe meantime,afewpolicemenarrivedonthesceneandtriedtostopDayaSinghfrommisbehaving buttonoavail.Inhisstupor,DayaSinghfeltevenanelephantwasnobiggerthananant.He turnedonthepolicemen,swearingatthemandafightensued.Thefourorfivepolicemen removedhisloincloth,tiedhislegsandremovedhisturban.Theywentontobeathimbadly beforetyinghishands,arrestinghimandtakinghimtothelocalpolicestation.Therethey thrashedhimbeforelockinghimup. DayaSinghregainedconsciousnessandthought,IhadcometovisittheDushehrafestivalbut lookslikeIaminanotherRamLila(ironicallyanothernameforareligiousplay).Noturbanonmy headornoloincloth.Nomoneyinmypocketandmybodyisbruisedandachingallover.Inthis strangestate,hewasinwardlycursinghimself.Nooneofferedhimwaterandeveningwasclosing in.TheconstableswereallleavingfortheirhomesandDayaSinghwaitedinhopethatsomeone fromthevillagewouldsooncometohavehimreleased.DayaSinghthoughtthathisfriendswould gohome,tellhisfamilywhathadhappenedandinnotime,someonewouldarrivetosethimfree. Infact,whenhisfriendstoldSBawaSinghwhathadhappenedheabsolutelyrefusedtosetfootin apolicestationtohavehissonreleased.WhatwillIsaywhentheyaskifthisisyourson?replied SBawaSingh.Afewofthevillagerspetitionedhimtogotobailhissonout,butbeingaprincipled man,herefusedsaying,YoucanbailhimoutbutIwillnotgotoadrunkard,evenifheismyson. Hearingthesesteadfastwords,afewreputedvillageelderswenttothestationofficer.Theytold theofficeraboutS.BawaSinghsrefusaltobailouthiswaywardson.Thevillagersgave reassurancestotheofficerthatDayaSinghwouldnotcauseanyfurtherdisturbances.Thepolice officerlistenedcarefully.Hewasanintelligentpersonandunderstoodthefathershonestyand farsightedness.HeagreedtosetDayaSinghfreeashisfatherwasaprincipledmanandonthe conditionthatDayaSinghwouldstopdrinking.SotheseeldersaskedDayaSinghifhewouldgive updrinkingandhereplied,Iwillnotdrinkthisevilliquorwhichhascausedmetolosefacein societyandhadmebeatenup.FromtodayonwardsIvownevertodrinkagain.HerecalledBaba Jisfatefulwords,thatifonedoesnotreformatsomeonesbehest,naturehaswaystoreformyou ontothenoblepath.Ididnotunderstandthegravityofhiswordsthen,butnownaturehas conspiredtoturnmeontotherightpathundercompulsion.TheeldersmanagedtosecureDaya Singhsrelease,broughthimhomewithascarfonhisheadandhisunderwearbecausethepolice hadmisappropriatedallhisbelongings. Whenasked,thepolicesaidtheyhadfoundhiminthisconditionwhentheybroughthimtothe policestation.Afterafewdaysofrecovery,DayaSinghcametoseeBabaJi.Hebowedingreeting toBabaJiandsaid,Ididnotlistentoyourpropheticwords,makingexcusestoavoidhonouring yourwords.Ihaveseentheerrorofmywayandwishtogiveupdrink,whichhascostmedearly. Mynamehasbeensulliedinpublicandevenmyfatherdoesnottalktome.Ipromiseyounotto

touchitagainandamreadywhenyouare,togetbaptised.BabaJireassuredDayaSingh,You havemadearighteousandnobledecision.Ingivingupdrink,youobtainrespectinthisworldand gainfavourwithyourGuru.Healoneisarealpersonwhoadmitshismistake,repentsanddoes notmakethesamemistakeagain.Hewhomakesmistakesrepeatedlyislikeananimal.Youhave realisedyourerrorsandarereadytoputitright.MayGodAlmightyblessyouandshowerhis graceonyoualways.Startyourpreparationbychantingmoolmantarandwearingyourfive symbolsaspracticeforyourbaptism.Wewillarrangeforabaptismceremonyassoonas possible.Soonafter,DayaSinghwasbaptised.Hemaintainedhisvowsandledapious, disciplinedlife. Hewouldrecitemoolmantarconstantlyevenwhenworking.Beforestartinghiswork,hewould firstcometovisitandbowtoSriGuruGranthSahibJi. RepentanceAtDepartingGuruless AsDayaSinghrecitedmoolmantarandgurmantar,hisspiritualwealthincreased.In1993,his youngestbrotherS.CharanSinghwhowasasoldierinBSFbasedinKashmirpassedawayinthe lineofduty.Hisbodywasbroughttothevillageforcremation.Afterthecremation,I(SantSeva Singh)wentwithafewcompanionstopaymycondolences.AfterafewmournfulwordsS.Daya Singhchangedthesubjectandsaid,Asmancomestothisworld,hesurelyhastoleavetoo.Many haveleftthisworldbeforemyveryeyes.Ihavenoregretsthatmybrotherhasleftthisabode becauseoneonlylivesaslongasthegoodLordhasordained.Idoregretthatmybrotherpassed awaywithouthavingacceptedtheGuru.ManyatimeIstressedtohimtheimportanceofbeing baptisedandcomingintothefoldofthetrueGuru;Itoldhimthateventhoughyouareyounger thanme,thereisnoguaranteehowlongonehastolive.So,donotdelayamomentinaccepting yourGuru.Hemademanyanexcuseandnowhasmissedhischance.WithwhatfacecanIask Almightytoblessmybrotherandforgivehim,becausehehasnoGuru.Whowillshelterhimnow? Ifeelawfulformybrotherbecausehedepartedwithoutacceptingamrit.Whowillvouchsafehis soulnow?

51ONEMUSTBEARTHECONSEQUENCESOFOURGOODORBADDEEDS BhaiDayaSinghJitoldusaboutoneofhisvisitstoBabaJi.AfewdevoteesweresatwithBabaJi discussingvarioustopics.AstheAlmightyhadguidedBabaJitodispensedivineknowledge,hewas tellingthegathereddevotees,Onemustavoidindulginginimmoraldeeds.AsGurbaniadvisesus toavoidcertainimmoralactionsonemustactuponwhatGurbanitellsus.Weshouldfollowthe righteousactionswhichGurbanienjoinsustoaccept.Gurbanigivesuslessonstofolloweveryday. ThisiswhytheGreatGuruorderedhisSikhstoreadsevenprayersdailyasamatterofroutine. FromGurbaniweobtainanobledirectionforouractions. AsBabaJikeptstressingtherecitationofGurbanirepeatedly,BhaiDayaSinghcouldnotrestrain hisquestionanylonger.Hesaid,YouenjointhesangatrepeatedlytoreadGurbanibutareallthe peoplewhodothisanybetteroff?Somearedraggingthemselvesontheground;somecannot evenwalkwhilstothersaresurroundedbyallmanneroftroubles.BhaiDayaSinghtoldus, SayingthesewordsIhadstirredupastorminateacup.Theotherdevoteesstartedtostareatme, thinkingthatthefarmerhascreatedahottopicfordiscussion.Seeingtheirkeenfaces,Ibecame readytofurthermypointofviewtoBabaJiaswell. BabaJirepliedpatiently,DayaSinghJi,ifapersonwhoreadsGurbanihasanyphysicalailments thenitisaconsequenceofhispastactions Imputenotblameonanyone Thefaultisofyourowndeeds WhateverIdid,forthatIhavesuffered Iblamenooneelse dadaidosnadayookisaidoskarammaaaapniaa. jomaikeeaasomaipaaiaadosnadeejaiavarjanaa.||21|| (Asa1stGuru,page437) And FindnofaultwithothersOman Whatyousowthataloneyoureap Byyourdeeds,youhaveboundyourself Involvedinworldlyaffairs Thoushallcontinuecomingandgoing dosnadeejaikaahoolog. jokamaavansoeebhog. aapankaramaapayheebanDh. aavanjaavanmaaiaaDhanDh.||1|| (Ramkali5thGuru,page888) TheblamedoesnotliewithGurbani.ByreadingGurbanithedebtofbaddeedsdecreases.A believerofGurbaniacceptsphysicalailmentasrepaymentforanypasttransgressionsandfollows itasthewillofGod.Byacceptingthis,agursikhpassestheirtimeincontentmentandin remembranceofGod.IpersistedinmyquestionandagainsaidtoBabaJi,Ifapersonisbaptised andreadsGurbaniasyouguidethemandtheysinghymnsdaily,tellme,forwhatsinarethey sufferingthatcausedthemtolosetheirabilitytowalk.BabaJiasked,BhaiDayaSinghpraytell whoareyoutalkingabout.Ireplied,IamtalkingofSantokhSinghUsmanShaheed,whowas

baptisedatyourhands,readsGurbaniandsingskirtantoo.BabaJifellsilentforawhileandthen replied,DayaSinghoneshouldnotlifttheveilonanyonespast.Weareallpayingforourpast deeds.Thereisnomarginfordoubtorroomforquestioning.Thisistheeternaltruth:wereap whatwesow.YouareblamingGurbaniwithoutduecause.Canyouseehispastandbesurethat heisnotpayingforsomepasttransgressioninthislife?Ireplied,Icannot,butyoucantellus whatpastdeedhecommittedthatcausedthelossofhislegsinthislife.BabaJireplied,There wasnoneedtodiscusshispastactionsbutIamcompellednowbecausetheseotherdevotees whohavealittlefaithinGurbaniwillbecomeagnosticsifyourquestionisnotanswered satisfactorily.Ifyouwerealonethentherewouldhavebeennoneedtodiscussthisanyfurther. BabaJisfaceglowedwithzealandsaid,Nowlisten!DayaSingh,SantokhSinghisindeedrepaying forhisactionsfromapastlife.Inhislastlife,hewasahumanbeing.HewasGodfearingbutwas ofanangrytemperament.Onedayhearrivedhomeafteraharddayswork.Hehadawashandsat downtoeathisfoodservedbyhisfamily.Hehadonlytakenafewbiteswhen,hewalkedoverto thekitchentogetsomething.Hispetdogsawnooneattendingtheplateandasisadogshabit, startedtoeatthefoodonit. WhenSantokhSingharrivedbackwithwhatheneeded,hesawthedoghappilyeatinghisfood. Seeingthis,hebecamesoenragedthatheswungastickhardattheunsuspectingdog,which brokeitship.Thedoglaycryinginpainforalongwhile.Nowhewasfullofremorse,butthefitof angerhadcausedhimtooverreact.Thedogsurvivedbutduetoabrokenhip,draggedhislegs aroundfortheremainderofhislife.Itwalkedonitsfrontlegsonly.Nowifhehadtakenawhile tocheckhisangerandintrospected,thenhewouldhaverealisedthat,firstlythefoodisgoneand spoilt,itwasdestinedforthedogsconsumption.Secondly,beingangryandhittingthedogwill notbringthefoodback.Alittletimetointrospectwouldhavesavedhimfromcommittingsuchan act.Incommittingthisaction,hedidnotthinkatallandwasledbyanger.Now,ifhehastopay forhisactionsinthislife,peoplelikeyouraisequestionsaboutpastactions. EventhoughSantokhSinghcannotwalk,readingGurbaniandtheblessingoftheAlmightymeans hecopesverywellwithhisdisability.Heispassinghisdayswithfortitudeandcontentment.This stateofbeingistheboonofGurbani.IfhewerenotattachedtoGurbani,thenhewouldhave spenthistimecomplainingabouthisconditionanddirectingresentmentatGodAlmighty.Thisis whyGuruArjunDevJisays Delaynotinpracticingrighteousness Delaythouonlyincommittingsins TarnahbilambDharmaNbilambpaapaN. (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1354) Itisbettertodelaycommittingasin.Thinkovertheconsequencesofasinfulactionbeforewe commitit.Sometimes,merelydelayingtheactiondeterstheactofsinfrombeingbeing committed.DayaSinghtoldusthatasBabaJiwasnarratingthistale,everyoneshairstoodonend andnoonedaredtoraiseaquestion.Astreamofthoughtarosewithinuscompellingustoavoid committinganyimmoralacts.WewereallsattherelikestatuesandBabaJielaboratedwithmore examplesfromGurbaniinordertodispelthelastvestigesofdoubtfromourminds.Idonotknow muchGurbanibutherecitedalinefromJapJiSahib Whatonesowssoshallhereap aapaybeejaapayheekhaahu. (JapJi1stGuru,page4)

And Asonesowssoshallhereapsuchisthefieldofactions jayhaabeejaisolunaikarmaasandrhaakhayt. (Barahmaha5thGuru,page134) GuruJitellsusthatinthisworld,whateveractionswetake,goodorbad,resultinusreceivinga rewardorpunishment.ThisbodythatWaheguruhasbestoweduponusisreceivedduetoour pastactions.Somehavegoodstoutbodiesothers,uglyanddeformed.Somearebornwith disabilitiesandsomewithoutintelligence.Allthisisadirectresultofourpastactions.GuruNanak DevJisays Mortalsobtainsahumanbodyasaresultofgooddeeds ButhereachesthegateofsalvationwithGodskindgrace. kurumeeaavaikupurraanudhureemokhdhuaar (JapJi,1stGuru,page2) So,duetoourpastactionsorkarma,weareblessedwithabodyandduetoGodsgraceweobtain salvationthroughthisvessel.Ifthereisstillsomedoubtregardingpastactionsthenlistentowhat BhagatTarlochanJisays WhydoyouslandertheLord? Oerringandignorantwoman? Yourpainandpleasuresareaccordingtoyouracts OnthedoorstepsoftheAlmighty. naaraainnindaskaaaybhooleegavaaree. dukaritsukaritthaarokaramree.||1||rahaao. (DhanasariBhagatTarlochan,page695) And Oneistobeartheconsequencesofonesgoodorbaddeeds mandaachangaaapnaaaapayheekeetaapaavnaa. (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,page410) And Asarethedeeds,wecommit Soisthefruit,whichweobtain faltayvayhopaaeeaijayvayheekaarkamaaeeai. (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,page468) Soonehastobearthefruitofwhatwesowinouractionsbecause Thebodyisthefieldofactionsinthisage Whateveronesowsthat,hereaps karamDharteesareerjugantarjobovaisokhaat. (SriRaag1stGuru,page78)

Godhasgivenhumansthefreedomtocommitanyactionsbutisboundbythefruitofthese actions.So,beforeacting,alwaysponderoverthefruit.Weighupthecostsandbenefitsofyour deeds.ThiseternaltruthisilluminatedinGurbani.TherecitationofGurbanilessenstheeffectsof pastactions.Thereisnotevenaniotaofdoubtorambiguityinthat.AsGuruJisays: Dreadfuldiseasessinsofvariousmurders Thepenuryofmanybirths Andimmensemiseriesarealldestroyed BycontemplatingtheLordsname,saysNanak Justasthefirereducestoashesthepilesofwood ghordukhyaNanikhatyaNjanamdaaridaraNmahaabikhyaadN. mitantsagalsimrantharnaamnaanakjaisaypaavakkaasatbhasmaNkarot.||18|| (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page1355)

52LEAVINGIDLETHOUGHTSISBENEFICIAL S.HariSinghsonofDegarSinghofvillageGondpurwasservingintheIndianairforce.InJuly1975, hecametovisithisfamilywhilstonleave.AsistheorderofourGreatGuru,aSikhmustdonate onetenth(dasvandh)ofhisincometotheneedy,poororserviceoftheGuru.Ashehadsome moneyhethought,whynotdonatethismoneytotheGurdwarabeingbuiltatRampurKhera.His fieldswereneartheGurdwaraandwhilstroaminghisfieldhecametothegurdwarawiththe money. HemetBhaiAmarSinghandaskedifhecouldmeetBabaJipersonally.BhaiAmarSinghreplied thatBabaJihasretiredtohisroomformeditationandwillcomeoutintheafternoon.HariSingh wasdisappointedtohearthisnews.Hewasintwomindsbecausehewantedleavebeforemidday toreturntohisdutyandstillhadafewpeoplehewantedtomeet.Hismindwaswaveringand thoughhehadwishedtoseeBabaJipersonallytogivehimthedasvandh,HariSinghwasunsureif hecouldwaitsolong.Hewasthinkingofallthepeoplehehadyettomeetandpreparationsto makeforhisreturnjourney.Inthisemotionalturmoil,SHariSinghaskedBhaiAmarSinghtoknock onBabaJisdoorsothathecouldmeethimbriefly.BhaiAmarSinghreplied,Nomatterhow importantthejobis,Ihavebeeninstructednottodisturbhisdailyroutineofmeditationand neitherdoeshecomeoutuntilhehascompletedit.Soitwouldbebetterifyouhadsomelangar andwaitedacoupleofhoursorreturnlaterintheday.SHariSinghwishedGurFatehoutside BabaJisroomandwentouttowardsthefieldswhereBhaiSurJitSinghwasploughingthefields. HetoldhimofhisdesiretoseeBabaJibutcouldnotwaitthatlongashehadonlyonedayleftof hisleave. BhaiSurjitSinghsaid,WecannotinterruptBabaJismeditation.Hemaybedeeplymeditating;we shouldnotdisturbhimasitdisruptshismeditation. Hearingthis,SHariSinghwasinaquandarytostayornot.Hestartedbacktowardsthegurdwara. Ontheonehand,hethoughtthatBabaJiknowsandunderstandsmyposition.Ihopeheopens thedoorsothatIcanseehimandgivehimthemoney.Withthesethoughts,hecameandsatin theverandaaroundtheGurdwara.SuddenlythedoorofBabaJishutwasheardopening;BabaJi cameoutofthehutandlookedaroundforafewmoments.SHariSinghrusheduptoBabaJi,said GurFatehandhandedhimthemoneyfordasvandh.BabaJitookthemoneyandstoodinthe sameplacetoperformArdastotheAlmighty,hethentookSHariSinghintothehutandsaid, LookSHariSinghJi.Wewereblessedandinadeepstateofmeditation.Butsinceyouarrived withthoughtsofhandingdasvandhpersonallytome,yourworriesaboutgoingbackhomeina hurrycreatedvibrationsthatinterferedwithmymeditation.Evenbytryinghardtoconcentrate,I wasunabletoattachmyselftoadeepstateofconnectionbecauseyourworriedstateofmindwas disruptingmymind.Asaresult,Ihadtostopmeditationandopenthedoor.Ifwejustthinkalittle thatthemoneyfordasvandhbelongstotheGuruandifyouconsiderGuruJitobeallknowing, youcouldhaveputthemoneyinthegolak(moneycollectionbox)infrontofSriGuruGranth SahibJi.TheGreatGuruwouldhaveacceptedyourdasvandh,asheknowsallourdeepestdesires andlongings.ThemoneyinthegolakbelongstoGuruJisoyoucouldhavegivenitdirecttothe Almightyandavoidedallthementalanguishanduncertainty.Asaresult,youranguishwouldhave beendispelledandmymeditationwouldnothavebeendisruptedeither.Moreover,yourdesireto seemepersonallyshouldbesupersededbyyourdesiretomeetSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Ifonegetsanopportunitytomeetagursikhthenconsiderittobeourgoodfortuneasthe

Khalsaismyparticularimage Iresideamongstthepure (10thGuruSarabLohGranth) So,ifwehavehadaglimpseoftheGuruwehavehadaglimpseoftheKhalsa.Further,ifyouvisit theGurushouse,abandonthoughtsofhasteandworrybecauseblissandhastedonotgo together.Wherethereisworry,anguishandhaste,therecanneverbebliss.Whatevertimewe areblessedinthecompanyofSatGuruJi,weshouldabandonourthoughts,worldlywork,leaving behindallworriesandmentalturmoiloutside.Inthismanner,greaterbenefitisobtainedwhen wevisitGuruJi.Lastly,oneshouldnottestanothersspiritualandtelepathicabilitiesthinkingthat ifheisallknowinghewillanswerthedooretc.Thisisnotanoblethought.IfGodchoosestobless apersonwithtelepathicabilityornot,itisnotameasureoftheirspiritualachievement;Theseare allgiftsbestowedbyGuruJi.Thedutyofagursikhistomeditatedevotedlyonnaamandleavethe Gurutoblessuswiththeseabilitiesashewillsit. HariSinghJi,whathashappenedhashappened.Ihavebeengiventheaudienceofagursikhlike you.Inthefuture,bemindfuloftheseminorpoints.Thoughtheseappeartobeinsignificant points,theycarrygreatsignificance,spiritually.BhaiHariSinghJihonouredBabaJiswordsby takingthemtohisheartandaskedforforgiveness.

53WEREAPWHATWESOW,SUCHISTHEFIELDOFACTION BabaJihadadevoteewholivednearJalandhar.HewasGodlovingandreligiouslymindedbutwas nonethelesseasilymisledbymaterialisticthoughts.Thatpersonarrangedhisdaughtersmarriage toarichbutmaterialisticfamily.Thedayfortheweddingwasfixed.Thegiftsanddowrytobe exchangedhadbeenagreed.Finally,themenuforlunchwasdiscussed.Thegroomsfamily insistedonhavingliquorandmeatattheweddinglunch.ThisdevoteeofBabaJiraisedsome oppositiontothisdemandbuthesitated,thinkingthatifheweretoflatlydenythisdemandthen thegroomsfamilymaybreakofftheengagement.Influencedbyhissoontoberelatives,he agreedtoservemeatandliquoratthelunch.Theweddingdaydrewcloser.Thefamilycameto deliveraninvitationtoBabaJiandrequestedBabaJitoattendtheweddingceremonyandbless thecouple. BabaJiaskedthemwheretheyhadarrangedtheirdaughtersmarriage.HetoldBabaJiaboutthe familywherehisdaughterwastobemarriedandletslipthatmeatandliquorwouldbeserved becausethegroomsfamilyinsisteduponit.BabaJilistenedpatientlytothedevoteesadmission andsigheddeeply.Hesaid,Omygoodman,tostifleyourownconscienceundertheinfluenceof yourrelatives,showingyourbacktotheGurusprinciplesanddoingthatwhichisimmoralreflects badlyuponyou.Indoingso,whatdowehopetogaininattractingtheGurusdispleasure.Our wiseancestorsconsideredmarryingourdaughtersoffasagreatandpiousactofcharity.Onone hand,youaretoperformapiousactandontheothermanyinnocentanimalsaretobe slaughteredforthetransientpleasureofourtastebuds.SaysBhagatKabirJi: Kabirtouseforceistyrannical AndtheLordshallcallyoutoaccount. WhenthyaccountisproducedfromtheLordsoffice, Thoushaltsufferstrokesonthyfaceandmouth kabeerjorkeeaasojulamhailayayjabaabkhudaaay. daftarlaykhaaneeksaimaarmuhaimuhikhaaay.||200|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1375) Afterthewedding,yourdaughterwillgotohernewhousebutwhowillshoulderthesinof slaughteringsomanyanimals?Remember,youwillhavetocarrythisburdenofsinandrepaythe debtinthisandthenextlife.Ifyourdaughterisdestinedtobemarriedintothathouseholdthen shewillmarryintothatfamilywithoutanydoubt.Byofferingmeatandliquorisnotgoingto cementherrelationswiththatfamilyanymorestronglythantheyarealreadydestined.Neither willhermarriagetothatfamilydeteriorateifyoudonotoffermeatanddrink.Ifyou,asabaptised Sikh,falterinyourvowslikethis,thenwhathopeistherefortherestofthepeople?Agursikh shouldnotabandononesvowsorprinciples.Hewhoabandonshisprinciplesispushedaroundin thisworldandpushedoutofGodsabodeinthehereafter.If,asagursikh,youbehaveinsucha way,withwhatfacecanyouorItellotherstoabstainfromliquorormeat.Onlytheonewho practicesmoralprinciplescanpreachtoothers.He,whodoesnotpracticewhathepreachesand isthusahypocrite,isnotacceptedintheGurushouse.Thereisstilltimetorethinkyourdecision andchangeyourmind.RemembertheGuruswords: Theywhohaveonethingintheirheart Andanotherontheirfalseareaccountedasfalse jinHmanhormukhhorsekaaNdhaykachiaa.||1|| (AsaBhagatFaridJi,page488)

ThedevoteelisteneddespondentlyandwithasenseofshamebutstillaskedBabaJitoattendthe wedding.BabaJirepliedthataweddingwheresomanyanimalsweretobekilledforpleasureof thepalateandwheretheGurusprincipleswereabandonedinfavourofpublicapprovalwouldbe difficulttoattend. Thatdevoteesatawhileandthenleftforhisabode.Theweddingpartyarrivedontheappointed day.Ononeside,theweddingwasbeingconductedinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi andontheother,ashortdistanceaway;lambswereawaitingtheirdeathinordertoprovide pleasurefortheguestspalates.Thissurrealprogramme,ofjoymixedwithsorrow,finishedat noon.Theguestsdrankandate,returningtotheirhomesinadrunkenstupor.Nextthebrides relativeshadtheirturntofinishofftheremainingalcoholandmeat.Withdrunkenpeoplefalling allovertheplace,itwasamusing,inthatnooneneededabedforthenighttosleepin. Anyhow,thegirlwenttoherinlawsandafewdayslatertheSardarJiwasonhiswayinto Jalandharridinghisscooterwhenhehadanaccidentandbrokehiship.WrithinginpainSardarJi wastransportedbycartoalocalhospital.Thedoctorstherecouldnottreathimandadvisedthat hebetakentoabiggerhospitalwithanexperiencedsurgeon.Herequiredmajorsurgery,which involvedreplacinghishipwithasteelprostheticimplant.Thefamilymembersaskedthedoctors torelievehispainuntilhecouldbetakentoanotherhospital.Thedoctorsattachedaweightto SardarJisfootandlaidhimtorest.Fiveorsixdayswerespentcryingwithexcruciatingpain.Only heknewhowpainfulthefracturewasbutanyvisitorswhocameheardhisbloodcurdlingcriesof pain.ContrarytotheadviceofthedoctorsthefamilybroughtSardarJihomeandaskedalocal quacktofixhisfracturedhipinsteadoftakinghimtothespecialisthospital. Forthreemonths,hewasunabletomoveandbeingbedriddenhadtorelievehimselfwhilston thebed.Hewasutterlydependentonotherstohelphim.Bythefourthmonth,hewaswell enoughtositonthebed.WhoevervisitedhimduringthesedayswouldbetoldbySardarJithathe hadbeenpunishedforkillingthosespeechlessanimals.ToappeasemydaughtersinlawsI orderedthekillingoftheseanimalsandinreturn,Ihavebeenpunishedandmustendurethis extremesufferingandpain.Intheearlydaysofhisrecovery,hehadsentwordtoBabaJitocome andvisithim.HesentamessageapologisingtoBabaJifornotlisteningtohisadvice.Asisthe gentle,forgivingnatureofSaints,BabaJidecidedtovisitSardarJi.BabaJisatmebesidehiminthe car.Assoonaswearrived,thedevoteestartedcryinginconsolably,repentinghismistakeand beggedforgiveness.Heconfessed,IabandonedmyGurusprinciplesundertheinfluenceofmy newfoundrelatives.PleaseforgivemeBabaJi.BabaJireplied,SardarJiyouaremistakentoask formyforgiveness,itistheAlmightywhoforgives.Prayforhisforgivenessandrepentyour mistakeinfrontofhimalone.Ionlypetitionedyoutakeaparticularactionwhichyouignored.Are thosepeoplenowsharingyourpainforwhosesakeyouearnedandtookuponsuchasin?They mademerry,ateanddrank,thenvanishedofftotheirhomes.Youhowevermustcarrytheburden ofsin.Theyonlycametoenquireaboutyourhealthonceortwice.Thepainyousufferedisbuta partialpaymentforyoursin,thereismoreyettorepaybecauseGurbanisays Inthisagewhatonedoeswiththishand Receivesthesamewiththeotherhand Noneisapprehendedinplaceofanother ahkarkaraysoahkarpaaaykoeenapakrheeaikisaithaaay. (AsaMohalla5thGuru,page406)

Whateverdeedsyouhaveperformedorarecarriedoutatyourcommand,youalonewillhaveto answerforthem.Nooneelsecanrepayyourdebtorsufferforyoursins.TheLordisbeneficent andforgiving.Infrontofhisgrace,thesesinsarewashedawaylikestrawinafloodofwater.Bhai VirSinghJihasmentionedabeautifulanecdoteinhispoemNecklaceofwavesthattime,which haselapsed,cannotberecalled.Thepresenttimecannotbeutilisedbyrepentingoursinfuldeeds inremorse.TrytoaskourfriendtheAlmightyWahegurutoforgiveourtrespass.Inthefuture,try toavoidmakingmistakesbyactingupontheGurusadvice.FornearlyayearSardarJiwasleft bedriddenandeventoday,helimpsononelegwhenwalking.TothisdaySardarJiguidespeople bygivingthemthebenefitoflearningfromhisexperience,tellingthemofhistraumatic experience.Wemustforeverbevigilantinourlivesbecausesituationscanarisewhenwestifle ourmoralintellect,ignoringtheguidanceofGurbanianddoingsomethingsinful.Insodoing,we sufferagonyinthislife,paininthehereafterandendureseparationfromourLordWaheguru. GreatGuruJihasalertedustostayvigilantfromdeedsthatareimmoral Donotcommitsuchadeed Forwhichyoumayhavetorepentintheend aisaakunmmoolaenkeechaijithanthpushothaaeeai (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page918) So,GuruAmarDasJitellsusnottocommitanyactthatonewillrepentlaterbecause Wewillreapwhateverwesowinthisworldandthenext. Manhimselfobtainsthefruitofbadandgooddeeds Onemayissueonesheartdesiredcommandshere Butheshallproceedbythenarrowroadhereafter mandaachangaaapnaaaapayheekeetaapaavnaa. hukamkeeaymanbhaavdayraahibheerhaiagaijaavnaa. (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,page470) And Asarethedeeds,wedo Soisthefruitthatweobtain faltayvayhopaaeeaijayvayheekaarkamaaeeai. (AsaadiVaar1stGurupage468) And Everyonehastoreapthefruitofhisownactions Andadjusthisaccounts keetaaaapoaapnaaaapayheelaykhaasandheeai. (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,p473) Justasthefarmersowsaseedinhisfield,hecanexpecttoharvestwhateverhehassown.Itisa fallacythatmansowsonetypeoffruitandexpectstoharvestsomethingelse: Faridthefarmerplantsathornytree AnddesiresthegrapesofBijour Hegoesaboutspinningwool

Buthewishestowearsilk fareedaalorhaidaakhbijureeaaNkikarbeejaijat. handhaiunnkataaidaapaiDhaalorhaipat.||23|| (SalokBhagatFaridJi,page1379) BhagatFaridJigivesusabeautifulexample.Asafarmerwishestoharvestthefinestgrapesbutin factplantstheseedforanacaciatree,itcannevercometopassthatthefarmerwillharvest grapesinfacthewillgetbitterpodsandthornsfromtheacaciatree.Similarly,onecannotexpect togetsilkbyweavingwithwool.So,onesactionswilldeterminewhatweearn.GuruNanakDevJi tellsusclearlythat Asyousow,soshallyoureap jayhaabeejaisolunaimathaijolikhiaas. (Barahmaha5thGuru,page134) Beforetakinganyaction,anythoughtoranywordspoken,weshouldverifythatitagreeswiththe righteouspathlaidbyourGurus.IfitfitswiththepathilluminatedbyGurbanithenitis worthwhileproceedingwiththeaction: LeadingalifeaccordingtotheedictsofGurbaniisblissful Healoneisthetruedisciple,friend Kinsmanandbrother,whowalksinGuruswill Hewhowalksaccordingtohisownwill ObrotherisseparatedfromtheLordandbearsblows sosikhsakhaabanDhaphaibhaaeejegurkaybhaanayvichaavai. aapnaibhaanaijochalaibhaaeevichhurhchotaakhaavai. (Sorath3rdGuru,page601)

54ONEGETSTHEFRUITSOFTHECOMPANYWEKEEP Around1970aladybythenameofJoginderKaurcametoBabaJi.TheladyappealedtoBabaJi, MyparentsvillageinRamtatwalinearDholwahainHoshiarpurandmyinlawsarefromthe nearbyvillageofGondpur.Ihaveayoungerbrotherwhoisdisabled.Hecannothearorspeak properlyorcommunicatehisneedstoothers.Hislegsarecrookedandheisunabletowalk properlyduetopainsinhislegs.Heisalsomentallysubnormal.WhenIwasathome,Iwouldlook afterhim.Mymotherismentallyretardedandjustaboutmanagestolookafterherself.Another youngerbrotherofmineShankarSinghhasabusinessinLudhianasocannotvisitoften.Anyhow,a simpletonlikemybrotherwouldnotsurviveinthecity.SecondlyBabaJi,thewholeworld,beit yourbrother,sisterorrelatives,onlytolerateyouwheninneed.Aftermanydaysofdeliberating,I havecometoappealatyourfeet.Ifyougivepermission,mayIbringhimtostayhereatthe Gurdwara?Atleasthere,hewillgetadecentmeal.Iwillcometovisiteveryfewdaystocheckon him. BabaJienquired,Howoldisyourbrotherandwhatishisname?JoginderKaurreplied,BabaJi heisabout40yearsold.WecallhimbythenameofSadhu. BabaJiremarkedtotheladyYouhavegivenhimaverynicename.Moreover,BibiJitheGurus homeisarefugeforthehomeless,havenofstrengthforthepowerlessandhonourisobtainedby thedishonoured.IfonedoesnotgetshelterintheGurushouse,whereelsewillonegetrefuge? Bringhimherewithouthesitationandwewilllookafterhimasmuchaswecan. HearingtheseencouragingwordsfromBabaJi,JoginderKaurwentbacktoherparentshouse, broughtSadhuSinghonamulecarttotheGurdwara.SeeingSadhuSinghwalkingupaidedby othersBabaJisaid,Soyouvecometostaymygoodman?BabaJifedhimlangarandgavehim somethingtodrink.WhenSadhuSinghhadeatenabout8chapattisanattendant,BhaiAmarSingh, whoservedlangaraskedBabaJi,Thisselfabsorbedpersongoesoneatingandeating.Hekeeps onwolfingdownallthatIservehim.Iamworriedthathewillfallill.BabaJismiled,Itdoesnt matter.Keepfeedinghimifhewantsmore.IfhishungercannotbesatisfiedintheGurushouse, whereelsecanhishungerbesatiated?Thistimemakesurehegetstoeathisfill,whatever happenslaterwellseetoit.BhaiSadhuSinghateanotherfourorfivechapattisfinallyraisinghis handsinappreciationandwasverypleased. Hissistersatalittlewhilelongerandthenleftforhervillage.EverydaywhenBabaJiwouldrecite hisSukhmaniSahibafterNitnemhewouldsendaSinghtofetchSadhuSingh.BabaJiwouldseat SadhuSinghbesidehimselfwhilstBabaJireadtheprayers.SadhuSinghwouldremainseatedthe wholetimewhetherheheardtheprayersornot.Afterafewdays,BabaJigavehimarosaryofhis ownandshowedhimhowtocountit.HethenturnedtoSadhuandsaidaloudinhisear,Keep sayingWaheguru,Waheguruallthewhilethatyouaresatwithme.BabaJishowedSadhuSingh howtoprogressonebeadafteranotherwhenhesaidWaheguru.BabaJithenasked,Didyou understandwhatItoldyou?Hethensaid,Wellok,nowshowmehowyouaregoingtosay Waheguru.BhaiSadhuprogressedthroughthewholerosarysayingWarduWardubecausehe wasdebilitatedinspeech.BabaJiwasverypleasedtohearSadhuSinghsWardu,Wardueffort atsimranandagainsaidinhisear,GoonrepeatingWahegurualldayonyourrosary.Relaxinga bitBabaJisaid,Nowthematterisresolved. Inafewmonths,BhaiSadhuSinghsappetitewasstableandhestartedtowalkunaidedonhis own.Hisdeafnessimproved,hisspeechwasbecomingclearerandmorerecognisable.His

pronunciationofwardunowsoundedclosertoWaheguruonlywithalittlelispinit.Whenever hegottime,hewouldeitherstartsweepingthefloorsorstartweedingthefieldswithahoe.Such wasthegraceoftheGuruthatinaboutsixmonthshewasstrongasanyothermanandwasable todigwithaspade.HewouldevenrepairanybedsorcotsintheGurdwara.Whilstworkinghe wouldcontinuetoreciteWaheguru,Waheguru.Hewouldhearnogossipthroughhisear.He carriedonwithselflessservicewithhishandsandconstantlyrepeatedWaheguruwithhistongue. Soengrosseddidhebecomeinthissimranandsevathatafterhismorningmealhewouldpickup hisspade,hoeandshearsandcontinuouslytendthefieldssurroundingtheGurdwara.Ifhegot hungry,hewouldcomeandeat,otherwisehewouldcarryonworkingwhilstcontinuouslyreciting Wahegurugurmantar.HewouldsitmorningandeveningwhenNitnemwasrecitedwhetherhe couldhearitornot.Inthesecondyear,BabaJisawtheserviceSadhuhadbeencarryingoutand waspleasedwithhisprogress.Asaresult,hearrangedforpanjpyarastobaptiseSadhuwhohad soonbecameSadhuSingh.SadhuSinghwhowaswithoutrefuge,aftertakingtheshelterofthe GuruobtainedthedualbountyofSevaandsimran,thusbecomingindependent;Somuchso,he wasnowapositivehelptoothersthroughhisendeavoursofselflessservice.Hewouldtendtoand plantvegetablesthatwouldbeusedregularlyinthelangar.Infact,hewouldmakesurethat seasonalvegetableswereconstantlyavailableforlangar.Furthermore,hisconstantrecitationof Waheguruafterhisbaptismwassoprofoundthatevenwhenhewasdeepinsleephisvoicecould beheardsayingWaheguru!Waheguru! Manyatime,wequietlystoodbesidehisbedandlistenedtohissimranwhilsthewassleepforup to1520minutes.HewouldretiretobedwithhisrosaryandwhilstchantingWaheguru,wouldfall asleepbuthewouldcontinuetoreciteWaheguruasheslept.Weallreportedthishabitof chantinginhissleeptoBabaJi,whoalsowitnessedSadhuSinghrecitingWaheguruinhissleep. ThenBabaJiturnedtousandsaid,Thisisthefruitoftruly,devotionallyandselflesslyattaching oneselftotheLordsfeet.Thisisbecausehedoeshissimranalldaywhilstperformingseva withouttakinganyrewardsinreturn.Morningandevening,hetriestolistentoNitnem.He neitherlistenstogossipthroughhisearsnorslandersanyonebyneedlesslytalkingtoanyone.His simplemindedaimtorecitegurmantarhasbornefruit.Hismindisnottroubledbydoubtasto whetheroneshouldorshouldnotdosimranorwhatbenefitwillIgainfromsimran?Hewasjust toldheshouldsayWaheguru;thisiswhatisbestforyouandheaccepteditwithoutanydoubt. Thosewordsheacceptedwithoutreservation,buryingthemdeeplyinhismindandallyousee nowarethefruitsofthatlabour.WhathasGuruJihasordered: Whetherstandingsittingorsleeping MeditatethouontheLord Walkingontheway, SingthouthepraiseoftheLordmaster oothatbaithatsovatDhiaaeeai. maaragchalatharayhargaaeeai.||1|| (Asa5thGuru,page386) And TorepeatthenamesaysNanak, Iseverwhilststanding,sittingandsleeping ThevocationofGodsslave oothatbaithatsovatnaam.

kahonaanakjankaisadkaam.||6|| (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page286) Somepeopledoubtwhetheramancanrecitesimranevenwhenheisdeepinsleep.Youcansee foryourselfthathisbodyisasleepbuthistongueisrecitingsimran.Whatbetterexampledoes oneneedthantowitnessthisdeedwithyourowneyes.Ifhecarriesonasheisnowandhismind doesnotwanderorwaver,thenyoucanbesurehewillwinthegameoflife.Thebountyofsimran ofGodsnamehascuredhisailments.Hisearscanhearmuchbetterandhecanspeakmuchmore clearly. TimewentbyandSadhuSinghremainedabsorbedinthedualtasksofsevaandsimran.Naam arousedfurtherspiritualtalentsandhestartedtohearAnhadshabad(literallythecelestialmusic oftheuniverse).SometimeshewouldwakeupfromhissleepandwouldcometoaskBabaJiwhy hewashearingmusicalinstrumentsnearby?BabaJiwouldjustlaughandtellSadhuSinghLetthe musicalinstrumentskeepplaying,youjustcarryonsayingWaheguruWaheguru.Sometimeshe wouldclimbthegurdwararooftoseewherethiscelestialmusicwascomingfrom.Hewouldlook allaroundthecompoundandthencomebacktohisbed.Whenhewouldgetupandroamat nightwewouldaskhimwhatisthematterwithyou?Hewouldthenreply,Cantyouhearthem? IcanhearloudmusicalinstrumentsandthesoundofWahegurufromsomewhere.Wewould replythatwecouldnothearanythingthenSadhuSinghwouldreply,Why,sureyoucan,theyare loudenoughtokeepmeawakeatnight,whereverIgo,Iconstantlyhearsomeonesaying Waheguruwithme.BhagatKabirJisSalokremindsusthat Ihaveunderstoodtheriddle IAmfacetofacewithawholehostoftroubles hamhujoboojhaaboojhnaapooreepareebalaaay.||181|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1374) WecouldnothelpbutwonderatthegraceofAlmightyonSadhuSingh.Wewonderedifhe realisedhoweasilyhehadgainedthisspiritualheightthatmanyspenttheirlifetimestoachieve: Intheabsenceofacustomer Itwasgoinginexchangeforashell banjanhaaraybaahraakaudeebadlaijaaay.||154|| (SalokBhagatKabirJi,page1372) Induecourse,hewasblessedwiththepowertomanifestanythingwithhiswords.Ifsomeone offeredSadhuSinghsomethingtoeatorwearevencasually,SadhuSinghwouldbecomepleased andwhateverboonhewouldutterfromhislipswouldappear.Hehadgainedsuchgreatspiritual heights. Nowwecometothesecondstageinhislife.TimelapsedandSadhuSinghsbrothersawhewas curedandstartedtocomeandvisithim.WithBabaJispermission,hewouldtakeSadhuSinghto Ludhianaforfiveorsixdaysandathisbrothershouse,hewouldjustsitidlearoundthehome.To keephimoccupied,thefamilywouldswitchonthetelevisionforhimandlethimwatchitallday. WhentheywouldbringhimbackafteraweekhewouldtalkaboutwhathehadwatchedonTVfor awholemonth.EventhoughhecouldnotheartheTVproperly,hewouldtelleveryonethathe hadwatchedtrolleyathisbrothershouse.SadhuSinghcouldnotsaytelevisionandcalledita trolley.Instead,hewouldtelleveryonethatinthetrolleyhesawrunningwater,peoplefarming

inside,someweredancing,andsomewouldfightinsideit.Itevenrainsinsidethetrolley;evena Gurdwaracomesonitoccasionally.Inshort,watchingoneweekofTVwouldinfluencehimfora completemonthafterwards.BabaJiwouldtellhimrepeatedlynottowatchTVandthatitisbad. SadhuSinghwouldaskwhyitwasbad.BabaJiwouldsay,SikhsdonotwatchTV,GuruJigets annoyedifyoudo.Hewouldsay,OKthen,butwouldtalkoftheTVduringtheday.BabaJi wouldwarnusHehasonlywatchedTVnotlistenedandseehowhisconcentrationhasbeen ruined.Ifhecouldhearaswellthenthinkwhateffectitwouldhavehadonhim? IntimeBabaJimergedintotheAlmightyandleftforhisheavenlyabode.SadhuSinghcarriedon withhisselflessserviceasbefore.Hisnighttimehabitofsimranduringhissleepcontinued.Not justmyselfbutnearlyallthepeopleattheGurdwarahadwitnessedthisstrangebutmiraculous incidentpertainingtoSadhuSinghsnighttimesimran. AsisGodswill,SadhuSinghseldestsisterpassedawayinDelhi.ShankarSinghhisbrothertook SadhuSinghbacktoLudhianaandsaid,Thereisnoneedtocomeforhim.IwillbringSadhuback whenIcometoattendaweddinginanearbyvillage.AcoupleofweekslaterBhagatJi,acouple ofotherSinghsandmyselfwerevisitingLudhianaandthoughtitanopportunetimetopickup SadhuSingh.WearrivedatShankarSinghshouseandfoundSadhuwatchingTVlikehedidevery otherdayhewasinLudhiana.SeeingusarrivethefamilyturnedofftheTVandofferedussome refreshments. AfteralittlewhileweofferedtotakeSadhuSinghbacktoRampurKherawithusifhewantedto go.Weaskedhimifhewantedtocomenoworlater.ShankarSinghsdaughterinlawwentto SadhuSinghandtoldhimthatBabaJiandafewotherSinghshavecometofetchyou.SadhuSingh declinedtogobacksayingthattherewasnotrolleyatthegurdwaraandgotuptoturntheTV backonagain.Wewaitedalittlewhileandthengotreadytoleave.Aswewereleaving,Iasked ShankarSinghsdaughterinlaw,DoeshewatchTVlikethisallday?Sherepliedthathewatches TVuntillateatnightandgetsuponlywhentheprogrammesstopshowing.IfweswitchtheTVoff heputsitbackonagain.IturnedtotheladyandsaidItisokayforyoutodoasyoupleasebutby bringinghimhereyouhaveruinedhisconcentration.Doeshedohisrosarydaily?Occasionally hemightbuthemainlywatchestelevision,repliedthedaughterinlaw.Wethentookleaveand arrivedbackattheGurdwara. Afterabouttendays,SadhuSinghsbrotherbroughthimbacktotheGurdwara.Nowinsteadofhis usualfoodofnaam,hisdietwasthatofwatchingTV.HeaskedaTVtobesetupintheveranda, tellingeveryonethetrolleyisagoodthing.Inthismanner,hewouldincessantlytalkaboutwhat hewatchedonTVwitheverybodyhemet.Bytheevening,hecouldnolongercontainhimself. MasterMohinderSinghshousewasabouthalfamileawayfromtheGurdwara.Silentlyand withouttellinganyone,SadhuSinghcreptouttoMasterMohinderSinghshouse.Therehe watchedTVfromabout7pmuntillateatnight. Nextdayhestayedtheretoo.WeweresearchingforhimwhenMasterMohinderSinghsdaughter cameovertotellusthatSadhuSinghwasattheirhousewatchingTV.Shesaid,Mymotherhas sentmeovertotellyouthatnottoworryaboutSadhuSingh,heisatourhouse.Irepliedcasually, Unfortunatelythesituationiswaypassedworryingnow.SadhuSinghreturnedintheafternoon. ThenextdayheleftforthenearbyvillageandwatchedTVatsomeoneelseshouse.Sonow,he wouldgofromhousetohousewatchingTV.Onhisreturn,hewouldtalkofnothingelsebutwhat hehadwatched.HewouldnowdemandpeopletobringaTVtotheGurdwara.

HewasinfatuatedwithTV24hoursaday.OnedayIadvisedSadhuSinghnottogotoother peopleshouses.Hereplied,Iwillstayifyougetmeatrolley.Itoldhimthatonedoesnotbring aTVtotheGurdwara.Hereplied,Dontkeepatrolleyhereinthegurdwarabutputoneinthe roomswherewesleeporputoneinthelangarhall?IaskedhimagainCanyouhearWaheguru Waheguruinsideyouanymore?Herepliedthathecouldnot.Iaskedhimifhecouldhearthose musicalinstrumentsanymoreandhesaidnotanymore.Iwasastonishedthatontheonehand thefruitoftwentyyearsofseva,simranandholycompanyhadraisedhimtothespiritualheight wherehecouldhearAnhadshabad.Ontheother,justafewweeksofTVhadoverwhelmedallhis pastgoodactions. IrememberedhowmuchtruthwashiddeninBabaJiswords.Heusedtosaythatifaperson throughpiousdeeds,sevaandsimrangetshisfootinthedoorofheavenhewouldlosehis footholdifhehasthemisfortuneofkeepingbadcompany.Keepingimmoralcompanyisso powerfulandeffectiveitcancauseustoloseourplaceinheaven.Secondly,Icouldnothelpbut thinkthatifSadhuSinghhadjustwatchedTVforafewweekswhatwouldbecomeofallthose peoplewhowatchTVforyearsandyears.ThedeteriorationofourconcentrationasideI wonderedhowmanylivesifwouldtaketoregainthefocusofourconsciousagain.Ifasimpleton SadhuSinghsattentioncanbedisruptedsoeasilywhocouldonlyseebutnothearaTV,what becomesofthepersonwhocanwatch,see,hearandunderstandallthesordidthingsshownon TV.AsBabaFaridJisays ThesinlessarebeatenWhatofussinners? ayhunidosaaNmaareeaihamdosaaNdaakiaahaal.||39|| (SalokBhagatFaridJi,page1379) Ohspiritualmasterintheageofdarkness,GuruNanakDevJi,youstartedthetraditionof transformingeachhomeintoatemplewherecelestialmusicissungdayandnight.Butyoukalyug (masterofdarkness)haveplacedTVinallhomesandturnedthemintocinemahalls;Welldone! YouhavestealthilyabsorbedthetimeofRehrasandnowpeoplewatchTVinstead.Whateverwe watchatnightnowroamsfreelyinourimaginations.SleepinglateatnightafterwatchingTV,you havestolentheambrosialhoursofdawnfrompeople.Itisyourageandyourrule.Onlya fortunatefewoneshaveescapedyourinfluence.ThewordsofRattanSinghBhanguinhisbook PanthParkasharetrue.Hesaysthat Kalyugtheageofdarknesswantstosinkthesinner WhiletheGreatGuruwantshimtoswimacross TheGreatGurudoesnotleavehisforce Thoughhehastohelpthewholeoftheworld Toswimacross Oh,DarkAgeyouhavenotonlysnatchedtheNitnemfromgursikhsbuthavealsotakentheirholy company.InsteadofpresentingoneselfbeforetheGuru,youpersuadepeopletopresenttoyou throughtheTV.ButbewarnedBabaNanakhasimmensestamina.Youwillnotbeableto withstandhismajesticandcelestialpower.Hewillsubdueyouinthelongrun.OhSikhofthe Guru!Younowhaveonlyonemethodtosaveyourselfandthatistoresorttoprayer.BabaNanak DevJisaidtoRaiBular,hisdevotedfollower,RaiBular!Whenyourownstrengthfailsyou,fallat theLordsfeetandbeseechhiminhumility.TheAlmightywillcometoyourrescue.So,ifyou cannotsaveyourselfformthetentaclesofkalyugbyyourownstrengththenpraytoAlmighty Waheguru.Healoneisomnipotent,allpervadingandAlmighty.Healonewillhelpyou.Sadhu

SinghisstilllivingattheGurdwaraandisingoodhealth.Ifanyonewantstoaskhimaboutthe changetelevisionbroughtaboutinhisspiritualstatusyoucanstilldoso.Hewillreadilytellyouhis personalexperience.Evennowwhenhevisitsanewhouse,hewillaskiftheyhaveaTV.Only afterrepeatedpersuasion,hashemouldedhisattentiontowardssimranalittle,buthis infatuationwithwatchingTVremains. OSikhoftheGuru,bealertandcautious.TVisthesweetestpoisonoftheDarkAge.Nonetheless, poisonispoisonevenifittastessweet.Liketherestoftheworld,donotletyourconsciousnessbe disruptedanddispersed.GuruJihasinstructedustoattuneourconsciousmind.Ascattered consciouswillnotbeabletogainanyspiritualbenefit.Toobtainahigherspiritualstatewehaveto followwhatBhagatKabirJisays TheLordisverynear Whydoyousayheisfar? Bindyourpugnaciouspassions AndattainuntothebeauteousLord haihajoorkatdoorbataavhu. dundarbaaDhhusundarpaavhu.||1||rahaao. (BhaironBhagatKabirJi,page1160) So,theLordcanbeattainedifwerestrainourinnernoiseofpassionsandbindourinstincts.We shouldtrynottodisperseourmentalconcentrationandstopourmindfromitsinneraimless dialogue.Bylistening,talkingorwatchingendlesslywillneversatisfythemindscuriosity.Guru AngadDevJitellsusthat Themouthisnotsatedwithspeech Andtheearsarenotsatedwithhearing Theeyesarenotsatedwithwhattheysee. Eachorganisthepurchaserofonesortoftrait. Thehungerofthehungrydepartsnot. Bymerewordsofmouththehunger Onlythen,thehungrymanissatiated Whenbyutteringhispraises Hegetsabsorbed aakhanaakhnarajiaasunannarajaykann. akheedaykhnarajeeaagungaahakikvann. bhukhiaabhukhnautraigaleebhukhnajaaay. naanakbhukhaataarajaijaagunkahiguneesamaaay.||2|| (Mohalla2ndGuru,page147) BhaiGurdasJitoocorroborateswhatGuruJisays Theeyesarenotsatisfiedwithbeholdingsightsandexhibitions, Theearsarenotsatisfiedwithhearingpraiseorblame,mourningorrejoicing, Thetongueisnotsatisfiedwitheatingwhataffordspleasureanddelight;thenoseisnot contentedwithgoodorevilodours; Nobodyissatisfiedwithhisspanoflife, Andeveryoneentertainsfalsehopes. ButtheSikhsaresatisfiedwiththeGuruand

Theirsisthetrueloveanddelight aakhanaakhnarajiaasunannarajaykann. akheedaykhnarajeeaagungaahakikvann. bhukhiaabhukhnautraigaleebhukhnajaaay. naanakbhukhaataarajaijaagunkahiguneesamaaay.||2|| (BhaiGurdasJi,Vaar27Pauri9) Noonetothisdayhaseversatisfiedthemindthroughhisorhersenses.AsGuruJitells,onecan onlysatisfyourhungerforpleasurebyadoptingthequalityofpraisingtheLord.Thenonecan mergeintotheLord,tastingtheultimatepleasure. LetuslearnfromtheexperienceofthesimplemindedSadhuSingh: KabirOwretchedman Youshallbedrownedthrough Undueregardfortheopinionofmanymen Knowthatthefatewhichhasbefallenyourneighbour Shallalsocomeuponyou kabeerdoobhigoraybaapuraybahologankeekaan. paaroseekayjohooaatooapnaybheejaan.||167|| (SalokBhagatKabirJi,page1373)

55BECOMINGGURUWARDISTHEONLYRELATIONSHIP BabaJihaddeepregardandaffectionforthesangatofTalwara.Ateverymeditationcamp,men andwomenfromTalwarawouldcometoperformkirtanandkathaatGurdwaraRampurKhera. WheneverthesangatofTalwarainvitedhim,BabaJiwoulddefinitelyattendanyreligious occasions.IfhehadtostaythenightinTalwara,hewouldoftenstayatthehomeofBhaiJoginder SinghJiorBhaiHarsharanSinghJi(affectionatelycalledBhagatJi). IntheofficewhereBhaiJoginderSinghandBhaiHarsharanSinghJiworkedwasasenior engineeringofficialnamedS.AnaarSinghJi.Hewastheirsuperiorofficerandworkedforthe irrigationandcanalsdepartment.S.AnaarSinghwasazealousatheistandifhesawabaptised Sikh,hewouldbombardhimwithvagueandabsurdquestionsaboutSikhism. SometimeshewouldcomeovertotheofficeofBhaiJoginderSinghorBhaiHarsharanSinghand poseirrationalquestions.Mostofhissubordinateofficers,whowereSikhs,avoidedanydiscussion withhimandhewasbecomingaheadachetoanySikhwhoworkedaroundhim. Oneday,AnaarSinghJicametoBhagatJiandstartedaskinghisirrationalandlogical(inhisview) questions.InordertoputoffanyargumentsBhagatJireplied,Idontknowmuchaboutlogicand religion.Ifyouwanttoknowmoreaboutspiritualityandlogicthenwhydontyouaccompanyme toGurdwaraRampurKhera?BabaHarnamSinghJicanansweryourquestionsashehas experienceofthesematters.AnaarSinghJireplied,IshallgoandmeetyourBabaJi.However, youhavebeengoingtoseehimformanyyears,whycantyouanswermyquestions?Areyou wearingthesekirpansonlyforshow?See,youcanaskanyofmycomrades(fellowatheists) whateverquestionsyoulikeandtheywillanswerthem,thereandthen.IwillgoandseethisBaba JiofyoursbutIwillgoalone.Withthesewords,AnaarSinghJileftforhisofficeandBhagatJi breathedasighofrelief,thankingGodthattheencounterwasover.BhagatJitoldusthatthey wouldbefilledwithtrepidationatthesightofAnaarSinghJibecausefirstly,hewouldstallthe officeworkwithargumentsandsecondly,itwasverydifficultansweringhisquestionswhichwere oftenobtuseandabsurd.WhenonecouldnotanswerAnaarSinghJisquestionsthenonewould feelrathersmall. AftersometimetheannualmeditationcampcamearoundinAugust.Theannualcampwasinfull swingandonedayAnaarSinghJisetofffromTalwaraandcametotheGurdwara.Hesatinthe congregationforthewholemorningsession.Inthosedays,BhaiWadhawaSinghJifromPatiala (hewasanearlydevoteeofBabaJi)usedtogiveadiscourse,explainingtheorderofthedaytaken fromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.AnaarSinghJilistenedtothewholesession,hadlangarandsetoff backhome.Ashewasleaving,BhagatJi(whowasinchargeofthecloakroom)sawhimandin astonishmentcameovertogreethissuperiorofficer.BhagatJigreetedAnaarSinghJiandasked himwhyhewasleavingsosoon.AnaarSinghJireplied,IwasheretoseeyourSaintandnowI haveheardhimaswell.Iwasleavingnowtoattendtomyduties.BhagatJiasked quizzically,WheredidseeandhearBabaJi?Hewassatamidstthecongregationlisteningtoa discourseonGurbani.HehasjustgonestraightbacktohishutAnaarSinghJireplied,Theman whowasexplainingtheGurusorder,washesomeoneelse?ItookhimtobetheSaint.Ilistened tohisexplanationandwasnowreadytoleave. BhagatJiexplained,ThemanwhowasnarratingthemeaningsofGurbaniisS.WadhawaSinghJi. HeworksinthelanguagesdepartmentatPatialaUniversity.HeisverypiousandnobleSikhandis

anhonoureddevoteefromBabaJisearliestdays.Heishighlyregardedandisperforming exemplary,selflessandhonourableserviceforthecongregation.BhagatJithenofferedAnaar SinghtocomeandmeetBabaJiifhewishedtodoso.AnaarSinghJiagreedtomeetBabaJi,as thatwaswhyhehadcometoRampurKhera.BhagatJitookAnaarSinghJitoBabaJishut,which wasabovethekitchen.WhenAnaarSinghenteredthehut,BabaJiwassittingonthebed.He bowedinrespecttogreetBabaJi.BeforehecouldbowhisheadBabaJicaughtholdofhisfolded handsandsaid,WelcomeSardarJi,youhavegraceduswithyourpresence.Duringthis exchangeofgreetingsBhagatJiintroducedAnaarSinghJitoBabaJiashissuperiorofficeratwork. BabaJiaskedAnaarSinghJiifhewouldlikesomethingtoeatordrinkandtheninvitedhimto gracethemwithavisittotheGurdwarainfutureaswell.AsAnaarSinghhasoftentoldus,When BabaJicaughtholdofmyhandsIfeltasweetstrangesensationintoxicatemyinnerself.This sensationlastedfortwodaysandthiswasthefirsttimeinmylifethatIexperiencedanythinglike this. TheannualcampwasduetofinishonaSundayinthreedaystime.AnaarSinghJicameearlyto theGurdwaraearlythenextmorning.Hesatattentivelylisteningtothediscourseinonecornerof thehalluntilthesessionfinished.Attheend,heexchangedGurFatehwithBabaJiandquietlyleft forTalwara.Partlyduetohispastgooddeedsfrompreviouslivesandinpartduetothespiritually cleansingeffectofsittingwiththecongregation,theseedsofspiritualitygerminatedwithinAnaar SinghJi.Heunderwentadrasticchangeinhislifestylenow.Hegotagutka(prayerbook)ofdaily prayers.Arisingearlyinthemorning,henowstartedtorecitehisprayersdaily.Hewouldbolt himselfinhisbedroomsothatnoonewouldknowhewasrecitinghisprayers.Hekepthis transformationsosecretthatevenhiswifedidnotknowforthefirstsixmonthsthathewas recitingprayers.Suddenly,theabsurdandobtusequestioningstopped.Hisofficecolleagueswere sparedtheroutinehumiliationinflicteduponthem.AnaarSinghJistartedtoconsultother gursikhsinordertogetspiritualupliftment. BhagatJitoothankedGodthathewasnowsparedthequestioningandtauntingofhisbeliefsby hissuperiorofficer.AnaarSinghJiswifemetBhagatJionceandcouldnothelpbutask,What spellhaveyoucastovermyhusband?Theatmosphereathomehaschangedcompletely.Before, whenmyhusbandcamehomethereusedtobeanairoftensionandaweinthehousehold.Now thereisacompletereversalofthissituation.Hecomeshome,hasteaandboltshimselfinhis room.Godknowswhathedoesinthere.Hisnaturehastotallychanged.BhagatJishruggedand replied,YouknowSardarJibetterthanus.Wehavedonenothingtohim.Whateverheisdoeshe mustbedoingforthebetter. SixmonthspassedandAnaarSinghJiwasnowrecitinghisprayersregularly.Inthemeantime,he readbookswrittenbyBhaiVirSinghJiaswellasotherreligiousscriptures.Wheneverhecame acrossanythingthatwasdoubtfulhewouldcometoGurdwaraRampurKherawithouttelling anyoneanddiscusshisdoubtswithBabaJi.Throughhisdiscussions,hewouldclearhisdoubts aboutspiritualmattersandthenquietlyreturnhome.OnetimeherequestedBabaJi,Pleasepray formeinthefeetofSriGuruGranthSahibJisothatItoomaygetglimpsesoftheholyGuru. BabaJilistenedtohimcarefullyandreplied,AnaarSinghJi,weshallprayinthefeetofSriGuru GranthSahibJibutwithwhatwordswillIpleadinfrontoftheGreatGuru.Whatisyourrelationto theGuruandwhatwordswillIusetodescribeyourrelationtohim?ShouldIaddressyouasthe devoteeoftheGuruorhisSikh?YouhaveyettobecomehisSikh.GuruJidefineswhatadevotee

is.AtruedevoteeisonewhohassurrenderedhisbodyandmindtotheGuruanddoeswhatthe Guruasksofhimorher: TheLordsslaveishewhoembracesGurusservice Dedicatingtheirmindandbody MakinganofferingofthesetotheGuru sayvkogursayvaalaagaajinmantanarapcharhaaiaaraam. (Asa4thGuru,page444) And HeissaidtobeGodsattendant WhokeepsGodclaspedclosetohisheart Dedicatinghissoulandbody HeplacesthembeforetheLord Androotsoutegofromwithin sosayvakharaakheeaijoharraakhaiurDhaar. mantansaupayaagaiDharayhaumaivichahumaar. (SriRaag3rdGuru,p28) TobecomeaservantoftheLordonehasto Surrenderallyourbody SoulandwealthtotheGuru Andsubmittohiswill ThusshallyouobtaintheLord tanmanDhansabhsaupgurkaohukammaniaipaaeeai. (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page918) HewhosurrendersbecomesatrueservantandisacceptedbytheLord: SuchservicetheLordrenderstohim Thathesurrendershissoultowhomitbelongs HewhoispleasingtotheLord BecomesacceptableintheLordscourt SuchaslaveobtainshonourinLordscourt aiseesayvaksayvaakarai.jiskaajeeotisaagaiDharai. saahibbhaavaisoparvaan.sosayvakdargehpaavaimaan.||3|| (Dhanasari1stGuru,page661) GuruAmardasJidefinesaSikhas: Healoneisyourtruedisciple,friend,kinsmanandbrother WhowalksintheGuruswill sosikhsakhaabanDhaphaibhaaeejegurkaybhaanayvichaavai. (Sorath3rdGuru,page601) GuruRamdasJidescribesthedailyroutineofaSikh: OnewhocallshimselfaSikhoftheGuru,theTrueGuru? Shallriseintheearlymorninghoursand

MeditateontheLordsName. Uponarisingearlyinthemorning, Heistobathe,andcleansehimselfinthepoolofnectar. FollowingtheInstructionsoftheGuru, HeistochanttheNameoftheLord. Allsins,misdeedsandnegativityshallbeerased. Then,attherisingofthesun,heistosingGurbani; Whethersittingdownorstandingup, HeistomeditateontheLordsName. OnewhomeditatesonmyLord WitheverybreathandeveryMorsel ThatGursikhbecomespleasingtotheGurusMind TowhommyLordandMasteriskindandcompassionate Uponthatgursikh,theGurusteachingsarebestowed. ServantNanakbegsforthedustofthefeetofthatgursikh, WhohimselfchantstheNaam,andinspiresotherstochantit. gursatgurkaajosikhakhaaay sobhalkayuthharnaamDhiaavai. udamkaraybhalkayparbhaatee isnaankarayamritsarnaavai. updaysgurooharharjapjaapai sabhkilvikhpaapdokhlehjaavai. fircharhaidivasgurbaaneegaavai bahdiaauthdiaaharnaamDhiaavai. josaasgiraasDhiaaaymayraa harharsogursikhguroomanbhaavai. jisnodaiaalhovaimayraasuaamee tisgursikhgurooupdayssunaavai. jannaanakDhoorhmangaitisgursikhkee joaapjapaiavrahnaamjapaavai.||2|| (Mohalla4thGuru,page305) Afterutteringtheabovementioneddivinewords,BabaJisaidtoSAnaarSingh,Canyoutellme nowonwhatgroundsshouldIpraytothealmightyinorderforhimtoblessyouwithHisvision whenyouhaventyetcreatedarelationshipwithhim?YouhaveneitherbecomeaSikhofthe Gurunorhisservant.SardarJiwasanintelligentmanandunderstoodwhatBabaJiwastryingto say.Hepleaded,Pleasegivememoretimetorectifythisshortfallandtostrengthenmy relationshipwithWaheguru.SardarAnaarSinghhadadeepyearningtoestablishhisdiscipleship oftheGurubybeingbaptised.Hewaseagerlywaitingforthedayhecouldbebaptisedthus, becomingaGursikhandcreatingarelationshipwithWaheguru. Baisakhiwasfastapproaching.SardarAnaarSinghJidecidedtobebaptisedonthisday.Anaar SinghmetupwithBhagatJiandaskedhim,Pleasecanyouarrangetogetsomekakaarsforme becauseIwishtogetbaptisedandestablishmyrelationshipwiththeGuru.BhagatJiwas astonishedtohearthisrequestfromAnaarSingh.BhagatJigatheredthekakaarsforhimwith greatpleasureandhandedoverabeautifulswordsecuredwithinagatra(beltforsecuringthe sword).Ontheappointedday,AnaarSinghJiwasblessedwithamritandjoinedthefoldofthe Khalsa.

