Bhai Soma Shah

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Dhan Guru Ramdas Sahib jee was doing kaar-sewa of sarovar at Siri Harmandir Sahib - Siri Amritsar Sahib. A lot of sangat used to do sewa in digging the sarovar and doing other kind of sewa. Soma Arora used to to sell ghunganiyaan (a kind of snack) to residents of Siri Amritsar Sahib and this way made his living.

One day in the evening Guru Sahib saw him and asked him how much vattee (profit) he had made. He came over to Guru Sahib and did matha tek and with extreme humility answered Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib asked him to hand over his all day’s earnings. Soma did not hesitate for a bit and placed all he had at the charan of Dhan Guru Ramdas Sache Paatshah jee.

Soma was a very poor person and met his ends with great difficulty. Second day too, Guru Sahib asked him how much he had earned and asked him to give all his earnings to him. Guru Sahib kept doing this for 5 days. Soma who was always broke, did not have any doubts on Guru Sahib. He trusted Guru Sahib one hundred percent and believed that Guru Sahib knows better.

On the sixth day, Soma saw Guru Sahib at the Sarovar looking at the sangat doing sewa, with full Kirpa-Drishtee (gaze of grace). This time Soma did not wait for Guru Sahib to ask for the money but he came, matha tekked Guru Sahib and placed all his earning at the lotus feet of Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib, who was only testing Soma, was extremely pleased at Soma and said, "Ajj asee laina nahi, kuchh dena hai. Ajj taun tu Soma nahi, Soma Shah hoiya" (Shah means very rich person).

Guru Sahib’s bachan of calling Soma, Soma Shah, forced the abundant force of Vaheguru’s power to come in action. Within days Soma became a shah. He became a shah of not only money but also of Naam.

This is a great saakhi and we can learn a lot from this. We all know that all that we have has been given to us by Satguru but yet when it is our turn to do some sewa or give back something to Guru Sahib or his panth, we find thousand reasons not to do so. We become selfish. May Guru Sahib give us the wisdom of Bhai Soma Shah.

Source

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sant Baba Jawala Singh Ji and Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

K Kaur sent me this sakhi today:

Once Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Bhindranwale went to Harkhowal to see Sant Baba Jawala Singh Ji.
They were going Vichar when suddenly tears began to flow from Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji’S eyes. Sant Jawala Singh Ji saw this and asked "Sant Ji Tusi Udaas Kathaie Ho? (Why are you sad Sant Ji?)

Sant Jawala Singh Ji then said we were together in our past life, we are together in this life and we will be together in our next life. I will do Langar di seva and you will spread the Vidiya.
The reason why tears began to flow from Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji's eyes was because Sant Baba Jawala Singh Ji was about to go back home to Sachkhand. Sant Baba Jawala Singh Ji knew why Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji was shedding tears so in Bairaag bachan by Sant Baba Jawala Singh Ji was given to Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Preaching Sikhi?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Hopefully in the next few posts I will be able to write a bit about Sant Jawala Singh Ji's amazing jeevan which till today still inspires hundreds of thousands of people to walk on this beautiful path of Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Bhai Bela Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Bhai Bela Ji was a Gursikh during the times of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He came to Guru Ji and asked if he could stay at Anandpur Sahib. Guru Ji consented so long as Bhai Bela agreed to partake in Seva. He was asked what form of Seva he wished to partake in, such as, langar seva, recite Bani or join the Guru’s army and fight in the battlefield. Bhai Bela replied that he could not cook, read Gurbani or knew how to use shashtars. Thus Guru Ji assigned Bhai Bela Ji the duty of looking after the horses and their stables. At the same time Bhai Bela Ji would be taught Gurbani by Guru Ji.

Guru Ji started by teaching Bhai Bela Ji one line of the JapJi Sahib per day. Bhai Bela Ji would spend his whole day, whilst fulfilling his daily chores, repeating that same line. The following morning he would recite it back to Guru Ji to make sure that he had memorised it correctly, and thus he could progress and go on to learn the next line.

One day, Bhai Bela Ji came to Guru Ji ready for his next lesson. However Guru Ji was busy and was preparing to go out. Just as Guru Ji was about to leave, Bhai Bela Ji got in the way saying, “Guru Ji, I am ready for my next lesson. I want to learn the next line of JapJi Sahib.” Guru Gobind Singh Ji replied, “Bhai Bela, na vakhat veecharai naa veyla” meaning, “Bhai Bela, you are not considering the circumstances I am in; I am busy and must go out.”

Yet Bhai Bela Ji was so innocent and obedient, that he understood Guru Ji’s comment to be the next line of the JapJi Sahib and spent his whole day practising the phrase. When the other Sevadaars heard Bhai Bela Ji, they started laughing and began mocking him. But Bhai Bela Ji ignored them and continued reciting the phrase, eager to learn it well so that he could please Guru Ji the next morning by reciting it correctly.

The following morning when Bhai Bela Ji went to meet Guru Ji, the rest of the Sevadaars had gathered there as well. They wanted to see Guru Ji get angry with Bhai Bela Ji for incorrectly reciting the JapJi Sahib. However, when Bhai Bela Ji recited the line “Bhai Bela, na vakhat veecharai naa veyla,” Guru Ji instead got up and embraced Bhai Bela Ji.