AfewmonthslaterBabaJiwasattendingareligiousfunctioninTalwara.AnaarSinghJidiscovered thatBabaJiwasvisitingBhagatJi,sohecameovertomeethim.Seeinganopportunemoment AnaarSinghmadeasupplicationtoBabaJi,Ihavetakenamritandestablishedthetruerelation withWahegurujustasyourequested.CanyounowdoanArdasinthefeetoftheGuruonmy behalf?PleaseaskGuruJihowmuchlifeIhavelefttolive. BabaJilistenedpatientlytoAnaarSinghsrequestandsaid,SardarJipleasereturnintheevening. IwilldotheArdasonyourbehalfinthefeetofourGuru.WhateverGuruJicommandsortellsmeI willpasshismessageontoyou.AnaarSinghJistayedalittlewhilelongerandafterhavingsome refreshmentslefthappily. Intheevening,AnaarSinghJireturnedtomeetBabaJi.HesatwiththecongregationandBabaJi toreciteRehras.Afterprayershadfinished,BabaJitookAnaarSinghtoonesideandsaid,GuruJi hasaskedmetotellyouthat Obrother!Deemdeathtobehoveringoveryourbody Inthismannerasisthefishsoisman, Deathsnooselikeahookbefallshimunawares. bhaaeerayiosirjaanhukaal. jiomachheetiomaansaapavaiachintaajaal.||1||rahaao. (SriRaag1stGuru,page55) Whatwillyougainbyaskingaboutdeath?DeathisinevitableasBhagatKabirtellsus: Daybyday,hourbyhour,Lifedrawstoaclose, Thebodywithersaway. Deathwalksaroundlikeahunter,abutcher. Inwhatway,inwhichdirectionshouldmanescape? dintaypaharpahartayghareeaaNaavghataitanchheejai. kaalahayreefiraibaDhikjiokahhukavanbiDhkeejai.||1|| (DhanasariBhagatKabirJi,page692) AnaarSingh!deathhoversoverourheads,laughingoverourshouldersandmanisblissfully unawarefor: Deathhangsovermanshead Butthebeastdoesnotunderstandthis Involvedinthestrife,pleasureandpride Hedoesnotrememberdeath. mirathasaisiroopraypasooaanaheeboojhai. baadsaadahaNkaarmehmarnaanaheesoojhai.||1|| (Bilawal5thGuru,page809) EvennowS.AnaarSinghJiifyouhaveanydoubt,GuruJihassaidthatyoucanaskhimwithout goingthroughme.Onhearingthis,AnaarSinghreplied,HowcanIasktheGreatGurumy questionswhenIcannotseeGuruJiatall.?BabaJireplied,Nurturethevisionandeyeswith whichonecanseethedivineGuru.ThoseeyesandvisionwhichGurbanitellusabout,are differentfromtheeyesweusetoseeourworld:

Nanak,differentarethoseeyes,Withwhichmyspouseisbeheld naanaksayakhrheeaaNbiannjineedisandomaapiree.||1|| (page577) InordertoseethetrueLordourGuruhasshownusthepath MakeaweofGodyourfeet, Hisloveyourhandshisunderstandingyoureyes, SaysNanak,inthiswayOwisewoman, Youwillbeunitedwithyourbridegroom. bhaikaycharankarbhaavkayloinsuratkarayi. naanakkahaisiaaneeayivkantmilaavaahoay.||2|| (Mohalla2ndGuru,page139) ThepaththatyouhavejoinedwillleadyoutoglimpsethetrueGuru.Moreover,itwillremoveany vestigesofdoubtandanswerallyourquestions.GuruArjundevJiguaranteesthat TheLordconverseswithhisdevotedSaints Thereisnowealnorwoe,neitherbirthnordeath bhagatsangparabhgosatkarat. tahharakhnasognajanamnamarat.||3|| (Ramkali5thGuru,page894) Thereisnoneedtoworryorbecomeimpatient.SurrenderingourintellecttotheGuru,wemust endeavourtoremaineverhopefulandawaithisgrace.TheomnipotentLordisbenevolentand forevergiving.Hewillheedyoursupplicationandinhisbenevolencegrantallyourboons.Always rememberthewordsofBhaiVirSinghJi: Surrenderyourselfbeforehim Likeacarpetlayyourmindinhisfeet Layyourmindwithoutcompulsion,surrenderandwait Astheearthawaitsrainfromheaven So,youtooawaittheshowerofhisblessings. S.AnaarSinghdevelopedanaweofdeathinhismind.Hismindbecameawareoftheuncertainty ofdeath.Thisaweturnedthemindtowardsdevotionalmeditation.Apartfromhisdailynitnem, AnaarSinghwouldcontinuouslyrecitegurmantar,remainingeverhopefulofGurusgrace.Hehad nowstartedamassingthewealthofnaammuchlikeamiseramassesworldlywealth.Hewould notletanyoneknowofhisinnerstateofbeingorhisspiritualstate.Evenifhewenttopayhis respectsattheGurdwara,hewouldbowdiscreetlyandsilentlyslipawayfromthesangat.Whilst walkingormovingabout,inwardlyhewouldimmersehimselfinnaamsimran.Whenheretired andreturnedtohisvillage,AnaarSinghwouldspendallhistimeinmeditationofWaheguruand makehistimefruitful.ByAnaarSinghJisownadmission,hisminddidnotwander,nordidany doubtsariseinhismind.Eventhoughhemovesaboutinthisworld,hismindremainsfreeof worldlyattachments.Hisinnerbeingremainsimmersedinconstantgratitudeandacceptanceof Guruswill.Alltheseboonsandstateofspiritualbeingwereobtainedafterbeingbaptised. Sodearfriends,ifwehaveforgedarelationshipwiththeGurubybeingbaptisedthenweare extremelyfortunateandworthyofpraise.IfwehavenotjoinedthefoldoftheGuruthentowhom

shallweappeal?Whowillrenderassistanceinourtimeofneed?Whowillemancipateus?Who willhearourpleasofdeliverance?Because Dailytheybeatandplunderme. InfrontofwhomshouldIcomplain? maarehlootehneetneetkisaagaikareepukaarjanaa.||1|| (GauriCheti1stGuru,page155) IfwehavejoinedtheGurusfamilybybeingbaptised,GuruJiwillheedourprayers.Hewillrender usassistanceineverypossibleway.BhagatKabirJisays Raisingmyarmsaloft,IcomplainedtomyGuru. Andhedidsaveme.Pause. ooparbhujaakarmaigurpehpukaariaatinhaoleeaaubaaree.||1||rahaao. (Suhi,BhagatKabirJi,page793) And Takingmyarm, Youhavepulledmyoutoftheblindwell, Ofworldlyattachmentsandmammon. SaysNanaktheGuruhasbrokenmybonds HehasunitedmewithGodfromwhomIwasseparated. baahpakarkadhleenayapunaygarihanDhkooptaymaaiaa. kahonaanakgurbanDhankaataybichhurataanmilaaiaa. (Sarang1stGuru,page1218) AmortalwithoutaGuruislikeanorphan.Suchabeingisnotacceptedinthisworldorthe hereafter.WetooshouldforgeatruerelationshipbetweenalmightyLordandoursoul.Bycoming totheGurusshelteri.e.,beingbaptisedbythefivebelovedones,ourpresentworldandthe hereafterwillbeblissfulandfreeofstrife: Youshallbebornrepeatedly, Dieandrebornagain. Youshallsuffermuchpunishment, Onthewaytothatdistantcountry. jamjammaraimaraifirjammai. bahutsajaaaypaiaadayslammai. (Maru5thGuru,page1020)

56BEGININGOFNAAMMEDITATIONSESSIONS Bynow,BabaJihadenjoyedandtasteduntoldspiritualpleasuresthroughmeditationofnaam.He nowwantedtosharetheblissofmeditationthathadblossomedwithinhimwithothers.He wantedtosharethedivinetruthwhichisthatweallhavethislifetimeforthesingularpurpose ofachievingahigherspiritualexistencethroughmeditationofnaam. Asinallreligions,meditationoftheLordsnameornaamispivotalinachievingenlightenment. NaammeditationisthesupremepracticeinallfaithsasdescribedinSukhmaniSahib: Lordsmeditationisexaltedaboveallelse Throughmeditationmanyhavebeensaved parabhkaasimransabhtayoochaa. parabhkaisimranuDhraymoochaa. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page263) And Ofallreligionsthebestreligionisto Repeatthelordsname Thisaloneisthemostpiousofdeeds sarabDharammehsaraysatDharam. harkonaamjapnirmalkaram. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page266) Thosewhoremaindevoidofthispricelessandsupremepleasureofnaammeditationare consideredlowaccordingtoGurbani Accursedistheirlifeinthisworld Whoarewithoutthetruename Dharigjeevansansaarsachaynaambin. (VaarRamkali3rdGuru,page956) GuruRamdasJiproclaims Olordthemothersofthose Withinwhosemindnaamdoesnotabide Oughttohavebeenbarren] Theirbodieswanderwithoutthelordsname Theywastetheirlivesanddiecrying Omysoulrepeatthenameofthelord ThelordGodwhoiswithinyou jinharhirdainaamnabasiotinmaatkeejaiharbaaNjhaa. tinsunjeedayhfirehbinnaavaioaykhapkhapmuaykaraaNjhaa.||1|| (Jaitsari4thGuru,page697) GuruArjanDevJipraystoalmightyGodfortheboonofnaam:

Meetme,OmyLordoftheUniverse. PleaseblessmewithYourName. WithouttheNaam,theNameoftheLord, Cursed,cursedisloveandintimacy..Pause WithouttheNaam,onewhodressesandeatswell Islikeadog,whichfallsinandeatsimpurefoods WithouttheNaam,alloccupationsareuseless, Likedecorationsonadeadbody OnewhoforgetstheNaamandindulgesinpleasures, Shallfindnopeace,evenindreams; Hisbodyshallbecomediseased. OnewhorenouncestheNaamandengagesinotheroccupations, Shallseeallofhisfalsepretencesfallaway. OnewhoseminddoesnotembracelovefortheNaamshallgotohell, Eventhoughhemayperformmillionsofceremonialrituals Onewhoseminddoesnotcontemplatethenameofthelord Isboundlikeathief,inthecityofdeath. Hundredsofthousandsofostentatiousshowsandgreatexpanses Withoutthenaam,allthesedisplaysarefalse. Thathumblebeingrepeatsthenameofthelord, ONanak,whomthelordblesseswithhismercy. milmayraygobindapnaanaamdayh. naambinaaDharigDharigasnayhu.||1||rahaao. naambinaajopahiraikhaaay. jiokookarjoothanmehpaaay.||1|| naambinaajaytaabiuhaar.jiomirtakmithiaaseegaar.||2|| naambisaarkarayrasbhog. sukhsupnainaheetanmehrog.||3|| naamtiaagkarayankaaj. binasjaaayjhoothaysabhpaaj.||4|| naamsangmanpareetnalaavai. kotkaramkartonarakjaavai.||5|| harkaanaamjinmannaaaraaDhaa. chorkeeniaaeejampurbaaDhaa.||6|| laakhadambarbahutbisthaaraa. naambinaajhoothaypaasaaraa.||7|| harkaanaamsoeejanlayay. karkirpaanaanakjisdayay.||8||10|| (Gauri5thGuru,page240) GuruArjanDevJiquestionstheusefulnessofthelifespentwithoutrememberingGodandasks Whydonttheydiewhoforgettheallpervadinglord? Withoutnaamofwhatavailisthislife.Pause Eating,drinking,playing,laughing Andamassingwealth Ofwhatusearedecorationsofthedead? marnajaaheejinaabisratraam. naambihoonjeevankaunkaam.||1||rahaao.

khaatpeetkhaylathasatbisthaar. kavanarathmirtakseegaar.||2|| (Gauri5thGuru,page188) GuruNanakDevJigiveushisverdictinourdailyeveningprayerofRehras VilearetheywhoforgettheirmasterONanak WithoutGodsnamesuchmenareoutcastwretches khasamvisaarehtaykamjaat. naanaknaavaibaajhsanaat.||4||3|| (Asa1stGuru,page10) And Theyareleperswhodressand eatwithoutservingthetrueGuru Theysufferrepeatedbirthsanddeath jobinsatgursayvaykhaadaypaindaysaymuaymarjammaykorhHay. (Gauri4thGuru,page306) WemaythinkthatwearelivinglifebutintheeyesofourGuru Healonelives Withinwhosemindthemasterabides ONanakoneotheristrulyalive sojeeviaajismanvasiaasoay. naanakavarnajeevaikoay. (Salok1stGuru,page142) Onemaylivealongandprosperouslifebutwithoutrememberingthelord,onewilldepartthis worldwithouthonourforonly Thosemortalsareseentoliveforever Whocontemplatetheirtruelordmaster ThroughthesocietyofSaints Theyobtainthevisionofthelord jeevatpaykhayjinHeeharharDhiaaiaa. saaDhsangtinHeedarsanpaaiaa.||1||rahaao. (Suhi5thGuru,page740) And WithouttheLordsmeditation Toliveislikeburninginfire Eventhoughoneslifemaybelonglikethatofaserpent binsimranjojeevanbalnaasarapjaisayarjaaree. (Todi5thGuru,page712) GuruArjanDevJiteachesusthemethodoflivingaremarkablelife:

Arisingearlyeachday Drinkthelordselixirofnaam Inthisway,youshallhaveeternallife Withyourtongue,utter ThenameofyourGod,GodGod. jeevatjeevatjeevatrahhu. raamrasaainnituthpeevhu. harharharharrasnaakahhu.||1||rahaao. (Bhairon5thGuru,page1138) And Toforgetthelordoftheworldisonesowndeath TocontemplateGodsnameislife marnaNbisranaNgobindah. jeevanaNharnaamDhayaavaneh. (Gatha5thGuru,page1361) Theyarebeyondpraisewhotreasureevenaiota OfGodsnameintheirhearts kinkaaaykjisjeeabasaavai. taakeemahimaaganeenaaavai. (Gauri5thGuru,page262) Havinglivedanddiedovermanylifetimes,oursoulbecomestarnishedwiththefilthofsinsthat wehavecommitted Thedirtofmultipleliveshasattachedtothesoul Inthiswayithasbecomepitchblack janamjanamkeeismankaomallaageekaalaahoaasiaahu. (Salok3rdGuru,page651) Howdoweremovethisdirt?GuruNanakdevJitellusofamethodtoremovethegrimethathas tarnishedoursoul Ifhands,feetandbodyarecoveredindust Thedustiswashedoffbywater Whenclothesaresoiledwithurine Soapisusedtowashtheclothes Whenthemindispollutedwithsins,itiswashed BycolouringitwiththeLordsname bhareeaihathpairtandayh. paaneeDhotaiutraskhayh. mootpaleeteekaparhhoay. daysaaboonlaeeaiohDhoay. bhareeaimatpaapaakaisang. ohDhopainaavaikairang. (JapJi1stGuru,page4)

And ByrepeatingtheLordsname Thesoulissanctified Pridefromwithindeparts vaahuvaahukartiaamannirmalhovai haumaivichahujaaay. (Salok3rdGuru,page515) And Amereiotaofthelordsname,Effacesmillionsofsins kataypaapasaNkhnaavaiikkanee.||11|| (VaarMalar1stGuru,page1283) Millionsofsinsaredestroyed ByrepeatingtheLordsname SingingGodspraises Oneobtainstheheartsdesires Thefearofdeathandrebirthisremoved Aneternaltrueabodeisobtained kotaghaasabhnaashohisimratharnaao. manchindayfalpaaeeahharkaygungaao. janammaranbhaikateeahnihchalsachthaao. (Jaitsari5thGuru,page707) Thesoulcanbepurifiedbythealchemyofnaam.Themortaloncepurifiedbecomesimmortal. Withineachmortalliesahiddenbutlatent,potentialseedofnaam.Thus: Ninetreasuresandnectarofthelordsname Withinthehumanbodyarenestling naoniDhamritparabhkaanaam. dayheemehiskaabisraam. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page293) And Rectifythisbodyandsoulofyours BycontemplatingtheGurushymns ByunboundedlovefortheGuru Isthistreasurefound ihmandayheesoDhtooNgursabadveechaar. naanakisdayheevichnaamniDhaanhai paaeeaigurkaihaytapaar.||8||10||32|| (Asa3rdGuru,page427) Naamhasnoshapeorcolour,Naamisformless.Itisbeyondmeasurementandyetselfcontained. Todrawoutthislatenthiddentreasureofnaamweneedtorepeatthewordednameofthelord blessedtousbyourgreatGuru.Byrepeatingthelordsname(naam)timeandagain,ourmindwill

bepurified.ThepurifiedmindwilldevelopanattractionorloveforGod.OncethisloveforGod arisesinthemindtheinner,eternalloveforGodisrevealed.ThefifthGuruJihintstowardsthisas follows: Themindisthemansion Thebodyisafencearoundit Withinthemindistheunrivalledcommodity Intheheartthegreatmerchantlordabides Whoisthedealerthatcommandscreditthere? Rareisthedealerwhodealsinthejewelofnaam manmandartansaajeebaar. isheemaDhaybasatapaar. isheebheetarsuneeatsaahu. kavanbaapaareejaakaaoohaavisaahu.||1|| (Gauri5thGuru,page181) GuruGobindSinghJiproclaimsinnouncertainterms: Ispeaktrulyandallshouldlisten TheywholoveGod,alonewillrealisehim SaachKahuSunLehoSabeh JinPremKeeyoThinHeePrabhPaioo (10thGuruTavParsadSwaiyas) SoinordertocreateloveforhimwemustrepeatthegurmantarWaheguru.Torevealthelatent springofnaamandinstillgurmantarwithintheheartofeveryone,BabaJiembarkedonaspecial program.BabaJiplannedtobringtogetherallthosegursikhswhowantedtoadvancespirituallyin meditationofgurmantarforanaamsimransessionatleastonceayear.Allthegursikhswho wantedtoattunethemselvesuponmeditationandintrospectionofnaamwouldbeinvitedto congregate,reciteandmeditateasone,formingamutual,Saintlysocietydevotedtonaam.The camporsession(calledaNaamAbhyasKammaiSmagam)wasorganisedoveratendayperiod withaprogramchalkedoutforthepursuitofmeditationonnaam.Startingat2aminthemorning theprogramcontinuedthroughoutthedayuntil9.30pmatnightfollowingthescheduleoutlined below. ProgrammeTiming Bathing+personalNitnem 2.00am3.45am Teaorherbaltea 3.45am4.00am EnthroningSGGS 4.00am4.15am Naamrecitation(allthecongregation) 4.15am5.15am AsadiVaar(hymnssinging+kirtan) 5.15am7.15am ExplanationofGurus(order+ardas) 07.15am08.15am Breakfastandrest 08.15am10.00am PathSriSukhmaniSahib 10.00am11.15am ExplanationofVaarsofBhaiGurdasJi 11.15am12.00pm Lunchandrest 12.30pm3.30pm Herbaltea 3.30pm4.00pm Naamrecitation(jointly) 4.00pm5.00pm Kirtan 5.00pm7.00pm

Sodar,Arti,Ardas(eveningnitnem) 7.00pm7.45pm SukhasanofSriGuruGranthSahibJi 7.45pm8.00pm Dinner 8.00pm9.00pm Individualnaamrecitation(onbeds) 9.00pm9.30pm Adaybeforethemeditationcampwastofinishabaptismceremonywouldbeheld.Onthisday, numerouspeoplewouldbebaptised,thepanjpyaras(fivebelovedones)wouldbestownaamin theformofgurmantarandmoolmantartotheSikhsoftheGuru.Devoteesfromfaroffplaces wouldcongregateingreaterandgreaternumberswithincreasingenthusiasm.Theywouldspend moreandmoretimeatthesesessionsinordertoenjoytheblissofmeditationandwouldtryto rekindletheinnerfountainofeternalloveforGod.Thecongregationwouldbeinformed beforehandtotrytocontroltheirmindandnottoletitwanderinidlethoughtsandtotryto concentrateonmeditation.Theaimwastostillthemindandfreeitfromdistractionor disturbancesofworldlythoughts.Assuch,devoteesbecamemoreattunedtonaamandwere encouragedtorecitenaamevenintheirleisuretime.Thecongregationwasaffectionatelyadvised tobepresentinthenaammeditationsessionsparticularlyasinthesesessionsonesmindis encouragedtoattuneitselftothelordsnameeasily.Spiritualgrowthisquickerinthesesessions whennaamisrecitedwiththecongregationcollectively.Inthesesessions,kirtansingers,bethey maleorfemalewouldoffertheirserviceswithoutanycharge.Peopleofallbackgroundsandall sectionsoftheSikhreligionwouldcometospendtimeattheseannualcamps.Inthefirstfew yearsofthecampsDrKartarSinghofBariandhiscompanionswouldperformkirtanandgive discoursesonGurbani.ThenSWadhawaSinghJidevotedlyandaffectionatelyperformedthis serviceforseveralyears.AfterheimmigratedtoUSA,SaintJarnailSinghJiBhindranwaletookover thedutyofexplainingtheGurusorderwithvigouranddevotionashispredecessordid.Hewould remainattheSmagamthewholeweekandawakenenthemassestoSikhism,gurmatandSikh philosophy. InhonoraryserviceBhaiJoginderSinghJiofTalwaraperformedkirtanforseveralyearsatthe Smagam.Afterhisillhealth,BhaiMohinderSinghofDasuyatookoverthisduty.TheSikhladies fromTalwarahavealsobeenperformingkirtanwithdevotionformanyyearsnow.Kirtanjathas fromDamdamiTaksaal,JathaBhindranwouldalsospellbindthecongregationwiththeir melodiousanddevotesinging.SantKartarSinghJiBhindranwaleandhissuccessorSantJarnail SinghJiwouldenamourthesangatwiththeupliftingdiscoursesonGurbani. SantKartarSingKhalsaJiSViewOfTheSmagam DuringhisdiscoursesonGurbani(katha)SantKartarSinghJiKhalsaoftensaid,Nodoubtall placesofworshiparereveredbuttheblissobtainedbymeditating,throughkirtanandkathaat RampurKheraisrare.Intheseeightdays,wegetourspiritualbatteriesrechargedandourheart longsallyear,waitingtoreturntothenextannualSmagam.ItistruetheSinghsofDamdami TaksaalareinvolvedinlearningGurbani,readingandstudyingGurbanitheyarefondoflistening tokirtanandkathabutbyattendingthisSmagamthedeficiencyofsimranandmeditatingon naamisfulfilled.SantBabaKartarSinghJiKhalsastartedtheroutineofmeditatingonnaam withinthejatha(groupofSinghs). EffectOfNamSimran AnothercuriousyetinterestingaspectoftheSmagamisthatthereispindropsilenceduringthe naammeditationsessioneveniftherearethousandsofdevoteespartakinginthemeditation. Whilstmeditatinginthecongregation,onefeelsasifnooneelsewaspresentinthewhole precinct.Inthehour,thereisperfectsolitude,peaceandconcentration.Thesoothingeffectof

simranissuchthatevenalittlebabyforgetstocry.Whoeverattendsonceeagerlyawaitsthenext Smagamtocomearound,oftenbringingothergursikhswithameditativebentofmindtopartake intheSmagam. ToallowthecamptorunefficientlythedutyofsecurityandnightwatchwasfirstperformedbyS KartarSinghJithenSMohinderSinghJiandnowMajorSardaraSingh(retired)ofNarialanvillage carriesoutthisdutywithalmostmilitaryprecision.Theserviceoflangar(freekitchen)was entrustedtoCharanSinghofResulpurVillage.Heisstillcarryingoutthisdutywithgreatdevotion consideringithisgreatfortunetoperformtheserviceoflangar.SardarHarsharanSinghJi affectionatelycalledBhagatJihasfromtheverybeginningbeenentrustedwithdutyof distributingrooms,arrangingforboardandlodging,andlookingafterthecloakroom(gathrighar). Hestillvigorously,lovinglyandwithanaccommodatingattitudeperformsthisservicetothisday. Thearrangementsforlighting,soundandotherelectricalappliancesisshoulderedbymaster HarbhajanSinghofDasuya.Hehasgreatenthusiasmforthetaskyetconductshisdutyefficiently. Intheearlydaysaround1966whentheSmagamfirststarted,therewasinsufficientcapacityfor boardandlodgings.Toaccommodatethecongregationtentswereusedtolodgethesangatand theremainingspacewasimprovisedinwhichevermannerpossibletoaccommodatethe congregation.Ononeoccasion,itrainedheavilyandastrongwindblewawaythetents,causing heavydamage.Thenextyearaveranda,bighallandsixroomswereconstructedtoprovide shelterandsomelimitedaccommodation. ToencouragetheSmagamtobeimprovedconstantlyaregisterwaskeptinthecloakroomwhere onecanmakehelpfulsuggestions,whichifpossibleareputintoactionforthefollowingcamp. Onthelastdayofthecamp,thecongregationisadvisedspecificallythatoncetheyleavethecamp todailymeditateforanhourortwoapartfromrecitingtheirdailyprayers.Thisadviceisgivenso thatblissfulmemoriesofmeditationuponalmightyGodkeepinvigoratingtheirdailylivesuntilthe nextcamp.Themeditationcampisonlyusefulifwepursuethepathofintrospectionand meditationinourdailylives.Thosewhopromisetomeditateathomeareencouragedtoenter theirnamesinaregistersothatothersareinspiredbytheprecedentsetbydevoteeswhocarry outtheexaltedserviceofmeditationuponGod.Todevelopaninterestinourreligionand encouragelearningofGurbaniaspecialprogrammeforyoungboysandgirlswasinstitutedin 1984.AcompetitionhadbeensetuptotesttheirknowledgeofSikhhistory,Sikhculture,Gurbani anditscorrectpronunciation.AleadingSikhpersonalitywouldjudgethecompetitionandaward prizestothechildren.Thefollowingcategoriesandcurriculumwasselected: Gradeonechildrenagedupto11yearstheabilitytorecitefrommemory,JapJiSahib,Rehras SahibandKirtanSohila. Gradetwoages1216ChildrenabletorecitetheirentireNitnemfrommemory. Gradethreeages17to21ChildrenwhoareabletorecitetheentireoftheirNitnemoffby heart.Inaddition,theywouldalsobeabletorecitefrommemory,SukhmaniSahiborAsaDiVaar. Achildofthiscategoryshouldbebaptisedbeforeparticipating. AttheendoftheSmagam,allthechildrenarehonouredbyreceivingshields,prizes,religious booksandsiropaasaccordingtotheircapabilitiesinfrontoftheassembledcongregation.This

encouragesotherchildrenandactsasanincentiveforchildrentolearnGurbanioffbyheart,ready toparticipatethefollowingyear. NBwiththeconsentofthesangatthedateofthisSmagamisfixedforthefirstweekofOctober (firstSundaytosecondSundayofOctober)ratherthanSeptember.

57YOUTOODIDNOTDOSIMRAN TheannualSmagamwasinfullswing.OneeveningBabaJiwasabouttoretireafterhisevening nitnem.EightortenothergursikhsweresatexchangingviewsonSikhismandgurmatwithhim. SuddenlyS.KartarSinghJi(knownasjathedaraswell)ofRasulpur,rushedinandwithoutlistening totheconversationinterruptedloudlyWaheguruJiKaKhalsa,WaheguruJiKiFateh.BabaJiand theothersrespondedwithFateh.WithoutabreathKartarSinghJicontinued,Ihavecomewith acomplaint.AswashistolerantnatureBabaJireplied,KartarSinghJiwhatappearstobeyour complaint.KartarSinghreplied,Todaybetween4and5pmBalwantSinghdidnotdohis simran. BabaJigentlyreplied,Youshouldhaveadvisedhimthatitisourdutytositamongstthe congregationandmeditateinsteadofwanderingoutside.Wehaveallcometogethertoget maximumbenefitfromthekatha,kirtanandsimran.Weallhaveleftasideimportanthousehold dutiestoavailourselvesofthisblessedopportunitytomeditate.Whatuseisoureffortifwethen donotmeditateandpartakeofthisblessingbysittingamongstthecongregation?Weloseoutin thisworldandthenext. KartarSinghJireplied,BabaJi,BalwantSinghwasnotoutside.Hewassittinginthecongregation butkeptlookinghereandthereinsteadofmeditatingwithhiseyesclosed.BabaJiasked, JathedarJiwherewereyouatthetime?Iwassittinginthesangatandmeditating.Kartar Singhreplied.BabaJismiledandsaid,JathedarJiifBalwantSinghwasnotmeditatingthenyou toodidnotdosimran!KartarSinghJirespondedatonce,NoBabaJiIhavebeensittinginthe congregationthewholetimeandrecitedsimran. BabaJiasked,IfyouwereengrossedinsimranthenhowdidyoucometoknowthatBalwant Singhwaslookingaroundandnotmeditating?KartarSinghreplied,Iwaswatchinghimintently thewholetimeandhewaslookingaroundhereandthereinsteadofdoingsimran. BabaJismiledandsaid,KartarSinghJi!Thoughyouweresittinginthesangatbothofyoudidnot dosimran.IfBalwantSinghJiwaslookingaroundwatchingothersthenyouwerebusywatching BalwantSingh.Whatisthedifferencebetweenyoutwo?BalwantSinghwaslookingaroundand hismindwasoccupiedinthisactionwhilstyourmindwasoccupiedinlookingatwhathewas doing.Noneofyourmindswereengagedinsimran.Bothofyoudidnothavethepresenceofmind tobeimmersedinsimran.IntheGurushouseonlythosewhosilencetheirmind,engageitin simranandhavepresenceofmindareaccepted. Jathedarfellsilent,feelingashamedatBabaJistrueandinsightfulobservation.Hehadcometo complainaboutBalwantSinghyetwasnowcaughtouthimself.BabaJithenaddressedthewhole sangat,Whereveronesitsinsangatshunthehabitoflookingaround.Sitinattention,withyour eyesclosedwhilstlisteningtokirtan,kathaorduringsimran.Thewanderingmindanditsthoughts shouldbestilledandquietened.Undoubtedlyalloursenseorgansscattertheminds concentrationbuteyesareparticularlyadeptatbreakingourmentalconcentrationanddistracting ourthoughts.Whateverwesee,thoseimagesarethenengravedonourinnerconsciousness.The mindisthenincitedtowardsactinguponthesedeeplyembeddedimagesinourmind. Thethirstoftheseeyesisneverquenched;infact,itincreasesthemoreweindulgeoureyes.Bhai GurdasJitellsusthat

Theeyesarenotsatisfiedbeholdingsightsandexhibitions Hearingpraise,slander,laughterormourningdoesnotsatisfytheears Thetongueisnotsatisfiedtastingpleasurabledelicacies Thenoseisnotcontentsmellingsublimeperfumesorevilodours Nonearesatisfiedwiththespanoftheirlife,allentertainfalsehope TheSikh,issatisfiedmeetingtheGuru,theirsisthetruelove (Vaar27Pauri7BhaiGurdasJi) Thus,watchingneversatisfiesoureyesnorhearing,tastingortouching.Allmannerofenjoyments tiresothersenseorgans.GuruArjanDevJitellsusthat Vainaretheeyesthatbeholdthebeautyofanotherswife. Whoseeyesseenotthebeautyofotherswives? mithiaanaytarpaykhatpartariaroopaad. partariaroopnapaykhainaytar. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page269) SoJathedarJi,whereasBalwantSinghJididnotattainanyspiritualbenefitwhilstsittinginthe sangat,youtoocouldnotattainanybenefiteither,asyouspentyourtimewatchinghim.When sittinginthecongregation,abandonallthoughtsofwhositswhereorhow.Dedicateyourselfto listeningsinglemindedlytosimran.Onlythencanweobtainfullspiritualbenefitofbeinginthe sangat.Ifanotherisforgoingthespiritualbenefitofsittingattentivelyinthecongregation,why shouldyoufollowtheirexample?Ifanothercommitsamistake,whatisthedifferencebetween youandthemifyoutoomakethesameerror?Whensittinginthesangatforsimran,utter Waheguruandthenlistenwithallyourattentiontowhatyouhavejustutteredi.e.the gurmantar.Calmallyourinnerthoughtswhenlisteningtosimranorkirtan.Bearinmindwhat GuruJisays Inlordsloveisspiritualvision Throughspiritualvision Thelordiscomprehended ByGurusgracethisineffablediscourseisknown DhunmehDhiaanDhiaanmehjaaniaa gurmukhakathkahaanee.||3|| (Ramkali1stGuru,page879) Whenwesitinkathaorkirtan,ourattentionshouldbefocussedonthewordsofthespeaker.In thismanner,wewillbecomeattentivelisteners.Ournaturewillbecomeintrospectivewhen listeningtoGurbani.AstoldinJapJiSahib,thetrulyattunedlistenerisindeedexaltedthus: Truthfulness,contentmentanddivineknowledge AreobtainedbyhearingthenameoftheGod Spiritualbenefitatsixtyeightholyplaces IsobtainedbyhearingthenameofGod. Onegetshonourbyhearingandreading ThenameoftheGodagainandagain. OneisabsorbedinthemeditationofGod EasilybyhearingthenameofGod. SatGuruNanaksaysthattrueSaintalwaysremainsblissful.

HearingthenameofGoddestroysdiseasesandsins. Scatteringofmentalenergystops Anditchangesintomentalconcentration. suniaisatsantokhgiaan. suniaiathsathkaaisnaan. suniaiparhparhpaavahimaan. suniailaagaisahjDhiaan. naanakbhagtaasadaavigaas. suniaidookhpaapkaanaas.||10|| (JapJiSahib1stGuru,page3) So,alwaysbemindfulthat,whensittinginthecongregation,weendeavourtoobtainthe maximumbenefitintheminimumoftimeblessedtous.Weshouldkeepinmindthewordsof BhagatFaridJi: Faridifyoupossessakeenunderstanding Thendonotwriteblackwritsagainstothers Loweryourheadandlookbeneathyourcollars fareedaajaytooakallateefkaalaylikhnalaykh. aapnarhaygireevaanmehsirneeNvaaNkardaykh.||6|| (SalokBhagatFaridJi,page1378) Ifweseeashortfallinthebehaviourofothers,donotbecomejudgemental.Becarefulsothatwe donotpossessthesameweakness.Ifwearemindfulofourownfaultsanddemeritsthenby vigilanceagainstthesefaultswewillslowlyeliminatethesefaultsonebyone.Intime,ourfaults willbereplacedbymeritsandvirtuewillresideinourhearts.Weshouldnotcountthefaultsof others,onthecontrarylearnfromandappreciatethegoodqualitiesofothers.Thus: Letusformapartnershipwithvirtues Andabandoningviceswalkthelordsway Letuswearsilksofvirtues Makedecorationofgoodness Andtakepossessionofourarena WheneverwegoandsitLetustalkwithgoodness Andskimanddrinkinthenectar Ifthemortalhasbasketoffragrantvirtues Heshouldextractfragrancefromit. saajhkareejaigunahkayreechhodavganchaleeai. pahiraypatambarkaradambaraapnaapirhmaleeai. jithaijaaaybaheeaibhalaakaheeaijholamritpeejai. gunaakaahovaivaasulaakadhvaaslaeejai.||3|| (SuhiChhant1stGuru,page766)

58FORGOARROGANTCLAIMSEMBRACEHUMBLESERVITUDE BabaJistartedtheannualmeditationcampin1966.ItwasofficiallycalledtheNaamAbhyas KammaiSmagam.BabaJiorganisedthiseventoveraperiodofeightdays.Duringthecamp,the congregationimmerseditselfinmeditation,kathaandkirtan,bringingallwhoparticipatedcloser toWaheguru.DevoteeswhowishedtolearnhowtomeditateandthusmeettheGurucamefrom afartoparticipateintheannualcamp.Inthecongregation,theywouldearnthewealthofnaam bymeditatingandattuningtheirconsciousnesstothefeetofthegreatGuru.AsourgreatGuru hastoldusthatifonewantstoaccumulatethewealthofnaam,thiswealthcanbegathered throughsaadhsangati.e.thecompanyofholypeople. MixingwiththeSaintlycongregation Godswealthisearned Godswealthisearnednowhereelse Byanyothereffortwhatsoever satsangteesangharDhankhateeai horthaihoratupaaayharDhankitainapaaee. (Suhi4thGuru,page734) Fortheconvenienceofthecongregation,alargewatertankandtapswereinstalledsothat membersofthesangatcouldbatheinthemorningbeforetheroutineofmeditationstarted. Occasionally,duetoapowercut,waterwouldrunoutbecausethewaterpumpusedtofillthe tankwaspoweredbyelectricity.Afewdaysbeforetheannualcampwasduetostartafew devoteeswerediscussingvariousaspectsofthecampwhentheissueofwatershortagecameup. AmancalledS.BachittarSinghfromPhambianvillagenearNandaChaur,stoodupandsaid,Baba JithereisnoquestionofashortageofwaterarisingwhenIamhere.Youleaveittome.Iwill arrangeforwatertobesuppliedforthewholeeightdaysevenifthereisapowercut.Howcan waterrunshortwhenIamhere?(Hewasadieselenginemechanic).Dontyouworry;Ihavethe meanstoarrangeanunendingsupplyofwater.Youallcanbefreeofanyworries. EveryonepresentlookedatS.BachittarSinghsface.Hisclaimtoprovideuninterruptedwater reekedofvanityandconceit.BabaJireplied,Ok,nowtheresponsibilityforthewatersupplylies withyou.BachittarSinghresponded,BabaJi,donotworry.Iwillarrangeeverything.Bachittar SinghconstructedanewdieselenginethreedaysbeforetheSmagam.Hebroughtthediesel engine,apulleyandanewwaterpump(drawswaterfromtheground)tothegurdwara.He connectedthewholeapparatusandsuccessfullyfilledthewatertank.Hecheckedallthe equipmentforleaksetc.andtheninformedBabaJi,Ihavecheckedeverythingandamfully satisfiedthewaterpumpworks.NowBabaJiyoudontneedtoworry.BabaJireplied,The sangatandIareundertheLordsshelter.Healoneworriesforus.Ifyouaresatisfiedthenitis good. BachittarSinghreturnedtohisvillageandcamebackthedaybeforetheSmagamwasduetostart. Helaidhisbedintheroomwheretheequipment(waterpump)wasinstalledsothathecould keepaneyeontheequipment.ThreedaysoftheSmagamwentbywithoutapowerfailureandas aresult,therewasnowatershortageeither.BachittarSinghwasstruckbyonethoughtandhe wonderedifhewouldhavetoreturnhomewithouthavingtriedhisenginesincetherehadnt beenapowerfailure.Asalmightywilledit,thatsameafternoonwhilstBachittarSinghwasbusyin thesethoughts,therewaspowercutfollowingamildwindstorm.Thewindhadknockeddownan electricitypoleandthechancesofrestoringpowerwereslim.BachittarSinghwentstraightto

BabaJiandsaid,BabaJi,becausetheelectricitypolehasbeenknockeddownthechancesof restoringpowerarelow.Iamgoingtostartupmyenginetofillupthewatertank.BabaJireplied, ThankyoukindlyBachittarSinghJi.Thesangatwillhaveeasyaccesstowater. BachittarSinghtookpeoplewithhim(MasterHarbhajanSinghofDasuya,MasterAmritSinghof Behramandtwoothers.).TheyallstoodaroundtheengineasBachittarSinghstarteditup.It quicklybecameclearthatthewaterpumpwasnotdrawingupwateratall.Thepumpandengine wereworkingbutdidnotliftanywaterasitwassupposedtodo!Theenginewasspeededupbut nowaterwasdrawnup.Theychangedthepulleytoalargeronebutstillnowatercameup.One andalldecidedthatthewaterpumpwasfaulty.So,anewwaterpumpwasbroughtbefore nightfallfromSManiSinghofGondpurvillage(hehadrecentlypurchasedanewwaterpumpfor hisowntubewell).Thewaterpumpwasswappedandeverythingthatwashumanlypossiblewas triedbuttonoavail.Somehow,despitealltheequipmentworking,waterwasnotbeingdrawnup fromtheground.Itwaspassedmidnightandthemembersofthesangatnowstartedtoawakento takeabath. Waterbegantorunlowandnoprovisionforextrawaterhadyetbeenmade.Everyonewas worriedandallwereattheirwitsendastowhattheycoulddo. ThegreatGurublessedanintuitivethoughttomasterHarbhajanSinghJi.Hesaid,Wehavetried allourmethodsandcheckedeverythingwecouldbutwithoutsuccess.Thereissomething mysterioushere. LetusallgotoBabaJiandaskhimtohelpus.TheyallagreedandsetofftoseeBabaJi.BabaJi wascompletinghisnitnemwhentheSinghsapproachedhim.SardarHarbhajanSinghconfessed, BabaJiwehavetriedourlevelbesttotryanddrawupwaterfromthepump.Infact,wehave beentryingforseveralhourstogetthepumpworkingbuthavenotbeenabletodoso.Thepump worksbutitdoesnotdrawupwater.Thewatertankisalmostemptyandmembersofthe congregationhavestartedtoawaken,readytotaketheirmorningbath.Weareatalosstoknow whatelsetodo.Pleaseguideandhelpusasallthisseemstobebeyondourunderstanding. BabaJilistenedandsaid,WhereisBachittarSingh?MasterJireplied,Heishere,behindus. BabaJiaddressedhim,Brother!Theotherdayyouclaimedthatthewatersupplywouldnotbe interruptedforthewholeeightdays.Whathashappenednow?Yourenginedoesnotliftwateras youpromised.Thepowercuthasonlylastafewhours.Whatwillhappenifitcontinuesforthe remainingdaysoftheSmagam?ThegreatGuruhasdemolishedyourconceitbecauseGurbani tellsus: TheVedasproclaimaloudthat Thereverendlorddoesnotlikepride harjeeoahaNkaarnabhaaveevaydkooksunaaveh. (SalokMohalla3rdGuru,page1089) BhaiGurdasJitellsusthatthepathofSikhismisfinerandmoreabstractthanthesharpestedgeof asword.TheGurudoesnotacceptevenaniotaofconceitorprideinaSikh.Whenagursikh makesaconceitedorarrogantclaim,understandthatheorshehasfallenundertheswayofego. Kabir,theheartburnswhenassertingclaims Onewithoutclaimremainscarefree

Themanwhomakesnoclaims Heconsiderskingsandpaupersalike kabeerdaavaidaajhanhothainirdaavairahainisank. jojannirdaavairahaisoganaiindarsorank.||169|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1373) BabaJiaskedtheSinghstositbesidehimandwiththerestofthesangatrecitedapathofChaupai Sahibtogether.BabaJithenprayedtoWaheguru,OLord,weareworldlymortals,pronetoerr timeandtimeagain.Pleaseforgiveus,asitisyournaturetoforgiveusall: Thelorddidnotconsidermydeeds Inkeepingwithhisforgivingnature hamreeganatnaganeeaakaaeeapnaabiradpachhaan. (Sorath5thGuru,page619) Sopleaseacceptthispetitionofthesangatandfulfiltheneedforwater.AftertheArdasBabaJi askedMasterHarbhajanSinghtoseethatallmembersofthegrouprecitemoolmantarfivetimes whentheyreturntothetubewellroom.Afterwardstheyweretorecitethefollowingprayerfive times: Thelordshallaccomplishyouraffairs ThetrueGurubearstruetestimonytoit. BythecompanyoftheSaint Thoushalttastethetreasureofthenamenectar. Themercifullord,thedestroyerofdread, Preservesthehonourofhisslave. Nanak,singthouthepraisesofGod Andthoushaltseetheinvisiblelord keetaalorheeaikammsoharpehaakheeai. kaarajdayaysavaarsatgursachsaakheeai. santaasangniDhaanamritchaakheeai. bhaibhanjanmiharvaandaaskeeraakheeai. naanakhargungaaayalakhparabhlaakheeai.||20|| (Pauri5thGuru,page91) BabaJiinstructedthat,Aftersayingtheprayersstartuptheengine.ThegreatGuruwillshower hisblessings.AlltheSinghsreturnedtowherethewaterpumpwasandrecitedtheprayerswith devotion.Theystartedtheengineup.Loandbehold,thewaterpumpstartedtodrawupwater immediately.BachittarSinghwasastonishedandworriedlylookedattheengine,thenatthe waterpump.Heclimbeduponthewatertank,checkingtimeandagaintoseeifitwasaboutto failornot.Therewasnofaultintheengineorthewaterpump!Thefaultofegowasallthatthe GuruwastryingtoeradicatefromtheheartsoftheSinghs.ThegreatGuruwantedtovanquish egofromtheheartsofhisgursikhs.So,GuruJienactedthiswholedrama.Ifagursikhcomeswith prideintothecongregationandreturnsassuch,thenheorshewillnotbenefitfromcominginto thecongregationoftheGuru.Anyhow,theengineandwaterpumpworkedforfourhours.The watertankwasfilledandconsequentlyallwereabletobathewithoutanyshortageofwater. IntheafternoonBhaiAmarJitSinghandBachittarSinghJimetBabaJi.Heenquiredaboutthe waterpumpsituationandAmarJitSinghJireplied,BabaJitherewasntaseriousfault.Aminor

jointinthewaterpumpwasfaulty,thatsall.Wemeddledaroundwithitforfourhourslastnight. Itwillbeallrightnow.BabaJireplied,BhaiAmarJitSinghJi!Therewasnodefectinthe machinery.Thedefectwaswithinusandourego.ThegreatGuruenactedthisplayinordertorid usofthemaladyofpride.WiththesewordsBabaJireturnedtohishut. Laterintheafternoon,BhaiAmarJitSinghandBachittarSinghstartedthepumpuptofillthetank again.Yetagain,thewaterpumpfailedtodrawupwater.Aftercheckingallthemachineryfor faults,thepumpwouldrefusetodrawwaterfromtheground.BythistimeMasterHarbhajan Singhcametotheroomandaskedthewatertanktobefilledup.BhaiAmarJitSinghaskedMaster Jitositdown.MasterJiaskedthembothwhytheylookedsoseriousandworried.BhaiBachittar SinghtoldMasterJithatthewaterpumphadstoppeddrawingwater.Heexplainedthatjustas beforealltheequipmentwasfunctioningallrightbutfailedtodrawthewaterup.MasterJi enquirediftheyhadtalkedtoBabaJiatall.BhaiAmarJitSinghsaid,WeweretoldbyBabaJithat therewasnodefectinthemachinery,justinourpride.MasterJicautionedAmarJitSingh,Baba Jitoldyouwhattheproblemwasinclearandsimpleterms.Hehidnothingfromyou. TheVedasproclaimaloudthat ThereverenedLordlikesnotpride. harjeeoahaNkaarnabhaaveevaydkooksunaaveh. (Mohalla3rd,page1089) Yet,evennowyouhankerafteryourownintellectandlayclaimtobeabletosolvetheproblem. WedidnotfollowBabaJisadvice.Wedidnottakeahintanddrivenbyourego,stillconceitedly believeinourabilitytosolvethisproblemwiththewater.MasterJiquestionedAmarJitSingh,I presumeyouhavecheckedallthemachinery.BhaiAmarJitSinghreplied,Wehavedonesotwice andtightenedallthejoints.MasterJicontinued,Inthatcaseitisyourmentaljointsthatare loose.Theyareallowingprideandvanitytoleakintotheintellect.Untilthesementaljointsare nottightened,nothingwillhappen.BhaiBachittarSinghpleaded,MasterJipraytellwhatcanwe donow?MasterJireplied,Whatelsecanwedonowexcept: Abandonthemindsintellect Giveuptheloveofanother tiaagayNmankeematrheevisaarayNdoojaabhaaojeeo. (Suhi5thGuru,page763) LetustakeshelteroftheGuruandleaveasideourconceitedintellect.Bothofthemagreedto MasterJiscounselandrecitedapathofJapJiSahib.TheyprayeddevotedlytoalmightyGuruJi withthewordsofGurbani: ByprayingtoGuru,noobstaclebefallsman Godthekingisthesaviour HesavesthecapitalofhisSaints. bighannakooolaagtaagurpehardaas. rakhvaalaagobindraaaybhagtankeeraas.||1|| (Bilawal5thGuru,page816) Theenginewastherestarted.Thepumpstartedtoliftwaterasbeforeandinnotimethewater tankwasfilled.NowBhaiAmarJitSinghandBachittarSinghtrulyrealisedtheirmistake.They realisednowthattheirpridewastherealobstacle.Theybothrealisedthatifpridecanobstruct

thenobletaskofpublicservice(Seva),thenitcanalsobethegreatesthindranceinthepathto enlightenment.MasterJiaddressedthemboth,Idonotknowmucheither,neitherdoIhaveany insightbuttheGuruhassaid: ThebridesoulandgroomGoddwelltogether Butinbetweenisthewallofego Dhanpirkaaikheesangvaasaavichhaumaibheetkaraaree. gurpooraihaumaibheettoreejannaanakmilaybanvaaree. (Malar4thGuru,page1263) ThegreatGuruhascalledprideadisease: Egoisachronicdisease Withinitisenclosedthemedicine haumaideeraghroghaidaaroobheeismaahi. (Asa1stGuru,page466) HowclearlydoesGuruJistatethat: EgoisatVaariancewithnaam Thetwodwellnoinoneplace Inegoservicecannotbeperformed So,thesoulgoesemptyhanded haumainaavainaalviroDhhaiduaynavasehikthaaay. haumaivichsayvaanahovaeetaamanbirthaajaaay.||1|| (Vadhans3rdGuru,page560) And Inpridenoonefindoneslord Strayingawayfromtheprimalbeing Themortalwastesawayhislife haumaivichparabhkoaynapaaay. moolhubhulaajanamgavaaay.||2|| (Dhanasari3rdGuru,page664) Letuspraysothatweareridofthemaladyofpride.Nothingwillbeaccomplishedbyour personaleffortalone.Theyallsatintheroom,recitedChaupaiSahibandprayedtoGodalmighty tosavethemfrompride.TheyprayedtoGuruJitoblessthemwithhumilityandservitudeinstead ofprideandconceit.Thus,aGursikhmustalwaysabandonconceitedclaimsandespouse servitude.Thelorddoeseverything.Inadoptinghumility,theGuruisappeasedbecauseindoing soonehastoforgoprideandvanity.

59MEETINGSANTKARTARSINGHJIKHALSABHINDRANWALE EveryyearSantKartarSinghJiKhalsaBhindranwaleusedtocometoNangalSalala(Hoshiarpur)to performkathaandkirtan.SantKartarSinghJihadheardaboutBabaJiandhowthisgreatSaint (SantBabaHarnamSinghJi)wasleadinganextraordinarylifeasordainedbySriGuruGobindSingh Ji.HehadheardthatBabaJiwasbaptisingdevoteestobecometrueSinghsoftheGuruand inspiringthemtobeatonewiththealmighty.SantKartarSinghJihadalsoheardhowselfeffacing andhumbleBabaJiwasandthathedidnotstandforaniotaofpersonalworshiporgratification. So,forsometimenowSantBabaKartarSinghJihadwantedtomeetthisgreatpersonality,time permitting. BabaJitooheldSantKartarSinghJiinhighesteembecauseheknewthatSantKartarSingh preachedgurmatandSikhismtothemasseswithgreatvigour.So,whenBabaJiheardthatSant KartarSinghKhalsaJiwasinthevicinityBabaJidispatchedfivesinghstoinvitehimtoperform kirtanandkathaatgurdwaraRampurKheraduringtheSmagam.Whentheletterofinvitation reachedKhalsaJiatthehandsofthefivesinghshetouchedthelettertohisforeheadasasignof respectandsaid,WealreadyhaditinourmindtoseeRampurKheraandhaveanaudiencewith SantBabaJi.So,KhalsaJisentamessagebackthattheywouldcometogurdwaraRampurKhera thatveryafternoon,staythenightanddokathaandkirtanthenextday.TheSinghsreturned happilywiththenewsandinformedBabaJiofKhalsaJisarrival.BabaJiarrangedboardand lodgingforKhalsaJiandhisjathawithgreataffection.Atabout8.00pm,KhalsaJiarrivedwithhis jathaatgurdwaraRampurKhera.Afterlangar,BabaJiandKhalsaJiexchangedtheirmutual thoughtsongurmat.Itseemedthatthesetwopersonalitieshadknownoneanotherfromtime immemorial.SaintTulsidassaysthatwecanhavecommonhopes,faith,waysofpraying,eatingor dressingbutthegreatestassociationisthatofthoughts.InthecaseofBabaJiandKhalsaJi, everythingwascommon.BhaiGurdasJitooapplaudsgursikhswhoattunethemselvesandshare gurmatthoughts. ThemeetingwassosublimethatKhalsaJiexpressedhisinnerthoughts,Ihavecomeacrossmany Saintswhoencourageselfworshipandgratification.InsteadofjoiningthesangattotheGurus feet,theyattachthedevoteestotheirownpersonality.ButtodayIamhappythatIhavemeta trueSaintwhoenjoinsthesangattothetrueGuru.NowIamhopefulthateveninkalyugtheseed ofSikhismhasnotperished.Wearethankfultoalmightyandconsiderourselvesluckytohave beenblessedwiththevisionofsuchagreatSaint. Itwaslatethatnight,everyoneexchangedGurFatehandretired.Thenextdayeveryonebathed, recitednitnemandpractisednaammeditationinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.The jathadidkirtanofAsaadiVaarandKhalsaJiexplainedthemeaningoftheholyorderofSriGuru GranthSahibJitothecongregation.BabaJiandthesangatenjoyedthekathaimmensely.Inthe endBabaJiaddressedthesangat,Werarelygotodiwanstolistentokathabecausemostpeople whogivediscoursesmouldtheirmessageaccordingtotheirsurroundings.Neverbeforehavewe comeacrosssuchkathathatisgivenaccordingtothethoughtsofGurbani.Thisdisappointment turnedtojoywhenIlistenedtoKhalsaJisdiscourseonGurbani.ThegreatGuruhasblessedus thismeetingwithKhalsaJiandIpraytotheAlmightyLordthatwemeetalwaysuntilourlast breath.BabaJithankedKhalsaJiandhisjathaandhonouredthembygivingthemsiropaas.Itwas abeautifulandinspiringmomenttoobserve.AfterreceivingtheSiropaa,KhalsaJiaddressedthe sangat.WefindnodifferencebetweengurdwaraRampurKheraorgurdwaraGurDarshan ParkashMehta.Onlythenamesaredifferent.Theunseenthreadsofloveunitethem.Weprayin thefeetofthealmightythatthisloveandcooperationlastsforever.

AfterthankingthecongregationKhalsaJiaskedleavetodepartandsaid,Alldevoteesshould remainseatedinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Nooneshouldfollowusoutofthe congregationtoseeusoffnomatterhowgreatthatpersonalitymaybe.Alldevoteesexchanged theGurusFateh.KhalsaJisetoffforvillageNangalSalala. AtnoonBabaJisaidthathemissedKhalsaJiandsohedecidedtogoandhearKhalsaJiskatha thatveryevening.BabaJiarrivedwithajathaatvillageNangalSalala.KhalsaJiwasoverjoyedto seeBabaJi.BabaJilistenedtokathaandkirtaninthemorningandtheevening.Duringanyfree timeBabaJiexchangedgurmatviewswithKhalsaJi.Afterthismeeting,KhalsaJiwouldcome everyyeartoGurdwaraRampurKheratoattendNaamAbhyasKammaiSmagam.

60ITISMOREBENEFICIALTODOPATHYOURSELF SantBabaKartarSinghJiandhisjathausedtoperformkathaandkirtanthroughoutthewhole naamabhyaskammaiSmagam.InsodoingBabaJisdreamoftryingtounitethesangattothefeet oftheGuruwastakingshape.Numerousdevoteeswouldnowcome,partakinginmeditationand thusavailingthemselvesofthegoldenopportunitytoattunetheirmindsinsimran.Oneofthese devoteeswasBibiGurdipKaurJiofSarhali(Amritsar).Shewasanagedladywhohadaverystrong affectionandyearningtocommunewiththegreatGuru.Sheusedtoprovidetheclothesand essentialitemsforalltheSinghsoftheJatha.ShecametoGurdwaraRampurKheraatthe behestofSantBabaKartarSinghJiandstayedthroughouttheSmagam. Onedaybeforethecampwasduetoend,sherequestedtoseeBabaJiHarnamSinghJiona matterofGurmat.OnmeetingBabaJishesaid,IhavebeeninthecompanyofthegreatSaint BabaGurbachanSinghJiwhowasthepredecessorofSantKartarSinghJi.Inthosedays,Ihad vowedintheGurusfeetthatonedayIwouldhave101akhandpathsrecitedifpossible.I requestedthegreatSainttohelpbutmyambitionwasnotfulfilled.NowIhaverepeatedlyasked SantBabaKartarSinghJitoorganisethistask,whichIprayedtoGuruJitobefulfilled.KhalsaJiis extremelybusyinhisdutyofgurmatpreaching.WhenIhaveaskedhim,hehastoldmethatthisis ahugetaskandrequiresatleastacompletemonthoffreetime.Iamgettingoldandmyphysical healthisnotwhatitusedtobe.IamworriedthatmypledgetoGuruJitohave101akhandpaths recitedwillgounfulfilled.Canyoupleasehelpmewiththisproblem? BabaJilistenedpatientlytotheoldladysrequest.Hefellsilentforawhileandthenreplied,O motherKhalsaJiisindeedbusywithpreachinggurmat.HowevercanyoureadpathfromSriGuru GranthSahibJi?Theoldladyreplied,BabaJi,IhavelearnedtoreadSriGuruGranthSahibJi (Santhiya)andcanrecitepathwellenough.BabaJirepliedhappily,Welldearmother,hereis thesolutiontoyourproblem.Leaveallothersolutionsaside.JustdooneSehajpathatyourown paceandleisureinonemonth.ReciteSriGuruGranthSahibJiwithdevotionandlistentowhat youarereading.Thenyouwillseeforyourselfhowmuchmorebeneficialitistodopathyourself ratherthanhavingsomeoneelserecitepathforyou.Theoldladyreplied,ButIhaveprayedfor anakhandpath(uninterruptedrecital)ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.BabaJireassuredtheoldlady, ThegreatGuruknowsallthatisinourhearts.Heknowsourcompulsionsandshortfallstoo.If youhaveanakhandpathrecited,often,oneisunabletolistentotheentirerecital. Ontheotherhand,ifyourecitepathslowlyandwithdevotion,thegreatGuruwillbeappeased evenmore.So,donothaveanysortofdoubtabouthowyourecitepath.Juststartreadingwith devotionandseehowmuchmoreusefulitis. TheoldladyagreedwithBabaJiandreturnedtohervillage.Shestarteddoingherpath immediatelyandshewouldcompleteaSehajpathinlessthanamonth.Shehadhardlyfinished50 orsoSehajpathsinthefourthyearwhenthegreatGurublessedtheoldladywithadivine visitation.OnecouldseeeveninthesecondyearsinceshestarteddoingtheSehajpathsthatthe oldladywasbestowedwithpeace,poise,andblissadotherspiritualgains. Thishumbleservant(SantSevaSingh)sawthattheoldladyoften,inparticularaftershewas blessedwithGuruJisvisitation.Sheradiatedpeaceandtranquillityinalldirections.Herfacewas alwaysglowing,herconsciousnessalwaysattunedinwardinconstantrecitationupontheGurus feet.ShewouldcomeeveryyeartotheannualSmagamasamatterofroutineandpartakein GodsblessingsshoweredontheSmagam.

Thegoodoldladyremainedinthiselevatedspiritualstateforfouryearsandonedaysheasked BabaJi,IhaveobtainedallthatIwantedbyfollowingthepaththatyouguidedmeto.Bythe graceofalmightyGod,Ihavenowishforanythingexceptone.Partlyduetomyageandpartially duetothefactthatcontinuoussimranhasstartedwithinmyheart,Iamnowunabletoreadpath forverylong.Istillhave45Sehajpathsyettoberecited.So,whatcanIdonow?BabaJiplease clearthisdoubtfrommymind.BabaJilistenedtoherpatientlyandsaid,Dontworryifyou yourselfcannotdopath.AskSantKartarSinghJitoenlistapiousSinghtorecitepathforyou whilstyousitandlistentoit.IwillrequestKhalsaJitocarryoutthisduty. Thegentleoldladylikedthisproposal.Shereplied,Youhaveguessedmyinnermostdesire.Inow feelmorepleasureinlisteningtoGurbanithanreadingit.Anyslacknessinsimraniscompensated bylisteningtoGurbaniandthusthecurrentofnaamisstrengthenedfurther. BabaJireplied,ThereisnodifferenceinreadingGurbaniorlisteningtoitwithdevotion.Itisalla matterofattentionandconcentration.YouknowhowmuchimportanceGuruJigivestolistening toGurbaniwithdevotionandattention.GuruJihasemphasisedtheimportanceoflisteninginJap JiSahibandrepeatedlytellsusthatthosewholistendevotedlyarerelievedofallwoesand sorrows: NanaksaysthatthetrueSaintsremainblissful HearingthenameofGoddestroysdiseaseandsins. naanakbhagtaasadaavigaas. suniaidookhpaapkaanaas.||10|| (JapJi1stGuru,page3) And HearingtheGurusword Mymindhasbecometenderandinfusedwithit. Thismindhasreturnedtoitsownhome gurbaaneesunatmayraamandarviaa manbheenaanijgharaavaigo. (Kanra4thGuru,page1308). And Mysorrowspainsandsufferings Haveleftmeonhearingthetruewords. Theywhohearitarepure, Theywhoutteritarestainless AndthetrueGuruwilloccupytheirhearts dookhrogsantaaputraysuneesacheebanee. suntaypuneetkahtaypavitsatgurrahiaabharpooray. (Ramkali3rdGuru,page922) Thedevotedoldladyobtainedfurtherspiritualadvancementabidingbythisadvice.Wetoshould payparticularattentiontothefactthatonlybyrecitingGurbanidevotedlyandwithattentioncan itsfullbenefitbeobtained.Merelyrecitingritualisticallyandrepeatedly,Gurbaniwillnotbeas beneficial.Itisformoreusefultoread,understandandlistentoGurbaniwithdevotionthanto

mechanicallyrecitepathorhavesomeoneelsereadprayersforyou.ThetrueGuruhas condemnedthisritualisticactofrecitingprayerstoshowothers: ManreadsholytextsandstudiestheVedas Hepracticesinnerwashingandbreathcontrol. Butheescapesnotfromthecompanyofthefiveevilpassions Andisevenmoretiedtohaughtydisposition. Mydear,bythesemethods Thelordisnotmet. AndIhaveperformedmanysuchrituals. Ihavedroppeddownwearyatthelordsdoor. Andprayforthegrantofdiscerningintellect.Pause. paathparhioarbaydbeechaarionivalbhuangamsaaDhay. panchjanaasiosangnachhutkioaDhikahanbuDhbaaDhay. piaarayinbiDhmilannajaaeemaikeeaykaramanaykaa. haarpariosuaameekaiduaaraideejaibuDhbibaykaa. rahaao. (Sorath5thGuru,page641) And Whatavailsittoread,whattoreflect AndwhattoheartheVedasandpuranas? Whatavailisreadingandlistening? Ifdivineknowledgeisnotgainedwithit. kiaaparheeaikiaaguneeai. kiaabaydpuraanaaNsuneeai. parhaysunaykiaahoee. jaosahjnamiliosoee.||I|| (SalokBhagatKabirJi,page655) GuruNanakDevJitoocondemnsmererecitationandreadingofprayersinAsadiVaar: Manmayreadandstudycartloadsofbooks Andhemayreadtheentiremultitudesofbooks Hemayreadandstudybooksandputtheminboats Hemayreadandstudybooksandputtheminpits Hemayreadyearonyear Andmaystudyforallthemonthsthatthereare. Hemaycontinuereadingforhisentirelife Andmaystudywitheverybreathofhis, Nanak,onlyonething,Godsnameisofaccount Andallelseisbuttoprateandprattlewithpride. parhparhgadeeladeeahparhparhbhareeahsaath. parhparhbayrheepaaeeaiparhparhgadeeahkhaat. parheeahjaytaybarasbarasparheeahjaytaymaas. parheeaijayteeaarjaaparheeahjaytaysaas. naanaklaykhaiikgalhorhaumaijhakhnaajhaakh.||I|| (AsaadiVaarSalok1stGuru,page467)

WeneedtoreadGurbanisothatwemayhearandunderstanditsmessage.Weneedtohear GurbanisothatwecanactuponthemessageofGurbani.WhosoeveractsuponGurbaniistruly exaltedandthestateofmindofsuchadevoteeisdescribedinJapJiSahib: Onewhoobeysthelordcannotbedescribed Onetryingtodescribeitwillhavetorepentafterwards. Thereisneitherthepaperandpennorthewriter. Whocansitdescribedstateofdevotee WhoobeysGod. SuchisthepurenameofGod ByobeyingGodrealisesthebliss Givenbysuchobedienceinhismind mannaykeegatkaheenajaaay. jaykokahaipichhaipachhutaaay kaagadkalamnalikhanhaar. mannaykaabahikaranveechaar. aisaanaamniranjanhoay. jaykomanjaanaimankoay.||12|| (JapJiSahib1stGuru,page4) And TheywhohearGodsnameandbelieveinit Obtainabodeintheirhome. jineesunkaimaniaatinaanijgharvaas. (SriRaag3rdGuru,page27)

61TRUEGURUBESTOWSALONGERLIFE InJune1962,BabaJifellseriouslyillwithaveryhighfeveranddysentery.Thedoctortriedtotreat thedysenterybutwithnoimprovementinBabaJishealth.Theconstantdiarrhoeacausedgreat lossofwateranddehydrationsetin.ThiscausedgreatweaknessandBabaJisconditionworsened bythehour.Hewasgivenanintravenousglucosedripandfluidsbutthedeteriorationinhishealth continued. Differentdoctorswerecalledanddespiteallthebesteffortsandintentionsofallthedevotees,his conditionwentfrombadtoworse.Mostofthedevoteeshadlosthopeonthisonenightwhen BabaJisconditionwastouchandgo.Everyonefearedtheworst,thinkingthatBabaJimaynot survivethenight.So,everyonekeptavigilthroughoutthenight,inthistimeBabaJislippedinand outofconsciousness. Intheearlymorning,wereadtheNitnembesidehisbed.AnArdaswasperformedbeseechingthe AlmightytogiveBabaJigoodhealth.AftertheArdas,BabaJisuddenlyopenedhiseyesand utteredinaenfeebledvoice,ifyouwantmecuredthengoandfetchDrBootaSingh,the physicianfromBahlevillage(S.BootaSinghJi,sonofS.IsharSinghJiofvillageBahlaP.O. GarhdiwalaDistrictHoshiarpur,wasaGursikhmindedpersonality.Hewonlaurelsbyservingin militaryintheBritishRegime.Hehaddeepknowledge,keenunderstandingandspecialityinthe treatmentregardingHerbalMedicines.Heusedtogivemedicinestothepatientsfreeof costs.Besidesawellknownphysician,hewasagoodfarmer,noblemanhavingdeepinterestinthe fieldofeducation.Duetothisbentofmindhisfoursons;S.BhagatSinghM.A.,Ph.D(History ScholarPbi.Uni.PatialanowinU.S.A.),S.PiaraSingh(Retd.D.P.I.(Schools)Pb.),S.HariSingh(Retd. Principal),S.AjitSinghNannar(Canada)rosetotheapplaudablehights.Hediedon10.6.1976). Heistobegivencreditforcuringme.AdevoteewenttovillageBahletofetchDrBootaSinghand soonreturnedtoGurdwarawithhim.ThephysicianaskedBabaJiabouthishealthandtooka historyofhisillness.HethengaveBabaJifourdosesofmedicinewithsugarsyrupandaskedBaba Jitohavehuskofesophagalafterwards.Thenwhatwaslefttocure?Themedicinewasjustan excuseforGodswilltobeenacted Themedicinebecameeffectual,WhentheLordstoodamidstit. aukhadaaayraasvichaapkhaloiaa. (Funhay5thGuru,page1363) BythesameeveningBabaJibegantorecoverandwithinafewdayshewaswalkingaround completelyfitandhealthy.Afterthisillness,BabaJiusedtotellhisnearanddeardevotees,that theillnesswassupposedtoendhislife.However,thetrueGuruhadblessedhimwithsomemore yearsoflifeinordertoservethesangat.So,theremainingyearsofhislifewouldbespentatthe disposalofthesangat.ItwouldnowbeuptotheAlmightyhowlongBabaJiwouldservethe congregation. Onmanyoccasions,thishumbleservant(SantSevaSingh)andotherclosedevoteesofBabaJi weregivenclearinstructionsbyhimaboutcarryingoutthelastritesforhisbody.Hewouldsay, Crematemybodyandperformtheritesaccordingtogurmat.Iaskyoucategoricallyandatno timetoerectanymonument,tomb,symbolormemorialofanydescriptionatmyplaceof cremation.Itwouldpleasemeimmenselyifnosuchsymbolsareplacedtocommemoratemy remains.

62MEETINGWITHBHAIVIRSINGH ThoughBabaJihadheardalotaboutBhaiVirSinghJi,hehadnotyethadthechancetomeethim personally.Thesetwogreatsoulsthough,hadmetregularly(inunseenspiritualrealms)inthe abodeofGodAlmightywithdeepmutualrespectandaffection: Byunitingoutwardly,oneisnottrulyunited Hewhomeetsinwardlyinspiritisdeemedunited. miliaimiliaanaamilaimilaimiliaajayhoay. antaraatmaijomilaimiliaakaheeaisoay.||3|| (Salok2ndGuru,page791) Inapproximately195051,somedevoteestoldBabaJithattheyhadreadinthepapersthatBhai VirSinghJihadbeensufferingfromillhealth.Uponhearingthisnews,BabaJiresolvedtogovisit BhaiSahibVirSinghJiinperson,eventhoughBabaJihadmethimonmanyoccasionsinheaven. ConsideringithisdutytomeetsuchagreatsoulandscholaroftheSikhnation,BabaJicaughta busandtravelledtoAmritsar.First,hepaidhomageatSriHarmandirSahib(Goldentemple),the abodeofSriGuruRamDasJi.AfterpayinghisrespectsatSriHarmandirSahib,hetookarickshaw tothehouseofBhaiVirSinghJi.BhaiSahibVirSinghJiusedtoliveonStLawrenceRoad,Amritsar, inthosedays. Whenhearrived,hesawthattherewerealreadysevenoreightpeoplewaitingtoseeandpay theirrespectstoBhaiVirSinghJi.TherewerebencheslaidoutforpeopletositonandBabaJitook aseataswell. OneoftheattendantsarrivedandannouncedthatduetoBhaiVirSinghJibeinginpoorhealththe doctorshadadvisedhimtohavecompleterestandforbiddenhimanyvisitors.However,any visitorswhowishedtoleavetheirbestwishescoulddosobysigningandleavingamessageinthe visitorsregister.TheattendanttoldeveryonepresentthathewouldmakesurethatBhaiSahib gottheirmessagesofgoodhealthintheevening.So,heaskedeveryonetoleavetheirnamesand addresses,alongwithanymessages,intheregister.Allthosepresentsignedtheregisterandleft onebyone.TheattendantaskedBabaJitosigntheregisteraswellbutBabaJirefusedandsaid, Thereisnoneedtowritemynameashealreadyknowsofmypresenceinhisthoughts.Ifyou dontmind,Iwillsithereforalittlelongerandrecitesomeprayersforhisgoodhealth,ifImay. Pleasedonotworryaboutme. BabaJiRecitesPrayersForBhaiSahibJi BabaJisatonthebenchandrecitedtheprayerofBenatiChaupai5timesandthenprayedinthe feetofGodAlmighty,Opatronofthepoor!Pleaseaccepttheprayersthathavebeenrecitedand blessBhaiSahibJiwithgoodhealthandaspeedyrecovery,sothathemayservethenationfor longerandwithvigour. BabaJiusedtotellus,IwasabouttoleavewhenBhaiSahibJiranghisbellandsummonedthe attendant.TheattendantfirstwentintotheroomwhereBhaiSahibJiwasconvalescingandthen cameoutandaskedmeifmynamewasBhaiHarnamSingh.ItoldtheattendantthatIwas HarnamSingh.Theattendantreplied,Inthatcase,BhaiSahibJihascalledforyou!Hethentook metoBhaiSahibJisrestroom.IwasoverjoyedtohearthisandthankedGodforfulfillingmywish

tomeetBhaiSahibJiinperson.IwentinsidetheroomandwishedGurFateh,thusreestablishing aspirituallinkinthismortalworldwithBhaiSahibJi. BhaiVirSinghJiaskedBabaJi,Youwereabouttoleavewithoutseeingme.BabaJireplied, Yourattendanthadtoldusthatyourdoctorhadforbiddenanyvisitorstomeetyou.SoallIcould dowaspaymyrespectsbyprayingforyourhealthinthefeetofGodAlmighty.Ihadjustfinished sayingtheprayerofBenatiChaupaiandtherestyouknowalready.BhaiSahibJireplied,Bhai HarnamSinghJi,whatofthisillness.ThetrueGuruhasplayedatrickonme.Itisasifapersonhas beentobetakenouttoseainaboat,leftwithoutpaddlesandinstructedtomakeitbacktoshore withoutgettinghishandswet.Suchismydilemma.Inthesameway,thetrueGuruhasaskedme towriteandelucidatethemeaningsofSriGuruGranthSahibJiintosimplelanguage,but instructedmenottomakeanymistakesinthetranslationofGurbani.Ibowedtohiscommand andstartedthework.Youknowhowever,thatGurbanioftheAlmighty,formlessLord,islimitless. Whoindeedcanwriteorknowofitsfullestmeaningsfor Wonderful,wonderful!Arethewords(Bani) WhichareoftheformlessLord Thereisnoneotherasgreatashe. vaahuvaahubaneenirankaarhaitisjayvadavarnakoay. (Salok3rdGuru,page515) MohammedSahibisthefounderofIslam.BhriguRishiwasagreatHinduSaintwhoseprophecies ofthefuturearecompiledinthebookcalledBhriguGranth.JesusChrististhefounderof Christianity. AsGuruArjunDevJihassaid: Somerareperson BecomesresignedtotheGuruswill ReflectingovertheGurusword ThisGurbaniisoftheSupremeBeing Throughit,oneresidesinthehomeoftheinnerbeing baneebirlaobeechaarseejaykogurmukhhoay. ihbaneemahaapurakhkeesnijgharvaasaahoay.||40|| (RamkaliDakhniOnkar5thGuru,page935) So,GurbaniisthespokenwordsofGod.Howcanmanwhohasfinite,limitedknowledgeand intellect,elucidatethemeaningsofthisinfiniteandlimitlessBani?Ibeganbywritingtheliteral meaningsofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Whentheconsciousnessfliestohigherspiritualdimensions thenthemeaningschange.Astheconsciousnessrisesintohigherrealms,newerandmore profoundmeaningsofGurbaniemerge. MyconsciousnessisnowexhaustedtryingtoelucidatethemeaningsofGurbani.Otherwise,Ihave nophysicalailment.Thedoctorhasadvisedmetorestduephysicalexertionandfatigue.Nowone isenjoyingthemeditationofnaambyresting.Thistooishiswill.Nowthespiritualconditionbyhis graceislike: Everybreath,memoryofmybelovedGodremains Ithaspierceddeepintomybeing

Itresonatesinsidelikecelestialmusic GivingrisetoeternalsongoftheLord Intoxicatinglikethemostsublimeliquor Shiveringlikethedropsofmercury Itsattractivepangsaremelodious Eventhenitstillgivespleasure. Almost1520minutespassedinthisexchangeofdeepandaffectionatewords.ThenBabaasked leaveofBhaiSahibBhaiVirSinghJi.Ondeparture,BhaiSahibJiaskedBabaJitopromisethat wheneverhevisitedAmritsarhewouldcomeandvisithim.Afterthatday,wheneverBabaJiwent toAmritsartopayrespectsatSriHarmandirSahib,hewouldalwaysgotoseeBhaiSahibBhaiVir SinghJi.Thetwosoulswouldbegreatlypleasedwhentheymetinthemortalandspiritualworlds.

63JESUSCHRIST,MOHAMEDSAHIBANDBHRIGURISHIJIAPPEARINAVISION OnedayBabaJiwasindeepmeditationwhenJesusChrist,MohammedSahibandBhriguRishiJi together,appearedbeforehim.Theirfaceswereradiantandhadspirituallybrightaurasaround theirheads. AfterblessingBabaJiwiththisvisionHazratMohammedSahibJispoke,Youareblessedandtruly fortunatetowhomGuruNanakDevJihasshownthedirectandeasymethodtoattain enlightenmentofAlmightyGodespeciallyinthisageofkalyug.ThefollowersoftheGreatGuru NanakDevarenotderivingthefullbenefitofhisteachings. Afterthis,BhriguRishiJispoke,Inourtimes,wehadtoundergohardpenanceandrigorous spiritualausteritiesinordertoachieveenlightenment.Thewholelifeofamanwasspentin meditationandmakingofferingstoGodandeventhen,unionwithGodwashardtoachieve.The truenectarofnaamwhichgreatGuruNanakDevJihasbroughtforhisSikhsisremarkable;even wecouldnotobtainthisboonofnaam.Nodoubtweamassedgreatspiritualandmiraculous powersthroughrigorousmeditationandpenance,includingpowerstocurseorblessanyone,but wewerestilldeprivedofthenectarofnaam. JesusChristjustsaidsimply,Itismyinnerdesirethatmyfollowersonedayadoptthepathshown bygreatGuruNanakDevJi.Sayingthesewords,allthreeprophetsdisappeared.

64YOGISEALNATHTRIESTOFRIGHTENBABAJIWITHHISASTRALBODY TothesouthofthepresentdayGurdwaraRampurKheraandTalwandivillagelivedayogicalled SealNath.HewasafollowerofGorakhNath(agroupofasceticswhohavemysticalpowersgained bypenanceandpracticeofyoga).Hehadcreatedgreatinfluenceintheareaduetohismiraculous powers.Hisfollowerswouldvisithishutwithofferingsoffineliquor,cookedmeatandpoultry,in ordertopleasehim.Whenhisfollowersinvitedhimtoahouse,theywouldsacrificemanyanimals andservelargequantitiesofalcoholwithmeat. FromthedayBabaJicametothisarea,withhisgurmatpreaching,manypeopleleftthisunholy practiceofsacrificinganimalsandusingalcohol.TheystartedtojointhefoldofSikhismandbeing baptised. Theystoppedyieldingtotheyogiandhiswayoflife.So,withtime,hisreputationbegantodecline andtheyogiwasacutelyawareofthecauseofhisslippingreputation.Hewasagonisedbytheloss ofhisfollowerstoSikhismbutoftenfoundhimselfhelplesstodoanything.Finally,tobuilduphis miraculousandspiritualpowers,hestartedexercisinghisyogicpostures.Hewassoadeptatyoga thathecouldseparatehisastral(consciousbodyandmind)fromhisphysicalbody. Onesummerevening,afterfinishinghiseveningprayerofRehras,BabaJiwassittingonhisbed outsidethehut,deeplyengrossedinsimran. BabaJiusedtotellusthatheheardthesoundofAulakh,Aulakh(achantusedbyyogis)froma distance.WhenBabaJilookeduptoseethesourceofthesound,hesawayogiwithlongiron tongsinhishand,advancingtowardshim.BabaJiusedtotellus,Mysoulrealisedthattheyogi SealNathhascometotryandscaremewithhisastralbody.Nontheless,Icontinuedwithmy simran,steadfastandfearlessly,mindfulofhisactionsallthewhile.Theyogiadvanced,coming nearer.Whenhecamequiteclose,heraisedhisirontongsasiftostrikeme.Theyogisaid,Iwill onlyrestafterthrowingyououtofthisplace.Theyogiwentontosay,Youaregivingthewrong doctrinetomyfollowers,whoareabandoningtheyogareligion.Theyogishoutedangrily,You donotknowhowpowerfulIam.IwillonlyrestafterIhaveremovedthesesickles(derogatory nameforthekirpan)fromyournecks.Whentheyogiusedthesederogatorywordsforthekirpan, BabaJifeltveryhurt.BabaJisaidthatwhilestillsittingonthebedandonlyinaspiritualsense,he (notphysically)slappedtheyogihardontheface.Withthis,histongsfellonthegroundandhe waslyingonthegroundwrithing.Herolledaroundonthegroundtwoorthreetimesashefell.As soonashecametohissenses,theyogiwalkedawaygrumblingtoBabaJi,Ididnotknowyou weresopowerful.Imisjudgedyourstrengthandmadeamistakeintryingtowrestlewithyou.I havelostmystrength.Iwillnotstayintheareaanylongerandsetupsomewhereelse.With thesewords,theyogileftandneverattackedagain. Afterafewdays,outofcuriosityBabaJisentadevoteetoenquireabouttheyogi,astowhether hewasstillthereathishutornot.ThefarmersploughingthefieldsnexttoyogiSealNathshut toldthedevoteethattheyogihadgonetosomeunknownplaceabandoninghisdevoteeswithout evensayingfarewelltothem.Hisdevoteeshadbeensearchingforhimforthepastfewdays carryingbottlesofliquorasofferings. BabaJilatercametofindoutthattheyogiSealNathhadsetuphisnewhomeatNangalIsher, Hoshiarpur.WhenthatdevoteecamebackandtoldBabaJi,thishumbleservant(SantSevaSingh)

wasthere.BabaJionlysaid,Hewasgoingtogo.LaterwhenBabaJiwasfree,hetoldme,No typeofmiraculous,mysticalcharm,forcesofblackmagic,voodooetcworkonagursikh. However,thegursikhshouldbeatrueSikhineverysense.ThenthegreatGurusheltershimorher. AsGuruArjanDevJisays: HewhomtheLordprotects TheformlessLordisbesideshim jaakaoraakhairaakhanhaar. tiskaaangkaraynirankaar.||I||rahaao. (Gond5thGuru,page868) And He,onwhosesideistheGuru Howcanwealthmakehimproud? HeonwhosesideistheGuru Whatharmcanlakhsofarmsdountohim? jaamguroohoayvaldhanehkiaagaaravdijay. jaamguroohoayvallakhbaahaykiaakijay. (Swaiyas4thGuru,page1399) ThosepersonswhosurrendertheirwholebeingtotheAlmighty,then Godhimselfsheltersthem: TheywhoseekrefugeinthefeetoftheLordoftheworld Thoseheferriesacrossthedreadfulworldocean. GodsavesthehonourofSaintlypersons OslaveNanaktheLordhimself Showershisbenedictionsonthem. jagdeesurcharansaranjoaaaytayjanbhavniDhpaarparay. bhagatjanaakeepaijharraakhaijannaanakaapharkirpaakaray.||2||I||7|| (KalyanBhopali4thGuru,page1321)

65DRASTICCHANGEINTHELIFEOFS.KABULSINGH TheconstructionoftheGurdwarawasunderway,whenoneday,amancalledKabulSinghof villageDhootKalanturnedup.Thispersonhadtriedeverytypeofaddictivesubstance,from alcoholtoharddrugsandnowhisphysicalhealth,mentalbalanceandeconomicwellbeingwere completelyintatters.KabulSinghwishedtostayattheGurdwaraandlearnhowtoreadpathfrom SriGuruGranthSahib(Santhiya)underthetutelageofBabaJi.Anothermemberofthevillageby thenameofPritamSingh(ShahJi)wasatthegurdwarawhenKabulSinghJimadehisrequestto BabaJi.PritamSinghwouldoftenhelpintheserviceofthegurdwarabothmonetarilyand physically.SeeingKabulSinghtalkingtoBabaJi,PritamSinghcameovertoo.KabulSinghhadjust petitionedBabaJiwhenPritamSinghwarnedBabaJioutright,Bemindfull!Dontkeepthis personhereattheGurdwaraforSanthiya. Heissuchadesperateaddictthathewillevensellyourpotsandpanstofeedhisaddiction.Baba Jireplied,ShahJi,inyoureyesisthereanyoneinthisworldwhohasnevermadeamistake?Is thereanyonewhoiswithoutpersonalfaults?Inthisworld Everyoneispronetoerrorexceptthecreator bhulanvichkeeaasabhkoeekartaaaapnabhulai. (Parbhati1stGuru,page1344) And Allarepronetomakemistakes TheGuruandthecreatoraloneareinfallible. bhulanandarsabhkoabhulgurookartaar. (SriRaag1stGuru,page61) Weallhavefaultsandmakemistakes.Itisbecausewehavefaultsthatwearebornintothislife. WhenallourfaultsareresolvedthenonebecomestheimageofAlmightyGod.Thehouseofour Waheguruissuchthatiteventransformsthieves,robbers,cheatsandmurderersintoSaints.Ifin yourviewhewillsellofftheutensilsthensobeit.Dontworry,GuruJiwillsendsomemore. S.KabulSinghwasgivenpermissionbyBabaJitolearnhowtoreciteGurbani.BabaJiadvisedhim toinvolvehimselfinserviceofthesangatattheGurdwaraduringanyfreetimethathehad betweenSanthya.WheneverBabaJiwasfree,KabulSinghwouldtaketheopportunitytositwith himandlearnhowtoreciteGurbani.Inashortwhile,hehadcompletedthetrainingtoread GurbanifromSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Afewmonthshadpassed,hehadrecitedtwoSehajpathsaswell.Now,KabulSinghwasnotthe manhewasashorttimebeforewhenheenteredtheGurdwaraasadestituteaddict.The companyofBabaJiandconstantexposuretoGurbanihadtransmutedKabulSingh.The transformingpowerofGurbanihaddredgedKabulSinghfromthedepthsofsinandimmorality, andmadehimworthyofbecomingaSikh.KabulSinghtookamritandbegantowalkonthepath ofgurmat.HebegantopartakeinrecitingAkhandpathasaservicetothesangat.Often,hewould stayattheGurdwaraforthenightandsometimeswouldnotgohomefordays. OnedayKabulSinghJiswifecametotheGurdwaralookingforhimandcomplainedbitterlyto BabaJi,Sendhimhomeatleast.Hehasbecomeanewyogi,abandoninghishomeandfamilyto

hidehereattheGurdwara.Whatincomeistheretorunthehousehold?Hehasevenabandoned hischildren.BabaJilistenedtoalltheladyscomplaints,patiently,andreassuredher,Dontbe dejectedBibiJi!KabulSinghhasntabandonedhishome.Heishereforthebenefitofthewhole family.Thehousethatyounowsayispenniless,willonedayberejoicingingoodfortunebecause, nooneeverlosesoutwhentheyclutchthefeetofthetrueGuru.Hearingthesewords,thelady returnedtoDhootkalan.Thenextday,whenBabaJiwenttopayhisrespectstoSriGuruGranth SahibJi,KabulSinghJiwaswithhim.Aftertakingthehukamnama,BabaJiturnedtoKabulSinghJi, YoumustnowgotoDelhi!Thereyouwillgetajob. KabulSinghwastakenabackandreplied,BabaJi,IamofadvancedageandwhateverhealthIhad, hasbeendestroyedbyintoxicants.WhatjobwillIdoandhow?Iwontgetworknow.BabaJi replied,Thisisnotthekindofjobthatyouarethinkingof.ThisjobwillkeepyouclosetoGuruJi andmoneywillnotbeaproblemeither.BabaJigaveKabulSinghsomemoneyforarailticketto DelhiandinstructedhimtogotoGurdwaraSisGanj,themartyrdomplaceofGuruTeghBahadur Ji: AllarrangementstheLordhimselftakescareof sagalsaraNjaamkarayparabhaapay. (Bilawal5thGuru,page805) AbidingbyBabaJiswishes,KabulSinghJiarrivedatGurdwaraSisGanjJi.Afterlisteningtokirtan, hehadlangarandthenstayedthenightintheGurdwararesthome(AninnknownasaSraan wherepilgrimscanlodgeforthenight).KabulSinghJitellsusthatwhenhewassatinthe Gurdwaralisteningtokirtanthenextmorning,apersonwalkeduptohimandsaid,Youhave beencalledbytheGurdwarapresident.KabulSinghbowedtoGuruJiandwenttomeetthe presidentinhisoffice. Thepresidentasked,Wherehaveyoucomefrom?KabulSinghJitoldhimabouthimselfand gaveareferencefromBabaJi.Thepresidentasked,CanyoureciteGurbaniinanAkhandpath? KabulSinghJirepliedinagreement.WillyoubeabletoperformthedutyofAkhandpath?Aftera while,youwillbeassignedtobecomethepriestatGurdwaraMotiBaghinDelhi.Wewillgiveyou freeboardandlodgings.Youcanalsocallyourfamilyoverhere,saidthepresidentofthe Gurdwara. KabulSinghJiwasamazedandquicklysaidyestotheofferofservice.Henowrecalledthe propheticwordsofBabaJithattheLordhimselfmakesallarrangements.Soon,hewasentrusted withthedutiesofGranthiSinghandintimecalledhisfamilyovertoDelhiaswell.Hebeganto leadahappyandprosperouslife.AtthesametimeasservingGuruJi,hehadSaintlycompanyof thecongregationtoo. Witnesshownaturechangeseverythingaround.KabulSinghJihadjoinedtheIndianNational ArmyfoundedbySubhashChanderBosebeforetheindependenceofIndia.Unbeknowntohim,he wasawardedapensionforbeingafreedomfighterandahealthylumpsuminpensionarrearsas well.Inamatterofdays,thispennilessfamilyonthebrinkofstarvationnowhadahealthyincome. AllthiswaspossiblethroughtakingtheshelterofGurbaniandholycompanyoftrueSaints.Soon, thechildrenhadgrownupandwereabletostandontheirownfeet. LookingatKabulSinghtoday,noonecouldimaginefromhisappearancethatonce,hewassuch anaddicttointoxicants.WheneverKabulSinghJirememberstheaffectionatecharacterofBabaJi,

headmits,Everyoneiswillingtotrustandembraceapersonofgoodcharacterorstature.Noone iswillingtotrustapersonofimmoralstanding.BlessedandgloriouswasBabaJi,whowaswilling toembracethelowestpeoplethatsocietyhadabandoned.Hewouldtransformstonehearted charactersintoesteemedgursikhsofgoldencharacterthroughhispiousaffection.Sometimes, whenKabulSinghJinarratesthistale,heweepsingratitudetoBabaJi.

66ANOTHERINCIDENTOFTRANSFORMINGALIFEBYGURUSGRACE AparticulardevoteeofBabaJiwhowasalandlord(SardarJi,Thenameofthedevoteeisnot writtenforthereasonthateverymortalhassomanydemerits.MayGodcovereverybodysfalse deedsandguideustoshowthebetterway)livedinSargodha(presentdayPakistan). Asdrinkingwasthefashioninhighsociety,hetoo,fellvictimtoalcoholabuse.WheneverBabaJi methim,hewouldtrytopersuadehimtostopdrinking,advisinghimthatnotonlywasitaddictive, butdetrimentaltoonesspiritualwellbeing.BabaJiwouldoftenremindhim,Whenamortal,in ordertoenjoyfalseandbasepleasuresofthismaterialworlddrownshimselfinintoxicants,heis defamedinthisworldandinthenext.Liquorpollutestheintellectandcreatesanimbalance withinonesmentalstate,wheretemporaryinsanitytakesover.Inadrunkenstupor,onelosesthe abilitytodistinguishbetweengoodandevil,theselfandanother.Egoenterstheheartandone forgetstheLord.Asaresult,oneispunishedintheLordshouseandisforsakenforhis wrongdoings.Oneshouldavoidintoxicantsatalltimes,asthecostwouldentailthelossofones moralityandplaceinsociety: Bydrinkingwhichintellectdeparts, Madnessentersthebrain, Mancannotdistinguishbetweenyoursandmine Andisbuffetedbyhismaster. BydrinkingwhichtheLordisforgotten Andthemortalreceivespunishmentinhiscourt Drinkthounot,atall,thefalsewine, Asfarasitliesinthypower jitpeetaimatdoorhoaybaralpavaivichaaay. aapnaaparaaiaanapachhaanee khasmahuDhakaykhaaay. jitpeetaikhasamvisraidargehmilaisajaaay. jhoothaamadmoolnapeecheejaykaapaarvasaaay. (VaarBihagra3rdGuru,page554) GuruNanakDevJihaswarnedusthat Bydrinkingthiswine ONanak,themortalearnsmultiplesins itmadpeetainaankaabahutaykhateeahbikaar. (SalokMardana,page553) GuruArjunDevJiclearlytellsusinGurbanithat Thefoolwhodrinkswineofevilunderstanding Becomehusbandsofconcubines. TheywhoareimbuedwiththeLordselixir Arethetruedrunkards,ONanak. durmatmadjopeevtaybikhleepatkamlee. raamrasaainjorataynaanaksachamlee.||4||12||114|| (Asa,5thGuru,page399)

GuruJitellsus,Brother,ifyouwishtolivealifeofsinandexcess,inastateofdrunkenstuporand insanity,thencontinuetoindulgeinintoxicants.But,ifyouwishtotastetheambrosialnectar, thendrinktheelixirofNaam.Thedecisionisyourswhethertofollowthepathofsinandaccept evil.OrtoembracetheGuruspathandtastetheelixirofthedivineword. ProminentSikhsofGuruGobindSinghJihavewrittenintheirpersonalaccountsaboutthetrue Sikhwayoflife.IntheseaccountscalledRehatnamas,itissaid,Atruesikhisonewhoisfreefrom theevilsofadultery,gambling,theft,liquorandtellinglies(RehatnamabyBhaiDesaSinghJi). BhagatKabirJitellsus: Whosoeverofthemortals, Partakeofmeat,fishandwine, Despitetheirpilgrimages,theyallgotohell kabeerbhaaNgmaachhuleesuraapaanjojoparaaneekhaaNhi. tirathbaratnaymkeeaytaysabhairasaataljaaNhi.||233|| (SalokBhagatKabirJi,page1377) BabaJiwastryingtomakethedevoteeunderstandtheevilsofliquorbyquotingexamplesfrom Gurbani.Unfortunately,itwastohavenoeffectonthelandlord.HewouldreplytoBabaJi,Iwant togiveupalcoholbutmymindandwillpowerareweak.Igiveinandamhelpless. BabaJiadvisedhim,Ifitisyourheartfeltdesiretogiveupalcohol,thenIwilltellyouamethod butyoumustadoptityourself.YoumustdailyreciteoneprayerofJapJiSahibandinfrontofSri GuruGranthSahibJipray,Omasterofthepoor,Iwanttogiveupalcoholbuthavenocontrol overmymind.Pleasehelpmetoshunthisaddictionandbringmetoyourpiousfeet.Inthisway, godailytotheGurdwaratopray. Thedevoteepassedalongwhilewithoutsuccumbingtodrink,ashewasengrossedinthedaily routineofprayer.Duetobadcompany,hebrokehisvowandbegantodrinkagain.Oneday,Baba Jisentoneofhisattendantstoenquireabouttheaforementioneddevotee.Theattendant returnedwithamessagefromthelandlord,Isometimesdrinkalcoholbuthatemyselffrom withinforhavingdoneso.ThedayIdrinkIstilldomyprayersbutdonotgototheGurdwarato pray. ListeningtothisdescriptionofSardarJisplight,BabaJigotthecongregationatthegurdwarato recitefiveprayersofChaupaiSahibandprayedtoGuruJionhisbehalf.BabaJisentbacka messagetothelandlord,Nowtheideaofdrinkwillnotenteryourmind.Evenifyouaretempted, thenpraytoAlmightyGodtogiveyoucontroloveryourmindandsaveyoufromthishabit.If despitethisyoustilltakealcoholthenstillpraybutdonotgoinsidetheGurdwara,justbowfrom outsidethetemple. TheArdasofthesangatandBabaJihadalreadyaffectedSardarJismind.Intakingtheshelterof SriGuruGranthSahibJi,hisresolvestrengthened.Thesamepersonwhowasunabletogiveup alcoholisnowbaptised,havingtakenrefugeatthefeetofthegreatGuru.Besidesrecitingthe Nitnem,herecitesSukhmaniSahibdaily.Afterthisincident,hehelpedmanyotherstoadoptthe Sikhwayoflife.AllhisfamilymembersarebaptisedSikhs.Onlybyassociatingwiththe congregation(sangat),performingArdas(prayer)andrecitingGurbaniaresuchblessingsobtained.

SuchwasthephilanthropiclifeofBabaJi:hewouldhelpapersonsteepedinsin,pullingthemout ofthedeeppitofdemerits,transformingthemintopious,devotedSikhs,byapplyingthe transmutingpowerofGurbani.Therearenothundredsbutthousandsofsuchincidentsassociated withthelifeofBabaJi.UnderthedynamicandaffectionateguidanceofBabaJi,manyfamiliesin theareaadoptedtheSikhwayoflifeandwerebaptised.Theyleftthepathofatheismandbecame truebelieversofGodandSikhism.ThewordsofBhaiGurdasJiringtrue: Inthiswhirlpooloftheworld, ASikh,anexpertsailor,cansavethelivesofmanythousands.

67YOULEAVELIQUOR,POVERTYWILLLEAVEYOU S.GianSinghofGurdaspurwasanobleandhonestgentleman,whoworkedhardtoearna livelihoodforhisfamily.HeobtainedajobworkingontheconstructionoftheBhakradam(adam builtontheSutlejriverfortheproductionofelectricity).NodoubtSGianSinghwasanhonest workerbutjustasathornaccompaniesarose,sotoowasthecasewithhim.Hewasfondof drinkingliquorandthisaddictionwaseatingawayhishardearnedmoney.Hewouldvisithishome onceamonth;givesomeofhiswagestohiswifefortheupkeepofthefamilyandtherestwas usedtofundhishabitofdrinking.Hiswife,agentleandwisewoman,wouldusethemeagre amountofmoneyforhouseholdexpenses.Thisroutinecontinuedforawhile.Thedamwasnearly completed,soS.GianSinghfinishedhisjobandcamebacktoGurdaspurtosetupawelding workshop.Hehadmanycustomersandhisbusinessransmoothlybuthisaddictiontoliquor ensuredthatalargepartofhisprofitswerewastedonalcohol.Manyatimehehadresolvedto giveupalcoholbutwouldeventuallysuccumbtodrink.AdearfriendsaidtohimonedayOGian Singh,youworksohard,withlotsofcustomersvisitingyoubutyourfamilystillremainsquitepoor. Yourchildrenaregrowingupfast,youshouldthinkofimprovingyourhouse.Soonyouwillmarry themoffandhavenodecenthousetolivein.Whatwillyoudo? S.GianSinghexplainedhisinnertormenttohisfriend.YouknowIhaveagoodincomefromthis workshopbutthiswretchedaddictiontoalcoholwillnotleaveme,nomatterhowmuchIshunit. Thefriendrepliedsympathetically,Iwilltellyouofaremedy.Indistrict,Hoshiarpur,near Gardhiwala,livesaSikhsadhu.Youshouldseekhisadviceandfollowwhateverhesays.Heisa perfectSaint.S.GianSinghsaid,Mydearfriend,Ihaveseenmanysocalledsadhus(Saints).All areconcernedwiththeirowngood.Thatistheirmeansofearningafastbuck.Itismewhodrinks alcohol,whatcanaSaintdo?Snatchthebottlefrommyhand?Noonecanconvincemetoleave drinkingunlessmymindsubmitstogivingupdrinkforgood.Hisfriend,whowasabaptisedSikh, saidtoGianSingh,Whatstheharmingoingthough?Youtellhimthetruthaboutyourproblem andbeseechhimtohelpyou.Ifyourinnerbeingagreesthenaccepthisadviceandcounsel, otherwisereturnhome. SGianSinghwasadamant.TheSaintwillsaytheusualthatgiveupdrinking.WhatwillIsay then?ShouldIlieandsayIwontdrinkagain?IfIpromiseaSaintIwillgiveupalcoholandthen starttodrinkthenIwillbeasinnertwiceover.Somydearfriend,donttrytopersuademetogive up.IfGodwillsit,hewillpersuademetogiveup.Thefriendreplied,GianSingh,asyouhavejust said,theSaintwontsnatchthewineglassfromyourhand.DoyouwantGodtosnatchthedrink formyourhand?IfGodsnatchesthedrinkfromyourhand,itwillcostyoudearly.So,donotmake lameexcuses.AtleastgovisittheSaintonce.S.GianSinghsaid,Alrightthenbrother,Iagreeto yourproposal.IshallgothereonsomeSunday.IfthatSainthelpsmeingivingupalcohol,itwill benefitmyfamilyandme.Ifnotthennothingislostorchanged. ThatfriendreturnedtohishomebuthiswordshauntedSGianSinghsthoughts.Sundaywas approachinginafewdaystime,sohechalkedoutaprogrammetogovisittheSikhSaint.Itwasa summerdayandGianSinghrodehisbicycleuptotheriverBeasatNashehraPattan.Hecrossed theriverbyboat,rodeanother25milesonhisbicycleandreachedGurdwaraRampurKheraat noon.Hewashedhisface,handsandfeetatthewaterpumpoutsidetheGurdwaraandplacedhis bicycleinacorner.Fromadistance,hesawthesangatsatonthecarpetandwentintoSriGuru GranthSahibJisroom.Hebowedinreverence,satdownusingafantodryhissweatandsawthat BabaJiwassittingamongstthesangatcongregatedthere.AsBabaJiwaswearingasmallturban anddressedliketheotherSinghsitwasdifficulttorecogniseBabaJi.

S.GianSinghhadanimagethattheSaintwouldbeexquisitelydressed,satonalofty,elevatedand ornateseat,withseveralattendantswaftingafanoverhim.AworldlySaintiseasilyrecognised fromadistance,buthereitwastheopposite.Everyone,includingBabaJi,satonacarpet,soit wasdifficulttomakeoutwhowasaSaintornot.HismindwaslostinthesethoughtswhenBhai AmarSinghJiarrived,gavehimparshadandaskedifheneededanything.SGianSinghaskedBhai AmarSinghJi,BhaiSahib,hastheSaintgoneoutsomewhere?BhaiAmarSinghJireplied,No, heissittingoutsideonthecarpetwiththesangat.Lookoverthere,thatfellowwiththesmall turbanandwearingaswordwiththeblackstrap,heistheSaint. AtthedirectionofBhaiAmarSinghJi,SGianSinghwentuptoBabaJiandstartedtobowinfront ofhim.BabaJiimmediatelystoppedwhathewassaying;puttinghishandsunderGianSinghs head,heforbidhimtobowinfrontofhim.Hesaid,Doyouneedtobowanyfurther?Youhave alreadybowedandpaidrespecttoonewhowasworthyofit(SriGuruGranthSahibJi);Agursikh muststanduponhisfeet;thegreatGuruhasblesseduswiththegiftofsayingFateh.Whenever twoSikhsmeet,weshouldgreeteachotherbysaying,WaheguruJiKaKhalsa,WaheguruJiKi Fateh.BabaJithenaskedhim,Wherehaveyoucomefrom?GianSinghrepliedFrom Gurdaspur.Onabusoronabicycle?enquiredBabaJi.GianSinghrepliedAllthewayona bicycle.Youhaveundergonesomuchtrouble,firsthavesomethingtoeatfromthelangar,then weshalltalk,saidBabaJi.GianSinghsatdowntoeatinthelangarandwaswondering,Whata surprisinglydifferentSaint!IfonedoesnotboworprostrateinfrontofothertypesofSaints, forgetbeingaskedtoeatordrinksomething,evenyourpresenceisfrownedupon.Eventhe attendantsofworldlySaintsfrownuponyouandtauntyoufornotknowinghowtopayhomageto theirSaint.Buthereeverythingisdifferent.ApersonwhobowsinfrontofaSaintissweetlytold nottodoso.Thisisanewexperienceinmylife,thoughtGianSinghashesateatinglangar.After havingsomethingtoeat,hesatamongstthesangatandlistenedintentlytowhatwasbeing discussed. AftersometimeBabaJiaskedGianSingh,Whatbringsyouhere?Youhavecomealongwayin thishotsun.Whatisyourorderforme?SGianSinghreplied,Iwishtodiscusssomethingin private.SooneveryonehaddispersedandGianSinghcontinued,BabaJi,Iwasworkingbefore andnowhaveaweldingworkshop.Igetregularcustomersbuthavenomoneyleftoverduetomy addictiontoalcohol.Povertyhasafflictedmyfamilyandhome.Idonotevenhaveaproperroof onmyhouse.Mychildrenareallbutgrownupandwillneedtobesettled.BabaJilistenedtohim patiently.Hepausedawhileandthenuttered,SardarJi,whatisyourname?GianSingh,he replied.BhaiGianSingh,ifyouagreetomycounsel,youwontjustbegettingbybutmoneywill hankerafteryou,answeredBabaJi.GianSinghwasnowcaughtintwominds.Hethoughtfora whileandsaid,BabaJi,IwanttostopdrinkingbutIcant.BabaJisaid,Thiswayliquorwontlet goofyou.TheonlywayisforyoutotakerefugeintheGurusshelter.BeforecomingtotheGurus shelter,youmustreciteJapJiSahibinthemorningandRehrasintheevening.Whenyoubecome committedtothisdailyroutine,then,startrecitingthedailyNitnem.Makeupyourmindfirmly, thatfromtodayonwardsyouwillgototheGurdwaradaily,andpraybeforeSriGuruGranthSahib Jifordivinehelp,ingivingupyouraddiction.Whenonesownstrengthbecomesineffective,then alltasksareaccomplishedbytakingtheshelteroftheAlmighty.So,bebrave,havefirmresolveto nevergonearalcoholagain. S.GianSinghwentonlisteningandfinallyaskedBabaJi,howdoesonetakeshelterofthegreat Guru?BabaJireplied,WhenyoustartdoingNitnemofsevenbanis,leaveliquorandbecomea baptisedSikh,thisistheonlywayoftakingshelterofthegreatGuru.GianSinghfellsilentand thought,IwillhavetobebounddowntodoNitnemdailywhenIgiveupalcohol.Iwillhaveto

adheretoaSikhcodeofconduct.Thisisindeedalongmethod.Drownedinsuchthoughts,he ventured,BabaJi,canInotgiveupdrinkwithoutbeingbaptised?AsyourequestIwilldoNitnem dailyandtrytoleavealcohol. BabaJirepliedsternly,GianSingh!Wewanttoreformyourpresentlifeandthehereafter.By leavingliquorandreadingGurbani,yourbusinesswillprosper.Butforhowlongwillyouderive pleasureoutofworldlythings.Afterall,itissaid: Allshallgototheirbridegroom Andallshallhavea Ceremonialdeparture,aftermarriage sabhnaasaahuraivanjnaasabhmuklaavanhaar. (SriRaag,5thGuru,page5051) Whosoeverhaslove,heshalldepartand Allshalldepartinturn joaaiaasochalseesabhkoeeaaeevaareeai. (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,page474) Noneofthekingsandnobles Nooneremainshereforever. raanaaraaonakorahairangnatungfakeer. vaareeaapoaapneekoaynabanDhaiDheer. (Ramkali1stGuru,page936). IfweplaceourfaithintheGuruthenhewilltakecareofus.Ifwegofromthisworldwithoutthe protectionoftheGuruthen: WithouttheGuru,thereisnootherGuru AndtheonewithoutaGuruhasabadname satgurbaajhahugurnaheekoeeniguraykaahainaaoburaa. (Salok3rdGuru,page435) Wemaychoosetounderstandornot,butgreatGuruhasleftnodoubtinexplainingtous,the needforaGuru.WhatelsecanbesaidmoreclearlythanwhatGuruNanakDevJisays? WithoutthetrueGuru NonehasfoundtheLord Allhavegrownwearyofperformingrites sathigurbaajhnpaaeiousubhthukeekurumkumaaejeeo (SriRaag1stGuru,page72) WithoutthetrueGuruthouarefoundnot Allothersareenticedintothenetofmammon satgurbaajhnapaaiosabhmoheemaaiaajaaljeeo.||3|| (SriRaag1stGuru,page71) IfwebecomeoftheGuruthen.

HeonwhosesideistheGuru Whatenticementcanrichesofferhim? HeonwhosesideistheGuru Whatharmcanthousandsofarmsdountohim? HeonwhosesideistheGuru Hedependsonnootherforspiritualvision. HeonwhosesideistheGuru HecontemplatestheGuruswords Andabidesinthetrueabode. Theslaveminstrelsupplicates WhosoeverrecitesthenameofthetrueGuru AndensrinesthenameoftheGuruinhismind Heisabsolvedofbirthanddeath jaamguroohoayvaldhanehkiaagaaravdijjaam guroohoayvallakhbaahaykiaakijay. jaamguroohoayvaldhanehkiaagaaravdijay. jaamguroohoayvalsabadsaakheesosachahghar. joguroogurooahinisjapaidaasbhatbaynatkahai. joguroonaamridmehDharaisojanammaranduhthayrahai. (Swaiyas4thGuru,page1399) Therefore,ifyouadoptthispath,youwilltastetheuniquenessofit.BythegraceofGod,the lowliestofthelow,dirttrodden,tormentedmindistransmutedintogold,whenonetakesthe shelterofthegreatGuru.Allthesebenefitsarederivedfrombaptismandbyenteringthe sanctuaryoftheguru: Thebodyisafurnace Andthemindofiron, Deepwithin,liethefivefiresofpassionheatingit. Sinisthecharcoalplacedtherewhichburnsthemind Andanxietybecomesthetongs. Themindturnedintodrossistransmutedintogold IftheGururesideswithin. HeblessesthemanwithnameoftheoneLord Andthenhisbodyandmindarehealed. kaaiaaaaranmanvichlohaapanchagantitlaagrahee. koilaypaapparhaytisooparmanjaliaasanHeechintbhaee. bhaiaamanoorkanchanfirhovaijaygurmilaitinayhaa. ayknaamamritohdayvaitaonaanaktaristasdayhaa.||4||3|| (Maroo,1stGuru,page990) ThosewhohavecometoknowabouttheGuru,realisethebenefitsoftheblessingsoftheGuru whentheyreadtheirBanialoud: HearingtheGurusword Glassistransformedintogold. UtteringthetrueGurusname Poisonistransformedintonectar. WhenthetrueGurucastshismercifulglance

Ironistransformedintoajewel. WhenmanuttersandreflectsupontheGurusgifts Thestoneisturnedintoanemerald. Thepangsofpovertyareeradicatedfromthosewhomthe Guruhastransformedintosandalwood. WhosoevertouchesthetrueGurusfeet Beitbeastorghost,allbecomeangelic. kachahukanchanbhaiaosabadgursarvanehsunio. bikhtayamrithuyaonaamsatgurmukhbhaniao. lohaohoyaolaalnadarsatgurjadDhaarai. paahanmaanakkaraigiaangurkahiaobeechaarai. kaathahusareekhandsatgurkeeaodukhdaridartinkaygaia. satguroocharanjinHparsiaasaypasparaytsurnarbhaia. (Swaiyas4thGuru,page1399) GianSinghJi!Donotbecomeconfused,becauseourintellectislimitedinitsscope.Makethe Guruspaththebasisofyourlife.Youhavetravelledfartoday,ifyoudonotabandonyourold habitsandadoptapositiveone,andthenyouwillhavegainednothinginyourjourney.Sobe brave,yourresolveisrequiredandgreatGuruwillrendereverymeansofassistanceyouneed. HearingthesedeeplymovingwordsfromBabaJi,GianSinghagreedtohisrequest.Hestayedthe nightattheGurdwara,recitedNitnemwiththesangatinthemorningandreturnedhome.Once home,hebegantorecitehisprayersonadailybasisjustasBabaJihadrequested.Sometimes,he wouldfeeldejectedanddepressedintheevening.ThenBabaJiswordsForsakeliquorand povertywillleaveyouwouldoverpowerhim.Hewouldhaveamentalbattlewithin,IfIstartto drinkagain,thenasBabaJisaidpovertywillhauntmeforever.Thenhewouldgaincourageand thinkpositively:Ishouldleavealcoholaloneforawhile,Iwillnotdiewithoutit.Ifthewordsof theSaintdonotcometrueinafewmonths,thenIcanalwaysstartdrinkingagain. Duringthefirstfewdays,GianSinghfounditdifficult,butwiththecontinuousrecitationof Gurbani,ArdasandregularvisitstotheGurdwara,hismindbecamestrongandhisresolve strengthened.HebegantovisitGurdwaraRampurKheraevery1520daystovisitBabaJi. Meanwhile,hisbusinessbegantoexpand,thefinancesbegantoflowandhisfamilywasnow happier,aspovertybecameathingofthepast.Previously,thechildrenwerewaryoftheirfather whenhewasdrunk.Theywouldrunandhidefromhim,butnow,theyweremorecheerfuland wouldruntogreethim.Itwouldnotbeanexaggerationtosaythatthehousehadchangedfroma livinghellintoheaven;fearandterrorhadtransformedintohappinessandpovertytoriches. Foratimethingsremainedthisway.However,onemayobtaintheblessingsofthegreatGuruby adoptinghispath,butduetoourpastkarma,onemayfallundertheinfluenceofbadcompany.So, GianSingh,influencedbyoldcompany,begantodrinkagain.Thenextday,whenheawokefrom hisdrunkenstupor,BabaJispropheticwordsranginhishead,Badcompanyissopowerfulthatif onehasonefootinheavenandtheotheroneinthedoor,ifonefallsundertheinfluenceofbad company,onewilllosehisorherfootholdinheavenandfallintosin.Thisiswhathappenedto GianSinghandhebegantocursehimselfandthoughtabouthowhewouldfaceBabaJiand confesshiswrongdoing.HowcouldhefaceBabaJitotellhimofthebrokenpromiseandhowhe hadfalteredformthepathofSriGuruGranthSahibJi?Theafternoonpassedinthisinnerturmoil.

ItwaswinterandsuddenlyGianSinghdecidedtogotoRampurKheraonhisbicycle.Hereached theGurdwaraintheeveningandaskedtheattendantsaboutBabaJiswhereabouts.Hewastold thatBabaJihadgonetoahouseinTalwaratowntoattendabhogceremony(completionof recitingSriGuruGranthSahibJi).Onhearingthis,hefeltdejectedanddisappointed. TheattendantsrequestedGianSinghtohavelangar.AfterhavingLangar,herequestedthe attendantstotellhimtheaddressofthehouseinTalwarawhereBabaJiwasduetoattendthe ceremony.TheattendantswereilliterateanddidnotknowwhosehouseBabaJiwasvisiting.They suggestedthatGianSinghgototheGurdwarainTalwaraandaskaboutBabaJiswhereabouts there. GianSinghrestedforawhileandatmidnightsetoffonhisbicycleforTalwaraonabitterwinters night.Inthepitchblack,heslowlyrodehisbicycleandreachedTalwaraatabout4aminthe morning.ThepriesthadjustenthronedSriGuruGranthSahibJiatthegurdwara,whenGianSingh arrived.HeaskedthepriestaboutBabaJiandwastold,ThereisonemancalledBhagatJi.Ido notknowhisrealname.Infact,notmanyknowhisname,soeveryonecallshimBhagatJi.Helives insector3;BabaJigenerallycomestoseehim.Youcangotohisplace. GianSinghmadehiswaytowardsBhagatJishouse,askingnumerouspeoplefordirectionsonhis way.Finallyarrivingathisdestination,GianSinghfoundBabaJi.WhenBabaJisawhim,hesaid, SardarGianSingh,howareyou?Wherehaveyoucomefrom?Wherehaveyoubeenstaying? Yourhandsaresocold.GianSinghwasofferedteaandthenheconfessed.IcametoGurdwara RampurKherayesterdayevening.IstartedtowardsTalwaraatmidnightandaftermanyenquiries foundyouhere.Nowmyfatiguehasvanishedatthesightofyou.BabaJisaid,Wehaveyetto completeourNitnem.Afterthatwewilltalk.BabaJididhisdailyNitnemandthenquietlysaid, GianSingh!Youdidnotkeepyourpromise.Youhavemadeamistake.GianSinghpetitioned BabaJiwithfoldedhands,BabaJi!ThebadcompanyIkeepcompelledmetodrink.Ididnotwant todrink,sincethedayIstoppeddrinkingIhavebeenenjoyingmynewlifestyle.Moneywasin abundance,thefamilywashappyandIwasmorehealthy. BabaJirebukedhiminaverygravevoiceIfeverythingwasgoingwell,whatcompelledyouto drinkagain?WhatforcedyoutobackdownfromyourpromiseandobtaintheGurusdispleasure? Thebadcompanyorpersonsyouareblamingdidnotwrestleyouinanarmlockandforceliquor downyourthroat.Youwillinglydrankanditisyourownweakness.GianSinghwithfoldedhands entreatedBabaJi,BabaJi!Ihavecommittedablunderandbrokenmypromise.Thatiswhy,since yesterdayafternoon,Ihavebeentryingtofindyoutorepentformymistakeandtobeg forgiveness.IvowIwillnotdrinkagaininthefuture.Iwillnotallowanyonetoswaymefrommy promise.BabaJisaidGianSingh!Youmustnowpreparetobebaptisedandfulfilyourpromise.I feelpityforyoubecauseyouhavespentallnighttravellingatgreatdiscomforttoyourself.Now youmustbecomeabaptisedSingh.BeGuruwardinyourintellect.Youwillbecomeabig contractor,butthesegiftswillbeyoursonlyifyouabidebytheGuruscodeofconduct. Afterafewdays,Mr.andMrs.GianSinghwereblessedwithGurusAmrit.WithGodsblessingand afirmresolve,GianSinghsbusinesswentfromstrengthtostrengthandhereceivedalarge contract. Hesoonhadenoughmoneytobuildalovelyhouseandland.Apennilessworkerwasnow transformedintoamillionairebusinessman.GianSinghwasnowknownasContractorGianSingh. ByabandoningbadhabitsandattainingtheGurusgraceheobtainedalltheseboons.Slowlythe

restofthefamilycametotheshelteroftheGuru;theyprogressedspirituallyandtheirwealth increased.ThisisbornewitnessbythegrandhouseonTibriroad,Gurdaspur.GuruJitellsusthat Ifsomeoneisweakfromthepangsofhungerandpoverty, Andhehasnomoneyinhispocket Andthereisnonetoconsolehim Ifnonewillgratifyhiswishandnoworkof,hisisaccomplished If,inhisheartheremembersthesupremeLord Heshallhavepermanentkingdom. jaykohovaidublaanangbhukhkeepeer. damrhaapalainaapavainaakodayvaiDheer. suaarathsuaaonakokaraynaakichhhovaikaaj. chitaavaiospaarbarahmtaanihchalhovairaaj.||2|| (SriRaag5thGuru,page70) BhagatFaridJisays Ifthouoman,reformthyself Thoushallmeetme. Onmeetingwithmethoushallbeatpeace OFarid,ifthoubelongtome Thewholeworldshallbeyours aapsavaarehmaimilehmaimiliaasukhhoay. fareedaajaytoomayraahoayrahehsabhjagtayraahoay. (SalokFaridJi,page1382) And ActupontheGurusinstructions Thisisindeedthetruestphilosophy satgurbachankamaavnaysachaaayhuveechaar. (SriRaag5thGuru,page52) And HewhopracticesthewordsoftheSaints HeisferriedacrossbytheGurusgrace jaykobachankamaavaisantankaasogurparsaadeetareeai. (Suhi5thGuru,page747) InGauriSukhmani,ourfifthGurutellsus: ThepersonwhomGodhascausedtoobeyhisorder ONanak,heobtainsallthings jisjanapnaahukammanaaiaa. sarabthoknaanaktinpaaiaa.||I|| (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page268)

68THEREISNOPARTICULARTRADITIONOFRECITINGANAKHANDPATHIN48HOURS Preparationswerebeingmadefortheannualgurmatmeditationcamp(NaamAbhyasSmagam). Traditionally,anakhandpathwouldberecitedoverthelasttwodaysofthemeditationcamp. GianiDyalSinghJiofPatialahadarrivedspecificallytoattendtheannualcamp.Duringan exchangeofpleasantrieswithBabaJi,GianiJiventuredtoask,Atwhattimeistheakhandpath duetostartandwhenwillitbecompleted? BabaJirepliedpolitely,Wewerethinkingofstartingtherecitationat8amandfinishtheday aftertomorrowat10am.GianiJiwasahighlyreligiousanddevoutgursikh.Hesaid,Bydoing this,thetraditionofakhandpathwillbealtered.Ithasbeentraditionaltocompletetheakhand pathinexactly48hours.BabaJireplied,Wetakealittlebitlongertocompletetherecitation. GianiJiagainrepeatedhisassertionthatitwasimpropertotakelongerthanthe48hourstorecite theakhandpath.BabaJisaid,Ok,tomorrowwewillaskthetrueGurutodecideforuswhetherit iscorrectornottotakelongerthan48hours.GianiJiagreedtothisrequestandexpresseda greatdealofenthusiasmoverthismatter,thinkingthistobethebestwaytosolvetheproblem. Thenextday,SriGuruGranthSahibJiwasenthronedandthedailyhukamnama(theholyedictor commandreadfromtheSriGuruGranthSahibJi)wasreadoutaloud.Everyonepresentinthe congregationspentsometimeinmeditationintheholypresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Then, Ardas(prayerofsupplication)wasmade,Trueemperor!Omasterofthepoor!Isitessentialto completerecitationofakhandpathin48hours?Isthetraditionchangedortampered,ifmoreor lesstimeistaken?Pleaseguideusastoyoursweetwillandallowustofollowyourinstructions. AfterperformingtheArdas,BabaJiandtheotherSinghssatinthepresenceofSriGuruGranth SahibJi.Allsatwithdevotionandreverenceinthecongregation.Allwantedaglimpseofthetrue Guruandthoughtthattheywouldbebestplacedtodosointhisholycongregation.Alas,only thosewhohadthecleanestofmindssawaholyvisionofthetrueGuru.OnlyBabaJi,GianiJiand oneotherSinghwereblessedwithavisionofthegreatGuru. BabaJitoldthesangatwhatthetrueGuruhadordered.ThetrueGuruhadsaid,Therewasno specifictraditionincompletingtheAkhandpathin48hoursinstitutedbyhim.Thistraditionhad beenestablishedbygursikhsthemselves.Therecitationofprayersshouldbedonewithdevotion andthegranthiSingh(priest)shouldrecitetheprayersattentivelyandwithlove.Thecongregation shouldlistenattentively,withrespectforGurbani.Thereisnolimitof48hourstocompletethe recitationofthewholeofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Thetimetakentorecitetheprayerscanbe increasedordecreasedasrequired. So,BabaJinarratedthesewordsofthetrueGurutothewholesangat.Itwasagreatreliefthatthe Guruhimselfhadliftedconfusionoverthismatter.Afterthisday,BabaJihadakhandpaths completedin72hoursonoccasion.ThegranthiSinghwouldrecitetheprayersaloudandthe attendingsangatwouldlistenpatiently.Hewouldsometimesaskthecongregationtoinwardly reciteWaheguruintheirhearts,whilstsimultaneouslylisteningtotheakhandpathbeingrecited. InsuchprogrammesBabaJiwouldpersonallysitwiththesangathimself.