Guru Ji said, “this is what a true Sikh is. He does not allow his own intelligence to get in the way of his Guru’s words. He believes his Guru’s Bachan to be 100% true and does not consider his own intellect to be above that of his Guru’s.”

Too often we judge ourselves to be cleverer and more knowledgeable than our Guru. Bhai Bela Ji sacrificed himself entirely to the Guru’s words. He was so innocent, subservient and obedient that he placed his faith entirely in the Guru’s Bachan, forsaking his own mind and intellect.

May Guru Ji bless us with such pyaar, sharda and faith to forever live according to His Hukam, which is conveyed to us through His Shabad.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Seva from Akaal Purakh's hands

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

On another occasion Sant Gyani Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale had sent some Singhs to go and deliver justice to a dusht of the panth. As these Singhs were going to do their seva they ran into Baba Ji. At this time Baba Ji was doing seva in the langar hall. When Baba Ji saw the Singhs walking he called out to them. Hearing Baba Ji’s call the Singhs came and exchanged their Fateh with him.
Baba Ji then began to tell the Singhs that they weren’t many sevadaars around to serve langar to the sangat. The Singhs knew Baba Ji was indirectly asking them to help him do this seva.

These Singhs in a collective voice told Baba Ji that they would love to help but Sant Ji had already given them seva to do. When Baba Ji heard this he smiled and did an ardas that the Singhs would be successful. With a smile on his face he then told the Singhs to go.

When Sant Ji found out about what had happened he immediately called these Singhs. Sant Ji then said the following to the Singhs:

‘I am no one; I am a dog, but Baba Ji, he embodies the light of Akaal Purakh himself. I don’t care if you don’t listen to me, but please whatever you do don’t go against what Baba Ji tells you. When a Brahmgyani gives you seva to do it is just like Akaal Purakh blessing you with that seva.’

That same Baba Ji who Sant Ji called the light of Akaal Purakh is today being branded a liar by so many ‘Sikhs’. But such is the world we live in and such is the state of our fallen Panth.
On a side note:

How many times do we ask Maharaj to bless us with seva/simran?
How many of these chances do we take?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Love between Gurmukhs

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa used to have a very unique relationship with Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa. It was a relationship based completely on love.
Sant Ji always used to consult Baba Ji on many different matters. When Baba Ji and Sant Ji would speak very few could comprehend what they were talking about. Baba Ji and Sant Ji lived on a separate plane reserved specially for those beloved Gurmukhs who had already reached the feet of Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.

One time during the Dharam Yudh Morcha, Sant Ji had a very serious look on his face. He kept pacing up and down a room he was in as his mind was lost in thought. There were several Singhs who were sat on the floor. They clutched their weapons in their hands as they awaited the orders of Sant Ji.

Just as it looked like Sant Ji was about to speak, the doors of the room opened and Baba Ji walked into the room. As soon as Sant Ji saw Baba Ji his face lit up as he began to smile. Sant Ji in that single moment seemed to forget everything as he hurried towards Baba Ji.

When Sant Ji got close to Baba Ji he quickly bent down to touch Baba Ji’s feet. As Sant Ji did this he felt someone touch his legs. Sant Ji immediately lifted his head up to see who it was. As he did this he was greeted with Baba Ji’s eternal smiling face. Both Brahmgyanis stood there for a few seconds looking and smiling at each other with their hands firmly pressing against each other’s feet. Neither Baba Ji nor Sant Ji wanted to be the first person to let go. In the end as they both stood up straight, they held each others hands and embraced one another.

May Maharaj do his kirpa and bless us with such love for each and every person in this world.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Baba Ji's Second Barsi

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sant Gyani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale had also asked Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa, who had spent 22 years with Sant Ji to return home with him.

But Baba Ji humbly told Sant Ji that he wanted to stay a bit longer so that he could serve Guru Sahib’s Khalsa. Sant Ji smiled at Baba Ji and told him that he could return home whenever he pleased. It was through the bachan of Sant Ji that Baba Ji managed to overcome countless life threatening situations. Death simply could not touch this beloved Gursikh of Guru Sahib.

After spending 89 years in this temporary world Baba Ji eventually chose to go back to his home at the feet of Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj on the 24th of December 2004.

I was going to write about the relationship (through a few more sakhis) that Baba Ji had with Sant Gyani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale, Sant Gyani Baba Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale and Sant Gyani Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale but what can you say perfection itself?

Dhan Dhan Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Respect for Gurbani

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

When Baba Ji was only a few years old everyone in his village noticed he was different from ordinary children. Instead of spending time talking or playing Baba Ji would immerse himself in Seva and in Naam Simran 24 hours a day.

One time as the children were playing outside some villagers saw Baba Ji carrying some planks of wood. They began to wonder what Baba Ji was doing.

Using a few tools he had borrowed from someone Baba Ji started to work on the wood he had bought while constantly keeping the name of Akaal Purakh on his lips. After a few days Baba Ji had finished his work and the villagers who were watching what Baba Ji was doing saw that he had made a Manji Sahib.

Baba Ji took this Manji Sahib into his house and placed a new cloth on it along with a new Rumalla Sahib. When he had done this he placed his gutka on the throne. Baba Ji also made a Chaur Sahib.