69SIGNIFICANCEOFSALOKGURDEVMATAGURDEVPITA WheneverBabaJiwouldreciteaSehajpathorgiveSanthiya(teachpronunciationofGurbani)toa newlearner,hewouldcomeacrossaspecificinstructionwrittenattheendoftheprayerof BawanAkhriinRaagGauribythefifthGuru.HewouldponderovertheGurbanianditsmeaning andwhyGuruJishadfounditnecessarytowritethisinstruction.ThisGurbanicomesonpage262, attheendofwhichiswrittenaspecificdirectionforthereader. ThedivineGuruismymother, ThedivineGurufatherand ThedivineGuruismyLordandsupremeGod gurdayvmaataagurdayvpitaagurdayvsuaameeparmaysuraa. (Salokpage262) TheabovestanzaofGurbaniappearstwice,onceatthestartofBawanAkhriandthenatthe endofthisprayer.AttheendoftheSalok,thegreatGuruhasclearlyinstructed,ReadthisSalok atthebeginningandattheend. ThemotiveofthegreatGururegardingthisSalokwasnotclear.BabaJiaskedmanyscholarsof Gurbaniaboutitsmeaning.Somesaidthatinstructionwasapplicableonlyfortheprayerof BawanAkhrianditmeantthatatthebeginningandtheendofreadingthisprayer,thereader mustrecitetheaboveSaloktwice.BabaJiusedtoreply,ThisSalokiswrittentwice,firstinthe beginningandthenattheend,soitistobereadtwice,thereisnodoubtregardingthat.Some wouldsay,ThissentenceisnotGurbani,itisjustawrittenstatement.BabaJiwouldanswer, TherearesomanySaloksinGurbaniwhichappeartwiceintheGuruGranthSahibJi,butnoneof themendswiththisinstructiontoReadthisSalokatthebeginningandattheend. Atlast,whenhewasnotsatisfied,heprayedtothegreatGurutogivehimcounselregardingthe specialinstructionanditsmeaning.ThetenthGuru,SriGuruGobindSinghJiappearedinfrontof BabaJianduttered,BhaiHarnamSingh!Wheneveragursikhbeginsnitnem,eitherinthe morningorintheevening,atthebeginningandaftercompletingtheirprayers,thisSalokshould beread.BeforethestartofSriAkhandPathSahib,orSehajPath,andaftercompletingthe recitationofSriGuruGranthSahib,thisSalokshouldalsoberead.Thislineiswrittenonlyforthe purposetoremindtheSikhtoreadtheSaloktwice.AnypersonwhoreadsthisSalokatthe beginningandtheendoftheirprayerswillreceiveextraspiritualbenefit. ListeningtothedivinewordsoftheGreatGuru,BabaJiwastotallysatisfiedandoverjoyed.From thatdayonward,allthedevoteesofBabaJireadthisSalokaspertheorderoftheGreatGuru. SALOK ThedivineGuruismymother AndthedivineGuruthefather ThedivineGuruismyLordandsupremeGod ThedivineGuruismycompanion Thedispellerofspiritualignorance ThedivineGuruisrelativeandbrother ThedivineGuruisthegiver AndteacheroftheGodsname AndthedivineGuruismyinfalliblespell

ThedivineGuruistheimageofpeace Truthandwisdom,thedivineGuruis Thephilosophersstone Bytouchingwhichthemortalissaved ThedivineGuruisaplaceofpilgrimage Andatankofnectar ByhavingabathinGurusdivineknowledge Manmeetstheillimitablemaster ThedivineGuruisthecreator Anddestroyerofallthesins ThedivineGuruisthepurifieroftheimpure ThedivineGuruisfromthebeginning Ofagesandineveryage ThedivineGuruisthespellofGodsname Byrepeatingwhichthemortalissaved Mymaster,takepityanduniteme SALOK gurdayvmaataagurdayvpitaagurdayvsuaameeparmaysuraa. gurdayvsakhaaagiaanbhanjangurdayvbanDhipsahodaraa. gurdayvdaataaharnaamupdaysaigurdayvmantniroDharaa. gurdayvsaaNtsatbuDhmooratgurdayvpaarasparasparaa. gurdayvtirathamritsarovargurgiaanmajanapramparaa. gurdayvkartaasabhpaaphartaagurdayvpatitpavitkaraa. gurdayvaadjugaadjugjuggurdayvmantharjapuDhraa. gurdayvsangatparabhmaylkarkirpaahammoorhpaapeejit lagtaraa. gurdayvsatgurpaarbarahmparmaysargurdayvnaanakhar namaskaraa.||1|| ayhusalokaadantparhnaa. (GuruBawanAkhri5thGuru,page263)

70REVERENCEFORGURBANI BabaJiusedtorespectGurbani,fromthebottomofhisheart.Inactuality,weonlytrulyrespect andappreciatethatwhichisofgreatestvaluetousandisthemainstayofourexistence.Thelifeof BabaJiwassuchthat: IhavethesupportoftheGurushymns. IabidebybeingattachedtoGurbani maigurbaaneeaaDhaarhaigurbaaneelaagrahaao.||8|| (Suhi4thGuru,page759) So,BabaJihadtheutmostreverenceforGurbani,whichwasthemostvaluableobjectofhis existence. WhenBabaJiwouldtrainanyonetoreciteGurbani,hewouldmakehimorhersitonahigher placethanhimself,placingabeautifulsheetbeneaththepersonreadingGurbani.BabaJiusedto recitehisdailyNitnemwithinagroupofassembledSikhs.BabaJiwouldrequestthosewhocould reciteGurbanitositinfrontoftheassembledcongregation.IfBabaJiwasrecitingNitnemwhilst sittingonabedhewouldspreadacleanbedspreadonitandmakesure,thatallotherbedson whichfellowSikhssatonwerelevelwitheachother.AnySinghwhoreadGurbanifromagutka (compilationbookofdailyprayers)inthegroupwouldbemadetositonthehigherbed,whilstthe listenerssatonalowerlevelasamarkofrespectforGurbani.WhenBabaJiwouldgoforhis eveningwalk,itwasusualforhimoroneofthecompanionstoberecitingprayersorhymnssuch asBenatiChaupaiorSatteBalwanddiVaar.Assuch,thepersonwhorecitedGurbaniwould beaskedbyBabaJitowalkahead,leadingtherestofthegroupoflisteners. BabaJiwouldoftensitnearthestreamthatrunsjustsouthoftheGurdwara,listeningtosomeone reciteGurbani.Hewouldtakeoffhishazooria(asmalllengthofcloth,likeascarf,keptbyaSikh priest)andplaceitonthefloorsothatthepersonrecitinghymnscouldsitonit. Sometimes,anewcomerwouldbereluctantandhesitatetositonthelaiddownscarf.BabaJi wouldthentelltheperson,Dearbrotherthisscarfisnotlaiddownforyoursakebutasamarkof respectfortheGurbanithatyouarereciting. ThemorereverencewehaveforGurbanithebetter,becauseGurbaniistheembodimentofthe AlmightyLord.Somuchso,anyonewhodoesnotrespectGurbanicanbeconsideredtohave missedthegraceandblessingsoftheAlmighty.WeneedtohavereverenceforGurbaniinorderto obtaintheGuruspleasureandultimatelythisistoourtruebenefit.Weshouldnotjustrevere Gurbaniritualisticallybutrespectitfromthecoreofourbeing.IfBabaJisawapieceofpaperwith Gurbanilyingonthefloor,hewouldpickitup,reverentlysaluteitandthendisposeofthepaperin afire.HeconsideredthesmallestwrittenwordofGurbanioragutka,uptoandincludingthe entireSriGuruGranthSahibJi,asthelivingembodimentofthegreatGuru.Heoftensaidthat mortalsintheageofkalyughaveGurbaniastheirGuru: GurbaniistheembodimentoftheGuru AndtheGuruistheembodimentofGurbani InthewholeofGurbaniiscontainedthenectar IftheattendantactsuponwhatGurbanienjoins TheGuruinpersonsaveshim

baneegurooguroohaibaneevichbaneeamritsaaray. gurbaneekahaisayvakjanmaanaipartakhguroonistaaray. (Natt4thGuru,page982) And TheGurbaniofthetrueGuru Istheembodimentoftruth ThroughGurbani,mortalbecomesperfect satgurkeebaneesatsaroophaigurbaaneebaneeai. (VaarGauri4thGuru,page304) And TheGuruistheword AndthewordisthetrueGuru Theholywordshowsthewaytoemancipation satgurbachanbachanhaisatgurpaaDharmukatjanaavaigo. (Kanra4thGuru,page1309) ThegreatGurus,duringtheirlifetimes,showeduspracticallytohavetheutmostreverencefor Gurbani.Theyleftfootstepsforustofollow,leadingusbyexample.BabaJiusedtosaythistothe extentthat,HewhorespectsGurbanirespectsthegreatGuruandonewhoshowsnoreverence forGurbaniinsultshisGuru.IfwedontrespectGurbani,howcanwejustifybeggingfor emancipationandboonsfromthegreatGuru?Secondly,whereasitisimportanttoactuponthe messageofGurbani,itisequallyimportanttoreveretheembodimentoftheGuru,whichis Gurbani.Thisaloneisthetruemarkofrespect,whichweveneratethemessageofGurbani,by actinguponit.WecanonlytakeactionifwebelievethatGurbaniisindeedthetrueGuru. Eveninourworldlyaffairs,weonlytakeactionfromsomebodysadviceifweloveandrespectthat personinthefirstplace.Wewillnotbelieveoractupontheadviceofsomeone,ifwedonotlove andreverehimorher.So,itiswithGurbani,thattruedevotionistoactuponthemessageof Gurbaniandtheinnerrespectweattachtoitismanifestedoutwardlybyourreverenceforthe writtenword

71GURBANIISMOREBENEFICIALIFWELISTENTOIT S.WadhawaSingh,whohasbeenmentionedearlier,wasoneofBabaJisearliestcompanions. Afterobtainingamastersdegree,hestartedworkinginthelanguagesdepartmentatPunjab University,Patiala. Wheneverhehadanysparetimeoraholiday,hewouldcometomeetBabaJiandbenefitfromhis divinecompany.Hehadadoptedthepathofatruegursikh.ApartfromrecitinghisdailyNitnem, hewoulddotheprayersofSukhmaniSahib,AsadiVaarand27repetitionsofBenatiChaupai. Onetime,hequestionedBabaJi,sayingthatherecitestheabovementionedprayersdaily, withoutfail,buthadnotachievedthespiritualbenefitsthathewishedfor,whatwasthereason forthis?BabaJididntjustsatisfyaspiritualseekerbygivingfalseandhollowcounseltotheir questionslikeafalseprophet.Hewouldonlytellotherstodothat,whichhehadtriedandverified himself.Hepreachedonlywhathehadpracticedhimself,orthatwhichthetrueGuruhadgiven himpersonalinsightorguidanceon.HearingthequestionbyS.WadhawaSingh,BabaJifellsilent forawhileandthensaid,LetusgoandprayinthefeetofthetrueGuruSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Whateverorderwegetfromhim,youmusttoacceptit.Sothebothofthemwent,inreverence, totheroomwhereSriGuruGranthSahibJiwasenthroned.BabaJibeganrecitingArdaswhilstS. WadhawaSinghbegantowavetheChaurSahib(afan).AfterArdas,bothofthemconcentrated theirminds,insimran.Whilstinadeepmeditativestate,BabaJiwasgrantedavisionofSriGuru GobindSinghJi.ThetrueemperorsaidtoBabaJi,BhaiHarnamSinghJi,tellS.WadhawaSinghJi thathemaydoasmanyprayersashewishesbut,hemustrecitetheprayersasifheisreading themouttomedirectly.Hemustrecitethemasiftheprayersareformetohear.Itdoesnt matterhowmanyrepetitionsofBenatiChaupaihedoes,aslongashedoesthemasifsayinghis prayersdirectlytome.Itmattersnot,ifhedoes27BenatiChaupaipathsorjusttheone.Ifhe uttersjustoneBenatiChaupaiwiththeknowledgethatIamthereinfrontofhim,listeningtohis prayerrecital,itwillbemorebeneficialforhim.Anotherthing,hisNitnemreachesusnodoubt, buthisArdasneverreachesus. DoingArdasAfterSimranAndNitnemIsAMust BabaJinarratedtheorderofthetenthmastertoS.WadhawaSingh.Hearingthesewordshesaid, BabaJi,IdonotgetholyglimpsesofthetrueGuru.HowshallIreadoutGurbanitohim? BabaJiconveyedthisquestiontoSriGuruGobindSinghJi.ThetrueGuruordered,Whatever Gurbanihereads,ifhelistenstothatGurbanihimselfwithattentionandconcentrationthen understandthatI,too,haveheardtherecitedGurbani.Anydevotee,whosimplyrecitesGurbani, withoutactuallylisteningtothemessageofGurbaniandattuningtoitdoesnotreaditsoIcan hear,thatGurbanidoesnotreachmyearseither.IfhewantshisrecitalofGurbanitobeheardby me,then,heshouldfirstlistentoithimself.MeditationofGurmantarandMoolmantarmustbe carriedoutbylisteningtowhatisuttered,withconcentration. RegardingtheArdas,BhaiWadhawaSinghconfessedtoBabaJithathedidnotdoArdasafterhis NitnembecausehebelievedthattheGuruisallknowinganddidnotneedtobebeseeched.Itis clearthatadevoteemustperformanArdas(makeasupplication)afterrecitingprayers, meditation,simran,orcompletinganytask.OnemustprayinthefeetofthetrueGuruthat,O trueGuru,byyourgraceandblessingNitnemorsimranhasbeenaccomplished.

Pleaseaccepttheseprayersinyourtrustandblessthishumbleservantwithboons(anyspiritualor temporalboons).Pleaseforgivemyfaults,mistakesandtransgressions. BydoinganArdas,thesupremeLordshowersallmannerofboonsandsecretpowers,which wouldnothavebeenobtainedbysimranorrecitationofprayersalone.AttheLordsdoor: IfitpleasesyouOLord Hearmyprayerandsupplication Mymindsyearningisthat YoublessmewithyourvisionoLord Thissoulofmineabidesinyourmeditation. binatkaraoardaassunhujaythaakurbhaavai. dayhdarasmanchaaobhagatihmanthehraavai. (Swaiyas5thGuru,page1386) And Nanakmakesasupplication, OLordifyouwillblessme Withabodeinyourname ThatImayeversingyourpraises iknaanakkeeardaasjaytuDhbhaavsee. maideejainaamnivaashargungaavsee.||8||I||3|| (Suhi1stGuru,page752) And Joiningbothhands Imakeasupplicationbeforeyou OLordifyouwillit Thenembellishme Showyourmercyuponme OLordblessmewithyourdevotionalremembrance ServantNanakevercontemplatestheLord. duaykarjorhkaraoardaas. tuDhbhaavaitaaaanehraas. karkirpaaapneebhagteelaaay. jannaanakparabhsadaaDhiaaay.||4||2|| (Suhi5thGuru,page737) So,weshouldtrytohearwithconcentration,thesimranorGurbanithatwereadorrecite.The significanceofhearingGurbaniandthespiritualstateachievedbytheonewholistensproperlyto Gurbani,ismentionedthus: MortalbecomesaperfectSaint Areligiousguide,spiritualleaderandgreatyogi ByhearingthenameoftheLord Realityoftheearthorifabullsupportsitornot Andofheavenbecomesknown

ByhearingthenameoftheLord Knowledgeoftheworld,continents Andotherregionsisgainedbyamortal WholistenstothenameofGod Deathcannottouchorcomenearthemortal WholistenstonameoftheLord Nanaksaysthat Saintsforeverremainblissful Diseasesandsinsaredestroyed BylisteningtothenameoftheLord ThestatusofShiva(destroyer), OfBrahma(creator),andIndra(Godofrain) AreobtainedbylisteningtothenameofGod EvenasinnerbeginsutteringthepraisesoftheLord AfterlisteningtothenameofGod ByhearingthenameoftheLord Themethodofrailinghim Thesecretsofthehumanbodyandyogabecomeknown Knowledgeofthefourbooks(theVedas) Thesixschoolsofphilosophy(theshastras) Andtwentyfourceremonialtreatises(Simritis)is AttainedbyhearingthenameoftheLord Nanaksaysthat TheSaintsareforeverblissful Diseasesandsinsaredestroyed ByhearingthenameofGod Truthfulness,contentmentanddivineknowledge AreobtainedbyhearingthenameoftheLord Spiritualbenefitsofbathingat Sixtyeightpilgrimagesisobtained ByhearingthepraisesoftheLord. Onegetshonoursbyhearingandreading AgainandagainthenameoftheLord OneisabsorbedinmeditationofGod EasilybyhearingthenameoftheLord Nanaksaysthat TheSaintsalwaysremainblissful Diseasesandsinsaredestroyed ByhearingthenameofGod. OnedivesintotheoceanofVirtues Andbecomesanemperorby ListeningtothenameofGod Theblindmanseestheway ByhearingthenameofGod UnfathomableLordbecomesfathomable ByhearingthenameofGod Nanaksaysthat ThetrueSaintsremainforeverblissful Diseasesandsinsaredestroyed

ByhearingthenameoftheLord suniaisiDhpeersurnaath. suniaiDharatDhavalaakaas. suniaideeploapaataal. suniaipohinasakaikaal. naanakbhagtaasadaavigaas. suniaidookhpaapkaanaas.||8|| suniaieesarbarmaaind. suniaimukhsaalaahanmand. suniaijogjugattanbhayd. suniaisaasatsimritvayd. naanakbhagtaasadaavigaas. suniaidookhpaapkaanaas.||9|| suniaisatsantokhgiaan. suniaiathsathkaaisnaan. suniaiparhparhpaavahimaan. suniailaagaisahjDhiaan. naanakbhagtaasadaavigaas. suniaidookhpaapkaanaas.||10|| suniaisaraagunaakaygaah. suniaisaykhpeerpaatisaah. suniaianDhaypaavahiraahu. suniaihaathhovaiasgaahu. naanakbhagtaasadaavigaas. suniaidookhpaapkaanaas.||11|| (JapJi1stGuru,page2) And SingandhearthepraisesofGod Andkeeploveforhimintheheart Thenyouwillobtainjoyinyourmind Anddiscardallyourpain gaaveeaisuneeaimanrakheeaibhaao. dukhparharsukhgharlaijaaay. (JapJi1stGuru,page2) And Ofortunatefriends Heartheprayerofbliss Itwillfulfilallobjectivesanddesires Godthecreatorisrealized Andallmannerofgriefsvanish Sorrows,painsanddiseases Leaveonhearingthetrueword Thepiousandtheirfriendsgetjoy,hearingthetrueword WhentheyrealizethistruthfromthetrueGuru Purearethosewholistentothetrueword

Stainlessarethosewhouttertheword ThetrueGuruisallpervasiveandpermeating NanakpraystouchingtheGurusfeet Thenunstrucksoundofcelestialmusicresounds anadsunhuvadbhaageehosagalmanorathpooray. paarbarahmparabhpaaiaautraysagalvisooray. dookhrogsantaaputraysuneesacheebanee. santsaajanbhaaysarsaypooraygurtayjaanee. suntaypuneetkahtaypavitsatgurrahiaabharpooray. binvantnaanakgurcharanlaagayvaajayanhadtooray.||40||1|| (RamkaliAnand3rdGuru,page922) Besidesallthis,SikhhistorybearswitnesstotheimportanceoflisteningtoGurbaniwithattention. WhenGuruNanakDevJisubmergedintheriveratSultanpurLodhiandemergedthreedayslater, hedeclaredthemessageoftheAlmighty:thereisnoHinduorMuslimintheeyesofGod.He broughtbackthetruewordofGodintheformofMoolmantar,meditationofwhichwouldbring universalpeacetoallmankind. ThelocalMuslimpriestquestionedGuruNanakDevJiangrily,IfnooneisaHinduorMuslimand allareequalthen,whydontyoucometopray(NamaaztheMuslimprayer)inthemosquewith us.GuruNanakDevJiagreedandwenttothemosquetoreadnamaaz.GuruJisatbesidethe congregationbutdidnotreadthenamaaz.Attheendoftheprayers,thepriestaskedGuruJi angrily,Youweresmilingandmockingusbutdidnotprayyourself. GuruJireplied,Kazi(aMuslimpriest)youtoodidnotprayeither.Youwererecitingyourprayers andbowingoutwardlybutinyourmind,youwerenotpayingattentiontoyourprayers.Youwere thinkingaboutbuyingandsellingArabianhorsesinfarofflands.Readingnamaaz,absent mindedlyisnotacceptedbyGodAlmightyanddoesnotreachAllah. IfthegreatGurupreachestothefollowersofotherfaithstopraywholeheartedly,withdevotion andconcentrationthenwhathighhopeswillhehaveofhisfollowers?Obviously,hewouldexpect ustofollowhisteachingsandreadGurbaniwithpresenceofmindanddeepconcentration. Fromthatdayonwards,S.WadhawaSinghJibegantopracticewhatthetrueGuruhadordered andsoonattainedgreatspiritualheightsandbenefits.

72GURBANI,ANAPPARENTMEDICINE BabaJihadimmensefaithinGurbani.Thiswasnotjustblindfaith,itwasinsteadbasedon practicalapplicationofGurbanitoeveryendeavourinhislife,thusinspiringotherstofollowhis example.HisthinkingwasthatGurbaniistheembodimentoftheGuruandateachingforusto practiceinourdailylives.Byfollowingtheseteachings,amortalbecomesanimageofthecelestial being.Oneobtainsemancipationfromthecycleofbirthsanddeathsandbecomesapermanent residentoftheblissfulcityofourLordskingdom.Suchfortunatepersonsspendthetimegiftedto theminthislife,inastateofblissfulremembrance.Finally,themortalattainsthestate: HeONanakblendswiththeworldLord Aswatermingleswithwater naanakleenbhaiogobindsiojiopaaneesangpaanee.||3||II|| (Sorath9thGuru,page634) GurbaniisnotonlyamereteachingbutisaspowerfulastheGuru.Gurbaniisnotatfaultifwefail toexperienceitspower.OurfaithandbeliefinGurbaniarelacking.Gurbanicarriesmiraculous power;itisatruemedicine,nectar,achemicalpanacea,motherofnaamandatangibleproofof theexistenceoftheformlessLord.GurbaniistheGuru,whichreformsthisworldandtheafterlife ofagursikh. Itwasaround1960whenthishumbleservant(SevaSingh)caughtafever.Duetosomereason, BabaJiwasoutoftownforafewdays.Thedoctordiagnosedmyfeverduetotyphoid. Administeringtherelevantmedicineintheformofcapsules,hereassuredmethatIwouldbewell inafewdays.Itookthemedicineasprescribedforanumberofdaysbuttherewasnoremission inmyfever.Infact,myfeverragedoncausingbodilyweaknesstoo. Ontheeighthday,BabaJireturnedtothegurdwaraandcamestraighttoseeme,enquiringabout myhealth.Whilstlyingdown,Irelatedallmysymptomstohim.BabaJitookholdofmyarmand said,Youstillhaveahighfeverbutdonttakeanymoremedicinesnow.Getridofthemedicinein yourpockettoo.Iwasalreadyfeduptakingsomanycapsulesandtablets,soIthrewthe medicinesaside.Iwasfeelinguplifted,nowthatBabaJihadreturnedandwassurethatIwouldbe cured.BabaJihadnteveneatenanythingyet.Heorderedadevoteetofetchanironbowland cleanit.BabaJihimselfwenttogetcleanwaterinasteelglass.Thedevoteereturnedwiththe ironbowl.BabaJipouredthewaterintothebowl,placedthebowlonacleansheethehadspread onthegroundandsatcrossleggedbesideit.BabaJiaskedmetositbesidehimandtoldmethatif Ifelttired,IcouldliedownbutshouldcarryonrecitingWaheguru,Waheguruallthetime.Hetook outhissword,washeditandstartedtostirthewaterinthebowlinthesamewayamritis preparedinthebaptismceremony.Allthewhile,hewasstirringthewaterBabaJiwasrecitingthe fiveprayersofthedailyNitnem.OncetheNitnemwascomplete,heperformedanArdaswhile sittingandthenaskedmetodrinktheblessedwater.HethenaskedwhatIdesiredtoeat.Iasked tohavesomeMasurDaal(yellowlentilsoup)andchapattis.Then,loandbeholdwithinanight,my feverbroke.AsGuruJisaysinSukhmaniSahib Lordsnameisthepanaceaofallills Diseasecannotvisit,eveninadreamtothismortal Whoseheartisattunedtothename sarabrogkaaaukhadnaam. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page274)

Bydawnnextday,Itookabathbutwasforbiddentowalk.Bytheevening,BabaJitookmefora walkaswell.So,inthisway,withouttakingworldlymedicine,mybodywascuredwithjustasingle doseofGurbani.Thisincidentisnothearsaybutactuallyhappenedtome,andthosedevotees, aroundatthetime,witnessedthiscure.Ifeelonemoreincidentisworthnarratingsothatthe greatGurumayblessuswithfirmfaithinthetransformativepowerofGurbani.

73ANOTHERINCIDENCEOFGURBANIASMEDICINE Thishumbleservant(SevaSingh)witnessedthefollowingincidentfirsthand.S.BaldevSinghof Machhianvillagewasanalcoholic,whospenthisdaysandnightundertheinfluenceofalcohol. Naturally,alcoholhadaffectedhishealthandhisliverandstomachwerebothdamaged. Hebelongedtoawealthyfamilyandwastreatedbyahostofeminentdoctorsbuttonoavail.At last,hewastakentotheChristianMedicalCollegeinLudhiana.Hewasbedriddenbythisstage andhisbedwasplacedonatruckinordertotakehimtothehospitalinLudhiana.There,the doctorstoldhimthatapartfromliverdamage,hisstomachandkidneysweredamagedtoo.He wastoldfurther,thatmedicinescouldnowonlyprovidepalliativereliefofhissymptomsandthat nocurewouldoccur.Whenthespecialistsdeclaredtheirhelplessnessthenwhathopewasthere left,allworldlyhopeswereshattered.Therewasntasinglerayofhopetosurvive.Allthatcould bedonewastolookafterhiminhisfinaldays.However,hiswifeusedtoreciteherNitnemdaily andwouldoccasionallycometovisitBabaJiandthecongregation. Asalastresort,shecametopetitionBabaJiwithS.MohinderSinghofMachhian,whoalso happenedtobeBabaJisjeepdriver.ShetoldBabaJi,Youknowmyhusbandisseriouslyill. Doctorshavegivenhimalimitedchanceofsurvivalbecausehisliverhasbeenbadlydamaged.His kidneysareonthevergeoffailing.Hisdaysaretrulynumbered.Forthesakeofouryoungchildren, Iimploreyoutohelphim.BabaJilistenedquietlyandreplied,Hehasbrokenhispromisenotto drinkseveraltimesoverthepasttwoandahalfyears.Whatcanwedo?MohinderSinghalso petitionedBabaJitointerveneintryingtosavethelifeofS.BaldevSingh.BabaJirepliedangrily, IfyouarerecommendingIinterveneinthismatterthenyoushouldshouldersomeoftheburden andresponsibilitytoo.Goaskhimifheisreadytoleavealcohol.Yes,ifheleavesliquor,starts doinghisNitnem,becomesbaptisedandleadsthelifeofaGodfearinggursikh,thenhetoocanbe curedwithouttheneedformedicine.Ifheagreestotheseconditionsthengoandbringhimto me. AstheladyandS.MohinderSinghwereleaving,BabaJiagainsaid,Mindthathedoesnotback outofhispromise.Moreover,ifhestartstodrinkafterheisbaptisedorbreakshisvows,hewill notsurviveforlong. BothofthemtookleaveofBabaJiandwentstraighttothehospitalinLudhiana.S.BaldevSingh wasdischargedfromthehospitalandarrivedbackinhisvillagethesameevening.BabaJisenthim someconsecratedholywaterandsaid,Givethiswatertohimtwoorthreetimesdaily.Aslongas hecannotdohisNitnem,someoneinthefamilyshouldreadtheNitnemtohimdaily.Whenheis wellenough,donothesitateandgethimtotakebaptismassoonaspossible. HearingGurbanidailyanddrinkingholywater,hiskidneysandliverbegantorecover.Soon,he wasabletowalkandmoveabout.HetookbaptismwithhisfamilyandbecameanamritdhariSikh. HebegantodohisNitnemandhisbodybecamewell.Hewasnowabletolookafterhistransport business. Almosttwoyearshadpassedandonedayhesaidtohiswife,Thedoctorgavemesomeadvice. Hetoldmetoeataneggdailyinordertospeedmyrecovery.YougotoBabaJiandaskhimifIcan eateggs.Hiswifereluctantly,undercompulsion,cametoseeBabaJiwithherhusbandsrequest. BabaJiheardtheladyoutandangrilyreplied,Wherewasthedoctorwhenallofthemhadgiven uponhistreatmentbefore?Goandtellhimnottomakelameexcusesandsticktohispromise.So

longashekeepshisvows,hewillbehealthy.Ifhebacksoutofhispromise,hewillfallill.Then dontcomehere.TheladyreturnedtoherhusbandandrelatedwhatBabaJihadsaid.However, hismindhadalreadyyieldedtotemptation.Afewdayslater,hebrokehisvowsandhestartedto drinkagain.Innexttonotime,hefellillagain,fromwhichhedidnotrecover,ultimatelyleaving thisworldforever.Thisincidentisnarratedtomakethepointthatwhenallmedicinesbecome ineffectivethenGurbaniistheonlymedicine,whichcancure.Moreover,thepowerofamritis supreme.Whenamankeepshispromise,Godhelpshimandifhebacksdown,thenthegreat Guruhasgivenhisverdictthat Hewhopledgesthewordandbacksout Allthathesaysisfalse Thefalseoneishollowfromwithin Andisengrossedinfalsehood bachankaraytaikhisakjaaaybolaysabhkachaa. andrahuthothaakoorhiaarkoorheesabhkhachaa. (Maru5thGuru,page1099) AfalsemangetsnoshelterintheGurusfeet.AttheLordsdoor,thefollowersofhisdivineorder areblessed.WhenfalsehoodoftheegotisticalmindinterfereswithobeyingtheGurusorder,then themortalisdeprivedofhisgrace: HewhosubmitstotheLordsorder Isconsignedtohistreasury Thecounterfeitfindsnoplace Theymixwiththetaintedones hukamrajaaeejochalaisopavaikhajaanai. khotaythavarnapaaineeralayjoothaanai.||4|| (Asa1stGuru,page421) BabaJiusedtoemphaticallystatethat,AllthediseasesofthebodyarecuredbyGurbani,the Lordsname.Thesoultakesalongerwhiletobecuredbutagursikhmustkeepontryingwith deepfaithandresolveinGurbani.

74THEIMPORTANCEOFAMRIT:ESSENTIALTOBEINGGURUWARD TheonlymissionofBabaJiwastoreconnectmortalsofthisworldtotheGuru,thiswasdoneby focusingtheirattentiontowardsSriGuruGranthSahibJi.GodcanbemetonlythroughtheGuru andsincetheinceptionofthisworld,whosoeverhasachievedanyspiritualinsight,hasdoneso throughthegraceoftheGuru.Gurbanigivesusthisunshakeableedict WithouttheGuru,nonehasobtainedtheLord, WithouttheGuru,nonewillobtaintheLord. InthetrueGuru,theLordhasplacedhimself, AndIopenlydeclareandproclaimit. binsatgurkinainapaaiobinsatgurkinainapaaiaa. satgurvichaaprakhionkarpargataakhsunaaiaa. (Pauri,AsadiVaar,1stGuru,page466) ThefourthGuruordersusthat Odivine,withouttheGuru, Thedevotionalservicecannotbeperformed Astheunbleachedclothassumesnotdyeever, Howevermuchallmaydesireit.Pause. giaaneegurbinbhagatnahoee. korairangkadaynacharhaijaylochaisabhkoee.||I|| (Suhi4thGuru,page732) AndthethirdGurutootellsusthat: TheperverseworshiptheLordwithoutthetrueGuru HowcandevotionalservicebeperformedwithouttheGuru? manmukhbhagatkarahibinsatgurvinsatgurbhagatnahoeeraam. (Suhi3rdGuru,page768) SoOmortal,ifyouwanttopurifyyourmind,washawayyourevilsinsofMaya,whichhavetainted themindscanvas,thencometotheshelterofthetrueGuru Omymind!IfyouseektheshelteroftheGuru, Thenyoushallbecomefilthless Theperversehasgoneweary OfrepeatingGodsname, Buttheirdirtcouldnotbewashedoff.Pause. manmayraygursaranaavaitaanirmalhoay. manmukhharharkarthakaymailnasakeeDhoay.||1|| (SriRaag1stGuru,page39) InGurbani,itisstatedthathealoneisbadwhohasnottakentherefugeoftheGuru: WithinthetrueGuru,thereisnotanotherGuru,andonewithouttheGuruhasabadname. satgurbaajhahugurnaheekoeeniguraykaahainaaoburaa. (Asa3rdGuru,page435)

GuruArjunDevJihasalsodescribedtheattributesoftheGurulessperson: ThemortalwhoiswithouttheGurusinstruction Accursedandcontaminatedishislife. Hetheblockheadisequaltoadog, Aswine,anass,acrowandasnake. gurmantarheensayjoparaaneeDharigantjanambharsatnah. kookrahsookrahgaraDhbhehkaakahsarapnehtulkhalah. (SalokSahaskriti5thGuru,page356) ThegreatGuruproclaimssolemnlyandwarnsthat,nomortalinthis worldshouldremainindoubtthattheywillreceiveemancipationfrom thislifewithouttheGurusblessing. Nooneshouldstrayindoubt,inthisworld KnowthatwithouttheGuru, Noonecancrosstheworldocean.Pause. matkobharambhulaisansaar. gurbinkoaynautraspaar.||I||rahaao. (Gond5thGuru,page864) Thismind,whichhasbeentaintedwiththefilthofsinsfrommanypastlives,canonlybewashed withtheblessingofnaamandGraceoftheGuru(Gurparsad).Thereisnootherway.Withthe Gurusdirection,themortalwashesthestainofpastsinsandthemindbecomespure.Thus,a Guruwardpersoncanbeemancipatedfromthecycleofrebirthandsavedfromwandering throughallmanneroflifeforms: Thescumofsomanybirths Isattachedtothesoul Andithasbecomepitchblack. Theoilmansragturnsnotwhitebywashing Eventhoughitbewashedahundredtimes BytheGurusgracemanremainsdeadinlife Andhisnatureisaltered Andturnsawayfromtheworld. Nanak,noimpurityattachestohimthen Andhefallsnotintothewombagain. janamjanamkeeismankaomallaageekaalaahoaasiaahu. khanleeDhoteeujleenahovaeejaysaoDhovanpaahu. gurparsaadeejeevatmaraiulteehovaimatbadlaahu. naanakmailnalageenaafirjoneepaahu.||I|| (VaarSorath5thGuru,page651) ThegraceoftheGurucanbeobtainedbybecomingGuruward.ThemethodtobecomeGuru wardwasproclaimedopenlytotheworldbyGuruGobindSinghJiatthecongregationthat gatheredonBaisakhiof1699atTakhatKeshgarhSahib(AnandpurSahib).Theauthorityof initiatingpeopletobecomeGuruwardwasvestedinthefivebelovedonesbyGuruJihimself. PreviouslythegreatGuruhimselfinitiatedthecongregationtobaptism.

First,thegreatGurupreparedthenectar(amrit)andthenbaptisedthefivebelovedones.He himselfthenaskedtobebaptisedbythefivebelovedones,sothatnoonecouldeverquestionthe needtobebaptisedinthefuture.IfthegreatGuruhadnotseparatedhimselffromthetradition ofamritthenhowcanwedaretodosoandstillexpecttheGurusgracetofalluponuswithout takingamrit?NeverFromDallaToBhaiDalSingh BabaJiusedtogiveanexamplefromSikhhistorytostresstheimportanceofbeingbaptised.It wasthestoryofBhaiDallaJi,whowasaverynearanddeardevoteeofGuruGobindSinghJi.He hadgreatfaithinGuruJi.AfterwinningthebattleofMuktsar,GuruJiwaspreparingtoleavefor SouthernIndia.Onhiswaythere,hestayedwithBhaiDallaJi.HeservedthegreatGuruwithhis mind,bodyandwealth,atwhichGuruGobindSinghJiwasverypleased.GuruJicalledDallaand said,Youhaveserveduswellandpleasedus.Askforwhateveryouwishfor.BhaiDallareplied withfoldedhands,GuruJiwithyourgrace,IhaveallthatIneed.GuruJiagainaskedBhaiDalla, Dalliaaskforanyboonthatyouwish.BhaiDallaagainthankedthegreatGuruforhisgrace. GuruGobindSinghJiaskedhimathirdtime.Then,BhaiDalla,withutmosthumilityandfolded handsbeseeched,Ifyouaretogivemeaboonthen,blessmewithaplacethesizeofthisstool besideyouinheaven.Irequirenothingelsesire.ThegreatGurureplied,Thentaketheboonof amrittobecomeBhaiDalSinghandearnthenameoffaith. Dallareplied,Ihavetakenamritmanytimes.ThegreatGuruasked,Wheredidyoutakeamrit? BhaiDallareplied,GuruJi,Ihavetakenleftoverfoodfromyourplatewhichisconsecratedby yourtouch.GuruJiagainordered,BhaiDallaJitaketheamritpreparedbytheweapon.Dalla againreplied,GuruJiwehavebeentakingdegparshad,whichisblessedbyhavingasword passedthroughit.Ihavetakenparshadconsideringittobenectarblessedbyyoursword.On hearingthisGuruJismiledandsaid,Haveamritofthekhandaandbatta. Dallabowedhisheadandwithtearsinhiseyessaid,Myemperor,Iwilldoasyoubid.Thenext dayDallaalongwithmanyofhisclansmentookamritandwastransformedintoBhaiDalSingh. Aftertakingamrit,GuruJiblessedBhaiDalSinghwithaSiropao(highesthonourthatissymbolized bybeinggivenaturbanandliterallymeansacoveringfromhead(siro)tofeet(pao)).Healso bestowedalargesword,ashield,onepairofdiamondstuddedbanglesandGuruJisveryown turbans(two),longshirts(twocholas)andtwopairsoftrousers(twopyjamas).Hewasshowered withmanyboons,andwasblessedwiththeultimateplaceofrestbesidethefeetofGuruGobind SinghJi,intheLordskingdom. ThinkforamomentofDalla,whoobtainedGuruspleasurethroughgreatserviceandwasdirectly blessedbyhim.Ifhecouldnotgetasmallrestingplaceinheavenwithoutbeingbaptised,then howcanwehopeorexpecttoobtaintheLordsgracewithoutbeingbaptised.Toobtainhisgrace, wewillhavetoadopttheGurustraditionofamrit. First,knowthis,adoptthetraditionofamritpreparedbykhanda HealoneistheprimeSinghwhotakesinitiationfromnoneother. (RehatnamaBhaiDesaSingh) BesidesthishistoricalreferenceBabaJiusedtonarrateananecdoterelatedtoBabaKaladhariJi, whowastheeighthdescendantofGuruNanakDevJi,inordertoemphasizetheimportanceof baptism(alsoknownasKhandekipauhulliterallyinitiationbythenectarpreparedbythedouble edgedsword(khanda).)

TaleofBabaKaladhariJi SoonafterthetraditionofamritwasstartedbyGuruGobindSinghJi,thedirectdescendantof GuruNanakDevJicalledBabaKaladhariJicametovisitGuruJi.Hewasreceivedwithmany honoursandreverencebyGuruGobindSinghJi,ashewasthefamilyofthegreatGuruNanakDev Ji.ThegreatGuruaskedBabaJithereasonforhisvisit.BabaKaladhariJirepliedpolitely,Ihave cometoyouwithahumblerequest.GuruJirepliedaffectionately,Pleasegiveyourorder,asyou arefamilyoftheesteemed,eldestGuru.BabaKaladhariJirepliedhumbly,thegrowthofGuru NanakDevJisfamilyhasceased.PleasegrantaboonthatIbeblessedwithagrandson. Hearingthesewords,thegreatGurufellsilent.Aftersometimeinseriousthoughthereplied, BabaJi,haveyoutakenamrit?BabaJireplied,OLordofthepoor!Ihavenot,becauseofmy advancedage.ThegreatGuruuttered,Haveyoursonbaptised.Yourfamilywillthengrow. BabaKaladhariJiacceptedandwaspresentedbyGuruJiwithhisownsword(Thatswordwhich wasblessedtoBabaAjitSinghJibytheGreatGuruSriGuruGobindSinghJicanevennowbeseen intheirfamilyofBedis.Thehumbleservent(SantSewaSingh)hasseenthatswordinthegatraof BabaSarbjotSinghJiBedi,whoisatpresentonthethroneofHazoorBabaSahibSinghJiBediof UnaSahib(H.P.)). BabaKaladhariJigothissonBabaAjitSinghJi,totakeamritandpresentedhimbeforethegreat GuruGobindSinghJi.GuruJishoweredmanyblessingsuponhim,prophesisingthat,Agreat warriorwillbebornintoyourfamily.Hewillbeakingmaker.Kingsandemperorswillbowtohim. Hewillhavecanons,horseandelephantcavalryandwieldmuchpower.Hewillpreachthe messageofSikhismwithfervour.AftersometimeBabaSahibSinghJiBediwasbornandgave credencetotheprophecy.ItishistoricalfactthatBabaSahibSinghJiwasindeedthekingmaker enthroningMaharajaRanjitSinghJi. IfthefamilyofGuruNanakDevJiscanstopgrowingwithouttheboonofamritthen,whatchance doweordinarymortalsstandofspiritualgrowth.HowcanweexpecttoreceivetheGurus blessing?Soletusberidofourdoubtsandgainworldlyandspiritualboonsbytakingamrit. TheWordsOfBhaiVirSinghJi BabaJiusedtotellusthethoughtsofBhaiVirSinghJi,Inthisworld,ifapersonisdestinedonlyto haveonemealadayandheweretogetbaptised,adoptingaSikhwayoflife,heisthenblessed withtwomealsaday.GuruJimakessurehisSikhisnotleftwantingandhisworldlyaffairsarenot interrupted.Thismuchdifferenceisrealisedinthisworldalone;Therestofthespiritualblessings andtreasurewereceiveintheafterlifecannotbedescribedeasilyinmerewords. BabaJiusedtotellofhispersonalexperience,Amortalwhoreceivestheamritofkhandaand batta,doesNitnemofsevenprayers,refrainsfromthefourbadsins(kurehatliterallymeans misdemeanours)andadoptsthefiverehats,isthennevertakenbytheangelsofdeath(yamraj). HissoulreachesthefeetoftheGurustraightafterdeathandhisconsciousness ONanak,heblendswiththeLord, Aswatermingleswithwater naanakleenbhaiogobindsiojiopaaneesangpaanee.||3||II|| (Sorath9thGuru,page633)

Then,thegreatGurumergesthatsoulwithhimselfandifneedbe,thatdevoteeisgivenrebirthin thehouseofadevoutSikhfamily,inordertofurtherrejoiceinmeditation.Wecansaythat whosoevercomestotheGurusrefugeseekingshelteristotallydisconnectedfromdharamraj Therighteousjudgeinhiscourt Hastornupmypapers AndslaveNanakhassettledhisaccount Dharamraaaydarkaagadfaarayjannaanaklaykhaasamjhaa.||4||5|| (Jaitsari4thGuru,page698) Agursikhshouldneverbedoubtfulorinsecure.NoGod,Goddess,evilspirit,ghost,witch,demon, blackmagic,voodooormiraculouspowersofjantar,mantar,tantarcanaffectatrulybaptised Sikh.WhateverBabaJisachievementsofspiritualitywere,cametopassonlyafterheaccepted, amritofkhandaandbatta,SriGuruGranthSahibJiashislivingGuruandearningthewealthof naamthroughmeditation.So,ifwehavetakenamritandacceptedSriGuruGranthSahibJiasour truelivingGuruthen,wearetobecongratulatedbutifwestillhavenotacceptedtheGurus refugeandtakenamritthen,itisinourowninterestthatwewastenofurthertime.ThefifthGuru advisesusthatindoingarighteousdeedoneshouldnotdelayandwhenabouttocommitasinful act,oneshoulddelayasmuchaspossible Delay(tarry)notinpracticingrighteousness. Delay(tarry)thouonlywhencommittingsins. nahbilambDharmaNbilambpaapaN. (SalokSahaskriti,5thGuru,page1354)

75RESPECTFORSRIGURUGRANTHSAHIBJI 1)TodoArdasSikhsofspiritualachievementarerequiredortheGurualsohearsSinghswhohave apiouslifestyle. 2)Itisessentialtohavehazooriaaroundtheneck.(Hazooriaisalmosttwometerslongwhite pieceofclothwornbyaGursikharoundhisneck.) Sometimeswelloffpeoplehavesuchbusylifestylesthattheyareunabletogotothegurdwara regularlytovisitSriGuruGranthSahibJi,thoughtheystillhavefaithintheGuru.Tothisend, somepeopleinstallSriGuruGranthSahibJiintheirhousesandpaytheirrespectsdailyathome, morningandevening.Sometimesitisseenthatdevoteesthemselvesliveinlargemansionsin whichthereareseverallavishbedrooms,kitchens,drawingroomsandbathroomslocatedinlarge grounds.Theroom,inwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJiisinstalled,isthesmallestoneinthehouse orwhichhadbeenleftasastoreroomwithpoorventilationandnowindows.Peopleevenusethe spaceunderthestairstomakeroomsfortheSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Thisisnotgoodpractice InspirationForRespectOfGuruGranthSahibJi IfBabaJisawthatGuruGranthSahibJiwasinstalledinsuchconditions,thehomeownerswere advisedinstrongestpossibleterms,Odearfellow,thisisthegreatGuru,whohasgivenyouthis hugehousetolivein,luxuriouscarstodrive,moneytospend,materialgains.Youbegforprogress withfoldedhandsdaily.WasthissmallroomtheonlyoneyoucouldfindtoplaceGuruJiin?Ifan ordinaryguestcomestoyourhouseyouwelcomethemtostayinyourbestdecoratedroomsbut theauthoritythatistheemperorofbothworlds,donorofsalvation,livinglightofthetenGurus, isnotevenaffordedtherespectgiventoanordinaryguest.Thislackofrespectdoesnotaffectthe Gurubutwesufferagreatspiritualloss. Ifinanygurdwaraorhome,thesmallbed(manjiSahib)orthewardrobewereusedtoplaceGuru GranthSahibJitorestatnightthenBabaJiwouldemphaticallycondemnthispractice.Hewould givewhatevermoneywasrequiredtogetafinebeduponwhichtoplacetheSriGuruGranth SahibJiatnight.Thegurdwaramanagementwaswarnedagainstthispractice. BabaJioncewenttothehouseofadevoteeinPatiala.SriGuruGranthSahibJiwasinstalledwith duecareandreverence,notinthemanneralreadydescribed.Thewholefamilywasdevotedly servingGuruJi,consideringittheirlivingGuru.Intheirbeautifulmansion,thegreatGuruwas enthronedinawelldecoratedroomonthefirstfloor.Theadjoiningroomwasfurnishedsothat SriGuruGranthSahibcouldbeplacedintheroomatnight.BabaJiwaspleasedtoseethisrespect andreverenceaffordedtoGuruJi.HegatheredthefamilytogetherinfrontofGuruGranthSahibJi, applaudedtheirserviceandgracedthemwithmanyblessings. BabaJiwastostayforacoupleofdaysinthehouse.Asdevoteescametoknowofhispresence, theybegantothrongtothehouseforhisdivinecompany.Meanwhile,somedevoteesarrived fromBathindaatgurdwaraRampurKherabutfoundoutfromtheattendantsthatBabaJihad gonetoPatiala.TheystartedtheircarandleftforPatiala.Afterlotsofenquiries,theyreachedthe housewhereBabaJiwasstaying.Theysomehowdecidedtostaythenightandwereputupinthe housethatBabaJiwasstayingat.InthemorningtheypetitionedBabaJi,Ourdaughteris seriouslyill.Doctorshaveexpressedtheirhelplessness.Pleasehelpustogetherwell.BabaJi repliedsternly,Iamnotheretocurepeople.Ineithergivecursesorboons.Ifyouwanttoask somethingaboutspiritualmatters,doso.

Thedevoteewasanintelligent,experiencedandseasonedofficer.Hesomehowmanagedtowork outanacquaintancewiththefamilywithwhichBabaJiwasstayingandpersuadedthemto interveneonhisbehalfandrequestBabaJitohelp.Inthemorning,otherpeoplecametovisit BabaJiandthehosts,findingasuitabletime,requestedBabaJitodoArdasforthedevotees daughter.BabaJisaid,LetstaketheorderofthegreatGuru.Ifheordersit,thenweshallallask foranArdastobeperformedbyfiveSinghs. AllhadcongregatedinthepresenceofGuruGranthSahibJi.Twoordersweretaken,firstforthe holyvisionofthegreatGuruandthesecondforpermissiontodoArdasbySinghs.ThegreatGuru grantedpermissiontodoso.Adiscussionstarted,thesangatwonderedifaholySikhofhigh spiritualstandingshoulddoArdasorwouldthegreatGuruheedtheprayersofbaptisedSikhswho followthecodeoftheKhalsa(RehatwanSikhsliterallythosewhoadheretothecodeofconduct)? Finally,BabaJidecided,Thewholesangatshouldsitinmeditationforfifteenminutesandthe decisionwillbeleftuptoSriGuruGranthSahibJi.LetthegreatGuruanswerwhetheronly spirituallysupremeSikhsareheardintheirprayersoristheArdasofregularbutrehatwanSikhs heardbytheGuru. So,BabaJisatinmeditationalongwiththerestofthesangat.Theneveryonestoodup,prayedto thegreatGuru,askingtheabovequestionabouttheArdas,saidFatehandsatdown.Therewas pindropsilenceandeveryonewasinapeacefulmood,hopingtogetavisionorhearthewordsof thegreatGuruhimself. GuruHearsTheArdasOfRehatvanSikhs Atthismoment,thetenthGuruSriGuruGobindSinghJiappearedbehindthepalanquinwhere theprieststandsandthewholeroomwasfloodedwithlight.AroundtheroomtherewereSinghs ofallages,theirfaceswereradiantandbesideeachgursikhwasstandingthephysicalformof GuruGobindSinghJi.TheformofGuruJiwhowasstandingbehindSriGuruGranthSahibJi spoke,BhaiHarnamSingh!Thesegursikhsherehavereachedthehighestspiritualstateofparam padh.SomeoftheothersarerehatwanSikhs.BabaJireplied,YoualoneknowthismyLord. Theemperorofemperorsreplied,allofthemwhohavenotobtainedparampadhbutare stalwartintheircodeofconductIamwiththemtoo,asyoucansee.IheartheArdasofeveryone butgiveonlythatboonwhichisbeneficialtothedevotee.Thereisnodifferencebetweena rehatwanSikhandaSikhwhohasachievedparampadhtome.Moreover,askthedevoteewho hascomewithprayersforhisdaughtershealthtohavearehatwanSikhrecitethewholeofGuru GranthSahibJioutaloud.AslongasherecitesGurbani,theirdaughtershouldlistentoGurbani eithersittingorlyingdown.TheSinghshouldbeofferedfivehundredrupeesforthisservice.As longasourformstaysintheirhouse,nooneshouldeatmeatordrinkliquorandneithershould anyonecomeintothehouseafterhavingusedthem.Itisbestnottohavemeatandliquorever. OurformoftheGuruGranthSahibJishouldbeputtorestatnightonalargebed.Ifthefamilyhas theprayersrecitedwithdevotion,followingthisadvice,thentheirdaughterwillgetwell.Ifthey arenegligentinfollowingthisadvicethen,theyareresponsiblefortheirownactions. TheImportanceOfHazooria ThegreatGuruthenorderedBabaJitotellthesangatonhisbehalfthat,Wheneversomeone comestopaytheirrespectstoGuruGranthSahibJi,thenthatpersonshouldhaveahazooria aroundtheirneck.Theoldgursikhsusedtokeepahazooriawiththem.IfoneisdoingArdaswith thehazooriaaroundtheirneckIlistentothemwithgreatcareandattention.Ahazooriaisa

symbolofhumilityandservitudetotheLordAlmighty.Ifagursikhcannotkeepahazooriaallday thenheshouldwearitatleastwhencomingtopayrespectsinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Thispleasesus.BabaJirelatedboththeseordersfromthegreatGurutotheassembled congregation.ThedoubtaboutwhocanperformArdasandwhoseprayerisheardwasdispelled.

76INSTRUCTIONSFORENTHRONINGSRIGURUGRANTHSAHIBJI BabaJiregardedSriGuruGranthSahibJiasthelivingembodimentofthetenGurusandaccorded greatrespectwheninserviceofGuruJi.HewouldencourageotherstopaysimilarreverencetoSri GuruGranthSahibJi.WhentheformofSriGuruGranthSahibJiwouldbeinstalled,hewould placeabeautifulcleanbedspreadfirst,uponwhichaproperlywashedanddriedTakhatposh(an elevatedwoodendivanbed)wouldbeplaced.Acanopy(calledaChaanani)wouldbetiedabove theelevateddivanbed.Next,aquiltedmattresswouldbeplacedonthedivanbeduponwhich wouldbeplacedanotherbedsheet.Overthesheet,asmallbedwouldbeplaced(calledaManji Sahibliterallysmallbed).Asmallsoftmattresswasplacedonthemanji,overwhichanothera bedspreadwasplaced.Smallpillowswerethenplacedonthreesidesandalargeornatecover knownasarumalawentoverthewholemanjiSahib.ItwasnowreadytoinstallSriGuruGranth SahibJi AtthetimeofenthroningSriGuruGranthSahibJi,BabaJiwouldstretchouttheenhancedbook coveracrossthesideandneverfoldthislengthofthefrontcoverundertherestoftheGurus form.Somepeoplefoldthisextendedlengthofthefrontcoverandtuckitundertherestofthe pages. AfterseatingtheformoftheGuruonthethreepillowsandstraighteningtheextendedrightfront cover,hewouldcoverthescriptureswithdoublelayersofsmallclothmatchingtherumala,over whichthemaincoverspreadorrumalawouldbeplaced. OnceadevoteeaskedwhyisthereaneedforaTakhatposhtoinstalltheSriGuruGranthSahibJi. BabaJireplied,WhenweperformArdasbeforeourGuruwesayTakhatchaurdemalak(which meansthemasterofthethroneandornatefan).WewavethisfanaroundtheGurubutwhereis thethroneorTakhat?AlthoughwecannotmakeaTakhatworthyoftheGuru,weshouldtryour besttoconstructthebestthronewecanaffordfortheGuru. NegligenceInServiceOfGuru Once,BabaJihadtogoawayonurgentbusinessforanight.Atthistime,SriGuruGranthSahibJi wasusuallyenthronedinthelargethatchedhut,asthegurdwarahadnotbeenbuiltyet.Before leaving,BabaJientrustedoneoftheattendantstorecitetheeveningprayerofRehrasandthen placeGuruJitorest(aceremonycalledSukhasan). ThenextdayBabaJicameback,washedhisfeet,handsandfaceandwenttopayhisrespectsin frontofthegreatGuru.Afterbowing,herespectfullyreadthedailyorder(hukamnama). Aswasusual,hewouldsitforawhileaftercoveringthetrueGuruwiththerumalatomeditate. BabaJioncetoldus,Afterafewminutesofsimran,thefifthGuru,SriGuruArjanDevJiappeared infrontofme.InoticedthatGuruJiseyeslookedredandtired.IendeavouredtoaskGuruJifor thereasonhiseyesappearedthisway.ThegreatGurureplied,BhaiHarnamSinghJi,infuture youyourselfmustperformtheserviceofsukhasan.Yesterday,thedevoteeyouentrustedwithour servicehurriedlycoveredourformofSriGuruGranthSahibJiwiththerumala,leavingfoldsand crinklesinit.Thecreasedanduntidyrumalaspinchedoureyesallnight.So,oureyesarered today.Infuture,instructthedevoteeshowtoperformtheservicewithduecareandattention.

Fromthatdayonwards,BabaJistarteddoingtheserviceofGuruGranthSahibJihimself.Inhisold age,hewouldstandnearbyandremoveanyfoldsorcreases,astheformoftheGuruwasbeing installedorlaidtorest. Atnight,thegreatGuruwouldbeputtorestauspiciouslyonabigornatebedandcoveredwitha warmblanketorquiltdependingontheseason.AquiltwouldbeplacedoverSriGuruGranth Sahibinthewinterandcottonsheetswouldbeusedinthesummer.BabaJiwouldplaceafan neartheGurusbedinthesummerandwouldalwayssprayperfumeintheimmediatevicinityof thegreatGuru.BeforeenteringtheGurusroom,hewouldwashhishands,faceandfeetcarefully, wrapahazooriaaroundhisneckandalwayswearadoubledastaar.Therestofthesangatwas advisedtodothesametoo.ThesedaysgranthiSinghs(priests)commitnegligencewhenserving SriGuruGranthSahibJi.Weshouldallbealertaboutthismalpractice.WhenreadingGurbani,we shouldusethehazooriatocoverourmouthwhencoughingandconductingsuchactionsinthe presenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Anotherhabitpeoplehavewhenreadingpathistoplace theirelbowsonthemanjiSahibwhilstreading.Thisshouldtobediscouraged,asitisimpoliteand disrespectful.ThescripturesofSriGuruGranthSahibJishouldbeturnedoverslowlyand reverently.Lastly,wepraythatthegreatGurublessusallwithintellectandinsighttoperform serviceofthegreatGuruwithdevotionandfaith.

77HOWTOTAKETHEHUKAMNAMAFROMSRIGURUGRANTHSAHIBJI ManyatimeitisseenthatwhenpeoplehavearecitaloftheGuruGranthSahibJi,thegranthi Singhopensthescripturesdeliberatelyataselectedversethatwillsuittheeventorpleasethe devotees.Theyhaveusuallyalreadyopenedtheappropriateangsandplacedtherumalaoverthe GuruJisform.AfterArdas,theymerelyreadapreselectedversethatwillpleasethedevoteesbut infactisnotreallytheorderofthegreatGuruhimself.Somedevoteestakeahandfulofscriptures fromtheleftandrightsideandthenreopentheangswhereverandreadtheverseinfrontoftheir eyes.Somedevoteesreadtheversefromtheleftpageifitisbeforenoonortherightpageifin theafternoon.Infact,differentpeoplehaveadopteddifferentwaysofreadingtheGuruJisorder. DivineVisitationByBabaBuddhaJi. ThesangatonceaskedBabaJiabouttheabovementionedmatterofhowtocorrectlyreadthe holyorderofthedayandwhatinfactistheageoldtraditionofdoingso.Hetoldthesangatthe wayhenormallytakesthehukamnamaaspertheGurustradition(Gurumaryada)andthenasked thesangattocongregateinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandaskfortheGurussealofapproval too.AllstoodwithfoldedhandsandperformedArdas,OLordofthepoor,pleasetellusthe correctwaytotakethehukamnama.AfterdoingArdas,allthecongregationandBabaJisatdown. Allwererecitingsimraninapeaceful,concentratedstateofmindwhenBabaBuddhaJiappeared infrontofBabaJi.BabaBuddhaJiwassatbehindtheManjiSahibwherethepriestusuallysits.He spoke,ThedaywhenSriGuruArjanDevJienthronedSriGuruGranthSahibJiatHarmandirSahib, Amritsar,Iwasgivenspecialguidanceintakingthehukamnama.Thisisthecorrectwaytotakethe hukamnama. BabaBuddhaJiexplainedfurther,Itisagainstthetraditiontotakethehukamfromwhereverwe likeorbemindfullofthetimeofdayorwhendevoteesgrabholdofangsfromtheleftandright toopenupthepageagain.ThisdoesnotattracttheGurushappiness.AfterperformingArdasand beforetakingthehukamnama,oneshouldrecitetheMoolmantarfivetimesorrecitethefour manglacharan(Manglacharanis:1.IkonkarSatNamKartaPurkhNirbhauNirvairAkalMurat AjuniSoibhangGurprsad.2.IkOnkarSatgurParsad.3.IkOnkarSatnam). Then,theversesrelatedtothevisionoftheGuruarereadaswefoldandremovetherumala.Sri GuruGranthSahibJiistheembodimentofthegreatGurusonodoubtshouldariseregardingthe timeofthedayetc.Readingtheversesofdevotion,oneshouldturnahandfulofpagetotheleft orrightwithoutdeliberation.TheversethatstartsattheleftpageistheGurustruehukamnama. Iftheversestartsfromthepreviouspagethenfollowitoverbyturningthepageovertotheright. IftheverseisaSalok,aPauriwilloftenfollowitandthisshouldbereadaswell.Inthiswaythe truehukamnamaisreadandthegreatGurusaffectionisearned. BabaJiwasverypleasedbecauseheusedtotakethehukamnamaslikethisalready.Nowthe greatGuruhadputhissealofapprovalonit.Theassembledcongregationwastoldofhowtotake thedailyhukamnama.AllhislifeBabaJicounselledotherstotakethehukamnamasinthesame mannerandthusobtaintheGuruspleasure. SomedevoteeswhenreadingpathfromSriGuruGranthSahibJiresttheirelbowsonthemanji Sahib.Thisisdisrespectfulandshouldnotbedone.Itisalsodisrespectfultoscratchyoureyes, earsorbodyandthensoilthescripturesbytouchingthem.Ahazooriacanbeusedforthis,if required.So,wemustpayutmostrespectandactwithgreatcareandreverencewhenconducting

ourselvesinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Themorewerespecttheformofthegreat Guruthebetter.IfwedisrespectSriGuruGranthSahibJi,itistoourdisadvantageandwewill suffertheconsequences.Wemustshowrespectforourultimatebenefitandnotasafavourto theGuru.

78WEARESONSOFTHELORD,OURFATHER BabaJididnotjustpreachGurbanibutpracticallylivedbytheexampleofGurbani.OnetimeBaba Ji,thisservantandBabaJisjeepdriverS.MohinderSinghweretravellingtoAmritsar.BabaJi startedtogetaheadacheandnearatowncalledRaiya,askedforthejeeptobepulledover.Baba JiaskedBhaiMohinderSinghtogoacrosstheroadtogetthreecupsofteafromthecafand makesurethecupswerewashedwithwarmwater. BhaiMohinderSinghJireturnedwiththreecupsofteaasdirected.Weallstartedtodrinkteaand BhaiMohinderSinghhadonlytakenafewsipsofteawhen,heputhiscupasideandwentoverto checkthejeepengineandtyres.Hereturnedafterafewmomentsandresumeddrinkinghistea whenBabaJiturnedtohimandsaid,OhIforgottotakemyheadachetablet.Youngman,just wait,givemeasipfromyourcupsoIcantakemytablet.MohinderSinghJiwastakenabackand replied,BabaJi!Iwillfetchanothercupforyou.Thisonehasbeentastedbyme.BabaJi said,Whyspendsomemoremoneyonawholecupoftea.Youarenotgoingtobeatalossfor onesipoftea.DontworryIwillonlytakeonesip. BabaJicaughtholdofBhaiMohinderSinghscup,tookasipofteaandswallowedhistablet, despitetheprotestfromBhaiMohinderSingh.HewasprotestingbecauseinIndianculture,afood alreadytastedbysomeoneelseisconsideredsoiledespeciallyifapersonofalowercastehas touchedortastedthefood.Becauseofthisthought,hedidnotwantaholypersonlikeBabaJi takingasipfromhishalffinishedtea.BabaJithensaid,Ifafterbeingbaptised,thedistinctionof caste,contaminationoffoodbylowcastepeopletouchingyourfoodandothersuchprejudicesdo notgeteliminatedthenwhatdifferenceistherebetweenordinarypeopleandanamritdhariSikh? AllbaptisedSikhsareequalandallthesedoubtsandprejudicesshouldbediscardedaftertaking amrit.WeshouldadoptthedoctrineofourGuruthat: OneLord,ourfather,Weallarehischildren eaekpithaaeaekuskaehumbaarikthoomaeraagurhaaee (Dhanasari5thGuru)

79HELPINGNEEDYSTUDENTSANDEDUCATIONALINSTITUTIONS AlthoughBabaJicouldnotgetaworldlyeducationatschool,hewholeheartedlysupportedthe roleofeducationinupliftingoursociety.Heencouragedstudentstoacquireproficiencyinas manylanguagesanddifferentsubjectsaspossible.Heusedtosay,Therearetwoaspectsof humanlife,oneworldlyandtheotherspiritual.EveryGursikhmustbecompleteinboththese fieldsbecausethemissionofourGuruistoachievethehighestspirituallevelwhilstlivinginthis world.Ifwebecomelazyinourworldlyeducationthenwewillremainilliterateandlagbehindthe restofsociety.Everygursikhmustlivetheirlifetoitsmaximumpotential.Heorshemustnot dependonothersforfood,shelterorclothing.Agursikhmustgetagoodjob,flourishatbusiness, beagoodfarmerandearnanhonestlivingtosupporthisfamily.Ifhehasmoney,onlythencan hefulfiltheneedsofthosewhoarepoorandthusobtaintheGurusgrace. OurgreatGurusleftexamplesintheirlifetimesforlatergenerationstofollowintheirfootsteps. Thetenthmaster,SriGuruGobindSinghJiemployed52eminentscholarlypoets,whotranslated largevolumesofclassicalliteratureintosimplerlanguagesothatthemassestoocouldaccessthis knowledge.GuruJigiftedthemwithelephants,horsesandwealthfortheirefforts.GuruJihimself spokesixlanguagesandwrotealargeamountofGurbani.HealsosentfiveSikhsinthedisguiseof punditstotheholycityofKanshi.HeretheytrainedunderBrahminstolearnSanskrit,oldHindu manuscriptsandreligioustestamentsliketheVedas,SimritisandUpanishads.Tothisday descendantsoftheseSikhssurviveandareknownasNirmalasadhus.TheseSikhswereentrusted withthedutyofimpartingeducationtoSikhmasses. HelpForNeedyStudents AteveryannualSmagamBabaJiwouldhaveitannouncedthatanychildunabletoattendschool duetofinancialreasons,nomatterofwhatreligion,caste,creedorrace,willbehelpedtostudyat schoolbythesangatofgurdwaraRampurKhera.Hewouldallowpoorstudentstolodgeatthe gurdwara,beartheirexpenseslikeclothes,books,food,feesandthelike,BabaJiwouldencourage themtostudyfurther.Withhishelpandencouragement,manypeoplestudieduptodegreelevel andlaterwentontogetgoodjobsandsupporttheirownfamiliesandliftthemoutofpoverty. Somestudentsflourishedinbusinesshereandabroad,livingaSikhwayoflifeanddistributingthe fragranceofSikhismfarandwide. ThesameserviceisstillcarriedouttothisdayatgurdwaraRampurKhera.ThewordsofBabaJi callingontheneedytocomeforthforhelparerepeatedateverySmagam,everyyear.Numerous studentsarereceivinghelptoeducatethemselvesandstayatthegurdwara,whilstreceivinghelp fromthecongregation. Intheirsparetime,studentswhoreceivedworldlyeducationononehandreceivedspiritual guidanceandtraininginreadingGurbaniontheother.BabaJithushelpedthesechildrento developtheirspiritualbeinganddevelopasfullyproductivemembersofsociety. AnAttemptToPreachSikhismInSchools Inordertoinspirethestudentsinthefieldofreligion,BabaJiusedtodistributereligiousbooks andgrantscholarshipstothem.Anymoneythatremainedunspentafterreligiousfunctionswas usedtohelpconstructschoolbuildings.ThelocalschoolsandcollegesatGardhiwalaandDasuya werehelpedfinancially,onmanyoccasionstoconstructbetterbuildings.Theseinstitutionsare:

1.Khalsacollege,Gardhiwala 2.Khalsaseniorsecondaryschool,Gardhiwala 3.SanglahillsGuruNanakseniorsecondaryschoolforgirls,Gardhiwala(thefoundationstonewas laidbyBabaHarnamSinghJi.Itisnowcompletedwithafinemodernbuildingofagurdwara withinitscompound) 4.GuruTeghBahadurKhalsacollegeforwomen,Dasuya Evennow,besidestheeducationofpoorstudents,theseeducationalestablishmentsgetfinancial helpfromtimetotime.MayGodhelpustowalkinthefootstepslaidbythatgreatsoulSantBaba HarnamSinghJi,sothattheprojectsthatwereinitiatedorplannedduringhistimemaybe accomplished. Onthespiritualside,inordertoinspirethesangat,thelifehistoryofgursikhsandtruedevotees (Bhagats)wascompiledbyandpublishedintheformofa340pagebookcalledGurmatde Pandhi,thiswasdistributedfreetothesangat.Arare,ancientbookcalledRagMalaMandan Parbodhwasalsopublishedanddistributedfreeofcost.ManybooksonGurbani,Sikhhistory, SikhthoughtandgurmatwerepurchasedbyBabaJiandthendistributedfreetothesangat.Not onlythis,ifBabaJisawapoorfamilyinneedoffinancialhelporrequiringfood,shelterorclothing, hewouldhelpthemdiscretely.Ifapoordevoteeneededtomarryhisdaughter,BabaJiwouldhelp fundhermarriage.IfapoordevoteewereunabletostockhisshopBabaJiwouldhelphimfund thestockpurchase.NumerousunemployedpeopleweresetupinshopsbyBabaJisgraceandare nowdoingwellfinancially,helpingothersintheirendeavourstoleadprosperouslivesaswell. HelpingtheNeedy Once,thishumbleservantwassittingwithBabaJi,whenaGursikhfromanearbyvillagecameto thegurdwara.ThesangatwasassembledaroundBabaJiandgurmatdiscussionwasunderway. Thegursikhhadthreechildrenwhocamewithhimtoo.Whilsthewassittinginthecongregation, instinctively,hischildrenranuptotheirfatherintheirtornclothesandcalledouttohim.That gursikh,feelingashamedoftheirdirtyandtornclothes,didnotacknowledgethechildrenand ignoredthem.BabaJisensedtheshamethatthisgursikhfeltathischildrensappearance.BabaJi gotupatonce,walkedtowardshishutandgesturedthegursikhtofollowhimintothehut.Inthe hut,BabaJigavethegursikhallthemoneyhehadandinstructedhim,Havenewclothesmade forthechildren.PovertyandrichesareinthegreatGurushands.Lookafterthechildren, consideringthemthechildrenoftheGuru.Servethechildrentoyourcapabilityandpraytothe greatGuru,OLordpleaseremovetheburdenandcurseofpovertyfrommyneck.Pleaseshower yourgracesoImaycarrythisburden. Tearswelledupintheeyesofthatgursikh.BabaJiaffectionatelyembracedhimandencouragingly said,Donotconsiderthismoneyaburden,thegreatGuruhasorderedmetohelpneedypersons. Tothatend,youarebeinghelped.WhenthegreatGurublessesyouinthefuturewithcapacityto helpothers,servethemasmuchasyoucan.

80SHARINGWOESOFTHEPOORANDDOWNTRODDEN BabaJiwasalwaysreadytohelpthepoorandthedowntrodden.Withthisinmind,BabaJi arrangedmedicalcamps,whereeyesurgerywascarriedoutfreeforthosewhocouldnotaffordto havetreatment.ThemedicalcampwasheldannuallyatgurdwaraRampurKheraunderthe supervisionofexpertsurgeonsandphysicians.Allthepatientsreceivedfreemedicinesandevery year200300freeeyeoperationswerecarriedoutonpeople,regardlessoftheircaste,colouror creed.Somepeoplewouldbesoimpressedbytheserviceandhospitalityoftheattendantsand BabaJithattheywouldremainatthegurdwaraforseveraldaysaftertheeyecamphadfinished.A majorityofthem,witnessingthenobledeedsofBabaJi,wouldcometotheGurusshelterand becomebaptised.Thosewhoneededcataractoperationswouldbeprovidedwithsuperiorquality spectaclesandglassesgivenfree(theeyecampisstillheldinSeptemberandnowpeopleare fittedwithlensesduringtheoperationratherthanhavingspectaclesmade).Imeantowritethat BabaJiusedtoserveeverypoorpersoninthecommunity,howevermuchhecould.Whosoever wasneedyandcametohimforhelp,BabaJiwouldhelpthem,consideringthemtohavethe divinesparkoftheGuruwithinthem.Heinspiredthesangattoupholdthisnoblesentimenttoo. HewasofthethoughtthatblessingsofourGurucanbeobtainedthroughhelpingthepoorand needybecause Thelightiscontainedinallcreatures Andthecreationiscontainedinthelight Thou,omightyinconceivableLordarefillingall. jaatmehjotjotmehjaataaakalkalaabharpoorrahiaa. (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,page469) And Amongstallthereislightandthatlightisbutyou sabhmehjotjothaisoay. (Dhanasari1stGuru,page663) And Faridthecreatorabidesinthecreation Andthecreationabidesinthecreator Whomshouldwecallbad Whenthereisnonewithouthim? fareedaakhaalakkhalakmehkhalakvasairabmaahi. mandaakisnoaakheeaijaaNtisbinkoeenaahi.||75|| (SalokBhagatFaridJi,page1381) And FirstlyGodcreatedlightandthen Byhisomnipotencemadealthemortals Fromtheonelighthaswelleduptheentireuniverse Thenwhoisgoodandwhoisbad? Opeople,mybrethrenforgetyenotorbeindoubt Creationisthecreatorandthecreatoristhecreation.

Heisfullyoccupyingallplaces.Pause. Claytofashionthemortalisthesamebut Thepotter(God)hasfashionedthemintoVaariousshapes. Thereisnofaultwiththevesselofclay, Noristhereanyfaultwiththepotter. He,theone,trueLord,isamidstall, Anditishiswillthateverythingisdone. WhosoeverrealisestheLordswill HealoneknowstheLordswill. AndhealoneissaidtobetheLordsslave. TheLordisinvisibleandcannotbeseen TheGuruhasblessedme Withsweetmolassesofhisname SaysKabirmydoubthasbeendispelled AndInowseetheimmaculateLordeverywhere. avalalahnoorupaaiaakudratkaysabhbanday. ayknoortaysabhjagupjiaakaunbhalaykomanday.||1|| logaabharamnabhoolahubhaaee. khaalikkhalakkhalakmehkhaalikpoorrahiosarabthaaNee. maateeaykanaykbhaaNtkarsaajeesaajanhaarai. naakachhpochmaateekaybhaaNdaynaakachhpochkumbhaarai.||2|| sabhmehsachaaaykosoeetiskaakeeaasabhkachhhoee. hukampachhaanaisoaykojaanaibandaakaheeaisoee.||3|| alhualakhnajaaeelakhiaagurgurhdeenaameethaa. kahikabeermayreesankaanaaseesarabniranjandeethaa.||4||3|| (ParbhatiBhagatKabirJi,page1349) IfonewantstoattractthegraceoftheAlmightythenonemustdealwiththeLordscreationwith compassionastheLordresideswithinhiscreation.Thosegurmukhs(piousSikhs)whohadthe companyofBabaJiknowthathehadatotalbenevolent,impartialandunprejudicedviewofall humanity.ThetenthGuruhaswritteninAkalUstat Somearetotallycleanshaven Someareyogis.Somethinkofthemselves Menofcelibacyandanascetic. SomebodyisHinduothersMuslim, ButtheyareallformsofourLordGod. Heistheonlycreator, Thepreserverandthefooddonor. Noneequalshim,nonecansurpasshim, Heisoneandoneonly. Allotherspeciesarehisforms Andallcontaintheonedivinelight. And InhighorlowthereisonlyonelightHeisomnipresent. oochneechmehjotsamaaneeghatghatmaaDhaojeeaa.||I|| (Sorath5thGuru,page617)

So,BabaJitreatedeveryoneequallyandconsideredalltocontainthedivinelightwithinhimor her.Richorpoor,highorlowcaste,SikhornonSikh,allweretreatedalikewithcompassionand affection.ThesphereofBabaJisaffectionwassowidethatonceapersonexperiencedhis charactertheywouldcomeintothesphereofhisallembracingaffection.Eachpersonwhomet BabaJiwouldfeelthattheywerethemostspecialtohim.AskanyoneinBabaJiscircleandthey willsay,ThegreatSaintlovedmethemost. GursikhshadundoubtedlygreataffectionforBabaJibutpeopleofallfaithshadjustasmuch regardforhim.BabaJihadnosenseofdiscriminationorprejudiceforpeopleofotherfaiths. Whereashewouldvisithomesofgursikhs,hewouldjustaseasilyvisithomesofpeopleofother faithswhoinvitedhimwithaffectiontodineorstaywiththem.BabaJiwouldsay,Hatredissuch apoisonthatitdecaystheplantofGodsloveinmansheartfromitsveryroots.Theheart withoutloveisempty,hollowandhorrific.Wherethereislove,theredwellsGodandwherethere ishatreddwellsevil.Thewoesandtribulationofallshouldbeconsideredasiftheywereyourown anddealtwithcompassionbyprovidingassistancefinancially,physicallyormentally. Keepinginmindtheprincipleofphilanthropicserviceofhumanity,BabaJihadalargebridgebuilt acrossthestreambetweenthevillageofBahleandTalwandi.Atacostofonemillionrupees,the bridgewascompletedandnowprovidesroadaccessfortrafficfrommanysurroundingvillages. Peoplewouldhavegreatdifficultyingettingacrossthestreamduringthemonsoonseason. Abeautifullydesignedinnof72,wellventilatedroomswithattachedbathrooms,hotandcold water,wardrobes,bedsandthelikewerebuiltwiththehelpofthecongregation.Thishas increasedtoover275roomsinrecentyears.Theinitialexpenditurewasbetween78million rupees.Withthepassageoftime,anewLangarhallalongwithanewkitchenandenlargeddarbar hallhasbeenconstructed.

81MAKESERVICEYOURONLYDEVOTION Aroundtheyear1968,landconsolidationandallotmentwasfinalisedaroundthevillageGondpur. ThepaththatledtovillageBahleandTalwandifromgurdwaraRampurKherawasdusty,uneven bushyandunkempt.AftercompletinghisdailyroutineofNitnemandmeditation,intheafternoon BabaJiwouldpickupaspadeandsickleonhisshoulderandstartclearingandlevellingthe unkemptpath.Sometimesoneortwopeoplewouldjoinhiminthistaskbeforehewouldcome backtoresumehismeditation.Oftendevoteeswouldaskhimtostopandallowthemtodothe manualworkbutBabaJiwoulddeclinesaying,Asyousow,soshallyoureap.Theservice,whichI render,willbenefitmeandyourservicewillbenefityou,spiritually.Thehumanbodyisatitsbest whenutilisedinservicetoothers.BhaiGurdasJisaysthat Accursedarethehandsandfeet,whichdontservetheLord. Allotheractionsareuseless. vinsaevaadhrighuthpairhornihufulkurunee peermureedhaapirehurreesukhsathigursurunee And WecanhaveaseatintheLordsabode Ifweservewithourhandsinthisworld vichduneeaasayvkamaaeeai. taadargehbaisanpaaeeai. (SriRaag1stGuru,page26) BabaJiwasoftheviewthatpassersbywouldbepleasedattheeasyaccessontheclearedpath andwouldgiveheartfeltblessingsspontaneously.Servicetoothersisverybeneficialforour internalspiritualprogress.Inashortwhilethepathwasclearedof,thornybushesandaccess improved.However,theseasonalstreamposeddifficultyinpassingthroughit,particularlyduring thesummermonsoon,whenitwouldfloodeasilyandquicklybecomeimpassable.Farmerswith bullockcartswouldcausemiseryfortheiranimals,whichstruggledtocarrytheirloadsacrossand upthesteepbanksofthestream.Theanimalswouldbebeatenastheystruggledacrossthe muddystreamandBabaJimadeuphismindtostopthismiseryforanimalsandpeoplealike. Forsuchanelevatedsoul,onlyathoughtwasneeded,thatwasall.Themoneycameintorrents andwithinsixmonths,therewasabridgeoverthestream.Afterthebridgewascompleted,under theguidanceofBabaJi,alinkroadwasbuiltoverthebridgethatconnectedthevariousvillages Gondpur,Bahle,Talwandiwiththegurdwara. HandsEngrossedInWork,MindAttunedToTheLord Followingtheallotmentoflandin1968,somedevoteesdonatedapproximatelytwoacresofland totheGurdwaraSahib.Aboundarywall,firstofthornybushesandthenofbricks,wasconstructed induecourse.NowthislandwasusedasasmallfarmfortheGurdwara. WheneverBabaJiwasfreefromhisdailymeditation,hewouldhoeandweedoutthecrops, pruningthealmondandmangotrees.Hewouldwater,plantandlookafterthevegetablecrops. Hewouldgenerallywalkaroundthefieldsatleastonceaday.Ifanyvessel,utensilortoolswere leftlyingabout,hewouldbringthemindoors.

Sometimesdevoteeswouldsaythathepaidtoomuchattentiontosuchinsignificantthings.Baba Jiwouldreply,Thesethings,howeversmall,belongtotheGurdwaraSahibandconsideringthem theGurusthings,Ilookafterthem.Weedingthecropsandplantsisdone,knowingthattheplants andcropsbelongtotheGuruaswell.SotheGurusjobmustbedoneproperly. Ifaservantwantstopleasehismasterthenhelooksafterthehouseasifitishisownhouse.He decoratesit,cleansit,savesitfromdamage,caresforthingslyingaboutandworksinthefield withdedication.Themasterispleasedwithsuchaservant,notwiththeservant,whoeatstoo much,sleepstoomuch,wandersaimlessly,andidles.Idoeverythingtopleasemymaster,atany costtomyself.BabaJislifehadbecomelike: Hewhoinhisthoughtwordanddeedcontemplates TheoneLordthatmanobtainsallthefruits manbachkaramparabhaykDhiaaay. sarabfalaasoeejanpaaay.||6|| (RaagSuhi5thGuru,page760) HismindwasalwaysfocusedontheAlmighty.IfagurmukhcametovisitBabaJi,thetopicof discussionwouldinevitablyturntounionwiththeAlmighty,omnipotentLord: ComeOSaints,mybrothers,meetingtogether LetusrecitetheLordsdiscourses. InthedarkagetheLordsnameistheboat, AndtheGurutheboatman. ThroughtheGurusword, Swimthouacrosstheworldocean aavhusantmilhumayraybhaaeemilharharkathaakarahu. harharnaambohithhaikaljugkhayvatgursabadtarahu.||I|| (RaagBilawal4thGurupage799) And ObrotherSaints,comeandmeetme, Sothatgettingtogether, WemayuttertheLordGodsname. BlessyemewiththebountyoftheLordsname, Andinstructmeastobywhatmeans, AndhowcanIattainuntomyLord aavhusantmilhumayraybhaaeemilharharnaamvakhaan. kitbiDhkiopaaeeaiparabhapunaamokaokarahuupdayshardaan.||2|| (RaagParbhati4thGuru,page1335) Wecansaythat,BabaJihadplacedhisphysical,mentalandspiritualbeingatthedisposalofthe greatGuru.Nothingofhisselfremained: Iamnothing,everythingisyoursOLord, HerethouaretheabsoluteLord Andtheretherelatedone TheyprayOmyLord.Pause

mainaaheeparabhsabhkichhtayraa. eeghainirgunooghaisargunkaylkaratbichsuaameemayraa. (RaagBilawal5thGuru,page827) Inthismanner,hismindwasconstantlyattunedandfocusedintheLordsfeet.Thus,allthathe didbecametheworshipofGodtoo: Blessed,blessed,blessedistheadventoftheLordsserf, Bywhosegrace,theentireworldissaved DhanDhanDhanjanaaiaa jisparsaadsabhjagattaraaiaa. (RaagGauriSukhmani5thGuru,p294) ItisacutelydifficulttowritetheeulogyofsuchagreatSaintas BabaHarnamSinghJi,forsuchaSaintitistruethat: SaysKabir,thesublimityofaSaintcannotbedescribed Ithastobeseentoberealized kabeercharankamalkeemaujkokahikaisayunmaan. kahibaykaosobhaanaheedaykhaaheeparvaan.||121|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1370) Onlytheluckyfew,whoexperiencedhiscompany,werefortunateenoughtorealisehisgreatness.

82KABIRTAKENOCOMPANIONSWHENGOINGTOMEETASAINT S.SwaranSinghisabuildingcontractorincentraltownJalandhar.Hisancestralvillageiscalled BhattiannearKhuddadistrictHoshiarpur.Sometimein1975,hewasvisitinghisvillageon business.Hiswifewastravellingwithhimaswell.Shewasadeeplyreligiousperson;Ontheir journey,sheinformedherhusband,IhaveheardthatnearthevillageGondpuraSainthasbeen meditatingatthebarren,hauntedmound,wherenoonedaregointhedayletalonestaythe night.Hismeditationatthemound,whichwashaunted,hasledtoaGurdwarabeingbuiltatthat place.Wearenearthatplace,sowhydontwereturntoJalandharviaHoshiarpurandvisitthe Gurdwaraonourwayhome?Itwontmakemuchdifferencetothelengthofourjourney. S.SwaranSinghretorted,WhydontyougoseetheSaintattheGurdwaraandIllstayatthe village.YourealwayshankeringtomeetholySaints;wellIdontgobowingtoSaints. Hearingherhusbandsquickrefusal,shereplied,Whowillaccompanymethen?Listen,whydont youcomewithme,youcansitintheroomwhereSriGuruGranthSahibJiisenthronedandyou donthavetomeettheSaint. Attheinsistenceofhiswife,SwaranSinghJisetofffromhisvillagetowardstheGurdwarainhis car.SwaranSinghJinarratedhisexperiencethat,WhenIhadjustturnedthecarontotheroadat GondpurvillagetowardstheGurdwara,mymind,whichhadbeenintolerant,swayedandwas overcomewithafeelingofaffectiontowardstheSaint.ItwasthemonthofSeptemberandthe surroundingfieldswereswayingwithyellowfloweredcropsofmustard,smilinginthesunlight. Suddenly,mymindwasovertakenwithanurgetoeatSaag(adishmadefrommustardleaves),I thoughtthatiftheSaintgivesussaagtoeatwithchapattisthenIwillconsiderhimtobeatrue Saint. AstheywerenearingtheGurdwara,SwaranSinghJisawanotherfield,withcornswayinginit.He thoughtthatonthewaybackfromtheGurdwaratostopoverandsomehowbuysomecorncobs forthefamilyathome.Withthesethoughtschurningaroundinhismind,thecouplearrivedat GurdwaraRampurKhera. ItwasafternoonandBabaJiwassatwiththerestofthesangatonthecarpet,listeningto SukhmaniSahib.Asthecoupleapproachedthesangat,BabaJiaskedthem,fromadistance,to firstgoandpaytheirrespectstoSriGuruGranthSahibJiandthencomebacktotakeaseatwith therestofthesangat.BothhusbandandwifewenttopaytheirrespectstoSriGuruGranthSahib JiandreturnedashortwhilelatertotheplacewhereBabaJiwassitting.Theywerejustaboutto bowinfrontofBabaJiwhenhereplied,ThetrueGuruhasorderedhisgursikhtobowinfrontof SriGuruGranthSahibJionlyandnooneelse.Thatyouhavedonealready.ASikhshouldnotrub hisforeheadinsubmissiontoanylivingGuru.Instead,greetoneanotherwithGurFateh (WaheguruJiKaKhalsa,WaheguruJiKiFateh).TheGurFatehisaboveallothersalutations.By greetingthisway,wefirstlyreciteWahegurufourtimesandsecondly,receivetheGuruspleasure forhavingfollowedhiscommandtogreetoneanotherinthismanner.MrandMrsSwaranSingh nowrepliedwithaGurFatehandsatdownwiththerestofthecongregation. AsSwaranSinghJioftentellsusthat,HalfmymindwasalreadysatisfiedthatBabaJiwasatrue Saintwhenheorderedusnottobowtohim.However,thethoughtabouthavingsaagwasstill wanderinginsideSwaranSinghJishead.Asthechapter(asthpadi)ofSukhmaniSahibended,Baba

JicalledAmarSinghJiwhowastheheadcook(calledLangri)andsaid,AmarSinghJicanyoutake SardarJiandservehimlangarashehascomefromafar.Pleasewarmupthesaagandchapattis thatBibiCharanKaurbroughtthismorningandservethemtoSardarJi. SwaranSinghJifeltashamedandyetreassuredthatthisSaintwasnotonlytelepathicand perceptive,butalsoextolsthetrueworshipofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Gurbaniisthemainstay andhavenofthisSaint.AttherequestofBabaJi,SSwaranSinghJiandhiswifesatinthelangar hallenjoyingthesaagthatwasservedandthemindsthirstwasnowquenched.Afterhaving langar,theyreturnedtolistentotherestofSukhmaniSahibpath.Afterthis,BabaJiaskedoneof theSinghstoreadKalgidharChamatkar(biographyofGuruGobindSinghJicompiledbyBhai SahibVirSinghJi).Afterlisteningtoacoupleofchapters,SSwaranSinghJiaskedpermissionto leave.Atthistimeadevoteearrivedwith20or30corncobswrappedinaclothandplacedthemin frontofSriGuruGranthSahibJiashepaidhisrespects.Thedevoteewasabouttocometowards BabaJiwhenBabaJicalledoutaloudtohim,askinghimtobringthecorncobsover.Thedevotee broughtthecorncobsoverandwishedGurFatehtoBabaJi.BabaJigreetedthedevoteewithGur FatehtooandaskedhimpolitelytoputthecobsinSardarJiscar. BabaJiputhishandonS.SwaranSinghsshoulderandsaid,Whencomingintosangatoneshould notentertainidleorworldlythoughts,especiallywhencomingtopayrespectstoSriGuruGranth SahibJi.Secondly,nevercomewiththeintentionoftestinganotherpersonsspiritualattainments. OnecanonlyderivethefullbenefitofattendingthecongregationofSriGuruGranthSahibJiand Gurbaniifweabandonuseless,worldlythoughts.Amidstthecongregationweshouldharbour esteemedthoughtsofseeingthetrueGuruandlisteningtohisGurbani.Ifthemindisrackedwith idleanduselessthoughts,itgetslittleornobenefitofattendingthecongregationofSriGuru GranthSahibJi.Withwhatstateofmindshouldoneattendthecongregation?BhagatKabirJi guidesusthat Kabirtakealongnocompanions WhengoingtomeetaSaint kabeersaaDhookaomilnayjaaeeaisaathnaleejaikoay. (SalokBhagatKabirJi,page1370) Hearingthesewords,allbaselessthoughtsandexcusesinSwaranSinghJismindfellsilent.His mindwasfullofremorseandquestionedwhyhehadeventhoughttotestthespiritualand telepathicabilitiesofsuchacompletelypious,perfectSaintwhohadunstintingfaithand unwaveringdevotiontoGod?BeforedepartingS.SwaranSinghJiaskedBabaJi,CanIbeofany servicetoyou?BabaJireplied,Iwilltellyouthenexttimeyoucome.ThesewordsechoedinS. SwaranSinghJismindashereturnedhome.Hereturnedafewdayslaterwiththerestofhis familytoGurdwaraRampurKhera.Afterhavinglangar,thistimeheremindedBabaJi,BabaJiyou saidlasttimethatwhenIvisitagainyouwilltellmeifIamworthyofanyservice.Pleasetellwhat isyourcommand?BabaJireplied,Thegreatestserviceyoucandoistobecomebaptised,do yourNitnemandbecomeadevoutgursikh.InthistheGreatGuruwillbepleasedwithyou.With theencouragementofBabaJiandtheinspirationalmeetingwithhim,thewholefamilytookamrit, thusreceivingtheblessingoftheGreatGuru.

83CONSIDERHONOURORDISHONOUREQUALLY TocelebratetheBaisakhiof1975atAnandpurSahib,anappealformassattendancewassentout tothewholeKhalsanation.Tojoininthepanthiccelebrations,BabaJitoo,reachedAnandpur SahibwithafewfellowSinghs.AtAnandpurSahib,BabaJidiscussedtheirjourneywiththeSinghs anddecidedAneminentSaint,whoknowsmehasahugedera(largeresidencebelongingtoa Saint)nearby.Letusgotohisdera.WewillgetanaudiencewiththeSaintandifthereisspace availablewewillstaythenighttheretoo. Withthisinmind,theyallmadetheirwaytothederaonfoot.Inthosedays,theabovementioned SaintwasnotongoodtermswiththepoliticalpartyofAkaliDal.Onreachingthedera,BabaJi wenttovisittheSaintinhisrestroom.BabaJiwishedhimGuruFatehbuttheSaintdidnotreply, ashewasbusyquarrellingwithhisattendantdriveraboutabarofsoap.TheSaintwascursingand shoutingatthepoorfellow,rebukinghimforusingthesoapwithoutconsent,whilstthedriver continuouslyapologisedforhismistake.Inthistussle,theSaintforgottogreetBabaJiwiththe GurusFateh. BabaJiandtheSinghssatdownonthefloorandwaitedpatiently.TheSaintmomentarilylooked upandsaidangrily,Goawayandhavelangar.ThesangatandBabaJiremainedseatedandthen theSaintrebukedthemagain,Whyareyoustillhere,Iaskedyoutogoandhavelangar. BabaJiandtheSinghswenttohavelangar.Theentirecongregationfeltveryawkwardand embarrassedattheratherrudebehaviouroftheSaint.Thesangathadcomefromalongwayto seetheSaintandhewassobusyquarrellingoverabarofsoapthathedidnotevengreetBabaJi. OutofallofusS.BageechaSinghJiwasthemostupset.HewasoftheviewthattheSaintknew BabaJi,wasyoungerthanBabaJiandlikelyoflowerspiritualstandingthanBabaJi,yethe behavedmostdiscourteously.Hemaynothaveshownrespectforthesangatbutatleastshould havehadthecivilitytogreetBabaJi. Aswewerewalking,withsuchturbulentthoughtsinthemindofS.BageechaSingh,BabaJi suddenlystoppedwalkingandaddressedS.BageechaSingh,LookhowgraciousourgreatGuruis uponus.Ontheonehand,wehavemetaholySaintandpaidourrespectsandontheotherhand, theSaintofferedlangaraswell.Thisistrulypleasurable. Inthefuture,whenyougotomeetsomeone,neverexpecthimorhertoshowreverencetowards you.Suchrespectisoftenfalse,createsvanityinyouandinflamestheego.Desiretoberespected arisesandwhenthedesireisnotfulfilledthenanger,hatredanddejectionenterthemind.This tarnishesthemind.Alwaysbemindfuloftheneedforadulation.TheorderofourGuruis,the personisnotanattendantwhoyearnsforfameandhasfearoninfamy. HearingsuchwordsfromBabaJissweettonguesoothedtheheartsofallthatwerepresent.Bhai BageechaSingh,whowasmostaffectedbythisincidentreplied,BabaJi,Ihadagrudgeinmy mindregardingtheSaintsbehaviourbutyouaretotallyunaffectedbythedisrespectshownto you. BabaJisaid,WhatevertheGurudoesisalwaysbeneficial.IfthatgreatSainthadshownus respectandofferedtoputusupforthenightthenwouldhavebeendeprivedofthekatha,Kirtan anddiscoursesinGurbanithataretakingplaceatTakhatKeshgarhSahibJi.Wewilltrytogeta

roomattheinn,ifnot,thenwewillspendthenightintheGuruspresence,enjoyingthewhole programme.ThiswaywewillbeneartheGuru,elsewewouldhavehadtomakethetrek tomorrowspeciallytoseetheprogramme. Inapeaceful,contentedstateofmind,weallhadlangarafterwhichwesetoffforfortAnandgarh Sahib.HerewemetthemanagerofthegurdwarawhoknewBabaJiwellandofferedustwo roomsinwhichwecouldspendthenight,Thewholesangatenjoyedthreedaysatthefeetofour Guruandpartookinthepanthic(national)celebrationofBaisakhi. TheincidentiswrittentodemonstratethatBabaJiwasneverwascarriedawaybyhisemotions.If someonegavehimrespect,hewasnotelatedorbowledoverbyadulation.Neitherwashe dejectednorangryifsomeoneshowedhimdisrespect.Healwaysremainedinabalancedstateof mind: Theimpartialseerofreality SuchaSaint!Isarareoneamongstamillion tatsamadraseesantahukoeekotmanDhaahee.||2|| (SriRaag5thGuru,page51)

84CONSIDEROTHERSBETTERTHANYOURSELF Manyroomswithconcreteroofshadbeenerectedforthecongregationtobehousedinbynow. However,BabaJistillpreferredtostayintheold,thatchedhutthathadbeenconstructedmany yearsago.Asthenumberofvisitorsincreaseddaybyday,BabaJihadaspecialhuterectedover thelangarhallinwhichtwoorthreewovenbedswereplaced,twoforvisitorsandoneforBabaJi tositon.Whoevercametovisitwasgreetedwarmlyandseatedonthesebeds.Henever discriminatedagainstanyone.Allweretreatedequally.Heremainedfirmononeprinciple throughouthislife,thatweareallchildrenofthesameAlmightyfather.Inthe3540years accompanyingBabaJi,thishumbleservant(SantSevaSingh)neveroncesawBabaJisitonabed whilstthecongregationsatonthefloor.Eitherthesangatwouldsitonthebedsatthesamelevel oreverybodywouldsitonacarpetonthefloor,includingBabaJihimself.Yes,ifaSinghwasto reciteGurbani,narrateGuruJishistoryorgiveareligioussermon,then,hewouldbegivenan elevatedseatorbedsteadtositon,whilstthesangatincludingBabaJi,wouldsitatalowerlevelin respectforGurbani. Itwasduringthewinterseason,onedayBabaJiJiwassittingoutsidethehutinthesun, meditatingdeepinsimran.TwoAkalipoliticalleadersfromdistrictHoshiarpurnamelyVaidKartar SinghJiandSJasjitSinghThiarawereontheirwaytoGurdwaraGarnaSahibforameeting. Discussingpoliticalissues,theywerepassingthroughMachhianvillagenearGurdwaraRampur KherawhenVaidKartarSinghinterruptedthetalkandsaid,IveheardthataSikhsadh(shortfor sadhuorascetic)hassettledinthearea.HehasinitiatedmanySikhstoo.Youcanseethereare manyamritdhari(baptisedSikhs)menandwomenontheroads.Injustthelast15orsomiles,I havespottednumerousbaptisedSikhsmyself.Sikhismwasnowheretobeseeninthisareaafew yearsago.Infact,peopleopenlyprofessedtobeatheists. EventhelocalMemberofParliamentandcouncillorswerecommunists.Thewholearea worshippedLenin.WhilstdrivingthecarSJasjitSinghreplied,ItoohaveheardabouttheSikh Saintbuthavenotmethimpersonally.VaidJiimmediatelysuggestedthattheywerequite fortunateinthattheyhadthetimeandmeansoftransport,sowhynotmeettheSaintandcheck outifhewasatrueSaintornot.WellbeabletoseeforourselvesifheisaSaintonlytoaearna goodlivelihoodoraSaintwithtruebeliefinGod.(Thereisalittlerespectforthesaintsinthe mindsofAkalijathedars(Leaders).NodoubtSantSamaj(Societyofsaints)hasplayedasignificant roleinthepreachingofsikhreligionandthesejathedarsreaptheirpoliticalfruitbuttheyhatethe wordsant.Nodoubtalso,thatsomanyfalse,virtualandhypocrateshaveenteredinthedisguise ofsantsandtheyhavetheirsayalso,buttomeasureeverybodywithasameyardstickisneither wisdomnorfarsightedness.) TheroadjunctionfortheGurdwaracameup.Theyturnedthecarintotheroadthatleadsupto RampurKhera.SJasjitSinghaskedVaidJi,HowwillyouknowifheisagenuineSaintorafalse one?VaidJireplied,Justwatchmytactics.Idonthavewhitehairinmybeardbysittinginthe sun.Ihaveyearsofexperience.Iamapoliticianandcanfigureoutapersonfromthewayhe walks.Moreover,Iwilltesthimopenlyinfrontofyoureyes.Watchthedramaunfold. SJasjitSinghtoldusthatwiththesejovialremarkstheyreachedthegurdwara,wentin,bowedto SriGuruGranthSahibJiandaskedonoldattendantaboutthewhereaboutsofBabaJi.Hepointed themtothehutabovethelangarhall.So,theybothwentovertothehutandfoundnooneinside.

Therewerethreebedswithmatslaiduponthem.Onebedhadapillowonit.VaidJithoughtthat thismustbetheSaintsbed.So,hesatattheheadofthebedquietly.SJasjitSinghindicatedthat thebedlookedliketheSaintsbedandaskedVaidJitositwithhimontheotherbed(itis consideredrudetositattheheadofabedespeciallyifitisaveneratedperson).VaidJireplied, EveniftheSantJiwassittingonthebed,Iwouldstillhavesatonitandattheheadofthebedin particular.IftheSaintisfondofselfpraise,gratificationandselfimportantworshipthenhewillbe annoyedtoseemesittingattheheadofhisspecialbed.Insteadofofferingusrefreshments,he willbeangryandnoteventalktousbutifheisatrueSaintthenthewholeplaywillunfoldinfront ofyoureyes,as Whateverisinthemindcomesforthutteredasmerewords throughthemouth jojeeayhoaysougvaimuhkaakahiaavaao. beejaebikhmungaianmrithvaekhuhueaehuniaao (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,page474) WhilsttalkinginsuchalightmoodbothVaidKartarSinghandSJasjitSinghtookupseatsonthe beds.TheoldattendantinformedBabaJithattwodevoteeshadcometoseehimandhadjust goneuptothehut.BabaJiaskedtheattendanttoprepareandservetheguestsrefreshmentsand hewouldbealonginafewminutestogreetthem. BabaJicompletedhischapterofSukhmaniSahib;meanwhile,theoldattendantwenttoprepare thesweetwater.AfterafewminutesBaba,Jiwentuptothehutandgreetedthetwogentlemen withWaheguruJiKaKhalsa,WaheguruJiKiFatehVaidJiandSJasjitSinghstooduptowishGur FatehtoBabaJi.UponseeingBabaJi,VaidJistartedtomovefromthebedhewassittingonto elsewhere.BabaJiheldhisarmandcompelledhimtoremainseatedwherehewassaying,You havegracedmewiththepleasureofyourcompany,comingsuchalongdistance,andmoreover, thegreatGuruhasblesseduswithequality.Weallarehissonsandbeinggursikhs,areallbrothers. Wearedoublyrelated,sodonothesitatetositwhereyouare.Inwardly,VaidJifeltremorseand repented,tryingtogetupfromthebedseveraltimes,butBabaJikeptinsistingthatheremain seatedwherehewas.Theoldattendantbroughtoversweetenedwaterandsomethingtoeat whilstBabaJiservedbothvisitorswithhisownhands.AfteranexchangeofpleasantriesBabaJi askedthem,wherehaveyoucomefromandwhereareyougoing?VaidJiintroducedhimself andS.JasjitSingh. BabaJisaid,IllhavesomebedsplacedforyoutorestwhilstIjustcompleteSukhmaniSahib.If youhavetimeandtheinclinationtostaypleasecomeandlistentothepaath. VaidJimadeanexcuseofpriorbusinessandbeggedleaveofBabaJi.Onthewayback,VaidJitold SJasjitSingh,Ihavemade,theblunderofmylife.Ihaveearnedthegreatestsinbysittingonthe bedhigherthantheSaint,whohimselfwasindeedacompletelypiousSaint.Worsestill,Itriedto testhisgenuineSainthood.Hedidnothaveaniotaofillwillatmysittingontheheadofhisbed. Tothecontrary,heshowedrespectandaffectionaboveandbeyondwhatwascalledfor. DuringthetimeIsatwithhim,Ifeltfreeofstraythoughts,mymindwascompletelypeacefuland fullofbliss.IfeltasenseofpeaceasIenteredthehut.Thiswasauniqueexperienceinmylife. Generally,ifyoudonotworshipaparticularSaintproperlythenhisattendantssortoutyour attitude.TheSainthimselfsortsyououtifthereisanyotherletupinveneratinghim.TheSaints attendantschastiseyouifyougreethimwithaGurFatehanddonotprostrateorbowtotheir

Saint.SJasjitSingh!ThisisthefirstinstanceinmylifethatIhaveglimpsedatrueSikhSaint,who givesthehonourofagursikhbrothereventoanordinaryfellowlikeme.ThegreatGuruhassaid: TheSaintsarefewandnotmany. Therestisbutashowandwranglinginthisworld. OnlytheluckyfewgetglimpsesofsuchholySaints hainvirlaynaaheeghanayfailfakarhsansaar.||I2|| (page1411). SuchSaintsarefewandhardtofindwithoutgooddestiny.So,VaidJiwasdeeplyimpressedby BabaJispolitenessandtheauraofhisspiritualtreasureofthewordofGod(naam).Fromthatday onwards,wheneverVaidJipassedthroughthearea,hewouldspeciallycometoseeBabaJiand consideredithisgoodfortunetoattendthereligiousprogrammesattheGurdwara. BabaJihadsomuchhumilityandpolitenessthatevenwhentalkingtoachild,hewouldshow themrespectbyaddressingthemwiththewordJi.Heneveraddressedanotherperson impolitely,bycallingthemOi.Hewouldalwayssay,WebelongtotheonefamilyofGod.Ina family,somemembersareolderwhilstothersareyounger.Nonetheless,allaremembersofthe family.Eventhoughbyagesomemaybeolderwhilstothersareyounger,theyoungestperson mayhaveagreatersoul,havinggreaterspiritualattainment.Soweshouldrespecteveryone, consideringthemapartoftheAlmighty.BhagatFaridJisays Farid,thecreatorabidesincreation Andthecreationabidesinthecreator fareedaakhaalakkhalakmehkhalakvasairabmaahi. mandaakisnoaakheeaijaaNtisbinkoeenaahi.||75|| (SalokFaridJi,page1381) InordertopleasetheAlmighty,thewordsofBhagatKabirJimustbeemphasised Kabir,Iamtheworstofall; Exceptmeeveryoneelseisgood kabeersabhtayhamburayhamtajbhalosabhkoay. (SalokKabirJi,page1364) And ThelowestofallIdeemmyownself AndthiswayIinstallpeacewithinmymind sabhtayneechaatamkarmaanomanmehihsukhDhaarao. (DevGandhari5thGuru,page532) And Thinkyourselftheworstofallintheworld. Secondly,nobodyknows,onwhomandatwhattime, TheAlmightywilltoshowerhisblessings;Sohatenoone mandaajaanaiaapkaoavarbhalaasansaar.||4||7|| (Maru1stGuru,page991)

And TheGurushomeisfor Hewhodeemshimselflowiscounted Thehighestofall aapaskaojojaanaineechaa.soooganeeaisabhtayoochaa. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page266) And Deemallotherstobeaboveyourself, Thenshallthouobtainpeaceinthelordscourt aapastayooparsabhjaanhutaodargehsukhpaavhu.||I|| (Ramkali5thGuru,page883) Theywhoconsiderthemselvesgood,wefindarementionedinSukhmaniSahib: Hewhocallshimselfgood, Goodnessdoesnotdrawnearhim. SaysNanak,pureisthecelebrityofhim, Whosemindisrenderedthedustofallmensfeet. aapaskaojobhalaakahaavai. tisehbhalaaeenikatnaaavai. sarabkeeraynjaakaamanhoay. kahonaanaktaakeenirmalsoay. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page278) Thepurityofonesmindisnotachievedthroughtalkalone.ItisobtainedthroughtheGurusgrace, byrecitationofnaam(simran).

85HEARTHETRUETALEOFTHESAINTS TheySayOnlyWhatTheySeeWithTheirEyes (Ramkali5thGuru,page894) Onesummerday,aswasBabaJisdailyroutine,aftercompletinghismeditationandprayers,he cameandsatwiththecongregation.Manypeoplehadcomefromnearandfartocatchaglimpse ofBabaJi.Whilstsitting,adevoteeventuredtoask,BabaJi,pleasetell,doesonepayforones goodandbaddeedsinthislifeordowehavetorepayforourdeedsinthelordscourtafterwe die? BabaJisAnswer BabaJilistenedtothedevoteesquestionandasked,DoyoureadGurbaniatall?Thedevotee replied,IdomydailynitnemandhavedoneseveralSehajpathsformSriGuruGranthSahibJiat homeBabaJi.BabaJireplied,GuruJihaswrittenagreatdealexplainingindetailaboutthe accountwepayforoursins.Hehasleftnoroomfordoubtormisconception.Thedevoteesaid, BabaJiwehavereadalotaboutthistoo.However,inGurbaniwherewearetoldthatdharamraj (angelofdeath)givespunishmentsbecauseofourbaddeedsandmentionismadeofhelletc,Sikh intellectualsoftendescribethisGurbaniasfearsomeBani.Theysay,itisonlywrittenbyGuruJi toscarepeoplesothattheydonotcommitsinfuldeeds. Afterlisteningtothedevotee,BabaJifellsilentforawhileandthensaid,Theseintellectualscan bedescribedas: Themoreonewritesandreads,Themoreoneburns likhlikhparhiaa.taytaakarhiaa. (Salok1stGurupage467) And Readingextensivelytheyquarrelandenterintocontroversy Andattachedtomammontheylosetheirdivineonsciousness parhparhloojhehbaadvakaanehmilmaaiaasuratgavaaee. (Bhairon3rdGuru,page1131) ThisisexactlywhatGuruJihassaidofthesesocalledintellectuals.Thesefalsescholars,who havenopractical,spiritualexperience,areresponsibleformisguidingthemassesastray.Theylead peopleontothewrongpathofatheism,chantingtheirmottoeatdrinkandmakemerry,which hasseentheafterlife.Asifthiswasnotenough,onanygivenday,thesepeoplewonthesitateto questiontheauthenticityofGurbani.First,onemustdecidewhethertheintellectofthesocalled educatedscholarsishigherortheintellectofourGuru.Arewetotakeourspiritualguidancefrom thesefalsescholarsandprophetsortakeourguidancefromtheGuru,consideringhistobeof supremeintellect.IfweacceptGuruJitobethesupremeprophetoftheAlmightythen,theGuru hasgivenirrevocablereassurancetousinGurbani,andtoldustowalkalongtheguidelinesgiven byhim.HehasorderedusOgursikhs!ConsiderGurbaniasthetrueword,yesthetruewordsof theAlmightytimelesslord.Thelordhasmerelycausedustoutterthesewordsofhis.

OthedisciplesoftheGuru, KnowthatthesatGurushymnsareperfectlytrue. GodthecreatorhimselfCause theGurutoutterthemwithhismouth satgurkeebaneesatsatkarjaanhugursikhahuharkartaa aapmuhhukadhaaay. (Salok4thGuru,page308) InraagRamkaliGuruArjunDevJitellsusthatOspiritualseeker!Listentothetruthfilled guidanceofSaintsbecausetheyonlysaythatwhichtheyhavewitnessedwiththeirowneyes. HearthouthetruetaleoftheSaints santankeesunsaacheesaakhee. sobolehjopaykhehaakhee. (Ramkali5thGuru,page894) SoallGurbaniinSriGuruGranthSahibJiistruewordforword,forallagestocome.InGurbani, thereisnoexaggerationofanydescription.Whateverdeedsamortalcommitsinthislife,heis heldtoaccountforalloftheminthelordscourtafterdeath.Onethengetsrebornintoanother lifeaccordingtothepastdeedsandactions.ItisasGuruNanakDevJistates Mortalobtainshumanbodyasaresultofgooddeeds ButthereachesthegateofsalvationwithGodskindgrace karmeeaavaikaprhaanadreemokhduaar. (JapJi1stGuru,page2) Dubbingmenbymerewordsofmouthdoesnotmakethemvirtuousorsinful.Oftenrepeated actionsareengravedonthesoulandwillbereadinGodscourtthus Whateveronesowshereaps (Satgur)NanaksaysmantakesbirthanddiesbyGodsorders punneepaapeeaakhannaahi. karkarkarnaalikhlaijaahu. aapaybeejaapayheekhaahu naanakhukmeeaavhujaahu.||20|| (JapJiSahib1stGuru,page13) Thelordhasappointedthekingoftheangelsofdeath(calleddharamraj)totakeaccountofthe actionsofeverymortalthusGuruAmarDasJiwrites: TherighteousjudgeunderGodscommand Sitsandadministersevenhandedjustice, Theevilsoulsimbuedwithloveforduality Aresubjecttoyourcommand DharamraaaynohukamhaibahisachaaDharambeechaar. doojaibhaaaydusataatmaaohtayreesarkaar. (SriRaag3rdGuru,page38) HowclearlyGuruNanakdevJitellsusaboutactionsofthemortalinAsadiVaar:

Creatingthebeings Godhasinstalledtherighteousjudge Torecordtheiraccount. Thereonlytruthisjudgedtrue Andthesinnersarepickedupandseparatedout. Thefalsefindnoplacethere Andtheygotohellwithablackenedface naanakjeeaupaaaykailikhnaavaiDharambahaaliaa. othaisachayheesachnibrhaichunvakhkadhayjajmaaliaa. thaaonapaainkoorhiaarmuhkaalHaidojakchaaliaa. tayrainaaayrataysayjingaayhaargaaysethaganvaaliaa. likhnaavaiDharambahaaliaa.||2|| (AsadiVaar1stGuru,page463) ThosewhoareimbuedwithGodsnamewin.Theywhocheat,loseontheday.Godhascertainly installeddharamrajtorecordoureveryactionanddeed.ThegreatGuruNanakDevJitellsus further: Enjoyingsensualpleasures Manhimselfbecomesaheapofashes Andhissoulpassesaway. Whentheworldlymandies, Achainisthrownaroundhisneck Andheisledawaythere, Hisgoodandbaddeedsarereadouttohim Andseeinghimhisaccountisexplainedtohim. Whenthrashed,hefindsnoplaceofshelter Andnoonehearshiscriesnow. Theblindmanhaswastedawayhislife. aapeenHaibhogbhogkaihoaybhasmarhbhaursiDhaiaa. vadaahoaaduneedaargalsangalghatchalaaiaa. agaikarneekeeratvaacheeaibahilaykhaakarsamjhaaiaa. thaaonahoveepaudeeeehunsuneeaikiaarooaaiaa. mananDhaijanamgavaaiaa.||3|| (Salok1stGuru,page464) GuruArjanDevJihaselaboratedthistruthabouthowouractionsarebeingaccountedforinthe afterlife: Thesinnerscommitsevildeeds AndthenbemoanandbewailNanak, Asthechurningstaffchurnsthecurd So,therighteousjudgechurnsthem paapeekaramkamaavdaykardayhaaayhaaay. naanakjiomathanmaaDhaaneeaa tiomathayDharamraaay. (5thGuru,page1425)

BhagatRaviDasJitellsusthatintheafterlifethemostsecretofmisdeedscommittedandhidden bymortalsareexposedandtakenintoaccount. SaysRaviDasJi,whentheaccountistaken Whatsoeverthemortalhasdone Allthathebeholds kahoravidaasbhaiojablaykho. joeejoeekeenosoeesoeedaykhio. (MalharRaviDasJi,page1293) GoodandbadactionswillbenarratedbeforetheGodofjustice chungiaaeeaaburiaaeeaavaachaidhurumhudhoor (1stGuruJapJi,page8) Regardingthepunishmentonereceivesforbaddeeds,thereareampleexplanationsand referencesaboutitinGurbani.SriGuruNanakDevJitellsusaboutthepunishmentswereceive accordingtoourmisdeeds: SaysNanak,hearOmanthetrueinstruction. Seatedinjudgmentandtakinghisledger Godshallcallyoutoaccount. TherebelsoftheLordswithaccounts Outstandingagainstthemshallbecalledout. Thedeathscourier,Azrail Shallbeappointedtopunishthou. Entangledinthenarrowlane,theygo. Falsehoodshallcometoanend, ONanakandtruthshallultimatelyprevail naanakaakhairaymanaasuneeaisikhsahee. laykhaarabmangayseeaabaithaakadhvahee. talbaapausanaakeeaabaakeejinaarahee. ajraaeelfaraystaahoseeaaaytaee. aavanjaannasujheebheerheegaleefahee. koorhnikhutaynaankaaorhaksachrahee. (Ramkali1stGuru,page953) GuruArjunDevJigivesthesameaccountofpunishmentsintheafterlife: Underthetreeoftheworld Allbeingshavegathered. Somearehotheadedandsomespeaksweetly. Whenthesunwhichhadsetrises Theygetupandmarchoffwhentheirlifeends. Theywhocommitsinsaresurelyplundered. Azrailtheangelofdeath, Seizesandtorturesthemtodeath. Theyarecastintothewellbythecreator Andtherighteousjudgecallsthemtoaccount. Nobrotherorsisteraccompaniesthem.

Leavingbehindtheirproperty,youthandwealth,theymarchoff. Theyknownottheirkindandbeneficentcreatorlord Andshallbeoppressedlikethebasketfulofsesame. Happily,happilysnatchesthouothersgoods ButGod,whoiswiththee,seesandhearsthee. ThroughworldlyaVaarice,youhavefallenintoapit Andknownotthethingofthefuture. Youshallberepeatedlyborn Anddieandbebornagain. Youshaltsuffermuchpunishment Onthewaytothedistantcountry. Theblindmortalnothimwhomadehim, Whereforeheshallsufferpain. Forgettinghiscreatormanisruined. Theplayoftheworldisbad. Themortalissometimessadandsometimeshappy. Tolearnfromhimthelessonoffaithandcontentment, ThemortalmeetsnottheSaintandwandersasitpleaseshim. Ofhimself,thelordstagesthewholeplay. Somehetakesoutandsomehecastsintothewaves. AsGodmakesmendance,sodotheydance. Everyonepasseshislifeaccordingtohispastdeeds. Ifthelordshowershisgrace, ThenalonemeditateIuponthelord. AssociatingwiththeSaintsonefallsnotintohell. OlordblessthouNanak, Withthegiftofyournectarname. Heeversingsthesongsofyourpraise birkhaihaythsabhjantikthay. iktatayikbolanmithay. asatudotbhaiaauthchalay jiojioaoDhvihaaneeaa.||I|| paapkaraydarhsarparmuthay. ajraaeelfarhayfarhkuthay. dojakpaaaysirjanhaarailaykhaamangaibaaneeaa.||2|| sangnakoeebhaeeaabaybaa. maaljobanDhanchhodvanjaysaa. karankareemnajaatokartaatilpeerhayjioghaaneeaa.||3|| khuskhuslaidaavasatparaaee. vaykhaisunaytayrainaalkhudaaee. duneeaalabpaiaakhaatandaragleegalnajaaneeaa.||4|| jamjammaraimaraifirjammai. bahutsajaaaypaiaadayslammai. jinkeetaatisainajaaneeanDhaataadukhsahaiparaaneeaa. khaalakthaavhubhulaamuthaa. duneeaakhaylburaaruthtuthaa. sidaksabooreesantnamiliovataiaapanbhaaneeaa.||6|| maulaakhaylkaraysabhaapay.ikkadhayiklaharviaapay. jionachaaaytiotionachansirsirkiratvihaaneeaa.||7||

miharkaraytaakhasamDhiaaee. santaasangatnaraknapaaee. amritnaamdaannaanakkaogungeetaanitvakhaaneeaa. (Maru5thGuru,page1019) So,weshouldhavecompleteandunflinchingfaithinGurbani,asitistheessenceoftheAlmighty Lord.Furthermore,Ihaveseenthecityofdharamrajmyself.Ihavewitnessedmyselfthe punishmentssufferedbymortalsfortheirsinsinthecityofdharamraj.Thepainsufferedbythese soulscannotbedescribedeasilyinwords.Duringthisconversation,BabaJidescribedsome punishmentswherebythesoulhadtopassthroughinfinitelysmallplacesandsufferintolerable heatafterbeingboundtoredhotpillars.BabaJisaidthatforeverybaddeedthereweredistinct punishmentsthatweresufferedbymortals. BabaJiconfessedthathehadseenthissightnotoncebutmanytimes.BabaJiexplainedfurther thatincontrasttobaddeeds,themortalwhotakesrefugeintheshelterofthegreatGuruby beingbaptisedandfollowsthepathoftrueteachings,isnottormentedbydharamraj.Gurbani states: Theytowhomlord,thelifeoftheworldshowshismercy Enshrinehimintheirheartandplaceintheirmind. Therighteousjudgeinhiscourthastornup MypapersandslaveNanakhassettledhisaccount jinkaokirpaakareejagjeevanharurDhaariomanmaajhaa. Dharamraaaydarkaagadfaarayjannaanaklaykhaasamjhaa. (Jaitsari4thGuru,page698) Dharamrajhasgivenstrictorderstohisambassadors(angelsofdeath),donotgonearwherever theSaintsofthelord,devoteesoftheGodaremeditatingorpraisingtheAlmighty.Ifyoudo wandertherebymistakethenyouwillbeeternallytrapped.Neitheryouormyself(Dharamraj)or thecityofdeath(Jampuri)willgetsalvation.ItisstatedinGurbanithat: ONanakwheretheSaints Everrepeatthelordoftheworldsnameandpraise. Therighteousjudgesays Drawnotnearthatplaceofcouriers, OtherwiseneitheryounorIshallescape JahsaaDhoogobidbhajankeertannaanakneet. naahaonaatooNnahchhutehnikatnajaaeeahudoot.||I|| (Gauri5thGuru,page256). Onthecontrary,iftheSaintsandgreatsoulsdevotedtothealmightyventureintothecityof dharamraj,theyarerespectedandreveredbytheangelsofdeath,asdescribedinGurbani. Theywhocontemplatethelordsname,Ofriend,winthetreasureofhumanlife. Nanak,therighteousjudgeaddressesthemthus,Mymansionthouhaverenderedholy naamDhiaainsaajnaajanampadaarathjeet. naanakDharamaisaychavehkeetobhavanpuneet.||10|| (Salok5thGuru,page1424)

86PILGRIMAGETORELIGIOUSPLACES AsGuruRamdasJisays: WherevermytrueGurugoesandsits Beautifulisthatplaceolordking TheGurusdisciplessearchoutthatplace Takethedustandapplyittotheirface jithaijaaaybahaimayraasatguroosothaansuhaavaaraamraajay. gusikheeNsothaanbhaaliaalaiDhoormukhlaavaa. (Asa4thGuru,page450) And ThatlandwheremytrueGurucomestositupongrowsgreen saaDharteebhaeehareeaavaleejithaimayraasatgurbaithaaaaay. (Mohalla4thGuru,page310) TopaytheirrespectstoholyplacesthatwererelatedtothelivesofourGurus,thesangat requestedBabaJitoorganiseapilgrimage.EventhoughBabaJihadseentheseplacesofhistorical interestmanytimesbefore,thesangatrequestedthatbusesbehiredtotourtheshrineswhich hadbeenblessedbythepresenceofourGurusinthepast.BabaJicounselledthesangat,Togo onapilgrimagetothesehistoricalshrinesisonlyofuseifthetimeisspentinmeditationand recitationofGurbani.Beforegoingtovisittheseshrines,weshouldcultivatepietyandaffection forourGuruwithinourheartsandminds. Whenaffectionwellsupinourmindthenpilgrimagetoplacesthathavebeengracedbythetouch oftheGurusfeetwilldeepenourlovefortheGuru.Thislove,whenseatedinthemind,startsto cleanseusfromwithinandbringsonenearertotheGuru.IfbythegraceoftheGuruthislove becomeseternal,thendoubtisclearedandthedisciplebecomesatonewithGod.So,anattempt mustbemadetocultivateaffectioninourbeingbeforegoingonapilgrimageandthiseffortmust bemadethroughoutthejourneyitself.Ifontheotherhandoneisgoingjusttoseethesightsand picnicinsteadofhavingtruereverenceforholyplacesthenitisbettertostayathomeand continuewithourjobs.Hearingthesewords,thesangatbeggedBabaJi,Wewilldowhatever youorder,butpleaseaccompanyusonthetour.EventhoughBabaJiwasquiteoldbynowand hadbeentotheseplacesofworshipbefore,heagreed,andchalkedoutaprogrammeforthe religioustour,thusabidingbythewishesofthecongregation. ConditionsForGoingOnYatra(Pilgrimage) BabaJiagreedtogoonthepilgrimageaslongascertainruleswereagreedupon.Theseruleswere toinvokegreateraffectionforourGurusandweremeanttoguidethesangatonhowtoobtain maximumbenefitfromvisitingthesehistoricalsrines. ThefirstrequestwasthatwhosoeverwastogoontheYatra(Pilgrimageorjourney)wouldhaveto recitetheMoolmantar11000timesbeforetheactualdaythetourstarted.Ifanyonecoulddo morerecitationofMoolmantarthanthiswouldbeevenbetter.Thecongregationagreedtothis rulewiththeviewthatrecitationofMoolmantarisspirituallyupliftingandisindeedafruitfulway tospendthedaysprecedingtheactualtour.

Secondly,anypersonwishingtogoonthetourshouldbeabaptisedSikh.Ifonewasnotbaptised thentheymusttakeamritbeforetheywentonthepilgrimage.Besidesthesetwoconditions,alist ofotherruleswascompiledanddistributedtothecongregationintheformofaleaflet. Theruleswereasfollows: 1.Alldevoteeswillwearakirpanovertheirregularclothesandmenwilladorntheirbeardsopen. 2.EverydevoteemustreciteWaheguruGurmantarfortwohoursoncetheyboardedthetourbus. 3.Aftersimran,allwouldreciteBenatiChaupai21times. 4.UponarrivingattheGurdwara,everyonewillrecitethehymnsbelowwithreverenceand devotion,bowtoGuruGranthSahibJi,beforetakingaseatinthehall.Thehymnstoberecited were: ThereisbutonGod BythegraceoftrueGuruisheknown BywhatvirtuescanImeetthelordofmylife,Omother?Pause WithoutbeautyorunderstandingormightamI I,awearystrangerhavecomefromafar Ihavenowealthnoryouth,andamanorphan MergemewithyoujustasIamOlord SearchingandsearchingIhavebecomeweary Ithirstforthesightofthelord Mercifultothemeek,compassionatemasterofNanak. IntheSaints,companyhasmyburningslaked kavangunparaanpatmilaomayreemaaee.||I||rahaao. roopheenbuDhbalheeneemohipardaysandoortayaaee.||I|| naahindarabnajobanmaateemohianaathkeekarahusamaaee. khojatkhojatbhaeebairaaganparabhdarsankaohaofirattisaaee. deendaiaalkirpaalparabhnaanaksaaDhsangmayreejalanbujhaaee. (GauriPurbi5thGuru,page204) 5.Onceseated,everyonewillrecitegurmantarfor5minutesandsilentlyrecitethefollowing hymn. AfterwanderingandwanderingOlord Ihavecometoenteryoursanctuary OmasterNanaksprayeris Applymetoyourmeditation firatfiratparabhaaiaapariaataosarnaaay. naanakkeeparabhbaynteeapneebhagteelaaay.||I|| (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page289) 6.Nooneshouldindulgeingossiporidlechitchatandgoquietlytobereseatedbackinthebuses. 7.Administratorsforeachbuswillbeappointedandallmustfollowtheirdirections.

8.Everydevoteeshouldbeseatedbackinthetourbusfiveminutesbeforethejourney recommences. 9.Afteranovernightstay,theluggagewillbeloadedontothebusesandthenthesangatwill collectivelysayArdasattheGurdwarabeforeleaving. WiththeserulessetinplaceBabaJitooksuchtourswiththecongregationonthreeoccasions.The firstofthesetoursstartedon14thFebruary1972andhadthefollowingitinerary 14.2.72 Atabout6amthewholesangatassembledintheGurdwarahallatRampurKhera,didArdas, listenedtothehukamnamaandthensetoffonthejourney.Ontheway,theyvisitedFatehgarh SahibtheplacewherethetwoyoungersonsofGuruGobindSinghJiandGuruJismotherwere martyred.BynightfallthetourpartyhadreachedPaontaSahib. 15.2.72 AtPaontaSahib,thesangatpaidhomagetotheplacewhereGuruGobindSinghJispent41/2 yearsinpeacefulyetbeautifulsurroundingsonthebanksoftheYammunaRiver.Herehe composedmanysacredtextsandrevealedalargeamountofGurbanitotheworld.Hiseminent scholarscompiledandtranslatedmanySanskrittextsintoBrijlanguage(adialectspokenin northernIndia).Hisappointedscholarsalsocompiledandscribedalargeamountofliterature relatedtotheSikhreligion.Aftersomerestatthisplace,thesangatsetoffforRishikesh. 16.2.72 FromRishikesh,surroundingareaslikeHardwarwerevisitedarrivingatnightatGorakhmata.The nameofthisplacewaschangedtoNanakmatawhenGuruNanakDevJiaddressedandpeeled awaytheignoranceofGorakhNathyogiandhisfollowers.Thecongregationspentthenighthere. 17.2.72 ThedaywasspentvisitingallthelocalsightsthatwerevisitedbyGuruNanakDevJiandwherehe haddiscoursesandsermonswiththefollowersofGorakhNathyogi.Hissermonsemphasisedthe importanceofmeditatingonnaamratherthantheacquisitionofmiraculouspowersasthewayto salvation. 18.2.72 FromGorakhmatathetourpartyarrivedatLukhnowatnightandspentthenightthere. 19.2.72 ThesangatsetofffromLukhnowafterhavinglangaronthebanksoftheriversurju,whereGuru NanakDevJioncestayed.ThetourpartyarrivedatBenareswhereGuruNanakDevJihad dialogueswithpunditDyalDassutteringGurbaniinSanskritandpreachingthegospelofnaam meditation. 20.2.72 VisitingtheplacesofimportanceinBenaresandmarchedforwardtoPatnawhereGuruGobind SinghJiwasborn.Atarrival,thesangatrespectfullybowedatTakhatPatnaSahibamostsacred placefortheKhalsa.AlltheplacesconcernedwithGuruGobindSinghJiwerevisitedspendingtwo nightsandonedayhere.