After preparing some sweets with the help of Mata Prem Kaur Ji, Baba Ji called out to all the children in the village to come to his house. They were curious as to what Baba Ji had been doing, so almost all the children who heard Baba Ji’s call went to his house. As they entered Baba Ji’s house he asked them to remove their shoes and wash their hands, feet and faces with water that he had brought in a jug. He then took them inside and told them to bow before their Guru. After all the children had done darshan of Guru Sahib and had spent some time reciting Gurbani, Baba Ji began to distribute the sweets his mother and him had prepared to all the children.

This is how much respect for Gurbani beloved Sikhs of Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj have.

Narrated by Bhai Harjeet Singh Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Mukhon Satnam Bolda

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Teg bahaadar see kri-aa
Karee na kinahoo(n) aan

No one else had ever done such a noble deed,
as the self sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadar

Theekar for dilees sir
Prabh pur keeyaa payaan

He broke his earthly vessel on the head of Aurangzeb
and showed the path to the Abode of Waheguru.

Teg Bahaadar ke chalat
Bhayo Jagat Ko Sok

When Guru Tegh Bahadar left the body,
a great sadness welled up in the world.

Hai hai hai sabh jag bhayo
Jai jai jai sur lok

"Alas, Alas" rose the cries from the whole world,
while "Glory, Glory" cried the saintly beings.



Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Raaj n chaaho mukath n chaaho man preeth charan kamalaarae

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Bhai Dyaala Ji along with Bhai Mati Daas Ji and Bhai Sati Daas Ji were the most prominent Sikhs of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Bhai Dyaala Ji had 12 brothers and his younger brother was the famous Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji. He was the second brother out of his 12 brothers after Bhai Jetha Ji. Bhai Mani Singh was the third son.
Bhai Dyaala Ji first came to the service of Sri Guru Har Rai Ji and then served Sri Guru Harkrishen Sahib Ji. During the reign of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Dyaala Ji was appointed to the envious position of “Gharbaari Diwaan”. This meant that he was given the responsibility of taking care of Guru Ji’s family and other such personal needs, while Maharaj used to go on preaching journeys. When Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj was born in Patna Sahib, Bhai Dyaala Ji was taking care of the whole family there. He had the overall responsibility of Guru Sahib’s mehal.

The spiritual life of Bhai Sahib Ji was matchless. He was a player of very high spiritual stages. He totally dedicated his life for the Chardee Kala of the Panth. Guru Sahib had declared in writing, Bhai Dyaala Ji to be “Guru daa putt” i.e. son of the Guru.

When Sri Guru Sahib was arrested in Agra, he along with his 3 Sikhs was taken to Delhi. Before martyring them, they were tortured and other means were used to derail them from Gurmat, but they stayed firm.

Bhai Dyaala Ji attained shaheedi in a unique way. A large pot was filled with water and fire was ignited underneath. Bhai Sahib was made to sit in the pateela. As the water got hot, Bhai Sahib Ji stayed calm. In the end, Bhai Sahib was boiled alive. Bhai Sahib Ji left for Sachkhand with Naam in his heart and on his lips. He stayed merged in Naam to his last breath.
Dhan Dhan Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji Maharaj’s beloved Sikhs - Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dyaala Ji spurned all the lucrative offers of wealth, power and status and sacrificed everything worldly for the pleasure of their Beloved Satguru Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. They embraced martyrdom one after the other, radiating the divine glory of Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj which is bestowed upon a chosen few.

These divine lovers of Satguru Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj were martyred in the holy presence of their beloved King of Kings. These love-smitten Sikhs of the Guru sailed in an ocean of Bliss despite being brutally tortured to death, because for them one spark of Love and Grace from the Loving and Holy glance of their beloved Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was more precious than all the Kingdoms of both Earth and Heaven.

Raaj n chaaho mukath n chaaho man preeth charan kamalaarae
I do not seek power, and I do not seek liberation. My mind is in love with Your Lotus Feet.

There is a sakhi about Dhan Dhan Bhai Dyaala Ji which has a similar moral to the one given in the post below. I will try and write this story in the next few weeks.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

ਗੁਰੂ ਸਮੁੰਦੁ ਨਦੀ ਸਭਿ ਸਿਖੀ ਨਾਤੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Bhai Mati Das came from a Brahman family from the village Kariala in the district of Jhelum (Pakistan). He was the eldest son of Bhai Praga. His grandfather, Mahatma Gautam Das, used to be a deeply religious man of noble, saintly character. He was loved and respected by all, Hindus and Muslims alike. Bhai Praga was a strong stalwart. He had the body and the strength of a giant.

He embraced the Sikh faith during Guru Har Gobind's time. He lived the life of a true Sikh. His life was a model for others. He was a prominent saint-soldier of Guru Har Gobind's. He took a hero's part in Guru Har Gobind's battle. He had four sons: Bhai Mati Das, Sati Das, Jati Das and Sakhi Das. Bhai Mati Das was as strongly built as his father, Bhai Praga. He was a dear, devout disciple of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He actually practiced what he believed and professed. Guru Tegh Bahadur made him his diwan. He had to look after the income and expenditure of the Guru's darbar.

Along with Guru Sahib, Bhai Mati Das was also arrested, chained and imprisoned. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji Maharaj at that time had been put in a cage that was so small that it only allowed Guru Sahib to stand. Guru Sahib could not sit down or move about. He was kept in this cage for days on end.

When Bhai Mati Das Ji saw the plight of his beloved Guru tears of blood began to flow from his heart. Bhai Sahib humbly approached Guru Sahib and asked Maharaj to give him hukam of destroying each and every single brick in Dehli and Lahore so that the whole world would know of the power of the King of Kings. Guru Sahib listening to this request and smiled at his beloved Sikh. Maharaj then told Bhai Mati Das Ji not to worry as everything which was happening was in accordance with the sweet will of Akaal Purakh.

Bhai Mati Das Ji was full of love for Guru Sahib. Whenever he saw his King in pain he felt like a fish which had been removed from the ocean. The sight of the King of the World suffering broke Bhai Mati Das Ji’s heart and he became very upset despite Guru Sahib’s reassurances.

One day Guru Sahib told Bhai Mati Das Ji to bring some water, not from the local taps but from the river Yamuna. As Bhai Mati Das Ji made his way to the river he began to think of the different reasons as to why Guru Sahib had asked him to travel so far to bring water when there was already so much water available locally. Bhai Mati Das Ji was under the impression that Guru Sahib didn’t want him to see the pain of the world that his king was taking on himself. As a result of this many thoughts began to flash through Bhai Mati Das Ji’s mind, but as Guru Sahib had given hukam, Bhai Mati Das being a Gursikh followed Maharaj’s will to the best of his ability.
Bhai Mati Das Ji quickly made his way to the Yumana River. As soon as Bhai Sahib got there he filled a bucket with crystal clear water and placed the bucket on his head as he turned around and stated to run back to his beloved Guru.

As soon as Bhai Sahib made it back to the cage Maharaj was kept in he bowed before the King of Kings and humbly offered the water he had brought to Guru Sahib. Guru Ji touched Bhai Mati Das’s head and with a smile on his face he told Bhai Sahib to go and return this water back to the river from which he had brought it. Bhai Mati Das Ji bowed before his King once again and as he ran back to the river.

As soon as Guru Sahib had given this second hukam, Bhai Sahib’s mind became certain that Guru Ji was making him go to the river in an effort to keep him away from Maharaj. Despite this Bhai Sahib obeyed Guru Sahib’s hukam as he hurried back to the river to return the water he had taken. Upon returning to the cage Guru Sahib was kept in Bhai Mati Das bowed once again and kissed the feet of his King.

Guru Sahib then asked Bhai Mati Das Ji if he had understood what Guru Ji was trying to tell him. Bhai Mati Das Ji with tears in his eyes said that he understood why Guru Ji was giving all these hukams, ‘it’s because you don’t want me to see all the pain which you are facing.’

Guru Ji smiled and told Bhai Mati Das Ji that he was trying to teach him something else. Bhai Mati Das Ji looked at Guru Sahib and asked him to tell him what he had missed. Guru Ji smiled at Bhai Mati Das Ji and asked him, ‘Did the Yamuna River dry up after you took some water out of it? Did the Yamuna River start flooding when you returned the water you had taken?’

Bhai Mati Das Ji became confused and he asked his king how could a river dry up or begin to flood when only a little bit of water was taken and returned to it? Guru Sahib smiled and said:

ਗੁਰੂ ਸਮੁੰਦੁ ਨਦੀ ਸਭਿ ਸਿਖੀ ਨਾਤੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥

That Guru is like a samundar and his Sikhs are like the rivers which flow back into their source- the samundar. So stay like a river which doesn’t start flooding when some water is added to it, rather watch this play of Akaal Purakh himself.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Dhan Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Divas

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Dhan Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji. There isn’t enough ink, or paper or pens to praises this beloved Sahibzada of Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj.

Many people come into this world and vow to die for a cause. But Baba Ji’s jeevan was such that instead of vowing to die he had vowed to live until his mission was accomplished. Rather than writing Baba Ji's jeevani in this post, I will only focus on his shaheedi and the events which led up to it.

As news filtered through Punjab of the desecration of Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib, Sikh hearts began to cry tears of blood. The world stood quiet as this ghastly act took place. The Earth and the Sky readied themselves for the Khalsa’s swift response as time itself had stood witness to the fact that no matter how few Sikhs were left they would always pick up their arms to fight against tyranny.

The land of Punjab stood in a state of stillness as Baba Ji sat at Sri Damdama Sahib immersed in Naam Simran. Baba Deep Singh Ji finally got up and taking the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his lips and carrying the Khanda of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in his hands came out of his tent.

Suddenly a stir beginning from where Baba Ji was standing, and running like a wave along the line, it brought the Khalsa to its feet. A silence fell on everyone at once, for each felt that the momentous `now' had come to stand up to those who had dared to blemish the house of God.

This decision of Baba Deep Singh Ji was flashed from village to village in the Malwa belt. The fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters of the Khalsa Panth rose up in large numbers and answered this valiant call of Baba Ji by placing their services at his disposal.

The army of Akaal Purakh adorned themselves with his colours, and picked up his weapons, and sung his praises as they began to march towards their guru and his house.