22.2.72 AttendingtheMorningPrayeratTakhatPatnaSahibthegroupleftforRajgirandBodhgaya.At nightthecongregationrestedattheplaceofamostloyalSikhofGuruGobindSinghJicalled FaghuMullJi. 23.2.72 SetofffromSasaRamandspentthenightinRiwa 24.2.72 ThetoursetofftowardsMarhattalinJabalpur.ThisistheplacewhereGuruNanakDevJi transformedthecannibalKaudademonintoafinegursikhbyhisgrace. 25.2.72 FromMarhattalGurdwarathetourmovedontoGuruNanakdarbarGurdwarainNagpur,arriving atnightfall. 26.2.72 AttendedtheMorningPrayer,didArdasandsetoffforthemostcherishedplaceforwhichthis tourwasconceivedTakhatHazoorSahibthefinalrestingplaceofGuruGobindSinghJi.GuruJi cametothisplaceandhandedovertheKhalsatoSriGuruGranthSahibJitheeverlastingGurufor remainingtime.Herehedisappearedphysicallyfromtherealmofmortalsandthebodyoffive elements.Thesangatarrivedhereatnightfallandrested 27.2.72 AfterpayingrespectsatTakhatHazoorSahib,thesangatwenttovisitGurdwaraNanakjheerain Bidar.HeretheypaidrespectstoSriGuruGranthSahibJiandwitnessedtheplacewhereGuru NanakDevJiwithhispiousfeettouchedthegroundandaspringwelledupfromthebarren,rocky mountainside. 28.2.72 Afterstayingthenight,thesangatbidfarewelltothissiteandreturnedtoHazoorSahib. 29.2.72 ThesangatvisitedlocalGurdwaras,whichhadbeenblessed,byourGurusfeet.Thesewere GurdwarasNaginaghat,Hiraghat,Shikarghat,G.MataSahibdeva,Bandaghat,SangatSahib, G.MaalTakri,G.RattanGarhSahibandG.Nanaksaretc. 3.3.72 ThewholesangatlistenedtothemorningsessionofkirtanatSriHazoorSahibuntil8am.After Ardas,theysetoffGurdwaraGuptsarSahibinManmarhwheretheyspentanight. 4.3.72 FromManmarhthesangatleftforBombayarrivingatGurdwaraSinghSabhaDadar(Bombay). 5.3.72 ThesangatenjoyedsightseeinginBombay.Thezoo,theseaandthecollectionoffishallprovided insightintothewayoflifeofcoastalpeople.

6.3.72 ThetourgroupsetofffromBombay,arrivedatGurdwaraSinghSabhaDhollia,andspentthenight there. 7.3.72 ThesangatsetofffromDholliaarrivinginNasikandthenstoppingthenightatGurdwaraImli Sahib,Indore,whereGuruNanakDevJioncestayed.Herethegrouplistenedtothehistorical backgroundoftheplaceandspentthenight. 8.3.72 ThesangatthensetofffromIndoreandarrivedlateatnightatGurdwaraSinghSabhaGuna. 9.3.72 FromGunathetourmovedontoGwaliorandreachedGurdwaraBandiChhorrwhereJahangir imprisonedGuruHargobindSahibJi.Thesangatrestedhereforthenight. 10.3.72 TheythentookleavefromtheGurdwaraofsixthGuru,GuruHargobindSahibJiandsetofffor Agra.HereaftersomesightseeingthetourpartyarrivedinDelhiatGurdwaraSisGanj,the historicalshrinerelatedtothemartyrdomofGuruTeghBahadurJi. 11.3.72 ThecongregationvisitedallthehistoricalshrinesinDelhilikeGurdwaraBanglaSahib,Gurdwara MajnukaTillaandcamebacktoSisGanjSahibtospendthenight. 12.3.72 ThiswasthelastdayofthepilgrimageandthesangatsetoffearlyfromDelhiarrivingfirstat GurdwaraDookhNiwaraninPatiala.HeretheypaidhomageatthisshrinerelatedtoGuruTegh BahadurJiandthensetoffforGurdwaraAlamgirSahibinLudhianawhereGuruGobindSinghJi hadpassedthrough.ThesangatarrivedbackatGurdwaraRampurKherathateveningmakingthe wholepilgrimageasuccessbyhavingtouchedthedustofpiousshrinesoncevisitedbyourGurus. Similarprogrammeswerefollowedinsubsequentpilgrimageslaterin1976and1979.Thesangat notonlywenttotheabovementionedpilgrimagesbutalsofromtimetotimewentontourto historicalshrinesinPunjab.Onaugust20th,1975BabaJishoweredhisblessingsandaccompanied thesangattovisitthehistoricalplacewhereGuruGobindSinghJimeditatedinhispastlife,Sri HemkuntSahib. Onallthesetours,thecongregationgainedgreatspiritualupliftmentfromtheconstant meditationandrectalofGurbaniquiteapartfromthebenefitoftreasuredpilgrimageto reverentialshrinesvisitedbyourGurus.Timeandagainthishumbleservantheardfromdisciples whowentonthepilgrimagessaying,Wedontknowifourtimewasusedfruitfullybeforebutthe timewespentinmeditationduringthetripwasdefinitelyinvaluable.Apartfromthesimran, recitingGurbanithroughoutthetripleftnotimetogossipandwasteinidlechatter.Notimewas spentdwellingonworldlythoughtsandneitherdidweremainintouchwiththeworldaroundus. Somuchso,eventhoughtsofourfamiliesandbusinessesdidnotdisturbourpilgrimage.

Thedeepaffectionbetweendevoteeswasworthseeingattheendofsuchtrips.Everyonewas tearfulwithaffectionandyetsadnessattheendofsuchanepicpilgrimage.Nobodywantedto partcompanyandeveryonefeltasiftheyhadgainedagreatdealofspiritualbenefit. Allleftwiththeknowledgethatthesegemsofspiritualitywouldremainandtheywouldcherish thetreasuredtripintheirmemoriestreasuredlongafter.

87VISITSABROAD ThedevoteesofBabaJi,wholivedinforeigncountries,wouldoftenbeseechhimtovisitthem abroad,sothattheytoocouldenjoyhisdivinecompanyandgetthechancetoreceivehis blessings.OtherswouldwritetoBabaJiaskinghimtovisitthemandblesstherestoftheirfamilies livingabroad. Affectionandloveissopowerfulthatitholdsinfluenceeventhousandsofmilesaway.Thepullof thisattractiontookBabaJiabroadthreetimes.Onhistravels,hevisitedAmerica,Englandand Canada.Hetravelledfromgurdwaratogurdwara,housetohouse,citytocity,preachingthe missionofSikhismandpersuadingthesangattoadopttheSikhwayofliving. In1981,BabaJitookthishumbleservantwithhimonhistriptoAmerica,CanadaandEngland. ThedoubtsofmanydevoteesregardingtheSikhwayoflifeandGurbaniweredispelled,eitherby hispersonalexperienceorbyexampleofGurbani.WhicheverhomeBabaJisteppedintowas tingedwiththefragranceofgursikhiinashortspaceoftime.Manydevoteestookamritbecause ofthemissionaryworkofBabaJiandwitnessinghispiouswayoflife,manyturnedtotheGurus fold.

88THELORDGRANTSWHATEVERHOLYMENWISHFOR In1981attheaffectionateinvitationofthesangat,BabaJiwastouringCanada.S.DalwinderSingh ofGardhiwala,whowasatthattimelivinginVancouver,CanadaheardaboutBabaJisvisit;He hadbeenmarriedforalmost1112yearstoBibiParamjitKaurbut,aswasthewillofGod,theydid nothaveanychildren.Asisthedesireofeverycouple,theytoowishedforachildsothattheir familywouldbecomplete. Thisdesirewashauntingtheirmindsandwithtime,hopewasturningtodespair.Theytriedmany medicaltreatmentsbuttonoavail.MrandMrsDalwinderSinghdecidedtoinviteBabaJioverfor langarwiththemotiveofobtainingdivineblessingsforachild.BabaJiacceptedtheinvitationand ontheappointeddayarrivedattheirhousewithsomeotherdevotees.Afterlangar,headdressed theassembledcongregationandgaveadiscourseontheGurusgospel.Healsonarratedtales fromthelivesofourGurustoillustratepracticallivingbasedontheprinciplesofGurbani.Anold lady,whowasarelationofDalwinderSingh,stoodupattheendofthediscussionand petitioned,BabaJi,thiscouplehavebeenmarriedfor1012yearsbut,havehadnochildren. Pleaseblessthemandprayforthemsothattheirfamilymaybecomecompletewithachild.Thisis theironedesireandisthebaneoftheirlife.HearingtheoldladysrequestBabaJireplied,BibiJi theseblessingsareinthehandsofthetrueGuru.YoushouldprayintheGurusfeet.TheGuruis kindandbenevolentfor WhateveryouaskfromGod Hewillprovideaccordingly jomaagehthaakurapunaytaysoeesoeedayvai. naanakdaasmukhtayjobolaieehaaoohaasachhovai. (Dhanasari5thGuru,page681) Withdeepfeltemotion,whateveryoubegfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi,Waheguruwillprovide. TheoldladylistenedandthenrepeatedherrequesttoBabaJi.BabaJicouldnotheartheoldlady andsaid, PleasespeakabitlouderasImabithardofhearinginmyleftear.Icouldntcatchwhatyou weresayingproperly.TheoldladyrepeatedherrequesttoBabaJi,askinghimtoprayandbless thechildlesscouplewithchildren.BabaJirepliedtotheoldlady,BibiJiifitwasdestinedthenthe couplewouldhavebeenblessedwithchildren.Furthermore,onecannotbeforcedtodoArdas.In theLordspalace,onlyhumbleprayerisacceptedeventhisisonlyifyourprayerisheartfelt. Moreover,Ihavenotcometothiscountrytoblesspeoplewithchildren.Ihavecometopreach themessageofnaammeditation.Ihavenotamassedmiraculouspowerstoblesspeoplewith boons.FormetheGuruisbeallandendall.WeprayinthefeetofourGurusoshouldyou.With thesewords,BabaJibidfarewellandarrivedbackatthehouseofS.FeraSinghJi,whereherested forthenight. S.DalwinderSinghdidnotloseheart.ThenextdayhearrivedatthehomeofS.FeraSinghJi.S FeraSinghJiswife,BibiJitKaurwasaGodlovingandgentleladywholookedafterthecouple whentheyarrived.Afterservingthemfoodandrefreshments,thecoupleexpressedtheirdesireto meetBabaJi.BabaJiwasrestingupstairsonthefirstfloor.BibiJitKaursaidthatyoumayseeBaba Jiifyouwishandsothecouplewentupstairs.

BothofthemgreetedBabaJiandsatdown.BabaJiaskedthemthereasonfortheirvisit. DalwinderSinghbeseechedBabaJiwithfoldedhands,BabaJiIhavearrangedanappointment foryouatthedoctorwhowillcheckyourearandtestyourhearing.Asthedoctoradvises,hewill thenfitahearingaidinyourear.Itishopedthiswillimproveyourhearing. BabaJilistenedtohisrequest,pausedawhileandsaid,Whydoyouneedtospendandwaste money.Ihaveheardenoughthroughoutmylife.Evennow,IcanhearwhatIneedtobythegrace ofGod.Pleasedonotburdenyourself;IhaveheardmedicaltreatmentisexpensiveinCanada.So spendthemoneyonanotherworthycauselikehelpingtheneedyorgiveittosomereligiousplace ofworship.DalwinderSinghrepeatedhispetitiononceagain,BabaJiitisnotveryexpensive. Moreover,itismyearnestdesire.Ihavefeltthatwheneveryoulistentopaathorexchangewords withsomeone,youhavetostraintopayattention.Thislittlegadgetisaverysmallitemthatfitsin youreareasily.Further,thevolumeofthedevicecanbeloweredorincreasedasdesired.Asitisa smalldevice,noonecantellifyouarewearingitornot.Itisadiscretelittledevice.Soplease acceptmyhumblerequest.Iwillpickyouupat11amdayaftertomorrow.Theappointmenthas beenarrangedfor11.30withthedoctor.Aftermuchpersuasion,BabaJiagreedtoaccompany DalwinderSinghJi. Onthedayoftheappointment,BabaJiwastakentoseethedoctorandhecheckedBabaJis hearingandearthoroughly.ThedoctormeasuredthesizeofBabaJisearafterconducting numeroustests.ThedoctortoldBabaJithathishearingproblemwasduetoasmalldefectinhis earandcouldbecorrectedbyplacingasmallhearingaidintheear.HeaskedBabaJitoreturnina weektohavethehearingaidfittedintheearandatthisstagewouldmakeanyfinaladjustments tothehearingaidifnecessary. DalwinderSinghshousewasnearbyandhethentookBabaJitohishouse.Athishouse,heserved BabaJiwithteaandrefreshments.Withoutsayinganything,hethendroppedBabaJioffbackat FeraSinghJishouse.Afteraweek,onthedayoftheappointment,DalwinderSinghtookBabaJi tothedoctoragaintohavethehearingaidfitted.Thedoctorfittedthedeviceandexplainedin detailhowtooperatethehearingaid.Aftertheappointment,DalwinderSinghagaintookBabaJi tohishouse.Athome,hedevotedlyandaffectionatelyservedteaandrefreshments.Whilstatthe houseofDalwinderSingh,BabaJilistenedtopathofSukhmaniSahib.Withthehearingaid,BabaJi couldeasilyheareverything,withouthavingtostrainhisattention.Withthevolumeofthe hearingaidturnedup,BabaJiexclaimed,Youngman!Icanhearmuchbetterthanbeforethe hearingaidwasputin.DalwinderSingh,yourhumbleserviceisacceptedgraciously.NowIshall hearGurbaniwithevengreaterpleasure.PreviouslyIhadtorequestpeopletoreciteGurbani loudlyinordertohearthem.ThisisagreatblessingoftheGuruindeed.Howmuchdiditcost you?DalwinderSinghrefusedtosayhowmuchthetreatmentcostandrequested,BabaJithis moneyallbelongstotheGuru.IconsidermyselfluckythatinspendingthisGodgivenwealthI havebeenabletogainyourpleasure. BabaJiwasverypleasedtohearhispolite,humblewordsandsaid,Iwillprayinthefeetofthe dearGurutothankhimforyourdevotedservice.Ifyouwantsomethingthenpleaseaskwithout hesitation.DalwinderSinghfellsilentbuthiswifeParamjitKaurwhowassittingnearby, requestedpolitely,Thealmightyhasblesseduswitheverypossiblecomfortandmaterial pleasurebutourfamilyisincompletewithoutachild.Pleasegraceuswiththisboonsowetoo maybecomeconnectedwiththeworldthroughourchildren.BabaJismiledandsaid,BibiJi,of coursewewillbegtheAlmightyforeveryboon

Iaskforglory,power&blessmewithriches,property&sons ButthebestthingIaskforevertosingyourgloryalmighty maanmaaNgaotaanmaaNgaoDhanlakhmeesutdayh.||I|| mukathjugathbhugathpoorunpurumaanundhpurumnidhaan (Kanra5thGuru,page1307) And Ofalltheprayersthebestboontoprayfor IstheboonofsingingGodspraise maagnaamaaganneekaaharjasgurtaymaagnaa.||4|| (Maru5thGuru,page1018) ThoughoneshoulddesireonlyGodspraisebutasyoudesireachildthenwewillprayonyour behalftoGuruJi.TheGreatGuruwillheedyourArdasandgrantyouwithaboon. BabaJirecitedMoolmantarfivetimesandhumblyrecitedtheArdas,OGreatGurupleaseaccept theserviceofyourservantsandfulfiltheirdesireforhavingason. BabaJistayedforawhileandinstructedthecoupletorecitetheirnitnemdaily,afterwhichthey weretodoArdasdailyinthefeetoftheGuruaskingforhisblessing.Thecouplestarteddoing theirnitnemdailyandafteroneyearGuruJihadblessedthemwithasonayearlatertheywere onceagainblessedwithanotherson.GuruArjunDevJisays: TheprayerofGodsmen Havenotgoneinvain NanakhasthestrengthoftheperfectLord Whoisthetreasureofallexcellences birtheekadaynahovaeejankeeardaas. naanakjorgovindkaapooranguntaas.||2||I3||77|| (Bilawal5thGuru,page819) TheneedistobehumbleandbecometheLordsservant.ThenGodhimselfsays: MySaintscanreleasethoseboundbyme ButIcannotreleasethoseboundbyaSaint IfatanytimeaSaintseizesmeandbindsme ThenevenIcannotraiseanyobjection mayreebaaNDheebhagatchhadaavaibaaNDhaibhagatnachhootaimohi. ayksamaimokaogehbaaNDhaitaofunmopaijabaabnahoay. maigunbanDhsagalkeejeevanmayreejeevanmayraydaas. naamdayvjaakayjeeaaiseetaisotaakaiparaympargaas. (SarangBhagatNamdevJi,page1252) AtrueSaintiscarefree,unfettered,independentandyetveryrare.Ifoneisluckytomeetatrue Saintthen,itisforustoappeasehim.Ifwesucceedinpleasinghimthenwecanhaveallour desiresfulfilled.AtrueSaintcanonlybepleasedwhenweservehiminhumilityandabandonour ego.Onehastoabandontheclaimtoprestigeandpower.TheSaintspleasureistheLords

pleasure.Inastateofjoy,whateverheasksoftheLordisgrantedbythealmighty.Whateverthe Saintproclaimsfromhismouthcomestopassinthisworldandthenext.GuruArjunDevJitellus: WhateverIaskofmyLord Heblessedmewiththatexactly WhatevertheLordsslaveNanakutters Comestrueinthisworldandthehereafter jomaagehthaakurapunaytaysoeesoeedayvai. naanakdaasmukhtayjobolaieehaaoohaasachhovai. (Dhanasari5thGuru,page681)

89MEDICINEASWELLASPREVENTIONISNECESSARY OnhiswaybackfromAmericaBabaJivisitedEnglandforabouttwomonths.Attheinvitationof manySikhfamilies,hevisitedseveralGurdwaras.Heattachedthesangatandmanyother devoteestothefeetoftheGreatGuru.Duringthistour,hewasstayingatthehouseofS.Surjit SinghJiinHounslow,London.Intheevening,manydevoteeswouldarriveafterRehrasandlisten tothediscourseonGurbanigivenbyBabaJi.Thus,peopleavailedthemselvestolearningthe principlesofgurmatandwereawakenedtotheimportanceofGurbani.BabaJiwouldstress,The GreatGuruhasshowereduponusmanyblessingsinGurbani.Itshowsustheeasyandpractical wayofachievingunionwiththealmighty.WeshouldreadandstudyGurbaniandputitinto practiceinourdailylives.WhenwelistentoGurbaniattentively,wecometoknowtherealorder ofourGuru.WecanthenusetheGurusintellecttodistinguishbetweengoodandbaddeeds.On thecontrary,ifwedontlistentoGurbani,weachievenothing.IfafterlisteningtoGurbaniwe practicewhatitenjoinsustodoinourdailylives,wereachourlifeaimandgaintheGurus pleasure.WhoeverlistensandagreestotheLordscommandGuruNanakDevJitellsusthat Thestateofmindofhewhoobeys Cannotbedescribedinwords mannaykeegatkaheenajaaay. (JapJi1stGuru,page3) And Byfaithfullyfearing,believingand LovingthenameofGod,salvationisobtained. Thisamountstotakingapilgrimage Inthetruesrineofthesoul suniaamaniaamankeetaabhaao. antargattirathmalnaao. (JapJi1stGuru,page4) Therefore,theGreatGuruhasorderedhisSikhstoreadGurbani.RecitingourNitnemdaily,weare slowlycleansedandrinsedfromwithinandtheunseendirtofoursinsbeginstowashoffoursouls because Hymnswashofffilthandspontaneouslyenshrine TheLordsnameinthemind.Pause. gurbaaneesunmailgavaaay. sehjayharnaammanvasaaay.||I||rahaao. (Dhanasari3rdGuru,page665) HearingtheGurusword Mymindhasbecometenderandimbuedwithit Thismindhasreturnedtoitsownhome gurbaaneesunatmayraamandarviaamanbheenaanijgharaavaigo. (Kanra4thGuru,page1308) Withthepassageoftime,thesoulispurifiedandnaambeginstoresideintheheart.Thestraying mindcomestoitshome,drenchingitselfinnaamandthemortalbecomesattunedtothe Almighty.Further,byrecitingGurbanidaily,wegetnewguidanceeverydayfromtheGuru.

ThroughGurbani,thewaytoachieveunionwiththeAlmightyisshorterandourmindobtains eternalpeace.Inourworldlyaffairs,manyhurdlesareremovedspontaneously.Noevil,black magic,evilspirits,jantar,mantar,tantaraffecttheplacewhereGurbaniisrecited.Gurbani reformsourpresentworldandthehereafter.Thosewhoreaditarepraiseworthy.Thosewhoare deprivedofthisambrosialgiftmustseektoreciteit. Afterashortrecitalofgurmantar,thoseassembledhadlangaranddispersedslowly.Anoldlady calledHarnamKaurstayedaftereveryonehaddeparted.SherequestedBabaJi,Youexplained theimportanceofreadingGurbaniwellenough.Itoo,dopathdaily.IreadprayersfromSriGuru GranthSahibJiatAkhandpathswithouttakingmoneyinreturnfortheservice.However,Ihavea bigprobleminmyhousewithwhichwearefedup. BabaJiasked,Whatseemstobetheproblem?Thereshouldbenoproblemthatis insurmountabletoapersonwhoreadsGurbani.BibiHarnamKaurexplained,Wheneverwe bringnewclothesintothehouse,theyareeitherspoiledbyburnmarksorbycuts.Eventhe childrensclothesarenotspared.Thewholefamilyisinapanic.Alotoftheclotheshavebeen damagedandweareallextremelyworriedthatthereissomesupernaturalforcebehindthis problem. BabaJiasked,BibiJiyousayyoureciteNitnemandreadGurbani.ThehouseinwhichGurbaniis recitedregularlyshouldhavenoincidentsofsupernaturalorevilspirits. Theladysaid,BabaJiIhavehadanAkhandpathrecitedinthehousewithadvicefromsome Saints,butwithnoeffect.BabaJilistenedtoherintentlyandaftersomedeepthoughtsaid,O goodladythereissomethingamisshere.EvilspiritscannothaunttheplacewhereGurbaniis recited.Theladyinsistedthatdespiteallefforts,theseoccurrencesdidnotstop.BabaJifellsilent andaftersomethoughtsaid,BibiJi,yourchildrendontdrinkalcoholoreatmeatinthehousedo they?Theladyreplied,MysonsdoeatmeatanddrinkalcoholbutIdonot. BabaJisaid,Thisistheproblem.Ifyourfamilywanttogetridofthisproblem,thenaskyour childrennottodrinkoreatmeat.Iftheyallagreetothisproposalthencomeandseeme tomorrow.Iamhereforanotherthreedays.Bemindful,itmustnotbethatyourchildrengiveup meatandalcoholnowunderduress,butstarteatinganddrinkingoutsidethehouse,onlyto returntothehouseundertheinfluenceofalcohol.Iftheycontinuetodoso,damagedonetoyour clotheswillcontinue.Sopleaseaskthemproperly. Theladywenthome,consultedwithherfamilyandtoldthemwhatBabaJihadsaid.Thesons hesitatedatgivingupmeatandalcoholatfirst,buttheladyremindedthemofBabaJiswords, thatthedamagewouldnotstopunlesseveryoneagreednevertodrinkalcoholoreatmeatagain, insideoroutsidethehouse.Thedesperatefamilyagreedandtoldtheoldladythattheywouldno longerconsumealcoholandmeat.Withtheoldladyspersuasion,thesonsthrewoutanybottles ofalcoholthatwerelyinginthehouse. Thenextevening,theoldladycametoseeBabaJiandsaid,Asyourequested,allmyfamily membershaveagreedtoyourproposalhappilyandhavethrownawaythebottlesofliquor.Now pleasetelluswhattodo?

BabaJisaid,Wewillcometoyourhousetomorrowmorning.WewilldoNitneminyourhouse andallyourfamilymustsitandlistentoit.Afterthat,youmustdoNitnemdailyinaloudvoice. TheGreatGuruwillthengiveyouhisblessings. Nextday,BabaJiarrivedattheoldladyshouseintheearlymorning,recitedNitnemaloudwith greatloveanddevotion.WhilstallthefamilymemberslistenedtotheNitnem,BabaJididArdas andtookapromisefromthefamilymemberstoreadGurbani,shunalcoholandmeat.Hetold themthatiftheystayedsteadfastintheirvows,nothingwouldhappentothefamily.Ifwedrink alcoholandeatmeatthenGurbanithatisrecitedhasnoeffect.Evilspiritsgravitatetowards uncleansurroundingswherealcoholandmeatareused.Thefamilyagreedtoabidebyallthe conditionshappily,inordertosavethemselvesfromthismisery.Theystartedrecitingand listeningtoNitnemdaily. Fromthatdayonward,noothersupernaturalincidentsliketornorburntclothesoccurred.Theold ladynarratedthisstorytome(SantSevaSingh)whenIwasvisitingEnglandinaugust1992.Iwas inHounslowtomeetsomedevoteeswhentheladyheardofmyvisitandcameovertoseeme.In herwords,NowwehaveunshakeablefaithinGurbaniasitcontainsimmensepower.Whatever youaskfromGurbani,consideringittheembodimentoftheGuru,withdeepdevotion,thatwish alwayscomestopass.Gurbaniiscapableoffulfillingallourdesires.Ifthereisanyfaultorneed,it isonourpartthatwelackfaithanddevotioninGurbani.ItisclearfromGurbanithat WithinwhomabidestheGurusword Allhispangsandpainsfleeaway gurkeebaneejismanvasai. dookhdaradsabhtaakaanasai.||I|| (Parbhati5thGuru,page1340) And HearingtrueGurbani,Iamridof Thetroubles,maladiesandsuffering dookhrogsantaaputraysuneesacheebanee. (AnandSahib,3rdGuru,page922) Thesearenotimaginarytalesorhearsay.Theseonehundredpercenttrueincidentsactually happenedandnowserveaslighthousebeaconsintheDarkAgeforourguidance.Whenwe reciteGurbani,itactsasamedicinetocureourailmentsphysical,mentalandspiritual. WealsoneedtopracticepreventionandabstinencefromevildeedsforGurbanitoaffectacure.If youcontinuetotakemedicinewithoutpreventionandabstinencethen,Gurbaniwillnotbring aboutacuretoyourproblem.Ontheotherhand,ifweuseabstinencefrombaddeedsbutdont usethemedicineofGurbaniwewillfailtogetacuretoo.Medicineandabstinencefromexcess (thatisthingsweshouldnotdo)arebothessential.BhaiGurdasJitellsusthattakingmedicineand abstainingfromthingsdirectedbythedoctorwillnotaffectacure. ThemessagesofGurbanimustbeappliedwithattentiontoourinneraswellasouterlives.Ifwe slackenourattentioninanyaspect,thenwewillmeetwithfailure.ThisiswhyGuruJihastoldus that

True,true,trueistheGuruGuruJihastoldustoacceptGurbaniasbeingtrue,asitistheAlmighty Lordscommand.Theomnipotent,omnipresentLordhascausedGuruJitoutterGurbanifromhis mouth,thesearetheLordswords.InobeyingGurbani,oneobeystheLordandbenefitsgreatlyby obtainingtheLordspleasure: OthediscipleoftheGuru,KnowthattheGurushymnsareperfectlytrue. Godthecreatorhimselfcauses,TheGurutoutterthemwithhismouth satgurkeebaneesatsatkarjaanhugursikhahuharkartaaaapmuhhukadhaaay. (page308)

90DEGPARSHADMUSTBECOOLEDBEFOREITISCONSECRATED Once,ontheeveofthebirthoftheKhalsa,atBaisakhicelebrations,parshadwasbroughtintothe GuruspresenceintwocontainersandplacedbeforeSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Thehasty preparationbytheattendantsmeantthattheparshadwasstillhotwhenplacedinfrontofSri GuruGranthSahibJi.Attheendoftheprogramme,Ardaswasperformedandasperthetradition, parshadwasofferedtoGuruJisothatitcouldbeconsecrated.Thehukamnamawasread, followingwhich,theattendantsdistributedthedegparshad,tothesangat.Thesangatwas recitingsimranofSatnamWaheguruandBabaJiwasstandingbehindSriGuruGranthSahibJi wavingthefan(chaurSahib). AtthistimethetenthmasterGuruGobindSinghJiappearedbeforeBabaJiandsaid,Bhai HarnamSingh!Todaythedegwasveryhot.Justlook,theattendantscantevenserveitproperly withtheirhands.Howcanwehavesuchhotparshad?Sointhefuture,degshouldbeprepared withsanctityandallowedtocooldownbeforeitisofferedforbhog(consecrationorblessingof theparshadbytheGuru).Aftertheparshadwasdistributed,BabaJitoldthesangataboutthe orderofthegreatGuru.Afterthisincident,BabaJiwouldpersonallycheckthevesselandparshad toseeifitwastoohot,beforeitwasofferedforbhog.Ifitwastoohot,thenafanwouldbeplaced overthevesselandtheparshadstirredtocoolitdownbeforebeingofferedforconsecration. So,weshouldalwaysbecarefulaboutofferinghotdegparshadtoSriGuruGranthSahibJifor bhogandmakesuretheparshadiswarmorcoolbeforetheArdasandbhog.

91TERCENTENARYMARTYRDOMOFSRIGURUTEGHBAHADURJI Asmentionedearlier,SantKartarSinghJiKhalsahadimmenseloveforBabaJi.KhalsaJisuggested toBabaJithattherewasagreatneedtopreachthemessageofSikhiamongstthecommunity. Thesangat,thoughhighlydevotedandfervent,requiredonlythatthemessageofthegreatGuru bespreadfurtheramongstthecommunityatlarge.KeepingthesewordsinmindKhalsaJi informedBabaJiofthedesiretohaveamassprogrammewithovertendaysofgurmatteachings, discoursesandkirtanfollowedbyalargeprocessionthroughthatarea.Alltheseprogrammes wouldculminatewiththeprocessiondedicatedtothe300thanniversaryofthemartyrdomofthe ninthmasterSriGuruTeghBahadurJi,whohadsacrificedhislifeforthecauseofreligious freedom. BabaJiwasextremelyhappyafterlisteningtoKhalsaJisplanandassuredhimofallpossible assistance.KhalsaJithankedBabaJiforhiscooperationandblessingsandlaunchedhimselfwith greatenthusiasmintothemissionarywork.HisgroupconsistedofGurbanisingersandbards (calleddhadhis),preachersandpoets.Inmanyoftheseprocessions,BabaJihimselfaccompanied theSinghsfromDamdamiTaksaal.Undertheprogrammechalkedout,aprocessionwouldstart fromgurdwaraRampurKheraon17thOctober1976.Therouteoftheprocessionwasfixedvia Gardhiwala,Ambalajattan,TandaUrmur,Dasuya,Sikri,Bhungaandthenbacktogurdwara RampurKheraaftercoveringnearlyfiftymiles. Preparationswerestartedamonthbefore.Dutieswereassignedtothesangat.Allthenearby villageswereinformedthroughthemediaandadvertisements.Allthesangatacceptedtheir dutieswithgladhearts.SantKartarSinghKhalsaJireachedgurdwaraRampurKheraon14th Octoberwithhisjathainhighspirits.Theassembledsangatwasinformedandeducatedregarding thegreatsacrificeoftheninthGuru.Numerousgatheringstookplaceatmanyplaces.Thesangat startedtoassembleontheeveof16thOctober1976.Trucks,cars,scooters,busesandtractor trailersassembledfarbeyondtheexpectednumbers. Thenextdayat7am,ArdaswasperformedbeforeSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Theminibusbelonging toKhalsaJiwasdecoratedtocarrythepalanquinwithSriGuruGranthSahibJienthronedinit.The palanquinwasdecoratedwithflowersandgarlandswerehungaroundthecoachaswell.At7.15, thehugeprocessionsetofffromGurdwaraRampurKhera. Theprocessionwasplannedinadvance.Atthefront,intwopickuptrucks,weredhadhis,poets andsingerswhowouldgoonahead,recitekirtanandgivediscoursestoassembledmasses,until therestoftheconvoyarrived.Asthecavalcadearrived,thisgroupwouldmoveontothenext venuefollowedslowlybytheprocession.Thefrontoftheprocessionhad7080scootersand motorcyclesadornedwithsaffronflags.Inthenextopentoptruckstoodthefivebelovedones withswordsandwearingdistinctivesaffronrobes.Thenextvehiclewasthedecoratedminibus carryingthepalanquinofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.KhalsaJistoodwavinganornatefanoverthe palanquin.Thentherewasaconvoyof20orsocarsfollowedby15buses,85orsotrucksand some150tractortrailers.Itwaslikeanoceanofdevoteesrememberingthesacrificeoftheirgreat GuruTeghBahadurJi.Itwasauniqueexperiencethathadtobeseentobebelieved. TheprocessionwassolongthatthefrontoftheconvoyreachedDasuyaandthebackendhad barelymovedfromTandaHarsipindroad.Anaircraftshoweredflowersontheprocession.The sangatofMianiandChoudhriLakhiSinghservedlangartotheprocessionatmidday.KhalsaJiwas trulyblessedonthisday.HestartedwavingthefanoverGuruJispalanquinat7amthatmorning

andeverystopawakenedalltothegreatsacrificemadebyourninthGuru.Heemphasisedtothe sangattheimportanceofrecitingGurbani,keepingourhairunshorn,abandoningdrugs/alcohol, takingamritandfollowingthepathoftrueSikhism.Ateverystop,withgreatemotionheloudly sangthehymnsofSriGuruTeghBahadurJiandrousedthesangattosingwithhim.Hewassinging thesloganswiththeassembledmasses: ThusspokeGuruTeghBahadur, Wemustneverleaveourfaithunderanycondition Whenwegiveahelpingarmtoanother Weneverbackdownevenifwesacrificeourlives And Imaylosemyhead MayIneverlosemyfaith Intheend,theprocessionarrivedbackatgurdwaraRampurKheraat8.30pm.Afterperforming Ardas,KhalsaJifinallyhadsomethingtoeatanddrink. Throughallthevillagesthattheprocessionpassed,devoteeshaderectedbeautifulgatesto welcomethegreatGuru.Eventhedevoteeswhosevillageswerenotontheroutehadcometo erectdecoratedarchesthroughwhichtheprocessionpassed.Atvariousplaces,children,ladies, singersweresinginghymnswhilsttheyawaitedthearrivaloftheconvoy.ItisironicthatIndira GandhihaddeclaredanemergencyinallofIndiayetKhalsaJiheld37suchprocessionstoawaken themassestotheirreligion.ThoughBabaJiwasoldinage,hehelpedinthepreachingofSikhism inthisprogrammeineverypossibleway.

92PROPHECIESOFBABAJI Thesangatwasgettingreadytoassemblefortheannualmeditationcampin1975.Somedevotees arrivedatthegurdwaraadaybeforethecampwasduetostartinordertoshareonthe organisationandhelpsettingupofthecampfacilities.Intheevening,aftertheprayerofSodar Rehras,somedevoteeswenttothelangar.Sixorsevendevotees,alongwiththehumbleservant remainedbehindwithBabaJi.BabaJitoldusalltospendsometimeinmeditationinsteadof talking,whilstlangarwasbeingserved.AlltheSinghsstartedtorecitesimranandafterabout15 minutesBabaJispokeinasolemnvoice,OhSinghs!Thefutureyearstocomearehorrificforthe nation.Sayingthishefellsilentagain.Afterafewminuteshespokeagain,atimewillcomeof suchseveritythatonceapersonleaveshomehisfamilymemberswillnotknowifhewillreturn aliveornot.Hisfamilywillfearforhissafetyuntilhereturnshome.AgainBabaJifellsilent. Hecontinuedhissolemnbutseriouswords,Ifapersonisrobbedorsomeonerobsyour propertiesbyforce,youwillnotbeabletostopthem.Noonewillhearyourplea,neitherthe governmentnorthecourtsnorthepolice.Eventhen,circumstanceswillnotimprove.Theywillget frombadtoworseandatimewillcomewhenyourhonourisinthehandsofenemies.The conditionswillworsenfurther.Thebloodshedanddestructionthatisvisibleisterrifyingand horridandthesoultremblesatthevision.Theearthseemstobedyedwithblood.Inthishorrific time,youwillbesavedneitherbyworldlymenofinfluenceorthegovernment.Onlytheunseen yetmiraculoushandoftheAlmightywillsavethetruedevoteewhomeditatesonthenameofthe Lord.Asthegrainsclingingtothecentralpivotsurviveinthegrindstonesoshallthosesurvivewho taketheshelteroftheLordsnameandhavesimranastheirpivot.Whatismoreevensmall gutkaswillnotbeavailabletothepeople;So,SinghstrytolearnGurbanibyheart. AfterutteringthesefatefulwordsBabaJirecitedfivepathsofBenatiChaupaiasagroupand performedArdasinfrontofthegreatGuru,OLord,masterofthepoor,thescene,whichyou haveshownusofthefuture,isunbearable.Pleaseblessuswiththepivotofyourname,giveus shelterandsecuritytothesangatintheforthcominghorrifictimes. AftertheArdas,therestofussatinlangarwiththeoverpoweringandpropheticwordsofBabaJi hangingheavilyinourheartsandminds.Ironically,itiswellknownthatin1975manySinghswere murderednearthegoldentemple.Itismatterofhistoricalfact,howin1984,operationbluestar andthesubsequentgenocideoftheSikhsacrossPunjabandIndiawasorchestrated.BabaJis prophesiesprovedtocometruewordforword.

93BABAJIRECITESPRAYERSFORTHEKHALSAPANTH OntheeveofBaisakhi1976BabaJibeganaprogrammeofsimrantoupliftthemoraleofthe Khalsapanth.Hecancelledallvisitsawayfromthegurdwaraandifhedidhavetogo,thenhe wouldfirstcompletetherigorousprogrammeofsimranbeforeleaving.OnBaisakhi1979he completedhisprayersforthepanthandprayedatthefeetofthegreatGuru,OgreatGuru! Whatevernaamhasbeenrecitedwithyourgraceoverthepastthreeyears,pleasededicatethe benefitofthissimranfortheentireKhalsapanth.Savethepanthfromtheimpendingcrisiswith yourguidanceandblessing.Havemercyonyourdisciples. TheDailyProgramme Inthosedays,hewouldgetupat2amandafterbathing,engagedhimselfinsimranforanhour. Atabout3am,theremainingsangatwouldbewokenupandwhilstthesangatgotready,BabaJi wouldengrosshimselfinsimran.Next,NitnemingroupsfollowedbySukhmaniSahibwasrecited. Ardaswasdoneinthepresenceoftheentiresangatandthedailyhukamnamawastaken.After lightrefreshment,hewouldreturntohissimranforanotherthreehoursandreciteseveral rosariesofvarioushymnsuntil1pm,whenhewouldcomeandsitwiththesangattohavelangar. Hewouldexchangewordswiththesangatandseetoanyessentialworkormeetanyoutside visitors.Sometimeshewouldorderadevoteetoreadahistoricaltalefromthetextswrittenby BhaiVirSingh.Atabout2.30pm,hewouldreturntohishutandcompletethedailyroutineof meditationofvarioushymns.Atabout6pmhewouldcomeoutforawhileandgoforanevening walk.Evenduringhiswalk,hewouldeitherrecitehimselforaskadevoteetorecitetheprayerof BenatiChaupaiorSatteBalwandkiVaar.Onhisreturn,theeveningprayerofRehrasandArti wasrecitedinthepresenceofthegreatGuru.ThenSriGuruGranthSahibJiwouldbeputrest.He wouldtakeacupofmilkafterthis.Afterthesangathadtakenlangar,everyonewouldsitaround BabaJi,historicaltalesoftheGurusliveswerereadanddiscussionofGurbaniwouldtakeplace. AfterrecitingthebedtimeprayerofSohila,hewouldretiretobed,wherehewouldengross himselfinsimranandsleepforawhile. Ofcourse,hespentallhislifeinasimilarroutineofmeditationbutbetweenBaisakhiof1976and 1979,hedidnotdeviateevenafewminutesfromhisdailyschedule. OntheBaisakhiof1978,heheardofthebrutalmurderbyNirankarisoftheSinghsinAmritsar. HewentimmediatelytopayhomageandseethedeadSinghsforhimself.Deeplypainedbythe wholeincident,heremainedtocrematetheSinghsandjoinedthefuneralprocessiontomourn thelossoftheSinghswiththewholenation.Hemetwithvariousleadersandreturnedtothe gurdwarawithaheavyheart.

94ONLYSRIGURUGRANTHSAHIBJIHASTHERIGHTTOBEWORSHIPPEDANDBOWEDTO WheneveradevoteecametoseeBabaJi,hewouldfirstaskthem,Haveyoupaidyourrespects andbowedtoSriGuruGranthSahibJi?Thesangatwasgivenstrictordersthatbeforecomingto seehim,theyshouldfirstpaytheirrespectsandhomagetoSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Nodevotee wasallowedtoboworkneeldowntoBabaJiinrespect.HewouldalwaysgreetanotherSikhby saying.WaheguruJiKaKhalsaWaheguruJiKiFateh. Hewouldtellthedevoteenottokneeldown.Sometimesnewcomerswouldcometoseehimand wouldbetoldifpossiblebyattendantsnottokneelorbowdowntoBabaJiandgreethimwitha GuruFateh.BabaJiwouldtellthemtobowandkneelinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJionly, becausethegreatGuruistheonlyonewhoiscapableofgrantingallourwishesandblessingus. BabaJiusedtosay,Agursikhshouldstandonhisowntwofeetandnotabandonhisprinciples. Theonewhoabandonshisprinciplesgetsnothing.ThegreatGuruhasorderedusthatwhenever twogursikhsmeettheygreetoneanotherbysayingWaheguruJiKaKhalsa,WaheguruJiKiFateh. BywishingGurFateh,firstlywerepeatthenameofGodfourtimesandsecondlythepleasureof thegreatGuruisreceived.Inthesangat,BabaJiwouldtellusthat,oftenbynotexchangingGuru FatehwemissoutonboththeabovebenefitsofgreetinganotherSikh.SriGuruGranthSahibJiis thesupremeauthorityofthisageandbynotbowingtotheGuru,westillholdfasttoourinner desiretorevereaphysicalentityoftheGuru.Wearethusreinforcingourbeliefinthephysical Gurubybowingtolivingpeople.Thephysical,livingbeingthatwebowtoisincapableofgivingus ourdesiresandwemissthetrue,transformative,blessingofSriGuruGranthSahibJi. WheneveradevoteecametoBabaJiwithaspiritualorworldlyproblem,hewouldlistentothem carefully.HewouldthentakethemstraighttoSriGuruGranthSahibJi,wherehewouldaskthe devoteetoprayinfrontofGuruJiaskingfortheLordsguidance,whilstBabaJiwouldstand behindSriGuruGranthSahibJiwavingthefan.AfterArdas,hewouldtakethehukamnamaand advisethedevoteetoreciteaparticularhymnorprayerandthendoanArdasdailyatthefeetof thegreatGuru.Whentheirtaskorproblemwassolved,hewouldadvisethemtojointhefoldof thegreatGurubytakingamritandthusreformtheirpresentlifeandthehereafter.

95METHODTOCONCENTRATETHEMIND Almosteveryfollowerofspiritualityhasthesamedilemma:WereadGurbaniandtrytomeditate, butourminddoesnotstayfocussedonGurbani.Itwandersinthought.Manydevoteeswould enquireaboutthisissuefrequently.Timeandagain,theywouldaskBabaJiwhethertherewasany methodtopreventthemindfromwandering.Hewouldfirstlistentotheirqueryandthensay, Doyoutaketimeoutorattempttoquietenyourmindaboutwhichyouaresoanxious?Doyou takeanytimeormakeaspecialefforttotrytostopthemindfromwanderinginidlethought?So brother,ifyoutrytodothisyouarepraiseworthy.Ifyoudonottaketimetomeditateormake suchaspecialeffort,thenyouknow,eventhemostsimpleoftasksindailylifecannotbe accomplishedwithouteffortletalonefocusingthemind. Conqueringyourmindconquertheworld manjeetaijagjeet. (JapJi1stGuru,page6) Thereisnotaniotaofdoubtthatallspiritualachievementsareaccomplishedthroughmental concentration.Withoutproperfocusofthemind,toreadGurbaniorsitinmeditation(simran)of naamwillnotbearproperfruit.Thenatureofourmindistolookoutwardlytotheworld, hankeringaftermaterialobjectsandoureffortshouldbetomakethemindintrospectivebytaking refugeintheshelterofGuru.BhaiGurdasJihailsthosegursikhswhohavecheckedandcontrolled theirmindsfromwanderingoutside: MayIbeasacrificeuntothosegursikhswho Inaccordancewithgurmat, ConcentratetheirmindonthefeetoftheGuru hosudhukaethingurasikhaabaahurjaadhaavurujrehaayaa (BhaiGurdasVaar12Pauri6) And Themindwandersoutbecause Thescum(dirt)ofsomanybirthsisattachedtothesoul Andithasbecomepitchblack janamjanamkeeismankao mallaageekaalaahoaasiaahu. (Salok3rdGuru,page651) Theaccumulationofnumeroussinsovermanypastlives,hascausedthemindtowanderfromits truecentreandbecometarnishedwiththefilthofthesesins.Itrunsandhankersafterthose materialthings,whichitdesiresandappeasesit.OnemustuseGurbani,whichrepresentsthe Gurusintellect,tologicallydiscernwhetherthesematerialthingsaregoodorbad.Thereason whythemindwandersmustbesoughtandthestimulusthatcausesthemindtolosefocusmust beaddressed.TakingrefugeinGurbaniandtherebyaccessingthehighestintellectofourGuru, oneobtainsgreaterlogictopreventandcheckthemindfromwanderingaroundinthought: Withhismindhecontends Withhismindheparleys Andwithhismind,heengagesincontest.

Withtheloveofthetrueword, Manobtainsthatwhathedesires manheenaaljhagrhaamanheenaalsath manheemanjhsamaaay. manjoichhaysolahaisachaisabadsubhaaay. (Salok3rdGuru,page87) Withcontinuouseffort,checkingthemindfromindulginginstraythoughts: Theirmindissatiated(cooleddown) Bytheminditself ThroughthepeerlesshymnsofGurbani manheetaymanmaaniaagurkaisabadapaar. (Salok3rdGuru,page587) Thewavescomingoutofthemindarecalledthoughts.Thesethoughtsaretheoutcomeofour natureortemperament.Apersonsnatureortemperamentiscreatedbyrepeatedactionsthat oneundertakes.Theseactionsordeedsareadirectoutcomeofoursurroundingenvironmentor thecompanythatwekeepbecause Asthedeedsmandoessowouldhebecome jayhaykaramkamaaaytayhaahoisee. (Suhi1stGuru,page730) Whatevercompanyonekeepsdictateswhatdeedsandactions,heorshewillcommit.Bytakinga particularactiontimeandagain,itbecomesahabitorourtemperament.Ournatureor temperamentnowwillgiverisetowavesofthoughtsthataredirectlyrelatedtoouractionsand thecompanywekeep. So,tomakethemindstable,firstweneedtoremovethestimulusthatistochangethecompany thatwekeep.Bychangingsangatfrombadtothatofgoodpeopleorgursikhs,ourmindwill becomeengagedinlisteningtotheGurusteaching.ByrepeatedlylisteningtotheGuruswords, onesmindwillfinditeasiertomeditateonGod.AsGuruNanakDevJisaysinJapJiSahib,listening topraisesofGodonebecomesabsorbedincontemplation/meditationeasily(suniailaagaisahj Dhiaan.). GuruJihasdescribedtheimportanceoflisteningwithfocusinthesefourstanzasofJapJiSahib. TheseversesdescribetheheightofspiritualitythatisgainedjustbylisteningtoGodsname.One mustnowjudgehowmuchGurbanidoesonelistentoaswereciteit.WecanhearGurbanionlyif ourmindisstableandnotwanderinginotherthoughts.IfwerecitegurmantarWaheguru,then weshouldhearitwithourearsattentively.Repeatthisactionagainandagain,tuningourmindto thetoneofourvoiceaswesayWaheguru.Soonourmindwillstarttofocusmoredeeplyandthen ourtaskwillbeaccomplishedwithease: IntheLordsloveisspiritualvisionandthroughthespiritualvisiontheLordiscomprehended ByGurusgrace,thisineffablediscourseisknown DhunmehDhiaanDhiaanmehjaaniaa gurmukhakathkahaanee.||3|| (Ramkali1stGuru,page879)

BabaJiusedtodescribeonemoremethodtoquietenthemindofthoughts.Whensittingdownto doMoolmantar,sayfor27times,thenonlycounttherepetitionofMoolmantarthatwasrecited andlistenedtowithoutotherthoughtsinthemind.If,whenrecitingMoolmantar,onehad thoughts,thendonotcountthisashavingdonetheMoolmantar.Veryquickly,themindwill realisethattocomplete27repetitionsofMoolmantar,thoughtswillhavetobehelddownand focusinmeditationwillberequired.Youwillatfirstfindthemindgoesastrayafewtimesbut,by countingonlythoserepetitionsascomplete,whenthemindwasfreeofthoughtitwillslowly begintoremaininfocuslonger.Theintensityofconcentrationincreaseswithtimeandpleasureis gainedasthemindbecomesusedtomeditatingonnaam.Asconcentrationincreasessodoesthe pleasuresomuchsothat IfyoutastethesweetnessofGodelixir Youshallbetakenbysurpriseattastingit. Youneednotkillthemindnorcanitbekilled Noonehaseverkilledthemindthusfar Theonlywayistodivertitsattention Tosomeotherconstructivedirection WiththegraceofGod harraskaatooNchaakhahisaad. chaakhathoayrahehbismaad.||I|| (GauriGuareri5thGuru,page180) ItisclearfromGurbanithatdesiresattracttheattentionofthemindtomaterialobjectsand preventitfromconcentratingonGodconsciousness: Withoutcontrollingthedesiresofthemind Mammoncannotbeconquered TheLordwhohascreatedthisuniverse Healoneunderstandsthemysteriesofit ContemplatingontheGurusword Oneisferriedacrossthedreadfulworldocean naamanmarainamaaiaamarai. jinkichhkeeaasoeejaanaisabadveechaarbhaosaagartarai. (Parbhati1stGuru,page1342) Inanutshell,onesmentalenergymustbefocusedandchannelledinonedirectiononly.Theflow ofthoughtneedstobediverted.Once,agreatSufimysticenquiredofhisteacherthemethodto concentratehismind.HisGuruwasbusyplantingonionsandwhilstworkingwithhishands,he replied,BullehshahwhatistheretoachieveofGodconsciousness?Diguptheplantfromhere (i.e.divertthemindsattentionfromtheworld)andreplantitoverthere(i.e.refocusyourmindin meditationofGod). Simplyput,weneedtodivertourmindfromworldlythoughts,anxietiesandbadthoughtsinto Gurbani,kirtan,andmeditationofnaam(simran).Atfirstagreatdealofeffortwillbeneeded, labouringtoachievequietnessfromthoughts,but,therewardsofblisswillbeproportionaltothe effortweputintomeditation.Furthermore,alongwithourpersonaleffort,weshouldbeseechthe GuruinArdas.AskWaheguruJiasahumbleservant,DearGuruJi,weareincapableofcontrolling ourmind,pleasehavemercyandhelpustocontrolthisstrongwilledmind.Makeitseekpleasure

inGurbani.Praying(orArdas)infrontofourGuruisinitselfafurthernobleeffortthatwillhelp immensely. Todevoteesseekingspiritualbliss,BabaJioftenusedtosay,Inthisworldselfrestraintorself controlisagreatquality.EveryGursikhmustinculcatethisqualityintheirdailylife.Itisessential becauseitenablesspiritualbenefitstobeobtainedmoreeasily.Justasinourdailyliveswetryto savetimebyperformingataskasefficientlyaspossible,soweshouldendeavourtogain maximumspiritualbenefitintheleastamountoftime.Byrestrainingthethoughts,weareableto understandGurbaniandconcentratemoreeasily.Togetmaximumbenefitintheleastamountof timeweshouldlistentoGurbaniwithallourfocusandattention.IfwedonotlistentoGurbani withfullinnerattentionthenwemissthemessageofGurbani.So,oureffortiswasted,notto mentiontheinefficientuseofourtime.AbsentmindedrecitationofGurbanitakesalongtimeto bearfruitwhereasmeditatingonGurbaniwithcompleteattentionisacceptedbytheGurureadily. CountingthenumberofhymnsorrepetitionsofMoolmantarisallbutfruitlessasGuruJisays: Manmayreadandstudycartloadsofbooks Hemayreadandstudymultitudesofbooks Hemaystudyboatloadsofbooks Hemaystudyasmanybookstofilldeeppits Hemayreadyearsuponyears Studythroughallthemonthsoftheyears Hemaycontinuereadingallhislife Hemaystudywithallhisbreath NanakthereisonlythenameofGodofmerit Allelseispursuitofprideandprattleofnomerit parhparhgadeeladeeahparhparhbhareeahsaath. parhparheeaijayteeaarjaaparheeahjaytaysaas. parhbayrheepaaeeaiparhparhgadeeahkhaat. parheeahjaytaybarasbarasparheeahjaytaymaas. naanaklaykhaiikgalhorhaumaijhakhnaajhaakh.||I|| (Asa1stGuru,page467) BhagatKabirJialsosay Ofwhatavailisreadingandreflection OfwhatvalueislisteningtoVedasandpuranas? Ofwhatvalueislisteningorreadingscriptures Ifequipoisedoesnotarisewithin kiaaparheeaikiaaguneeai. kiaabaydpuraanaaNsuneeai. parhaysunaykiaahoee. jaosahjnamiliosoee.||I|| (SorathBhagatKabirJi,page655) GuruArjunDevJialsowarnsusthat ManreadsHolyScripturesandVedas Hepracticesablutionsandbreathcontrol Butheescapesnotfrom

Thecompanyoffiveevilpassions. Heistiedevenmoretoahaughtydisposition Mydear,theLordisnotmetthroughthesemeasures AsIhaveperformedmanysuchrituals IhavedroppedwearilyattheLordsdoor Andprayfortheboonofadiscerningintellect paathparhioarbaydbeechaarionivalbhuangamsaaDhay. panchjanaasiosangnachhutkioaDhikahaNbuDhbaaDhay. piaarayinbiDhmilannajaaeemaikeeaykaramanaykaa. (Dhanasari5thGuru,p641) Ifapassengerneedstocoveralongjourney,hefirsthastotraveltoastationbeforeboardinga trainorbus.Hisrealjourneybeginsonlywhenthebusortrainmoves.Similarly,whenthetongue recitesGurbani,itisakintothejourneyfromhometothebusortrainstation.Therealspiritual journeystartswhenwehear,understandandpracticethemessageofGurbaniwiththeconstant awarenessthatalmightyGodisalwaysinandaroundus,listeningtooureveryword.Thereisonly oneaimofourlifebecause ThisisyouronceinalifetimechancetomeettheLordofthisworld gobindmilankeeihtayreebareeaa. (Asa5thGuru,page12) AndtofulfilthataimGuruJihasguidedustoadoptthesocietyofholySaints: JoiningthesocietyofSaints ContemplatethenameoftheLord milsaaDhsangatbhajkayvalnaam| (Asa5thGuru,page12) ContemplatethenameofoneLord Allotherjobsarefruitless japahutaaykonaamaa. avarniraafalkaamaa.||I||rahaao. (Suhi1stGuru,page728) Contemplatetheonenameofalmighty OmortalseektheoneLordsasylum kayvalnaamjapahurayparaaneeparahuaykkeesarnaaN. (DhanasariBhagatKabirJi,page692) And OmortalsutterthenameofoneLord Thenalonewillyoubeferriedacrosstheworldocean kayvalnaamjapahurayparaaneetabheenihchaitarnaa. (ParbhatiBhagatKabirJi,page1349) ThemosthelpfulactincontemplatingthenameoftheLordistokeepSaintlycompany.Weshould strivetokeepsuchcompanydaily.ThebestcompanytokeepisthatofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.

EverygursikhmustreadattentivelyandanalyseatleasttwoangsfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi daily.Indoingso,wekeepthecompanyofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandreceivedeeperandnewer insightintospiritualmatters,daily. AccordingtotheancienttextcalledGurbilasSriGuruHargobindSahibJi,whoeverwishesavision oftheGurushouldfirstglimpsetheformofSriGuruGranthSahibJiwithdevotionandfaith.To glimpseSriGuruGranthSahibJiistohaveanaudiencewiththeGuruhimself. WhoeverwantstotalkwiththeGurushouldlistenattentivelyandreadGurbaniwithloveand devotion.BhaiNandlalJiwhowasthedevotedpoetofGuruGobindSinghJisaysthesameinhis writings TheSikhwhowantstoseetheGuru ShouldglimpseuponsriGranthGuru Batheintheambrosialhourbeforedawn CircambulatetheGuruthreetimesattentively HewhowantstotalktotheGuru Shouldread,listenandpracticeGurbani Hewhowantstolistentomyvoice ReadthewordsofGuruGranthwithconcentration ConsidertheGranthmyembodiment DoubtnottheunityofGuruandGranth (RehatnamaBhaiNandlalJi) Furthermore,bykeepinggoodcompanyofgursikhsorSaintlypersons,oneisinspiredandaspires tomeetwiththealmighty: Beholdingthemambitionwellsupinmymindtoo AstowhenshallIobtainthetreasureofvirtues? tinaadaykhmanchaaouthandaahaokadpaaeeguntaasaa. (Jaitsari5thGuru,page703) Moreover,bycomingintothecompanyofpiouspeople,oneisabletodiscriminatebetweengood andbaddeeds.Oneisinspiredtoadoptmeritsandshunmisdeedsinthecompanyofpiouspeople. Eventually,thebalanceofourkarmaistippedinfavourofgooddeeds: Duringthesevenwatches Itisgoodtospeakthetruthandsitwiththewise Insuchcompanyviceandvirtuecanbediscerned ThecapitaloffalsehoodisreducedSuperintellectdevelops AmongthecompanyofgursikhswholoveGod sateepahreesatbhalaabaheeaiparhiaapaas. othaipaappunnbeechaareeaikoorhaighatairaas. (Salok2ndGuru,page146) BymeetingSaintssociety Myunderstandingbecomesacute. saaDhsangatmilbuDhbibayk.||3|| (Asa5thGuru,page377)

Ifforsomereasonagursikhcannotgetthecompanyofothergursikhsthenheorsheshouldtryto enjoythecompanyofreligiousandholytexts.Oneisinspiredtowalkinthefootstepsofgreat Saints,gursikhsandGodlovingpersonalitiesbyreadingtheirbiographiesandtalesofachievement. Inordertocontroltheirmind,everydevoteeshouldtrytoavailhimorherselfoftheabove mentionedmethodsofpious,Godlycompany.

96AGURSIKHISTESTEDEVERYDAY BabaJiusedtosay,Agursikh,whoreadsGurbanisorderatnightandfollowsitsmessageduring thedaybyreadingNitnem,thegreatGuruexamineshimdailytotestwhetherinhisdailylifehe practiceswhatwasreadinNitnemornot.IfthegursikhhaspassedthedayasGurbanidirectsus then,hepassesthetestandtheGurugrantshisapprovalgladly.Ifontheotherhandhehasnot conductedhisaffairsaccordingtowhatGurbaniteachesusthenhefailshistestintheeyesofthe Guru.WeshouldbemindfulthatweacceptthepathshownbyGurbaniandliveourdailylives accordingtotheseteachingsoftheGuru,abandoningdeedsthatareprohibitedinGurbani. Agursikh,whomeditatesonGodinhiswordanddeed,isblessedwitheveryboon.Butone,who listenstotheGuruswordsbutdoesnotactuponthem,isdeprivedoftheGurushappiness.Only thatpersonisaccepted Whominhisthought,wordanddeed ContemplatestheoneLord, Thatmanobtainsallthefruits manbachkaramparabhaykDhiaaay. sarabfalaasoeejanpaaay.||6|| (RaagSuhi5thGuru,page760) And Hewhointhought,wordanddeed, Remembersyoumaster,obtainsallthefruits manbachankaramjetuDharaaDhehsaysabhayfalpaavhay. (RaagGauri5thGuru,page248) Andhewhoadoptsthepath Bythought,wordanddeed,contemplateI,theLordsname. Veryarduousisthegreatwhirlpooloftheworld. ItisbytheGurusgracethat Ihaveferriedacrosstheworldocean,oNanak.Pause. ghoomanghayrmahaaatbikhrheegurmukhnaanakpaarutaaree.||I||rahaao. (RaagRamkali5thGuru,page916) So,gursikhscanswimacrossthewhirlpoolofthedesiresofthisworld,whichwouldotherwisebe hardtocross. HewhomeditatesonhiscreatorLord Throughthought,wordanddeed, Suffersnotpunishmentever manbachkaramaraaDhaykartaatisnaaheekadaysajaaeehay.||6|| (Marusohila5thGuru,page1071) So,absoluteapprovalandpleasureoftheLordcanonlybeobtainedifwecontemplateonthe messageofGurbaniinthought,wordanddeed.

97ITISCOMPULSORYTOINTROSPECTOURDAILYROUTINE BabaJiusedtosay,Everygursikhshouldponderoverhisorherdailyactionsforashortwhile beforegoingtosleep.Ifsomebaddeedhasbeencommittedoralietoldorsomeonesfeelings hurtorsomeonehasbeenwrongedorswallowedanothersright,attheinstigationofthemind, thenaprayershouldbedoneatthefeetofthegreatGurubeggingforforgivenessandremain vigilantinthefuture. Ontheotherhand,ifagooddeedorbenevolentactionhasbeentakenduetoGodsgrace throughyou,then,thanksshouldbeofferedtotheAlmightyLord,sothatthisbodyisassignedto someothernobleorpiouspurposeinthefuture. Onemustnotbecomeproudofonesgooddeeds.Asatraderkeepsanaccountofhisincomeand expenditurebutalwayskeepshisexpenseslowerthanhisincomethusacquiringprofitsand becomingprosperousbykeepingdailyaccounts,soweshouldalsotrytokeepanaccountofour goodandbaddeeds.SoonourgooddeedswilloutnumberourbaddeedsandtheGurusgrace willrainupon.

98ONEMUSTDONATEATENTHOFOURINCOME ThegreatGuruhasorderedeverygursikhtodonateatleastonetenthofhisorherincometo religiousandphilanthropiccauses.GuruJiblessestheSikh,whoputsasidetheirhonestlyearned andgenuineincomeforcharitablepurposes.Hisearningsbecomefruitfulinthisworld,andinthe nextworld,heorshedoesnotfallshortofmoney.Thetraditionofdasvandh(whichmeansone tenth)isaconceptthatisdescribedbyGuruGobindSinghJiinBachittarNatak.GuruJi emphaticallystatesthatwhosoeverdoesnotdonateatenthoftheirincomewillloseouttothe forcesofcorruptpowerinthisworldandmammonwillextractthisincomeinalessfavourable way.BhaiGurdasJitoohasmentionedthetraditionofdasvandhinhisVaars,ashasBhaiNand laalJiinhiswritingscalledTankhahnamah.Asweknow,BhaiGurdasJiwastheesteemedSikhof GuruArjunDevJi,whohelpedtocompiletheAdiGranthunderthedirectsupervisionofGuru ArjunDevJi.BhaiNandlaalJiwasanesteemedSikhofGuruGobindSinghJi. DasvandhisalsomentionedinthelaterwritingsofkaviSantokhSinghsSurajParkashandthe RehatnamasofBhaiDesaSingh.ThegreatGuruinstitutedthetraditionofdasvandhsothatthe earningsofaSikhcouldbeusedtohelptheneedyandtoproliferatetheteachingsoftheLord.In thisway,theearningsofaSikharerenderedprofitableinthisworldandthenext.Bygiving dasvandh,weobtainspiritualprofitaswellastheGuruspleasure. Thetraditionofdonationhasbeenaroundfortimeimmemorial.However,whendonatingfora goodcausethedonorcandevelopasenseofprideandwronglythinksIhavedonatedmoneytoa goodcause.Thisprideleadstovanityandahaughtyattitude,whichtarnishesthemind.The wordofGodi.e.naamdoesnottakerootinsuchamind.Therefore,moneydonatedwithasense ofprideisultimatelyuseless.TheninthGurutellsusthat Whosoever,whilegoingonpilgrimage, Fastingandgivingalms,takesprideinhismind, Nanakthosedeedsofhisgoinvain Likeanelephantsprinklesdustonitselfafterbathing tirathbaratardaankarmanmaiDharaigumaan. naanaknihfaljaattihjiokuncharisnaan.||46|| (Salok9thGuru,page1428) So,inordertosaveSikhsfromthedemeritofegoandvanity,GuruJihasboundSikhsintheduty ofdasvandh.AgursikhmusthandoveronepartoutoftenofhisorherincometotheGuruwith thethoughtinmindthatitistheGuruspossession.Thegursikhmustbemindfulthatdasvandhis theGurusportionandoneisjustthecustodianofthisincome.Thismoneyshouldbespentfor religiousorphilanthropiccauses.Bygivingdasvandhwiththisattitudeofservitude,wefollowthe wordsofBhagatKabirJi. WhatdoIloseinhandingoverwhatwasyoursalready? tayraatujhkaosaupataykiaalaagaimayraa. (SalokBhagatKabir,page1375) Whengivingdasvandh,agursikhsmindisfilledwithhumilityandtendernessasheisfreedfrom theGuruspossessionbecause Whyshouldmankeepanotherspossessionintrust?

Returningit,hesurelyattainspeace paraaeeamaankiorakheeaiditeeheesukhhoay. (Salok3rdGuru,page1249) Thus,wecanrelinquishourprideandvanityinreturningtheGurusdasvandhandintheprocess earnspiritualprofits.AlthougheverythingthatwereceiveinlifeisgiventousbytheAlmighty himself,itisbeneficialtoregardallourincometobebutaboonfromtheLord.Wearejustgiving backonetenthoftheincomethattheLordgaveusinthefirstplace.Inthismanner,welearnto relinquishgreedaswellasattachmenttomaterialwealth.GuruArjunDevJiwarnusinSukhmani Sahib,Omortal,Godgivesyoutenthings,youshouldreturnoneatleastasatokenofthanks. WhatiftheAlmightytakesbackallhehasgivenyou,whatwillyoubeabletodothen?Onemust contemplatethewordsofGuruArjunsahib: Themortalobtainstenthingsandputsthembehindthem. Forthesakeofonething, Heforfeitshisconfidence. IftheLordgivesnotevenonething Andtakesawaytheten, Thensay,whatcanthisfooldo? dasbastoolaypaachhaipaavai. aykbasatkaaranbikhotgavaavai. aykbheenadayaydasbheehirlayay. taomoorhaakahokahaakarayi. (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page268) So,inordertothankGodandtoobtainhispleasure,onemustsurrenderatleastonetenthofall theGurusboonsbacktohim.Inthankinghimforallhisblessingsanddonatingdasvandh,you becomefreefromtheburdenoftheGuruspossession.Agursikhwhodonatesdasvandh,neither sufferslossnordoeshehavetopayworldlyfines.Agursikhthusprofitsmateriallyandspiritually inthislifeandthenext.

99ONEMUSTFOLDBOTHHANDSDURINGARDAS ItisoftennotedthatwhenwestandforArdasbeforethegreatGurumanypeopleunknowingly justlockorintertwinetheirfingerstogetherinsteadoffoldingtheirhandsproperly.BabaJioften usedtoremarkinthecongregationthatagursikhshouldstandinfrontoftheSriGuruGranth SahibJiwithbothhandsfolded,palmstofingers,closetothechest,facingGuruJiinrespectful prayerandreverence.GuruArjunDevJitellsusthat Joiningboththehands, Imakeasupplicationbeforethee, OmyLordifthywillsit, Thenalonethoucanembellishme duaykarjorhkaraoardaas. tuDhbhaavaitaaaanehraas. (RaagSuhi5thGuru,page737) And Joiningbothhands,IsupplicatetheLord. Iwashhisfeetandutterhispraise duaykarjorhkareeardaas. charanpakhaarkahaaNguntaas. (Dhanasari5thGuru,page676) TheimportanceofjoiningourhandstogetherisgiveninSriGuruGranthSahibJiseveraltimes: Claspingbothhands,ImakeasupplicationoLord! Showmercyontomeandsavethissinkingstone duaykarjorhikbinokareejai. karkirpaadubdaapatharleejai. (Maajh5thGuru,page103) And OSaints,myvenerablebeloveds Letusgettogetherwithjoinedhands, Adoretheimperishable,omnipotentLord karjorhihusantikatarhoaymayraylaaljeeoabhinaasee purakhpoojayhaaraam. (Bihagra5thGuru,page542) Moreover,thetrueGuruhasorderedgursikhsinGurbaniseveraltimestojoinandfoldbothhands inprayingtotheAlmightywithutmosthumility.So,weshouldallbemindfultofoldourhands duringArdasandnotmakethiserrorwhenstandinginthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.

100ARDASINSANGATISAMUSTFORAGURSIKH AlthoughBabaJiwasnowoldandphysicallynotasstrong,hewouldmakeeveryefforttoattend religiousfunctionstowhichhewasinvited.Drawnbytheaffectionofthesangatandwithout caringforhishealth,hewouldattendreligiousprogrammesandfeelgreatspiritualelationat havingbeenblessedtheopportunitytomeetthesangat.BabaJibelievedthat TheLordabidesintheSaintscongregation vichsangatharparabhvaratdaabujhahusabadveechaar. (Salok4thGuru,page1314) TheLorddwellsamongstthecongregation.Bysittinginthesangatandparticipatinginan audiencewithSriGuruGranthSahibJi,oneobtainsimmensespiritualbenefit. Once,BhaiSarwanSinghfromBehramvillage(nearBhogpur)arrangedanakhandpathceremony, athishome.HedulyinvitedBabaJitoattendtheakhandpathandaskedhimtocomeonthevery firstdaythattheprayerswereduetostart.BabaJialongwithsomeotherpeoplefromthe gurdwaraarrivedatthehomeofBhaiSarwanSinghintheafternoon.Afterpayinghomageand bowingtoSriGuruGranthSahibJi,BabaJipartookinlangar.IntheeveningBabaJisatwiththe congregationtorecitetheeveningprayerofRehrasandsatforalongwhileinthepresenceofSri GuruGranthSahibJi,listeningtotherecitaloftheprayers.Aftersomenourishment,BabaJi retireduntilthenextmorning.Asperhisusualroutine,hesatwithsangattorecitethemorning prayers,meditate(simran)ontheGurmantarandfinallylistenedtothepathofSukhmaniSahib amidstthecongregation.BabaJithenlefttostrollandrestforawhile,afterhavingbowedtoSri GuruGranthSahibJi. AsiscustomarywhenrecitingtheuninterruptedrecitationofprayersfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi atthehalfwaystagetheprieststookafewminutestoofferthankstoGuruJiintheformofan Ardas.BabaJihowever,wasrestingandthepriestsperformedtheArdaswithoutinformingany familymembersorforthatmatteranyoneinthecongregation.AfterashortrestBabaJistoodto attention,gotdressedandaskedhiscompanionstoadorntheirturbansinreadinesstoattendthe ceremonyofArdas(calledMadhdiArdas)sothatallcouldaskforthegreatGurutoblessuswith faithinSikhismandthefruitofnaam. BabaJiandtherestofthesangatwereabouttoleavetowardstheroomwheretherecitalof prayerswasbeingperformedwhenS.SarwanSingharrivedatBabaJisroom,alongwiththetwo Sikhpriests.S.SarwanSinghtoldBabaJithattheSinghhasalreadyperformedtheArdaswithout tellinganyoneaboutit.BabaJisatdownonthebedandrebukedthepriests,Odearfellows!You aretheGurusministers.Itwasyourdutytoinformandadvise,notonlythefamily,whodevotedly arrangedthisakhandpath,butthesangatthatcamefromnearandafartoattendthissublime event.Youshouldhavecalledonallpresenthere,tocongregateinthepresenceofSriGuru GranthSahibJiandparticipateintheArdas,thusreceivingtheGurusblessings.Inthisway,you wouldhavefulfilledyourdutyandthefamilyalongwiththesangatwouldhavehadtheirchance topayhomagetothegreatGuru.Somuchso,youdidnteveninformuspeople,whoarrived yesterday,fromGurdwaraRampurKheraaspartofthecongregationtoattendthisceremony specifically.WewerejustlyingintheadjoiningroomafterhavingrecitedourNitnemandyou forgottoinviteusthinkingthatthispersonisaSaint,whatneedisthereforhimtoattendthe ArdasinfrontoftheGuru.

BhaiSahibJi!Youaregravelymistaken!OneisnotaSaintbutahumbleSikhofthegreatGuru.We alwaysyearntobeSikhsoftheGuruandwiththissentimentarrivedheretobepartofthe congregation.Withthisinmind,wewerehopingtoparticipateintheArdasandbegfortheGurus blessingbylisteningtoGurbaniaspartofthesangat.Youneithertoldusnoradvisedthefamilyto attendtheArdas.Inthis,youhavemadeagravemistake.BeingtheGurusministersitisyourduty torecogniseyourresponsibility.IndoingsoyouwouldhaveinformedthefamilyandArdas performedbytheentirecongregationwouldhavefirstlyaddedtothegloryofthegreatGuru. Secondlyandmostimportantly,Ardasdonecollectivelybysangatismanytimesmorebeneficial thanindividualprayer.Unfortunately,youhaveleftusbereftofthisadvantageousopportunity.In future,Ipleadwithyoutogatherthesangatandfamilytogetheratthestart,middleandendof theakhandpathtocollectivelyofferArdas.Inthiswayyoudispenseyourdutycorrectly, benefitingthesangatandthefamilypresent. AfterhearingBabaJioutthegranthiSinghsbeggedpardonfortheirmistakeandvowedtoamend theirshortcoming.BabaJi,alongwiththefamilywenttotheroomwhereSriGuruGranthSahibJi wasenthroned,saidasilentprayerafterwhichBabaJiquietlylistenedtotherecitationofprayers forawhile.WhereverheattendedanAkhandpathandevenatgurdwaraRampurKhera,BabaJi woulddropallhewasdoing,nomatterhowimportant,evenifitwashisNitnem,tostandamidst thesangatduringtheArdas.HewouldalwayssaythatArdasperformedcollectivelybythe congregationhasitsownesteemedmeritandimportance.Wetoomustalwaysremainvigilantin thisaspectofourSikhtradition.Itisseenmanyatimethatonlyoneortwofamilymembers gatheratthestartandmidpointArdasoftheakhandpath.Usually,familymembersarebusy attendingtothesangat,guestsorengrossedinsomeotheractivitywhilstothersareroamingand wanderingabout.Thoughwemustattendtoallthesedutiesandnodoubt,allthesejobsare importantbuttoattendtheArdasforafewminutesinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJiis ultimatelywhyweorganisetherecitalofakhandpath.Surely,afewminutestoattendArdasare notgoingtodisruptthevariousactivitiesandjobstoanygreatextent. ArdasistheonlymeansagursikhhasinordertoaddresstheAlmighty.Thisistheonlyhavenwe haveinourlife.IfwedonotjointhecongregationinArdasorbecomeindifferenttothe importanceofArdasthenwhatgreaterlossistherethatwecansuffer.

101THANKSGIVINGARDAS Godsboonsandblessingsthatareheapeduponthismortalaretoonumeroustocount.Wemust thanktheAlmightyLordforhisfavoursuponusas Hewhocreatedyououtofthisdropofwater Hewhogatheredthedusttocreatethetempleofthybody Hewhoinfusedinyouthedivinelight,whichcanreason Discriminatewithwisdomand Hewhopreservedyou,inthemotherswomb. Oman,rememberyourprotectorLord, Giveupallyourotherthoughts,oman.Pause. Hewhogaveyouafatherandmother, Gaveyoucharmingbrothersandsons. He,whogaveyouawifeandfriends, EnshrinethatLordinyourmind. Hewhogaveyouinvaluableair Whoblessedyouwithpricelesswater? Andwhogaveyoufiretoburn OmanremainsunderthatLordsprotection. Hewhogaveyouthirtysixtypesofambrosialfood, Whomadeaplacewithinyoutocontainthem? Andwhoblessedyouwiththeearth Andthegoodswithinittouse PlacethoseLordsfeetinyourmind. Hewhogaveyoueyestoseeandearstohear Whogaveyouhandstoworkandnosetosmell? Andatonguetotaste, Blessedyouwithfeettowalkand Whomadeyourheadtocrownitall? OmenworshipthefeetofthatLord. Hewhomadeyoupurefromimpurebeing Andplacedyouaboveallotherspecies Nowyoumaychastenornotchastenyourself O,manyouraffairsshallbearranged ByreflectingontheLord. Hereandthere,thereisbutoneLord WheresoeverIseethereIfindyouOLord Mysoulissluggishtoservehim, Forgettinghimwillnotdoevenforamoment. IamaVirtuelesssinnermyLord Iserveyounot,nordoIdogooddeeds. Bygreatgoodfortune,IhavefoundthegreatGurusboat SlaveNanak,astonehascrossed TheworldoceanbyassociatingwiththeSaints raamakaleemehalaa ispaaneetayjintooghariaa. maateekaalaydayhuraakariaa. ukatjotlaisuratpareekhiaa.

maatgarabhmehjintooraakhiaa.||I|| raakhanhaarsamHaarjanaa. saglaychhodbeechaarmanaa.||I||rahaao. jindeeaytuDhbaapmehtaaree. jindeeaybharaatputhaaree. jindeeaytuDhbanitaaarmeetaa. tisthaakurkaorakhlayhocheetaa.||2|| jindeeaatuDhpavanamolaa. jindeeaatuDhneernirmola. jindeeaatuDhpaavakbalnaa. tisthaakurkeerahumansarnaa.||3|| chhateehamritjinbhojandeeay. antarthaanthehraavankaokeeay. basuDhaadeeobartanbalnaa. tisthaakurkaychitrakhcharnaa.||4|| paykhankaonaytarsunankaokarnaa. hasatkamaavanbaasanrasnaa. charanchalankaosirkeenomayraa. mantisthaakurkaypoojahupairaa.||5|| apvitarpavitarjintookariaa. sagaljonmehtoosirDhariaa. abtooseejhbhaavainaheeseejhai. kaarajsavraimanparabhDhiaaeejai.||6|| eehaaoohaaaykaiohee. jatkatdaykheeaitattattohee. tissayvatmanaalaskarai. jisvisriaiiknimakhnasarai.||7|| hamapraaDheenirguneeaaray. naakichhsayvaanaakarmaaray. gurbohithvadbhaageemiliaa. naanakdaassangpaathartariaa.||8||2|| (Ramkali5thGuru,page913) And Bywhosegraceyouresideincomfortonthisearth. Youlaughwithyoursons,brothersfriendsandwife. Bywhosefavouryoudrinkcoolwater Havesoothingwindandwarmfire. Bywhosegraceyouenjoyallpleasures Livewithallthenecessitiesoflife. Hewhogaveyouhands,feet,earseyesandtongue. Youforsakehimandattachyourselftoothers. Suchsinsareclungtotheblindfoolishman NanaksaveshimthyselfoLord jihparsaadDharooparsukhbaseh. sutbharaatmeetbanitaasanghaseh. jihparsaadpeevehseetaljalaa. sukhdaaeepavanpaavakamulaa.

jihpsagalsamagreesangsaathbasaa. sagalsamagreesangsaathbasaa. deenayhasatpaavkarannaytarrasnaa. tisehtiaagavarsangrachnaa. aisaydokhmoorhanDhbiaapay. naanakkaadhlayhoparabhaapay.||2|| (GauriSukhmani5thGuru,page267) Soallthenumerousboonsmentionedabovearebeyondcountandthesefavourscannotbe repaid.WecanonlyrecompensetheseboonsbythankingtheAlmightythroughArdas.Themortal whofulfilshisorherdutybythankingtheLordforhisnumerousgifts,attractstheGuruspleasure. ThemortalwhoisthanklessandforgetsthegiftgivenbytheAlmighty,isbrandedungrateful.In theeyesofBhaiGurdasJi,anungratefulpersonisthegreatestsinnerintheworld,whosestatus asasinnerhedescribesinhis35thVaar. Neitherdoestheearthfeelburdenofmountainsthattouchthesky Neitherdoesitfeeltheburdenofmillionsoffortsandhighhousesvisible Neitherdoesitfeeltheburdenofgreatoceansornumerousriversthatflow Neitherdoesitfeeltheburdenofthebiggesttreesladen,bountifulwithfruit Neitherdoesitfeeltheburdenofthecountlessspeciesroamingtheplanet Theheaviestburdenfeltisoftheungratefulone Whoistheworstofthesinners? naathisbhaaraepurubuthaaasumaankhehundhae naathisbhaaraekottgurrughurbaardhisundhae naathisbhaaraesaaeiraanudhvaahvehundhae naathisbhaaraethuruvuraafulsufulfulundhae naathisbhaaraejeeajunthanugunuthfirundhae bhaaraebhueeakiruthughunmundheehoomundhae (BhaiGurdasJiVaar35Pauri8) So,wheneverweenjoyandrevelinthegiftsandboonsreceivedfromtheAlmightyLordwe shouldthanktheLordintheformofanArdas(prayer). WheneverBabaJitookanythingtoeatorwearanewitemofclothing,hewouldthanktheLord forhisboonsbysayingaprayerandrecitingthewordsofGurbani Hewhohasgivenuswhatweeat Letussay,AllhailtheLord NanakcommandsucceedsnotwiththeLord Onlysupplication(Ardas)workswiththeLord jisdaaditaakhaavnaatiskaheeaisaabaas. naanakhukamnachaleenaalkhasamchalaiardaas.||22|| (AsaadiVaar1stGuru,page474)

102ARRESTINTHERELIGIOUSCRUSADE BabaJihadimmenselovefortheKhalsapanthandalwaysyearnedforitsbettermentandto upliftitsmorale.Torealisehisdream,hewoulddailyrecitetwentyoneBenatiChaupaipathsfor theKhalsapanth.HewouldencourageanygursikhshemettodoatleastonepathofBenati ChaupaioverandabovetheirdailynitnemforthesakeoftheKhalsapanth.Whenever,fromtime totime,religiouscrusadeswerestartedfromSriAkalTakhatSahibtoupliftthegloryandfameof thepanth,BabaJiparticipatedwithmaximumeffortanddischargedhisdutyasaKhalsaSaint.In 1982,thepanthic(sikh)leaderslaunchedapeacefulstruggletosolvereligiousandpolitical discriminationandtostopandcheckinjusticesagainstSikhsofPunjab.Inthiscrusade,tensof thousandsofSikhscourtedarrest.BabaJitooorganisedmanygroups(Jathas)fromtheareato courtarrestinthisholycrusade. Itwasatthebeginningofthecrusade(Morcha)whentheSikhleaderscalledaSantSammelan(a congressofSaintswhowouldparticipateinandblessthecrusade).BabaJiattendedthiscongress withthesangatandthishumbleservantwasaccompanyinghimatthetime.AftertheSant Sammelanhadfinished,followinglongdiscussions,BabaJidecidedtomeetthecoordinatorofthe crusade,SantHarchandSinghLongowalinaseparateroom.WhenBabaJimettheleader,he requestedhimtostartdailyJaap(recitation)ofashabad(hymn): Sitsteadilyathome,odearslavesofGod. ThetrueGuruhasarrangedyouraffairs.Pause. TheLordhassmittenthewickedandtheevil. Hisslaveshonour, Thecreatorhaspreserved Thekingsandemperors TheLordhasalsosubjectedtohissale. Hehasquaffedthegreatessenceoftheambrosialname. FearlesslymeditateonthefortuneLord MeetthesocietyofSaintsand GivethisgiftofLordsmeditationtoothers. Nanakhasenteredthesanctuary OftheLord,theinnerknowerandgrasped ThesupportoftheLordmaster gourreemehalaa5 thirgharbaishuharjanpiaaray. satgurtumraykaajsavaaray.||I||rahaao. dusatdootparmaysarmaaray. jankeepaijrakheekartaaray.||I|| baadisaahsaahsabhvaskardeenay. amritnaammahaaraspeenay.||2|| nirbhaohsaaDhsangatmilkeenodaan.||3|| saaDhsangatmilkeenodaan.||3|| saranparayparabhantarjaamee. naanakotpakreeparabhsuaamee.||4||I08|| (Gauri5thGuru,page201)

BabaJitoldhimthat,Withthecontinuous,uninterruptedrecitalofthisprayer,Almighty Waheguruwillblessuswithsuccesssooner,becausewehisgursikhsonlyhaveGurbaniasour biggestallyandshelter. SantLongowalremainedsilentforawhileandthensaid,WedonothaveaSinghtocarryout thedutyofconstantJaap.YoucanentrustthisdutytoSantBabaJarnailSinghJiKhalsa.Weshall givehimanyotherhelpthatisnecessary. BabaJiwishedGurFatehtoSantLongowalJiandcametoGuruNanakNiwastomeetSantJarnail SinghJiKhalsa.BabaJiagainaskedKhalsaJiregardingthecontinuousJaap.KhalsaJireplied, WehavearrangedAkhandpathtoberecitedandanotherwillbereadafterthecrusadeis completed.BabaJisaid,YouhavedonewellbyhavinganAkhandpathrecited.WhateverorderI wasgivenbythetenthGuru,Ihaveinformedyouaccordingly.Therestisuptoyou.Youmaydo whateveryoulike.Afterstayingthereforawhile,BabaJireturnedtoGurdwaraRampurKhera. TheDecisionToCourtArrestInTheReligiousCrusade OnOctober2nd1982whenBabaJihadalittlefreetimefromhisdailynitnemandsimran,he calledme(SantSevaSingh)tohisroomandsaid,Wehavedecidedtocourtarrestinthiscrusade. So,pleasegotoSriAmritsarandobtainadateonwhichtocourtarrest. IwasastonishedatBabaJisdecisionbecause,allofasuddenhedecidedtocourtarrest,when untilnowhehadnotmentionedthisatall.NowIwastogotoAmritsartoobtaindetailsregarding thearrestdates.SoIrequestedofBabaJi,SirtodaywewillgatherallthenearanddearSinghs andconsultthem,thenweshouldproceedasyouorder.BabaJisaid,Youmayconsultanybody youlike,Ihavetakenmydecision. Bytheevening,sevenoreightSinghswerecalledandinformedaboutBabaJisprogramme.All weresurprisedtolearnofBabaJisdecision.Afteralongdiscussion,wecollectivelyrequested BabaJi,Sir,yourhealthisnotwellenoughtogotojail.Wewillgoinajathaonyourbehalf. BabaJisaid,Ihavesurrenderedmyselfcompletely:mind,body,soulandwealthtoSriGuru GranthSahibJi.NowthepanthofourGuruneedsmybody,soitwillbeentrustedtotheKhalsa panth.Whosoeverwantstocome,canaccompanyme.Nobodydaredtoanswerinthefaceofhis firmdetermination. TheDateOfTheArrest ThenextdayS.SarwanSinghandIreachedSriAmritsarSahibalongwiththreeotherSinghsat about10am.Webathedintheholylake,bowedatSriHarmandirSahib.ThenwewenttoGuru NanakNiwastomeetSantJarnailSinghKhalsaBhindranwalewhowaslodgedthere,conveying BabaJismessagetohim.HearingBabaJisprogramme,hefellsilentandthensaid,Youshould havetoldthegreatSainttosendajathaonhisbehalf,ashisageisadvanced.Inhisadvancedage, hewillsufferphysicallyinjail.Hisblessingsaremorethansufficient. WetoldKhalsaJihowBabaJiwasadamanttoparticipateinthecrusade.Hearingthisheaskedto seeSantLongowalJiinordertoobtainadateforarrest.KhalsaJiaskedustoconveyhisrequestto BabaJisoasnottogotojailduehisadvancedoldage.KhalsaJisenthispersonalassistantBhai RachpalSinghandBhaiRamSinghwithustoseeSantHarchandSinghLongowal.Hetoowas surprisedtohearallthis.Hesaid,Onourbehalf,pleaserequestthegreatSaintwithfoldedhands, thathesendajathawithhisblessingsbutnottogohimself.Thisisveryurgent.

Wereplied,BabaJihastakenafirmdecisiontocourtarrestbutwewillstillconveyyourconcerns tohim.October19th1982wasthedatethatwasfixedwhenBabaJiandthejathacouldcourt arrest. Afterobtainingaduedate,wearrivedbackatGurdwaraRampurKheraintheeveningandtold BabaJiindetailtheconcernsexpressedbyKhalsaJiandSantLongowalJi.BabaJihowever, remainedadamantandfirminhisresolve. Withinafewdays,aprogrammewaschalkedout.Thesangatwasinformedthroughnewspapers andpamphletsthaton18October1982,ajathaundertheleadershipofBabaJiwouldsetoffto courtarrestinthereligiouscrusade.Thesangatoftheareawascontactedbyanymeanspossible. TherewasgreatzealinthesangattoparticipateundertheleadershipofBabaJiandcourtarrest. Onthepoliticalside,theChiefMinsterofPunjabatthattimewasSDarbaraSingh.Hewasa followerofBabaJiandhecametwicewithhiswifetoGurdwaraRampurKherainorderto convinceBabaJinottoparticipateinthereligiouscrusade.BabaJididnotagreeandreplied, Insteadoftryingtostopus,itwouldbebetterifyoutelltheDelhigovernmentaboutthegenuine andjustdemandsoftheSinghsandcompelthegovernmenttoacceptthosedemands.Westill havetendaysbeforeourarrestdate.Ifyourgovernmentaccedestothesedemands,thewholeof thecountrywillbenefit.Ifthetalksfailwearefirminourdecision. ThelocalAkalileaderSJasjitSinghThiaraofAhranvillage,Hoshiarpurwasalsothegeneral secretaryoftheAkaliDal.Hewasduetocourtarrestonthe18October.Hesoughtpermission fromSantLongowalanddecidedtocourtarrestthefollowingdayaspartofBabaJisjatha. DepartureOfJathaFromTheGurdwara By17thOctober1982,allpreparationswerecomplete.BabaJiwithdrewwhatevermoneywasin thebank,whichcametoaboutRS25,000.Hewantedtodonatethismoneytothecrusade.Bythe evening,thesangatstartedtocongregateinthegurdwara.Bythemorning,almost50trucks,5 buses,15carsandjeepshadassembled.OnOctober18thatabout10am,anArdaswassaidby BabaJiandsangatinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJiseekingtheblessingsofthealmighty.BabaJi ledthishugeprocessiontoSriAmritsarSahib.Asdevoteescametoknowoftheprocessionroute, theyhaderectedbeautifularchesandgatesalongthewaytogreettheprocession.Manydevotees madedonationsalongthewayfortheholycause. Teastalls,refreshmentsandfoodwasarrangedonthewayforthesangat.BabaJihadsuchgrace andradianceonhisfacethatitcannotbedescribedinwords.Thosewhosawcanonlyknowofit. Exactlysixyearsearlier,onOctober17thBabaJi,inthecompanyofSantKartarSinghJiKhalsa Bhindranwale,passedonthisveryroute,inconnectionwithprocessionsarrangedatthattimeto awakenthemassestothesacrificesofGreatGuruTeghBahadurJi.Thentheslogan,Religion cannotsurvivewithoutthesacrificeofonesheadresoundedintheairandthesameatmosphere tookshape.TheairresoundedwiththesamesloganandnowBabaJiwaspracticallyshowingthe massesbygivinghismind,bodyandwealthinsacrificeforthesanctityoftheKhalsapanth.After havingstoppedatmanyplaces,theprocessionreachedGurdwaraCentraltown,Jalandhar,at about2pm.Thesangatwasservedlangarandteawithgreatesteemandfondness.Intheevening, thisprocessionreachedSriHarmandirSahib,AmritsarandrestedthenightinthefeetofSriGuru RamdasSahibJi.Theloveandaffectionwithwhichthejathawasreceivedbythesangatonthe waywasbeyonddescription.Besidesthedonationscollectedfromthevillages,passersbywho

witnessedtheprocession,gaveallthemoneytheyhadwithjoyousbuttearfuleyes,toattendants oftheprocessionsothattheirmoneycouldbeusedinhelpingthecrusade. BabaJiwaslodgedforthenightatAkalresthouse.Theattendantscounteddonations,which amountedtoaboutRs50,000.TogetherwiththeRs25,000BabaJihadwithdrawnfromthebank, thesumofRs75,000wastiedupinabundlereadytobedonatedtothereligiouscrusade. On19thOctober,earlyinthemorning,thesangatbathedinthesarovaratSriHarmandirSahibJi. Aftersomelightrefreshments,thesangatthencongregatedatTejaSinghSamundrihall.BabaJi hadachingkneesbecauseofhisadvancedage,sohesatdownstairsinarestroom.Assoonas SantLongowalJiheardaboutBabaJisarrival,hecamedownandrequested,BabaJiyourageis advancedanditdoesnotallowyoutogotojail.So,itwouldbebetterforyoutosendthejathaon yourbehalf.BabaJilistenedpatientlyandreplied,WithGurusinspirationwehavedoneArdas anddecidedtocourtarrestinthecrusade.ItisnowbetterifyoudoArdasatthefeetoftheGreat Gurutoblessthepanthwithspeedyvictoryinthismission.Takingleavefromhim,BabaJiwent toGuruNanakNiwas. WhenSantJarnailSinghJiKhalsaBhindranwaleheardofhisarrival,hetoocamedowntogreet him.HewishedGurFatehrespectfullyandchokedwithemotionsaid,BabaJiitdoesnotlook nicethatthesonissittingonthesideandthefatherisgoingtojail.BabaJiembracedKhalsaJi andsaid,Youareentrustedwithsomeotherduty,andyoumustcompletethat.Afterthese words,ashortwhilelater,hecameoutofAkalresthouse.Atnoon,BabaJihadlangarandafter restingawhileheofferedparshadatSriHarmandirSahib.HewasthenbestowedwithaSiropao (highesthonourinthesikhreligion)fromsriAkalTakhatSahib,whereahugecongregationhad gathered.SantJarnailSinghJiKhalsaandSantLongowalJihadalreadyarrivedtherewiththeir jathasalready.Attheendofthesession,Ardaswasperformed.Thejathaconsistedof1500men andwomen. JathedarHarcharanSinghMohalon(SinghSahibofTakhatKeshgarhSahib)hadarrivedespecially toseeBabaJioff.AfterlecturesfrommanyeminentSikhpersonalitiesandpoliticians,BabaJi stoodup,thankedthesangatandofferedthebagofRs75,000toSantLongowalandSantJarnail SinghJiKhalsa. Thejathathenstarteditsmarchinauniquewaytocourtarrest.Noothersloganwasraisedon thisdayexceptBolesoNihal,SatSriAkalandonlyJaapofSatnam,Waheguruwasheardfrom theJathaasitheadedofftowardsthepolicestation.Peoplestoodalongtheroadsandontheir rooftopstowitnesstheuniqueprocession,marchingunderthepatronageofSantBabaHarnam SinghJi.PeoplewatchedwithcuriositythegreatSaint,whowasheadingthishugeprocession withoutanypoliticalslogansoraffiliations.OnlytheresoundingchantofSatnam,Waheguru echoedintheair.Atthisspectacle,thosewhohadcometoseeoffthejathagotreadytocourt arresttoo.Theyforgottogobacktotheirhouses.AsGuruJisays Longandyearnforthenextworld Andturnnotyourfacebackward aagaahaakootaraaghpichhaafayrnamuhadrhaa. (Dakhnay5thGuru,page1096) Theythought,ifBabaJicancourtarrestinhisoldageandwithfeeblehealth,whycantwe youngerandstrongeronesdosotoo?Thejathareachedthepolicestationintheevening.The

governmentemployeesbegantopreparewarrantsforeveryone.Atabout9pmtheSinghstook langarinsidethepolicestation,whichhadbeenbroughtoverfromthelangarofSriGuruRamDas Ji.ThejathawasinthepolicestationwhilstBabaJiwasinasmallroomwithfourorfiveother Singhs,whereherecitedRehrasandtooklangar.Thewholeprocessofarrestwascompletedby 10pm.Thejathedars(mainattendants)oftheprocessiontoldBabaJithatalldetailswouldbe completedsoonandthejathawillleaveforBathindajail.BabaJireplied,Theycantakeus wherevertheylike,pleaseaskthesangattoboardthebuses,continuetoreciteBenatiChaupai andsimranofSatnamWaheguruenroutetoBathindajail.Nooneshouldindulgeinidle gossiping. BabaJismessagewasconveyedtothesangat.Thesangatboardedthebusesandsatreciting SatnamWaheguru.BabaJiandItookaseatonthebusesaswell.Asitwashot,Iwasusinga handheldfantocoolBabaJidown.Atthistime,SJasjitSinghThiaraandBageechaSinghTanooli cameupandaskedBabaJitochangetoanotherbus,becausetheyhadjustseenthebusdriver mixingopiumwithsometobaccoandchewingit.Theywereworriedthedrivermightcausean accident.BabaJireplied,Donotdelayandletssetoffsothatwemayreachourdestination beforemorningnitnem.Secondly,donotworryaboutthedriver;hisbenefitistodrivethisbusfor us. AmidstthunderouschantsofBolesoNihalSatSriAkalthesangatstartedfromAmritsarpassing viaTaranTaran,HarikePattan,MogaandarrivingatthetownofBhaiBhagta.Here,the processionstoppedataroadblockwithoildrumsandwoodenlogs.Everywhereonelooked,you couldonlyseepolicemenofCRPF(CentralReservePoliceForce).BabaJiaskedthereasonforthis stoppage.Itoldhimwedidnotknowthereasonforthestoppagebutsaidwewerebesiegedbya swarmofpolice.BabaJiaskedmetoenquireastowhattheywanted.Bythistime,someSinghs, accompaniedbypoliceofficers,cameuptoBabaJiandsaid,Wehavenoplaceinthejailto accommodateyou,sowecannottakeyouinforarrest.Ifyouwanttogobackthenthesebuses willtakeyouwhereveryouwantto,butifyoudonotreturnthenvacatethemimmediately. BabaJilistenedtoeverythingcarefullyandsaid,WehavedoneArdasbeforetheGreatGuruin thepresenceoftheentiresangat,sowewillnotvacatethesebusesuntilyoutakeustojail.Thisis ourfirmdecision.Thoseofficerswentback.BabaJideputedsomeSinghs,tellingthemnotto vacatethebusesandaskedthesangattocontinuesimranofSatnamWaheguru.Someofthe Singhsclimbedontopofthebusesandshoutedslogansloudly. Tension Bynow,becauseofthedelay,itwasnearly4am.Thesangatunanimouslydecidednottovacate thebuses,evenifthepoliceusedforce.Newsspreadlikewildfireinneighbouringvillagesthatthe JathathathadsetofffromAmritsartocourtarrestandonmarchtoBathindajail,hadbeen stoppedbythepoliceandtensionwasmountingatthecheckpoint.Theechoofslogansbeing chantedwasaudibleinthesurroundingvillages. UtmostDevotionOfThePeopleOfThatArea AstheareaofMalwaisgenerallyknownforitsSikhmindedpeople,theGreatGuruinspiredthem insuchaway,thattheydescendedupontheparkedbuses,withcontainersofmilkandteaforthe sangat.SomeSinghsbroughtbreadfromKesarSinghWalla(nearbytown)toservethesangatof thejatha.Eventhemilkmen,whowereontheirmilkroundtakingmilkintocities,stoppedand pouredtheirmilkloadintothatofthelangar.By5.30am,theentiresangathadhadtheirfillof bread,teaandmilk.

MiddleSchoolGroundTurnsIntoABusStand Asthedaywasdawning,BabaJicalledsomeleadingSinghstoenquireaboutandassessthe situation.TheSinghstoldBabaJithattheofficerswerestubbornandadamantthatthebusesbe vacatedoreveryonehadtogoback.Afterashortconsultation,itwasdecidedcollectively(this decisionmakingiscalledgurmata)thatallthebusesbetakenofftheroadandparkedinthe premisesofthemiddleschoolnearby.Whilstthebuseswereinthesangatspossession,kirtanand kathadiwanwouldbelaidoutforthesangat.Afterthisgurmata,thedriversofthefrontbuses wereinformedofBabaJisdecisionandtherestofthebusdriverswereaskedtofollowthe convoyintothegroundsoftheschool.Thepolicesuddenlystoodalertsincethejathawasonthe marchagain.Instead,theysawthereverse.TheSinghschantingslogansbegantoparkthebuses onebyoneintheschoolcampus.ThepolicetriedtohaltthembutthetriplewallofSinghsofthe sangatfirmlyblockedtheirway. ProminentPersonalitiesOfTheAreaComeToBabaJi Bythistime,alargenumberoflocalpeoplejoinedthejathaintheschoolcompound.Prominent localdignitariescametoseeBabaJiandaffirmed,BabaJidonotworry.Thewholeareaandthe sangatarebehindyou.Whateveryouorder,weshallfulfilyourdemandsinashorttime.Langar willbecookedinthenearbyvillages,broughthereandservedtothesangatwithinacoupleof hours.Justgivetheorderifyouneedanythingandwewilldoourbesttogetit. BabaJi,inconsultationwithjathedarsoftheprocession,decidedthatSriGuruGranthSahibJi shouldbebroughtfromaneighbouringvillage.AnAkhandpathwouldbestarted,assoonas possible,inoneoftheschoolclassrooms,afteritwascleanedthoroughly.Intheschoolground,a stagewastobeerectedfromwhichkatha,kirtanandspeechescouldbemadetothosewhohad gathered.Inthisway,BabaJithoughtthatgurmatpreachingwouldbedisseminatedandprevent idlechitchatorgossip.BabaJiaskedthelocaldignitariestofurnishtheschoolclassroomswith necessaryarticlestocommencetheAkhandpath.Thesangatwasinformedofthisplanaswell. Hearingtheplan,thecongregationandlocaldignitarieswereoverjoyedandthoughtthemselves luckytobeofservicetothejatha.SomeoftheSinghswenttothevillagetobringSriGuruGranth SahibJi,whilstothersstartedtoclearanddecoratetheclassrooms.Inonecorneroftheschool, wherethecaretakerlived,wasusedtoallowBabaJitorest. BeginningOfAkhandPath Someofthesangatgotinvolvedincleaninganddecoratingtheschool.Induetimesomeother devoteesfromtheneighbouringvillagesarrivedwithSriGuruGranthSahibJi;Thesangat welcomedGuruJiamidchantsofBolesoNihalandslogans.Thesangatarrangedforloud speakersandamplifierstobroadcastthekirtanandrecitalofprayers.SriGuruGranthSahibJiwas enthronedinthelargeclassroomandthesangatwasinformedoftheprogramme.TheArdasto begintherecitalofAkhandpathwasperformedat10.30am.Whenthenamesofvolunteersto reciteprayerswerecollected,itwasfoundthattherewerefarmorevolunteersthanwere required.BabaJiwasinformedoftheextrapeoplewhowishedtoreciteprayersandheadvisedan adjoiningroomtobeopenedup,where,continuousrecitationofBenatiChaupaiandMoolmantar couldbestarted.Inashortwhile,anotherroomwascleanedupanddecoratedforthepurposeof prayerrecital. Thesangatfromneighbouringvillagesbegantoarrive,bringinglangar,chapattis,vegetablesand pulses.Containersofmilkwerebroughtinplenty.Otherdevoteesbroughttrailerloadsofdry firewoodforfuel,largecauldrons,pans,andutensilsforcooking,alongwithanyotheritems requiredforthelangar.Milkwasheatedupinthesecauldronsandservedtothesangat.Itwould

notbeanexaggerationtosaythatsoplentifulwasthemilkthattoquenchtheirthirstmilkinstead ofwaterwasconsumed. Thechildrenstartedtoarriveattheschoolbynow,onlytofindthattheirschoolhadbeen transformedovernight.TheirclassroomswerebeingusedforanAkhandpath,whilsttheir playgroundwasfullofrowsofsangat.Thechildrenwerewonderstruckathowtheappearanceof theirschoolhadbeentransformedduringthenight.Theywereoverjoyedofcourse,thattheyhad aholidayfromschoolquiteunexpectedly. Thecookingmaterials,foodandutensilsbroughtbythevillagerswerenowstoredinaseparate roombecauseallcommoditieswereinsurplus.Forfivedaysatastretch,nolangarneededtobe cookedbecauselocalpeoplehadbroughtenoughlangaralready.WitnesshowthetrueGuruhad causeddifferentfoodsandunseenhelptoarrivefromalldirectionstohelpthesangat. DivanHeldInPlayground Atnoon,SriGuruGranthSahibJiwasenthronedintheplayground,underacanopy.Manydhadi Singhs(bards)andkirtangroupscameandperformedtheirhymns,givingdiscoursesfromthe stagethathadbeenerected.Strawwasplacedonthefloorsothatthesangatcouldsit comfortably.Everyonewasamazedtowitnessathownicethearrangementoffood,shelterand helpwas.Whatwasmoreamazingwasthefactthatithadallmaterialisedwithouteffort,bysome unseendivineforce.Everytaskorjobwascompletedwithouthitchorflaw.Thejathastayedhere forsixdays,fewifanydrankwater,mostlypeopledrankmilk.Themoremilkthesangatconsumed, themorefreelyitflowedfromoutside.Atnight,securitypersons,formedfromlocalmenandboys, armedwithsticks,swordsandkirpans,guardedthejatha.ThusSinghsofthejatha,rested carefreeatnight.

103MIRACLEOFANESTEEMEDLIFE AftertheAkhandpathhadstarted,thesangatwenttonearbytubewellstobathe.BabaJiretired toaseparateroomtorestforawhile.Someofthedevoteeswereattendingthediwan(assembly forprayer)whilstotherswererestingonthesoftstrawthatwaslaidoutonthefloor.Itookmy towelandclothesandheadedtothetubewelltohaveabath.IwasnearingthetubewellwhenI glimpsedthedriverofthebuswhohadtakenopiumearlier.Hewasabouttowashhisclothes when,hegotup,walkedover,andsaid,Dearbrother,Iwanttoaskyousomething,wouldyou agreetomyrequest?Ireplied,Speakfreelydearbrother.Whatisitwecandoforyou?The driverreplied,Iwanttogetbaptised!Iaskedyouseparatelybecausetheotherbusdriversknow mylifestyleandwillonlymockmydecision.ThereisnotadrugorintoxicantthatIhavenottried. IamadrunkardandclassAdrugabuser.Myfamilyisfedupwithmyaddictionandme.Theyhave triedallmeanstotrytostopmefrommyaddictiontoalcoholandopium.Iamnowhelpless.I dontknowwhathashappenedtomebutinthecompanyofthisgreatSaint,mymindhas changedandnowIloatheintoxicants. Iwassilentandlistenedtothedriver,wonderstruck.Itwashardtobelievewhathewassaying. Seeingmesilenthesaid,ImustbecomeabaptisedSingh.Pleasewritemynamedown.Im SurinderSingh.IamfromvillageDhardenearBabaBakala(Amritsar).Whenhemadehisrequest asecondtime,Ireplied,Youknowthatthegovernmenthasstoppedourbusesinthisunknown area.Wedonotknowanyoneinthearea.Howcanwearrangeabaptismalceremony? Thedriverreplied,IknowanAkhandpathhasbeeninitiatedandthattherearetwodaysbefore theprayerrecitalwillfinish.YouareveryclosetoBabaJi,pleaseconveymyrequesttohimat least.Ireplied,IwillpassonyourrequesttoBabaJi.Whateverhesays,Iwillinformyouofhis decisionthisevening.Hearingthisresponse,SurinderSinghwenttotakeabath. Thedeepfeltenthusiasmofthelocalsangatforservicewasoverwhelming.Wheneverthejatha memberswentforabath,thelocalsangatwouldputoutsoap,shampoo,oilandothernecessary thingsforthemtouse.Afterallthisservice,theywouldofferthejathamembersteaaswell. AmritSanchaar Aftertakingabath,IcamebacktotellBabaJiaboutthedriverSurinderSinghandhisrequest. BabaJifellsilentforawhileandthenreplied,Itisaverygoodrequestindeed.Intheevening session,haveitannouncedtothesangatthataftertheAkhandpathisfinished,anamritSanchaar (baptismceremony)willbeheld.AnyonewishingtobecomeaSikhoftheGurushouldcome forwardandputtheirnamesdown.Thishumanlifeispreciousandwedonotgetanopportunity tobecomeGuruwardtimeandagain. Thestagesecretarywasinformed,andhehadtheannouncementmadeintheeveningassembly. Nearly35peoplefromthelocalareaputtheirnamesforward.Nowotherpeoplewereinspired too;ThenextdayBabaJidiscussedtheimportanceofbeingbaptisedinthediwan.Another400or sopeoplecameforthtobebaptised.Duringthistime,afewleadingSinghsweresenttoAmritsar tobringthenecessaryitemsfortheceremonyandthekakaars(thefivesymbolsadornedbya baptisedsikh).Duetoashortageofkakaars,only350peoplecouldbebaptisedandoneofthese wasthebusdriverSurinderSingh. AfterthebhogoftheAkhandpath,thebaptismalceremonywasheldinasecondroom.Asecond Akhandpathwascommencedsimultaneously.Now,thedevoteesarrivedfromfurtherandfurther

away,intrucks,busesontractorsortrailers.Theywouldattendthediwan,payrespectstoSri GuruGranthSahibJiandlistentothediscoursesgivenbyBabaJi.Afterthesangathaddispersed, theyhaddonatednearly15000rupees.Thiswasjustthemoneydonatedwhenpayingtheir respectstoBabaJi,notthemoneythatwasofferedtoSriGuruGranthSahibJi.BabaJigavethis moneytotheadministratorsofthejatha.HeorderedthatattheendoftheAkhandpath,delicious sweetsandtastydesertsbemadeanddistributedtothesangatasthanksfortheirservice, followedbyfruitsandparshadmadefromclarifiedbutter.Obeyingtheseorders,clarifiedbutter waspurchasedfromlocalshopsinthetownofBhaiBhagta.Peas,vegetables,pulses,ricepudding withalmonds,dryfruitetcwerepreparedanddistributedtothesangat.Attheendofthesecond Akhandpath,another250peoplewerebaptisedatasecondamritceremony. GovernmentOfficialsVisitBabaJi AfterthebhogofthesecondAkhandpathpreparationswerebeingmadeforathirdAkhandpath when,governmentofficialsalongwithprominentdignitariesarrivedtoseeBabaJi.They beseechedBabaJi,PleasedonotstartanotherAkhandpath.Pleasetelluswhatyouwant;weare atyourdisposal.BabaJigavehisdecisionintwolines,Lookbrothers,wehavedoneArdas beforetheGreatGuruandsetoffonacrusade.Nowyoumustarrestusandsendustojail.The officialsdiscussedsomethingatashortdistanceawayandcameback,replying,Ok!Wewillsend yourjathatoFerozpurjailbutpleasedonotstartanotherAkhandpath. Thisnewsspreadthroughoutthesangat.TheSinghsoftheJathawerealreadypreparingtogoto jail.ThesangatofthelocalityrequestedBabaJitostayanotherfewdays.Theypleadedthat theyrestillsomesurroundingvillagesthatdidnothavetheopportunitytoservethejatha.BabaJi repliedwithfoldedhands,Wethankyoudeeplygentlemen.Youallservedthejathaandsangat beyondyourcallofduty.WecanonlythankyoubuttheGreatGuruhimselfwillgivethereward foryourservice.OurprogrammeisinthehandsoftheAlmighty: ThenosestringisintheGurushand Mansactionsdrivehimon Whereeverismansfood Therehegoestoobtainit ONanakthisisthetruth naknathkhasamhathkiratDhakayday. jahaadaanaytahaaNkhaanaynaankaasachhay.||2|| (Salok2ndGuru,page653) TheJathaIsSentToFerozpurJail ThebhogceremonyforAkhandJaapandBenatiChaupaiwascompleted.Attheendofthe baptismceremonyanddiwan,thesangatwasinformedofthenextprogramme.At4pm,the entirejathaboardedthebuses.Thelocalsangatloadedtheunusedflour,pulses,gheeetconto thebusesandwiththeconsentofBabaJi,thelangarcommoditiesweresenttoSriHarmandir Sahib.Inadeeplymoving,emotionalandaffectionateatmosphere,ourjathatookleaveofthe sangatofthatarea. WesetoffforFerozpurjailamidresoundingechoesofBolesoNihal,SatSriAkal.Atabout7pm, thejathahadarrivedatGhullancanalwhenthepolicestoppedthejathaconvoyagain.They orderedthatthejathacouldnotcourtarrestandthatthosewhowanted,couldturnback. Furthermore,ifanyonestillwantedtogotojailthen,theywouldhavetotakeofftheirkirpans. BabaJirefusedtoacceptbothorders.SJasjitSinghThiaraandotherprominentleadersofthe

jathatoldthepoliceofficialsthatthisisnoordinaryjathaandisheadedbyagreatSaint.Whatever BabaJihaddecidedcouldnotbetakenback.Thesituationgrewmoreandmoretenseamid discussionswiththeofficials.Byabout10pm,thepoliceagreedtoallowthejathatoproceedto Ferozpurjail.Bythetime,thejathaarrivedatFerozpurjailandtheirnamesclerkedin,itwas2am. Nowinjail,thesangatcompletedtheirdailynitnemandwenttopayrespectstoSriGuruGranth SahibJi.Then,teawasservedtotheSinghs.Afterthis,everyonetouredtheinsideofFerozpurjail. By10am,thesangatformedsmallgroupsandrecitedSukhmaniSahib.Intheevening,Rehraswas recitedfollowedbylangar.Thisturnedouttobethedailyroutineinthejail.AnymoneythatBaba Jihadwasspentbuyingfruitforthesangat. Onlythosewhoaccompaniedthejathawilleverknowhowjoyousandblissfulthose10dayswere. Indescribingthosedaysasheavenly,thereisnoexaggeration.Thesangatforgottheirhomesand jobs.Somedevoteeswentasfarastosaythatthosetendaysinjail,undertheleadershipofBaba Ji,werethemostmemorableandgoldenepisodeoftheirentirelives.Theentirejathabehaved impeccablyandcourteouslywithoneanother.Afterspendingthreedaysinjail,theauthorities announcedthereleaseofthejathaon30/10/82.AttheorderofBabaJi,thejathagotreadytogo back.Thebuseswerereadyandwaitingoutsideforthesangat.Someofthedevoteeswentback toSriHarmandirSahib,whilstothersreturnedhometotheirvillages.

104MYSPORTINGFRIENDHASGONETOSLEEP Duetohisadvancedageandphysicalexertioninabusyschedule,dayandnight,BabaJi developedafeveronOctober21st1982.BabaJididntcareforhishealthorhisfeverand continuedmovingaboutinthesangatasusual.Thisresultedinfurtherdeterioration,andalong withhisfever,hedevelopedacoughtoo.BythetimehearrivedatFerozpurjailon26thOctober 1982,hehadanacutefeverandhighbloodpressure. ThejailsuperintendentarrangedforasurgeonandexpertdoctorstodispensemedicineforBabaJi. However,afterthreedays,noimprovementoccurredinhishealth.AsBabaJiwasstrongwilled, hedidnotcareabouthisphysicalailmentandcontinuedtoleadthejathaasbefore. Havingbeenreleasedfromjail,BabaJireachedSriHarmandirSahibwiththejatha.Hesatonthe groundfloorofTejaSinghSamundrihallafterpayingrespectstoSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Sant HarchandSinghLongowalandSantJarnailSinghKhalsaBhindranwalecamespecificallytosee BabaJi.TheystayedforawhileandbeggedleaveofBabaJi,ashewasnotwell. Intheevening,BabaJi,S.JasjitSinghThiara,BhaiBageechaSingh,NumberdaarCharanSingh,Bhai SwaranSinghandIreachedcentraltownJalandhar.WerestedforthenightatS.SwaranSinghJis house.Thenextmorningafterbreakfast,wesetoffforvillageAhrantoS.JasjitSinghJishouse. Afterrestingthere,wearrivedbackatGurdwaraRampurKherabytheevening.Agreatdealof sangathadgatheredtoseeBabaJi.Duringthesedays,DrPritamSinghofDasuyalookedafter BabaJiveryattentivelyandwithdevotion.Withrest,hishealthimprovedalittle. BabaJiBecameIllAgain OntheeveningofNovember8th1982,afterhavinglangar,BabaJihadjustenteredhisroom, whenhesufferedbleedingfromhisintestine.Agreatdealoftreatmentwasgivenbuthisbleeding gotworseduringthenight.Atdawn,BabaJisnephew,PrincipalTarsemSinghDhuggawascalled fromDhuggavillage.Afterconsultationwiththedevoteesandattendantspresent,itwasdecided thatBabaJishouldbeadmittedtohospitalfortreatment.WepickedupDrPritamSinghonthe wayandarrivedby10amattheresidenceofDrHarcharanSinghinAmritsar. Atthetime,hewastheprincipalofthemedicalcollegeatAmritsarandveryclosetoBabaJi.Along withtheotherspecialists,hedecidedtoadmitBabaJitotheWaryamSinghmemorialnursing home,Amritsar. AtManjiSahibGurdwara,Amritsar,sangatandthegathered,SaintssaidprayersforBabaJis speedyrecovery.AnAkhandpathwasstartedforBabaJishealth.WiththegraceofGuruJiand thepersistenthardworkofDrHarcharanSinghJi,BabaJishealthstartedtoimprove. Within10days,hestartedtowalk.Hispreviousailmentimprovedbutanewinfectionofthe urinarytractandprostatedeveloped.Treatmentwascarriedoutforamonthatastretch.The doctorssaidthatduetoBabaJisweakphysicalhealth,amajoroperationwasnotadvisableand thatheshouldundergoaprocedurecalledT.U.R.forurinarydisorders.Thisprocedurewas availableinChandigarhatthePostgraduateInstituteformedicineorinDelhiattheAllIndia MedicalInstitute(AIIMS).TheurinaryspecialistinChandigarhwasawayonleave.After consultationwiththeimmediatesangat,aprogrammetotransferBabaJitoDelhiwaschalkedout. Therehewouldundergoimmediatesurgery.

WhenBabaJilearnedofthisprogrammehewasangryandsaid,Youwouldbebetteroffmaking planstotakemebacktoGurdwaraRampurKhera.DontmakeplanstotakemetoDelhi. AlthoughBabaJididnotagreetogotoDelhi,hisphysicaldiscomfortwasintolerableforthe sangattobear.ThedevoteeswantedimmediatereliefforBabaJibygettinghimthebest treatmenttheycouldthinkof. Soon16thDecember1982,BabaJiwastransferredtoAIIMS(NewDelhi)intoaprivateward.The doctorsstartedthetreatmentafterstudyinghispreviousrecords.Duringthetreatment,hisblood ureaincreasedgreatly.Whenthiswascontrolled,anewproblemdevelopedinhisstomach. Despitethebestpossibletreatment,itseemed. Manwishesforonething Yet,somethingoppositehappens narchaahatkachhaorauraikeeauraibhaee. (Salok9thGuru,page1428) Complicationaftercomplicationoccurred.TheSinghswereinconstantserviceofBabaJi. SukhmaniSahibwasrecitedbesidehisbedsideconstantlyinAmritsarandDelhi.BabaJiwouldfeel immensereliefduringtheseprayers.Itcanbesaidthatnomedicineexceptprayerwaseffective. BabaJisPreparationForSachKhand(Heaven) After1617daysoftreatment,therewasnoimprovementinBabaJishealth.On3rdJan1983he begantosay,PleasetakemetotheseeSriGuruGranthSahibJi.WeallbeseechedBabaJithat hisphysicalconditiondidnotallowhimtoleavehospital.Despitethis,hewasadamantand forciblytriedtogetupfromhisbed.Hekeptsaying,Myendisnear.TakemetoseeSriGuru GranthSahibJi.Butwewerehelpless.Bytheevening,hehadslippedintoasemiconsciousstate. Bydawnnextday,BabaHarbhansSinghJiwasaskedtoapproachthehealthministertointervene andseeifhecouldgetanybettertreatmentforBabaJi.Thehealthministerassuredusthathe wouldvisitthateveningandaskthedoctorsconcerned,totrytheirbest.SomeSinghsandIwere standingoutsidethemaingateofthehospitaltoseethehealthministerwhenS.MohinderSinghJi camefromroom23oftheprivatewardonthefourthfloor.Hewaschoked,andwithtearsinhis eyeshetoldusthatBabaJihaddepartedforhisheavenlyabodeat2.10pm.Thegreatsoulhad mergedwiththesupremesouloftheAlmightyjustaswatermergeswithwater.Apartfusedinto thewhole.Indisbelief,weaskedS.MohinderSinghagain,Isittrue?Heburstintotearsandtold usthathehadjustcomefromthefourthflooronlytoconveythisnews. Thenwhatwasleft?Allthoughtscollapsedandthemindwasstunnedintosilence.Mymindand bodywerehelplesstobearallthis.Icouldnotcontrolmyselfandthepangsofseparationwere hardtotolerate.Perhapsitwasthefirsttimethatthemostbelovedpersonintheentireworld wasseparatedfromme.Allhopescamecrashingdowntotheground. Forawhile,theintellectfailedtowork.Thereseemedtobedarknessallaround.Aftersometime, theGurugrantedmestrengthandwewentupstairs.PrincipalTarsemSinghJiwasstoodbeside BabaJisbody,eyesfulloftears.WetoostoodnearBabaJisfeetandwitnessedhisdepartedbut lifelessform.Withaheavyheartandtremblinglips,wewishedGurFatehtohimbutthistime therewasnoresponse.Mymindwasasking

Ofatherwherehasgonethesoul Whichusedtospeakanddwellinthebody? Whichusedtodance,explainandpreach baabaaboltaytaykahaagaaydayheekaysangrahtay. suratmaahijonirtaykartaykathaabaartaakahtay.||I|| (SalokBhagatKabirJi,page480) AfterglimpsingtheformofBabaJi,themindwasconsoledthat Mysportingfriendhasgonetosleepinthegraveyard DoublemindedItooshalldepart Andweepwithafeeblevoice. sajanmayrayrangulayjaaaysutayjaaraan. haNbheevanjaadumneerovaajheeneebaan.||2|| (SriRaag1stGuru,page23) WeconsoledoneanotherfortheGuruhadtakenthisservicefromusthathewishedusto perform.Wehadservedhimaccordingtoourmaximumcapacity.Itistruethat ThisbeingbelongstotheLord Hetakesitawaywhenhewillsit ihtaobasatgupaalkeejabbhaavailayaykhas.||79|| (SalokBhagatKabir,page1368) WeallfelthelplessinfrontofGodswill.WehadtoendurehiswillandarrangeforBabaJis funeral.IwasgiventhetaskofphoningalltheSaintsinAmritsarandallthedevoteesabroad.I tookS.SwaranSinghJitoInderpuri,NewDelhi,tothehomeofS.HarbhagatSinghSandherof Machhianvillage(retiredsuperintendentofpoliceandclosedevoteeofBabaJi).Weinformedthe variousSaintsanddevoteesofBabaJisdeparturebyphoneandalsoadvisedthemofthe programmeforhiscremationrites.Asamarkofrespect,theofficesofShiromaniGurdwara parbandakcommitteewereclosedfortwodays,followingthedepartureofBabaJi.SantJarnail SinghJiKhalsaBhindranwalewasinformedtoo,ofBabaJipassingaway.Hewasonthetopfloorof GuruNanakNiwas,Amritsar,atthetime.HeimmediatelysentsomeSinghsfromthejathawitha shawl,tobegivenattheritesforcremationofBabaJi.WelatercametoknowfromSinghsinthe jathathatSantJarnailSinghJiwasdistraughtattheleavingofBabaJi.Heboltedhimselfinhis room,laiddownwithablanketoverhimself,withouteatingordrinkinganything;hedidnotcome outuntilafterBabaJisfuneralwasover. BabaJiIsBroughtBackToGurdwaraRampurKhera. Whereverwecouldinformdevoteesbyphone,wetriedtodoso.Afterthat,wewenttoseeSant HarbhansSinghJiKarsevawaleinNewDelhi.HewasdeeplysaddenedtohearthatBabaJihad passedaway.HeimmediatelysentoneoftheattendantstofetchagarlandfromSriGuruGranth SahibJiatthehistoricalGurdwaraBanglaSahibJi,wherethefeetoftheeighthGuruhadonce consecratedtheground. HegaveashawlalongwiththegarlandfromthefeetofSriGuruHarkishanSahibJi,tobeplaced uponthegreatSaintasamarkofrespect.Healsosenthisown4x4jeep,decoratedwithfine linensandflowerstotransferBabaJisbodyfromDelhitoGurdwaraRampurKhera.Bythistime, thedevoteesinDelhihadheardthenewsandrushedtotheAIIMShospitaltocatchaglimpseof

BabaJi.PrincipalTarsemSinghDhuggahadbynowcompletedalltheofficialpaperworktoclaim thebodyofBabaJi.Atabout7pm,BabaJisbodywasplacedinthedecoratedjeepandwesetoff forGurdwaraRampurKhera.Onthejourney,Singhstookturnstocontinuouslyrecitepathof SukhmaniSahib.Itwasterriblycoldandfoggy,soweprogressedslowlybutsteadily,throughthe night.Finally,wearrivedattheGurdwarafromwherewehadsetoffonemonthand24days earlier,inanattempttocureBabaJisailment.NewsofBabaJisdepartureforhisheavenlyabode spreadlikewildfirethroughoutPunjabandbeyond.AllIndiaradioandtelevisionbroadcastthe newsintheirbulletins.So,devoteeswithtearsintheireyes,chokedwithgrief,assembledintheir thousandsatGurdwaraRampurKheratohaveafinalglimpseoftheirbelovedandvenerableSaint.

105THELASTJOURNEY ThebodyofBabaJiwastakenoutofthejeepandwasplacedonabigbedinthelangarhallforthe sangattohaveafinalvisionofBabaJi.ThesangatfollowedtheordersofGurbani: Letnooneweepforme,afterIamgone, Thatisnotatallpleasingtome matmaipichhaikoeerovseesomaimoolnabhaaiaa. (SuhiChant3rdGuru,page923) And Afterme,singthepraisesofthepureLordalone ...maipichhaikeertankariahunirbaanjeeo. (RamkaliSadh3rdGuru,p923) SangatCameInLargeNumbersForTheLastRites HymnsweresungnexttothebodyofBabaJiafteritwasplacedonalargeraisedplatformand continueduntiltheafternoonof6thJanuary1983.Likeafloodofwater,thesangatcamefrom nearandfar.Inshort,thenumberofpeoplewassolargethatthecrowdsweredifficulttocontrol bytheattendantsofthegurdwara.Bamboopolesweretiedandrootedinthefloorsothatpeople couldbesectionedintoorderlyqueuesandfilepastthebodyofBabaJiandcatchafinalglimpse ofhim.Themassofpeoplewasallowedtofileinonewayandouttheotheronlyandstillthey throngedtopaytheirfinalrespectsthroughouttheday.Inasombreandmournfulmood,people exchangedtheiraffectionatememorieswithoneanother.SomedescribedhowtheymetBabaJi whilstothersdescribedhowhetransformedtheirlives.Theyallhadonethingincommonto discussasGuruAmardasJisays He,whoisdeartoGod,isdeartoall. Goodmanyotherscontinuecomingandgoing joharkaapiaaraasosabhnaakaapiaaraahorkayteejhakhjhakhaavaijaavai.||I7|| (Mohalla3rdGuru,page555) And Blessedarethemotherswhoborethem Andprofitableistheiradventinthisworld tinDhanjanaydeemaaoaaaysafalsay.||2|| (AsaSheikhFarid,page488) Thewholeday,thecongregationcontinuedtopourinfromthefurthestreachesofthelandfora finalglimpseupuntiltheafternoonof6thJanuary1983.Thenumberofpeoplewassolargethatit wasdifficulttoaccommodatetheminthecampusofthegurdwaraandtherewasnotevenplace tostandup.Thejathedars(headchieftains)ofAkalTakhatandKeshgarhSahibarrivedwiththe headofShiromaniGurdwaraParbandak(thecentralSikhorganisationthatmanagesallhistoric Gurdwaras)CommitteejathedarGurCharanSinghTohra.TheheadpriestsoftheotherTakhats arrivedtoobutSantJarnailSinghKhalsaBhindranwaleandSantHarchandSinghLongowalcould notcomeduetounavoidablecircumstances.TheysenttheirrepresentativesinBabaThakurSingh JiandUjjaggerSinghSekhwan,respectivelywhopresentedcommemorativeshawlstoBabaJi.The

chiefsofotherSikhinstitutions,variousSaintsandpersonalitiesoftheSikhnationhadarrivedtoo. BabaNihalSinghofHarriaanwailaanarrivedthepreviousdayrepresentingthenihangSinghs. Atabout11am,theprogrammetoconductthelastriteswaschalkedoutbutduetotherushof peoplewhostillhadnotmanagedtocatchaglimpseofBabaJi,itwasdelayedfortwohours further.Atabout12.30BabaJisbodywasbathedanddressedinthefinalgarments.Thesangat thencarriedthebodyoftheirbelovedSaint,withutmostaffectiontotheresoundingchantsof SatnamWaheguruandplaceditontheraisedearthenplatforminthecourtyardinfrontofthe gurdwara.NexttheprayerofJapJiSahibwasstarted.Thereweredevoteeseverywhere. Theverandas,balconies,therooftopsandeventhedomesofthegurdwarawerecrammedwith devoteeswaitingandwantingtocatchaglimpseoftheirbelovedSaintbeforethecremationtook place.Thebodywhichhousedthegreatsoul,whichremainedconstantlyattunedtotheword (shabad)ofGodandhadguidedothersthroughouthislifetomeditateonthesupremeLordwas finallyabouttodisappearfromourveryeyes. BabaJisLastFuneralRites Itwasadeeplysadandmournfulatmosphere.ThechantsofSatnamWaheguruarosefrom everywheretofillthesky.TheprayerofJapJiSahibwascompleted.AroundthebodyofBabaJi, thesangathadcollectedandpiledsandalwoodandcollectedclarifiedbutter(ghee)andother articlesforcremation.SinghSahibGianiKirpalSinghJiutteredthelastArdasandBabaJisyounger brotherBhaiThakurSinghJiignitedthefuneralpyreatexactly1pm.Withinmomentstheflames rosehigherandhigher Thebreathmergeswiththeair Infiredoesfiremingle Thedustbecomesonewiththedust pavnaimehpavansamaaiaa. jotemaateemaateehoeeayk. maateemaateehoeeayk. (Ramkali5thGuru,page885) Everyonewasattunedtoonethought,whichwasthatthistruegurmukhpersonalityhadreached thesupremeLordscourtandattaineditsrightfulposition,byLordsside. TheentiresangatthenretiredtotheshelterofSriGuruGranthSahibJirememberingthegreat Saintslifeandsacrifice.TheprayerofAlhaniaan(RamkaliSudh)wasrecitedinthecongregation andDegparshaddistributed.Langarwasservedandonebyone,thesangatbidfarewell.Slowly, theydispersedtotheirhomes,withheavyheartsandtearfilledeyesatthedepartureoftheir belovedSaint.SinghsfromnearbyvillagesstayedtoreciteeveningprayersofRehrasbesideBaba JisfuneralpyreandnumerouspeoplewereblessedwithvisionsofBabaJiutteringwordsof comfortandencouragementtouplifttheirmorale. Now,dailythecongregationwouldcometothegurdwara,attendingthemorningandevening sessionsofprayerandkirtan.AfterKirtanBhaipunditBaksheeshSinghofBhindranwalajatha (whowasspeciallydeputedbySantJarnailSinghJiBhindranwaletoreciteprayersforthistask untilDushehra)recitedtheprayersofSalokSahaskritiandJaitsarikiVaareverydaywithgreat devotionandaffection.Everyheartwasfilledwithpangsofseparationandonlyhadmemoriesto

remindthemoftheirassociationwiththegreatSaintBabaHarnamSinghJi.AsBhaiVirSinghJi writes: Thistonguerecitesonlyonename Thatofmybelovedfriendwhodeparted Theseeyeswerefixedinattention Onthelessonofdivinewillwhenremembered Handmeovertothepangsofseparation Ofriend!Ifyouarehappy,Iwillbearit Memoriesofyouleavenotmymind ButIshallremainengrossedinyourtune

106DUSSEHRA Dussehra:IntheSikhWorld,Dussehraisthetenthdayafterthedeathofthemortal.InHindus,this isafestivalconcernedwithvictoryofLordRamaoverRavana. OnThe8thofJanuary1983,thecongregationcollectedtheashesofBabaJiaftersayingtheArdas. BabaJihadgivenveryclearinstructionsthatas... IhavethesupportoftheGurushymns. AttachedtoGurbanidoIabide maigurbaaneeaaDhaarhaigurbaaneelaagrahaao.||8|| (Suhi5thGuru,page759) WhenthisbodyisunabletohearorutterGurbanithenthedustofmybodyshouldbeburied underthegreatSriGuruGranthSahibJiinadeeppit,sothatevenmyashesarenotseparated fromGurbani.orderedBabaji.ObeyingthesewishesofBabaJi,abigbrassboxwasconstructed, intowhichhisasheswereplaced.Itwasplacedinadeepholedugintothegroundandsealedover withamarbleslab.Abovethisspot,SriGuruGranthSahibJiwasenthronedonanelevatedstage, decoratedwithapalanquininthemainhallofthegurdwara.January16thwasfixed,asthe Dussehracelebration,asonthe13and14thitwasthefestivalofMaghi,whichiscelebrated throughoutIndia.Consequently,manyeminentpeoplewerebusyonthesetwodays.Sehajpath hadalreadybeencommencedonthe6thofJanuaryafterthecremation.Anakhandpathrecital wascommencedonthe11thofJanuaryandthesecondakhandpathwasstartedon14thJanuary. Thebhogceremonywasheldintheadjoiningfield,whichhadbeendecoratedwithastageand convertedintoanopenairstadium.SriGuruGranthSahibJiwasplacedontheerectedstageand matsonthegroundlaidforthecongregationtosituponandlistentotheKirtanthatfollowedthe bhog.Althoughthishumbleservantwasincapableofshoulderingtheburdenandresponsibilities asthechiefattendantofthisholyplaceandBabaJihadaskedmesomanytimestoserveonthis positioninhislifetime,IalwaysrequestedBabaJithatIamnotcapableofdischargingtheduties ofthissacredplace.Hewouldreply,Youwillnothavetoexertmuch,aswehavedoneeverything foryouwhileonthisphysicalbody.Youwillbelookedaftermydeparture.Evenwiththese reassuringwords,Iwouldnotbeconvinced,thenBabaJiwouldsay,Ifyoudontagreenowthen aftermethesangatwilldecidewhenthetimecomes. FromtimetotimeBabaJiblessedmewithsomanyboonsthatitishardtodescribetheminwords. ThenearanddeardevoteesofBabaJiknowthis.Ididnothavethedesiretoserveinthispivotal rolebuthadtobowtothewillofthesangatandthepressurefromprominentpersonalitiesofthe panth.Theceremonyofdastaarbandhi(literallytyingaturbantosignifythebestowingof leadership)wascarriedoutbySinghSahibGianiKirpalSinghonbehalfofTakhatKeshgarhSahib.S. GurcharanSinghTohraonbehalfofShiromaniGurdwaraParbandakCommitteeandSriHarmandir Sahib,BabaThakurSinghJiofDamdamiTaksaal,BabaUttamSinghfortheKaarSevaSaints, mahantSevaDasJiBahadarpurfortheUdasiinstitutionsandBabaNihalSinghJionbehalfofthe nihanginstitutions,collectively,tiedadastaartoshowtheirwillformetotakeupthe responsibilityaschiefattendantofGurdwaraRampurKhera.BhaiRamSinghJifromakhand kirtanijatha,otherSaints,membersofparliamentandprominentpoliticaldignitariespresented mewithturbanstosignifytheirblessinginmynewroleastheattendantofthegurdwara.Chief dignitariespresentlikejathedarJagdevSinghTalwandi,headmastersandheadmistressesof variousKhalsainstitutionspresentedmewithSiropaos.Fornearlyhalfanhour,theseSiropaos

wereplacedonmyhead,reinforcingtheresponsibilitythatBabaJihadtoldmeIwouldoneday havetoacceptattheinsistenceofthesangat.Richandemotionaltributescontinuedtobepaidto BabaJibyprestigiouspersonalitiesandattheendoftheceremony,BabaJiwasdeclaredasa greatmartyrofthenation. TokeepalivethememoryofBabaHarnamSinghJi,S.GurcharanSinghJiTohraannouncedthata fixedportraitwouldbeplacedinthegalleryofthecentralSikhmuseuminAmritsar.Onthisday,it wasdifficulttocountthenumberofpeoplewhoattended.Afloodofpeopleamassedinand aroundthecountrysidesurroundingthegurdwara.AfterArdas,Degparshadwasdistributedand thesessionended.Langarwasservedandwithoutanytrouble,thewholeprogrammeended. Slowly,thesangatdepartedbearingthesweetmemoriesofthegreatSaintSantBabaHarnam SinghJi.

107SOMEOTHERPERSONALINCIDENTS S.AmrikSinghDhugga,whoworksasanelectronicsengineerintheUnitedStatesnavy,isa grandsonofBabaJi.HehassentafewpersonalincidentsrelatingtohistimewithBabaJiand askedthemtobepublishedinthenewedition.Forthebenefitofthecongregation,Iam publishinghisletter,asitwassent,inthebook.Ihopethedevoteeswillakedueadvantageof theseincidents.HisletterstartswithGurFatehandcontinues: IreceivedthebiographySayKinehiyaofBabaJi,whichyousenttome.Afterreadingthebook, aconstantthoughtwasencirclingmymindthatConsiderthemnotdifferentfromtheprimordial Lord.AsthispieceofGurbanisays,itisindeedtruethattherewasnodifferencebetweenthe LordandourBabaJi.ThedoorofGuruNanakDevJiisgreat,whosgraceallowedmethechance tolivewithsuchagreatBabaJiasours.YourendeavourtowritethebiographyofBabaJiis praiseworthy.TheeveningIgotthisbiographyIhadsomethingtoeat,recitedmyprayers,did sukhasanofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandsatdowntoreadthebook.Iwassoengrossedinthe book,IcontinuedreadingituntilIfinishedit.WhenIcheckedthetimeitwas2amandyetIfelt wideawake,notsleepy.BabaJisfaithinGurbaniwasoverwhelming.Hehadbasedhislifeon Gurbani,byVirtueofwhichhebecameonewiththeAlmighty.IfeltasifBabaJiwasnearmeafter readingthebook. ThenextdaymymotherandyoungerbrotherIqbalSinghgotreadytoreturntoLivingston.She askedme,AmrikSingh!CanItakethisbiographywithme?Isaid,YoucantakeitasIfinished readingitlastnight.Mymothertookthebookandwasabouttoleave.Somehow,IfeltthatBaba Jihadstayedthenightwithmeandwasnowleaving.MyeyesfilledupandItookthebookfrom mymother,toldherthatIneededtoreaditoncemore,andwoulddefinitelybringitwithmenext timeIvisitedher.Thus,Itoldalie.Ireadthemanyincidentstimeandagainwithgreatpleasure. MyChildhoodWithBabaJi ImportanceofNitnem:IwasinclosecontactwithBabaJiduringmyschooldays.Inthesummer vacationIwouldbeputupatvillageBahleandduringthedaywouldlearntodopathfromBabaJi attheGurdwara. Iwouldcomeatabout6to7pm.Intheevening,aftertheprayersofRehras,Iwouldreturntomy maternaluncleshomeinBahlevillage.BabaJihadanacutesenseofintuitionandinsight.Heused toloveusalot.Hewouldoftensay,KakaJi(youngboy),firstdoyourNitneminthemorningand thencometotheGurdwarainthemorning.IfyoudoyourNitnemdailythenyouaremarkedas presentinthecourtofourbelovedfather,theGuru.Moreoveryoubecomegoodatstudying. Onedayarisinglate,IcouldntdomyNitnem.IcametotheGurdwarainahurry.InmymindI thought,SowhatifIdidntdomyNitnemforoneday.BabaJiwillnotcometoknowofit.With thesethoughts,IwenttoRampurKheraSahibandwishedBabaJiGurFateh.Hewasdrinkingteaat thatmoment.Hegavemehiscupofteaandaskedmetositbesidehim.Heplacedhishandonmy shoulderandsaid,IfforsomereasonyoucouldnotdoyourNitnemononedaythendoitthe nextday.ThusyouarenotmarkedabsentfromtheGurushouse. Afterlisteningtohiswordsofencouragement,Irepenteddeeplyandfromthatdayonwardsiffor somereasonIcouldnotdoNitnemoneday,Iwoulddoitthenextday.Themindbecomesuneasy anddespondentduetolackofNitnem.IfNitnemisnotcompletedthen,forsomereason,mymind willnotengageinmywork.BabaJigaveutmostimportancetoNitnem.

ProphecyOfMyJob Itwasthesummervacationandtheschoolswereclosed.DuringthesedaysBabaJichalkedouta programmetogotoKashmir.HetookmewithhimandIsatbesidehiminthejeeponthejourney. Itwasatwoweekprogramme.Kashmirisknownforitsbeautifullandscapeworldwide.Ididnt wanttocomeback.MyheartwasfilledwithpleasuretoseethesceneryofKashmir.Similarly,I visitedotherplaceslikeTalwarawithhim.Athoughtcametomymind,Igetlotsoftimetoroam aboutwhilestayingwithBabaJi.WhenschoolsstartagainImaynotgetthisopportunity.Inthe morning,afterdoingNitnemIwaseatingmyfoodwhilesittingnearBabaJideepintheabove mentionedthoughts.BabaJistoppedhismealandtookholdofmyarmandsaid,Themindruns aftermanythoughts.Itshouldbecheckedfromrunningaroundinthoughts.Youaretoroamalot inthedaystocome. ThesedayswiththegraceofthegreatGuruIamservingasanelectronicsengineerintheU.S. navy.Thereisenormouswanderingandroaming.DuringtheserviceIhavevisitedJapan,Korea, Scotland,Spain,Philippines,Hawaii,ThailandandalltheimportantcitiesoftheUSAlike WashingtonDC,NewYork,LosAngles,SanDiegoandthelikemanytimes.WheneverIsitinan aircraftrecallthepropheticwordsofBabaJi,KakaJi!Youaretoroamalot.Hewasagreatsoul whohadforesightofthefuture10ortwelveyearsahead. MiracleOfTheSchoolExamination OnMonday,therewasatestinEnglishandIhadtostaythroughSaturdayandSundaytohelpat RampurKheraSahibforsomeprogramme.TheessaysinEnglishhadtobememorisedafewdays beforetheexamorthewholeyearslabourwenttowasteifnotrevisedproperly.Twodayspassed andIcouldnotgetenoughtimetorevise.Bytheevening,thethoughtofdoingbadlyinthe forthcomingtestloomedlargeinmymind.Ithought,ItwouldhavebeenbetterifIstayedat homeandnotcometoRampurKhera.ThesethoughtsmademesadandBabaJiperceivedmy thoughts.Hecalledmeoverandsaid,RecitethepehliPauri(firstverse)ofJapJiSahibfivetimes andopenthebookwhereveryouwish.Whateverpageitopenson,memoriseitfortheexam. Dontbesad.Ididexactlythat.Thepage,whichIhadcrammed,wasthereintheexamination andIgot97%marks.Aftertheexam,IwentstraighttoBabaJi.Hebegantosmileonseeingme andsaid,ThereisnolossofanykindintheGurushouse.WhenyoucometotheGurushome youcannotsufferalossonthecontraryyoumakesagain.Thesearenotmerelytalltalesbutthe truth. BabaJisBlessingsInTheU.S.A WhenIfirstcametotheUSA,itwasgenerallyregardedthataturbanedmancannotgetagood job.BabaJiwrotealettertomeashorttimeafterIarrivedintheUSA.Itsaidthat,Bebrave,the turbanwillupliftyou.Thatletterisstillwithmeasatreasuredpossession.Afterthatletter,Ihad firmbeliefthattheturbanwouldbemyasset.WhereverIappliedforajob,Iwouldgetaphone callbackthenextdayinvitingmetocometowork.Mycompatriotswereallsurprisedandsaid, AmrikSinghgetsajobveryeasily.ThiswasduetheblessingofBabaJi.Onemorepointistobe notedhere.Somepeoplewhohadcuttheirhairanddiscardedtheirturbanswouldgotothesame interviewswithme.ButjustwitnessthegraceofGuruJi,theywouldreturnjoblessandIwould prevailwithmyturban.Ialwaysgottheofferforajob.Iremainedinhighspiritsever.Personal shortcomingsofminenotwithstandingbuttruetoBabaJiswordstheturbanalwaysstoodaloft. Iwouldliketopendownhereanotherincident.Oneofmyrelativeswhodidnttieaturbancame toCaliforniafromanotherstateinthesummerof1983.HestayedwiththeuncleofmywifeMrs.

GurdishKaur.Hetriedhardtogetajobfor78monthsbutwithnosuccess,inspiteofhavinga mastersdegreeincomputing.Oneday,thisuncletauntedthatperson,Obrotherwhatisthe matter,oursoninlawAmrikSinghgetsajobhewants,theverynextdayandyouhavewasted8 months.AtthetimeIwasstudyingforafulltimedegreeinengineeringandforpocketmoney hadajobduringthevacation.Hereplied,Jobswereeasilyavailablebefore,nowitisharder.Now askhimtogetajobifhecan.Timesarehardernowwithgreaterunemployment.Uncletoldme allthiswhenIvisitedhim.Ireplied,Uncle,dontworry.IfIgotajobbeforeIwillgetonenowtoo. IhadfullfaithinGodandBabaJiswords.Thenextdayavacancyforajobaroseinthecompany.I hadexperienceofthatjob.Ifilledanapplicationandaskedthesecretaryforaninterview.Shetold methattheywouldinformmeoverthephonenextweekbecausethemanagerwasinameeting atthattime.Inadisappointedmood,Ireturnedtomycartolookforanothervacancyinthepaper. WhenIopenedthecar,Icouldntfindthepaper.IlookedinthecarandthoughtthatImusthave leftitatthecompanyoffice.SoIreturnedtotheofficetofindthesecretarywasonthephone.She said,Mr.Dhugga!Themanagerhasjustcomeoutofthemeetingandhehasagreedtointerview youtoday. Iwentfortheinterviewandthemanagergavemeagoodjobwithahandsomesalary.Itwas2pm. Hesaid,Youcanstartyourjobrightawayorelsecometomorrowat7am.Itsyourchoice.Iwas overjoyedandthankedWaheguru(God).WhenIenteredmycarthenewspaperwasrightthere. Thereasonfornotseeingthepaperwasthatthesupremepowerwantedmetogobacktothe officeofthecompany.IphonedmyuncletoinformhimthatIhadgotthejobandtotellthat personthatIwillstartworktomorrow.Unclewasoverjoyed.Myeyeswerefilledwithtearsin thankfulgratitudetoGodAlmightyandBabaJi.BabaJiwasreallygreat.Hecaredformeeven whenIwasinaforeigncountry.Hewassoaffectionatethatwordsfailtoexpressthedepthofhis affection. OnemorepointthatIwouldliketostressis,ifanypersonwhoinordertogetajobinthese foreignlandstakesoffhisturban,willgetabetterjobifhemaintainsaturbanwithdignityand prideonhishead.Theneedistohavefaith.Theseweresomeoftheincidentsconcernedwithmy life.

108THETRUEGURUHASARRANGEDYOURAFFAIRS S.GobindParsadSinghJiwriteinhisletter. Igotajobasatechnicalofficerofthe32ndsquadronintheIndianairforce,stationedatAmbala cantthavingcompletedmydegreeinengineeringatLudhiana.OnceIhadtogotoAdampurto inquireaboutanaircrashwithothermembersoftheinquirycommittee.Aftertheinquiry,Iwent toGurdwaraRampurKheraespeciallytomeetBabaJiHarnamSinghJi.Luckily,Igotthegolden chancetoexchangegurmatthoughtswithBabaJi.Whileonthewayback,Igavehimmyaddress inAmbalacanttandrequestedBabaJitovisitmyhouse. InNovember1969,aplanethatIndiahadboughtfromRussiapilotedbymyselfcrashedduetomy negligence.Atthattime,theestimatedlossofthatplanecametoaboutRs100,000.Aninquiry waslaunchedagainstmeandIwasdeeplylamentingmyfate.Anythingcouldhappen.Icouldbe orderedtohaveacourtmarshalandthusbeimprisoned.Iwasfacingadifficulttime.Twodays afterthecrashsuddenlyBabaJicametovisitmyhome.Icamehomeforlunchandmywifetold methatBabaJihadarrivedearlierthatmorningwithoneotherSingh.Hearingthis,Iwaspleased andsomecloudsofdespondencyliftedfrommymind.IexchangedGuruFatehwithBabaJiandhe toldmethattheywereontheirwaytoYammunanagarandwouldstaythenightwithus. Afterlunch,thethoughtthatIshouldtellBabaJiaboutthecrashwashauntingmebutIdarenot tellhim.Iwentbacktowork/andreturnedintheevening.ThateveningIsatnearthispioussoul, deeplyworriedabouttheconsequencesofthecrash.BabaJiturnedtomeandsaid,Gobind ParsadSinghJi,telluswithouthesitationwhateveryourproblemis.ThegreatGuruwilldeliver you.Nothingbadwillhappentoyou. Onhearingthis,Igotimmenserelief.IthentoldBabaJiofthecrash,theongoinginquiryand likelyconsequencesofanyadversefindings.BabaJilistenedtomecarefullyandtoldmetorecite theshabadasmuchaspossible SitsteadfastathomeodearslaveofGod ThetrueGuruhasarrangedyouraffairs thirgharbaishuharjanpiaaray. satgurtumraykaajsavaaray.||1||rahaao. (Gauri5thGuru,page201) HealsoadvisedmetoprayinthefeetoftheAlmightyandassuredthatGodwillhelpme.Ilearnt theshabadoffbyheartandstartedtoreciteitdaily.Iwassurenowthatnothingwrongwould happentomenow. Inthemeantime,Iconfessedtotheinquirycommitteethatitwasmyfault.Theofficerinchargeof theinquirywasmuchimpressedwithmyhonestyorderedmereleasedwithjustawarning.The stationcommandertooagreedtoitandareportwassenttocommandheadquarters.The commandheadquartersacceptedthereportsfindingandsentthereportfurthertoairforce headquarters. There,twodirectoratesweretogivetheirfinalverdictonthewholeincident.Oneofthemwasof thesameopinionasthepreviousofficersbuttheotheronedidnotagree.Hewasoftheviewthat inpreviousincidentslikethis,hardpunishmenthadbeengiven,sothisofficermustbepunished

too.Anyhow,duetothedifferenceintheverdictofbothdirectorates,myfilekeptbeingpassed betweendepartments.Astimewentby,Iwasgrowingmoreandmoretense.Atlast,Icontacted oneofmyfriendsattheairheadquartersandrequestedhimtofindoutwhatwashappening aboutthereport.Myfriendtoldmehewouldneedafewhourstofindout.Myfriendphoneda fewhourslaterandwhathetoldme,seemedunbelievable.Tomygreatsurprise,myfilehadbeen missingforsometime.Thisisunheardofbecausetheseinquiriesandthereportsaretopsecret andmeticulouslyguarded. Ifafileislostandfallsintothewronghandsthenitcouldbedisastrous.Myfriendtoldmethat theyweretryingtheirlevelbesttofindthefileanduntiltheydidnotfindthefile,theycouldtake nofurtheraction.Thishappenedin1969.Afterthat,Iremainedinserviceforafurther17years.I tookearlyretirementduetodomesticproblems.Atthetimeofthecrash,Iwasaflightlieutenant andin1986,atretirement,Ileftaswingcommander.WiththeshelterofGurbaniandprayerof thatgreatsoul(BabaJi),myfileremainedmissingfor17years. Duringmyservice,Iwaspromotedfromtimetotime.NeitherofficersupersededmenordidIget anypunishment.IfIrelatethisexperiencetoanyone,noonebelievesme.Imyselffindithardto believe,sangatknowsfrompersonalexperiencehowimmenselypowerfulGurbaniis.BabaJi possessedsupremeheightsofspiritualknowledge.Howgreathewas!Hehadfullfaithinthe Almighty.HehimselfledthelifeofatruegursikhoftheGuru.Hemadeourwaveringminds peacefulwiththesupportofthepillarsofGurbaniHumbleservant GobindParsadSinghGrewal Wingcommander(Retired) Chandigarh

109LASTREQUEST Ineveryaspectofhislife,BabaJihadaverymodestandreservedlifestyle.BabaJialways hesitatedfromundueexpansionofthegurdwarayetduetohisselfless,extensiveserviceofthe KhalsapanthandhiseffortstospreadthefragranceofGurbaniinthiscountryandabroadany followerofGuruNanakDevJiwillnothavefailedtobeimpressedbyhistoweringpersonality. NowthosepeoplewhohadnotmetBabaJiwhenhewasaliveyearnedtotouchthedustofthe veryplacewhereBabaJihadmeditatedendlesslyontheLordsname.Themeditationofnaam hadtransformedthelivesofcountlessothersandthefragranceofSikhismwasspreadtothe cornersoftheworldbyBabaJiwhenmeditatingatthissacredplace.Peoplewishedtoattendthe sessionsthatBabaJiorganizedtoattunedevoteestothefrequencyoftheLordsname.So,intime thenumberofdevoteesincreasedattheseannualgurmatcampsevenafterhepassedaway.With thehelpandblessingsoftheGuruandthesangat,the60by40mainhallandthe20orsorooms thatwereerectedduringthetimewhenBabaJiwasalivenowstartedtoincreaseaswell.Inalittle whiletherewerenowinexcessof42roomsandincreasingeveryyear.Anotherhall27by52was erectedforbaptismceremonies.ThishasnowbeenconvertedtoointotheSantBabaHarnam Singhmemoriallibraryandmuseum.Toaccommodatethesangatduringthegurmatcampsa separatecomplexofroomswithensuitewashroomsandhotwaterfacilitieshasbeenbuilt.This hasbeencalledtheGuruRamDassaran,whichisthreestoreyshighandhasover300roomsto date.TheapproachroadfromthemainDasuyatoHoshiarpurroadleadinguptothegurdwarahas beennamedastheSantBabaHarnamSinghroad(marg)andhas35streetlampsalongitleading uptothegurdwara.ThisroadleadsrightuptoBahleandTalwandijattanvillage. Tocompensateforanyelectricitycuts,acoupleofgeneratorshavebeeninstalled.Thesangathas beeninspiredtodonatemanycowsandbuffalosothatmilkcanbeutilizedinlangarandteafor thesangat.Tohousethelivestockthreeshedsandbarnshavebeenerected.About0.5ofanacre oflandinfrontofthegurdwarahasbeenpurchasedandregisteredunderthetrustoftheLangar ofGurdwaraRampurKheraSahib.Lastyear,thelandregistryandallotmentoflandwasfinalized invillageBahle.Thesangatfeltthattherewasneedtogrowfodderforthecattle,soanother5.5 acresoflandwasdonatedandentrustedtotheLangarofGurdwaraRampurKheraSahib.These boonsareallduetotherecitationofnaamatthisplace.AsGuruArjundevJihassaid: WherethenameofthebelovedLordisrepeated Thoseuninhabitedplacesarereplacedwithgoldenmansions jithainaamjapeeaiparabhpiaaray. sayasthalsoinchaubaaray. (Maajh5thGuru,page104) WiththedivineblessingsofthegreatGuru,thesupremeandpiousprogrammeofgurmat teachings,baptismandmeditationonnaam,whichhadbeencommencedbyBabaJiwasnearly haltedduetotheextremeeffortsbythegovernmentofthedayandsomeatheisticnonbelievers. Tomaintainthecontinuityofthismissionwork,thishumbleservantwasimprisonedandendured tortureonseveraloccasions.However,theextremegraceofthegreatGuruandthesheltering handofBabaJiovermyheadprotectedmeeventhroughthemostdifficultoftrials.TheLord protectedmeineveryplaceandineverywaybybeingtherehimselftowatchoverme.Whereas beforetherewereonlyamritceremoniesatspecialdayslikethegurmatcampsandgurpurabs, nowthereisanamritSanchaareverySangrand(firstdayofthelunarmonth)at11amwhen numerouspeopleattendtotakeamritandjointhefoldoftheKhalsapanth.Further,whereverany

oneexpressesadesiretobebaptizedinplacesthatarefarawayorcannotcomeduetolackof transportetc,thenateamofpanjpyaras(fivebelovedSinghswhoadministerbaptism)issent specificallytoholdanamritceremonytoadministertheamritofGuruGobindSinghJi.Sometimes onthesameday5or6groupsofpanjpyarasaresenttoasmanyplacestoholdbaptism ceremonies.Toferrythepanjpyaras,aspecialvanhasbeenbroughttoo.Nowdaysaspecial effortismadetoeducatethepeopleaboutSikhism.Tothisend,anewbushasbeenboughtand carriespreachers,eminentscholars,dhadhisandkirtangroupstofaroffvillages,toholdreligious programmesandawakenthemassestothedangersofalcoholanddrugsandatthesametimeto listentothemessageofSriGuruGranthSahibJi. ApartfromtheannualgurmatSmagam(camp)thatwasinitiatedbyBabaJi,otherannual Smagamshavebeeninitiatedtoo.ThedeathanniversaryofthegreatSaintiscelebratedwithgreat enthusiasmandaffection.Fourdaysbeforetheanniversary,thegurmatSmagambeginsand culminatesontheeveningof3rdJanuary,whenacontinuoussessionofkirtan(Raensabai)is conductedthroughthenight,until4thJanuary,whichistheanniversaryofBabaJi.Abhog ceremonyoftheAkhandandSehajpaththathadstartedacoupleofdaysearlierthentakesplace. On4thofJanuary,avastnumberofdevoteescometopaytheirrespects,listentokirtan,katha, discoursesbyeminentscholarsandtributesbyinternationalpersonalities,allheldinthe decoratedcampusofthegurdwara.Thedayendsinavastlangarfortensofthousandsof devoteesandsweetsaredistributedfreelytoallthesangatandthosewhopassbythegurdwara. Thus,thedutydescribedbyGuruJitowardsourforefathersisfollowedatthissession Thenarrativesoftheforefathers,Maketheirdescendantsgoodchildren baabaaneeaakahaaneeaaputsaputkarayn. (Salok3rdGuru,page951) AttheSmagam,thenextgenerationgetsguidancetofollowinthefootstepsofthegreatsoul, upliftingtheirsoulstohigherspiritualheights.AttendingtheseSmagams,weallareabletoreform ourpresentlivesandourafterlifetoo. AnotherSmagamisnowheldyearlystartingonthefirstSundayofAprilandissimilarlywell attendedbysangatnationallyandinternationally.Again,anamritceremonyisheldattheendof theSmagamandthesameprogramofmeditationastheOctoberGurmatSmagamisfollowed. So,thiswasthestoryofthegifted,blessedsoulwhohadimmensespiritualpowers,whowas intoxicatedandoverwhelmedwiththeLordandhisnameandshowedushowtoembracethat AlmightyLordIntheendthishumbleservantpraystotheLordthat,Themoments,thedaysare fleetingaway.MaythesemomentsbeartheimprintofthememoryoftheLord.Ibowand surrendermyselfunconditionallytoyou.IfinallyrequestinearnesttomergemewithyouO AlmightyLord Givemeyourblessing,Ofriend! ThatImayattainunionwithmymaster dayhsajanaseesrheeaajiohovaisaahibsiomayl.||3|| Theservantofthesangat SevaSingh(Sant) GurdwaraRampurKheraSahib,P.O.Ghardiwala,DistrictHoshiarpur,Punjab

SALOK TheDivineGuruismymother, ThedivineGuruthefather, ThedivineGuruismyLordandSupremeGod ThedivineGuruismycompanion. Thedispellerofspiritualignorance. AndthedivineGuruismyrelativeandbrother ThedivineGuruisthegiverandteacherofGodsName ThedivineGuruismyInfalliblespell ThedivineGuruistheimage,ofpeacetruthandwisdom. TheDivineGuruisthephilosphersstone Bytouchingwhichthemortalissaved ThedivineGuruistheplaceofpilgrimageandatankofnectar. ByhavingabathinGurusDivine Knowlege,manmeetstheillimitablemaster. ThedivineGuruisthecreatoranddestroyerofallthesins AndthedivineGuruisthepurifieroftheimpure. ThedivineGuruisfromthebegining, Thebegningofagesandineveryage ThedivineGuruisthespellofGodsname Byreaptingwhichthemortalissaved. Mymaster,takepityanduniteme, AfoolandasinerwiththesocietyoftheGuru, Byclingingtowhich, Imayswimacrosstheseaoflife. ThedivineGuru,thetrueGuru, IshimselftheexaltedLordandthe GreatLord.Untothe,golddivineGuru, Nanakmakesanobeisance. ReadthisSalokinthebeginningandattheend. gurdayvmaataagurdayvpitaa gurdayvsuaameeparmaysuraa. gurdayvsakhaaagiaanbhanjan gurdayvbanDhipsahodaraa. gurdayvdaataaharnaamupdaysai gurdayvmantniroDharaa. gurdayvsaaNtsatbuDhmoorat gurdayvpaarasparasparaa. gurdayvtirathamritsarovar gurgiaanmajanapramparaa. gurdayvkartaasabhpaaphartaa gurdayvpatitpavitkaraa. gurdayvaadjugaadjugjug gurdayvmantharjapuDhraa. gurdayvsangatparabhmaylkarkirpaa hammoorhpaapeejitlagtaraa. gurdayvsatgurpaarbarahmparmaysar gurdayvnaanakharnamaskaraa.||I|| (GauriBawanAkhriFifthGuru,page262)

110ANCIENTHISTORYOFRAMPURKHERA(MOUND) Geography TheRampurKheramoundislocatedontheHoshiarpurDasuya,Mukerian&Pathankot(Tahsil headquarterinGurdaspurDistrict,situatedontheAmritsarKangraRoad.Itwasthecapitalofthe PathaniaRajputs,andhasastrategic;importance,being,locatedontheG.T.RoadfromDelhito Jammu&Kashmirandhasmilitarycantonment)road,18milesnorthfromHoshiarpur,abouta milewestfromvillageofMachhian(HadbastNo.44,P.S.Hariana,totallandarea105hectares), fallsundersubtahsilandpolicestationofBhunga.BeforethepartitionofIndia,in1947,this villagewasunderthetahsilofDasuya.Thisancientmoundcanbelocatedintheworldmapat32 5'northand7252'east. Thisoldvillage(mound)issurroundedbyvillageMachhianfromtheeast,Gondpur(Hadbast No.42,P.S.Hariana,totallandarea363hectares)fromthenorth,Bahle(HadbastNo.47, P.S.Hariana,totallandarea172hectares)andvillageTalwandiJattan(HadbastNo.46,P.S.Hariana, totallandarea181hectares)ineast. Actually,themound,accordingtotheGovernmentrevenuerecords,isthepartofGondpurvillage, ownedbytheKalkatJatts.TheBritishGovernment,inthefirstBandobast,fixedthelimitsofall thesevillagesin1853A.D.Todarmal(TodarmalwasKhatriofLahore,RevenueministerandDiwan. MughalKingAkbarappointedhimGovernorofBengal.Hewasthefirstmanwhomeasuredthe wholelandofIndia,dividedamongthepeopleoftheirrespectivelocalitiesandmadethemthe owners,onregularSarkariLagan.HealsohadbuilttheFortofTheRohtas,ontheriverJhelum), therevenueministerofMughalemperorAkbar,basedtheseboundariesonrevenuerecords.In therevenuerecordRampurKheraisshownasBechiraghadesertedvillageoravillagewithout population. LocalHistoryRampurKhera HistoryofRampurKhera(mound)isasoldastheotherancient moundsofIndia.TheyarethestoresofIndiancivilization,culture, religions,architecture&arts. Thearchaeologists,byexcavatingtheoldmoundsofIndia,haddugoutaregularandchronological history.Infact,everythingremainedburiedinthesemounds,keepingeverymaterialintact.Inthe sameway,Iexpect,ifathoroughexcavationcouldbedoneonthismound,wecouldgetmany cluesforlinkingittothepast.BeingafaroffsituationfromDelhiandalsoitssmallersize,nobody gaveaseriousthoughtforitsexcavation.Itcanbesaidwithconfidencethatthismoundmustbe spreadintomorethan300to500acres.Theindicationsarethere,streamsintheeastandother tothewestwererunningthroughouttheyear. Thesestreamsofenoughcleanwaternowdisappearedonaccountoftheconsolidationofthe area,becauserightuptofootofShivalikhills,thelandhasbeenbroughtundercultivation.These twostreamswerethemainsourceforthepeopleandtheiranimalstobefedupon.Ravaging changes,madebynature,fromtimeofimmemorialtimescertainlychangedthetopographyand geographyoftheearth,notonlyinIndiabutalsoallovertheworld. IntheBritishgovernmentrecords,thismoundisnamedasKUHNA,awordofthePersian language,meanstheoldanditisevidentthattheRampurKheramoundisveryoldanditsremains exhibititsantiquity.

TheMoundsofHoshiarpurDistrict Thisisthespiritualbook,soIliketobeconcisebriefandonlythemoundsofthisdistrictsshould brieflybeanaccountedfor.Amongprominentandancient,themoundsofDholwaha(Hadbast No.240.Totalareaofland938hectares.P.S.Thanasar,DistrictHoshiarpur,situatedinthesouth ofKahriSahriVillagesandintheeastofGharialVillage)andAjram(HadbastNo.269.Totalareaof land1118hectares.P.S.ThanaSadar,DistrictHoshiarpur,situatedontheroadleadingfrom HoshiarpurPhagwararoadtoHoshiarpurPathankotroad.BeforethepartitionofIndiain1947,the ownersweretheNauruMuslimRajputs,whowereformerlyHindu)areveryold. NexttothemarethemoundsofDasuya,RampurKheraandZahura(Hadbastno.2.Totalareaof land1315hectares.P.S.ThanaTandaTehsilDasuya,Distt.Hoshiarpur.Situatedatadistanceof about2milestowardsnorthonJalandharPahtankotG.T.Road),thoughZahuramoundisnotvery old.Janaurimoundisequallyveryold.ExcavationsdoneatthemoundsofDholwahaandJanauri havebroughtoutverygoodresults.Seals,stamps,tools,coins,statuesandstupasarefoundwhich throwsufficientlightonthedailylifeofthepeople,from300B.C.tothemoderntimes.If excavationcouldbeextendedtothisancientmound,muchmoreVaariedresultscouldbe expected.However,Iwishmyselftodothat,thoughitwillheonaminorscale.FromAjram mound,noarchaeologicalexcavationbasbeendonesofarbutduringtheheavyrains,theseals, coins,tools,statuescaracusasofmenandanimalsarefoundbelongingtotheMauryan,Guptas, andGreekkings.Zahuramoundcomparativelyseemsnottobeveryold. RampurKhera(Mound) Thismoundhasaseparatestory.AmongalltheancientmoundsofthePunjab,thisparticular mound,isknownascursedmoundUndersomecalamityofnaturetheplacesuddenly disappearedperhapslikeMahenjodaro(OneofthebiggestmoundsintheWorld,issituatedin Distt.Larkana,SubaSindh(Pakistan).Excavationofthismoundwasstartedin1922AD,whichis stillgoingon.Mostofthingsexcavatedarestillintheirorginalform)andneverrehabilitated. Acursefromheavencouldonlyberemovedbyaholysoul.Theplacehasbeenblessed,after manycenturies,duetoSurgvasiSantHarnamSinghJiwhoworshippedhereforhalfacentury. Duringhisausteritiesmanycursedsouls,challengedtheSainttodisturbhimwhilehewasfully absorbedintrueNaam.But,bytheGraceofWaheguruBabaHarnamSinghJiultimately succeeded.Alltheaccursedsoulsleftthismound.TheplaceonceagainbecameaSachKhandan immortalplacebyBabaJianditsnamegotchangedfromtheh(desertedplace)toKhera(a spirituallyblissfulplace). ItwasgreatunfortunatethatalltheoldIndianrecords,preserved,intemples,palacesofthe HinduRajas,weredestroyedunderthestaunchMuslimVandalism.Hadnotbeenthishappened, certainly,wecouldfindaboutthepastofthismound.However,therecordsoftheMuslimperiod arefullyavailable.TheMuslimsaremorehistoricmindedthantheHindus.Akbar,thegreathas beenthefirstrulerofIndiawhogotpreparedandpreservedthefirstGazetteerofIndiainthe formofAinIAkbaribyAbulFazal(SheikAbulFazalAlaamiwasborninthefamilyofSheikh MubarakNagori.HewasthelovableministerofKingAkbar.HewasagreatmasterofArabicand PersianLanguages.Hewasagreathistorianofthattime,whowrotethehistoryofhistimes. AkbarNaamaandAiniAkbariwerehisfamousworks).TheEnglishGovernmentcontinuedthe samestructurewithminormodifications.

InventoftheBritishRule: ThePunjabwasannexedbytheBritish,in1849A.D,buttheregularreformswerestartedin1852. HoshiarpurDistrictwasthefirstonetostartwith.TheEnglishwereintelligent,experiencedin everytrade.TheydidanexcellentworktomakethePunjabmoremodern. Therevenueofficers,whilelimitingtheboundariesofeveryvillageortown,theycalledtheelders oftheplace,onbasesoftheirmaturedexperiencesforinquiringashowtheplace(village)was founded,named. Informationwasenteredintherevenuerecords.Theinformationtheygaveonreligion,prevalent socialtraditionofthatparticularplaceandalsonotedthehistoricalevents,everhappened.They alsoenteredthesubcastesoftheresidents,namesoftheirreligiousplaces.Inthiswaytoday everyvillage&townofIndiafeelsrich,bythepreservationofhisorherheritage.Eventhe pedigreeswereenteredintherevenuerecords. ForthefirsttimewelearnfromtherevenuerecordsofHoshiarpurDistrictaboutRampurKhera (mound)frominformationprovidedbytheeldersattheformationofthelimitsofvillageTalwandi (JattanHadbastNo.46,totallandwas181,hectares,P.S&subtehsilBhunga),whostatedto therevenueofficers,Onthewestofthisvillage,atthedistanceoffourhundredkarmas(one= 66)isatheh(mound),whichisverymeanshauntedbythecursedsoulsandislyinginruins. ThevillageofTalwandi(Jattan)wasinhabitedbyPotteJattan(SubCasteofSikhJattinHoshiarpur Distt.TheyrelatetheirinheriencewiththeSybianKingswhocametoPunjabin100AD.Thereare somevillagesinPakistaninhibitedbyPotteJatts). TheTraditions. Accordingtothelocaltradition,RampurKherawaswellpopulated,beforethe300B.Cbeforethe adventoftheScythians,Bactrians&.Kushanrulers.TherewerefourimportantHinduprincipalities, rulingtheDistrictofHoshiarpur:NandaChaur(Hadbastno.121.Totalarea453Hectares.P.S. Hariana,Distt.Hoshiarpur.IthappenedtobetheCapitalofHinduChanderVanshiRulers.Laterit wasruledbyMuslimNaruRajputs),AlaChaur(Hadbastno.193.Totalarea1723Hectares.P.S. andTehsilBalachaur),BalaChaur(Hadbastno.12.Totalarea772Hectares.P.S.Mahilpur,Tehsil GarhShankar,Distt.HoshiarpurisinhibitedbyRajputs)andGunaChaur,thelastisnowindistrict Jalandhar.Chaur,meanscanopy,orthecrown.Theywerethecontemporariesandverypopular rulersduringtheMahabharatawar. Afterthedefeat,thePandavshadsettledinthisdistrict,duringtheirexileandtheyspentmostof thetimeinDasuya,GardhiwalaRampur(Khera),Dholwaha,NandaChaur,BhamandLasarha(Had bastno.383.TotalArea430Hectares.P.S.andTehsilGarhShankar,Distt.Hoshiarpur). ThePandavsspent13yearsatDasuya,whenViratwastherulerofDasuya,Mukerianandthe adjoiningareas.RajaViratwasnveryreligious,thesaviorofhissubjectsandagreatwarrior. Dasuya,uptilltodayisknownbythenameofViratKiNagariandbythewayofrespectthe residentsofDasuyarememberhimasDevtaRajatillthisday.Thepeopledonoteatordrink.They wouldSayDasuyaViratKiNagriinhonourofRajaVirat. EvenduringtheMughalperiod,thisareacommandedagreatrespect.TillthetimesofAkbar, Hoshiarpur(HeadquartersofDistt.Hoshiarpur.Therearetwoaccountsofthefoundationof Hoshiarpur.Oneisthatabout683yearsbefore,inthetimeofemperorMuhammadTughlakalias

AlafKhanstwoDiwansHargobindandRamchand,withgreatendevours,hadfoundedit. Accordingtotheotherversion,HoshiarKhan,theresidentofBajwara,hadfoundeditafterhis name.TheBritishGovernmentin185253bymakinganembankment,onthenorthsideofthe townhadprotecteditfromthefloodsoftheseasonaltorrentsemergingfromthefootofthe Shivalikhills,whichusedtodestroyeverythingofthisplace.Forthisthirtythousandrupeeswere spent.In1809AD.itwaspartofMaharajaRanJitSinghsTerritory.Misr,RupLalwastheGovernor, whomadeHoshiarpurthecapitalofthisarea)andBajwarha(Hadbastno.355.Totalarea923 Hectares.P.S.Sadar,TehsilandDistt.Hoshiarpur.Asmalltownsituatedatadistanceofaround twoandahalfmilesontheHoshiarpurUnaRoad.InthetimesofMahmudGazanavi,afamous MuslimBajooBorafoundedacityinhisname.Thecitywasspreadover12to18miles.Itwasabig businesscentre.Todarmal,oneoftheministersofAkbar,dividedthiscityintosmallparts.After theanexationofEnglish,BajwarhawasreplacedbyHoshiarpur.AccordingtoAiniAkbari,part2, page320,totalareaofthiscitywas12363Veegga,having24,25,813asGovernmentTax,30Horse Ridersand300pedestrianarmy.MostoftheresidentswereKheraJatts.)hadnotcomeinto existence. TilltheinvasionsofBabarthisarearemainedunderreignsofChanderBansiRajputRulers,who retainedtheirrespectedcheifshipstill1947. MuslimTimes Thoughthemuslimreignstartedin800ADbutbeforethebattleofPanipatin1526AD,thisarea wasruledbyChanderVanshiRajputs.Butslowlythecontroloverthisareastartedincreasingasit wasintheremainingPunjabandIndia. InvasionofAmirTimur1398A.D. AmirTimur,styledSahibIQuran,wasbornatKushinancientSagdanuin.HeconqueredPersia. Baghdad,QandharandnorthernIndiaincludingSindhandAfghanistan.In1398AD.Afterthe conquestofDelhianditsneighboringprovincesheadvancedwithhistroops,throughthevalleyof JaswantocapturethefortofKangra.ItwasatthistimethatthisareaincludingRampurKhera, DholwahaweregreatlyaffectedbyTimurstroops,whofreelylooted,slaughteredtheHindu population. Manymen,womenandchildrenwereenslaved.AtKangraFortallHindutempleswerelooted dismantledburnt,thenheleftforJammu,aftercapturingcash,jewelleryandothervaluable property.HediedonFebruary18,1402ADinhisowncountry.AfterTimur,theKhokharsappear tobethedominanttribeofthisareaandin1421,Jasrath,theirchiefrevoltedagainsttheSaiyed Dynasty,butin1428,Khokharchiefwashimselfdefeatednearlangar.AtthistimeseveralPathan MilitarycoloniesspranguproundaboutRampurMoundandonthebaseoftheShivaliks,justlike BajwaraandtheFortofMalot,threemilestotheeastofHariana(31.038'northand72.052'east) foundedinthereignofBahlolLodhi,byaPathanrulerofthatarea,wasDaulatKhanLodhisstrong holdwhichcertainlyplayedagreatrole,duringtheMughalemperorBabarsinvasion.Inthis connectionRampurKherabecameoneofthemostimportantplacesofIndianhistory.Hence BabarselectedRampurmoundasanechelonplace,beingstrategic. Babar15201530 BabarwasthefirstinvaderwhofollowedadifferentwaytocaptureDelhi:Beforehimallthe invadersadvancedonDelhivia,DipalpurPakpattan,Sunam,SamanaandHansibutBabarInvaded IndiabyhavingtheprotectionoftheShivalikhills.

BabarwrotehimselfinTuzekiBabari(biography),asunder: ApersoncameonOctober18,1526toSialkotfromtheLahorebegstosaytheywouldarriveearly nextmorningtowaitonme.(Dec.30th)Marchingearlynextday(RabiI.15th),wedismountedat parsrur9.ThereMuh.AliJangjang,KhwajaHusseinandseveralbraveswaitedonme.Asthe enemyscampseemedtobeonLahoresideoftheRavi,wesentmenoutunderBujkafornews. Nearthethirdwatchofthenighttheybroughtwordthattheenemy,onhearingofushadfled,no manlookingtoanother.(Dec.31st)Gettingearlytohorseandleavingbaggageandtraininthe chargeofShahMirHusseinandJanBeg,webestirredourselves.WereachedKalanaurin GurdaspurDistrictintheafternoonandtheredismounted.MuhammadSultanMirzaandAdil Sultancametowaitonmethere,togetherwithsomeofthebegs.(Jan.1st1526Ad.)Wemarched earlyfromKalanur10.OntheroadpeoplegaveusalmostcertainnewsofGaziKhan11andother fugitives. Accordinglywesent,flyingafterthosefliers,thecommandersMuhammad,Ahmadi,Qutluq qadam,TreasurerWaliandmostofthosebegswho,inKabul,hadrecentlybentthekneefortheir begship.Sofaritwassettled.Thatitwouldbegoodindeediftheycouldovertakeandcapturethe fugitives;andthat,iftheywerenotabletodothis,theyweretokeepcarefulwatchroundthefort of(Malot),soastopreventthoseinsidefromgettingoutandaway.GhaziKhanwastheobjectof thiswatch. CaptureofMalot (Jan2ndand3rd)Afterstartingthosebegsahead,wecrossedtheBiaswater(Beas)opposite Kanwahinanddismounted.FromtherewemarchedtothefootofthevalleyofFortMalot,making twonighthaltsontheway.FromTuzekiBabariandothercontemporaryaccounts,evidently RampurKheramoundwasselectedashisechelontoarrayhistroopstofightagainstAfghan confederacytodefeatBabar.RampurKheramoundwasthemostprotectedplace,wherehis horsestookwaterandenoughfodder,andarestingplaceaswellassafe.Fromherethetroops hadadvancedtocapturethefortofMalot.Thebegswhohadarrivedbeforeus,andalsothoseof Hindustaniwereorderedtodismountinsuchawayastobesiegetheplaceclosely.Agrandsonof DaulatKhan,sonofhiseldestsonAIiKhan,IsmailKhanbyname,cameoutofMalottoseeme;he tookbackpromisemingledwiththreat,kindnesswithmenace. (Jan.5th)OnFriday(Rabil.21st)Imovedcampforwardtowithinamileofthefort,wentmyselfto examinetheplace,postedright,leftandcenter,thenreturnedtocamp.DaulatKhansentto representtomethatGhaziKhanhadfledintothehillsandthat,ifhisownfaultswerepardoned, hewouldtakeservicewithmeandsurrenderMalot.KhwajaMirimiranwassenttochasefear fromhisheartandtoescorthimout;hecame,andwithhimhissonAIiKhan.Ihadorderedthat thetwoswordshehadgirttohiswaisttofightmewith,shouldbehungfromhisneck.Wassucha rusticblockheadpossible?Withthingsastheywere,hestillmadepretensions.Whenhewas broughtalittleforward,Iorderedtheswordstoberemovedfromhisneck.Atthetimeofour seeingoneanotherhehesitatedtokneel;Iorderedthemtopullhislegandmakehimdoso.Ihad himseatedquiteinfront,andorderedapersonwellacquaintedwithHindustanitointerpretmy wordstohim,oneafter,another.SaidIThusspeak:IcalledtheeFather.Ishowedtheemore honourandrespectthanthoucouldsthaveasked.Theeandthysons.Isavedfromdoortodoor lifeamongsttheBaluchis.ThyfamilyandthyharemfreedfromIbrahimssprisonhouse.Three krorsIgavetheeonTatarKhanslands.WhatillsayestthouIhavedonethee,thatthusthou shouldhangaswordonthyeitherside.Leadanarmyout,fallonlandsofours,andstirstrifeand

trouble?Dumbfounded,theoldmanstutteredafewwords,buthegavenoanswer,norindeed couldanswerbegiventowordssosilencing.HewasorderedtoremainwithKhwajaMirmiran. (Jan.6th)OnSaturdaythe22ndofthefirstRabi,Iwentmyselftosafeguardtheexitofthefamilies andharemsfromthefort,dismountingonariseoppositetheGateforthepurposeofpreserving thehonourOftheAfghansandbysodoing,enabledthefamilies,intheforttogetoutofitsafely. TometherecameAliKhanandmadeofferingofafewashrafis.Peoplebegantobringoutthe familiesjustbeforetheOtherPrayer.ThoughGhaziKhanwasreportedtohavegotaway,there werewhosaidtheyhadseenhiminthefort.Forthisreasonseveralofthehouseholdandbraves werepostedattheGate,inordertopreventhisescapebyaruse,fortogetawaywashisfull intention.Moreoverifjewelsandothervaluableswerebeingtakenawaybystealth,theywereto beconfiscated.IspentthatnightinatentpitchedontheriseinfrontoftheGate. (Jan.7th)Earlynextmorning,MuhammadiAIi,Ahmadi,SultanJunaid,AbdulAzizAliJangjang andQutluqqadamwereorderedtoenterthefortandtakepossessionofalleffects.Astherewas muchdisturbanceattheGate.Ishotoffafewarrowsbywayofchastisement.Humayunsstory teller(qissakhwan)wasstruckbythearrowofhisdestinyandatoncesurrenderedhislife. (Jan.7thand8th)Afterspendingtwonightsontherise,inspectedthefortofMalotnearHariana.I wentintoGhaziKhansbookroom.Whowasalearnedandapoet,someofthepreciousthings foundinit,IgavetoHumayun,somesenttoKamran(inQandhar).Thereweremanybooksof learnedcontents,butnotsomanyvaluableonesashadatfirstappeared.Ipassedthatnightin thefort;nextmorningIwentbacktocamp,theRampurmound.(Jan.9th)Ithadbeeninour mindsthatGhaziKhanwasinthefort,buthe,amandevoidofnicesenseofhonour,hadescapein thehills,abandoningother,brethrenandsistersinMalotfort (Jan.10th)LeavingthatcamponWednesday,wemovedtowardstheShivalikhillstowhichGhazi Khanhadfled.Whenwedismountedinthevalleybottomtwomilesfromthecamp,DilawarKhan cameandwaitedonmeDaulatKhan,AIiKhanand.IsmailKhan,withotherchiefs,weregiveninto KittaBegschargewhowastoconveythemtotheBhinfortofMalotontheSaltRangein32042' northand710X50';eastandtherekeepguardoverthem.InagreementwithDilawarKhan, bloodransomwasfixedforsomewhohadbeenmadeovereachtooneman;somegavesecurity, somewerekeptprisoner.DaulatKhandiedwhenKittaBegreachedSultanpurwiththeprisoners. DaulatKhandiedinthetown,whichhehadmadehimself.Malotwasgivenintothechargeof Muh.AliJangjangwho,pledginghisownlifeforit,lefthiselderbrotherArghunandapartyof bravesinit.Abodyoffrom200to250Afghanswastoldofftoreinforcehim.Afterdefeatingthe AfghansatthefortofMalot,hehurriedlyconsolidatedtheaffairs,ofthispartofIndia.Hesentthe library,Books,jewelleryandothervaluablearticles,ladenonhorses,camelsandmulestohisson MirzaKamranwhomhehadalsoappointedthegovernorofLahoreprovince.TheFortofMalot wasgiventohisyoungestson,MirzaAskari,andheadvancedtowardsDelhi:throughtheDon valleyoftheShivalikhills,reachedRoperandbeganpreparationofcaptureDelhi. Rampur(Khera),anEchelon TworegimentsofMughaltroopsstationed,atRampurKherabeforetheattackonthefortof Malotasreinforcement,lateraccompaniedMirzaKamantoLahore.ItwashereatRampurKhera thatallthelocalMuslimchiefsgreetedMirzaKamantocongratulatehimfortheMughalvictory. LateralltheseMuslimNaruRajputchiefsofHariana,DholwahaShamChourasi,Nandachour, UrmurTandaChautalaandothers,accompaniedMirzaKamrantoseehimoffandwentwithhis retinueuptotheriverofBeas.WhenBairamKhan,theprimeministerofAkbarrevoltedagainst

hismaster,thetroopsfoughtagainsttherival,whosurrenderedtotheRoyalforcesatTalwara. Accordingtothetraditionandcontemporaryrecords.BairamKhanstationedatRampurKhera mound,andthroughprayers,hemorallypreparedhimselftobegpardonfromAkbar.Alandof soldiers,tookBairamKhan,fromthismoundtopresenthimtoemperorAkbar,whowasstationed atHariana.Akbarpardonedhimandtreatedhimrespectfully&affectionately. SikanderKhan,whohadrevoltedagainstAkbar,wasinthevicinityofPathankot.Hewasalso defeated,nearhere,whenAkbarwithhistroopshadfollowedthefugitive,fromPathankothaving ashortstayatRampurKhera,reachedHariana.WhereAkbarheardthesadnewsofhisfathers death.AkbarwascrownedatHariana,fromwhere,headvancedtoLahoreandonthewayat Kalanaurofficial,coronationofAkbartookplace. EmperorJahangiratRampur(Khera) WhenJahangirsmilitarywasbusytodismantletheHindustempleatKangratheemperorhad startedonhistourofJammuandKashmir,in1613A.D.TheRoyalcampreachedHarianabuthein campedatRampurKheramound.ItwasherethatlocalMuslimchiefsothersmethimwithsome complaints.Theyweregreetedwithgracedandwellredressedwithfulljustice.Theemperor increasedtheendowmentsfortheMuslimshere.JahangirhadhiscamphereatRampurKhera whenmanysarkaripatchesweregiventomanypeople,makingthemmastersoftheirland. AmongthemtheKalkatJatsofvillageGondpurwerealsograntedthepatta. TheSikhRule17341849 DuringtheMislsperiod,17341799theSikhchiefswiththeirsoldiersandhorsesfrequented RampurKherawheretheyoftenencampedfortherationingandforpreparationofbattles.All aroundittherewasmuchfodderforthehorses,cleanwaterflowinginthetorrentialstreams. Thiswastheplacewheretheenemycouldnothaveaneasyaccess;duringthisperiodSardar MansaSinghSahotaofGardhiwalahadestablishedhimasachieftainofthisarea.Inthisperiod FaizalpuriaSardarhadgivenacrushingdefeattotheMuslimChiefofPatti,whowaschastisingthe Sikh,SardarKaroraSinghoftheKaroraSinghiamislpossessedHarianaandShamChorasi.Sardar MehtabSinghgrandsonofSardarMansaSinghSahotaofGardhiwalajoined.TheAhluwaliaMisl andbecameaninfluentialSardarofthisarea.ButdiedfightingbravelyagainstRajaSansarChand ofKangra,inthebattleofDarolikalan,P.S.Adampur.SansarChandhadtorunawayfromthefield. TheoriginalresidentsofvillageBahleleftthevillageduetofaminepovertyandsettled somewhereelse.ThisdesertedvillagewasgivenlandbyaSardarofGardhiwalatoNanarJatts, whoarenowtheownersofthevillageBapuBootaSingh;apensionerfromtheBritishIndianArmy ofthisvillagewasHakimofgreatreputation,whowasthepermanentphysicianofSantBaba HarnamSinghJi,thefounderofGurdwaraofRampurKhera.AnarAllah.Barhamna. SardarBaghelSingh,foraconsiderableperiodmadeRampurKherahiscantonment.Duringthe Misalperiod,theMuslimsofthesurroundingareasuppliedrationstotheSikhsoldiers,who campedhereandalsofoddertotheirhorses. BritishPeriod18491947 DuringtheBritishPeriodRampurKheramoundwaspopularinthisareaMr.ThomasBeale travelledin1829AD.FromDelhitoSrinagar,passingthroughPanipat,Karnal,AmbalaBanur, Ropar,Garhshankar,Hoshiarpur,Hariana,Gardhiwala,Dasuya,MukerianandPathankot.He submittedcomprehensivereportsofhisjourneytotheGovernorGeneralatDelhi.Whichatthe

timewaskeptastopsecret,butlateraftertheannexationofPunjabbytheBritishGovernment,it wasmadepublic.OnecopyofthemanuscriptisalsoavailableatthePunjabstate. Archive,Patiala.Mr.Bealeshasdescribedeveryplaceinadetail.AboutRampurKherahewrote, RampurmoundisasmallplacesituatedontheleftsideofthemainroadbetweenHarianaand Gardhiwala.Itisverypicturesquecoveredwithfullgreengrassandmangotreesandrunning streamsoffreshwatertotheeastandthewest.ThepeoplesayitisaSagtatheh,wherethe peopledonotgenerallygo,beingafraidofuncleansouls,whoremainthere.Thepeopledonot andcannotstaythere,duringthenight,butitremainedoftenthemilitarycampingground,since thetimeimmemorial.Itwasaveryhighmoundbutduetothemanycampingground,fromtime totimehadreduceditinsizeandheight. Dr.BakhsishSinghNijjarP.E.S.(1) DirectorPunjabStateArchives(Retd.) M.APhD(History) M.AM.O.I.(Persian) M.AHons.(Punjabi) D.P.E.WiltonLahore Member,IndianHistoricalRecordsCommission