When these beloved Sikhs of Guru Sahib reached Taran Taaran Sahib they bathed in the holy Sarover. Baba Deep Singh Ji then took the Khanda of Guru Gobind Singh Ji out from its scabbard and drew a line through the earth.

Baba Ji in a loud voice addressed the Ladlee Fauj of Guru Sahib as follows, “Whoever fears for their life, whoever has any attachment, whoever does not want to walk towards their guru with their head held in the palm of their hand can turn around and go back to their homes. Whoever has love for their guru and for sikhi should step forward and cross this line, but beloved Khalsa of Guru Gobind Singh Ji once we cross this line there will be no turning back. There will be no rest and there will be no food or water or any of our loved ones. There is only death past this line. To liberate Sri Darbar Sahib every Sikh who steps over this line will have to give all their blood to this cause. We will make a river of blood which will drown these tyrants and wash them away from our land forever.”

As soon as Baba Ji had finished all the Singhs began to run across the line. Baba Ji then led the sangat in an ardas to Guru Sahib. The Singhs asked Maharaj to bless this marriage of theirs and to prepare for them as they readied themselves to return to his kingdom. During this ardas Baba Ji made a vow that no matter how much blood he would spill, no matter how many times he would be cut, no matter how many arrows pierced his body, no matter how much pain he had to endure, he would not become shaheed until SachKhand Sri Darbar Sahib was liberated and its sanctity restored.

As the ardas concluded all the Singhs bellowed Jaikaray and began to sing, “Jo to praym khaylan ka chaao, sir dhar talee galee mayree aao.” (Those who wish to play the game of love, come to me with your head in your palm.)

“It maarag pair dhareejai, sir deejai kaan na keejai.” (If you wish your feet to travel this path, don't delay in accepting to give your head.)

As Jaikarays thundered through Punjab, the world shook and the Afghan spies quickly sent reports to Jahan Khan that a blue and saffron wave of steel was pouring towards Amritsar. At once 20,000 Afghan troops were mobilised and dispatched towards Taran Taraan Sahib in an attempt to crush the brave hearts of Punjab.

As the Afghan army reached the village of Goharwal, they saw the blue and saffron uniforms of the Khalsa appearing amongst the trees. As they watched the approach of this wave the numbers began to increase, and the field of blue and saffron grew larger and larger until it seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see, and from the tops of the hills down to the edges of the stream gathered the Ladlee Fauj of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Nishaan Sahibs were furling and the beat of nagaaraas was echoing throughout the skies.

Upon seeing the Afghan army the Singhs vied to go ahead of each other to drink the nectar of martyrdom. The Singhs charged forward and met the Afghan Forces in a fierce battle 5 miles away from Amritsar. They fell upon the Afghans like a lion on a deer, despite the fact that they were hopelessly outnumbered. The Khalsa fought with such potency that the Afghans slain lay in rows precisely as they had stood in their ranks a few moments before. Victory seemed at hand for the Khalsa but just then Afghan reinforcements arrived in their thousands.

The Afghan Army seeing reinforcements arrive began to launch several attacks on the bravest battalion of the Khalsa Army headed by Baba Deep Singh Ji, but these warrior lions of Guru Gobind Singh did not lose faith. Raising his Khanda Baba Deep Singh Ji’s thundering voice gave power to the battle cry Jaikara - "JO BOLE SO NIHAL", Every single Singh roared the response "SAT SRI AKAAL" . The Khalsa’s spirits rose, new life was injected into them with each jaekara. They faced the Afghans with rejuvenated spirits, just seeing the fire in the army of Akaal Purakh eyes was enough to send the Afghans running in all directions.

United, like the waves in the ocean, by their deep blue battle-dress and turbans, they fought against all the odds and faced the rain of enemy bullets, stones, and arrows. Hacking their way through treacherous terrain, they hammered their way towards Amritsar.

Baba Deep Singh Ji’s body at this time had been pierced with hundreds of arrows and bullets but still he was marching forward at a relentless speed. His once blue chola was now completely red and soaked in his blood. It is said that Baba Deep Singh Ji’s movements as he single handily cut through the Afghan ranks reflected the Taandav dance of Shiva.

Seeing his men falling to the floor one of the commanders of the Afghan army, Jamal Khan attacked Baba Deep Singh Ji with his sword. As Jamal Khan’s sword stuck, so did Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Khanda and in that split second both their heads were severed from their bodies. As Baba Ji’s head fell towards the Earth, a Singh shouted out, ‘Baba Ji you had vowed to drink the nectar of martyrdom only when Sri Darbar Sahib is liberated, there are still thousands of enemy soldiers.’

Before Baba Ji’s head touched the floor his body knelt down and with his left hand he caught his head and held it in the palm of his hand. With his right hand he began to swing the Khanda of Guru Gobind Singh Ji with such force that those soldiers around him began to be chopped to pieces.

No longer could you see the body or the radiant face of this saint soldier, all that was visible in the battle field was a giant ball of steel which was leading the Khalsas push towards the house of Guru Ram Das Ji. Upon seeing this river of blood destroying anything which stood in its way, most of the soldiers in the Afghan army began to repent and fled away in terror. Those that remained on the battle field were decimated as the Khalsa storm approached Amritsar.

When the battle was over Baba Deep Singh Ji and the few Singhs who were left stepped on the parkarma around Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib. Baba Ji did a final ardas to Maharaj before he placed his head at the feet of Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.

The Singhs who were with Baba Ji had all suffered mortal wounds but through the power of ardas and amrit they were able to fight on. After ensuring that the Kesri Nishan Sahib was hoisted above Sri Darbar Sahib these Singhs waited for Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji to come so that he could take them back home. Bhai Mahit Singh and Baba Naudh Singh are two other Singhs who also fought in this battle without heads.

Today every second Baba Deep Singh Ji draws that same line through the world. Will you cross it and live to the standards of the Khalsa or will you continue to sit in silence as this beautiful path of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is set on fire by those enemies of humanity?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Baba Ji: The embodiment of Truth

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

One time, when the Dharam Yudh Morcha was just starting the Police were looking for Sant Gyani Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale.

The Police looked everywhere for Sant Ji but they couldn’t find him. Eventually some people told them that there is one person who knows where Sant Ji is. His name is Baba Thakur Singh.

With this information the police headed to mehta. They found Baba Thakur Singh Ji doing seva. They then asked Baba Ji where Sant Ji was. Baba Ji immediately told them that Sant Ji is at a certain place.

The police went to this place and sure enough there was Sant Ji. The Police began to question Sant Ji.

In the meantime there were a few Singhs who were with Sant Ji and they had found out it was Baba Thakur Singh Ji who had told the police where Sant Ji was. They began to think amongst themselves why did Baba Ji tell the police where Sant Ji was? Sant Ji knew what was passing in the minds of these Singhs.
The Police did not arrest Sant Ji and they headed off somewhere else after speaking to him. Sant Ji then looked at the Singhs and in a loud voice addressed them as follows, “Baba Ji’s whole life is dedicated to the truth, he is the embodiment of truth, and anything he says and does is for the truth. He can never lie no matter what the consequences, such is his jeevan.”

It is for this reason why it doesn’t matter, the moon can break and the sky can fall down, but the Bachan of Baba Ji is the truth no matter what. Time will show the world.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Amritwela and Baba Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Some of the students at Taksal sometimes got lazy and would miss Amritwela. Sant Gyani Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa knew about this and he would lovingly tell the Singhs about the importance of Amritwela and he would beg them never to miss it.

If the Singhs Baba Ji had spoken to missed Amritwela again, Baba Ji would go to their rooms. Once Baba Ji was there he would start massaging their legs and feet.

When the Singhs who were asleep felt the touch of a Puran Brahmgyani’s hands they felt a bolt of lightning of naam energy pass through them and they immediately jumped out of bed. They saw Baba Ji standing with his hands clasped together begging them to get up and do their nitnem and naam abiyhaas.

Baba Ji would literally stand there and ask the Singhs, "what else could an ‘old man’ do to get you Singhs up for Amritwela?"

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Invisible Baba Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Lately I've been thinking a lot about Sri Maan Sant Gyani Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa. I miss Baba Ji a lot but pictures of them always make me smile, what a beautiful soul. Anyways in the next few posts hopefully I will be able to post some sakhis about Baba Ji which I have heard about from Singhs.

Invisible Baba Ji

One time Sri Maan Sant Gyani Baba Thakur Singh Ji was invited to visit a family’s house. This family was very religious. Anyways at the time there were about 20-30 Singhs with Baba Ji. Most of these Singhs were doing seva for the Sikh movement. Some were Khakharoo Singhs and others were doing seva for Khakharoo Singhs such as giving them food, transporting their weapons/ammunition, arranging places for them to stay etc.

Anyways some informant recognised a couple of these Singhs with Baba Ji as they were walking to the family’s house. The informant did not wait to see which house Baba Ji and the Singhs were going to, they instead ran to the telephone and rang the police to let them know they had seen some Singhs who the police wanted.

The Police completed surrounded the area and began to look for Baba Ji and the Singhs. At this time, langar was being served in the house. Baba Ji the embodiment of seva was at the forefront of serving langar to the rest of the Singhs.

As Baba Ji and the rest of the Singhs were doing this, some Singh who had seen the police came running to the house and told Baba Ji and the Singhs that the police were near. Some of the Singhs got up as they thought this meant they should leave. Baba Ji told the Singhs who had got up that they still hadn’t finished their langar. He then told those Singhs who were serving with him that they will continue doing their seva.

Anyways so many police had flooded the area and they were searching everywhere for the Singhs. Some police officers, about 5 or 6 even came into the house of this family and they looked around. When they did this, some Singhs took out their shashtars. The police walked into the room langar was being served and saw Baba Ji and the Singhs but instead of trying to arrest them, they just turned around and shouted to the other officers that no one is here. It was like Baba Ji and the Singhs had become invisible.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕੈ ਹਉ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈ ॥

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

When Sri Maan Sant Gyani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji left for Sachkhand he was at Mehta. At the time Sant Ji left for his eternal home there were about a hundred Singhs with him. One of these Singhs was called Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji who had come from Orissa and who had joined Satguru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj’s Taksal when he was very young.

Bhai Gurmukh Singh is the Singh standing on the Right next to Sant Ji

During Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji’s life, Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji was always with Sant Ji. Anywhere Sant Ji would go, Bhai Sahib would go there too. Bhai Gurmukh Singh would do a lot of Seva for Sant Ji and the rest of the Singhs in the jatha. He had dedicated his whole life to this seva.

Bad thoughts would not come to his mind and he was always reciting the name of Akaal Purakh. Bhai Sahib would hardly sleep and would get up very early to begin his very long nitnem, along with 3-4 hours of Naam Abhiyaas. Bhai Sahib would also do Jorria Di Seva every day, when no one would see him.

Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji had a very high avastha and it was for this reason he was able to spend the majority of his life in the company of puran Brahmgyanis like Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji, Sant Baba Kartar Singh Ji and Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji.

Most of us can only hope for a glimpse of these beautiful souls, but just imagine the amount of naam abiyhaas Bhai Sahib had done not only in this life but those previous to this one too which let him spend nearly all his life with these jewels of the panth.
On 28th June 1961 at Mehta on Thursday at 2.10am Sant Gyani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji’s breathing started slowing down and whilst doing Waheguru Simran, Sant Gyani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale merged back into the light that they had come from.

Sant Ji’s body was kept inside and the rest of the Singhs were sleeping outside in the fields. Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji although upset that Sant Ji had left him, still accepted Akaal Purakh’s hukam.
That night Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji could not sleep. After Sant Ji left this world Bhai Sahib went and had ishanaan. Bhai Sahib then did his nitnem and naam abiyhaas and then began to do Jooria Di Seva. As Bhai Sahib was doing this, he got darshan of Sri Maan Sant Gyani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Bhindranwale.

Bhai Sahib looked in awe of Sant Ji and he started to cry tears of happiness. Sant Ji told Bhai Sahib that he had dedicated his life to sikhi and seva and that Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj was very pleased with him. As a result of this Sant Ji asked Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji to return home to the beautiful feet of Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj with him.

At about 4.00am the rest of the Singhs from the jatha had woken up and had done their ishnaan and were doing their nitnem. Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji came and sat with the jatha of Singhs and he constantly had the name of Waheguru on his lips just like he had done for most of his life.
Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji’s body was then taken to Amritsar Sahib were water was taken from the sarovar. Sant Ji’s ishnaan was performed outside the Gurudwara complex. Before returning home Sant Ji had told Singhs that he wanted his body to be cremated at Patalpuri, Sri Kiratpur Sahib. As a result Sant Ji’s body was taken there.
Many Singhs from the Jatha did Kirtan that day. A pyre was then prepared from fresh wood. Sant Ji’s body was then placed on the pyre as Kirtan continued to be sung.

A Singh then began to recite Sri Japji Sahib Ji. Other Singh’s continued to set the pyre while reciting Sri Japji Sahib Ji in their hearts. After 20 minutes the recitation of Sri Japji Sahib Ji was completed and Ardas was done by the Singhs. After this Ardas the pyre was then lit. Sri Sohila Sahib Ji was then recited by a Singh.

Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji was standing near to the pyre. When Sri Sohila Sahib Ji path was completed Bhai Sahib jumped into the pyre so that he could return home to the feet of Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj with Sant Ji. Some Singhs who were near Bhai Sahib tried to stop him by holding him back. But how could anyone stop Bhai Sahib from going home?

If we touch something hot we get hurt and we cry out in pain. But when Bhai Sahib jumped into the pyre he did so with a smile on his face. There was no pain, no tears; no crying out, all Bhai Sahib was saying was waheguru, waheguru, waheguru, waheguru, waheguru this was also done with a smile on his face.

Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji’s soul returning to its eternal home.

The bachan of a Brahmgyani is exactly the same as a bachan from Akaal Purakh. Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji didn’t have to think twice about it, such was his love for Sant Ji.

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Soohee on Pannaa 749

ਸੂਹੀ ਮਹਲਾ 5 ॥
soohee mehalaa 5
Soohee, Fifth Mehla:

ਭਾਗਠੜੇ ਹਰਿ ਸੰਤ ਤੁਮ੍‍ਾਰੇ ਜਿਨ੍‍ ਘਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾ ॥
bhaagat(h)arrae har sa(n)th thumhaarae jinh ghar dhhan har naamaa
Your Saints are very fortunate; their homes are filled with the wealth of the Lord's Name.

ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਗਣੀ ਸੇਈ ਇਹ ਆਏ ਸਫਲ ਤਿਨਾ ਕੇ ਕਾਮਾ ॥1॥
paravaan ganee saeee eih aaeae safal thinaa kae kaamaa 1
Their birth is approved, and their actions are fruitful. 1

ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕੈ ਹਉ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈ ॥

maerae raam har jan kai ho bal jaaee
O my Lord, I am a sacrifice to the humble servants of the Lord.

ਕੇਸਾ ਕਾ ਕਰਿ ਚਵਰੁ ਢੁਲਾਵਾ ਚਰਣ ਧੂੜਿ ਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਈ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
kaesaa kaa kar chavar dtulaavaa charan dhhoorr mukh laaee 1 rehaao
I make my hair into a fan, and wave it over them; I apply the dust of their feet to my face. 1Pause

ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਦੁਹਹੂ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਨ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ਆਏ ॥
janam maran dhuhehoo mehi naahee jan paroupakaaree aaeae
Those generous, humble beings are above both birth and death.

ਜੀਅ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੇ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਇਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਲੈਨਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥2॥
jeea dhaan dhae bhagathee laaein har sio lain milaaeae 2
They give the gift of the soul, and practice devotional worship; they inspire others to meet the Lord. 2

ਸਚਾ ਅਮਰੁ ਸਚੀ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀ ਸਚੇ ਸੇਤੀ ਰਾਤੇ ॥
sachaa amar sachee paathisaahee sachae saethee raathae
True are their commands, and true are their empires; they are attuned to the Truth.

ਸਚਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਚੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਜਿਸ ਕੇ ਸੇ ਤਿਨਿ ਜਾਤੇ ॥3॥
sachaa sukh sachee vaddiaaee jis kae sae thin jaathae 3
True is their happiness, and true is their greatness. They know the Lord, to whom they belong. 3

ਪਖਾ ਫੇਰੀ ਪਾਣੀ ਢੋਵਾ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕੈ ਪੀਸਣੁ ਪੀਸਿ ਕਮਾਵਾ ॥
pakhaa faeree paanee dtovaa har jan kai peesan pees kamaavaa
I wave the fan over them, carry water for them, and grind corn for the humble servants of the Lord.

ਨਾਨਕ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਸਿ ਬੇਨੰਤੀ ਤੇਰੇ ਜਨ ਦੇਖਣੁ ਪਾਵਾ ॥4॥7॥54॥

naanak kee prabh paas baena(n)thee thaerae jan dhaekhan paavaa 4754
Nanak offers this prayer to God - please, grant me the sight of Your humble servants. 4754

Dhan Guru Dhan Guru Pyarai

I have made countless mistakes narrating this sakhi so please forgive me.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sant Baba Bishan Singh Murewale and Sant Baba Sundar Singh Ji's Dib Drishtee

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

One time Sri Maan Sant Baba Bishan Singh Ji Muralewale the 10th jathedhar of Satguru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Taksal was walking and he came across one of his students Sant Baba Sundar Singh ji who was doing tapasaya in kapli asan (posture)

Sant Ji’s head was on the floor towards the earth and his feet were high in the air cross legged.

Sant Baba Bishan Singh Ji Muralewale asked Sant Baba Sundar Singh Ji, ‘what are you doing?’

Sant Baba Sundar Singh Ji replied, ‘I don’t know what to do, but wherever I look I see Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj. Which ever direction I put my feet in, there I see Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I don’t know where to put my feet, so I sit in this position’.

Sant Baba Bishan Singh Ji Muralewale replied, ‘Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj is extremely pleased by your recitation of Sri Jap ji sahib and your Dib Drishtee(celestial vision) has fully opened.'

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

"Our work in this world has to be much bigger than ourselves"

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

One militant affiliated with the Khalistan Liberation Force took a typically universalist view of the Sikh struggle for justice when he pointed to a portrait ofGuru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, who was said to have been martyred for the right of Hindus to worship freely:

That's Guru Tegh Bahadur. His story is so beautiful, because he sacrificed his life for the sake of another religion, for Hindus. At that time they were being persecuted by the Mughals. That's really an inspirtation to me.

That's why I think Sikhs are in the world, not just for Sikhs alone but for anybody who needs a Sikh. Honestly, deep in my heart I feel like our work in this world has to be much bigger than ourselves.

Some of my friends say when Khalistan is established then we'll be able to kick back and relax! But I say no, the work is just getting started. You have your country but then you need to work on achieving justice in it and then in the rest of the world.

All these wars that are going on today, people are demanding justice at all costs. Bosnia is a clear-cut case. We have to not only be more peaceful in spirit, but we have to be willing to sacrifice our lives. The United Nations doesn't really have any power because there aren't enough parents willing to sacrifice their sons. It's all just a big hoopla.

If there is injustice and somebody in Somalia isn't getting food, the United Nations should be able to take care of it. When Khalistan is established if I have any say I will send 500, 1,000, 5,000 Sikhs right away. You don't get peace and justice without sacrifice and our Gurus taught us all about that.

Taken From: Fighting for Faith and Nation by Cynthia Keppley Mahmood

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji was once busy in the holy service of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It was time for Maharaj to go to Sachkhand.

Baba Isher Singh Ji who was standing there, was watching Sant ji with a fixed gaze, thinking all the time of total merger of Sant ji with His most adorable, lovable, worshipful Lord Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji, just at that time, in a most compassionate and divine mood looked at Baba Isher Singh Ji and in His ecstatic characteristic humility kept His forehead on the open Sri Guru Granth Sahib, with all reverence.

No sooner He did this, He disappeared physically in the holy folds and lap of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. As Sant Ji did not reappear from Sri Guru Granth Sahib for some time, venerable Baba Isher Singh Ji got worried and started praying to Babaji to kindly return from the Holy source of His merger.

Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji reappeared from Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Baba Isher Singh Ji saw the physical merger of the great Worshipper and the Worshipped Lord into one entity and then physical emergence of Baba Nand Singh Ji again as a separate entity.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh