RangleSajjanTheImbuedOnes!

BhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi

Translatedby:
BhaiJaspinderSinghJi
CONTENTS

PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................... 3
WORDSOFGRATITUDE........................................................................................................................ 4
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER1BABARAMSINGHANDMATAPREMKAURJIPHALEWAL(LUDHIANA)......................... 9
CHAPTER2KHANJARWALIYE:SAINTLIKEMAHANTSUNDERSINGHJI ......................................... 13
CHAPTER3THEGOLDENBHAISARWANSINGH.............................................................................. 15
CHAPTER4VIRNIRBHAISINGHJILALTON...................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER5ANOTHERYOUTHFROMVILLAGELALTONBUDDINGVIRJASWANTSINGHJI............. 19
CHAPTER6BHAISOHANSINGHJIJANGPURWALE ........................................................................ 20
CHAPTER7BHAILALSINGHSARBLOHI(DHANDRA)..................................................................... 22
CHAPTER8JATHEDARBHAIRAMSINGHJI(GUJERWAL) ................................................................ 25
CHAPTER9BHAIKARTARSINGHJICANADIAN(NAWANCHAND) .................................................. 27
CHAPTER10SAINTLYDR.BASANTSINGHJI(RESIDENTOFSEKHWANDISTT.SIALKOT) ................ 29
CHAPTER12SRIMANSANTBHAIHIRASINGHJIOFDAUDPUR...................................................... 36
CHAPTER14SRIDOOLESHARVIRHIRAHARBACHANSINGH.......................................................... 46
CHAPTER15AUNIQUELIFESTORYOFHIGHLYSPIRITUALISEDLADBHAIGURBAKHSHSINGHJI
KAMALPUR ...................................................................................................................................... 49
CHAPTER16AGREATSAINTSRIMANBHAIHARBANSSINGHJIMUNISHAR ................................ 57
CHAPTER18BHAIPRABHAKARSINGHJI ......................................................................................... 63
CHAPTER19AGLIMPSEOFTHEKHALSAOFOUROWNTIMESBHAISARWANSINGHJIPHALEWAL
(DISTT.LUDHIANA)............................................................................................................................. 65
CHAPTER20ECSTATICVIRSRIBHAIJOGINDERSINGHJI(RESIDENTOFRAIPUR) .......................... 72
CHAPTER21SRIBIBIJOGINDERKAURJI.......................................................................................... 78
CHAPTER22MOTHOFLIGHTDIVINEDR.GURDIPSINGHJI ........................................................ 84
Chapter23YOUNGPREMSINGHPININGDEVOUT.................................................................... 88

PREFACE
BhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJihasnotonlywrittenextensivelyonGurmattopicsbutalso
practicedGurmatwayoflifeasarolemodel.Thisisamplysupportedbyhisbeingrecognisedwith
siropas(robeofhonour),byalltheFiveTakhats(HighestSikhReligiousSeats).Hisdevotionto
KirtanandhighspiritualityattractedanincreasingbandoflikemindedGursikhs.Hissubjectbook,
RangleSajjan,isamemoiretotwentythreeofhiscompanions,whopredeceasedhimafter
leadingextraordinarylives.

TherewasalwaysahighpurposebehindhiswritingsthatwereconfinedtopromoteSikhideals
andspreadGuruNanaksmessage,promptedbyDivineBeing.HehasquotedGurbaniliberallyto
supporthisargumentsinhisbooks.InfacthealwayslistenedtoentirerecitationofSriGuru
GranthSahibJitoselectGurbaniquotesfortheselectedtopics.Howeverinthenarrationoflives
oftheselectedGursikhs,hehasforcefullybroughtouthowstrengthisimpartedtotheir
charactersbyvirtuousandsinglemindeddevotiononthePathofSpirituality.Thisiswhatthe
KhalsaPanthisaboutandnamedasthecorporatebodyofGuru,whileSriGuruGranthSahib
representstheGuruspirit,embodimentsofthecommonspiritoftheTenGurus.

Asimplelife,childlikedevotionwithhumilityandselflessservicebringaboutrapidspiritual
progressandeventheilliteratedevoteesattainthewisdomandGurmatknowledge.Itispossible
formenofintensespiritualitytofalter,buttheirsenseofhumilityandrealizationofwrongdoing
andatonementcanbringthembacktospiritualglory.LoveforDivineBeingandremaininghumble
andobedientcanwinmanyheartsandmakelifetrulyblissful.Sucharethevirtuesdemonstrated
inthenarratedlives.ObviouslyitisintendedtoenthuseandmotivateaspiringGursikhstofollow
worthyexamples.

TotranslatethisbookintoEnglishwasacryingneedofourtimeforitswiderreachforthebenefit
ofouryouth,whoarenotsoproficientinthePunjabilanguage.WithblessingsofSatguru,thishas
beensuccessfullyundertakenbyBhaiJaspinderSinghJi,hisfamilyandotherenthusiasticyoung
students.Itishopedthateveninthisfirstattempt,theoriginalintendedGurmatmessageshallbe
conveyed.Ipersonallycongratulatetheteambehindthisworkanddowishforthegoodworkto
continue.

June25,2000
Dr.DarshanSingh
Toronto,Canada
WORDSOFGRATITUDE
Imaginearetiredsoldier,withlittlebasiceducationandtotalstrangertotheliteraryworld,being
assignedthedauntingdutyoftranslatingBhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJisbook!Howeversuch
happenstobetheDispensionDivine.Asasoldier,Icouldonlyagreetodomybestratherthan
shirkaduty.Itishoped,thatmyreadersintheirmagnanimity,wouldputupwiththepoorand
faultypresentationandyetmanagetogetattherealmessage,toconveytheEssenceofGurmat
oftheoriginalbook,RangleSajjan.

ItwasduringoneoftheJulySamagamsatToronto,tocommemoratethesacredmemoryofBhai
SahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi,thathisoldassociateDr.DarshanSinghJiandGianiAmolakSinghJi
alludedtosomelifestories,listedinRangleSajjan.Thisservedlikeignitingthefuseinthesouls
ofyoungparticipantsandenthusedthemtolearnmoreindetail.OnpopulardemandItranslated
fourchaptersofthebook.Ithappenedtobewellreceivedbyourstudentcommunity.Eversince
thisSamagamtheactiveparticipationofBhaiJiwanSinghJiandDr.DarshanSinghJi,haveled
manyaspirantstotheGurmatWayoflifebyhavingbeenbaptisedandevenbecomeverygood
KirtaniyasinregularGurdwaraprograms.

DuringmyvisittoLudhiana,IwenttopaymyrespectstoBhaiBalbirSinghJi,sonofBhaiSahib
BhaiRandhirSinghJi.ItoldhimaboutinterestoftheTorontoyouthintranslationofBhaiSahibs
books.Inturnheaskedmetoundertakethetranslationoftheentirebook,RangleSajjan,asa
realservice.ThatishowIcametolookatitasaprivilegetorenderserviceandlabouroflove.I
havetrulyenjoyedmyworkandmanyofmyfamilyandfriendssharedit,proofreadingandtyping.
Itisnowferventlyhopedthatfeedbackwouldbereceivedfromenlightenedreaderstoimprove
thistranslationandalsoitwouldbeofsomeusemeanwhile.

April26,2000
JaspinderSingh
24NewdalePlace,
Brampton,ON,
L6S5Z2,Canada
INTRODUCTION
Itisoftenseenthatthereisnonacceptanceofthetrueincidents,pertainingtothelivesofthe
OldenSaintsthathaveanelementofamazingwonder.Theargumentisnonoccurrenceinthe
presentdaylifeofsuchincidents.Those,particularlywithscientificmind,rejectmiraculous
incidentsasfigmentsofimaginationthatareuntrueinreallife.Theybelievethattruthcanalways
beverifiedthroughscientificmeansacceptabletohumanmindandintellectthroughperception.
Allelsebeyondthisiswrongandfalse.

Thelifeincidentsof23individualsshouldadequatelyremovesuchdoubts,astherecenttrue
happenings,witnessedbymanyofthesurvivingpeopleofourtimes.Itestablishesthatthe
spiritualexperiencescontinueinthecurrenttimes,justasintheold.Thereferenceismadeonly
tothespirituallifeofindividuals.Humanlifehasmanyupsanddownsandonlyafewraremay
havethesamenessofspirituallyhighstatethroughout.SuchasteadylifeisaDivineGift,
otherwisethedangerofslippingislurkingateverystep.BhagatKabirJisays:

=8l I8 =lHlo = JHlo =l8

oHJ H U HHe HlJ l=o HU l=o Jl8 =\
O,Kabir!Neverbloatwithpridenorlaughatanothersmisery.
Whoknowswhatthyownlifemayhaveinstoreforyouyet.39

Itisnoteasytogainspiritualityandtomaintainisyetmoredifficultinviewofthetemptationsor
pitfalls.ThiscanbeseeninthelifeexampleofBhaiSarwanSinghJi,Phalewal,howhefellfrom
theapexofspiritualheight.Nonecanboastthatheorsheisnotsubjecttoerror.Thedailyprayer
says;

UtterWaheGuru,Thinkingofthosewhoboretheunbearablespiritualpowersandoverlooked
othersfaults.

Tobeartheunbearabletemptationtoflauntspiritualpowersandignorefaultsofothersisthe
hallmarkoftrulygreat.Normallypeoplegetpuffedupwithprideevenwithlittleacquisitionof
Worldlypower,whattotalkofspiritualpower.ThisiswhyinSikhism,itisprohibitedtoindulgein
miraculousshowingoff,thatimpedesspiritualgrowth.Thepurposeofthisbookistoillustrate
howefficaciousistheSimran,meditationofNamandhowtogetimbuedinNam.Thisiswhythe
bookisNamedRangleSajjan,theImbuedOnes!Thiswaswrittenbetween1952to1954atKumar
Hatti,inHimachalPradesh.

BhaiSahibRandhirSinghJihasbeendevotedtoalifeofKirtanfrom1901anditisduetothis,that
heattractedandmadefriendswithmanyGursikhs.Outofthese,hehaswrittenaboutthelife
eventsof23deceasedonesinthisbook.Heisthinkingofwritingaboutsomemore,whichmay
appearinfutureeditions.Ithasbeenconsidereditdesirabletowriteonlyaboutthose,whohad
completedtheirearthlysojourn.Itisdifficulttopredictaboutalivingbeinginhisfutureconduct.

Therearemanyamazingeventsinthisbook,whichmightleadsomereaderstospirituality.Thisis
alsoauniquepresentationinthepresentageofworldlinessandmightprovehelpfultothe
divinelyoriented.Itishoped,thatitwillmakeenjoyablereading.

14thJanuary1956
(NaharSinghGiani)Gujjarwal

H HJ
H HJ o l== 8lU 0ll3 =lU
H 3 I Jl 8H le = 0lU 9
H== =l Ul= l8Jl ll3
Hl=3 HlJ8 Hl=U o 03 lU 0ll3 9 JU
HHl olIo =ll =l l3H 3 H Jl HlU
HJH oe lU lIJ l3l Ul UoJ =U eUlU 7
olIo HlJ H8l =l H HI J Jl HlU
H H J=H l8U HlJ8 = H Hu HlU =
l8U l= = H== =U H= J3 3
u H== H= UJ ol8o lHl = HH 3 u

MARUM:5
Selfpride,worldlyattachment,avariceandevilthoughtweresecluded
frommind.
JewelofNamandVirtuesDivineweretheonlystockintrade,thata
devoteecarriedforthtohereafter.1.
LastingwasLoveDivineofthedevoteetilltheend.ServingLordinlife
time,heenshrinedMemoryDivinewhiledepartingforthe
herafter.1.PAUSE.
NeverdidheshirkincomplyingwithWillDivine.
DwellinginBlissofEquipoise,thedevoteealwayssetouttowhatever
warrantedbyDutyDivine.2.
Hediscernednotbetweengriefandpleasure,butremainedsatiatedin
DivinelyOrdainedprivation.
WhatevertheWillDivinewasacceptedcheerfully.3.
WithGraceDivineglorifiedwasdevoteebothhereandinthehereafter.
Blessedisheandworthwhilehislife,ONanak,whoperceivedofthe
Lord.4.5.












< siqgur pRswid ]
ThereisbutoneLord!ThroughGraceofthe
Enlightener,TrueSatguru,Heisrealised.

MIRACULOUSWORLDTHATOF
NAMIMBUEDDEVOUTS

+ =lJI Hl =l J3lJ
THEONLYLORD,EVERVICTORIOUS!

= H 3 H I I = HJlH Hl8
I3l I U3 HJH J HHl8 7
lHl I =l = H:= \
ONanak,RanglearetheNamImbued.
EverengrossedinDevotion,inEquipoisetheyremain.2.
SriRagKiVarM:3[85]

LovingMemoirsofDearOnes,DeparteestoGURPURIinHereafter

ManyjoinedtheJathaandleft.WhatpurposeitwouldservetowriteaboutthosefakeDivine
Lovers.ThisisanarrationofthelivesofGurmukhdevouts,whosuccessfullyferriedacross
worldlyoceandepartinginGlory,inbrief.

Theopeningismadewithlifesketchofthedevoutcouple,SriBabaRamSinghJiandMataPrem
Kaur.
CHAPTER1BABARAMSINGHANDMATAPREMKAURJIPHALEWAL(LUDHIANA)
ThecouplewerebothdeeplyreligiousandresidedatvillagePhalewal,about5kmsSouthof
Narangwal.BabaRamSinghJiwasemployedintheArmy,buthadquitattheearlyageof33.He
hadalwaysbeengreatlyattractedtowardsspiritualism.Hisplanwasthat,afterleavingtheservice,
hewouldgetbaptisedandwoulddevotecompletelytoareligiouslife.Whileinservice,hehada
visionthathisdesirewouldbefulfilledthroughaNirbanKirtaniJathaofdedicatedGursikhs,
selflesslydevotedtoKirtanandmeditation.Thatiswherehewouldexperiencetruespiritualism
andlifeofreligiousservice,asoneoftheJatha.

Promptedbyhisvision,helefttheArmytorealisehiswish.Hehadlandedpropertyinthevillage
andhisfamilywasjusthisissuelesswife.Shewasaveryobedientlady.Bothdecidedtoget
baptisedsoon.BabaRamSinghhadalreadybeennamedaccordingtotheSikhritesandhiswife
wasnownamedPremKaur.ShecametobepopularlyknownasMataPremKaur.Theirmarriage
ceremonywasalsoconductedagainaccordingtotheSikhritesAnandKarajduringBaptism.From
thenonthecouplewerelifelongdedicatedmembersoftheJatha,alwayshappytoserve.
FollowingtheSikhtenets,theirlifeoccupationbecameNammeditation,service,andsharing.

Theirserviceinlangar,freekitchen,wasexemplary.Theywerebothpeaceloving,openhearted
andselfcontendedpeople.Theirliveswerededicatedtoservicetirelesslywithutmosthumility.
TheywerethepillarsofserviceinLangarattheSamagamsformanyyears.Neverwastherea
shortageoffoodorlackofservice.Theirhumilitywasinfatuatingforallthosepartakingfoodin
theLangar.Theirsweetwordsmingledwiththeholyfood,preparedbythem,producedSoul
liftingexperience.Theirmeditationwascontinuousandnotevenabreathwaswastedwithout
Nam.ThiscombinationofserviceandmeditationledthemoftentodeepmeditationintheLangar,
thatwasspeciallylocatedclosetotheplaceofAkhandPathhandKirtan.ThisenabledBhaiRam
SinghandMataPremKaurJitolistentoGurbaniwhileengagedinservice.Thisdoubleactionof
holyserviceandDivinewordbroughtgloriousshineBhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJitotheirfaces
andtheirfacesappearedasfontsofElixirtothebeholderscausingripplesofspiritualjoyintheir
hearts.Theyweretheidealcouple,theverypictureoftwobodiesbutoneinspirit.Theirspiritual
advancementwasmadeevenascompleteilliterates.ThisisinaccordancewithGurbani:

jo pRwxI goivMdu iDAwvY ] piVAw AxpiVAw prm giq pwvY ] 1 ]

gauVI mhlw 5 [197]
TheonewhomeditatesontheLord,attainsthehighestspiritualGlorywhetherascholaror
illiterate.
GauriM:5[197]

ThusthiscouplewasilliteratebutsurpassedmanyofthescholarlypersonsinDivineknowledge.
Theywerealwayscheerful.WheneversomebodywantedsomethingfromtheLangar,theywould
entertainwithsweetwordsandsupplytheneed.Theirvirtuesofperseverance,contentmentand
tolerancewereararesightandmostcommendable.Theywouldofferalltheirearningsfromtheir
farmlandinthenameoftheGuru.Theyhadauniquecow,thatyieldedmilkalltheyearround.
Thecowcouldbemilkedanytime,evenatmidnight.WehadnamedthiscowSuraGaoo(the
divinecow).Whatevertheysowedmeditativelyintheirland,afterashower,wouldgrow,yielding
arichcrop.SuchwastheDivineBlessing.TheirhomegrownpulseofwholeMash(phascolus
radiatus),preparedinanironutensilwasmostdelicious.Nomatterhowmanypeopleate,there
wasneverashortage.

Thesimpleminded,MataPremKaurJi,attainedthestateofDivineRevelation.Idiscoveredthis,
whenIwouldfindthatshehadchurnedbuttermilkandspeciallybakedbreadofmixedgrains,
readyformeonmyunannouncedvisitstoPhalewalatalloddtimes.OnceIaskedherastohow
shehadcometoprepareallfreshfoodwheneverIvisitedwithoutanynotice.Shesmilingly
pointedtowardsBhaiSarwanSinghasthesourceofherinformation,givingdetailsofstartingand
arrivalasalsothenumberofpeopleaccompanyingme.Accordinglythefoodwasprepared.I
scoldedBhaiSarwanSinghformisuseoftheoccultpowers.Howeverhepleadedthatitwasnot
him,butthedirectrevelationtotheMata.Thiswasjusthermodestwaytoputmeoff.

Suchhappeningsverymany.AllthiswastheresultofselflessservicetoGodandNam.MataPrem
Kaurkeptheroccultpowersahiddensecretandnevershowedoff.Occasionallybeforemyjail
term,shewouldsay,Bai(Elderbrother)!Thereisgoingtobeaprolongedseparation.MayGod
bewithus.IwouldtellherthatHisWillwouldbedone.Thiscoupleservedwithfulldedicationup
to1914,withevermoreeagerness.

BabaRamSinghsserenityandtolerancewerelimitless.Hehadsomuchloveformethathewould
notstaywithoutme.TherewerealwaysSamagamsandgatheringsofAkhandKirtan.Ifeverthere
wasabreak,hewouldcometoNarangwalaccompaniedbyBhaiSarwanSingh.Therewewoulddo
SimranandKirtantogether.HewasextremelyregularinattendingKirtans.OncetheentireJatha
wenttothevillageSarhaliofSriBabuMalSinghJiindistrictAmritsar.

Enrouteweweresinging(Kirtan)hymns.BabaRamSinghfellindeepmeditationevenwhile
walking.Onreachingsarhali,AkhandPathhSamagamstarted.Asusualthiscoupletookupthe
serviceinLangar.TheywereenjoyinglisteningtothePathhwhileengagedinservice.Manyatime
elderbrotherofBabuJi,SriBhaiWaryamSinghJi,wouldvisitLangartofindoutifanythingwasin
shortsupplythere.EverytimeSriBabaRamSinghJiwouldreassurehim.Therewasneverreallya
shortagewiththedivinelycontentedcouplearound.

AlongwithmanyothersoftheJatha,IwasimprisonedintheLudhianajail.AftersometimeBhai
RamSinghwasalsobroughtthere.Hehadalreadyprayedforjoiningus.Howeverhesuffered
greathardshipsinjailduetooldageandhisrigorousdisciplineofSarablohBibek,cookingand
eatinginironutensils.TheunjustBritishRulehadoriginallysentencedallofustolife
imprisonment,buttherevisedtermforBhaiRamSinghwasfortwoyears.Thushewasfreed
muchaheadofourrelease,yethisprayerfulyearningsforourcompanywerealwaysthere.

Whilestillwaitingforareunion,heleftforhisheavenlyabodeaboutfourmonthspriortomy
release.Evenwhiledepartinghissoulvisitedmeinjailtobid'GurFateh'.

ThehappynewswasthatheremaineddedicatedtothelastinGodLove.Thelosswasjust
unbearableforMataPremKaur.Thoughstillaliveonmyreturnafterimprisonment,yetshewasa
withdrawnperson,acaricatureofheroldself,livinginaworldofherown.Shemetmevery
affectionatelyandhadhearttohearttalk.Inaperiodofthreeyearsshealsodepartedfromthis
world,tojoinBabaRamSinghattheEternalabode.

Hereisanexample,worthmentioning,ofBabaRamSinghskind,bounteousandcompassionate
nature.Inhisextendedfamilyrelationship,therewasafamilythathadunreasonablesenseof
animositytowardshimsincelong.OneoftheirmembershadgoneabroadtoChineseand
Malaysianislandstomakehisfortune.Whenhereturnedwithconsiderablewealth,hehada
terribledisease.Ayoungmanofsixfeetheightandbroadchest,hiswholebodygotstiffened
suddenly,incapableofbendingormoving.Hecouldonlybehelpedbyatleastfourpersonseither
tolieflatorstanderect,withoutmoving.Hehadtriedallmedicalhelpabroad,buttonoavail.He
returneddisappointedtoPhalewalandwishedtoseeBabaRamSingh.WhenBabaJilearntofthis
requestandhisstateofillness,heforgotallabouttheoldinimicalrelationshipandwishedtobeas
helpfulaspossible.

ThiswasthetimewhentheentireJathahappenedtobevisitingBabaJi.TakingleaveoftheJatha,
hewenttoseetheailingperson.Thepatientcriedbitterlywhileexplaininghisaffliction.Hemade
arequestforanAkhandPathhtoprayforhiswellbeing,particularlywhentheJathahappenedto
bethereofDivinehealers.HesaidthatifhediedaftersuchanAkhandPathh,hewouldbe
redeemedandifheregainedhealthhewouldseekBaptismalongwiththeentirefamilytolivea
dedicatedlife.BabaJionreturnrepeatedtherequesttotheJathawithtearfuleyes.Heprayedfor
thewellbeingofthepatienttotheholycongregation,withthefaithinefficacyoftheDivineword
andtheprayerofholyones.WhowouldeverhavedeniedarequestfromBabaJi?

ThenextdaypreparationsweremadefortheAkhandPathh.Thepatientwasbroughtbyfour
personsinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahib.TheBabawasinattendanceofSriGuruGranth
Sahib,wavingtheflywhiskwhilestanding.Seeingthepatient,headdressedwithDivinefervour.
Youhaveerredseriously,thatyouarenotawareofatpresent.Describeyourpromisetothe
Guruinyourprayer,whileproceedingtomakefortuneintheforeignlands.Itallcamebackto
thememoryofthepatientandhetoldthat,Yes,Sir!Ihadmadethepromisetosetasidetithein
theGurusnamefrommyearnings.HoweverIsinnedagainstthis.Inthepastten,twelveyearsI
madealotofmoney.Whilethetitheamountkeptmounting,Iwaslostinworldlypleasures,
forgettingallaboutthepromise.Thisistrulyaseriouslapse,whichisthecauseofmyaffliction.

Itwasdecided,thatthecorrectamountoftitheaftercalculating,besenttoHazoorSahibbefore
theAkhandPathhwasstarted.Thepatientimmediatelydispathchedtherequisitemoneythrough
hisbrother.NowthattheSamagamwastostart,BabaJiputthecondition,thathewouldlistento
theentirerecitationofthePathh.Hereadilyagreedandaskedforpermissiontolistenwhilelying
ontheground,becauseofhisailment.Thiswasgranted.BabaJithengavehimencouragingwords
offaithandhope.

TheKirtanofAsaDiVarstartedat4:00A.M.andendedat11:00A.M.Therewasacongregational
prayerbeforestartingthePathh.Thepatientwasheldbyfourpersonsinthestandingpositionfor
theprayer.Hisbodywasjustlikeaplankofwood.Attheendoftheprayerhefellinprostrate
positioninfrontofSriGuruGranthSahib.Toeverybodysamazementhesatuponhisown,
withouthelp.SriKarahPrasadwasdistributedwhenSriJapJiwasreadfromSriGuruGranthSahib.
TheBabahadpreparedKarahPrasadanddistributedalso.OfferingthePrasadtothepatient,he
said,ThisistheElixirofFiveelements,themostefficaciousmedicineofall.Eatthis.Soonafter
heate,hefeltrejuvenatedandaskedtobeleftonhisown.ThemiraclewaswroughtbytheGrace
oftheGuruandhewasinnormalhealthbytheendofSriAkhandPathh.Hecouldwalkabout
normally.Theentireassemblywaswounderstruckasalsothemedicalpractitioners.Thewhole
familygotbaptisedsingingtheGurbani:

el el8o H 3 H = 0l8o 8 9 JU
IUl =8l Hl ==
O,Lordoftheweak!WithFaithinThee,
IhaveputmyentirefamilyonThyFerry.Pause.
GauriKabirJi[337]
Thishymnwassungbytheentirefamily.TherewasGuruKaLangarandshortlythereafterhe
againleftfortheforeignlands.BabaJiinparticularandtheJathaingeneralwashighlypraisedfor
thismiraculousfeat.BabaJiwantedalltheJathatoleaveimmediatelytoavoidhearingthepraise.
Thisisanexampleofhismagnanimityandaloofnessfromanypraiseorcondemnation.

Hearingoftheeventsconcerningthiscouplefrommywife,KartarKaur,pertainingtotheperiodof
myjailterm,Iwouldoftenbemoved.Howeveritwouldrenderthisnarrationverylong,ifthose
weretobeincluded.Thusweendithere.

MostWondrousCoupleofGURUDEVOTEES
(Hl H o I H== el)

MataPremKaurapictureofdevotedloveandservice,
BabaRamSingh,apersonificationofhumbledevout.
SuchwaswondrouscoupleofGurusdevotees.
Inthefootprintsofancientdevouts,
RecitingNamwhilesharingtheirhonestliving,
Thuslivedallthroughtheelderlycouple.366.

Withresourcesmeagrebutlifeofcontentment,
remainingpatientingratitudeofDivinelikeascetics.
ContentwithDivinedispensationandselfsufficient,
TheyenjoyedtherichesofNamWealth,giftedbyGuru.
IndeeditwasKingdomtrueofCarefreelife,
Realblissandfeelingabundanceofroyality.
TruewealthofNamTreasureinabundance,
Yetneverfearingoftheftorrobbery.367.

WorldlypoorbutaboundinginNamwealth,
TheyweretrulyrichwithEternalTreasure.
Those,whogatherNamTrue,arenotpoor,
ForLordprovidesalltosuchdevotees.
BestowedwithRareNamJewel,
EnjoyaccesstoallDivineResources.368.

DifficultindeedisthelifeofNamdevotion,
YetserviceinNamdedicationbearsrichfruit.
HardservicerenderedtocongregationsofGurusdevotees,
Ferriedthetwoofoldcoupledevouts.
MataPremKaurremainedintoxicatedinhumilityandlove,
Blissfulremainedtheheartsofbothagedones.
NamimbuedweretheserarejewelsofGuru,
WorldfailtodescribetheseFragrantRosesofGurudevouts.369.

[ExtractfromJotVigas,bookofpoemsbyBhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi]
CHAPTER2KHANJARWALIYE:SAINTLIKEMAHANTSUNDERSINGHJI
Itwasin1910thatIhadanirresistiblecallfrommybelovedGurmukhsSriBabuMalSinghJiand
BhaiPiaraSinghJi.AccompaniedbyAkhandPathhisandAkhandKirtaniJatha,IlandedatAmbala
Cantt.WehadaprolongedsessionofAkhandPathhsandAkhandKirtans.IntheArmyRasala
No.18BhaiSunderSinghJiwasemployedasGranthi.Hewasinhisearlyyouthwithsmall,uniform
growthofbeardonhisround,healthyface.AttractedspirituallybytheJathaprograms,hewas
alwaysseenalongwithanotheryouthfulVirArjanSingh(whobecamewellknownlaterasBhuri
waleSant)followingtheNamimbuedJathainalovelornstate.Hewashighlystrungwithspiritual
yearningsandhissleephadevadedhimdayandnight.Suchwasthepiercingofarrowsofspiritual
love.HehadonlyonestrongdesirethatheshouldgetbaptisedbytheGurmukhJathaatthe
earliest,soastogetsimilarlyimbuedwithNam.

WellversedinGurmattradition,SriBhaiPiaraSinghJi(whohaspresentlyleftforheavenlyAbode)
approachedmewiththerequesttoincludeGranthiSunderSinghJiamongthePathhis.He
explainedthatBhaiSunderSinghJisrecitationwasfluentandfaultless.InturnIlovinglyexplained
thatthisVirisasyetacandidateforBaptization,stillinsearchofNamNectar.Howcouldhe
becomeaPathiwhenheisstillunBaptized?ThiswouldbeagainstthetraditionoftheJatha.I
realizedthatBhaiPiaraSinghJiwasverykeentolistenPathhfromtheGranthiandtherefore
assuredthathisdesirewouldsoonbefulfilledonceBhaiSunderSinghisaBaptisedSingh.Hislove
yearningsarestillascendingsolettheseriseupfully.HearingthisSriBhaiPiaraSinghJihad
nothingmoretosay.Sittingnearby,BhaiSunderSinghwaslisteningtotheaboveconversation.
Withfoldedhandshehumblysubmitted,TrulyIamnotyetcompetenttobecomeaPathhiofthis
Jatha.Iamstillabeggarattheirdoor.IhavelistenedtomanyAkhandPathsandparticipatedin
many.Icouldrecitewithgreatfluency.

HowevertheblissIamenjoyinginlisteningtotheAkhandPathhsofthisJatha,Ihavenot
experiencedbefore.EveryPathhirecitesGurbaniasifshootingarrowsthatpiercehearts.Thishas
changedthecourseofmydrylife.ItappearsasifIamsoongoingtoberebornwiththeessenceof
GurmatNectarianlife.BhaiSunderSinghGranthihadtheinsighttoevaluatethepureGurmat
principlesoftheJathaandfirmlydecidedtojoinit.AfterafewAkhandPathhs,itwashisturnto
getBaptised.BaptizingceremonywaspartofeveryAkhandPathhandtheJathawasfrequent
visitortoAmbalaCantt.OncethedecisionwasmadeknownforGranthiBhaiSunderSinghtoget
Baptised,headoptedthedisciplineofSarbloh,useofpureironutensilsinadvance.Hewas
selectedamongthecandidatesforBaptism.Hisjoyknewnobounds.Hehadpreparedhisinner
selftobeimbuedwithNamdye.ThearrowofDivineLoveimmediatelyhitthebullofthetarget.
NosoonerthefivebelovedonessprinkleddropsofNectarintothemouthofthirstyrainbirdand
theinitiationofGurmantarwasheard,suchwasthepiercingofthisDivineArrowthatthehighest
spiritualitywasattained.SuchwastheshinninggloryofthefaceofdearbrotherSunderSinghJi,
thatitwasdifficulttobehold.

Thehandsomeface,imbuedwiththemagicalNectarineNambecamehighlysplendrous.Hehad
considerableproficiencyinKirtanearlierandwhenhegottunedtoNamBaniafterBaptism,it
attainednewmiraculousheights.ThearrowofShabadKirtanoriginatingfromhisheartpierced
throughmanyothersimilarjewels.HelostallprideasdistinguishedArmyGranthianditsrank.He
washappytobehumblestofthehumbleseekingdustoftheholycongregation.Hebecamethe
dedicatedservantofthehouseofGuru.Hisdedicationtoservicewassuchthathelostegoof
beingBabaJiasArmyGranthi.HewaseverintoxicatedwithNamNectar,unaffectedbyhis
surroundings.Hewasengrossedintheenjoymentofcelestialbliss.Heforgotallabouteatingand
drinkingneedsandneglecteddressingupasawellgroomedBabaJi.Heworeonlythedressofa
Gurmukh,thatofKachhera,agreyshirt,KirpanwithGatra(beltacrossthebody)andthedouble
turban(loweroneofSaffroncolourandthetoponeblackwoolen).Heabandonedtheformal
dressofGranthiBabaoftightpajama,etc.,yetheappearedresplendentandmajestic.Todayhis
recitationofAkhandPath,regalingandblissfultothelisteners,isbeyondallpraise.Therecitation
islikerainingoffragrantNamNectar.HeisthemostfluentPathhitodayandyetmostclearand
flawlesstothelisteners.Hisrecitationwasupliftingandswayingtheminds.Herecitedforhours
togetherwithoutanyfatiguewitheverrisingpitch.Alongsidemoreandmoregloryshoneonhis
face.HisdivineglowassociatedwithNamBaniwasunbearableforthebeholders.Theinner
recitationofNamwentonwithfullforceinunisonwithrecitationofAkhandPathh.

Thatishowthemoonlikefaceshonewithfreshnessandalsokeptthelistenersfreshand
attentive.Thiswasagreat,pricelessjewel,addedtotheJatha.Wondrouswashisglory.Inthe
ArmyRasalaNo.18hewasthusahighspiritedAkhandKirtaniya,AkhandPathhiandoneofthe
BaptizingJathaofImmaculateNam.Suchwasthedivineblessing!Theprevalentspiritual
environmentatAmbalaCantt.wassoenrichedthateventhecelestialangelswouldhavebeen
yearningforthis.TheSikhPlatoons,Rasalas,RegimentsandArtilleryhappenedtocometogether
inthiscantonment.Thismusthavearousedtheenvyofeventhestarsofdestiny,becausethis
heavenlyblisswasshortlived.Withchangeofhistoricalcircumstances,thearmyformationshad
tomoveawaytonewplacesofduty.Withthis,ourvisitstoAmbalaCantt.alsobecamerarer.The
transfersofourArmyfriendsendedthegatheringsoflovelornspiritualseekers.Weacceptedthe
comingeventsastheDivineWill.

AftermyreleasefromlifeimprisonmentthenewsIcouldgetwasthatKhanjarwaliaVirSunder
SinghwasnomoreaGranthiinArmy.HewasnowaMahantofaNirmalasectatvillageLohgarh
nearRaikot.ThiswasahereditarypositionthatMahantSunderSinghfilledwithdistinction,
preachingtheessenceofGurmat.FromLohgarhhemovedhisbasetothevillageLohatVadi.It
becameacentreforholycongregationswithpeoplejoiningfromfarandnear.Theenvironmentof
spiritualityandrichfeastofNectarianblissstartedattractingtrueloversofDivine.Theannual
specialgatheringsincludedtheBaptizingceremonies.Manywerethebeneficiarysouls.

WithmyreturntovillageNarangwal,therewascontinuousflowofcountlessholyones,joiningin
holycongregations.ThatisthetimethatVirBhaiSunderSinghheadedanimpressiveKirtaniJatha
fromLohatVadi.Hehadthesamepersonalityofpeacefulsplendour,whichIhadknownwitha
glowingfaceandblackbeard,likeacloudaroundthemoon.Howeverhisbodywasnotathletic
buthehaddevelopedapaunch.Wemetasoldfriendsafterlongseparation,holdingeachotherin
tightembraceandseparatedyetagain.IstillrememberpartingwordsofSriBelovedVirBhai
SunderSinghJi.Hesaid,Thisisblissfulnessoffleetingtimes.Thenextmeetingshallawaitthe
destiny.HereturnedtoLohtVadi.Hiscontinuoussittinginmeditationhadcausedfatalpiles
disease.Hedied,leavinghismortalframeforhisheavenlyabode!

ol8o H= 3J = Ilo
IUl 8= ol HJ , :9= 77
Blessedissuchalife.
GauriBavanAkhriM:5,P:13[252]
CHAPTER3THEGOLDENBHAISARWANSINGH
ThoughBhaiSarwanSinghwasofdarkcomplexion,yethisNamimbuedglowingfacewould
radiategoldenhuealways.ThatishowIcametonamehimTheGoldenBhaiSarwanSingh.Heis
otherthanBhaiSarwanSinghofvillagePhalewal,whoseoriginalwhereaboutsareunknown.Itis
asifheappearedsuddenlyfromnowheretojoinJathajustbeforemyimprisonment.Soonafter
hegotBaptisedandattainedthesublimespiritualityinstantly.HeknewnothingoftheGurmukhi
scriptnorcouldreciteasingleGurbaniShabadfrommemory.Hewastotallyilliterateandyet,like
itissaidinGurbani:

H l Il=e luo= lo olo H Il3 = 9

IUl HJ 9\
ThemortalwhocontemplatesoftheLord,
Attainsspiritualitysublimewhetherliterateofilliterate.
GauriM:5[197]

HehadaccesstogreatdepthsofGurmatawareness.Hewasverilythepersonificationofservice.
Hewasinhisearlyyouthwithoutanysignsofbeard.Heremainedengrossedinservicedayand
night.HewasgiftedinNamSimran,recitingNamwitheverybreathendlessly.DuringAkhand
PathhandAkhandKirtanSamagamsheofferedforallkindsofservice,selflessservice.Hewould
preparelangarfortheentirecongregation,nomatterhowlargethenumbers.Heservedallwith
hisownhandsineveryway,includingcleaningofutensils(thathewouldnotsharewithanyone).
HewouldkeeptheironutensilsofSarbLohinshiningstateofcleanliness.Hewouldcarrythesack
ofutensilsonhisheadtoeverySamagam.Hewouldslingovertheshouldersthemusical
instrumentsofharmoniumandtablaandyetcarrymoreonhisshoulders.Inshort,hetriedto
carryalmosteverythingasfaraspossible.Inaccordancewithhishumblerequestlangarwaskept
adjacenttotheAkhandPahthrecitation.HewasverykeenonbothlisteningtoAkhandPathhsand
servinginthelangar.

Thiskeptonforyearsandhishighspiritualstateandaccesstothesublime,remainedsecret
exceptforthefewcloseassociates.Hisselflesscontinuousservicewithextremehumilityborethe
fruitonitsownofdeeplysteepedloveofDivineNam,surpassingeventheaccomplishedascetic
spiritualists.Hestartedenvisioningtheinvisibleandfuturisticevents.Atalltimeswhethersitting,
standingorwalking,hewasengrossedinthepracticeofNamSimran.Heneverwouldshowoffnor
wouldanyonepraisehimandnordidheseekit.Hewouldmakeprovisionsforbathingofall
Singhsat2.00A.Mandthentakebathhimself.Sittingaloofinacoverandunknowntoothers,he
wouldlistentoNitnemrecitationalongwithNamSimranpractice.Thiswashisroutine.Inever
sawhimsleeping,norinanyundesirablecompany.HewasalwaysinthemidstofholySangat.His
onlyoccupationwasNamandSeva.DuringAkhandPathhSamagamsheremainedinlangar
throughouttheSewa.HisbodythusremainedengagedinserviceinLangarandconsciouslyhe
wouldlistentoAkhandPathh.

Aftertheservice,hewouldsitamongthelistenersofAkhandPathhinamostinconspicuousway.
HegenerallyappearedtobeacarefreeandimpulsiveSikh.Jewellersaloneknowtheworthof
jewelsandpreciousstones.Everybodyisnotgiventosuchawareness.Hisselflessserviceenabled
himtosoarinspiritandfinallybroughthimtheoccultpowers.Howeverheneverpridedinhis
occultpowersnoranyoneknewaboutthis.EvenIremainedunawareofthesesecrets.Accidently
thissecretwasrevealedoneday.TheJathamadepreparationstoproceedtoavillageviaNabha
tojoinAkhandPathhSamagamatthehouseofaGurmukh.ItwasthesummerperiodofMayJune.
TheGoldenVir,BhaiSarwanSinghwasalsoamongtheJatha.WhileIwasmytyingturban,hesat
onacotandstarteddozing.

Heusedtosleepbrieflyevenwhilewalking.Inabriefperiodof5to10minutes,hegotupwitha
startutteringWAHEGURU,WAHEGURU.Noticinganxietyandworryonhisface,Iaskedhim
whetherhehadseenanyqueereventsinhisdream.Heinnocentlyreplied,WhattosaySir!Isaw
thatAkhandPathhisbeingrecitedataplaceandIamservinginthelangar.MeantimeaPathhiis
headingforthelangar.Ireckonedittobeyou.Onthewayadogbithisleg.Suchwasthewound
thebloodstreamedwithgreatflow.Ihitthedogwithapieceofwoodtostophisbite.Seeingthis
horrorIwokeup.Ifeltasifthiswasarealhappening.Soonafterwestartedonourway.

TheentireJathawentwalking.Thevillagewasatabout10milesfromNabha.Soonafterreaching
thevillage,westartedpreparingfortheAkhandPathh.TherewasAkhandKirtanduringtheearly
ambrosialhoursandthePathhcommencedafterthat.IstartedrecitingPathh.WhenIwas
relievedbyanotherPathhi,Iwasaskedtopartakesomethingfromthelangar.Iwasstillunderthe
intoxicatinginfluenceofGurbani.WithhalfclosedeyesenjoyingcontemplationofNam,Iwas
walkingwearingwoodensandals.Justclosetothelangarwasapillarandbehindthatwasadog
sitting.Iwasunawareofthedogandaccidentlysteppedonhisforepaw.Thedogcaughtmyankle
inhisjaws.Soseverewasthebitethatbloodcameoutinstreams.BhaiSarwanSinghwas
preparingthelangarandsittingnearhearth.Hegotupandhitthedogwithapieceofwoodto
freemefrom(thedog)him.StrangelyIneverfeltanypainanddespitethebloodflowing,Iwas
shoutinghappily,Singhsdreamhascometrue.HowWonderful!Whatafulfillmentofthe
forecastevent!!IwasrememberingBhaiSarwanSinghsnarrationofthequeereventandsoI
burstoutwithhissecret.HoweverBhaiSarwanSinghhadforgottenallaboutit.Iwasaskedby
SinghsoftheJathaaboutthedreamandwhatwastheastonishingfulfillment.Irepliedthatthere
wasnothingtodescribehere.Itwarrantedprivacy.

TheSinghstookmeforbandageofthewoundandnowthatwewereawayfromthescene,they
insistedontheinformation.IntheabsenceofBhaiSarwanSinghIexplainedabouthisenvisioning
theeventindetailjustasitoccurredinreality.IalsostressednottodiscussthiswiththeGolden
Vir,sothatheenjoyshisinnocenceinobscurityandawayfrompublicglare.Itcaughtwindand
everybodyintheJathacametoknowofit.Suddenlytherewasanewrespectforhiminallhearts,
yetnonementionedabouthisoccultpowerandenvisioningtheeventinadvance.Thisisthe
uniquenessoftheHouseofGuruthatpeopleenjoyingsublimestateofspirituality,envisioningthe
invisible,areabletocontroltheuncontrollablepower.ThiscomesnaturallytotheGursikhs,who
makenoshowofitnorbloatwithego.

SeeingthecarefreeandenthusiasticVirSarwanSingh,dedicatedtoNamandservice,nonecould
imaginehishighspirituality.Theeaseofequipoiseisseenonlyamongthefreeandhumble
GurmukhSikhsoftheGuru.ItisenoughtodemonstratethiseventpertainingtothisVir,whocan
fathomthehiddensecretsoftheinconspicuousspiritualbeings.

AftersometimeIwaswhiskedawaytothejail,leavingbehindsuchbelovedsoftheGuru.Inever
knewwheretheyscatteredtoandwheretheGoldenBhaiSarwanSinghwent!Ihaveafeelingthat
hemusthaveleftforAbodeDivineorelsehewouldcertainlyhavecometoseeme.Iknow
nothingfromwherehehadcome.Iamleftwithhisnarratedmemory.SohereIendit!

CHAPTER4VIRNIRBHAISINGHJILALTON
Iamundergoinglifeimprisonmentandmostlikelyitistheyear1920.BhaiNirbhaiSinghJiwas
headingtowardsCalcuttatoattendaCongressConference.Thiswasthespecialconferencethat
passedNonCooperationresolution.BeforecommencinghisjourneyVirNirbhaiSinghhad
decidedtomeetpoliticalprisonersinHazaribagjailandthenproceedtoCalcutta.Thejailisserved
byHazaribagRoadrailwaystation,locatedontherailwaylinetoCalcutta.Itissurroundedby40
milesofdeepforest.ThisplaceisahealthresortinBiharprovincethatremainscoolallroundthe
year.

VirBhaiNirbhaiSinghJihasreachedHazaribagCityandstartsoffforHazaribagjailearlyinthe
morningduringambrosialhours.Heiswalkingleisurely.Itisallquiet,withdewintheairandlight
drizzle.Lovelorn,separatedlongago,heisfullofanticipatedjoyofthemeeting.Inthisstateof
loveyearningheisquietlyrecitingGurbaniinhisheartwhilewalkingtowardsthejail,withbowed
headinastateofselfabsorption.SuddenlyhehearsadistantheartrendingrecitationofSloksof
Mahala9fromSriGuruGranthSahib.Helooksaroundwithgreatsurprise,tryingtolocatethe
sourceofrecitationthathastouchedhim.Heiswonderingthatinthisforlornplace,wherethere
isnoSikhpopulationwhocouldbethisloverofGurbaniwhoisrecitingwithpinningheartthe
mosttouchingGurbaniSloksoftheNinthNanak,GuruTegBahadurJi.Hediscernsthatsoundis
fromthedirectionofjail.HeisperplexedallthemorebecauseinthesurroundingsofJailthere
couldonlybeBiharipopulationandyettherecitationismosttouchingandabsorbing.Withfolded
handshejuststandsmotionlesstohavealookoftheoncomingholyface.

ItisaBihariSepoyfromthejailinhisuniform,singinginsweetlingeringmelodiousvoice,
engrossedintheloveofGurbanioftheSloksMahala9.Tearsarefreelyflowingfromhiseyes.
WhenhenearsthestatuelikeVirNirbhaiSinghinhisownintenselove,bothSepoyandtheVirare
oblivioustotheirstateorconsciousness.Whenthemagicalsoundjustapproaches,VirNirbhai
Singhgetsstartled.SeeingtheSepoy,hefallslikealogathisfeet.Noamountofcoaxingfromthe
SepoycanmaketheVirriseup.

WhilethetearsfromtheeyesofSepoyarefallingattheneckoftheprostratingVir,hisowntears
wettedthefeetoftheSepoy.TheSepoyisverygladtobeholdthefaceofaSikhandallhisbeingis
bathedinspirituallove.TheBihariSepoywasnotyetacompleteSikhinappearance;hehada
growthofbeardonhisface.Hehadfairlylonghaironhisheadthatwerenotyetlongenoughto
tieaknot.Itappearedthattheseweregrowinginnaturalslowfashion.Eversincetheawareness
ofKhalsadisciplineofkeepingunshornhair,hehadstoppedcuttingthese.Atlastheliftedthe
headoftheSikhfromhisfeet.Whenthetwowerefacetoface,theyaskedeachother
simultaneously,Whatisyourname,whatplaceareyoucomingfromandwhereareyou
heading?TheSepoyrepliedfirst,thathewasanemployeeatthejail.Thiswasfollowedby
anotherquestionfromBhaiNirbhaiSingh,WhotaughtyoutheGurbaniandwheredidyoulearn
this?HerepliedthatoneofthepoliticalprisonersinthejailisaSaintwithunshornhair.
InterruptinghimBhaiNirbhaiSinghagainenquired,IsBhaiRandhirSinghJialsooneofthese
politicalprisoners?Hearingthename,theSepoyfellflatatthefeetofBhaiNirbhaiSingh.He
criedoutwithflowingtearsthatitwastheSadhuofthissamenamewhohasblessedhimwiththe
boonoftheseSloksandgivenknowledgeaboutGurbani.

BhaiNirbhaiSinghliftedtheheadofthislovelornSepoyandinformedthathewasheadingforthe
jailtomeethissaintlybenefactor.TheSepoyhumblyaskedforanyserviceforhim.Hestatedthat
hisallbody,mindandwealtharededicatedtotheholyoneandagainofferedtomakeany
sacrifice.

Attheendofthedialogueofmutualrespectandlove,BhaiNirbhaiSinghapproachedthejailgate
formeetingme.IwascalledbytheJailorfortheinterview.JustonseeingmetheVirbrokedown
withuncontrolledsobs.Hecouldnotcomposehimselfinspiteofmyeffortsandthoseofthejailor.
Hejustcouldnotspeak.Thejailoraskedhimforthecauseofsomuchcrying.Inthemidstofhis
sobbings,NirbhaiSinghJisaid,Wearethewretches,whomissedalot.BlessedaretheseBihari
Sepoystogetredeemedthroughtheholycompany.WhatmorecanIsay?Sayingthishekept
wailing.Addressingmehesaidonlythis,IamthesameNirbhaiSinghwhoseforeheadyou
lovinglytouchedwiththeironRosaryofcountingbeadsduringBaptizingceremony,opening
therebytheTenthGateofDasamDwar.

ItwasonlythenthatIbrieflyenvisionedtheDivineGlory.Icouldnotfollowthatwiththe
ceaselessdevotionnorhadanothersimilarspiritualexperience.Whileyouareinthejail,weare
engrossedinthepoliticalratrace.Heagainresumedwailingloudly.Theinterviewtimewasover
andwegotseparated.WhileIwasaskedtogoinandhewassentout.Longinglyhewouldturn
backtohaveanotherglance.Ialsostoodstatueliketowatchhimgoingwithoutbeingdisturbed.
FinallytheSepoystookhimawayfrommyvision.Inpartingwords,heshouted,thathewould
againseemeonreturnfromCalcutta.Howeverthatneverhappened.Norwasthereanother
meeting,noteventilldateafterreturnfromlongimprisonment.BelovedVir,NirbhaiSinghJihad,
departedforAbodeDivinelongback.Thusendsthisnarration.Thepencanwritenomore!

CHAPTER5ANOTHERYOUTHFROMVILLAGELALTONBUDDINGVIRJASWANTSINGHJI
Thisepisoderelatestotheperiodoffewyearsearliertomylifeimprisonment.TheAkhandKirnani
JathausedtojointheSikhYouthAssociationinLudhianaattheirGurdwarafortheweeklyand
GurpurbSamagams.TheGurpurbofGuruNanakSahibandGuruDasmeshSahibThetenth
Nanak;usedtobeparticularlywellattended.Undertheableorganizationoftheassociation
secretaryBhaiLalSinghJi(nowSardarBahadurLalSinghJi)andGianiNaharSinghJi,theSikh
studentsofotherschoolsofthecitywerealsoinvited.OntheoccasionofKatakPooranmashi
Gurpurab,agroupofSikhstudentsfromMissionHighSchoolLudhianaalsocametojointhe
Gurpurabcelebration.ListeningtothestimulatingKirtanbytheJathamanyoftheyoung,
uninitiatedsoulsgotinspired.

OneofthestudentsfromthemissionschoolwastheyoungVirJaswantSinghJi.Thoughhewas
veryyoungandbelongedtoapoorfamily,yethewasgiftedwithexcellentqualitiesofheadand
heart.AsastudentofaChristianschool,hehadhishaircutandwastotallyignorantoftheSikh
Faithandthetenets.AsaparticipantattheGurpurbcelebrations,heexperiencedspiritualjoy
withanewawakeningofhisspirit.HewassomovedthathelefttheMissionSchooltojointhe
KhalsaHighSchool.Hishighacademicstandinghadearnedhimaverygoodscholarshipinthe
Missionschool.Hedecidedtoforegothescholarshiptobeabletoenjoythenewspiritual
environment.HejoinedtheKhalsaHighSchoolBoardingHouse.Iamnotsureoftheextentof
financialhelpextendedtohimbytheKhalsaSchoolmanagement.Howeverhisscholarshipwas
restoredandhewasgivensomebenefitslikeexemptionfromschoolfeeetc.TheSikhstudents
contributedtowardsthecostofhisbooksexpenditure.ThisVirJaswantSinghwasnotgreedynor
hadhechangedtothenewschoolwithsuchamotive.Thiswashisspiritualyearningthathad
wroughtthechange.HeresolvedtogrowhairtoestablishhisSikhidentity.

Soonhehadtressknotonhishead.So,onthenextGurpurbofDasmeshGuruJihegotbaptised
andbecameafullfledgedSINGH.HisspiritualprogressastoundedmanywellexperiencedSikh
missionaries.HehadprofoundinsightofGurmat,thedivinewisdomoftheGuru.Hehad
innocentlooks,veryhighGurmatthoughtsandaspiritualglowonhisface.SoonafterBaptism
hisinnerbeingblossomedforthwithDivineLightandhisfacereflectedtheglory.HisKirtan
singingwasextremelyemotionalandheartpiercingatsuchyoungage.Whatdistinguishedhim
mostwasthatinspiteofhisbeingengrossedinspiritualdevelopment,heretainedhishigh
academicperformance.HewassoonayounggraduatewiththeB.Aqualification.

BythistimemanyoftheJatha,gotimprisoned.DuringtheRakabGanjGurdwaraagitationallthe
students,particularlythisnewlybaptised,cute,young,littleSingh,wereadvisedagainst
participatingintheagitation.HewashighlyinsistenttojointhebrothersfromJathainJail.Ittook
quiteabitoftrickeryonourparttodenyhimthis.Thoughhewasrefrainedfromjoiningagitation,
yethecouldnotreconcilewithpartingfromthejailedSinghsandbecameverysick.Everyeffort
wasmadetomakehimacceptDivineWill,yetnothingworkedandhisloveyearningsandhislove
lornstateprovedfatal.Hepassedawaybeforemyreturnfromjail.HavingfoundpeaceinAbode
Divine,heneverreturnedtosoothethoseofusleftbehind.Whatmoretowrite?Atsuchayoung
age,itwasamazingtoseesuchdeepstudyofGurmattenetsanddevotion.Hewouldbeintrance
forhoursduringcontemplationofNam.Hisconcentrationwasphenomenal.Thiswaswithouta
parallel,consideringhisage.ThiswasthebrieflifestoryofyounglittleVirJaswantsinghJithat
wasshortlivedbutbright!

CHAPTER6BHAISOHANSINGHJIJANGPURWALE
Turbulenttimescameandpassedawayspeedily.Sixteenyearsofimprisonmentformewerelike
sixteennights.ThatwashowIfeltthepassageoftimeinjails.Howeverthelovedones,suffering
pangsofseparation,felteveryyearlikepassingofaneternalage.Onmyreleasein1930thelove
lornfolkscametomeetmeinfloodlikestreams.Mycloserelativesknewnoboundsofjoy.The
welcomeatNarangwalvillagewassointenselyemotionalthatthesurchargedtunesofGurbani
singingreverberatedthesky.Mybelovedwife,SrimatiKartarKaursangfeelingly,

=l o l 3= H Hl 0U = H
I HJl HJ 9 = = u
Iawaityearninglyatmydoor,forgreatismyjoyofanticipation.
SuhiM:1,Ghar3[764]

Shewasbesideherselfwithhappiness.Howevereventhiswassurpassedinmirthfulsingingbythe
JathafromJangpur,depictingmeetingafterlongseparationofspirituallovein'Gurbani'.VirBhai
SohanSinghJipickedupthemostapt'Shabad'thatpiercedthehearts,particularlyappliedtomy
life:

3H =l o=J H Hl3
3H el Jl ol l= oe 8l l83l3 JU
uHl HJ \
ComehomethouO'friendofmine!
GodHimselfhaseliminatedthyfoesandoveristheperiodoftribulation.Pause.
DhanasariM:5[678]

Whatasceneitwas!SriBhaiSohanSinghJiseyeswerefloodedwithtearsofjoyandhisfacewas
resplendentwithspiritualglory.Itwasdifficulttobeholdhim.Inhisstateofintoxicatedlove,he
ledinrepeatedsingingofeachlineof'Shabad'followedbytheentireJatha.Theentireassembly
wasmovedtotears.Theopeninglinewas:

lHl 3H H l3lJ 88 H HJH H3l =l oU

TheLord,whosentyouawayhascalledyouback!
Comehomeincomfortandpeace.

Thisfilledalltheheartswithunbridledjoy.Thenextline:

oe HI I IU HJH ul lJ0 H =HU 9

SinghappilyofeulogyDivineinpeaceandenjoyeternalrule.1.

Thiswaslikeblessingmeandinfacthascometruetilldate.Trulyperpetualhasbeenthejoyof
AkhandKirtanSamagamseversince.Thisceaselessblissofholycompanyhaserasedthememory
ofpastsufferings.TheecstasyofspiritualblissofNammeditationhasbeennolessthaneternal
rulewithDivineGrace.ThenSriBhaiSohanSinghJisangthenextlineofjoyousblessing:

Ic =l =J H H u=
Endingthystrife,TheCreatorLordhasgracedyouwithDivineGlory.

Asiftomarktheonsetofthecontinuousblisswerethewords:

=l HI =HlJ l3 =H o HlH l=H 7

WithDivineGrace,perpetualisthesingingofDivineEulogyathome.2.

Therewasrepeatedsingingoftheselinesbytheentirecongregationandeveryonelost
consciousnessoftime.Suchwasthespiritualsway!Godknowshowlongthiscontinued.The
followingcoupletwassungbyVirSohanSinghJistandingfacetofacewithme:

oHlu JJ J H3 =8J I = 80l oul

Staysteadfast,wavernot,enjoyingthesupportofGuru'sword.

H H = HI H H UH e8 =
WhileUniversalacclaimishereinthisworld,honourshallyoufindinCourtDivine.

Itfeltlikeshowerofblessings,comingfromtheentirecongregationtoenthusemeforthefuture.
Theendinglinescreatedaheavenlyenvironment:

lH = Hlo l3 Jl = o l8o HJ8l
TheLordofallbeingsandSaviorTruehasredeemedyou.

o0H =lo =J = H0 =lo8l u u 7\

O'Nanak!WondrousistheactofLordSupremeandEternalisHisGreatness.4.4.28.

TheShabadwassungforaboutanhourandahalfwithliltingtuneofhighpitch.Thismemoryshall
everabideinmyentirebeingasmostunforgettable.WhileSriBhaiSohanSinghJihasdepartedfor
heavenlyabode,Ihaveevercherishedhisgiftofthismemory.Hewasdestinedforashortlife.All
hisdayswerespentinholycongregationafteracquiringspiritualbliss.Soimbuedwashewith
DivineLove!

ThereweremanyvisitsfromJangpurSangattoparticipateinholycongregations.Everysuchvisit
ledtoevernewexaltedexperiencesthatverilyledtospiritualbloomandenrichment.According
totheGurbaniquote,"Destinyalwaysleadsonebythenosetowhereverhebedestined".SriBhai
SohanSinghJijoinedasGranthiintheArmy.Heneverreturnedthereafter.Hisdevotedwife,
SrimatiBibiGianKaur,wasalwaysbyhisside,dischargingherdutyofservicewithunparalleled
love.IhadvisitedJangpuralongwithallthemembersofJathaathisinvitationbeforehejoined
theArmy.VirSohanSinghJiwasgreatlylovedandrespectedbythelocalSangat.Manyweresuch
lovingsoulsofgreatdedication,difficulttoname,everyonesooutshiningasGurbaniKirtaniyas.
TheyarestillaroundandhelpfultothelovelornwidowofVirSohanSinghJi.Everlastingisthe
effectoflovingmemoriesofthisVir,lateBhaiSohanSinghJi.Inmydealingswithhim,Ifoundhim
tobeanevolvedsoulwithhighstandardsofGurmat.

HedepartedinhisearlyyouthandIreceivedthesuddennews.ThelocalSangatorganisedPathh
ofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandAkhandKirtanSamagam.Thiswasattendedbytheselectmembers
ofAkhandKirtaniJathaatJangpurtopayourrespectandprayforthedepartedsouland
sympathizewithhiswidow,SrimatiBibiGianKaur.
CHAPTER7BHAILALSINGHSARBLOHI(DHANDRA)
SriBhaiLalSinghJiwasaprominentKirtaniya(singer)inAkhandKirtaniJatha.Hewouldsingina
shrilltunethatmovedtheheartsoflisteners.Thoughshrill,yethisvoicewasdistinctlyaudible.His
moodofsinginghaddepthofdevotionalfeelingsthatgeneratedasimilarresponsefromthe
audience.Hewouldgoonandon,asifneitherhenorthespellboundlistenerswereeversatiated
withmusicdivine.Hewasoneoftherareones,whocouldsingallthroughthenight.Heappeared
apersonificationofdevotion,stayingfreshandalertallalong.Hewasveryproficientinplayinga
peacocklikemusicalinstrument,Taus.Hewaspopularlyknownas'BhaiLalSinghwithThe
Peacock'.

Withtheharmoniumhewouldplaynewtunesofhisown,asthoughtheinstrumentwasan
integralpartofhim.LosinghimselftotallyinKirtan,hewouldbendandswingovertheharmonium
infrillecstasy.Thepitchofhisnaturallyshrillvoicewouldkeeprising.Hehadfrillgraspofthe
Gurbanibeingsungandthushisfeelingsofdevotionallovekeptmounting.Healwaysselected
devotionalshabadsofyearningGodlylove.Hisaccentuatedfeelingsofdeepdevotionwould
createanenvironmentofpinningforlovedivinethatmadehisowntearyeyesflowfreely.

HecamefromvillageDhandrainthedistrictofLudhiana.Hisancestorswerefollowersofstrict
Sikhdisciplineofthefaithful.Hetooabidedbythedisciplineof'allsteel'(sarbloh)alongwithhis
wifeassoonashewasinitiatedwithBaptism.TheJathahadgonetohisvillageforthebaptising
ceremonyandthushebecameaninseparablepartoftheJatha.Hebrokeawayfromhisearlier
associationsandremainedalooffromcustomaryrituals.Hewasinitiatedwithabandofhighly
devout,selfsacrificingindividuals,whofrillyacceptedtheSikhcodeunderminingtheensuing
hardships.Thewholevillageturnedupontheoccasion,yetnonedaredtojoinhimingettingco
baptisednordidanybodymatchhiminhisseekinginspiritualhunger.Kirtansinginggroupsfrom
adjoiningvillagesalsocametoattend.TheJathahadalreadyearnedanameforagenerous
feastingandtherewasaspecialsenseofabundancethistime.

Therewasunlimitedsupplyoffood,particularlyKarahPrasad(sweetpuddingofwheatflour,
sugarandgheeinequalmeasure).Allwereequallyservedtotheirentiresatisfactioninspiteof
theheavygatheringfromsurroundingvillages.OneelderlypersonfromthevillagePhalewal,Bhai
NandSinghwasseatedseparately.ThiswasdonebecausethisbraveSinghhadgreatappetiteand
wouldhavetoleaveunsatiatedifseatedwithothersinacommonrow.Whiletakinghisspecial
seat,hesaid,Youhaveguessedmerightly.However,todayIaminamoodoftakingonlyKarah
Prasad.Iwishtoseewhetheryoucanmeetmyrequirements.Hewasbeingservedliberally.
Whilehekeptswallowing,theservingSinghtookeptsupplyingintothesteelbowlinfrontofBhai
NandSingh.ThiswentontothedelightofBhaiNandSingh,swallowinghappilywithdreamyeyes.
Godknowshowmuchheate.TheservingSinghestimatedthatitcouldbearoundfivekilograms.
Theservingwasstoppedwhenhegavetheindicationwithfoldedhands.Irememberthatthis
marvellouspersonshoweredalotofblessingstoreflecthishappiness.Facingmehesaidsmilingly,
"BhaiRandhirSingh,IamfullysatiatedwithKarahPrasadtoday.Nonecouldmeetmyhill
requirementtilldate.ItisonlythisblessedJathathatcoulddoit.MaySatgurueverbringvictory
toDegandTeg;unlimitedfoodincommonkitchenandtheswordofuniversalwelfare."Thenhe
stoodup,movinghislefthandoverhisfullbellyandpointinghisarrowwiththerighttowardsthe
assembledgatheringheshoutedrepeatedly,Allandsundryshalljoinin(faithandBaptism)after
facingdisgracewithout.ThiswasatimewhentheBaptismwasnotsocommonyet.

TheJathaleftsoonafter,takingleaveofthenewlybaptisedBhaiLalSinghJiandhiswife.The
coupleremainedsteadfastintheirstrongSikhfaithallthroughtheirlives.BhaiLalSinghJiwasof
thinbuildandlightbody,yethewasfullofbravery.Wheneveroccasionarosetochampionagood
cause,hewasalwaysintheforefrontlikealiontomeetanychallenge.Thefollowingillustration
shouldsuffice.

InaccordancewithDivineWill,IwasinjailcustodyatLudhianaalongwithmembersoftheJatha.
BhaiLalSinghwasengagedinsomemissionofhisownandwasunawareofthiseventofour
arrest.Assoonashegotthenews,hebecamerestlessandeitherwantedtojoinusinthejailor
carryoutaraidonthejaillikeSikhsofoldentimestofreehisbrethren.ThepoliceoftheBritish
Rajkeptstrongguardarounduseveninjail.Theyweregatheringsomebasisandproofstoinitiate
thecourtcaseagainstus.Theyhadtokeeprequestingextensionofourcustodyinjailfromthe
courttoprolongit.Thus,theperiodwasextendedtomanymonthsinjailfortheSikhs.Itwas
obligatoryforthecourttoinformtheaccusedaboutremandoftheircustody.Inourcasethe
Britishcourtsillegallyignoredthisandjusticewasthrowntothewinds.Thecourtordersfor
remandwerereadouttousinjailanddateofnexthearinginformed.

Onceitsohappenedthateitherduetoclericalerrororignoranceofnewjudicialofficerwewere
calledtotheCourtsforourhearing.OurgroupoftwentySinghswithhandcuffscameoutofthe
jailunderpoliceguardandstartedmarchingtowardthecourts.Thereweretwopolicemenarmed
andswordsforeveryaccused,marchingalongincloseformation.Justaslioncomingoutofhis
denintotheopenairgetsexcited,similarlyourbraveSinghsputintothejaildungeonsformonths,
onfeelingfreshopenairthoughtoftheirescape.Theyresolvedbymakingsignsthatafter
subduingtheguardingpolicementheywouldmakegoodtheirescape.Howeverthefarsighted
GianiNaharSinghamonguscontrolledthesituationandadvisedagainstthis.Itisalongdistance
fromthejailtothecourts.EscortingtheSinghslionsinspirit,thewellarmedandmorethan
doublesizedpolicemenwereshiveringinfear.Infacttheyweremerelycarryingweapons,unsure
oftheirabilitytousethem.TheywouldhavesurrenderedthesetotheSinghswithasinglelion
likeroarfromthemortheSinghswouldhavesnatchedfromtheirhands.

Fearwasclearlyevidentfromtheirpalefaces.Theywouldpanicattheslightestsoundorgesture.
About100yardsfromthecourts,therewasthickgrowthoftreesthatwaslyinguninhabited.We
hadtocrossthroughthisonourwaytothecourts.Wehadbarelygonehalfwaythroughthetrees
whenwenoticedBhaiLalSinghcarryinganaxeonhisshoulderheadingtowardourpartywiththe
intenttochallengetheescortingguards.Hehadbeentryingtofindcluesaboutusduetohis
pangsofbrotherlylove.Onthisdayhesuddenlyfoundusasprisonersandwasovercomebyhis
martialspirit.Unmindfulofthepolicemenhecameclosetousandstartedtowalkwithus.He
startedmakingsignsforpermissiontoattackthepolicemenandleadustofreedom.Oneweak
heartedamonguscommentedthatwhatcouldhedoalone?ThebraveSinghroaredbackthat,A
Singhisneveralone,butequivalenttooneandquarterlakh(savalakh).Hearingthis,the
policemenweregreatlyfrightened.TheyrequestedBhaiLalSingh,Kindlyallowustocomplete
ourduty.Oncewefinish,therewillbeanewescortpartyofpolicementoescorttheprisoners
backtothejail.Meanwhileyoumaygathermorehelpforyou.BhaiLalSinghwouldnotlistento
theirpleasandwasreadytoattack.Someofourfarsightedcompanionspleadedwithhimfor
restraintwithfoldedhands.Meanwhile,weapproachedthecourtcompound.Thecourtwasalso
inpanic.Seeingourarrival,theywereanxioustosendusbacktothejail,sayingthatremand
ordersweretobereadoutinjail.Thistimewewereescortedbackthroughasaferroutethough
longerindistance.

PoorLalSinghJicouldnotfulfilhisheart'sdesire.Neitherdidwereturnviatheforesttreesnor
couldBhaiLalSinghrescueus,muchagainsthiswish.Therewasabsolutelynodoubtthatifwe
hadreturnedviasamerouteorhadweacceptedhisofferinthefirstplacehewouldhavejumped
intoactionandgotusourfreedom.Thiswasatimewhenpeoplefearedtoshowsignsof
acquaintancewiththeaccused.Wewereavoidedgenerallyandnonedaredtoexchangegreetings
ofFatehwithus.ItwasduringmyjailperiodthatBhaiLalSinghJileftthisworldandhismortal
frameforabidinginGurPuri.
CHAPTER8JATHEDARBHAIRAMSINGHJI(GUJERWAL)
JathedarRamSinghJiwasthemovingspiritbehindtheJatha.FromtheveryconceptionofJatha,
villageGujerawal,atadistanceofthreekilometersfromNorangwal,wasthecenterofGurmat
SamagamsattheresidenceofBhaiRamSingh.HewasthespokesmanofJathaideals.

Thoughhewasanilliterateperson,buthewasadedicatedbeingandalwaysreadyforany
sacrifice.HewouldbreaktheshacklesofcasteandgetindividualsofallcastesBaptisedwithout
anyreserve.HewouldencourageSikhmarriages,AnandKaraj,withoutconsiderationofcaste.This
wasanoutstandingserviceinthecauseoffaith.Infacthesetanearlyexampleinthecaseofhis
ownmarriageoutofcasteandthenkepthelpingothers.

ThiswasaperiodwhenaveryfewinSikhPanthfollowedhighidealsoftheFaithlikesocial
equality.Mostofthepreachingremainedunpracticed,eventhoughGujerwalhadabranchof
SinghSabhafromtheveryonsetofthemovement.Theoldtraditionofcastesystemwasstillvery
strong.ThegeneralpeopleridiculedmembersoftheSinghSabhaandopposedthem.Itwastoset
apersonalexampleofbreakingcastebarrier,thatJathedarJigotmarriedoutofcastefollowing
SikhritesofAnandKaraj.Themajority,followingtheHindutradition,wasopposedtothis
marriageandwasholdingoutthreatofsocialboycottoftheJathedar.BhaiRamSinghcamealone
toNarangwalandnarratedtheeventstome.Thiswasourfirstmeeting.

FindingJathedarsstandbasedonhighprinciplesofSikhFaithinaccordancewithGurusteachings,
IgatheredKirtanijathaandaccompaniedhimtoGujerwal.TheretheongoingSehjPathhwas
nearingcompletionathisresidence.KirtanofAsaDiVarwasperformedinhighspirits.BhaiRam
SinghJiandhiswouldbewifeweredulyBaptisedandAnandKarajceremonyperformedto
solemnizethemarriage.AfterthemarriageBhaiRamSinghhimselfdeclaredpubliclyboycottof
Hindumindedvillagesociety.Hethusbrokeawayfromhisoldbrotherhoodcompletely.Hekept
relationshipsanddealingsonlywithGurusikhsandthussetfirstexampleofitskind.Allprominent
membersofGujerwalSinghSabhabecamecloseassociatesofBhaiRamSingh.Itwasthisbold
standthatearnedhimthetitleofJathedarandhegainedsocialprominence.BhaiRamSinghhad
nofearofanyopponentandwasalwaysforthrightandoutspoken.Hehadanauraofauthority
abouthimthatcommandedrespectandfear.

Manyofthosetalkingbigtoopposehim,paledawayinhispresence.Hehadastronghealthybody
allalong.AftertheaboveSmagam,hisfacehadaspecialglowanditwasalmostunbearableto
facehim.Leavinghisoldneighborhood,heconstructedanewhouseinanindependentopenarea.
ThereweresomanySmagamsheldatthatnewplace,thatBhaiRamSinghearnedthegoodwillof
alargenumberofpeoplefromsurroundingvillages.Howeverhemaintainedhisdealingsonlywith
likeminded,baptisedGursikhs.Inthosedaysrarepeopleofferedtobebaptised,thosewhodidso,
madegreatgradualprogressunderleadershipoftheJathedar.

Gujerwalisafairlybigvillage.Noneofvillagersofdifferentbeliefseverdaredtocreatetrouble.
NobodycouldthinkofbetrayalinthegarbofSikh.Thenonbelieversweretotallyirrelevant.Bhai
RamSinghwaseverreadytomakesupremesacrificeinthepursuitofworthycausesinthename
ofGuruandinlightofGuruswisdom,Gurmat.HishousebecamehubofAkhandKirtanSmagams
andactivities.VeryfewSinghsinthevillagesharedhisGurumatthoughts.LyingbetweenPhalewal
andNarangwalhisnewhouseinGujerwalbecamethecentralplaceforessenceofGurmat.Ah!I
stillcherishthememoryofthosetimes,whenmanydepartedpastsoulsrenownedinGurmant,
alsorevisitedtojointhehighlysurchargedspiritualenvironmentduringSmagamsatthishouse.
BhaiRamSinghwasaselfcultivatorofhisland.Thisproducedsufficientincomeforhissustenance.
DuringthecongregationalSamagamstherewasplentyofDivinehelpintermsofwealth.There
weremanyBaptisingceremoniesheldherethatdefyfulldescriptionofthespiritualevents.The
lastAkhandPathhSamagamwasheldintheabsenceofJathedarRamSinghandthatwasunique.
BhaiRamSinghwasareservistsoldierfromonearmyplatoon.

Duringthewarallreservistswererecalledtoserveinthebattlefront.ThisreligiousSamagamat
hishousewasreportedbyunethicalC.I.Dstaffasapoliticalgathering.BhaiRamSinghbeingon
fieldserviceinarmyremaineduntouchedandunchallenged.Howevermanyofthose,who
attendedthisSamagamwerearrestedandsenttojail.Whilethecasesagainstthearrested
personsweregoingoninthecourts,BhaiRamSinghreturnedfromhisfieldservice.Theservicehe
renderedtothejailedpersonwithmind,bodyandwealthresourcesavailableisworthwritingin
Goldenletters.Inproducingdefensewitnessesandmakingavailableallotherrequiredhelp,he
keptbusydaysandnights.Hehadnopersonalcareorfeardoingallthat.Hiselderbrother,who
wasonavisitfromAmerica,wasalsoropedinthiscourtcase.JagatSinghhaddifferencesanddid
nothavegoodrelationshipwithBhaiRamSingh.Hedidnotmeritanyhelp,yetBhaiRamSingh
returnedillwillwithgoodwill.

HestrivedtosaveJagatSinghfromlifeimprisonmentandgothissentencereducedtofewyearsin
Jail.Heextendedfullhelptoanothercovillager,BhaiSurjanSingh.BibiJoginderKauradevout
Gursikh,wifeofBhaiSurjanSinghreceivedlotofsupportfromhim.Hewardedoffallhertroubles
inabsenceofBhaiSurjanSingh.IcanneverrepayadequatelyforBhaiRamSinghsactsofkindness.
Iwassentencedtolifeimprisonmentandallmypropertywasforfeited.Mywife,SrimatiKartar
KaurJiwasoverwhelmedbyproblems.Shewasdeprivedofallbelongingsandproperty.Eventhe
articlesgiftedbyherparentsweretobeauctionedaway.BhaiRamSinghdisplayedmanlycourage
andtookawaywhateverhecouldfrommyhouseanddispersedtosafeplacesinGujerwaland
Phalewaljustanightbefore.

Hekeptextendingsupportinmanywaysinthisperiodoftrialthatwasinvaluable.Onlyamanof
hismettle,courageanddevotioncoulddowhathedid.NarrationsoftheseeventsbySrimati
KartarKaurandcomplimentstoBhaiRamSinghforhisselflessandsacrificingdeedsofserviceare
mostunforgettable.Helivedforsixteenyearsaftermyreleasefromimprisonment.Hewasthe
happiestpersonoutofallmyassociatesandfriendsonmyreturnhome.

TherewerelotsofvisitorsformanyyearstoourhouseatNarangwaltomeetmeafterrelease.
BhaiRamSinghtookalltheheavyresponsibilitytolookafterthevisitingcongregations.His
devotionwasparexcellence.InthesurroundingvillagesJathedarRamSinghJiwasmostrespected
andacknowledgedfigure.Heeverremainedembodimentofselflessservicedayandnight,
withouttiring.Hewasparticularlycaringforpoorandneedyandridthemoftheirtroublesand
poverty.ItwascustomaryforhimtocarrylotofmilksupplyonhisheadtotheGurmatSamagams
andpersonallyservetotheholycongregations.Hewaspictureofhealthandpersonalstrength
andbravery.Thosevisitingfromfaroffplaceswerepersonallymassagedbyhimintheirsleepand
neverknewaboutthis.Suchwastheselflessserviceofloveandfaith.Hislifewasataleofsuch
untiringandselflessserviceandbraveryinthemouldofoldenGurusikhs.Therewasnevera
chanceforanyonetoservehim.Hemaintainedhisdailyassociationwithme,comingfrom
GujerwaltoNarangwal.Hefoundithardtopart.Yetwhenheendedhislifesojourn,hedidnot
evengivemeahintnorwerethereanypartingwords.Nonecouldeverguesshisuntimely
departureinviewofhisfinehealth.Heleftmanyofustogrievehislossandcherishhismemory.
Thisisabrieftributetohismemory.
CHAPTER9BHAIKARTARSINGHJICANADIAN(NAWANCHAND)
BhaiKartarSinghhadgoneovertoCanadaattheearlyageofseventeen.Hewasspiritually
orientedasaconsequenceofhispreviousbirths.Eveninthefaroffcountry,Canada,heavailedof
theholycompanyofaGurmukhdevout,BhaiWaryamSinghatVancouverGurdwara.Thushe
retainedhisreligiousfervorandpracticetobecontinuallyinChardiKalaa(highspirits)!Hetook
leadinactsofbenevolenceandreligiousduty.WhentheshipKamagataMaruheadedforCanada
withhundredsofSikhsonboard,theBritishgovernmentofCanadadidnotallowtheshiptodock
ashore.Itremainedatthehighseaformonthswithallthepassengers.BhaiKartarSinghrendered
auniqueandtirelessserviceduringthisperiodoftrial.

HewastakingasignificantbutnonconspicuouspartasamemberofVancouverKhalsaDiwanand
theGurdwara.AmongtheGursikhsthere,hehadthebestcommandovertheEnglishlanguage.
TherewasaMr.HopkinsonwhogotmanydedicatedSikhsprosecutedandgotthemkilledunder
falsepretences.BhaiKartarSinghcouldarguesowellwithHopkinson,thatthelatterwasleft
speechless.Heneverhesitatedtosettlematterswithsuchgovernmentagentsandinformants.He
alwaysremainedfearlessandforthrightandnevershirkedfromanopportunitytosubdue
enemiesoftheKhalsa.FinallyhewasarrestedanddeportedtothePunjabalongwithothers.In
thePunjabhegotprosecutedforsomeoldcaseinCanadaandwasalsochargedintheThird
LahoreConspiracyCasealongwithBhaiBalwantSinghfromDoaba.Bothwereawardedthedeath
sentence.Whilefivewereactuallyexecuted,includingBhaiBalwantSingh,BhaiKartarSingh's
sentencegotreducedtolifeimprisonment.HejoinedmeinHazariBagjail.Withtheveryfirst
meetingweweredrawnsonearthatweremainedinseparable.Itwasacaseoflongseparated
soulsfrompreviousbirthsthatsuddenlymetinHazariBagjail.ThroughcommonnessofGurmat
thoughtswesoondevelopeddeeploveforeachotherthatprovedlifelong.

Hewasborninvillage'NawanChand'indistrictFerozepur.Therewasanotherwellknown
freedomfighterbythesamename.ThatwasSardarKartarSinghSarabhawhowasalsosentenced
tolifeimprisonmentintheFirstConspiracyCase.BhaiKartarSinghhadleftforVancouveratan
earlyage.Hewasengagedtobemarriedbeforehisdeparture,buthewrotebackfromVancouver
thathedidnotintendtogetmarriedandthegirlshouldbemarriedofftohisbrother.Thiswas
done.Hethusremainedsingleandchasteallhislifeandafaithfuldevout.Hewasalwayskeento
undertakeselflessserviceandwasfullofloveforthecountry.Hisnaturalbentwaspure
spiritualisminthelightofGurmat.Allhisserviceofreligiousdevotionorsacrificeforthecountry
wasdedicatedtotheGuru,withoutashadowofselfhoodorpersonalego.Oncewecametogether,
weremainedsothroughoutlifetoourmutualdelight.HegottransferredfromHazariBagjailto
RajMundrialongwithme,inMadrasstateandthenagaintoNagpurjail.

HoweverfromNagpurtoLahorewereachedseparatelyoneaftertheother,butdidgetjoined
onceagain.Inthebookofmyautobiography,'JailChithhian',Ihavewrittengooddealabouthim.
HecouldquotealotofGurbanifrommemory.HeusedtoreciteSriSukhmaniSahiband
SukhmanaSahibtomeandwhiledoingsogointotrance.Hewasverywellacquaintedwithmy
family.HewouldlovemyfamilymembersandunknownmembersoftheJathaasifheknew
everybodysincelong.Ourcommoninterestinspiritualitymadeourcloseassociationvery
pleasantduringthejailperiod.AccordingtoDivineWill,IwasreleasedfromLahorejailin1930,
buthestayedbackformanymoreyears.Yethisdetentioninjailcouldnotholdbackhissoulthat
gavemecompany.FinallyhegotreleasedfromMontgomeryjailandjoinedmeinperson.He
remainedundersurveillanceforsometimeafterrelease.Hewasallowedfreemeetingsand
permissiontovisit.Hedevelopedstrongtieswithmynephew,BhaiSajjanSingh,andhisfamily
duringthisperiod.HeevenstayedafterfullreleasefromjailwithBhaiSajjanSinghinMontgomery
likeafamilymember.TherewassomuchofmutualloveandtrustthatBhaiKartarSinghwasgiven
completeresponsibilitytomanagehouseholdaffairs.Fromthisremoteplace,heremainedunited
withmeinspirit.

Howeverwhenthepullofpersonalattractionbecameirresistible,hecametoabidewithmeand
foreverremainedso.Hewasonveryintimatebrotherlyrelationswithprominentmembersofthe
Jatha.HiscontributioninforeignactivitywasmostlyconcernedwithhisthoughtsonGurmat,
Guru'steachings.Hewasanoutstandingthinkerandwriteronreligiousthought.Hewas
unconspicuouspractitionerofGurmatNammeditation.Hewasenjoyingthehighestspiritual
experiencesof'DasamDuar'and'AnhadShabad',hilariousjoyofceaselesscontemplationof
DivineNamatthehighestbodycenterinhumanbrain,unknowntoothers.Hedevelopedthe
occultpowertoknowmindsofothers.Howeverthiswasallhispersonalsecret.Aftercomingout
ofjailhetooktohomeopathicpracticefreeofcharge.Histreatmentofpatientswasveryeffective.
Whatevercaseshehandled,thosepatientswerefullycured.Hethereforecametobeknownas
DoctorKartarSingh.Hesufferedfromawhimsicalmaniaoccasionallythatusedtodrivehimmad.
ThoughhewasverysuccessfulinhomeopathictreatmenthealsogotinterestedinGreek
medication.Iusedtodiscouragehimstronglysoasnottousetherecipesofmineralextraction,
yethenevercouldstop.Thiswouldturnfriendsintoenemiesandenemiesintofriendsforhim.
Howeverhisclosefriendsunderstoodhisweaknessinhimandignoredthiswrongdoing.Iusedto
disciplinehimquiteabitandoftenstophimfromilladvisedactivity.Hetoowouldlistenandobey
me.

Butforthistemporarymania,BhaiKartarSinghwaspuregoldandhighlyinfluential.Hewasgiven
tothehighestresearchinspiritualityandsurprisedmanyadvancedGurmatscholarswithhis
originalfindings.HisacceptanceofDivineWill,patienceandthankfulnessduringhislongperiodof
imprisonmentwasexemplaryandunparalleled.Initiallyhewassentencedtobehanged,but
subsequentlygivenlifeimprisonment.Hewascompletelyinnocentofthechargeforwhichhewas
triedandpunished.Inspiteofhisnotbeingguilty,heneverthoughtofhimselfasfreefromblame.
Hementionedtomethathewasguiltyofunintendedspiritualwrongdoinginthisbirthandhehad
tosufferforthisinthisverylife.Hehadfirmlyresolvedtowritereligiousaccountofthehistoryof
CanadaandKamagataMarushipnearVancouverthatwasnotpermittedashore.Hehadjust
started,whenhereceivedtheDivineCallthatendedhislifeatanearlyage.Hehadpremonition
ofhisdeathandhaddisclosedtomewellbeforetheevent.Hesaidthathislifejourneycouldend
atanearlydate.Hedesiredmetobearoundathismomentofdeparture,yethedeparted
unannounced.Nosoonerthenewswasreceived;allhisadmirersandcloseassociatesproceeded
totheplaceofhisdeath.Howeverbeforeourarrival,lastriteshadbeenperformed.Inanswering
myqueries,hisrelativesalsocametobelievethathewasstillinhighestspiritualtranceandthe
breathwasstillheldattheDasamDuarwhenhisbodywascremated.Theytoldmethateven
thoughtheybelievedhewasdeadyettheglowonhisfacewasunbearable.Well,DivineWillwas
done!

Whilehewasgone,restofussulkedinmemoryofhisvirtues.Itisnotoftenthatsuchprecious,
noblesoulsareborn.BhaiKartarSinghwasrareshiningexampleofaGursikhwhobroughtthe
SikhNationandGurmatreligiontoitshighestglory.Whateverlifehespent,BhaiKartarSingh
remainedaboveselfishloveforworldliness.Hewillalwaysliveincherishedmemoriesofhismany
closefriendsandassociates.Itoomisshimalot,thoughIstillfeelhisnearness.Manyatimeshis
soulhashelpedmethroughmanyproblemsandprovidedvaluablehints.
CHAPTER10SAINTLYDR.BASANTSINGHJI(RESIDENTOFSEKHWANDISTT.SIALKOT)
Itwasduringmyabsenceofimprisonment,thatyoungDr.BasantSinghgothimselfBaptisedby
theJathamembers,whowereresidentsofthenewlycolonizedregionbetweenriversBeasand
RaviofPunjab.HestartedobservingalltheprinciplesofGurmatliving,Rehat,strictly.Mostlyhe
stayedindistrictLyallpur.HedevelopedgreatbrotherlyaffectionwithJathamembersandbecame
deeplyengrossedinloveformeevenwithoutseeingme.Hisfondnessgrewjustbyhearingabout
me.Thisloveformyunseenselfbecameobsessionwithhim,occupyinghisthoughtsatalltimes.
Hekeptprayingforanearlymeetinginperson.

InJune1923volunteerservice(KarSewa)forholytank,AmritSarovarstarted,whenIwasinjail.A
largenumberofJathamembersinhundredsvolunteeredforthisserviceatAmritsarandhelda
prayermeetingformywellbeing.Iamtoldbythosewhoparticipatedintheservice,mydear
GurmukhBhaiMalSinghJiandmywifeSrimatiKartarKaurinparticular,thattheLyallpurJatha
alsoparticipatedinlargenumbers.TheArdaswasperformedbyGurmukhVir,BhaiAtmaSinghJi
fromMoga.DuringthisprayerjustwithmentionofmynamethisyoungVir,Dr,BasantSinghfell
unconscious.Hewasinalovelornstate.HewasbroughtbacktoconsciousnessaftertheArdas.

Eversincehisloveformegotstrengthenedbeyondmeasure.Itwasneitherbreakablenor
forgettableevenforamoment.ThislovingVirparticipatedinalltheAkhandPathhSamagamsto
prayformywellbeingandsafereturnfromprison.Hewaseverprayingforourearlymeeting.All
thisisinscribeddeeplyinmyheart,asyearningsofpurespirituallove.

Finallythedaydawnedin1930whenIwastransferredfromNagpurJailtoCentralJailLahore,
priortomyrelease.AbidingclosebyinLyallpur,VirBasantSinghwasconvincedforanearly
meeting.Waitingformyreleasewasmostunbearableforhimandpatiencecouldholdnolonger.
HemadeaprayerforimmediatemeetingwithmeinJail.Thosewerethedaysofjointagitation
againsttheGovernmentbyCongressandAkalipartieswithpublicemotionsrunninghigh.Itso
happenedthatonajointplatformofCongressAkaliagitation,Dr.BasantSinghalsomadesome
kindofspeech.ThiswasenoughtomerithisarrestandawardofsentenceforsixmonthsinJail.
WithDivineinterventionhewaschallanedtoundergoimprisonmentinCentralJailLahore.He
thenjoinedusinthewardforpoliticalprisoners.Hewasthrilledwithfulfilmentofhiswish.He
camerunningandfellonmyfeet.Iwasunawareofhisidentity.Myconstantcompanion,Bhai
KartarSinghCanadian,wasabletolifthimaftergreatstruggle.ThatiswhenIsawhisfaceforthe
firsttimeandcouldinstantlyrecognizethathewasalongseparatedspiritualmate.

Thiswastheinitialrecognition.Onhisnarratingpersonalaccount,Iwasgreatlytouched.Wewere
thusunitedininseparableunionundertheauspicesofoneDivineWisdomofGurmat,common
principles,commonideology,worshipofcommonLord,treadingsamepathasloversofsame
DivineSource.Suchwastheeternal,DivinelyBlestrelationshipofourSouls!

IhappenedtobereleasedearlierfromJail,coupleofmonthsaheadofBhaiBasantSingh.Oncehe
cameouttojoinme,weremainedtogetherthereafter.Hebecameaprominentfigureinall
subsequentSamagams.Hewassoyoung,withhisbeardjustbeginningtoappear.Howeverfuseof
hisDivineLovewasignitedwithinandtherocketofhisyearningsouleverremainedsoaringto
spiritualheightsunfathomed.Hehadnosuchcareasreturningtohishomeorjoininghisfamily.It
israretofindonesodevoted,abidingbyGurmatprincipleandcloselylivingthecodeenunciated
byDasmeshGuru.Hewasyounginage,butwelladvancedinGurmatvirtues,asthoughhewas
fullydrilledinthemevenbeforehisverybirth.HewasgreatpractitionerofNammeditationand
DivineNampermeatedhisentirebeing.

Noworldlyattractioninterestedhim.HisfocuswasonlyontheholycongregationofGurmat
Satsang.Thevolunteerserviceforholytank,sarovar,atTarnTaranSahibwasperformedin1931
aftermyreleasefromJail.JathaparticipatedinlargenumbersandVirDr.BasantSinghwas
prominentliketherisingnewmoon.HealwaysappearedtobeintoxicatedwithElixirofDivine
Nam.Unconcernedwithhumdrumoflifearound,heremainedspirituallyengrossedwithin.He
devotedhimselfcompletelyinselflessservice.Heservedthegatheredvolunteerswholeheartedly.
Hegaveupallworldlyinterests,includinghisfamilylife,todevotefullytoJathaSamagams.His
familydotedalltheiraffectiononhim.Hisparentsandallsiblingswerealreadydevoutfollowers
ofGurmat.VirBasantSinghsinfluencefurtheraccentuatedtheirDivineLove.Theyallgot
BaptisedandbecamefollowersoftheSikhCode,Rehat.Onedaytheentirefamilyprayedtothe
Sangattearfully,thatBhaiBasantSinghmightbedirectedtostaywiththemattheirvillage
Sekhwan.Theiremotionalattachmenttohimbadlyneededhispresenceamongstthem.They
acceptedhisbreakwithbusinessactivitiestoengageinDivineDevotionashisfulltimeoccupation.
Hisverysightwouldwork,astheirlifesupportandnotonlythefamilybutalsomanyothers
aroundwouldbenefitfromhisreligiouspourings.ThiswouldalsogiverisetoAkhandKirtan
Samagamsinthevillage.Thiswasgenuineandverymovingsupplication.

ThepureGurmatOrientedrequestwasacceptedandVirBasantSinghdirectedtolivewithhis
family.Hewasthusboundtocomplywiththedirectionandleftwithhisfamily.Inleavinghe
startedwalkingbackwardforaslongascouldseeuswithhisfixedgazetowardsus.His
companionsweresupportinghimfrombehind,asifthisloveintoxicatedbeingwasgettingtorn
awaymuchagainsthiswishes.Thushefinallyreachedhisvillage.Complyingwithhiswishes,ahut
wasconstructedinthefamilyfieldatadistanceofabouthalfamile.Thereheremainedengrossed
inDivinedevotionallthetime.Hehadlefthismedicalpracticesincelong;yethewaspopularly
knowasDoctorBasantSingh.HoweverhisardentGodlyDevotionearnedhimthenameofSaint
BasantSinghinsurroundingvillages.Thushishutacquiredthehueofanexpandingholyplace.A
separatesmallGurudwarawasbuiltforenshriningofSriGuruGranthSahib.Therewasaregular
flowofspiritualseekers.DuringAkhandKirtanSamagamsthereweremiraculoushappeningsof
highspirituality.

CountlessfamiliesgotBaptised.Theoccultpowerswerereadyforanyservice,butourdearVir
hadnouseforthese.HeremaineddedicatedtoDivineLove.Heremainedchasteandpureallhis
life.Hecouldenvisionthathehadashortlifetoliveandthusrefrainedfrommarriagenordidhe
haveanyinclinationformarriedlife.HewasevermarriedtothePrimalSourceDivine.Worldly
marriagewouldhavebeenameredistraction.ThoughherespectedtheGurmatprincipleof
marriedlife,buthewasawareofhisshortlifeandthusabstainedfromthisobligation.Noneofhis
familyeverdaredtoenforcemarriageonhim.

HewieldedsuchaninfluenceinentireSialkotareaandparticularlyTehsilNarowal,thatevery
villagehadJathasofBaptisedSikhs.TherewasintensepreachingofGurmatteachings.Wealways
foundadvancepreparationsforallourSamagamsatSekhwan.Withlargetentssidewalls,etc.It
waslikeaheavenlyplaceinmidstoffields.Itusedtobegatheringofthousandscomingtoenjoy
thespiritualfeastandsuchoccasionswerequiteoften.Itwasraretofindsuchfruitfulpreachings
ofJathaprinciplesinaccordancewithGurmat.WheneverIchancedtogotoKashmir,hewould
insistformyshortstayatthevillage.

Therewasoftenastrongappealforfrequentvisits.Heheldswayoverthepeopleinthisarea.This
wasmainlyattributabletohisselflessmeditation,austerityandNamdevotion.Peoplenaturally
obeyedthedisciplinetocomplywithhisdirectionandtherewasnoagebaramongBaptisedSikhs
infollowingthisexemplaryregimentalbehaviour.VirBasantSinghneversoughtpersonal
adoration.SomehalfbakedinfaithusedtoconsideritasprevalenceofSaintDom.Howeverthere
wasnobasisforsuchthinking.Thiswasmerelyfigmentoftheirminds.Dr.BasantSinghhadno
appetiteforsuchathing.

TheGurmatkitchenatSekhwanwasalwaysopenforservice.Dr.BasantSinghsyoungersisterin
law,BibiPritamKaurwasinchargeofthisservice.TheturbanedBibicommandedgreatrespect
andneverdidanybodydaretomisbehave.Shewashighlydecent,meditatingonNamwitheach
breath,justasGurmukhBibisofYesteryears.Underherinfluencealltheyoungladieswerealsoof
thesamemould.

TheyremainedengrossedinDivineThoughtsduringtheentireservicewithoutwavering.Many
youngvisitingladieswouldfallinlovewithhandsomeandstrongyoungDr.BasantSingh,buthe
wouldalwaysremainonthehighpedestalofhisSpiritualstateengrossedinDivineNam.There
wasnoplaceforanevilthoughtinthefaceofGurmatideology.Theevilliesinthemindofperson,
whoperceivesevil.Dr.BasantSinghoftenaccompaniedmetoKashmirandledmetoalonelyspot
onthebankofriverJehlumnearheadworks.Weusedtositatophighrocksbythebanksideof
theriver,takingupindependentpositionsandremaininecstaticdaylongmeditation.Manynights
wouldpassinNamengrossment.EveryyearhewouldheadalargeJathatoNarangwalto
commemorateGurpurabSamagamofDasmeshGuru,whilesingingKirtan.Attimes,alightingat
KilaRaipurrailwaystationtheJathawouldreachNarangwalatmidnighttravellingbyfoot.This
includedJathaofyoungturbanedBibis.HewasverygoodinKirtansinging.Theywouldreston
flooralongwithSangat.Theywouldbecontentwithmeagre,simpledietandwouldbringdry
rationsforlangarontheirheads.Hewaseverreadyforsupremesacrificeincludinghisentire
familyforsakeofselflessservicetoothersandnotholdbackanypersonalbelongings.Hereisone
examplethatwouldsuffice:

ServiceRenderedDuringPartitionHolocaust
In1947IndiawasdividedoncommunalbasisandMuslimLeaguebecamearulerpartyofPakistan,
theregionawardedtoMuslims.DuringexchangeofpopulationbetweenPakistantosecularIndia,
therewasaholocaustandmiseryunprecedentedinhistory,waswroughtonhumanbeingson
bothsidesoftheborder.Themadnessofreligioushatredturnedmenintoevilspiriteddemons.
TheentiredistrictofSialkothadbeenawardedtoPakistan.Dr.BasantSinghengagedhimselfin
theprotectionofotherfamiliesignoringhisown.HeguardedthehistoricGurudwaraBerSahib,
BawliSahib,etc.,unmindfulofhispersonalsafety.Inthosedifficulttimesheprovedinstrumental
inbringingGursikhsfamiliestosafetyacrosstheborderatgreatpersonalrisk.Hesettledthe
familyofS.HarnamSinghOberaiatvillageMiranMirnearRopar.Iappealedtohimtobringalong
hisownfamilytoasafeplace.HeproceededtovillageSekhwanwiththisobjective.Beforehe
couldreachthere,SikhfamiliesofTehsilNarowalintheirthousandswerealreadyontheirmarch
afterabandoninghomeandhearth.TheyhadnoclearsenseofdirectionandbadlyneededDr.
Sahibsleadership.HethenledacaravanofSikhfamiliesnumberingaboutSixmillionacrossriver
Ravi.Howeverhisownfamilygotkilledtothelastperson.Thiseventcoincidedwithrainyseason
inthemonthsofJulyAugust.Hehadbeenthroughaperiodofgreatphysicalexertionwithout
properfoodovermanyweeksinhothumidweather.

Thisselflessservicewastrulyexemplary.Heperseveredinhisobjectiveofsafetyofthegreatest
numbers,asfarashecould.Thesetbacktohishealthcouldneverberestored.Hebecame
anaemicandbodystoppedproducingnewblood.Whenhebecamebedridden,thenalonehe
cametomeinresponsetorepeatedrequests.Hewasalmostaskeletonofhisoldself.Hewas
awareofhisfastapproachingend.Allhedesiredwasenvironmentofholysangatandmynearness
tilltheveryend.Hewouldoftenrecitethefollowing:

=8l HlJ H = 0U J HU 3 Jl = eo
H3 Jl =U J JH 8 9
H= =8l Hl 9=
OKabir!IeagerlyawaitdeathattheDivineDoor.
TheGraciousLordmaythengracemewithHisGlance.61.
SlokBhagatKabirJi[1366]

BeholdingSixthTrueKing,LionandFuturisticPrediction
Hislastdesirewasfulfilled.HehadperformedsomuchpenanceandlongNammeditationsontop
oftherocksandthecavesnearKumarHattinearSimlaatsuchanearlyagethatisalmost
impossibleforanyotherperson.TheechoofhisSimrancanstillbediscernedintheriverfallsin
Kashmir.HeadworksonriverJehlumislocatedatalonelyplacebetweenSriNagarandBaramula.
Hehadanoverseerfriendthere,whogotahutconstructedforhismeditation.Dr,BasantSingh
meditatedinthehutatnightandbytheriversideduringtheday.Inthebrinkoftheriver,there
werehugerocksthatexistednaturally.Hewouldsitatopthoserocksandlosehimselfin
meditation.TheadjoiningwavesofriverwaterproducedtheirownmusicalongwiththeNam
Simranrhythmwithin.ItooenjoyedthisexperiencealongwithdearVirBasantSingh.Itwas
difficulttobreakawayfromsuchcelestialenvironment.Wewouldcontinuesittingthereforlong
hours.

Finallyonleavingtherewaspersistenceofthisexperience.Evenwhilemeditationinopenairat
KumarHatti,theKashmirexperiencegetsintermingledduringspiritualflightofsoul.Onebrother
oftheoverseerfriendofDr.BasantSinghusedtoaccompanyhim.Hewasadevoutfrombirthand
alwaysremainedveryhumble.Hehadmanywonderfulspiritualexperiences.Wheneverhefelt
likeit,hewouldleaveheadworksforthehistoricGurudwaraatUri.Itwasgenerallyknowntothe
habitantsofUriandnearbyplacesthatnonecouldstayintheGurudwaraorinclosevicinityat
night.Alionusedtovisittheplaceeverynight.TheGurudwaraissituatedacrosstheriveratan
unhabitatedplace.Thisholypersonwasveryfriendlywithmealso.

HeusedtoconfidehismostsecretexperiencestoDr.BasantSinghandmyself.Thesenarrations
hadaringoftruthaboutthem.Hetoldusaboutaparticularnightexperience.Hewasseatedona
rockoutsideGurudwaraandwassolostinmeditationthathehadnoawarenessofhisbody.He
wassuddenlyjoltedoutofthisstatebyroarofalion.Hegotfrightenedbeyondhiswits,butsoon
startedrecitingtheGurbanishabad,

0UlIe JH H = e I 8l 9
l8= HJ \9\
ProtectedamIbyProtectionDivineallaround.1.
BilawalM:5[819]

Itsohappenedthathegotenclosedbyironwallallaround,wherelioncouldneverattack.Thus
protected,hebecamefearlessandhisFaithgotfortified.HecontinuedtosoarinspiritualBlissof
Nammeditationforlong.MeanwhileSixthKingTrue,SriGuruHarGobindSahibappearedinHis
LustrousDivineGlory.Avastwealthofpreciousstonesandjewelswererevealedwiththe
informationthatatimewouldcomewhenthebraveSinghsofSriDasmeshJiwouldcometoavail
themselvesofthesetreasures.Onlythosedivinelydestinedshallfindthesesecrettreasures.God
knowswhensuchatime,shallcomeandwhoarethusdestinedtofindtheirheritagewealth!
WhileDr.BasantSinghhasdepartedalready,Ihavenowishtoexplorethisanyfurther.Basant
SinghJiusedtosay.WhenSatguruhasbestowedtheTreasureofNamWealth,thenwhyrun
afterthefalseworldlytreasures?TrulyheleftwithallthegatheredNamWealthforEternal
Abode.Whenhissouldepartedfrombodyhisattendantcouldvisionthesplendourofthe
departingSoulasbrightglitter.Formanyadaysandweeksheremainedlostinthegloryofthis
blissfulmemory.Evennowhecanrecapturetheblissfulnessofthatmoment.Thusendsthebrief
lifedepictionofbelovedBasantSingh.
CHAPTER11SRIBIBIHARBANSKAUR
HereisanamazingshortlifestoryofthgreatSikhlady,wifeofLateDevoutVirSrimanSardar
JoginderSinghJiofvillageRaipur:SriBibiHarbansKaurJibelongedtotheancientGursikhfamily,
devotedtoFaithgenerationaftergeneration,fromDaudpur.Herpaternaluncle,SrimanSantHira
SinghJi,wasaleadinglightoftheJatha.HisdevotiontoNamSimranandGodlyLovewas
exemplary.

Thisyounggirlwasbornandbroughtupandgreatlyinfluencedbythehighspiritualityofheruncle.
AtthetimeofherbirthsaintlyBhaiHiraSinghJiprophesied,thatshewasdestinedtobegreat
devoutandherstrongSikhFaithwouldbeworthyofemulation.

Whensheattainedmarriageableage,asaconsequenceofSantBhaiHiraSinghJisblessing,she
gotmarriedasperGurmatAnandKarajtoSrimanBhaiJoginderSinghJi.Itwasindeedagreat
blessingthatsuchdevoutspiritualseekersgotunitedinmarriage.Thoughtheireconomic
conditionwasborderingonpoverty,yettheyenjoyedenrichmentofNamWealth.Theirspiritual
flourishmenttogetherwastrulyexemplary.TheirmindsgotfocusedonpureGurmatassoonas
theygotBaptised.WiththeirtotalrelianceonEfficaciousNam,theynevercaredmuchabout
worldliness.ThehandlingofhouseholddutiesbyBibiHarbansKaurwassoauspicious,thatsoon
everythinggottransformed.Theharddaysendedintoasenseofgreatprosperity.Thetalentsof
BhaiJoginderSinghJicametoberecognizedandrewardedbyPatialaState.Thoughworldlyriches
nowabounded,yethumilityofspiritwasretained.SisterHarbansKaurJiwaslivingembodiment
ofGursikhlivinginthought,wordanddeed.Herheadwasalwaysadornedwithlightbluishturban.
Shehadastronghealthybodyandwithturbanedheadshecarriedherselfwithgreatdignity,
worthyofgreatdevoutSikhlady.

Shepersonallyattendedtoallhouseholdchores.ThesoundofNamSimranbecameautomaticall
thetimealongwithhernormalactivities.ItisraretofindsuchFaithinpersonallife.Shewould
alwaystakefullheadbath.Shefollowedthispracticeeverday,evensoonafterdeliveryofanew
born,notcaringformedicaladviceagainstthis.TheblessingofsuchfirmFaithwas,thatshenever
sufferedevenaslightsicknessthroughoutherlife.Shealwayseagerlylookedforwardtoserve
holyonesandherkitchenwasalwaysopenforthisservice.Shepreparedfoodandservedallby
herself.Thevisitorswerealwaysfullysatiated.

Thisauspiciousserviceneverexperiencedanyshortage.Shewasveryadeptinreadingthehidden
meaningofactionsofdevoutandtheirdevotion.Onceshewasservingselfpreparedfoodtothe
greatspiritualist,godlyBhaiAtmaSinghfromMoga.ItsohappenedthatsuddenlySriBhaiAtma
SinghJiwentintotranceandstoppedeatingfromhisplate,yethekeptmunchingwithhismouth.
HiseyeswererolledupandhisfaceshoneinDivinesplendor.BhaiJoginderSinghJisittingclose
bywasperplexedwiththisstrangegoingon.Inamazement,heenquiredthemeaningofallthis
fromhiswife,thatwithouttakingfoodfromhisplateBhaiAtmaSinghappearedtobepartaking
invisiblefood.BibiHarbansKaurJireplied,Thereisnothingtowonder.BhaiRandhirSinghis
offeringhimmorselsfromNarangwal.Hearingthis,BhaiJoginderSinghnotedthetimeofthe
occurrence.AtthatverytimeIwasservedfoodbymywife,SrimatiKartarKauratNarangwal.I
hadtakenonlyafewmorselsandthenstoppedeatingeventhoughmyhandstookfoodfromthe
plate.

Mymothersittingbymysidenoticedthisstrangeoccurring.Puzzledbythis,sheenquiredfrom
Kartarkaurexplanationofthiswonderment.SrimatiKartarKaurcouldalsoreadthroughthe
strangehappeninglikeBibiHarbansKaur.Shepromptlyreplied,Thereisnothingunusualor
surprisingaboutit.HeisfeedinghisSarbLohiafriend(sharingcommonnessofeatingfromSteel
utensils)BhaiAtmaSinghJi,whoisbeingservedbysisterHarbansKauratthathouseofBhai
JoginderSinghatPatiala.WhenIcameoutofmytrance,Itoonotedthetime.AfterfewdaysBibi
HarbansKaur,SantHiraSinghJi,thegreatdevoutAsceticBhaiAtmaSinghJiandBhaiJoginder
SinghJivisitedNarangwal.Themutualquerywasaddressedandtheeventsfoundtocoincide.
SriBibiHarbansKaurwassuch,outstandingandassertivethatallwivesofPatialahighofficialsand
chieftainsacknowledgedheroverpoweringreligiousinfluence.Theconsortsofministersandroyal
queensallheldheringreatrespect.Theyusedtosendforotherladiestothepalace,butnone
everdaredtoaskBibiHarbansKaur.Shewaswithoutaparallelinherchastity.SriBhaiJoginder
SinghJiwasthenamemberofShromaniGurudwaraPrabandakCommittee(S.G.P.C).

TheagitationagainstBritishRulebyAkaliPanthwasatitspeak.AlmosteverymemberofS.G.P.C
sufferedimprisonmentduetoparticipationinthisagitation.BhaiJoginderSinghwasnotkeeping
goodhealththosedaysandhadgrownweak.HoweverBibiHarbansKaurarousedhisreligious
fervorlikebravewivesinSikhhistoryandencouragedhimforthesacrificeofJailterm.However
atthemomentofdepartureunintentionaltearscametohereyes.BhaiJoginderSinghwas
astonishedatthisandaskedthereasonforthisshowofweaknessafterputtingupabravefront
thusfar.BibiHarbansKaurputonsmileandrepliedthatthepossibilityofearlyreunionwas
remote.Weseemtobedestinedforlongseparation.SardarJoginderreassuredherthathewas
finenowwithherblessingsandtherewasnothingtofear.InfactBibiHarbansKaurhad
envisionedherowndeath,thoughsheneverrevealedthistohim.BythetimeSardarJoginder
Singhreturnedafterhistermofimprisonment,BibiHarbansKaurhadleftforHeavenlyAbode
Eternal.Hecouldnotcopeupwiththepangsofseparationfromhisfaithfulgodlywife.Hishealth
deterioratedfast.

ThoughBibiHarbansKaurcompletedherlifesojournsuccessfullyastheveryembodimentofFaith,
yetthefamilyleftbehindsufferedincompletionoftheirhouseholdaffairs.Theacceptanceof
DivineWillbyBhaiJoginderSinghwasuniqueinbearingthisterribleloss!(Aseparatechapteris
includedaboutSriBhaiJoginderSinghJi,becausehetoohasleftforjourneytotheTimeless)

CHAPTER12SRIMANSANTBHAIHIRASINGHJIOFDAUDPUR
DearGurublessedBhaiHiraSinghJiwasarealpaternaluncleofBibiHarbansKaurJi.Hewasvery
gentleandGodlyorientedpersonfromtheverybeginning.Baptismofthedoubleedgedsword
furtherheightenedhisdivinequalities.HewouldremaininNammeditationwithsingleminded
devotion,inhumblesupplicationwithfoldedhands,standingononeleginHolyPresenceofSri
GuruGranthSahibfornightlong.Suchwashisregularpracticeofraredevotion.Hewasfervently
prayingtoenvisiontheDivineLight.HewouldcontinuereadingSriGuruGranthSahibsolitaryin
lovelornstate.HewaspersistentinhiswishandprayerwithinwithallhisbeingforearlyDivine
illuminatedexperience.HisreadingfromSriGranthSahibwasflawlessandsimultaneouslyhe
couldcarryonNammeditationautomaticallyinintenseDivineLove.

OnedayheboltedallthedoorsinGurudwarafromwithin,hetookhisseatforrecitingfromSri
GuruGranthSahib.Justashetookhispositionhestartedfeelingreverberationsofmeditationin
DivineLovethroughouthisbeingandlostconsciousnessofself.Hesoontriedtocontrolhimself
andstartedpraying.Hehadjustcommencedtherecitation,thathewasengulfedwithDivineLight
within.Hecouldnotbearthisunbearableexperience.HisbodybecameverylightlikeaDivine
plane.EnjoyingDivineNectarimbuedlove,heheldhisbreathinDivinemeditationathisnavel.He
suddenlysoaredandhisbodytouchedtheGurudwaraCeilinglikeafloatingballoon.Guru
oriented,GurumukhSantBhaiHiraSinghJiwasblessedwithpowertobeartheunbearableasa
DivineGift.Hevehementlyprayedinlovinggratitude.Veryslowlyhedescendedtothefloor,likea
flyingbirdmakingalanding.HeliedinprostrationinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibandthus
remainedinprayerforlongtoaskforboontobearthisunbearablestate.Hewasthusblest
thereafter,thatnonecoulddiscernhishighspirituality.Heremainednonconspicuousintheholy
congregationsinhisfullyflourishedstateofNammeditation.

OnlysuchenlightenedGurusikhsusedtobeaskedtoserveasmembersoftheteamofFive
BelovedonesforBaptizingceremonysuchwasthewontofthisJatha.ItwasDivineWill,thatSant
BhaiHiraSinghJimovedfromhisvillageDaudpurofdistrictLudhianatoChakNo.361indistrict
Layallpur,wherehehadbeenallottedland.Soonthepresenceofdivinelyinfluencesofthis
Gurumukh,pureandimmaculatefollowerofGurmat,wasfeltmostvigorously.Manyyearning
soulswerelitupwithenlightenmentofDivineNam.Almostentirevillage,ChakNo.361,came
undertheswayofGurumatBaptismandpresentedamiraculoustransformationintospiritual
bloom.AllpersonswereengagedinlandcultivationandalongsidekeptupthepracticeofNam
meditation.ItappearedtheywereallreceivingDivineHelpintheirlabors.Theyneverfeltphysical
tiringorsenseofboredomintheirexertions.Theywereskilledandsuccessfulintheirprofession
ofcultivationandraisingofcrops.Theyweretirelessduringreapingseasonandwouldgoonfor
hours,asifdrivenbyDivineEffort.Carryingheavyloadsonheadsbrisklytheyappearedtobe
walkinginair.SomemenofDivineVisioncoulddiscernandborewitnessthatloadscarriedby
GurumukhSinghswereabouttwofeethighabovetheirheadsandmovedontheirown.

ThereweremanyAkhandPathhandKirtanSamagamsheldatChakNo.361andattimesBaptizing
ceremoniestoo.Therarespiritualeventsthattranspiredthendefydescription.TheNam
practitionersSinghsofthevillageusedtomeditateinasinglegroup.Suchwasthemusic
generatedthatentirevillagewouldappearintrance.TherewasoneGangaSinghwhodelvedin
jest.Drivenbyhishabit,hestoodoutsidethedoorofmeditationplace.Hefoundscoresofpeople
engagedinNamSimraninaloudvoicewithrosariesofsteelintheirhands.Inapingthemhe
madearosaryofthinstringbytyinglittleknotsandstartedcountingbeadsofimprovisedrosary
whileloudlyrecitingNam.Justwithinfifteenminutesofhisapingactivityhefellflatonground.He
shriekedloudlyandcriedforhelp.Manypeoplegatheredaround.Onenquiryabouthisaffliction,
hepleaded,Getmethesinner,pardonedbytheseSinghs.Hekeptrollinginpainandmaking
pleasformercy.AftermeditationtheSinghscameoutandliftedupGangaSinghsufferinginagony
andhittinghisheadonground.GangaSinghinpenanceaskedforforgivenessforhis
unpardonablesinandgothimselfBaptised.HethusbecameagreatdevoteeofSikhFaith.He
tearfullynarratedthisselfexperiencetome.Thismovementofgettingbaptisedspreadtomany
surroundingvillagesandmanyjoinedintoenjoydevotionandBlissofNam.

RetroversionofSpirituality
TherecameaperiodofretroversionofhighspiritualityenjoyedbyourdearGurumukh,Saintly
BhaiHiraSingh.Allhishighattainmentsofenlightenmentwithinstartedcomingtonought.He
wentaroundlamentingandhumblyrollingamongtheshoesofholycongregation,Sangats.He
wouldcryoutthathehadlostallhisinternalblissandenlightenmentofhisself.Hestrivedin
everypossibleway,butcouldneverregainlostglory.Heroamedaboutinwilderness,meditated
onparapetsofwellsstandingononeleg,meditatedforlongonDivineNam,countedbeadsof
rosaryinpresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibendlesslyandyethisstateofperplexityremained.He
wouldcometoKirtanSamagams,butremainedoutsidebehavinglikeaninsaneperson.Hewould
rubdustoftheshoesofsangatonhisbodyandface.

Infactallhismeasurestoseeksolaceledtomoreandmoremisery.ManywellwishersofBhai
HiraSingh,takingpityonhiswoebegonestate,approachedJathawithpleasonhisbehalf.
HoweverGurmukhdevotees,lostinloveofKirtan,nevercared,yetpersonswithgreatperception
ofTruthandDivineWillknewthattimewasnotripeforforgivenessDivine.Whenitwas
propitioustime,BhaiHiraSinghwascalledupbythechosenFiveduringBaptizingceremony.Iwas
inattendanceofSriGuruGranthSahibonthisoccasion.BhaiHiraSinghpresentedhimself.Hewas
thencalleduponbytheChosenFivetoexplainhistruestory.Hetearfullynarratedthathewas
unawareofthiscauseofspiritualretroversion.Hedidnotknowofanywrongdoingevenindream.
Thecauseofdownfallwasunknowntohimandhewasunabletoregainglorythatheonce
experienced.Allhisstrivingshadprovedofnoavail.TheDivinewrathremainedmysterytohim.

AtthepromptingoftheChosenFive,IremindedBhaiHiraSingh,Rememberyourglorious
spiritualexperiencesatChakNo.361.WasitallduetoGraceofGuruoryoutookthecreditupon
yourself?Haveyousufferedfromimperceptibleselfpride,thatthewonderfulhappeningswere
duetoyourownefforts?Thisquestionshookhimvisiblyfromtoptotoe.Thesecondquestion
promptlyfollowed,AreyoubestowingGurumatNamallbyyourselfinthetraditionofyourown
GuruDom?Thisbroughthimtosensesandhelamentedthathewasguiltyofthiswrongdoing
occasionally.Forawhilethispracticeappearedveryrewarding,butsoonprovedfutile.TheFive
ChosenOnestookholdofhimandgavehimagoodshake,sayingthat,Thiswasanactofgrave
defiance.TheauthoritybestowedontheChosenFive,representingGuru,wasusurpedbyyou
alone.ThiswasresponsiblefordrainingawayofallspiritualityofNam.BhaiHiraSinghthen
wailedforforgiveness.TheFiveChosenOnesawardedheavypunishmenttoBhaiHiraSinghand
prayedforhisforgivenessbytheGuru.Satgurugracedhimandprogressstartedandhestarted
regainingallthelostBlissandglory.ImbuedwithDivineLoveandsplendorDivineshoneonhis
face.Hewasbackinholycongregationsashisoldself.BhaiHiraSinghwasthusaBlestSouland
rarejewelamongGurusikhs,withhisspiriteversoaring.

Thetimecameformygoingtojail.BhaiHiraSinghJiwishedtojointhefirstagitationwithJatha,
butDivineWilldecidedotherwise.HewaspreparingtoreceivetheJathareturningfromJail,when
hesuddenlyreceivedDivineCallanddepartedforEternalAbode.Wewereleftbehindashislove
lornbrethren.NowIwistfullylookforwardtojoinhiminthehereafter!Ifjusticeisdonetoloving
memoryofSriSantBhaiHiraSingh,itwouldformasizeablebook.Thisismeresamplingofrich
tributethathedeserves.
CHAPTER13SHAWLWRAPPEDSANTSRIMANARJANSINGHJI(RESIDENTOFPANJOKHRA)
ManysoulswereenjoyingthespiritualblissatAmbalaCantonment.AkhandPathhsandAkhand
KirtanswerebeingheldwithgreatdedicationandDivineLoveinseriesforlong.SriBabuMal
SinghJiwasservingthereinNo.36Rasalaandwasengagedinenlightenmentofmanyotherswith
DivineNam.

Anotherdedicatedfaithful,BelovedofGuru,BhaiPiaraSinghJiwasalsostationedthereasan
officerinanotherarmyunit.Hetoowasenjoyingdelightofintensespirituality.Pullofyearning
love,emanatingfromthesetwolovedones,hadbroughtheretheJatha,whichwasembodiment
ofSoulfulKirtan.Theseeventshavebeenreferredinanotherchapterindetail.ThosedaysSikh
unitsofcavalry,artillery,infantry,etc.,happenedtobebasedatAmbalaCantt.Allunitshadtheir
separateGurdwaras,AkhandPathhsandAkhandKirtanswerebeingperformedinallthese
GurdwarasinturnbytheJatha.Manywerethemiraculouseventsthattookplaceandmany
immaculatebeingswithspiritualityofhighdestinygotrevealedandBaptised.Onesuchperson
wasSepoyArjanSingh,servinginNo.36Cavalryunit.Hisyouthfulappearancehadnewlygrowth
ofbeard.InthisearlyagehewasthirstinglikerainbirdforDivineLove.Obviouslyhewasagreat
soul,whohadmadestrivingsinspiritualityinhispreviouslife.

HisspiritualcravingmadehimaclosefolloweroftheBlissfulKirtaniJatha,inceaselesspursuit.He
wasseekingtogetBaptisedattheearliestsoastoestablishhisrelationshipwithGuruasGursikh
andmakefastprogresstowardshighestspiritualunion.Theyearningofhislovewaslimitless,yet
theknowingadeptsoftheJathawantedtofurtherheightenthisfeelingofLoveandcementthe
genuineness.ThedateofhisBaptismgotpostponedonvariousSamagams,thoughhewouldcome
preparedeverytimeinanticipation.Inhisrelentlessseekinghewouldignorefreezingcoldof
winterasalsosizzlingsummerheat.Hewentaroundbarefootedasapossessedmanandthought
onlyofGodRealization,theultimateobjective.HisintenseLovewouldfindoutletasfreeflowof
tears.ReadytomaketheultimatesacrificeofhisheadforthesakeofLovefortheLord,he
presentedarareexampleamongseekersofBaptismofDoubleEdgedSword.Hehadabsolutely
nohesitationtoofferhisall,hisselfandallthathecouldcallhisown,inNameoftheGuru.His
closeassociatesfearedthathewouldabandonallworldlyattachmentsandGovernmentservice
immediatelyafterBaptismandtaketoasceticism.Hewasexplainedtimeandagainthestrict
Gurmatdisciplineandcodeofliving,buthissinglemindedobsessionwouldacceptall.Ultimately
histransparentsincerityofpurposemovedtheheartsofentireholysangatandallpleadedforhis
beingBaptised.

TheChosenFiveacceptedhim.NosoonerhereceivedBaptism,hisspiritsoaredtogreatheights
andhewentintotrance.Itwasinhisstateoftrancethatleavinghimtohisfriends,theBaptizing
Jathatookleave.

ExtremeLoveLornStateofBhaiArjanSingh
ItisimpossibletonarratetheyearningsoflovethatVirArjunSinghwentthrough.Hecouldnot
continueinGovernmentServiceforlongandleftitinspiteoftheadviceofferedbyBabuMal
SinghJiandBhaiPiaraSinghJitothecontrary.ArjanSinghwasmarriedpriortohisBaptism,but
hewasremarriedtohiswifeaccordingtoAnandKarjCeremony.YetBhaiArjanSinghremained
chasteallhislifeandhewasdevoidofanyinclinationforfamilylife.Hewaseverlookingforward
tojoinholycongregations,SatSangat.HewentintotrancejustassoonashewasBaptised.His
sittingsinmeditationwouldcontinueforhours,unawareofhumdrumoflifearound.Suchwashis
dailypractice,untouchedbyworldliness.Forweekshewouldremaininmeditationinmidstof
uninhabitedforests,wherehewouldoriginallyproceedtocollectfirewoodforGuruKaLangar.He
wouldloseallselfconsciousnesstoremaininmeditationaltrance.IfhegotnewsaboutAkhand
KirtanbyJatha,hewouldproceedtheredirectlyonfoot.

Hewouldsitindeepmeditationattheplaceofkeepingshoes.Hewouldavailoflisteningfullyto
AsaDiVarKirtan.Hewouldthenproceedtofetchheavyloadsoffirewood,carryingonheadand
feedfueltotheburninghearthswithhisownhands.Hehadsweetwordsforallandtheladies
wereparticularlytouchedbyhiswords.Thesestrangehappeningsatsuchearlyageweresource
ofrealwonderment.Someeventsofhislife,witnessedbyBhaiSurjanSingh,aregivenunder.

MiraculousEventsintheLifeofBhaiArjunSinghJi
(a)ImetSantJi(BhaiArjunSingh)in1912,whenhewasbringingfirewoodonhisheadforGuru
KaLangar.EarlierSantJihadlistenedtocompleterecitationofSriAkhandPathhinonesitting.He
hadchosenacloset,wherenonewouldenter.Thiswasasecludedconstructionofoldentimes,
whereonecouldneitherliedownnorstandup.SantJisatthereinmeditationandgotuponly
aftertheBhogceremony.

(b)TheSecondmeetingtookplaceduringpilgrimagetoSriNankanaSahibbytheJathaonfoot.He
hadataborinthatheplayeduponwhilesingingKirtan.Hewouldsitnightlonginsolitudeinforest
nearNankanaSahibindeepmeditation.In1915theentireJathawasarrested.SrimanSantArjun
SinghJiwasalsocalledtoKhannaPoliceStationbythepolice.Hewasquestioned,Doyouknow
BhaiSahibRandhirSinghJi?Hefearlesslyreplied,Iknowhimverywell.Manytimeswehave
recitedfromSriGuruGranthSahibtogether.InfacttheentirecreationisacquaintedwithSriman
BhaiSahibJi.Thepolicetriedtogethimaroundbysaying,Youturnintoprosecutionwitnessand
youwillbesetfree.SantJireplied,Whocaneverwithholdmyfreedom?Iameverfree.Police
orderedhimtoremainseatedinthestationcompound.SantJirolledatreestumplyingnearby
andignitedittoprovideheatandkeptapitcherofwaterforuse.Hehadasteelbowlwithhim
already.Hetookhispositionnearthefireandwaslostinmeditation.Hewouldputsomeashof
thestumpinthebowlafterfiveorsixhoursintervalanddrinkitmixingwithwater.Heremained
seatedthusforfiveorsixdays.Allthepolicemenshiveredinfearoftheholyandregrettedtheir
actionforgettingonhiswrongside.

Fearingwrathofthegodlyperson,allthepolicemenincludingofficerinchargestoodbeforehim
withfoldedhandsinapology,saying,SantJi,pleasepardonourwrongdoing.Wewronglyheld
youhere.Theymadeofferingsofsweetsandfruits.SantJiwouldnotevenlookatthemand
remainedselfengrossed.Whilethepolicemenwereanxioustogetridofhim,hewaslostindeep
meditation.Hewasnotpayinganyheedtotheirremorsefulwords.Finallytheybroughta
prominentGursikhfromKhanna.AftergreatpersuasionSantJicameoutofthetrance.Hethen
enquired,Whathaveyoutosay?Thepolicemenpleaded,Pleasegrantusforgiveness.We
wronglyheldyouhere.

SantJienquired,DoIneedtocomebackhere?Theypromptlyreplied,Weshallnevercallyou
again.SantJigotoutofthePoliceStationandleftforaplaceofhisownchoice.

(c)DuringAkaliagitationtogaincontrolofSriHarmandarSahibatSriAmritsar,thekeyswerein
possessionoftheDeputycommissioner.SantArjanSinghJiwalkedstraightintohisofficial
residenceandconfrontedhimsaying,WhoareyoutoholdkeysofSriDarbarSahib?D.C.got
flabbergastedwiththiscourageouschallengetohisauthority.SantJihadthelookofanascetic.He
hadashawlonhisheadforturbanandwasbarefooted.MeanwhilePoliceforcearrivedandtook
SantJibythearm,leavinghimoutsideD.C.sresidence.TheyexplainedtoD.Cthat,Heisjust
waywardperson.Itwouldbeofnousearrestinghim.ThosedaysGuruPanthwasengagedin
takingcontroloftheirholyGurdwarasinviewofthecorruptpracticesofpriests.SrimanSantArjan
Singhextendedhisfullsupport.DuringagitationforGurdwaraGangSaratJaito,hejoinedthe
Jathaof500SinghstoentertheGurdwara.ManyoftheJathawereshotdeadandtheremaining
wereconfinedinthefortatJaito.ThusSantJiwasarrestedandremainedinNabhaJailfortwo
years.AfterhisreleaseheroamedaboutinPatialaarea.Henarratedhisselfexperienceofthose
timesthus:

IhadwanderedtoavillagenearRoparandstayedataGurdwara.Istartedfeelingpullofa
yearningsoul,makingmerestlessduetoinnergoading.Iwascontemplatingaboutthisstrange
phenomenon.Itwas10:00PMwhenmyrestlessnessbecameunbearable.Ihadasmallwoundon
onefoot.IexperiencedthatifIproceededNorthward,painwouldincreaseandifthedirection
waschangedtoSouth,thepainwouldsubside.IstartedrunningSouthwardandkeptrunning
wholenight.Istoppedatthedoorofonehouseinavillageearlyinthemorning.Icouldnot
proceedfurtherandknockedatthedoor.ThedoorwasopenedandIentered.JustasIentered,a
youngladyfellflatonmyfeetandbecameunconscious.Ithenunderstood,thatthisBibihad
exertedthespiritualpull.Herfallgeneratedtinglingsensationinmybody,causingintoxication.I
toodroppedtothegroundunconscious.Idonotknowhowlongweremainedunconsciousonthe
ground.Apersonputusinseparatebeds.Thisfeelingofintoxicationpersistedforlong.Thisvillage
wasnamedKalaurandBibiwasnieceofGainiGurbakhshsinghBhadal.ShewasmarriedtoS.
MeharSinghofthevillage,whowasanofficialofPatialastate.ThisBibihadputmilkintwo
glassesandlefttheseonatable.Shethenresolvedinhermindthatshewouldtakemilkonlyafter
SantArjunSinghtooktheotherglass.Withthisresolution,shesatindeepmeditationearly
morning.Hermiraculouspullbroughtmetheretopartakemilk.

(d)IhappenedtogotoRajpuraonce.Ioverheardtwopersonstalkingaboutanasceticperforming
penanceintheareaoftheirvillagePilkani.IenquiredwhethertheasceticwasinSafforanrobes
oraSikh.TheyrepliedhewearsshawlandSikhtypebreeches,Kachhera.Idecidedtohavea
glimpseoftheSaint.Inmysearch,Icameintoaforestlandwiththickwildgrowth.Istoppedata
strawhutatadistance,withvarietyofflowersplantedaround.Iapproachedthehut,removing
myshoesoutsideandwalkednoiselesslytowardstheentrance.ThereIcouldseeSantArjanSingh
facingawayfromtheentranceandentrywasblockedwithheavythornybranches.Thinkingthat
hewasinmeditation,Isatoutsidethehutinwait.Afterfewminuteshecameoutandembraced
meaffectionately.Heassuredmethatthornyblockingdidnotapplytomebutwasmeanttokeep
outunwelcomeintruders,whokeptpestering.Heofferedtoconstructanotherhutformeand
thusgivehimcompany.Iagreed.Bothofusthenwerelivingintheforest.Wewouldriseat1:00
AMandafterourablutionssitinourseparatehutsformeditation.SriGuruGranthwasenshrined
inSantJishutatahigherlevelwhileherestedonthefloor.

OnenightIheardloudpleadingbySantJiat2:00A.M,Idonotneedthesecommodities.Iseek
onlyDivineVision.Ienquiredwhatitwasabout.Heexplained,Ihavebeeninstilledwithall
kindsofGiftsDivine.TheoccultpowersofRidhisandSidhishaveenteredwithinme.Iampraying
thatallthesemaybetakenawayfromme,yetthesearebeingthrustonme.ThisistheproblemI
amfacing.Icouldonlysaythatunderstandingofsuchmatterswasbeyondmycomprehension,
whichremainedtobesortedoutbySantJialone.HehadongoingrecitationofSampatPathhto
becompletedinaperiodoffiveandhalfmonths.OncompletionofthisandBhogceremonyI
returnedtomyvillageGujerwal.

(e)ThereisavillagenearRajpura,namedUksee,whereSantJiperformedpenance.Ihadbeen
theretoseehim.Awayfromthevillage,SantJiconstructedhisstrawhutandsatthereforhis
meditations.HewouldremainengrossedinDivineNamallthetwentyfourhours.OneBibiused
tobringhotwaterforSantJisbathat2:00A.M.dailyfromthevillage.Shewouldbringfoodfor
himindaytime.Thussheservedhimwholeheartedly.Onedayaslandererarousedangerofher
fatherwithfalsehoodofslander.Inhisfury,thefatherkickedBibiinhersideandshefell
unconscious.Thenextdaythelegthathadkickedherdevelopedpain.Inmatterofafewdaysit
gotinfectedwithworms.ManypersonscarriedBibisfathertoSantJiandpleadedforforgiveness.
SantJiwasunawareofthestorybehindthis.BibihadnevermentionedthistoSantJi.Hetold
peoplethatthisafflictionwasnotduetohiscursebutacaseofDivinepunishmentandLordonly
knewaboutit.Finallymandiedofthisaffliction.SantJilefttheplaceaftersometime.

(f)HethencametoNandPurKalaur,whereNinethGuruhadvisited.Hetoldthepriestand
priestessthattheyweretohandoverthehistoricGurdwaratothelocalcommittee.Theyagreed.
AvillageCommitteewasformedandSantJiservedpersonallyinGurdwara.Ipaidavisitthere.
SantKartarSinghwasthenappointedtoserveinGurdwara.HewasrunningGuruKaLangarwith
selfcultivationoflandanddevotedfullytotheservice.Afterhisdemise,SantJawalaSinghis
currentlyinchargeoftheserviceandisagreatdevoteeofGurumatNam.

(g)SantArjanSinghJithenmovedovertoGurdwaraDukhNiwaranPatiala.HerealsoGuruTeg
BahadurSahibhadvisited.MaharajaPatialaBhupinderSinghwasagainstconstructionofthis
Gurdwara,yetSantArjanSinghandNihangSinghRamSinghJistartedtheconstructionwork.A
lotofworkwascompletedduringlifetimeofSantArjanSingh.Whileengagedinthisholyservice,
heleftforAbodeEternal,endinghislifesojourn.(NarratedbySurjanSingh)

BhaiArjanSinghsServicetoHouseoftheGuru
BhaiArjanSinghperformedhighlydedicatedserviceatthefourhistoricGurdwaras,whichwillbe
rememberedforever.Aftermyimprisonment,hecameincontactwithGurumukh,S.GurditSingh
Magistrate,agreatdevoteeofTheHouseofGuru.ThisappearedtobeanactofDivineWill.S.
GurditSinghhadcometoinheritDivineLovethroughhisfamilyandwastheverypersonification
ofdedicatedLove.HehadgreatinclinationforresearchofhistoricGurdwaras.

ThisgotfurtherboostwhenhecameincontactwithSantArjanSingh.Theybothstarteddevoting
theirenergiesforthiscause.MagistrateS.GurditSinghwasanofficialofPatialaState.Hestarted
hisresearchworkinthestate.Hewasalwayslookingforoldrecordsreferringtooldhistory.These
twopersonscommencedtheirworkwithprayertoTheLord.TheycametoknowofaMuslim
familyinthestate,whowereengagedinprofessionofrecordkeepersoflandgenerationafter
generation.Contactingthecurrentrecordskeeper,Patwariofthisfamily,theysearchedthrough
oldrecords,heldsincelong.ItwasthroughDivineBlessing,thattheycouldfindfourlanddemise
paperswritteninGurumukhiScriptpertainingtotheperiodofGuruTegBahadurJi.Thesewere
preservedinatincontainerandthussavedfromdeterioration.Onexaminingthese,theywere
thrilledbeyondmeasure.Thesepertainedtotheunknown,unchartedGurdwarasoftheNineth
Guru:

GurdwaraSahibNandpurKalaur
GurdwaraNathanaSahib
GurdwaraDukhNiwaranSahib
GurdwaraMuktsarSahib

WithdiscoveryofthisinformationthetwodevoutGursikhsgotintotheirserviceworkwithrare
dedication.Dear,S.GurditSinghsoonleftforAbodeDivin,yethighspiritsofSantArjanSingh
nevergotdimmed.HekeptuphisyeomanlyserviceatNandpurKalaur.Thehiddenseatfor
enshriningSriGuruGranthSahib,accordingtothedemisepaperswaslocateddeepbelow.Some
rivulethadmadeitscourseovertheplaceandithadstagnantwateraroundthatmadetheplace
verymuddy.SantArjanSinghJicalledforvolunteerServicetofilluptheplacewithearthand
startedleadingtheservice.Hecarriedbasketfulloadsofearthonhishead.Hiseffortsborefruit.
Hundredsofcartloadsofearthfilleduptheplace.Gurdwarasnewconstructionwasnowonquite
araisedground.Theoldseatafterexcavationislocatedbelowatlowergroundandisingood
shape.Thenewbuildingisbeautifullybuiltonalargescale.Landedpropertywasattachedtothe
Gurdwara.SantJitookpainsandmovedtheofficialstoformalocalGurdwaracommitteeand
handedovercontroloftheGurdwaratotheCommittee.Thissystemisstillworking.

GurdwaraDukhNiwaranSahibsManagement
AftersuccessfulcompletionofhistaskatGurdwaraSahibNandpur,hemovedtotheserviceat
NathanaandthenontoDukhNiwaranGurdwaraSahib.Hestartedlocatingtheplaceasperthe
gatheredrecord,Patta.Ihererefertomyownexperienceandhappeninginthiscontext.
Beforemyimprisonment,Iusedtovisitmydearfriend,GurumukhSriBhai(Late)JoginderSinghJi,
everyyearatPatiala;Iwouldstaywithhimforweekstogether,sharingourpersonalthoughts.It
wasin1913thatwewerewalkingalongthecanalawayfromcityandIfelttheurgetoeasemyself
beforeeveningprayers,Rehras.BhaiJoginderSinghJiproposedtoheadtowardsathickforeston
rightsideofthecanal.

AtalittledistancewenoticedalargeBunyantreewithveryinvitingcoolshade.Itoccurredtous
tositinmeditationthereforawhile.Howeverwegotsoengrossed,thatwedidnotfeellike
leavingtheplace.ThusweremainedtillitwastimeforRehras.Welosttheurgetoeaseourselves,
thepurposewehadsetfor.BhaiJoginderSinghJiwasadeptininterpretingDivinehintsand
concludedthattheplacemustberelatedtosomespecialpastspiritualevents.Lehalvillagewas
nearby.Hegatheredthreeveryelderlypersonsofthevillage,whowerebeyondtheageofeighty.
TheywererequestedtonarrateanyspecialoccurrencespertainingtotheBanyantree.Theytold
usthatthenearbypondisknownasPondoftheAkalisandisblessedwithspecialhealing
powers.IrrespectiveofageorFaith,allpersonsholdthepondasveryholy.Wehavepersonal
knowledgethatnewlybornanemicbabiesfromHinduandMuslimfamiliesgothealedtoglowing
healthwithNectarinewaterofthispond.Thispanaceaisalsoefficaciousinthecaseofsick
animalsthathavebeengettingrestoredtonormalhealthwithsprinklingsfromthepond.Onevery
fifthdayofthewaxingmoonperiodmanypilgrimsofallFaithsfromdistantplacescomeherefor
fulfillmentoftheircherishedwishes.WehavebeenwitnessingthisDivineMiraclesallthistimeof
ourlives.Howeverthisplacehadnotyetattaineditsduerecognition.

Afterlisteningtovillagers,BhaiJoginderSinghJibroughtfewotherSinghsforaprayerbyFive
Singhs,Ardasaintheordainedmanner.TheprayerwastoaskforDivineBoontorevealthetrue
historyoftheplace.Thiswasdonewithutmostreligiousfervorandreverence.Ireturnedhome
afterthis.WithmovingtimesandDivineWillIwasimprisonedinJaildungeons.ThePattaswere
discoveredbyMagistrateS.GurditSinghandSantArjanSinghin192728,asnarratedearlier.This
provedtobetheplacewhereGuruTegBahadurSahibhadvisited.Icannotreproducethefulltext
ofthePatta,butthesalientfeatureswereasfollows:

GuruTegBahadurSahibhadrestedforsometimeundertheBanyantreeonhiswayto
Delhi.
ThereisreferencetothemiraculouspowerofThepondofAkalis.
Therewasapredictionthatintimestocomeagreatcitywouldflourishinthearea.(Patiala
citywasnotinexistencethen)
Thepondwouldbetransformedintoalarge,beautifultank.
Manywouldgethealedoftheirafflictionsonbathinghere.
AmajesticGurdwaraSahibbuildingwouldbeconstructed.

WhenSantBhaiArjanSinghJicametoseeBhaiJoginderSinghatPatialaandshowedhimthe
discoveredrecords,BhaiJoginderSinghwasextremelythrilled.Hewasfilledwithgratitudetothe
Lordforhavinggrantedourprayerin1913.ThoughaStateofficial,yethealwayshadclose
relationshipwithGurumukhSpiritualists.SantArjanSinghwashisassociatesincelongandwas
engagedinservicetoGurdwaraswithpromptingsdivine.WithBhaiJoginderSinghashishelp
mate,hebecamestillmoreenthusiastic.Theygotintothejobwithfullearnestness.SantJi
remainedengrossedinmeditationdayandnightformonthstogether.Heremainedlostindeep
meditationattheforlornplacewithhisbarebody,comewinterorsummer.Suchwasthe
auspiciouseffectofhispenance,thattheplaceacquiredfame.

S.AtmaSingh,nephewofBhaiJoginderSingh,alsojoinedtheproject.Asanengineer,S.Atma
Singh,producedamapofmarvellousarchitecturefortheGurdwaraShaibbuilding.Itappeared
thatHandDivinewasbehindthis.Themapcoveredquiteafewacresofsurroundingland.This
wasoccupiedfearlesslybythededicatedworkers.WhenIgotreleasedfromJailin1930,Bhai
JoginderSinghJitookmetoPatiala.ThatisthefirsttimeIgotthenewsofDivineAcceptanceof
ourprayer.Heshowedmetheworkinprogress.
AkhandKirtanSamagamswereheldattheplaceandfirstSriAkhandPathhbytheJathaperformed
mostenthusiasticallywithgreatdevotion.

JathedarBhaiRamSinghofBudhaDalalsojoinedbringingSinghsofhisJatha.Hetoobecamea
keenhelpmateofSantArjanSinghJi.Withceaselesseffortsofthesetworenownedpersonsfor
selflessserviceanddedication,GurdwaraDukhNiwaranSahibacquiredhighacclaimandfame.
MainhurdlewasoppositionbyLateMaharajaBhupinderSinghintheplacebecomingaPanthic
centerofactivity.

HoweverhisoppositiononlyfurtheredthegloryoftheGurdwaraShahibatanastonishingpace.
MaharajatransferredS.AtmaSingh,EngineertoafaroffplacefromPatiala,yethekeptguiding
theprojectsecretly.Thebuildinggotfullyconstructedinaccordancewiththedesignedmap.
WhenwereachedtherefortheAkhandKirtanandAkhandPathhSamagam,SantArjanSinghwas
thereinthegarbofarecluse.HejoinedusinKirtan.WhenInoticedhiminthatgarb,Ichidedhim
quiteabit,HowdareyouputonthisfunnygarbasaGursikh?Heimmediatelyremovedhis
outergarbthatwasonlyacloakforhisinnerwearofKhalsainsigniaandthusprovedhisabiding
FaithasaGursikh.Hetoldmesmilingly,Withblessingsofthisgarb,constantofferingsofmoney
keeppouringforGurdwaraSahib.Ifyoupermit,ImaykeepthiscloakovermydressofFive
Kakkars.Iwaspleasedtogivemyconsent.Hehadbarelyputonthegarbagain,whentwoqueens
fromRoyalPalacearrivedingreatdevotion.BothmadeofferingsofRupeesfivehundredeachfor
GurdwaraShaibtoSantJi.

Everybodyaroundhadagoodlaugh.WithinhearingofthequeensSantJicommented.Thisis
magicoftheholygarb.TheworldlyRajas,Ranisandothermoneyedpeopleareimpressedbyholy
garbalone.TheymakehandsomeofferingsandIkeepdedicatingitalltoserviceoftheGuru.

SantJigotbusyinconstructionofthetank,Sarovar,sides.Iwentaroundthewondroussightof
GurdwaraSahibtomygreatdelight.HoweverIwassaddenedtoseegreatBanyantreereducedto
amerestump.Allthetopbranchesandtheirvastexpanseweregone.ThememorablePattawas
reproducedonfixedboardthere.Thistrulywassatisfyingandpleasing.Chargedwiththese
emotionsIhelddearVir,SantArjanSinghJiintightembrace.Hebeingamanofgreathumility
said,ItisallBlessingofGuruSahib.Thisismadepossiblebythegenerousanduntiringserviceof
GurmukhSangat,congregationsofholies.Whatcanapoornonentitypersonlikemedoby
myself?FullofgratitudetoDivinePower,helethisemotionsflowfreelyinformofuncontrolled
tears.Humilityofspiritfilledallhisbeing.HeneverrelishedthetitleofSantthatpeople
bestoweduponhim.Heledallhislifeinspiritofpoverty.Itisveryraretofindchasteand
righteousbeinginthemouldofVirArjanSingh.

AstonishingHappeningatAmbala
Onceapersongiventojestingandpracticaljokingengagedinnocentbeing,SantArjanSingh,in
talkatAmbala.Keepinghimbusiedintalk,heledhimtotheareaofprostitutes.Alltheprostitutes
gatheredaroundandtriedtoincitepassionandseduceyoungBhaiArjanSinghJi.Findinghimself
thusentrapped,hegotinfuriatedandinDivinefervor,hesangGurbaniShabadinloudvoicewith
heartrendingemotion.Alltheprostituteswereshakenintorealizationoftheirsinfullowliness.
TheynowpleadedwithSantJi,OBelovedofGuruNanak,GurumukhSantJi!Pleasepraytothe
Lordforouremancipationtoo.Wepromisetogiveupourwayofsinfulliving.

SantJicameoutoftheplacesaying,AllshallhavetogetBaptised.RedemptionliesonlyinNam
Devotion.Theyfollowedhimwithremorsefulpleadingsoutintobazaar,butSantJicoulddodge
awayfromthem.ManyladiesinPatialacityworshippedSantJiforhisholygarbandhigh
spirituality.HoweverSantJikeptallatadistancewithhisaloofnessofspiritandneverallowed
touchingofhisfeet.Theyusedtolieprostrateatadistancetoreceivehiswordsofsolace
accordingtoGurumatteachings.Inspiteofhisbestefforts,somewouldstillmanagetofallathis
feetinhisstateofselfengrossedmeditation.SantJicametocursehisownfeetandtowardshis
endsufferedacutelyduetoafflictionofhisfeet.Hewouldsmilinglycomment,Ineverregarded
myfeetasmyown.Yetheremainedwaryandshunningthosetouchinghisfeetandinflicteda
curseonhisownlimbs.MayGuruBlessallguidedbyGodlydispensation!

NearingEnd
HediedyoungandyethislifesetanexcellentrolemodelofGursikhi.Hehadwilledthathislast
ritesshouldnotbeperformedwithinthepremisesofGurdwaraDukhNiwaranSahiblestsome
personssetupamemorialandstartworshipagainstGurmattenets.Howeveragoodnumberof
peoplewantedtocrematehisbodywithintheholypremises.ADivineProvisionwasmadeto
fulfillhislastdesireinkeepingwithGurmat!ThemanagerofDukhNiwaranSahib,SardarNirmal
Singh,refusedpermission,againstpopulardemand.ShortlythereafterIhappenedtovisitthere
andaskedtheManagerabouthisreasonforturningdownpopulardemandforcremationofSant
JiwithinpremisesofholyShrine.Heexplainedthatitwastoobviatechancesofconstructing
memorialanditsworshipagainstGurumattenets.Iappreciatedthisviewandpraisedhimforthus
upholdingVirSantArjanSinghswill.IprayedforSatgurusBlessingsforhisGurumatstand,but
knewthatpeoplewerealienatedduetothisdecisionandangered.

SardarNirmalSinghsoonlosthiswellpaidjob.Thereafterhecouldnotfindagoodpostandhigh
salary,butwhereverheworkedhemaintaineduprightnessofhighprinciples.Suchpeoplearerare
andDivinelyBlessed,asitisnoteasytoopposepopularviewtomaintainhighstandardof
followingGurumatinreallifewithoutGraceofSatguru.
CHAPTER14SRIDOOLESHARVIRHIRAHARBACHANSINGH
S.ManSingh,HeadclerkinNo.36Cavalery,wasstayingatAmbalaCantt.Hewasadevoted
Gursikhandoftenusedtopraywithtearfuleyesforspiritualorientationofhisyoungestson,
HarbachanSingh.HewouldthanktheLordforallthatwasbestowedonhim,astheworldly
position,wealthandallthecomforts.HarbachanSinghwashismostbelovedchild,yetdevoidof
allspiritualitywhiletherestofthefamilywouldpraydailybothmorningandevening.Hewould
ridiculethefamilydevotionandtheSikhFaith.HewassenttoKhalsaCollegeAmritsarwithaview
toexposehimtoreligiousenvironment,thatwouldpossiblyevokehisinterestintheFaith.
Howeverinspiteofhisbeingeducatedthere,heremainedmoreofanatheist.S.ManSingh
pleadedhishelplessnesstowardsreformingtheboytoGodandsoughtDivineintervention
throughhisprayerstomakeHarbachanSinghGodorientedperson.

Hewouldmakesuchprayerstearfullyandfinallythesewereanswered.Onedayourhumble
KirtaniJathacametoAmbalaCantt.,attractedbytheloveofyearningsofourdearones,BabuMal
SinghandBhaiPiaraSingh.WeweresingingtheDivinemelodyingreatmoods,whenthisyoung
manpassednearby.AsheheardtheDivineWordsofthemusic,hesatdownrightonthespotin
thedustoftheroadasashotdownbirdfalls.Themoreheheard,themorewasthepiercingeffect
andhisrestlessness.Heevenlosthisbodilyconsciousness.Meanwhile,thegreatDivinehunter,
benevolentVir,BabuMalSingh,sensingtheappropriateoccasion,gothimliftedinthesame
sittingpostureandbroughthimtotheassembly.Thistearful,newaspirantofGodLove,was
furthersubjectedtothesallyofDivineKirtan.Hejustremainedstatuelikethroughout.Theone
whousedtomakesomuchfunoftheFaith,wasnowundersuchaspellboundstate!Attheendof
AkhandKirtan,fullrecitationofSriGuruGranthSahib,AkhandPathh,started.Itwaslikethe
continuouspouringofBlissfulRaindayandnightfor48hours,thatimbuedthesoulofaspirantfor
Baptism.ThemysticrecitersfurtherheightenedtheyearningsofBhaiHarbachanSinghforGod
Love.At4:30A.M.onceagaintheKirtanstartedjustasthePathhrecitationendedandyethesat
motionlesswithclosedeyes.

KnowingthistobeeligiblesoulandwithDivinePrompting,theBaptisingceremonywasplanned.
BhaiHarbachanSinghwasgivenafullbathanddressedupintheKhalsagarb.Hepresented
himselfbeforetheChosenFiveandbeggedtobeBaptised,withfoldedhands.FeelingtheDivine
Presence,hewasenchantedwithanticipationofthenewevent.Ashereceivedthefirstdropsof
Amrittodrinkandsprinkledinhiseyes,hisentirebeinggotflushedwithDivineLightandwhat
followedwasakinto:

eH e3 Jl Hlu =l Hlu Jl
8lu =l 8lu Jl Hl3 H Hl3 J
Hl3 H Hl3 oU uU H uU JU
IU H IU JU Il3 H Il3 J
ulH = ulH I8 = I8 IU
l3 H l3 Jl l3 l3 l3 J
oe3 He3 l8HH l8HH
oH0H oH0H ol3 ol3 J 9\
=l83 8l IeH Hl
Attheverysightallconsciousnesswaslost,
Therewasneitherawarenessnorcomprehension,
Neitheranymemorynorcontemplation,
Withoutanysenseofknowledge,renderedmotionless,
Itwasbeyondenduranceandallselfegowasgone,
LostinDivineLove,devoidofseparateexistence,
Thisiswonderofthewonderbeyondmeasure.
KabitBhaiGurdasJi

Itwasthreedaysandthreenights,thatBhaiHarbachanSinghhadremainedindeepmeditation.
JustastheKirtanwasnonstop,soalsowasthemeditation.Theplacewasfullwiththeholy
congregationandthenewlyBaptisedKhalsawasseatedattherear,behindeverybody,imbuedin
Nam.Whereashisfamilyhadearlierbeenworriedabouthislackofreligionsinterest,theywere
nowworriedforrestoringhimtoanormalstateofordinarylife.Onlyhisdeeplyreligiousfather,a
Gursikh,S.ManSinghJiremainedunperturbed.Hewasinfactinathankfulmoodtoseehissonin
advancedstateofspiritualism.

TheKirtanwasinfullswing,whensuddenlyfromhissittingposture,theyounglovebirdflewover
theheadsoftheassemblystraighttolieprostrateinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahib.Hishead
touchedground,whilehisbodyswayedintheairlikeawingedfishjumpingtoflyinmidair.This
wasarareandwonderousscene,whichheldsurpriseforall.TheKirtanwasatthepeakandthis
scenealsoheldon.

OnceagainonDivinePrompting,theKirtaniyasstartedtosingtheLavan,thehymnsforaSikh
marriage.ThiswasamarriagebetweenarealizedsoulwiththeDivineLord.ThecaptivatingKirtan
onthatoccasionwasneverheardbeforeorsince.Allthespiritualbeingsexperiencedstrange
blissfulness.JustastheDivinecouplemadelove,theholycongregationandtheKirtaniyaswere
alsolostinRapture.SoonafterKirtanofLavan,thesongofDivineworship,Aartiwassung.With
thisasenseofdeepBlissprevailed.Asthewords,GopalTeraAarta(O,Lord,Thyservantseeks
ThyShelter),thebellyswayinginmidaircamedowntoearthandthenewlywedremained
motionlessinprostratemeditation.

Allgotstunnedwithpremonition.Todispelallfearsandanxiety,thechosenFivebroughtBhai
HarbachanSinghtohisconsciousness.Withlovingcare,hewastakentotheadjoiningroomfor
rest.Generalaccesswasrestrictedandthefamilygotreassuredofhiswellbeing.Restingforthe
night,hewasstillenjoyinghissimran.Hetookhismorningbathalongwithothers,meditatedand
reciteddailyprayers.AsaDiVarKirtanstarted,withBhaiHarbachanSinghinattendance.Moved
bytheKirtan,helaidprostratewhiledoingloudSimran.AlongwiththeKirtan,hekepthisSimran
intune.InthisDivineRapture,allsenseoftimewaslost.OndistributionofKarahPrasad,Vir
HarbachanSinghshungerforDivineLovewassatiatedwiththePrasad.Meanwhilethetouring
party,Thedivinefriendswhohadarrivedathometookleavetocontinuetheirsojourn.All
departed,leavingbehindtheLoveLorn,BhaiHarbachanSinghallalone.Followingthis,whenever
therewasanoccasionforaSamagam,thisDivinelyprompted,BhaiHarbachanSingh,wouldalso
come.Hisspiritualityremainedatthesamepeak.Henevershowedoffhishighstateand
remainedahumblehouseholderandatruerenouncer.

BhaiHarbachanSinghwashighlycompassionateandlargehearted.Veryfewequalhimas
unknownbenefactor.Hewouldthinknothingofsacrificinghisallforagoodcause.Wheneverit
wasthoughtofselectinghimamongtheChosenFiveduringbaptisingceremonies,hewould
remainhumbleinofferinghisservices.Hewasneverstubbornandalsoabidedbythegeneral
decisions.Heneveryearnedforanyposition.HewasDivinelyblessedandenjoyedDivinefavour.
Thiscontinuedformanyyears.
ThemarchoftimestookhimtoforeigncountriesasmemberofthearmybeforeIwasjailedin
1915.ThiswasduringtheWorldWar.ItwasaDivineCoincidence,thatBabuMalSinghJialso
accompaniedhim.WhileIenjoyedmeditationduringmylifeimprisonmentinthejails,thesetwo
remainedimbuedinNameveninthewartornforeignlands.ThegreatsoulslikeBhaiHarbachan
Singh,BabuMalSinghandyoungdivine,SantMagharSinghJigotinvolvedinthewareffort.
ProbablythatsustainedthebureaucraticgovernmentoftheBritishorelseitwouldhavefallen
duetotheinjusticemetedouttomanyjailedspiritualists.Thereisnodenyingthatsufferingsof
theholyones,subjectedtoslaveryofforeignruleandvicissitudesoftheWar,weremuchmore
thanthesufferingsofthoseofus,dedicatedtofreedomstruggle,inthedarkdungeonsofIndian
jails.IheardaboutthehardshipsundergonebyBhaiHarbachanSinghthatcanbebetter
describedbythepersonalwitness,BabuMalSinghJi.

Icanonlysay,thatwhenImethimonhisreturnaftertheWar,hisfaceshonewithevengreater
glorythanIhadknownbefore.Thoughthemilitarydoctorsandthewellknowncivilmedical
practitionershadconfirmedhissufferingfromaterminaldisease,thatcouldprovefatalany
moment,yetthisGodoriented,splendidpersonalityremainedinhighspiritsthroughout.Hewas
neverseenwearingaworriedlook,inangerorundulyconcerned.Apictureoftoleranceand
peace,hewasalwaysinmeditation,touchingnewheightsinspiritualglory.Theincidentsofhis
spiritualexperiencesarebestknowntohislongtimeassociate,BabuMalSinghJi.

Howmuchtowriteabouthisdivinevirtuouscharacter!Onecangoonandon.Hewasatrue
pictureofanidealGursikh.WheneverIreadthementionofaccomplishedGursikhsintheVarsand
KabitSawiyasofBhaiGurdasJi,Ipicturemydear,BhaiHarbachanSinghJi,whoselifebearsclose
resemblancetothedescription.Eventhoughhehasbodilydepartedfromthistransitoryworld,
yetIhaveneverfeltthathehasleftus.HewasdetachedfromWorldliness,likethelotusflowerin
water.Untouchedbytheworldlyattachmentsorbythebodilysufferings,heleftinawhiffforhis
heavenlyabode.Howeverhisspiritualpresenceisalwaysfeltbytheonesunitedwithhimin
spiritualties,asthoughheneverdeparted.
CHAPTER15AUNIQUELIFESTORYOFHIGHLYSPIRITUALISEDLADBHAIGURBAKHSHSINGHJI
KAMALPUR
Hewasarareexampleofintensespiritualstateataveryyoungage.Itwasamatterofdestinythat
BhaiGurbakhshSinghwassodeeplyengrossedinspiritualityasastudentoftenthgradeinMalwa
KhalsaSchool,Ludhiana.ThepangsofDivineLovewereunbearableforhim.Hehadstrongbelief
thattheassemblyofthosewellversedinmattersofDivinegathertogethersomewherenear
Ludhiana.Itsohappened,thatAkhandPathhSamagamhadjustcommencedatvillageNarangwal
inthehouseofBhaiKishanSingh(Jungke).ThefivepersonsselectedforrecitationofPathhwere
accomplishedGurSikhs,abidingbythelifeofmeditationaldevotionandhadacquiredthestatusof
DivineRecognition.

Meanwhile,GianiNaharSinghoftheKhalsaHighSchoolarrivedwithabatchofschoolstudents,
whowerekeentogetbaptised.ThisincludedBhaiGurbakhshSinghKamalPura.Those,who
desiredtobebaptised,tookfullbathandcametolistentotheAkhandPathh.

ThetraditionwasthatthehopefulsforBaptismweretolistentotheentirerecitationofAkhand
Pathhforthe48hours.Allsuchstudentsjoinedintheprayerforstartingtherecitation.Bhai
GurbakhshSinghalsostoodintheprayerwithgreatfeelingsofjoyandanticipation.Afterthe
prayer,allthelistenerstookuptheirseats.Ofallthese,onlyBhaiGurbakhshSinghlistenedtothe
entirerecitationfromthebeginningtotheend.Hewentwithoutanyfoodordrinkexcepttheholy
KarahPrasadasthedivinegift.Heneverhadanyurgetoleaveandwasdevotedtolistening
Gurbaniinthought,wordanddeed,fullyengrossed.Ashewentonlistening,thesplendourofhis
faceshinedmoreandmoregracefully.Itappearedthathehadinheritedthedevotionallovefrom
hisGodorientedfatherfromearlychildhood.

Thiswashisfirstsuchexperience.ItwasasifhewasgettingdrunkwithlisteningtoGurbanis
piercingwords.HisyearningtoLovekeptmounting.ThereadersofthePathhalsodirectedsallies
ofGurbanitofurtheraccentuatethisloveofdevotionandBhaiGurbakhshSingh'syearningkept
mounting.Thiswasthefirstexample,noticedonclosescrutiny,asifallhisbodyhairswere
respondingtothestimuli,likeitissaidinGurbani,

IHl lH lH Jl luo=
H=l HJ 9 lHu IHlc \u9
EveryporeofGodorientedrecitesthedivineNaam.
RamkaliM:1SidhGosht[941]

EithertheefficaciousrecitationofPathhorsomepreviousexperienceofGurmatNaamwas
leadingtothestateofuncontrollableecstasy.ThedayandnightcontinuouspouringofthisElixir
throughlisteningtoGurbaniwascausingintoxicatingexhilaration.Hisfaceglowedinsplendour
andmixedwithhisyouthfulandnaturalhandsomeness,suchaglorywasunbearablefora
beholder.ThewordcamefromtheFivechosenonesforthebaptisingceremonyafterfullbath
onceagain.

TheseFivewerethesame,whohadbeenrecitingthePathh.EverycandidateforBaptismstarted
presentinghimselfbeforethechosenfive.Onlyfourofthehopefulswereselectedtoreceive
Baptism.BhaiGurbakhshSinghwasfoundnottobelackinginanyrespectandwasselectedafter
fullscrutiny.ThenexttobeconsideredwasBhaiLalSingh,secretarySikhYouthSociety,Ludhiana.
Hecouldnotlistentotheentirerecitation,yethedidlistenmostofit.Therewasnotmuch
probleminhisselection.Itpleasedhimimmenselytohavebeenselected.ThethirdwasBhai
NaharSingh(nowGianiNaharSingh).

Thoughhisspiritualconcentrationwasfoundwanting,yethehadaninspirationalroleformany
othersandthisweighedwiththefivechosenones.ThefourthstudentwasBhaiKhemSinghfrom
villageRakba(heisnomore).

AsBhaiGurbakhshSinghreceivedhisfirstsipofAmrit,helostallhisbodilyawarenessandwith
thefirstsprinklingofAmritinhiseyeshiseyesrolledup.Hisinnerspiritualsensewasawakened,
thoughhelostallphysicalawareness.Hewasenjoyingthisinnerbliss.Hisfaceshinedwithglory
andhisentirebeingwasfilledwithNaam.ThefontofdivineElixirfromwithinatthenavelstarted
functioningwithfullforce.

Hejoinedhishandssubconsciously,asthoughhewasprayingforthestrengthtobearthisgreat
unbearablespiritualexperience.Thushewasabletoenjoyhisinnersupremebliss.Eventhe
chosenfivewereamazed.Thiswasthefirstsuchcase,wherequickspiritualchangewasobserved
duringthebaptisingceremonyitself.WhattotalkofBhaiGurbakhshSinghsinnerexperience
evenwethebeholdersfeltthetouchofdivineawareness,ofthespiritualworld.Allthebodilypain,
hungerandsorrowswereforgotten.Therewasnourgetoeatordrinkandthisinnerblisswasall
thatonewishedtoperpetuate.Welostsenseoftimeandattheendofbaptisingceremony,Ileft
fortheRavineaccompaniedbytwootherchosenones.Wefoundthatthetwonewlybaptised,
BhaiGurbakhshSinghandBhaiLalSinghwerefollowingus.Itwasasifinamomentweallreached
ourdestination,thelovelyspotinthemiddleoftwovillagesNarangwalandGujjarwal.

BythesideofthelakewithclearwaterBhaiGurbakhshSinghsatinmeditation.Therestofus
watchedhim,fromourdistantsittingorlyingposition,inourstateofrapture.Thiswayourminds
alsotooktodeepmeditation.BhaiLalSinghwasrollingindivinerestlessness.Wehadcomeoffto
thisforlornplacewithoutthefoodbeingserved.Wefeltwehadbeenawayforafewhoursand
thatpeopleafterwaitingwerenowabouttoheadtowardsuscarryingourfood.Allofushadthe
commonurgetoleavethatplaceandgotosomeunknownplace,wherewemightnotbefound.

Godknowswhatpropelledusandwhere.Wefoundourselveswithintheboundsofvillage
Phalewalatadistanceofabout5km,notknowinghowandwhenwecrossedGujjarwal.Herewe
decidedtoheadforthecottageofBhaiSarwanSingh,outsidePhalewal.Thiswasanotherlonely
place.OutsidethecottageandnearthewellsatBhaiGurbakhshSinghandstartedtheKirtanwith
Piercinglovecry.Itreachedfaroffinthatwildernessaswealljoinedinthissinging.BhaiSarwan
Singhbroughtoutthemusicalinstruments.WegotlostinalongKirtansessionofbewitching
music.Whenweopenedoureyeswefoundmanypeopleofthevillagehadjoinedus,including
ourdearBabaRamSinghJiandhiswifeMataPremKaurwithmoisteyes.

TelepathicallyitwasdecidedtostartanotherAkhandPathhinthecottage.Everythingwasready.
Inthesamemoodofintoxicatedsinging,weassembledinthecottage.AgainKirtanstartedinthe
presenceofSriGuruGranthSahibwithyetmorenewlyarrivedKirtaniyas.TheKirtanlastedtill
1:00am.AllthiswashappeningunderthelovinginspirationofBabaRamSingh.Westartedthe
morningprayers,NitnemPathhandthenAsaDiVarKirtanat4:00am.

ThiswasthefirstKirtanwhereinvisiblenoblesoulsjoinedin.Itbecamesoattractiveand
intoxicating,thatwhosoevercamebecamelostindivineloveandhadnowilltoleave.Bhai
GurbakhshSinghwasanimmenselyamazingsight.
AttheendofSriAsaDiVarKirtan,SriAkhandPathhstartedat11:30am.OnceagaintheAkhand
Pathhis,thereciters,wereincarnationsofdivinelove,onebetterthantheother.Forhoursata
stretch,thereciterswouldgoonwithaclearloudvoice,piercingtheheartsofthelisteners,who
werejustspellbound.EverylineofPathhwasmakingimmenseimpactonthesouls.Thefirst
Pathhialsosatnearthenextrecitingoneandgotlostinmeditation.Suddenlyitoccurredtome,
thatnowBhaiGurbakhshSinghshouldstartreciting.Neither,Iknewnorhadheactuallybeen
engagedinsuchpathhearlier.InstantlymakingAkhandPathhiofa16yearoldyouthwasthe
miracleoftheSatguru.ThishearttoheartmessagepromptedBhaiGurbakhshSinghandhewent
andstoodbehindthetwoPathhis.Hepickedupthelineofthefastflowbehindthetwopathhisof
Pathhrecitationandrecitedinsuchaloudvoicethatthetwopathhislovinglygaveway.Thenthe
loveimbuedBhaiGurbakhshSingh,filledemotionallywithaclearandloudtonestartedthePathh.
AllweresurprisedbeyondmeasureandgotsubmergedinthepouringGurbaniElixir.Theyall
startedswayingwiththedivineintoxication.ThegloryofBhaiGurbakhshSinghsfacewas
indescribable.Itbecameanamazingsight.Themenandwomensittingfarawaygotupandwith
foldedhandsstartedenjoyingtheblissofGurbani.Thisrecitationcontinuedforfivehours.
Everybodyremainedtransfixedinwhateverpositiontheywere.Asthewordspreadinadjoining
villages,peoplestartedpouringandthelonelyspotbecameaplaceofrejoicingforamultitudeof
people.TheentireAkhandPathhwasconductedinthesamevein.

AfterthedistributionofKarahPrasad,thefiveofussoonleftforyetanotherunknowndestination.
Onceagainthepreparedfoodandthoseservingitwaitedforusinvain.Wewerewalkingas
thoughspellbound.ThiswasBaisakh(April),1910andfairlyhot.Wewereallbarefooted.Wehad
tiedblanketsonourheadsasturban,Kirpansslungacrossourbodies,thecircularchakkararound
ournecks,coveredwithasheetandwearingkachheras.Nobodyknewwherewewereheaded.
WhereverBhaiGurbakhshSinghstopped,singingsoulfulGurbani,allwouldstop.Seeingthehigh
spiritualstateofBhaiGurbakhshSinghallwerehappy,yetBhaiLalSinghwaswoebegoneand
rolledoverthehotsands.HewassorrythathecouldnotattainthesameintensestateasBhai
GurbakhshSinghonBaptism.WeusedtodragtheprostratingBhaiLalSinghtocontinueour
journey,thathadnochartedcourseordestination.

WefoundourselvesattheKilaRaipurrailwaystation.ThestationmasterwasakeenSikhdevotee.
Heputchairsforusattheplatform.Trainsgoinginoppositedirectionsweregoingtocrossatthis
station.Whenitwasnearingtime,hecametoaskmeabouttheticketandournewdestination.
Weexpressedourignorance.Hewasperplexedandwantedtoknowwhathewassupposedtodo.
Westillcouldnotdecide,yetweknewwewereheadingsomedestinedplace.Finallyitwas
decidedthatthestationMastershouldstandbeforetheticketalmirahwithclosedeyesandrecite
MoolMantraandthenwhereverhishandwouldgo,heshouldpullfiveticketsforus.Wehad
explainedthatwehadnomoneytobuythetickets.Hewentawaysayingthatallmoneybelongto
theGuru.HereturnedwithticketsforAmbalaCantt.BhaiSarwanSinghimmediatelyconcluded
thatthisdrawismadebythesoulsofBabuMalSinghandBhaiPiaraSingh.Itsohappened,that
oneofus,BhaiWaryamSinghhadsomemoneytopayforthetickets.

ThetrainforLudhianaarrivedattheplatform.Justbeforedeparture,twoSikhsfromKilaRaipur
cameandofferedusthesyrupdrinkinironbowls.Theymadeanearnestrequesttoacceptthe
drink.Wehadbeenwithoutfoodordrinkforalongtime.Wegratefullyaccepted.Thedrink
furtherrejuvenatedourspiritsandourmeditatedrecitationofNambecamelouder.Inthisimbued
state,BhaiGurbakhshSinghstartedsingingthehymnsoulfully:

H Hl H I Jl 3l
I HJ u \9
Mymindispiercedwiththearrowofdivinelove.
RagGond[861]

Ashesang,hebecamemoreandmoreintoxicatedandtheflowofhistearswasuncontrollable.
Theyearningoflovemovedallthepassengersandirrespectiveoftheirfaith,allhadtearsintheir
eyeswithemotion.

RestlessnessofaMuslimHoly
Whenthetrainreachedthenextstation,aMuslimholycriedout,OLord!Thisyoungladhas
slaughteredme.Godknowswhatlifegivingsubstancehehasobtained.IcanbesavedonlyifItoo
getthispreciouscommodityorelsethislifeisworthless.Someignorantpeopleaskeduswhether
BhaiGurbakhshSinghwascryingduetolossofsomedearone.TheMuslimFakirwouldsay,
Opoorfools!Lookatthesplendourofhisface.ThesearethesymptomsofgreatRenouncersof
theworld.

ThissituationcontinuedtillLudhiana.Manypassengersforgottogetdownattheintermediate
stations.WehadtochangethetrainatLudhiana.Manypassengersstartedpleadingwithustolet
themaccompanyus.Unmindfulofallsuchpleas,weboardedtheAmbalatraininourown
intoxicatedmoods.

TheKirtancontinuedinournewcompartmentallthroughthejourney.Manywerethesouls
movedandleftbehind.TherewastobeanotherchangeatRajpura,butthetrainwasdelayedand
wereachedAmbalalateatnight.Whatwasthesourceofguidanceissourceofmystery.At11:00
pmweknockedatthedoorofBhaiPiaraSingh,whoisnowCol.PiaraSingh,Jaipurwale.

TheHappeningsatAmbalaCantt.
BhaiPiaraSinghwasreadywithfoodforus,asifhehadbeenexpectingus.HecalledBabuMal
SinghJifromhisquarterNo.18tojoinus.Babujiwantedtoknowwhywewalkeddownfromthe
Cantt.Rlystation,whereasonjustawordtransportcouldbearrangedandtheywouldhavebeen
theretoreceiveus.BhaiPiaraSingh,whohadsomeinklingclarifiedthattheywerenotawareof
theirjourney.

Interruptinghim,ourcompanionBhaiSarwanSinghTheRedeemedLivingsaid,pointingtowards
BhaiGurbakhshSingh,thatwehadbroughtthe`DivineGift'andwehadbeenguidedbytheDivine
powerallalong.ThistriggeredBhaiGurbakhshSinghslimitlessyearningofDivineLoveandthe
Kirtanstarted.HoweveronBhaiPiaraSinghsinsistence,thatwehadalreadybeenwithoutfood
formanydaysandnights,weagreedtohavedinner.Soonwewereallinmeditation.Thearmy
personnelhadtogofordutyinthemorningandwewenttoanearbywellandrelaxedonthe
sandybed.Thesuncameupandnoneofthearmymencameback.Wefelttheurgetostartour
returnjourney.WewereabouttostartwhenBabuMalSinghcamealongwithabucketandrope.
Hehadloweredthebucketinthewellandwasholdingtherope.Thisisstillfreshinmymemory.
Hehadunderstoodinhismindaboutourdecisiontoreturnthroughhisinnerpower.Hesang
aloudthishymnwithgreatemotion,

Hl J HH IlH JUe
8l IeH Hl, = \, Ul 9\
TheshoesofmyskinweartheSikhsofmyGuru.
BhaiGurdasJi,Var9,Pauri18

Thesewordswerelikearasptooursouls.Hisfeelingofintenselovemeltedourheartsashesang
withhisupturnedface.Hesangthehymnwithgreatfeelingsandthuswegaveupourplansto
return.WebecameslavestoBabuJi.ThecongregationassembledforAkhandPathhSamagamand
wereturnedasthehumbledustoftheirfeet.TheSamagamcommencedwiththeusualtradition.
Allthearmypersonnelofcavalry,platoonsandartillerypouredin.ThiswasauniquesoulfulAsa
DiVarKirtanat4:00am.ThesoundofKirtanreachedfaroff.Therewerenoloudspeakersthose
daysandinanycasethiswasnotrequired.TheKirtanusedtobenatural,automaticand
spontaneous,mainlyfortheenjoymentoftheKirtaniyahimself/herselfandnottopleaseothers
orwinrecognition.Therewasnoconsiderationtohaveagreatassembly.TheloversofKirtanwere
drawnlikemothstoalampontheirown,throughthedivinecommunication.Inthiscasetheword
hadalreadyspreadaboutthesamagam.ThedevotedSikhs,accustomedtogetupintheambrosial
hoursat2:00AM,camedownafterrecitingtheirNitnembaniandgottunedtothedivineword.As
theypouredin,theKirtanbecamemoreandmoreforceful.

Thepassageoftimewasnotnoticedanditallappearedasextensionoftheambrosialhours.Soon
aftertheprayerattheendofKirtan,SriAkhandPathhstarted.ThedetailsofthisPathhare
describedinBhaiHarbachanSingh'slifeevents.Hereitwouldsufficetosaythatsoonafterthe
Pathh,anotherAkhandPathhwasstarted.AttheendofsecondPathh,AmritSanchar,Baptising
ceremony,started.WhileallothersleftafterdistributionofKarahPrasad,thoseassociatedwith
baptising,thechosenfiveandthehopefulsremained.TheAkhandPathhis,whohadbeenreciting
thePathhwerethechosenfive,includingBhaiGurbakhshSingh.Themiraculouseventsduringthe
ceremonyarepartofthestoryofBhaiHarbachanSinghJi.

PatialaSamagam
AttheendofSamagamallotherstooktotheirworldlydutiesandthosedevotedtodivinelove
continuedintheirownpersuit.ThefoursomeofBhaiSarwanSingh,BhaiWaryamSingh,Bhai
GurbakhshSinghandBhaiLalSinghfeltanurgetovisitHazoorSahib.Itwasadivineoccurance,
thatatthesametimeBhaiPiaraSinghamdBabuMalSingh,comprehendingthisuntolddecision,
cameforwardwiththerequisitecash.Atthattime,Ireceivedthetelepathicmessagetoproceed
toPatialawiththeentireJathaforstartingSriAkhandPathhthere.BhaiAtmaSinghfromMoga
(whoalwaysremainedNamintoxicatedandwasknownasAvdhoot(ascetic)AtmaSingh)had
comefromPatialawiththismissionandwaspresentthroughouttheAmbalaSamagam.Thoughall
hadfeltthepullforPatiala,yettheresolute,BhaiSarwanSinghremainedsteadfastinhisresolve
tovisitHazoorSahib.BhaiWaryamSinghalsosidedwithhimalongwithBhaiGurbakhshSinghand
BhaiLalSingh.IhadfeltstrongurgeforPatiala.WhileIstartedforPatialaandhappilyagreedfor
thevisittoHazoorSahibbytheotherfourtosatisfytheirurge.

HoweverIhadfeltthattheywouldreachPatialabeforetheendofAkhandPathhthere.Bhai
GurbakhshSingh,thoughinclinedtoaccompanyme,wentawaywiththerest.IreachedPatialato
joinintheAkhandPathh.SriBhaiJoginderSinghJiandBibiHarbansKaurweredelighted.The
PatialaSangat,thathadcausedtheDivinepull,assembled.Thelifegiving,blissfulKirtanstarted.
Thefoursome,thathadproceededtoHazoorSahib,returnedsoonafterreachingthere.Theyjust
didnotfeellikeprolongingtheirstay.Godaloneknowshowthistranspired.Isawthemtomy
surprisejustbeforetheKirtanafterAkhandPathhBhog.BhaiGurbakhshSinghmetmemost
affectionately.HehadnoteatenafterdepartingfromAmbala.Suchwerethepangsofourlove.
Hisradiantglorywasfurtherenhanced,thathadinfatuatedallthebeholders.AssoonasBhai
GurbakhshSinghjoinedinKirtan,therewasanenvironmentofspiritualaromaandpowerful
emotionalsingingthatengrossedallthelisteners.AttheendofKirtan,amessagefromLudhiana
wasreceived.

AllwerewonderingatMalwaKhalsaHighSchool,Ludhianaaboutthesuddendisappearanceof
BhaiGurbakhshSinghandBhaiLalSingh.BhaiGurbakhshSinghsfather,whowasagreatSikhand
employedinaFrontierSikhArmyunitatBanuasaprominentGranthi,hadcometoLudhianato
asktheschoolmanagementforimmediatemeetingwithhisson.Itisnotknownhowhecameto
knowabouthisdisappearance.ArumorhadgainedcurrencythatafterPhalewalSamagam,the
disappearancewasaDivineActtosomeunknownplace.Nobodyhadyetknownourwhereabouts.
HoweversomeSinghsofourJathahadthehunchthattruthwouldbeknownatPatiala.Bhai
GurbakhshSinghhadnomoreinclinationtoreturntohisSchool,yethewasreadytoabidebythe
congregationaldecision.Aftersomedeliberation,itwasdecidedtoseekguidancefromSriGuru
GranthSahib.AccordinglytheDivineScripturalguidancewassought.Itread,

"PrehladgotimbuedinDivineNamandinfatuatedotherstudents.

Thisledtothedecision,thatthisyoungstudenthasadutytospiritualisemanyothersatschool
throughhisownexample.ThisdecisionimmenselypleasedthemessengersfromLudhianaand
theytookthisnewstoLudhianaoftheexpectedreturnsoon.

EVENTSATLUDHIANA
ThenextdaynotonlythestudentsandthestaffoftheKhalsaHighSchoolbutalsothoseofthe
adjoiningschoolshadassembledintheschoolGurdwara.ThemembersofManagement
CommitteeoftheMalwaKhalsaHighSchoolwerefilledwitheageranticipationofourarrivalfrom
Patiala.We,alongwithBhaiGurbakhshSinghlandedatLudhianaRailwayStation.Wewere
informedofthegatheringattheschoolGurdwara,waitingforus.Weallstartedmarchingtowards
schoolingreatdevotionalmood.Tooursurprise,wefoundhalfwaythatBhaiGurbakhshSingh
wasmissing.Wewereflabbergastedastowhatwouldwepresenttotheassembly.Meanwhile
Avdhoot(Ascetic)BhaiAtamaSinghJiconsoledusnottoworry,thatBhaiGurbakhshSinghwould
landbacksoonfromnowhere.Weknewthatheenjoyedsomespecialspiritualpowers,sowe
requestedhimtoenvisionwhereBhaiGurbakhshSinghwas.Heenvisionedhimtobemeditating
bytheriversidenearabushandofferedtogoandfetchhim.Hesoondisappearedandwestood
therepraying.Asweopenedoureyes,wefoundbothBhaiAtmaSinghandBhaiGurbakhshSingh
coming.Wemetembracingeachotherasthoughweweremeetingafterlong.

Happilythenweagainresumedourjourney.WefoundtheassembledSangatinGurdwara
enjoyingGurbaniKirtan.AswereachedwewerealsosingingKirtan,ledbyBhaiGurbakhshSingh.
HewaspouringouthisheartintheDivinemelody.Withhisdressofblackturban,kachhera,
wrappingaclotharoundhimandwearingtheKhalsaweaponslikechakar,Kirpan,etc.,helooked
simpleandyetheldaRoyalpersonalityasaRuleroftheentireworld.Theradianceofhis
youthfulfacewasamazing,withatouchofDivineintoxication.HeprostratedbeforeSriGuru
GranthSahibandwhenhegotup,hesangahymnloudlyinapiercingpitch.Theentireassembly
wasthrilled.OursingingfirstalongwithBhaiGurbakhshSinghwasfollowedbyrepetitionsinging
bytheentirecongregation.Attheendofthishymnsinging,manystudentsstooduptorequestfor
Baptism.TheSecondMasteroftheschool,BhaiHarbhagatSinghJi,announcedthatthefollowing
daytherewouldbeAkhandPathhathishouseandtheBaptizingCeremonywouldfollowforall
theaspirants.ThescheduledAkhandPathhSamagamstarted,buttheaspirantsforreceiving
BaptismdesiredthattheirbelovedBabuMalSingh,BhaiPiaraSinghandSriBhaiHarbachanSingh
Dulesharbepresent.AstheAsaDiVarKirtanstarted,thecallofDivineLovebroughtallthese
threepersonsfromAmbalaCantt.SomehowSantHiraSighJiDaudpurWalealsocamealongas
alsoSriBhaiJoginderSinghfromPatiala.SucharetheamazingcoincidencesinworkoftheDivine.

ThetitillatingKirtanendedandSriAkhandPathhrecitationstarted.Thetraditionwasfollowedand
therewascontinuouslisteningbyfullgatheringoftheentirePathh.Theemotionswere
particularlyhighwhenitwastheturnofBhaiGurbakhshSinghtoreciteandallwerejustswaying.
AlltheaspirantsforBaptismwereparticularlypresentthroughout.OnceagaintherewasAkhand
KirtanafterthePathh.

WhenKirtanendedandtheKarahPrasadwasdistributed,onlythePathhis,recitersofPathh,as
theChosenFiveandtheaspirantsforAmritremainedthere.

Themostbeloved,BhaiGurbakhshSingh,satinattendanceofSriGuruGranthSahib.Allwasready
forBaptisingCeremony.About150aspirantswaitedintheadjoiningroomandwerecalledinone
byonetoestablishtheirsuitability.Finallyonly38wereselected,whileitwasfeltthattherest
needtobeenamouredfurthermorewithDivineLovetoqualifyforbeingBaptised.Outofthis
selectedgroupfewnamesthatIrememberarementionedbelow:

1.SriBhaiIqbalSinghofVillageBoparai(Ludhiana),
2.SriBhaiPradhanSinghofVillageJandi(Ludhiana),
3.SriBhaiKeharSingh,
4.SriBhaiSundersinghGhuman(Ludhiana),
5.SriBhaiSantaSingh,aBuddingVirMusapuria(districtJalanhar)
6.SriBhaiNirbhaiSinghJiofVillageLaltonandothers.

InturntheylitmanymoresoulswithNamenlightenment.Thechainreactionofthisdedicated
LoveresultedinmanymoresuchgroupsoftheBaptisedKhalsa.AllwerekeenKirtaniyasand
followedthecodeofinnerandouterdisciplinestrictly,intheirdailyliving.Theyobservedthe
meditationalAmbrosialhoursbyrisingat2:00A.M.,fullbathandrecitationofNitNemBanis.Asa
DiVarKirtanwasalsoadailyroutine.Restofthetimewasdevotedtostudies.Theircontinuous
breathbybreathSimranandstrictdisciplinegottheschoolauthoritiesworriedaboutthestudies,
yetallsuchstudentspassedwithhighcredits.Inspiteoftheirgoodshowinginstudies,somekind
ofcriticismwasalwaysthere.WearingoftheKirpanwasnormallynotallowedinschools,but
nobodydaredtoobjectintheircase.AllthemembersofthemanagementfeltthatBhai
GurbakhshSinghhadconvertedtheschoolfromaninstitutionofstudiestotheinstitutionfor
spirituality,affectingallthestudents.

BhaiPuranSinghJiJanetpurstartedaseparatekitchenforSarblohBibek,forthoseeatingfoodin
ironutensils,preparedbyBaptisedSikhs.Hewassomuchdevotedtothisservice,thathehardly
hadtimetoattendschool.HehadaverystrongFaith.Hewasrarelyseensleepingandmostly
remainedineditation.HealwayssatacrossBhaiGurbakhshSinghtolistenattentivelytotheKirtan.
HewasanaccomplishedAkhandPathhi,whowouldgoonrecitingPathhforhoursinloudand
clearvoiceatafastspeedandyeteachwordcouldbeunderstoodbythelisteners.During
recitation,hisfacewouldglow.ThusthereweretwoAkhandPathhisandtheyhardlyneededa
thirdoneforcompleterecitationofAkhandPathh.TherewereseriesofAkhandPathhs.Many
suchAkhandPathhishadappeared.IntheschoolboardinghousetheseDivinelyintoxicatedones
remainedeverimbuedinNam.

TherewasaYouthOrganization,BhujhangiSabha,thosedays.AlltheSikhStudentswereits
members.TheyusedtocelebratethetwoGurpurabsofSriGuruNanakSahibandSriGuruGobind
SinghJieveryyearwithgreatfanfare.TherewasnootherSikhOrganizationinLudhiana,which
couldmanagesuchcelebrations.ThiswasachievedwithdedicationoftheseyoungBaptisedSikhs,
withBhaiGurbakhshSinghastheirrolemodelandleader.BhaiGurbakhshSinghcompletedhis
matriculationfromtheschoolandtookupserviceatPatiala.Thereheenjoyedthecompanyof
BhaiJoginderSinghJi,BhaiAtmaSinghJiandBhaiJaswantSinghJi.In191415theentireJathagot
entangledintheMutinyCases.Iwassentfor16yearsimprisonmenttofaroffplaces.Duringthis
periodinpursuitofthehouseholddutiesandinaccordancewithDivineWill,BhaiGurbakhsh
SinghwenttoArabiancountriestoearnhisliving.BythetimeIreturnedaftermyjailterm,Bhai
GurbakhshSinghalsoreturnedfromoverseas.Withhisstayabroadandundesirablecompany,
therewasaslidedowninhisspiritualstatefromtheapex,wherehehadreached.

Howeverhestillhadtheoldinfluenceofholycongregationsinhimandheonceagainregainedhis
originalstateafterpresentinghimselfbeforetheChosenFiveandthecorrectivemeasures.His
wife,BibiKartarKaur,alsowentthroughthisordeal.Shewasastraightforwardspiritualbeing.She
letoutloudcriesinthepresenceoftheChosenFiveandhadtobepacifiedbyBhaiGurbakhsh
Singh.AfterthisthereweremanySamagamsheldatKamalPura.AsinGurbani,

`TheDivinelydevotedaretheredeemersoftheirentirefamily',

BhaiGurbakhshSinghgothiswholefamilyBaptised.Allthevillagersheldhimingreatesteemand
withhisinitiativethevillagegotaKhalsaHighSchool.HeservedastheDivinityteacher.Hewas
seenatalltheJathaSamagamswhetherinDelhi,Abetabad,Kashmir,etc.Hewasverilyapillarof
theFaith.

Hewasstillyoung,whenhisearthlysojournneareditsend.Heusedtoindicatetomethatnot
manydayswereleftforhim,thoughhewasseeminglywholeandhearty.Butwhenthefinaldeath
callcomes,nothingisofanyavail.IwasenjoyingmymeditationalmoodatmyhouseinNarangwal,
whenhisson,KakaHarcharanSingh,camewithaworriedlook.Heinformed,thatBhaiGurbakhsh
Singhwasveryrestlessandthattherewasrequestformetoprayforhisrelief.Theboyleft
immediatelyafterthismessage.IprayedtotheSatguruforhispeaceandthatwasaboutthetime
thathebreathedhislast,withtheseblessingsforEternalPeace!Thenextmessageofhisdeath
reachedNarangwalinquicksuccession.BhaiGurbakhshSinghhaddesired,thathislastritesbe
performedonlyinmypresence.Irushed,toKamalPura.TheentirefamilywasrecitingNam,
sittingaroundthebier.

Manypeoplehadgatheredfromfarandnear.Theentireschoolstudentsandstaffwereready
withschoolband.Theenvironmentwasverypeaceful.Thesenseofgriefprevailingthendefies
description.ThusdepartedmydearBhaiGurbakhshSingh,leavingbehindthemourning
multitudes.Amongtheprominent,LateDivineImbuedSinghsoftheJatha,BhaiGurbakhshSingh
standsoutastheforemostpersonality.Ialwaystreasurehismemorydeepinmyheart.
CHAPTER16AGREATSAINTSRIMANBHAIHARBANSSINGHJIMUNISHAR
ThetitleofMunishar,TheGreatAscetic,wasbestowedbymembersofAkhandKirtaniJathaon
BhaiHarbansSinghJi.Hewashighlyeconomicalwithwordsandwouldmostlyremainself
engrossedinthoughtsdivine.Thushewasacompletepractitionerofgoldensilencein
accordancewithGurmat.BeingchestandshouldershighabovegeneralMunnisselfcontained
holies,hecametobeknownasMunishar,greatestofthemall!Hekepthiscomposurewithrare
distinctionabouthishighspirituality,withoutmakinganyshowofitorsenseofbloatingoverit.
HisbreathbybreathDivineMemory,Simran,wasaceaselessautomaticprocess.Hewasblest
withNamGloryandhisfaceshoneinsplendorDivine.Rareoftherarestwashiscaseofdelvingin
Gurmatatsuchanearlyage.Hewaspersonificationofselflessservicetoothersinneed.Hewas
untiringaspractitionerinstudyofGurbaniandcovertocoverrecitationofSriGruruGranth
Sahib.WheneveraSinghinhardfinancialsituationneededhelpinrecitingAkhandPathh,he
wouldvolunteerhimself.

Heneveracceptedanyofferingforsuchservice,noteventhemealsinspiteofalltherequests.He
wasobservingtheselfdisciplineofeatinginsteelutensils,SarabLoh,andtakeselfprepared
mealsonlyonceinaday.HerenderedthiskindofserviceduringAkhandPathhsveryfrequently.
Oncehegotwindofthenews,hewouldbethefirsttoreachandstartoffPathhrecitationafter
makingprayersallbyhimself.Hewouldkeeprecitingforsevenhoursatastretch,beforeothers
couldjoinintotaketurnofrecitations.

Thereisavillage,MehmanSinghwala,atadistanceofonemilefromNarangwal.BhaiHarbans
Singhbelongedtothisvillage.Hewouldvisitmeeverymorningandevening.Hewasalwayskeen
tojoinmeduringoutsidesamagams.Thoughyounginyears,yethiswellmaturedpersonality
earnedhimrespectofoneandallinJatha.HewasagreatdevoutandgotBaptisedatveryearly
age.Hisfather,BhaiDharamSinghhadproceededtoNorthAmerica,wherehisservicestothe
communitywerehighlyacknowledged.Thefamilyhadgoodlandedproperty.Thelandwas
cultivatedbyBhaiHarbansSinghselderbrother.BhaiHarbansSinghjoinedthearmyattheageof
sixteen.TherehecametoenjoytheholycompanyofaGurmukhHeadGranthiBhaiKahanSingh
jiofNo.15SikhPlatoon.

Hismarriagewasproposedatanearlyage,yethisspiritofrenunciationneverlethimindulgein
familylife.Itwouldnotbeanoverstatementtosaythat,heremainedchasteallhislife.His
thoughtswerealwaysfocusedonNamandGurubani.Hehadthespiritualpowertoknowinner
andunexpressedthoughtsofothers.Hewasagreatcompaniontome.Itwasmyrepeated
experiencethatattheveryoccurrenceofacertainthoughttome,hewouldstartimplementingit
inaction.

Thoughblestwiththisuniquepower,hewouldnevershowoffbutremainselfcontained.Hewas
averyrarespecimenofmostunfatigableselflessservice,endowedwithallGurmatvirtuesand
everblissful.

MyfirstmeetingwithBhaiHarbansSinghJiwasin1915,whenIwasunderarrestinMutinycase
andbeingtransferredfromLohatVaditoLudhiana.LohatVadifallsinNabahastateatabout20
KmsfromNarangwal.Iwasheldincustodythereforaboutoneandahalfmonths.WhenIwas
informedofbeingchallanedtoLudhiana,Isentatelepathicmessagetomyclosespiritualfriendin
villageGujerwal.IrequestedhimtojoinmeatKilaRaipurrailwaystationduringmyjourneyfrom
AhmedGarhtoLudhiana.ComplyingwithmyrequestVirSriSurjanSinghJijoinedmeinthesame
railcompartmentofthetrain.

Myescorts,aPoliceSergeantandoneSepoy,wereveryconsiderateinallowingBhaiSurjanSingh
tositnexttome.Hehadayoungcompanion,whosegrowthofbeardwasjustappearing.Hisface
wasradiantwithspiritualglorythatwasunbearabletobehold.Itwassignofhishighspirituality
thathisautomaticSimranofNamwitheverybreathwasaudible.Heheldallmyattention
beginningwiththeveryfirstlookathim.HissightinducedNectariantasteofNamandmademe
forgetallmyworldlyconcerns.SoengrossedIbecamewiththisyoungLivingEmancipatedBhai
HarbansSinghthatIignoredthepurposeofmycallingBhaiSurjanSinghinthefirstplace.I
enquiredabouthisidentity.BhaiSurjanSinghexplainedthatBhaiHarbansSinghofMehmaSingh
WalavillagehadbeenreleasedfrommilitaryservicesandwasnewentrantintoJatha.Hefurther
toldabouthisdesiretoofferhimselfforthehighestsacrificeinpursuitofJathasideals.Thiswas
thebriefglancingofbeamingandspirituallybrimmingVirHarbansSingh.InallhumilityI
conveyedmymessagetoallmembersofKirtaniJathathroughBhaiSurjanSinghtoremainnon
conspicuousandkeepoutoftroubleintheturbulentpoliticaltimes.Thisrequestwasalsomade
applicabletoBhaiHarbansSinghJiatthattime.

NextImetBhaiHarbansSinghonmyreleaseaftersixteenyearsofjailperiod.Fullbeardnow
adornedhisface.Thereafterhebecamemyconstantcompanion.DuringAkhandKirtanSamagams
hissinglemindeddevotionledhissoultohighspiritualflightandhighestBliss.

HewasanexcellentKirtaniyaandwouldsinginsoaringspirits.Hewouldobservesilenceforlong
hoursafterKirtan.HespenthisentirelifeinenvironmentofGurmat,blestwithlimitlessDivine
GraceofGuru.EversinceIstartedcomingtoKumarHattihillsforNammeditation,heusedtobe
withmeasTrueMunishar.Hewasfullofloveforservice.Hewouldlosehimselftotallyin
engrossmentofDivineMeditationattopofthehills,withoutanybodyawareness.

Thereisacleanpieceofrockinthosehillswhereheoftensatinmeditation.Thishascometobe
knownasMunisharsStone.HewasbelovedofeverymemberoftheJatha,cherishedbyoneand
all.Hewouldnotallowanylethargicdrowsinessinhimselfduringmeditation,standingononeleg
nightlong.HewasamaninhurryformergerintoDivineandaDevotedLover.Thiskindofsingle
mindedDivineLovewasanactofGraceoftheLordatanearlyage.Hehadbeenagreatdevoutin
hisearlierlivesandinthislifetoo;hewastotallydevoidofworldliness.Evilinthought,wordor
deedswasunknowntohim.Hewasamanoftransparentsimplicity,honestyofpurposeand
princelybearingasPrinceDivine!

Hisearlierassociate,BhaiKahnSinghGranthi,happenedtocommentoncethatBhaiHarbans
Singhmustleavebehindhisposterityandproposedmarriageforhim.Thesuggestionfoundhis
acceptance,buthewantedalikemindedreligiousdevoutasamatch.Aftercomingincontactwith
me,thisthoughtwasabandonedbyhim.HealwayssaidthathewasspirituallyweddedtoLord
Divineandthereisnoscopeforanotherrelationship.BlessedwasthisProvisionDivine,because
hedidnothavetoliveforlong.Hisfastapproachingendcouldneverbeguessedbyanyone.He
sufferedgreatbodilyafflictionsbeforedeath,yetheborethosewithdignityandwithoutmurmur.

Manypeopleapproachedmetosay,Whyissuchapiousbeingsubjectedtosuchseriousterminal
afflictions?Theremustbeheldacommonprayerforhim.HoweverIwouldpicturethehistorical
endeventenactedinthelifeofagreatdevout,BhaiBhagtooJi,belovedGursikhofFifthKingTrue,
GuruArjanDevJi.Thisgreatsoul,embodimentofGurmat,toounderwentacutesufferingdueto
dysentery.

Wheneverhiswellwishersexpressedconcernandsurpriseabouthissuffering.BhaiBhagtooJi
wouldsay,Iamgoingtoendallmysufferingshereinthislifeandnottakeevenaniotatobe
carriedover.Ifsomepeoplepersisted,youareaclosedevoteeoftheGuruSahib.Ifyoupray
beforehimforcompleteriddanceofaffliction,surelyHisGlanceofGracecanendthesufferings.
BhaiBagtoowouldreply,Oblessedones:ItbehoovesnottomakesuchapettydemandonGuru
Sahib.AGursikhissupposedtoputupwithallphysicalpainandhardships.Itisagreatweakness
tomakeashowofthesetoGuruthroughprayer.SimilarwasthestatethatBhaiHarbansSinghJi
Munisharwentthrough,departingfinallyforAbodeDivine.

TheGurubaniquoteasordainedbySriGranthSahibfollowinghisdemiseisasfollowsandclearly
referstohishighestachievementofobjectiveinhumanlife:

0lo l3 lHU HH H=l =H =l8Hl

HH l=o =0 l3J = Hl8Hl
= ol lJ Hl = 3Hl
HJl HJ 9 =O
DepartsthedevoteeingloryaftersuccessfullifewithDivineHonour.
Whattotalkofhumans,hisfameshallbeheardinallcornersoftheuniverse.
SaysNanak,notonlythedevoteeisblissfulbutallhistribeshallberedeemed.
SuhiM:1[730]

TheeventsthatcametopassduringAkhandPathhSamagambytheJathatoobservehispassing
awaywereuniqueandsurpassingallglory.Itisnotpossibletoforgetsuchcloseassociatein
spirituallife.

WhenIenvisionhimandsimilarGurumkhVirsawaitingmeinthehereafter,readytoguideme
there,Ifeelgreatlyblest.LeftbehindamongworldlyrelationsofBhaiHarbansSinghJiwashis
Gurmukhaunt,SisterGurdialKaurJi,astheloneworldlyreminderofVirMunisharBhaiHarbans
SinghJi.Shetoohaspassedawayobliteratingallvisiblememoryofhim,yetheshalleverbe
rememberedinthespheresofJatha.TheblessedsoulsshallmeethiminthehereafterinGur
Puri,AbodeDivine.ThusthereisnothingtodespairinviewofGraceofGuruandHisBounty.Itis
aservicetowritethisobituaryinrespectofthisBelovedFriendwithpromptingsoftheGuru.
MayGurufulfilltheobjectivebehindthislabourofloveandthecominggenerationswithevolved
soulsderivebenefitfromthisexemplarylife!
CHAPTER17GURUMUKH,CHILDLIKEVIRPRITAMSINGHJIEIANA
JU l3H l=cJ =lo Je 3l H Jl8 l3
JU l3H l=cJ =lo Je Hl H J lH
JU l3H l=cJ =lo l lHo Jl8 l8o
JU l3H l=cJ =lo HH e = lHH
JU l3H l=cJ =lo IHl HI el
JU l3H l=cJ =lo 0 Hl HIl3 lHJH
el el eIJ = = (97)
Iamsacrificeuntohim,whomakesnotashowofhispowers.
Iamsacrificeuntohim,wholiveshumblyevenwhenbestowedwithhonour.
Iamsacrificeuntohim,whoactschildlikeinspiteofhighwisdom.
Iamsacrificeuntohim,whocheerfullyacceptsDivineWill.
Iamsacrificeuntohim,whoyearnstotreadpathoftheGuruOriented.
Iamsacrificeuntohim,whoisawareoflifesojournastemporaryinthisworld.
SuchabeingisacknowledgedinFaithGodliness,hereinthisworldandhereafter.3.(12)

TheabovePauriofBhaiGurudasJiveryaptlydescribesthewayoflifeincaseofBhaiPritamSingh
jiEiana.Thoughhewasonly2022yearsold,yethisbodilydevelopmentandstrengthwas
reminderofoldenbraveandstrongSinghs.Howeverhenevershowedoffhisheftinessandwas
eversubmissive.Hewasalsoaspiritualgiant,butremainedinconspicuous.Hehadearnedaplace
ofhonorforhimselfatanearlyageandwasbeingacknowledgedbybigSikhchiefs,armyofficials
andhighstateauthorities.Yetalltherecognitiondidnotgotohisheadandheremainedhis
normalhumbleself.Hewasnevergiventoworldlyclevermanipulations.HewasfullofGurmat,
Divine,andVirtueslikeastorehouseofwisdomandyetbehavedchildlikeallthetime.Histalk
reflectedinnocenceandsimplicityofachild,fullofloveandsweetness.Herewasacaseof
wisdomofhighordercloakedinchildlikesimplewords.Suchwashiswontfromthevery
beginning.

HistitleofEianawascolloquiallypronouncedNianacommonly.Hewasthereforepopularly
knownasNianaJibecauseofhischildlikelanguage,fulloflovingsweetness.Theremaininglines
oftheabovequoteshallfindapplicationinhislifeinthefollowingnarration.Beforegetting
Baptised,hewasnamedBhaiSurjanSinghJithatgotchangedtoPritamSingh.Howeverhisold
armyassociatedkeptcallinghimBhaiSurjanSinghNiana.BadungarNagarislocatedatadistance
ofoneandahalfmilesfromPatiala.WellknownS.JoginderSinghJiresidedthere.Adjoininghis
residencewaslocatedaVethospitalforthecavalryhorsesofPatialacantonment.Compoundwalls
ofthetwobuildingswereclosetoeachother.EianaJiwasemployedasdispenserinthehospital.
InadditionhelookedaftergardeninginthecompoundandperformeddutiesofGranthiofthe
attachedGurudwara.

Hehadspiritualinclinationsashegrewupinearlylife.TherewerefrequentKirtanSmagamsatS.
JoginderSinghsplace.HewouldcomequietlyandenjoytheblissfulenvironmentofSatSangonall
suchoccasions.SoonafterdepartureofvisitorshewouldfindtimetoenjoycompanyofGurmukh
BhaiJoginderSinghJi.Listeningtohisreligiousdiscourses,hewouldtrytoarriveattheEssenceof
Gurmat.

Theirrelationshipgrewintomutuallove.NianaJiwasthusBaptisedintoapracticingSinghofthe
JathawithlovingcoaxingfromBhaiJoginderSinghJi.Thereuponhewouldremainengrossedin
NamMeditationalldayandnight.Servingwithhands,hismindwouldbedevotedtoDivine
Memory.Hewouldriseearlyat2:00A.M.,takebathanddevotetodailyrecitationofprayersup
to4:00A.M.

ThereafterhewouldreadDivineCommandmentfortheDayfromSriGuruGranthSahibandthen
startsingingKirtanallbyhimself.Thisusedtobehisroutine.Hewasdevotedtolisteningand
performingKirtan,unconcernedaboutanyaudience.Hewouldoftenbesingingalonesoulfullyin
sweettunes.Hewasanexpertinplayingharmoniumandtabla.Theremarkablethingabouthis
KirtansingingwasthathewouldconfinehimselftopuretextofGurubaniwithoutanyuseof
outsidewords.HewouldevendiscourageotherKirtaniyasfrommixingoutsidewordswhile
singingGurbaniKirtan.ThisactofFaithinpurityofKirtanhadverysalutaryeffectinarmycirclesof
SikhSangatsandhisrespectgotenhanced.

TheygatheredaroundhiminasizeableJathaofarmyKirtaniyas.ThisJathawasspeciallysoughtin
allSamagamsinthearmyunits.ManyarmyofficersgotinitiatedintosingingKirtan,thus
expandingbandofNirbanKirtanyasofPureGurbani

BhaiEianaJisdevotiontodutywasalsounique.InthelightofGurmathedidhishonestlabor.He
wasliberalatheartandcarefreebynature,independentandkeepingtohimself.Humbleatheart,
hepersonifieddignityofGurmat.Thecarefreelifethatheenjoyedcouldeasilyinvokeenvyofa
King.HiswifealsomatchedhiminsimpletransparencyofGurmukhwayofhonestliving.Shetoo
abidedbythecodeforBaptisedinFaithandremainedobedienttoherhusband.Thecouplewas
contentedwiththeirsimpleliving,blessedwithpatienceandcontentmentofGurmatteachings.
Neverwouldanunsavorywordescapefromtheirlips,insteadtheyweresubmissiveandsweetin
theirdealings.TheywouldensurethatwhateverwassaidwasinconformitywithGurmat.They
enjoyedequipoiseinbothpleasureandpain,everabidingbyDivineWillingratitudetotheLord.
AsGuruOrientedGurumukhbeings,theywouldshunallevilcompany.BhaiPritamSinghwas
greatloveroftreadingGurmatPathDivineonly.Nogreedcouldenticehimtodeviatefromthis
Path.Hewasnotgiventoworldlypleasuresandunderstoodworldlinesstobeunreal.Hetreated
lifeasatemporarysojourn.Hewouldoftensay,Oneislikeaguestforbriefstayattheinnlike
worldandmustsoondepartforthehereafter.

Hisfaceinducedasenseofpeaceinthebeholders.HewouldattendallbigSamagamsoftheJatha
aftertakingleavefromhisduty.HewasanaccomplishedAkhandPathi,reciterofSriGuruGranth
SahibandKirtaniya.Hisvoicewasloudandclearthatcouldeasilybeheardbyallandunderstood.
HewouldensurehispresenceattheannualSamagamofSriGuruGobindSinghJisGurpurb.All
thoseKirtanlovers,whorelishedhisKirtanremainedspellbound.HissingingofAsaDiVarPauris
wassosoulful,thattheessenceofGurubaniwouldsinkineveryheart.IfeverhemissedGurupurb
Samagams,manyofhisfanswouldmisshimtoosaying,WhyhasnotthePauriSingerSingh
come?InthelifetimeofGurumukhBhaiJoginderSinghJi,BhaiEianaJiaccompaniedhimtoall
theSamagams.AfterhisdeathBhaiEianaJiremainedgriefstricken,andmediatingatPatiala.He
wouldoftenrepeatGurubaniquote:

lHH lo lHU J l3H oI Hl 0lo

luI Hl= HHl 3 = Hl=
ProceedaheadoftheBelovedindeath.
ItisdisgracefultooutlivetheBeloved.
SRIRAGKIVARM:2[83]

Histearsfloweduncontrollablysayingthisquote.SuchwastruelovethatexistedbetweenBhai
JoginderSinghJiandBhaiPritamSinghJiEiana

MyVisitstoPatialawerealsorareafterVirJoginderSinghJisdeath.HoweverwheneverIchanced
tovisitPatiala,ImadesuretolookupEianaJiorsendforhim.Iwouldwishtoavoidvisiting
Badungar,becausetheplaceremindedmeofVirJoginderSinghJiandoldmemorieswouldmake
merestless.Thussuchvisitswereveryrare.ItriedveryhumblytocoaxVirEianaJitocomeoutof
thisgriefandjoininKirtanSamagamswheneverinvited.Hewasofverycongenialnatureand
acceptedmyheartfeltrequest.HestartedvisitingoninvitationSamagamsinPatialacantonment
andnearbyplaces.Hisraresinglemindeddevotionmadeadeepimpressiononsuchoccasions.
Wheneverhereceivedmytelepathicmessage,hewouldrushtoNarangwalandengageinlong
sessionofspiritualdiscoursesbeforereturning.HewashighlymindfulofhisGovernmentService
duty.

HewasstillyoungwhenhereceivedDivineCall.Beforetheend,hewouldoftenrepeat,Thinkof
departingastheworldisonlyavisitingplace.Hesufferedfromtyphoidfevertocloakhisdeath.
Manywellmeaningdoctorsandphysiciansinsistedtotreathim,buthewouldnotlistenenvisaging
DivineWill.

Withrisingtemperature,hisNamRecitationbecamelouder.Thebeholdersofthisscenewere
flabbergasted.ItisthusthathepassedawayincheerfulacceptanceofDivineWill.Allhis
associatedofKirtanSamagamsgatheredatNarangwalwhenthenewsspread.Alljoinedinthis
veryspecialAkhandPathhandAkhandKirtaninhomagetohimandinturnreceivedDivine
BlessingofNamNectarian.Allthosepininginloveofseparatedsoulweredealtwithheavydoseof
PinealSongsofGurubani.SincethedemiseofBhaiPritamSinghJiEianahisclosefriends,Vir
ParsanSinghJifromPatiala,hastakenhisplaceinGurmatSamagams,renderingusefulservice.
MasterJoginderSinghJiBadundiwasacloseadmirerandafriend.Hemustbetreasuringinhis
heartmoreintimatedetailsofNianaJislife.Hemightonedaysharethoseatsuitableopportunity.
CHAPTER18BHAIPRABHAKARSINGHJI
VirPrabhakarSinghJigotBaptisedatSeventeenandwassaturatedeversince,imbibedwithNam
Nectarian.Hehadonlytwomoreyearstoliveinsilentselfengrossment.Hehaddevotedagreat
dealtospiritualisminearlierlife,soBaptismworkedasaCatalysttohastenhispastspiritual
revivalandfurtherprogress.HewasaptlynamedPrabhakarSinghafterBaptism.Hebelongedto
villageLaltonindistrictLudhiana,butafterhisrebirthinHouseofGuruheremainedweddedto
theworldofSatSang,holycongregations.SuchdedicationtoGurmatisarareoftherarest
phenomenonintheveinofGurbaniquoteinAnandSahib,WithutmostFaith,abidingatDoorof
Guru,rareonesareusheredintotheTenthHiddenDoorwhereLordisenvisionedinAllHis
Glory.SuchwastherarespecimenofaGurmukh,GuruorientedandfullydedicatedBhai
PrabhakarSinghJi,outshiningmanyoftheoldAsceticsandMunisharsdoingpenanceforages.
Hewasquietlyrelishinghishighestspirituality.Heremainedaloofanduntouchedbyworldliness
anditsattachments.HecouldremaininsolitudeofNamDevotioninenvironmentofSadh
Sangat.

Hewouldnotengageinworldlydiscussions,butkeeprecitingNaminholycompanyofGurmukhs,
happyinselfabsorptionliketheproverbialadumbpersonenjoyingsweets.Hewassofondof
listeningtoGurbaniKirtanthathewouldremaininsamepostures,listeningforhourstogether.He
neverrevealedhisinnerselftoanyonebutborehisexaltedexperiencesilentlyinhappinessof
ownmind.Hiselevatingspiritsalwayskeptsoaringhigherandhigher.Therewasneverafrownon
hisface,butalwaysbeamingandcarefree.Hewouldremainsereneunderallcircumstances.His
spiritualdevotioninpreviousbirthwassomuchthatonlyalittlewouldsufficeinthislife.

ManyoftheJathaproceededtoJailsasordainedbyDivineWill.DearPrabhakarSinghcouldnot
copeupwithpangsofseparation.Thecasewasstillundertrialandpronouncementoflife
sentencewasyettobemade,whenIenvisionedinthedungeonsofjailthesoulofVirPrabhakar
Singhleavinghisbodyandtakingflightupwardtothehereafter.NextdayIgotthenewsofhis
death.

BhaiPrabhakarSinghJiwasaquiet,lovingandabloomingyouth.HehadthroughSingleminded
devotionexperiencedhighspiritualitywithin,bearingtheunbearablesilentlyataveryearlyage.
HeenjoyedtheBlissofinnerenlightenmentwithoutanyoutwardshow.Hewasanuntiring
listenerofAkhandKirtanwithSinglemindeddevotion.Hewouldtakeacornerseatattherear
andremainseatedinasinglepostureofquietmeditation.HecametobeknownastheSilent
Ascetic,MoandhariSingh.

HebecamemostyearningspiritualseekerjustashegotBaptised.Helostawarenessofbodyand
interestinfood.WordDivinealonebecamehissourceofsustenancedayandnightinself
engrossment.Thesplendourofhisfaceindicatedhisinnerstateofenlightenmentandbrimming
withDivineNectar.HehadsoughtBaptismwithutmostspiritualurgeandwentintotrancesoon
afterimbibingNamNectarian.Thiswasthefruitbornebyhismeditationallaborsofearlierbirth
thatcouldbetheenvyofgreatYogisandAscetics.InfactallpenancedevoidofGurmatisoflittle
avail,evenifpracticedforages.Ihadenvisionedsuchmiraclesduringspiritualstrivingsofyoung
BhaiPrabhakarSinghJithatwerepleasantlyastounding.Inhishumilitybynatureand
engrossmentinspirituality,hewascompletelyfreefromthoughtsofworldliness.Hewashumble
throughandthroughinthelightofGurmat,thinkingofhimselfasmeredustofeveryonesfeet.
Hewasneverpronetoangernorhisfaceeverfrowned.Hisfacewasradiantwithinnerhappiness,
utteringonlylovingsweetwords.Hewaschasteallhislifeandeveninhisyouthnoevilthought
everoccurredtohim.Hisfamilywantedtoarrangehismarriage,buthewouldnotlistentoit.The
ceremonyofengagementformarriagewasbeingforcedonhim,butinthenickoftimehegotup,
saying,ThisisnotinaccordancewithGurmat.Leavingbehindhisgatheredrelativeshecameto
SatSangofJathaandnarratedhisStory.

AllgotastonishedathisboldnessandrocklikeFaith.Hecouldescapemarriagethusunderthe
pleaofGurmattenetsorelsehewasalmostropedin.Hehadnoinclinationformarriage.Notthat
hewasagainsttheinstitutionofmarriage,butamarriagedevoidofGurmatwasanunwelcome
tyingoftwoindividualsinsteadofawholesomeunion.

SuchrocklikeFaithatanearlyageisexemplary.WhilemanyoftheJathagotimprisonedin1915,
hestarteddelvingevenmoredeeplyinsinglemindedNamDevotion.Hesharedgreatlovewith
me.IheldhiminhighesteemandneveraddressedhimwithouthonorificsuffixofJi.Istill
maintainthesamedeepregardforhimandkeephismemoryaliveallthetime.

ItisbondofthisunboundedlovethatprompteddepartingsoulofSriBhaiPrabhakarSinghJito
grantmethelastvision,whileIwasconfinedtodungeonsofjail.Itwasthesamesmilingfacethat
tookskywardflightafterthemeeting,boundforAbodeDivine,nevertoreturn!Thishappenedin
1915.BhaiLalSinghJiofmyvillage,Narangwal,wasarrestedandbroughttoLudhianaJail.Aftera
coupleofdayshedescribedeventfuldaysoftheend.Accordingtohimitwasindeedavery
unusualdeath.MotherofBhaiLalSingh,MataMehtabKaurJiwasbythebedsideofBhai
PrabhakarSinghJiatthefinalmoment.

ShehadgreatmotherlyloveforBhaiPrabhakarSinghJi.DuringSatSangSamagamsatNarangwal
healwaysstayedattheirhouseandcametoberegardedassecondsonafterBhaiLalSingh,both
equallydeartoMataMehtabKaurJi.FewdayspriortothedeathBhaiPrabhakarSinghJisent
telepathicmessagetoMataMehtabKaurJi,requestinghertocometohisbedsideatLalton.
ServingthisGurmukhsontowardstheendofhislifejourneywasthoughtofaswelcome
opportunitybyherandablessing.Sheremaineddedicatedallthroughdayandnighttorare
motherlyloveandservice.Shewasinattendanceallthewhile,glancingatthesplendorousfacein
DivineBliss.BhaiPrabhakarSinghJicontinuedhisNamSimran,breathbybreath,tilltheveryend.
Thiswasmostamazing.Hewouldneithertalknorlistentoanythingotherthanthis.Hewould
requesthisvisitorstoreciteGurbaniorgoandtakerestawayfromhim.Hedidnotallowanyone
nearhimwiththeexceptionofMataMehtabKaurJi.Hebreathedhislastinhisblissfulstate.His
faceneverindicatedanysufferingoranytraceofbodilypain.

Heneverutteredanysighofpain;insteaditwasdifficulttobeholdhisGloriousface.Itwasonly
forMataMehtabKaurtobeholdthedepartinginspiritualGloryofBhaiPrabhakarSinghJi.With
hishandsfoldedtogetherheutteredtheKhalsaSalutationofGuruFatehanddepartedlikea
visitingpilgrimreturningtohisHomeAbodeDivine!
CHAPTER19AGLIMPSEOFTHEKHALSAOFOUROWNTIMESBHAISARWANSINGHJI
PHALEWAL(DISTT.LUDHIANA)
BhaiSarwanSinghJi,atrueGurmukh,belongedtovillagePhalewal,Ludhiana.Hewasan
accomplishedGursikh,withoutbeingconspicuous,livingahouseholderslifeasthemostordinary
person.Iwasunawareofhishighspiritualattainments,eventhoughwelivedsonear.Herecomes
destiny.Ourmeetingwasnotyetdestined.Thisishowithappened.

ImetBabuMalSinghJiforthefirsttimeatthePanchKhandSamagam.Ihadnotknownhim
earlier.Wewererestinginthesameroomatnight.Fromtheconversationhestarted,itappeared
thathewasfamiliarwithmyname.Heexplained,thattherewasahighlyspiritualSikhfrom
Phalewal,livingunconspicuously,namedBhaiSarwanSingh,whohadtoldhimaboutme.Bhai
SarwanSinghhadbeenBaptisedatourJatha'ssamagamandknewaboutme,thoughIhadnot
knownhim.SoonafterhisBaptism,thisGursikhattainedahighspiritualstate.BabuJisaid,thathe
hadbeeneagerlylookingforwardtomeetingmeaftermyintroductionbyBhaiSarwanSingh.Now
afterthisincidentalmeetingandmentionofBhaiSarwanSingh,Ibecameinterestedtoavailthe
earliestopportunitytomeethim.

OnreturntoNarangwal,IimmediatelygotreadyandstartedoffonfootforPhalewal.Ihadnever
beentherebeforeanddidntknowanyoneinthatvillage.MasterNiranjanSinghofourJathafrom
NarangwalwasemployedatKhalsaPrimarySchool,Phalewal.Ithoughtofapproachinghimtofind
outaboutBhaiSarwanSingh.IrecalledBabuJitellingme,thatBhaiSarwanSinghwasavillage
Headman(Nambardar)also.WhenInearedthevillage,athoughtcametomymind,thatifhewas
reallyanevolvedsoulasdescribed,thenlethimmeetmebeforeenteringthevillage.AsI
approachedthevillagetheeagernesskeptmountingandIevenforgotaboutthisthought,Ihada
littlewhileago.ThistoowasanactofDivineWill.Justoutsidethevillage,Isawamendicanttype
ofpersoncomingfromthevillage.Heworeonlyakachheraandasmallturban,withoutashirt
andwearingaKirpan.HegreetedmewithGurFatehandpassedbydrivingabuffalo,withastaff
inhand.Itjustdidnotoccurtometoknowabouthim.

Onenteringthevillage,InoticedaDharamsal,placeofworship,wheresomeelderlypeoplewere
sittinginthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahib.Imademyobeisanceandtookseat.Allthese
Sikhsknewmeandenquiredaboutthepurposeofmyvisit.Iexplained,thatIwaslookingfora
SinghnamedBhaiSarwanSinghNambardar.Theyreplied,thathehadjustleftdrivingabuffalo
andinallprobabilitycrossedme.Ienquiredwhetherheisthesamepersonwithoutashirt.They
confirmedthatheisthesamepersonofveryasceticnature.Wewerestilltalkingaboutthis,when
thepersonreturnedandsatnexttome.Assoonasmyeyescontactedhiseyes,webecameone.
Heimmediatelytookmeawayfromthere,sayingthatwewouldgotomeetMasterNiranjanSingh
intheschool.Heledmetotheschoolcompoundwithoutanyfurtherconversation.Master
NiranjanSinghwassurprisedtoseeme.Regardingthepurposeofmyvisit,Ijustpointedtowards
BhaiSarwanSinghwhosmiledandaskedMasterJitocallitaday.Itwaslateintheafternoonand
BhaiSarwanSinghproposedKirtaninhiscottage.MasterJiletoffthestudentsandclosedthe
school.

Thethreeofusmarchedtothecottage,whichwaslocatedjustoutsidethevillageinthefields.
Thiswasabeautifulthatchedcottageatalovelyspot.Themusicinstrumentswerealreadythere,
BhaiSarwanSinghhandedoverharmoniumtomeandhimselftookthesmalldrum,Dholki.
MasterNiranjanSinghgotcymbals,Chhenne,inhishand.TheDivineinspiredKirtanstarted.Bhai
SarwanSinghwasanaccomplishedKirtaniya,expertinbothdrumandharmonium.Hegot
spirituallyintoxicatedwiththeveryfirsthymnandlostselfawareness.Hourswentby.WhenI
openedmyeyes,InoticedthatBhaiVaryamSinghofthevillageisalsosittingwithus,singing
melodiously.OnlyourofuswereintheKirtananditlastedformanyhours.Suddenly,avoicesaid,
thatitstimeforRehrasandtostartwithSoDarKirtan.

AfterRehras,wedidArdasandtooktheGurwaakandIrememberthelastlinequotedthat;My
lovehascometostayinmyhouse.AftertheceremoniousclosingofSriGuruGranthSahibfor
thenight,theharmoniumwasofferedtoVir(Brother)SarwanSingh,thedrumtoMasterJiand
thecymbalstoBhaiVaryamSinghandtheKirtanstartedagain.IrememberBhaiSarwanSingh
startedwith,Mylovehascametostayatmyhouse.Itwashighlyenjoyableresoundingsession
fortwohours.Suddenly,IfeltastrangepullforNarangwalandleftimmediatelywithmythree
companions.

Onthewayback,wewereattractedbythesightofravine,DhabofGujjarwalandsatthere.Thisis
locatedmidwaybetweenNarangwalandGujjarwalasabarren,lovelyspot.Thisravineis
associatedwithinterestinghistory,whereastreamusedtoflow.BhaiSarwanSingh,comingoutof
hisdeepmeditationattimesusedtonarratethatoccasionallyheheardthesoundofthehooves
oftheBlueMountandbeheldSriGuruGobindSinghridingthesideoftheoldravine.Thepresent
dryravinehadafigtreecloseby.Inthetimesofourelderstherewereboundarydisputes
betweenthetwovillagesforalongtimeandmanyyoungliveswerelost.Ultimatelytheravine
becametheacceptedboundary,withtheravineinthelimitsofGujjarwal.Thiswasknowntobea
hauntedplaceandnobodyevercrossedthiswayevenindaytime.Criesandshoutsofoldbattles
couldbeheard.Ihavepersonalexperienceofthis,butmyfearsvanishedafterBaptism.Ihad
selectedthislovelyandpeacefulplaceformeditation.IusedtorecitetheDivineNamwholenight
withfullvoice,whilepeoplemistookthisasbattlecriesofthehauntedsouls!Nooneever
approachedoutoffear.

Thebattlecrieshadstoppedafterthefirsttwonightsofmyvisitsthere,whileIenjoyedmany
sessionsofdeepmeditationandlovelyKirtanprogrammes.Thiscontinuedformanydaysand
nights.Thefigtreebecamedeadanddisappeared.OftenIusedtobealonethere.Theadjoining
landbelongedtoonedevoutSikh,BabaJaimalSinghofGujjarwal.Heusedtowatchmeinmy
meditations.Asanactofphilanthropy,hegotaportionoftheravinedug,sothatclean
undergroundwaterformedapond.Intherainyseason,rainwaterusedtoaccumulatethere.In
wintermonths,thisusedtobeveryclearandcleanwater,formingintoalakeofabout5000sqyds.
Thiswaterwasavailableroundtheyear.TheBabaalsoplantedshadytreesonthesidesofthis
lakeforthebenefitofvisitingdevotees,comingtomeditatehere.Howeverduringmylife
imprisonmentperiod,thesetreesdriedoff,astheBabapassedawayandtherewasnoonetotake
careofthisplace.Thesetreeswereacrossbreedingoffig,Banyanandmargosa(Neem)trees,
knownasTirbeni.ThisBabahadveryambitiousplansforthisplace,whichremainedunfulfilled
duetocircumstances.Atthetimeofpresentnarrationalsothisplaceisquiteattractive.

TheSpiritualStateofBhaiSarwanSingh
OurquartetoffourKirtaniyasreachedthisspotanddidnotlosetimeinstartingKirtan.Wehad
broughtalongthemusicinstruments.WeweresolostintheKirtan,thatwepassedintodeep
meditation.Mywife,KartarKaur,visionedallthisandcamealonglateatnightwithourdinner.
Sheshookusoutofourstuporandhadbroughtthesteelutensilsforservingfoodtothefour
persons.Aftergettingourhandswashed,thefoodwasserved.Withhalfclosedeyes,drenched
withDivineLove,whilewewereeatingwewatchedthislady,apictureoftruelovingdevotion.
BhaiSarwanSinghutteredacryofpureloveathersight.Inhumilityhehadhisheadonherfeet,
sayingTheholysightofthisReveredMotherhaskilledmyhiddenimperceptibleego.

Thisegohadledmetobelieve,thatIaloneenjoyedthesupervision,extraordinary.Iseevisions
innormallifeandwasfeelingproud.Thisselfconceithasbeendestroyedtoday.Iwonderhow
thisMotherenvisionedourpresenceherefromadistanceofonemileandknownourexact
numbertobringfoodandutensilsforfourofus.Shepartookofthefoodleftbyme.Shealways
remainedwithoutfood,tillsuchtimethatIatefirst.Itwaspastmidnight.BhaiSarwanSingh,
feelinghistummy,saidthat,sittingisnomorepossible.IamreturningtoPhalewalforrestand
youshouldalsoaccompanymotherbacktoNarangwal.Afterthisevent,manytimesitso
happened,thatBhaiSarwanSinghwouldspendwholenightsroamingbetweenthevillages,
intoxicatedwithAmbrosiaofNamandutteringthecriesofGodloveinthewildernessofnights,
chantingDivineNam.

HewasanamazingKirtaniyaandalsosanginhighpitch.TheechoofhisDivineLoveinKirtanwas
neverending,buteverascendinginspirit.Whenonthedrum,thenalsohewasjustsuperwith
untiringarmsandhands.Whilesinging,heusedtogetlostinthehighestmeditationatDasam
Dawar,theDivineTempleinman.Thisusedtobeindicatedbyatypicalsound.Thisledtomany
hoursofmotionlessbodystate.Hisbodyusedtobecomehardasifitwasmadeofsteel.

Whattotalkofmotion,eventhebreathingwouldstop.Itwasseeninthisstate,thathissteellike
armscouldnotbebentevenwiththeforceoftenmen.Thosewhounderstoodthis,nevertriedto
disturbhimbutlefthimtoenjoyhisrapturousspiritualstate.Whenheusedtocomeoutofthis
highstage,hisbodywouldbelightenedandhaveaDivineLustre.Iwasawitnesstothis
transformation.Theignorantpeopleusedtocomment,thathewasapatientofepilepsy.Inhis
wakefulnessorsleep,theautomaticchantofNamwascontinuous.Attimesheusedtogoin
trancewhiletravellingalone,andremainongroundforhours.Thepassersbytookhimtobedead
andranawayfromhim.Theywouldcalltheneighbourhoodtoannouncethattherewasadead
bodyofaSikh.Whenthesympatheticpeoplereachedthespot,theywouldfindtheSinghsittingin
meditationandchantingNam.

Hewassucharenouncer,thatheneverhadaworldlycare.ThedutiesofNambardarwere
performedwithDivinehelp,collectingthevillagerevenueinhiscarefreestateofDivine
drunkennessanddepositingthesameatLudhianaTreasury.Itwouldhappenthatoutofthe
collectedrevenue,amountsofRs500/wouldbetakenawaybybadcharacters.Hewouldreturn
smilinglytoNarangwalinsteadofPhalewal,whereheknewpeoplewouldbetalkingabouttheloss.
Hewouldconfidetome,Bai(Brother),someonehasstolenthecollectedrevenue.Iwould
console,Nevermind,Gurushalltakecare.Hearingthis,hewouldheadbackandfindthelost
moneyonhiswaytoPhalewal.Thebadcharactersresponsibleforthislosswouldberoundedup
bythepoliceandbeingunvengeful,hewouldhelptosetthemfree.Hewouldevenaskthemif
theyneededthemoney,theycouldkeepitandtheGuruwouldreplacethisforhim.Manysuch
badcharactersweresomovedbythisattitudeofBhaiSarwanSingh,thattheylefttheirevilways
andbecameBaptisedSikhstolivehonestly.BhaiSarwanSinghneverusedtogetangry.

TheIncidentAtAmbalaRailwayStation
OnceIwasgoingtomeetthelovedonesSriBabuMalSinghandPiaraSinghJi,whowereinthe
ArmyatAmbalaCantt,alongwiththeJatha,includingBhaiSarwanSingh.Theywerebeing
transferredtoaremoteplaceandwewantedtomeetthembeforetheirdepartureatthe
cantonment.AttherailwaystationallwereselfoccupiedandBhaiSarwanSinghgotlostinhis
deepmeditationwhilestanding.Itsohappened,thathewasstandingoutsideaticketissuing
window,whichwasthenclosedandhestoodalone.However,atrainarrivedandtheticketswere
tobeissuedtothepassengersfromthatwindow.

Wewereallsettomarchtothecantonmentandunawareofthis.Therewasarushofpassengers
tobuyticketsatthewindowblockedbyBhaiSarwanSingh.Shortlyapoliceconstableonduty
arrivedatthescene,butBhaiSahibwasunconcernedwiththehappeningsandcompletelylostin
himself.Thepolicemanshookhimafewtimes,butwithoutaneffect.Inanger,hegaveafullslap
atthefaceofBhaiSarwanSingh,andBhaiSahibopenedhiseyesandtheconstableshouted,
Dontyouknowtheticketsareissuedhere.Youhavebeenrepeatedlytoldtomoveawayfrom
thisplace,wherestandingisnotallowed.Nowthisslapservesyouright,asyouwouldnotlisten
otherwise.Justwatchthisnow:

BhaiSarwanSinghwasnotatalldisturbedduetotheslap,insteadhefellflatonthefeetofthe
constableandapologisedforhislapse.ButassoonasBhaiSahibtouchedhisfeet,theconstable
fellflatonhisbackandstartedwailingloudly,Opeople!Help!!Pleasegetmeapardonfromthis
Sikh.

Hearingthispleaforhelpmanypeoplegatheredthere.Writhingpainfullyongroundwasthe
constableshoutinghispleas.Whenhewasasked,whatwashisproblem?Hereplied,ThisSikhis
goingtokillme.Hewasagainaskedwhathadhithim.Theconstablesaid,Hehasnothitme,he
hasfinishedme.Hehasdrawnallmypowerbyfallingonmyfeet.Idontknowwhatmiraclehe
hasperformed.Mysalvationisonlyinhispardoningme.Theconstableexplainedhow,unaware
ofBhaiSahibsmeditationalstate,hehadslappedtheSikhforblockingthewindowandtheSikh
insteadofremonstrating,hadfallenonhisfeettoapologizeforthemistake.Onhearingthis,one
Christianremarked,Thisisamazing.OurLordJesushastaughtifaChristianisslapped,heshould
offertheothercheektoappeasetheangeredperson,yetthisSikhhasfallentothefeetofthe
angered.Whatcanbemoreamazing?IaddressedthispersonbytellinghimoftheGurbani
teaching,

Farida!Reactnotinangertogiveablowforblow,butinsteadkissthefeetoftheaggressor
beforegoinghome.

AHinducommentedcontemptuously,thatThisSikhmusthaveheldthefeettoescapefurther
punishment.Heshouldhavetakenarevengeontheconstable,butbeingaweaklinghesubmitted
cowardly.Nottoprolongtheissue,wetoldhimthathewasentitledtohisviews.Allofus
includingBhaiSarwanSinghstartedmarchingtowardsthecantonment.Itsohappenedthatthe
HinduMahashawasalsotogototheSadarBazaarincantonmentandfollowedus.Halfwayonour
journey,itwastimeforRehrasPathh.WewashedourselvesatthenearbywellandafterRehras
weproceededonward.

TherewasclusteroftreesandIfelttheurgefornaturalcall.BhaiSarwanSinghandmyself
proceededtowardsthetrees,whilehewentfarintothetrees,Iremainednearby.Ihadjust
finishedwashingmyself,whenIheardthecriesforhelpofawoman.BhaiSahibwasclosertothe
spotofcrying.

Hereachedthereimmediatelyalone.HesawfourdrunkenBritishpolicementryingtogangrapea
poorgirl,whohadcometocollectfirewood.InstinctivelyBhaiSarwanSinghsnatchedawaytheir
lancesandgaveallthefoursuchathrashing,thattheywerealllyingflat.Hetiedallofthemand
putthembackintheTongainwhichtheyhadarrived.MeanwhileIalsoreachedthere.Seeingthis,
Icalledallourfriends.

TheHinduMahashawasalsowiththemandsawwhathadhappened.Itwasexplainedtohimthat
itwasthefeatofjustonebraveSikh.ThisSikhhadearliersettheexampleofextremetolerance
whenslappedbyapoliceman,andaChristianwasfullofpraiseforhim.Butnowwhenitwasa
rescuemission,hehasdisplayedthebraveryoflayingflatfourburlyBritishpolicemensingle
handed.Hearingthis,theMahashacrieduncontrollablysaying,KhalsaJi!Pardonme.Inever
knewthetwodistinctaspectsofaSikhpersonalityofextremetoleranceandunparalledbravery,
butnowIknowthatSinghsofGuruGobindSinghareunique,endowedwithallvirtues."
MeanwhilethetiedupBritisherswerecryingwithpleasofforgivenessandwithapromisenever
torepeatsuchanact.Theywantedtoknowtheirfateafterthistying.Wereplied,Youwillbe
takentoyourofficersforduepunishment.Theysaid,theyhavealreadyreceivedenoughbodily
punishment.Ourbodiesareswollenandtherearebruisesduetotheinjuries.Whatmore
punishmentcanbegiven?ChargeusfineofRs50/andforgiveus.Wetoldthemtoapologizeto
thepoorgirlandgivethewholeamounttoher,withthepromisenevertorepeatsuchadastardly
act.Finallywestartedouronwardmarch,recitingRehrasontheway.ThisexampleofBhaiSarwan
SinghisjustasasampleoftheinstinctsofDivineVirtuesinallthepracticingSikhs,devotedto
Nammeditation.

TheseareinstilledintheminfullmeasuretoexecutetheDivineWill.BhaiSarwanSingh'slifeisa
uniquerolemodel.HewasalsoafluentreaderofSriGuruGranthSahib.Hecouldrecitethepathh
forsevenhourscontinuouslyinhighpitch,thatcouldbeheardinremotecornersofthevillage.
Loudspeakerisnosubstituteforsuchclearloudvoiceandthesewerenotavailablethen.His
recitationwasspecialinthatwhilerecitingthepathhloudly,healsousedtocarryonwithbreath
bybreathmeditationofNam.

Withthistechnique,hecouldcontrolhisbreathatthenavelandrecitepathhoftwopagesata
timeinsinglebreath.AtsuchatimehisfacehadaglowofDivinesplendour,amazingtowatch.In
thisrapturousstate,heusedtoloseawarenessofhisbody.Seeingthisstateonce,hisclose
relativesthoughtthathehadlosthismind.Withthismistakenbelief,theytiedhimwithathick
chainandapillarfor24hours.

TherewasnoknowledgeableSingharoundforhishelp.Itwaswintertimeandhegotafeverof
106F.Evenso,hedidnotloseheartandkeptrecitinghymnsfromGurbani.Itwasthetimeof
ambrosialhoursthatwhiletiedupandsufferingfromhighfever,BhaiSahibwassingingthe
followinghymnsandthinkingofSriGuruGobindSinghJi.

Forthesakeofaprincess,onetookupafalsegarb.
Evensuchlustfulandselfcentredonewassaved.||1||
Whatisthycompassion,Olord,ifoneistosufferforpastactions?
Whyseektheshelterofalion,ifonewastosufferajackal?(Pause)
Therainbirdsuffersforasingleraindrop.
Whatistheuseoffindinganoceanafterdeath?||2||
Howtopersevereinthistirednessoflife?
Whatuseitwouldbetogetaboatafteradeathbydrowning?
Ihavenopowerofmyownnoranothersupport,
Savemyhonouratthisoccasion,OLord,SadnaisThySlave.||4||

Recitingtheline,Savemyhonouratthisoccasionagainandagainhefainted.Thevillagers
heardthesoundofthehoovesofagallopinghorseoverthehousetopsandafewroofscame
downandthechaintiedtoBhaiSarwanSinghwassnappedandthehighfeverwasgone.The
glimpseoftheGurubanishedallafflictions.Thisrealhappeningwasnarratedtomebytheretired
HeadmasterofKhalsaHighSchool,Ludhiana.MasterDharamSinghofPhalewalandmanygood
soulsofvillageGujjarwalalsoheardthesoundofhoovesofthepassinghorsefromthedirectionof
theRavine.OneBrahman,HarnamDasevenclaimsthathehadamomentaryglanceoftheblue
mountandtheSplendidRider.Godaloneknowsthetruth,yetthereisnodoubtleftthattheGuru
revealedthemiraculoushappeningsonthisoccasion.

BhaiDharamSinghwasprominentamongtheSinghsoftheJathafromPhalewal,withthestrong
faith.HeheldBhaiSarwanSinghinhighesteemandhadgreatrespectforhim.Thoughoutwardly
heappearedrough,yethewasthemosthumbleinhisthoughtsandactions.SeeingtheDivine
madnessofBhaiSarwanSingh,BhaiDharamSinghusedtofeelangryandinextremesituations
evenscoldedhim.

Neverthelesshewouldshieldhimoutofgreatpersonallove.AttimeshewouldignoreBhai
SarwanSinghstrespasses,yethehadgreatfaithinthewordsutteredbyBhaiSarwanSingh.While
studyingforB.A.,BhaiDharamSinghfellseriouslysickdotopressureofstudiesandimproperdiet.
ThemedicalopinionsuspectedT.B.HebroughtthistothenoticeofBhaiSarwanSingh,who
casuallysaid,YouhavenoT.B.,yourdetractorsmighthavethis.AfterthisBhaiSarwanSingh
cametomeatNarangwalandproposedtohaveAkhandPathhforthewellbeingofBhaiDharam
Singh,inviewofmedicalsuspicionofT.B.inhiscase.Weallagreed,butputtheconditionthat
BhaiDharamSinghhastolistentotheentirerecitationofAkhandPathhfor48hours.ThePathh
startedwithBhaiDharamSinghsittinginattendance.

Asfaraspossible,helistenedtothePathh.DivineWillprevailedandBhaiDharamSinghbecame
wholeandhearty.Suchisthepoweroffaith.Thefaithful,withunshakenfaithinBaniofSriGuru
GranthSahibareknowntobesavedinallsituations.Thiswasthefirstexampleofmiracleoffaith
amongtheeducatedyouth.BhaiDharamSinghhadknownsimilarhappeningsintheJathaand
hadastrongbeliefinthespontaneouswordsofBhaiSarwanSinghinhisDivinemadness.

CloseassociatesofBhaiSarwanSinghhadwitnessedmanyunusualandsupernaturalhappenings
inhislife.Inspiteofthisexaltedspiritualstate,thereappearedsomedefects,especiallyan
imperceptibleego.Excessivepraiseledtothishiddenmaladygraduallytobringaboutachangein
him.IhadbeenwarningmanyofhisadmirersnottoaddresshimasTheLivingEmancipatedOne
inhispresence.

AccordingtoGurmatitisstrictlyforbiddentopraiseonthefaceandslanderintheabsence,yet
thepeopledidnotrefrainfrompraiseinspiteofthewarning.Asaresult,BhaiSarwanSingh
sufferedfromsuppressedego,thatkeptbuildingupandonedayitexplodedtothesurface.Jatha
wasperformingAkhandKirtanofAsaDiVaratAmbalaCanttGurdwaraformanydays.Oneday
BhaiSarwanSinghwasmissing.Hekeptlyingattheroofwherewewerehousedalongwithsome
ofhiscompanions.IstartedmissingthelovedKirtaniya.

Finally,Irequestedhisspecialfriend,BabuMalSinghJi,togoandcallBhaiSarwanSingh.BabuJi
wentandshookthelying,BhaiSarwanSinghsaying,Theentirecongregationismissingyouin
AsaDiVarKirtan.Theprogramisonandnotfindingyou,peoplearerestless.

Witheyesclosedandstilllyingdown,BhaiSarwanSinghreplied,TheAsaDiVarKirtanisgoingon
inmymind.Stunnedwiththisshowofarrogance,BabuMalSinghJireturnedandrepeatedBhai
SarwanSinghswordstome.IagainrequestedBabuMalSinghandBhaiPiaraSinghtotryonce
again.BhaiSarwanSinghwasknowntohaveveryhighrespectforBhaiPiaraSingh,yetagainthe
originalwordswererepeatedbyBhaiSarwanSingh,thatIamenjoyingAsaDiVarprograminmy
ownmind.ThenBabuMalSinghJiremarked,Whatisthisassemblyinyourmindwithoutthe
presenceofSriGuruGranthSahib?Bothremindedhim,thatwithSriGuruGranthSahibinhis
cottage,hecallsthecottageaGurdwaraandnotamerecottage.Thisledtofurtherinsolenttalk
underthemaddeningprideandego,likeFormeaMandir,MasjidandGurdwaraareallsame.I
willdestroythecottageatPhalewalandgetridofyourSriGuruGranthSahib.

Hearingthistastelesstalk,bothofthemreturnedtotheGurdwara.Attheendoftheprogramhis
wordswerebroughttothenoticeoftheentireassembly.Allconfirmedthathiswordsamounted
toblasphemy.Hisegohadfinishedhim.Theonlywaytosavehimthroughcorrectional
punishmentwastoboycotthimfromtheJathacompletely.NonefromJathawastohaveany
dealingwithhim.ThiswastheGurmatapassedunanimously.BhaiSarwanSinghthusfelldown
fromthepinnacleofspirituality.Allboycottedhim,exceptfortwoSinghsmeetinghimsecretly.
Thosewerehisclosefriends.Thesetwoweresummonedandwarnedthatanyfurthercontacts
withtheboycottedSarwanSinghwouldleadtotheirownboycott.Bothapologisedandpromised
toabidebytheruling.

Afterthis,hisegosufferedasevereblowwhenleftallalone.Therealizationdawnedonhimand
hesoughttheshelterofthesangat,holycongregation.Hestartedattendingeverysamagam,lying
amongtheshoesofthesangatandsufferinginthesun.Amonthpassedbyandnoonetook
noticeofhim.Finallyhedroppedtohiskneesandcriedforhelp.Hesaid,Letthecongregation
prescribeanypunishmenttome,butkindlygrantmepardon.Itwasunanimouslydecidedthat
heshouldrideadonkey,withblackenedfaceandanecklaceofshoesaroundhisneck,togo
aroundthefivevillageswhilestatinghisactofblasphemyforwhichhewaspunished.Hegladly
acceptedthispunishment.Thiswastheresultofhispastgooddeedsandhisgoodfortune,thathe
obeyedthesangat.Thisishowheproceeded.

Heborrowedadonkeyfromthevillagepotmaker,mixingoilwithblacksootheblackenedhisface,
woreashoenecklaceandrodethedonkey.HetravelledthroughthefivevillagersPhalewal,
Gujjarwal,Narangwal,LohgarhandMehmaSinghWala.Unmindfulofhishighfamilybackground,
hewouldstopeverynowandthentoownhisact,whichhadinvitedthepunishment.Whenhe
cametoNarangwal,aprogramoftheJathawasinprogressatmyhouse.Mymothercameout
cryingtoembracehim,shemadehimgetofffromthedonkeyandbroughthimbeforetheholy
congregation.Allweremovedbythissight.Iwasaskedtocleanhisfaceandseathiminthis
congregation.Ittookanhourtocleanthefaceandhiscleanedfaceacquiredtheglowing
cleanliness.Thenewsightofsplendouronhisfacewasdifficulttobear.Helookedapictureof
humility.Hespenttherestofhisdaysinahighspiritualstate,observingthecodeofBibekofSarb
Loh.Heservedthecongregationwithtenfoldmoreenthusiasm.

BhaiSarwanSinghwasnowrespectedahundredtimesmoreinthesangatandyetheremained
humble,withoutanyshowofhissupernaturalDivinepowers.HeremainedimbuedwithDivine
Love.MeanwhiletheDivinetookmetoatermoflifeimprisonment.Itwasinmyabsence,thatmy
dearestbrother,VirSarwanSinghpassedaway.Ihavenonewsofhowhedied.Thispieceis
homagetothesacredmemoryofBhaiSarwanSingh.
CHAPTER20ECSTATICVIRSRIBHAIJOGINDERSINGHJI(RESIDENTOFRAIPUR)
Everblestwithecstatic,Bismad,spiritualstateimbuedwithGurmatwasBhaiJoginderSinghJi,
themostreliablepillarofAkhandKirtaniJatha.HewasborninvillageRaipur.HisrebirthinHouse
ofGuruwasoccasionofgreattransformationandmiraculousevent.Thiswastruthfulapplication
ofGurbaniquote,

Hl3I = HH I= lHcl8o
H=l H:9 lHlu IHlc \uO
NomoretransmigrationofrebirthsafterbirthinHouseofGuru
RamkaliM:5SidhGosht[940]

SoonafterBaptismhetooktothelifeofmodelGurmatliving.Hewasthelonechieftainamong
PatialastateofficialstoleadGurmukhwayoflife,stronginfaith.IfirstmethimatPatialaduringa
visittoDr.SardaraSinghJi.Hewasthenupcoming,promisingyouth.Dr.SardaraSinghJiof
GujerwalvillagewasastaunchfaithfulandpractitionerofGurmatliving.Thiscommonbondoften
broughtmetohimatPatiala.

ItalwayssochancedthatfewminutespriortomyarrivalorsoonafterBhaiJoginderSinghJi
wouldbetheretoo.GurmatdiscussionwouldfollowandBhaiJoginderSinghJiwasakeenlistener.
IaskedDr.SardaraSinghabouttheidentityofthisyoungaspirantoffaithandhowhecouldget
thewindofmyvisits.HetoldmethatitwasindeedacaseofyearningloveforGurmatSatsang,
holycompanydelvinginwisdomofGuru.Hewasatrueseeker,insearchofPathDivine,shunning
allotherworldlycompany.HewasanxioustogetBaptisedattheearliestopportunity.Hehad
madeathoroughstudyofGurmatdoctrinesandmentallyacceptedthem.Hewasthusawaiting
theauspicioustimetogetBaptisedthroughDivinelychosenandBlessedFive.Howeverhehadto
waitconsiderablylong,goingtoholycongregationsasanaspiringSikh.Hehadsharedhisresolve
togetBaptisedtogetherwithhiswife.

FinallythelongawaiteddaydawnedwhentheblessedcoupleboardedtheshipofGurubygetting
BaptisedandstartedexemplaryGurmatwayoflife.GurmukhsisterHarbansKaurwashiswifeand
herlifesketchhasbeendealtwithearlier.AsstateofficialhewasknownasSardarthroughout
Patiala,butinGurmatcirclehewasaddressedasBhaiJoginderSingh.AfterBaptismhisFaithwas
fortifiedtenfold.WhosoeversharedhisthoughtsonGurmat,healoneknowstheblissderived
duringthediscussion.HisresearchedGurmatviewsveryhighlyvaluable.Hisinfluencingwordsled
manytoimplicitfaithinGurmat.HewasahighscholarofGurmatandGurmukhinpractice.
AmongtheprominentSikhs,heshonelikeararejewel,eversoaringinhighspirits.Hishighrank
andsocialstatusneverwenttohisheadandinsteadhispurityofGurmatlifewasunique.He
nevercompromisedagainstcodeofGurmatlivingduringhislongworldlyservice,remainingabove
boardspiritually.ThethenMaharajaPatialathrewhintsmanytimesthatifBhaiJoginderSingh
wouldtieanddresshisbeardasperstatecode,hewouldbegivenhigherpromotions.However,
blestbyTheGuru,BhaiJoginderSinghnevertookthebait.HemaintainedhisstyleasGurmukhof
flowingbeard.Hiswifetoonevergaveupturbaninspiteofrepeatedcoaxingfromwivesofstate
officialsandqueens.

BhaiJoginderSinghJiwouldoftenvisitmeatNarangwalbeforemyimprisonment.Inhisyearnings
forsatsanghewouldstartofffromPatialairrespectiveofwhathouritwasofdayornight.He
nevertookofficialleaveandyetnevermissedanysatsangsamagam,largegatheringsofJatha.He
wassoblest,thatneverwashequestionedforhisabsencebyhissuperiors.Thoughhewasweak
inhealth,yethelistenedAkhandPathhandKirtanSamagamsmanyatimes,sittinginsame
postureallthrough.Heneverbotheredforeatingordrinking,acceptingonlywhateverhewas
offeredwhileenjoyingspiritualnourishment.InfacthewassustainedbyNectarianNamand
remainedengrossedinNammeditation.

HehadtastedDivineNourishmentofmostdeliciousNamElixirandincomparisonallotherfood
appearedtrifling.HisoutstandingqualitywasnonstopNamSimranwhiledischarginghisofficial
dutyflawlessly.HisSimran,DivineMemory,wasautomaticirrespectiveofhisphysicalactivity.
Heremainedselfcontainedincopingwiththeunbearableintensespirituality.Hisearlystagesof
NammeditationwasinthecompanyofhighlyaccomplishedNampractitionerswhomhewould
freelyrevealhispersonalexperiencewithoutanyreserve.

AstonishingSpectaclesofSpiritualExperiences
OnceSriBhaiJoginderSinghJicametomeatNarangwalfromPatialaingreatexcitementand
senseofanticipation.Hehadresolvedtoundertakeceaselessmeditationandenjoythehighest
spiritualbliss.Seeinghisdetermination,Ipleadedwithhimthatthoughhisdeterminedwillpower
wasagoodomen,yetitwouldnotpaytobeadamantinmattersspiritual.Itisbettertobe
contentwithlovingDivineDevotionandleavetheresttoGodsGrace.Itbehovesustopursue
NamSimranasGursikhsinthelightofGurmatteachingswithpatienceandperseverance.Divine
recognitionandrealizationshouldbeconsideredGiftsDivineandmatterofGrace.Saysgurbani:

Hl3I =l u I H= I l= 3 Jl e Jlo 9 JU
l8= HJ u \=u
KeeptreadingalongGurusPath,youshallfindDivineDoorwithGraceofGuru.
BilawalM:4[834]

Listeningtothis,heacceptedthiscommandDivineasfaithfuldevoutofGurbani.Thiskindof
perseveranceandstrongfaithisraretocomeacross.HestayedforthenightatNarangwalatthe
meditationalplacealongwithotherNamdevoteesrestingonmatsspreadonthefloor.Thisnight
heexperiencedthefirstspiritualspectacle.Hewastotallylostinspiritualmeditation.Beinghis
firstexperience,hehadstilltolearntocopeupwithastoundingandunbearablespiritualityasone
goesalong.Heshouteduncontrollably,BhaiSahib!Whatishappening?Allthevillagedogsare
barkingwithinme.Ireplied,Dearbrother,donotgetperturbed.Youshallfurtherwitnessallthe
universalgoingsoninyourmind.Youhavetodetachyourselffromallthatandremainfocusedon
theecstaticplayofloveinNamMeditation.

Wardoffotherdistractions.AcknowledgingmywordsheresumedNamsimran.Afterabouthalf
anhour,hestoodupwithhandsfoldedtogether.Hisfacewasdrenchedinsweat.Iagainsolaced
himnottogetfrightened.Hesatdownafterprayingforfewminutes.Heexpressedthatthiswas
enoughforthedayandhewasunabletocontinueanymore.Tellingabouthisnewvision,hesaid,
Mygreathurdlenowisthatmyinvisiblebodyalongwithsoulispassingthroughtheeyeofa
smallneedleagainstmywill.Ifearthatthismaycausemydeath.Hearingthis,Ilaughedand
prayedforDivineHelpforhimtocopeupwithunbearableastoundingexperiences.Thereafterhe
enjoyedequipoiseinenvisioningspiritualspectacles,withoutfear.

Itwasuniquehappeningthatallhischildrenwerehighlyblestwithdivinityinearlychildhood.
Howeverthisphenomenondisappearedwithage.StrongofFaithasGursikhs,thecoupleusedto
initiatetheirnewbornsfirstwithNamNectarianinaccordancewithGurmatandfollowupwith
otherinstructions.ItwasthisbackgroundthatoffspringsofdevoutcoupleBhaiJoginderSinghJi
andBibiHarbansKaurJiwerespirituallyhighrightfrombirth,eveniftheycouldnotsustainitin
laterlife.Howeverhighspiritualityaschildrenwasphenomenalandhighlyimpressive.Theireldest
son,AnandSingh,astoundedeveryonefirstandthenIpersonallywitnessedmiraclesDivineinthe
caseofyoungest,BibiCharanKaur.YoungAnandSinghwonrecognitionbeforemytermof
imprisonment,displayinguncommonpowers.

Hewasjustlearningtospeak,whenhiswordsrevealedhishighspirituality.Manyexalted
personalitiesofthestatewouldvisitBhaiJoginderSinghsresidencetobeholdauspicioussightof
thechild,AnandSingh.NotableSinghsofNamdharisectwereparticularlyfondofhimand
frequentvisitors.TheybelievedthattheboywasthespiritofanotherNamdharichild,whogot
blownupwithcanonfirealongwithBabaRamSinghJiduringagitationofNamdharisagainst
BritishRule.HoweverIcouldnotsharethisbelief.Ifirmlybelievethataselflessmartyrisnever
subjecttorebirth,yetitcannotbedeniedthatitwasduetotherevelatorywordsofchildAnand
Singhthatsuchabeliefwasformed.Hehadthemiraculouspowerstoenvisionthesecretevents
ofotherslives.Thiswashisspeciality.WheneverabaptisingceremonywasorganizedatBhai
JoginderSinghsresidence.WewouldsubjectthecandidatesforBaptismforinitialscrutinybythis
boy.Itwasinmypresence,thataprominentpreacherofthestatepresentedhimselfinSangat
sittinginpresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibforgettingbaptised.ChildAnandSinghwasalsopart
ofthecongregationandhecriedoutthatthepreacherhadcommitteddeadlysinsthatremained
unknown.HefurthersaidthatunlessthesesinswereclearlyconfessedbyhimbeforeTheChosen
Five,hecouldnotbecleanofheartandtheDyeofNam,maynotbeeffectiveinhiscase.

Hearingthis,aspirantofBaptismfellflatinfrontofSriGuruGranthSahib.Hewasnoteven
consciousofhurtinghisforeheadagainstfloorwiththefall.Hewasincessantinhispleasthathe
maybesavedthroughForgivenessDivine.Headmittedthathewasagreatsinner.Thetruthwas
thatdeeplyimpressedbyspiritualpowersenjoyedbychildAnandSingh,thissinningpreacherhad
resolvedtoseekGurmatBaptismthroughJatha.Nowthattheboyrevealedhisunknownsins,the
opportunetimearrivedwithnewstrengtheningoffaithinmindofthepreacher.Itleftnodoubtin
hismind,thatifasevenyearoldwasblestwithsomuchspirituality,hetoocouldgetspiritual
transformationafterBaptismthroughChosenFiveoftheJatha.Hewasthuspresentedbefore
"TheChosenFive"inhisstateofconfessionalmood.Whateverwasconfessedbythepreacher,
exactlysamehadalreadybeenrevealedtomebytheboy.Thiswasamomentofgreatsurprisefor
me.ManyweresimilarincidentsthatIwitnessedinrespectofAnandSingh.Itwasduringmy
imprisonmentthatyoungAnandSinghtooendedhislifesojourn.Howeveritwasverydepressing
tohearthathehadfallenfromhishighpedestallaterinlife.

Restofthechildrenwerebornduringmyimprisonment.Iamthereforenotawareofeventsof
theirchildhoodlife.HowevertheyoungestBibiCharanKaurwasonly34yearsold,whenIgot
releasedfromjail.HighlysurprisingaretheeventsthatIwitnessedinearlylifeofthischild,that
weretrulymiraculous.BhaiJoginderSinghJiwouldholdherinhislapwhileattendingAkhand
PathhandAkhandKirtanSamagams.Inoticedmanyatimesthatinsuchearlychildhoodshe
wouldengageinloudNamSimran,sittinginthelapofherpiousfather.Shewouldgointotrance
inspiritualflightsofhigheststage.ItwasthenimpossibletobeholdDivineGloryreflectedbyher
face.Oncomingoutofthetrance,shewouldnarrateinherlispingwordsofababyfuturistic
events,thatwouldbeamazingtothelisteners.Sheastoundedpeoplearoundwithhermiraculous
powersasachildof78years.DuringSamagamsatBhaiJoginderSingh'sresidence,thereusedto
begoodgatheringsofspiritualseekers.Foodwasbeingservedroundtheclock.Shewouldalways
beengagedinservingfoodorlayingbedsforthevisitorsuntiringly.Whileservingwithhands,her
mindwasoccupiedinceaselessNamSimran.Itwasdevastatingthatdestinedevilinfluencestook
holdofhersuddenlyandherspiritualitygotcompletelydegenerated.

ItisbefittingnowtodescribethewonderfuleventofGurmatAnandKarajoftheelderdaughter,
BibiSharanKaur.ThisisanillustrationofdeepfaithinGurmatvaluesinfullmeasure,thatis
historicandshallberememberedforlong.ThemarriageofmydaughterBibiDalerKaurwasfixed
tobeheldatNarangwalatmyplace.BhaiJoginderSinghJihadcometojoinusalongwithother
Gurmukhinviteesontheoccasion.Hisdaughter,BibiSharanKaurhadaccompaniedhim.The
AkhandPathhpriortotheAnandKarajceremonywasinprogressandmanywerelisteningtothe
blissfulrecitationbyMasterJoginderSinghJifromvillageBadundi.Itwaslikeheavenlypouringof
wordsDivinethatwasindeedverysoulful.MasterJi'sfaceshoneinspiritualsplendourandhis
beardjustaboutappearinginearlyyouth.BhaiJoginderSinghJiwasdeeplymovedbythis
recitation.InwhisperingstoneshestartedtellingmethathedesiredamatchlikethisAkhand
Pathhiforhisdaughter,SharanKaur.Ihappenedtocommentthattherecouldnotbeanotherjust
likehim.Hearingthisfromme,BhaiJoginderSinghsaidverydeterminedly,"Well,thengetmy
daughtermarriedtohimhereitself,followingAnandKarajofBibiDalerKaur."

Heneverbotheredtocheckoutthefamilybackgroundoftheproposedbridegroomorhisfinancial
status,leavealonehiscaste,etc.Thedecisionwasspontaneous.Ialsogavemyconcurrence
subjecttoapprovalbyBibiSharanKaurafterseeingMasterJi.BhaiJoginderSinghreadilyagreed
withmyview.HerequestedmetogetthemessageacrosstoBibiSharanKaurbysendingword
throughmywife,SrimatiKartarKaurJi.ThiswasdoneandapprovalofBibiSharanKaurwas
sought.Asaprogenyofdevoutcouple,BhaiJoginderSinghandBibiHarbansKaur,BibiSharan
Kaurgavethisbefittingreply,"TayiJi(auntie),whereistheneedformyconcurrence?Whocan
improveupontheselectionformymatchmadebySriBhaiSahibTayaJiandmyfather?Whatever
theydecideisinmybestinterests.Ishallneverhaveanyobjectiontotheirdecision."I

nacoincidenceDivine,justthenMasterJoginderSinghJi'Badundiwale'descendedthestairsafter
beingrelievedfromAkhandPathhdutyandpassedclosetomywifeandBibiSharanKaur.Mywife
pointedtowardshimandtoldBibiSharanKaur,"Heistheproposedgroom.Hehascrippledfeet
bybirthandthatiswhyyourTayaJiandfatherwantedyoutoseehiminperson.Nowyoumake
yourdecisionwithallyourwisdomtoavoidrepentancelater."InthisageofKalyugaSharanKaur's
replywasmostastounding.Chargedwithemotion,reflectingherstrongFaith,"TayiJi!Isthis
matchmoreunbecomingthanthecripplematchselectedforBibiof'Dukhbhanjani'story.You
knowhowrewardinghadbeenFaithinhercase.Thisisalltoowellknowntobedescribed.Ifully
approveofthismatchwithoutanyreservation."SrimatiKartarKaurJiwasmostastonishedwith
thereplyandinturnwewerethrilled.WebothfeltlikeworshippingthefeetofBibiSharanKaur.
ThusfinallythiscouplewasmarriedsoonaftertheceremonyofmarriageofBibiDalerKauratthe
sameplace.

MasterJoginderSinghJiweddedBibiSharanKaur,daughterofSriBhaiJoginderSinghJiwithout
therigmaroleofamarriagepartyordowry.Therewerenoinvitationstorelativesandfriends.Bhai
JoginderSinghhadnotcomepreparedforthisAnandKaraj,buthadcomeonlyasaninviteetomy
daughter'smarriageandhisdaughterhappenedtoaccompanyhim.Suchisthestoryof
unparalleledFaithofBibiSharanKaur,thatshallberememberedforever.SriBhaiJoginderSinghJi
toodemonstratedlivingintruespiritsofGurmatvalues.Thisismostexemplary,withouta
precedentandunlikelytoberepeatedcommonly.Itwastoospontaneous.WholeofNarangwal
wasbewilderedwiththisqueermatch,knowingthatBhaiJoginderSinghJibelongedto
neighbouringvillage,Raipur.Thesefour,fivevillagesareconsideredtobearistocraticandthe
peopleareveryproudofthis,inabsenceofFaithinGurmat.

LineageofGrewalsisconsideredtobeveryhigh.Thesevillagesneveroffertheirdaughtersin
marriagestopeopleoflowlyconsideredvillageslike'Badundi'thoughthebridesfromthese
villagesareacceptedinlargenumbers.BhaiJoginderSinghJitrampledthiswrongbeliefunderhis
feetandcaredonlyfortrueGurmatvalues.Laterontherewaspublictalkamongthevillage
gossipiessaying"JoginderSingh,supposedtobeahighofficialofPatialaState,hasgivenhiswell
accomplishedanddecentdaughterinmarriagetoacripplefromvillage'Badundi'."Thistalkwent
onforquitesometimeasvillagegossip,butnobodydaredtobringitupbeforeme.Itoonever
caredaboutthismeaninglesscriticismbasedonselfconceit.

BhaiJoginderSinghJiwasmuchhighinhisthinkingtocareforthis.IntheworldofGursikhsthe
eventwashighlyacclaimed.Afterthesetwomarriagesallthegatheredsangatofdevout
Gurmukhsproceededforthenextmarriageceremonyofmyson,BalbirSinghJi.Publicreaction
againstBhaiJoginderSinghJidieddownitsnaturaldeathwithtime.AnandKarajofBhaiBalbir
SinghJi,conformingtosimilarGurmatwasequallyapplauded.Fearofpubliccriticismwasshoved
awayonceagaininthiscase.SriBhaiJoginderSinghJihavingenjoyedblissfullythreeAnandKaraj
ceremoniesreturnedtoPatialaalongwithBibiSharanKaurJi.MasterJoginderSinghJiwentover
toPatialaandreturnedwithhisbride,BibiSharanKaurtohisvillage'Badundi'.Theyhavelived
happilytogetherthereafterinraremaritalbliss.BhaiJoginderSinghJiishighlysatisfiedwiththe
relationship.

Sometimeafter1915,duringmyjailperiod,BhaiJoginderSinghJihadbeenelectedmemberof
'ShromaniGurdwaraPrabhandakCommittee'torepresentourregion.Thisbodywasdeclared
rebelliousbyGovernmentandallmembersimprisoned.Iwasalreadyinjail.VirJoginderSinghJi
joinedthesecondagitationalJathaandwassentencedtoajailtermoftwoyears.Thoughhewas
notingoodhealth,yethewashappytovolunteerforPanthiccause.Authenticreasoningof
GurmatandprideofFaithweregreatassetsofBhaiJoginderSinghJi.Suchdeepandgifted
GurmukhthinkersarerarelyfoundinKhalsaPanth.Beforemyimprisonmentsomeofmyfriends
includingBhaiJoginderSinghJiandBhaiAtmaSinghJi'Moga'haddifferenceofopinionwithme
andwereangry.Howeverwhenthepoliticalcasewasinthecourt,theycameinmydefenseas
witnesses.Theysufferedpangsofseparationforlongyearsofjailterm,yearninginmutuallove.

TheyrushedtomeetmeafterreleaseatNarangwal.Thisdestinedlovepersistedforrestofour
lives.Therewerefrequentrushofvisitorscomingtomeetmeaftersixteenyearsoflife
imprisonmentandconstantholdingofAkhandKirtanSamagams.BhaiJoginderSinghJijoinedwith
BabuMalSinghJitomakearrangementforthedoublestoreyofourhousetoprovidemuch
neededaccommodationandspaceofAkhandPathhsandSamagams.Thisisanexcellenttokenof
thememoryofBhaiJoginderSinghandblessedbyholygatheringsduringsamagamslikeannual
GurpurbcelebrationofSriGuruGobindSinghJi.WhateverreligiousbooksonGurmatTopicsI
havewrittenunderGuru'spromptingsgotinitiatedonsuggestionsfromBhaiJoginderSinghJi.He
wantedthatstressonGurmatprinciplesandtheirimportanceshouldbewordedinthelanguage
andbackingofGurbani.

Thusthefirstbookthatcameinprintwas'KiSriGuruGranthSahibJiDiPoojaButPrastiHai?'
meaning'IsworshipofSriGuruGranthSahibJianactofIdolatry?'Thefirsteditionwasprinted
beforemyimprisonmentandIhadnotgivenmynameasitsauthor.HoweverlaterduringAkali
Movementsomebodychangedthetitlepageandprintedmyname.
ThoughBhaiJoginderSinghJiwasnotsostoutphysicallyyethecultivatedhislandpersonally.He
hadbuilthisresidentialbuildinginBadungarNagarnearPatialaCantonment.Theadjoiningland
aroundthebuildinginanareaoffewbighaswaskeptforselfcultivation.Evenashighstateofficial
heneverconsideredbelowhisdignitytoploughthelandhimself.

Thecommonbondofspirituallovebetweenthetwoofuswassostrongthatthroughtelepathic
messagehewouldcallmetoPatialaathiswillanytime.Stayofmanyweekswouldstillnotsatisfy
him.Itwassodestinedthathebecameveryweakandwasgrowingstillweaker.Withhisspiritual
insighthecouldenvisiontheapproachingend.Onedayhetoldme,"Itappearsdeathcallisfast
approaching."

Hefurtherrequestedwithemotionalsurchargeoftearfuleyes,"Iheartilydesirethatyoubenear
meatthefinalmoment.Inthistimeofuncertaintyyou,please,stayonhereanddonotleave!"I
wasboundtocomplywithit.InfactItodesiredtoservehimasbestasIcould.Hisincreasing
physicalweaknessonlyfurtherstrengthenedhiminNamSimraninsoaringspirits.Hehadcalled
MasterJoginderSingh,hissoninlawalsofromBadundi.Hedidnotexhibitanysignofremorse
andhisfaceshoneinspiritualGlory.

"GuruorienteddevoutcontemplatesofGodwitheveryporeofhisbody"Gurbaniquotewas
beingenacted.Beforehisendhehadinstructedtocutoffallmentionofworldlyaffairsand
insteadrequestedforGurbanirecitationcontinuously.MasterJoginderSinghJistartedrecitation
ofSukhmaniSahib.ItwasthendecidedtoreciteGurbanifromfourpartvolumesofSriGuruGrant
Sahib,bysittingonahigheradjoiningbeddayandnight.

InthisservicewewerehelpedbyMilitaryCaptainSardarTirlochanLabhSinghJi.Hesentselect
AkhandPathhisfromTheMilitary.IncludedinthisgroupwasayoungGurmukhfromPanjokhra,
VirSriBhaiAtmaSinghJi.Afterthisinitialmeetingthatinspiredmutuallove,webecamelasting
friendsforever.Hisloveformehadbeenkindledearlier.InpassingawayofBhaiJoginderSinghJi
andassociatedspiritualeventsfurtherinflamedit.WithrecitationofGurbani,NamSimranbyBhai
JoginderSinghJibecamelouderandintense.ItwasasthoughaDivinefigurewasrestinginthe
formofexemplaryGurmukh,angelicBhaiJoginderSinghJi.Histongueandbreathingwere
engagedinDivineMemoryandhishandsfoldedtogether.ItdepictedthathewasenvisioningThe
LordandgettingThrilledbySightDivineandwearingasmile.Hisforeheadandfacereflected
splendorousGlory.ItoowasenjoyingtheBlissofthisevent.

GurbanirecitationwasgoingonwithfullDivinefervour.TherewasanenvironmentofHoly
Presence.BhaiJoginderSinghhadhiseyesopen.BeholdingSightDivine,heoccasionallythrewa
glanceatme.Incompletesatisfactionoflove,hewasreadytodepartforAbodeDivine.His
intenseNamSimraninloudvoicehadputeverybodyaroundintrance.Theseweremeditationsof
fullconsciousness!Consideringthefinalmomentofdepartureathand,Ihadfixedmyeyesonface
ofBhaiJoginderSingh.Movementofhistongueandlipsindeedverycaptivating.Finally'Guru',
'Guru'alonecouldbeheardandWiththishisbreathingwasended.

Ihavenotevenaniotaofdoubt,thatSriBhaiJoginderSinghJihadlandedstraightinAbodeDivine
andmergedwithSpiritDivine.AkhandKirtanofCelestialMusicwasheardandPlayDivineofa
lifesojournendedthus!
CHAPTER21SRIBIBIJOGINDERKAURJI
Tinybeingthatwroughtbigevents!verymuchappliestothelifestoryofBibiJoginderKaurJi.
Shewasthewifeofmycompanionfriend,SriSurjanSinghJi,residentofvillageGujerwal.Shewas
bornatvillageMuthdeDoabainprominentNamdharifamily.BhaiSurjanSinghwasalsofroma
wellknownNamdharifamily.InDivinedispensation,BhaiSurjanSinghJiresolvedtogetBaptised
inGurmatSamagamofAkhandKirtaniJatha.TheSikhtenetsrequirebothhusbandandwifetobe
Baptised,asacouple.ThusitbecamemandatoryforBibiJoginderKaurtojoinherhusbandin
Baptisingceremony.

However,herparentalfamilywasdeadlyagainstthisandevenadvisedhertobreakoffthe
marriage.Bibijirepliedveryboldly,Itwasyourselectiontofindmyhusbandforlifelong.With
whatfacedoyouaskmetodivorceyourownchoice?Myloyaltytohimismysacreddutynow.In
factIamevenmoreeagerthanmyhusbandtoseekBaptisminGurmatSamagam.Inpursuingthis
DivineprompteddesireofFaithandhighspiritualitywearenotcommittinganysin.Shewas
threatenedofsocialboycott,butshenevercared.

YetanotherstrongoppositioncamefromBibisfatherinlaw.Hepromisedtomakehertheonly
nomineetoinheritallhisassets,ifshewoulddeclineBaptism.Howeversherefusedtobetrapped
bythissnareofgreedandinsteadacceptedtoleadalifeofbeggaryasfaithfulwife.Inshort,
tramplingoverallopposition,thecouplegotBaptised.

ShehadinstantexperienceofintensespiritualityandwascompletelylostinNamSimran.
SaturatedwithNamNectarian,shecouldcopewiththeunbearablespiritualBliss.Herheadwas
nowadornedwithdoubleturbans,Dumala.Sheprovedtobethoroughinwordandactioninthe
wontofBravesofFaithallherlife.Itwasmostgratifyingtobeholdherpioussightofshortstature,
sharpbeautifulnaturalfeatures.Sheacquirednewvigorofyouthfulnessandglowingfaceafter
Baptism.Itwasdifficulttofacehermajestic,spirituallook,thatwascharacteristicofoldenSikh
ladies.Sheappeareddelicateinbodyandyetenshrinedlimitlessbraveryofspirit.Toillustratethis,
thefollowingshouldsuffice:

CONFRONTATIONATCHAMKAURSAHIB
TheentireJatha,includingladies,usedtovisitChamkaurSahibduringannualcommemorationof
MartyrdomDayofthetwoeldersonsofSriGuruGobindSinghJi.Weusedtotravelbyfootupto
Dorahaandthenonitwasthroughferryboatincanal.TheSamagamsatChamkaurSahiboffered
manyblissfulevents.HoweveritwasmostunpleasantthatduringprocessionofHolaMohalla,the
thencontrollingNihangSinghpriestsdidnotallowSangatentryintotheGurdwaraKatalgarhSahib
historicalplaceofMartyrdomofElderSahibzadas,BabaAjitSinghJiandBabaJhujharSinghJi.We
couldonlycircumambulateattheouterperiphery.ThoughJathawaseverirresistable,yetwe
wererestrainedbyhumblerequestmadebyconveneroftheseSamagams,BabuVirSinghJi,and
BhaiHiraSinghJiRagi.Thiswasrepeatedeveryyear.Howeveritwasadifferentstoryduring
pilgrimagein1914.

WhenwedeembarkedfromtheferryboatsattheCanalbridge,wewerereceivedbyalarge
gatheringoflocalsangat,includingBabuVirSinghJiandBhaiHiraSinghJi.SomefierySinghs
informedusthatpriestshavegatheredhundredsofNihangSinghandtheywerespoilingfor
trouble.TheyhadalreadypushedoutoftheGurdwaraapartyofpilgrimladiesmostdisgracefully.
Liketheproverbialsaying,Whenpiercedbyanarrow,thenalonefullfuryisevoked,theentire
Jathagotinfuriatedandchargedwithreligiousfervor.Itwasannouncedthereandthenthatno
earthlypowercouldholdbackJathafrompayinghomageinsidetheGurdwarabymaking
circumambulationofinnerperiphery;Parkarma.ThusstartedKirtanindoordiemoodandJatha
wasproceedingtowardsGurdwara.Hearingtheirrevocabledecision,eventhepeacemakersfelt
helpless.Nonedaredtointervene,evenBhaiHiraSinghJicommentedthatnonecouldstopthem
now.FollowingtheJathawasmultitudeofpeopleinthousands.Thelionhearted,BibiJoginder
Kaur,holdinganarrowinhandwasleadingtheJatha.Amerefleetingsightofhersplendorous
Glorywasunbearableforme.LikeariverinspatetheentireassemblysingingKirtannearedthe
Gurdwara.

Manymorepeoplejoinedthere.GurdwarawasbeingguardedbyNihangSinghs.Theywerearmed
witharrowsandbaredswords.Thesinnerswerehauntedbytheirsinfulthoughts.Theirclaimto
holdbacksangatfrompayinghomageinsideGurdwarawashollow.Whocouldholdbacksurgeof
emotionalreligiousloveofthedevoutwithfirmdetermination?Itwasdecidedtocarryonthe
marchtoenterGurdwarawhilesingingKirtan.OnemindlessburlyNihangSinghofgoodbuildshot
anarrowaimedatmyneck,butitmissedwithProvisionDivine.

BhaiSurjanSinghJi,accompanyingmestoppedthearrowwithhishand.Hisinjuredhandbled
profusely.Theonlookersthoughtthatamurderhadbeencommitted.TheNihangswerealso
frightened,thinkingconsequencesofamurder.Itwasmereflowofbloodthatdidnotamountto
murder,yetnotinvain!

Seeingthisstageofviolentconfrontation,BibiJoginderKaurleapedintoactionlikealioness.
Challengingmyattacker,shesnatchedawayarrowfromthegiantlikeNihangSinghandsaid,O
evilbeing!HaveyounofearofthePietyofGurdwaraSahibandtheholycongregation,Sangat,
thatyoushootarrowatyourownbrethren?Thissingleactofboldnesswasenoughtoarouse
reactionfromSinghsandtheyattackedtheprieststopushthemoutofGurdwaraSahib.We
continuedtoadvanceandsingingKirtan.AlltheNihangSinghsfledaway.Theirabandoned
weaponscameasbootytotheJatha.Wecircumambulatedaroundbothinnerandouter
peripheries,singingGurbaniKirtan.Itwasnowtimeforeveningprayer,SoDar.Standingin
presenceofSriGuruGranthSahibwesangSoDar.BibiJoginderKaurinhermoodofbraveryand
LoveDivinerequestedforChaupaeSahibKirtan,GurbaniofSupplicationtoLordbyGuruGobind
SinghSahibJi.Thiswasdonewithutmostdevotionandgusto.AllenjoyedtherareBlissofthis
SoulfulKirtan.

ThepriestsaftertheirdisgracefulretreatstartedsendingtelegramstohighGovernmentofficialsin
AmbalaandRopartoinformofdacoityandmakingpleaforrelief.Wedidnottakeanyserious
noteoftheirreportingtoGovernment.WewerethrilledbythisfirsthomageinsidetheGurdwara
Sahib.Theorganiserswerequiteshakenbytheevents.Observingtheambrosialhours,westarted
AsaDiVarKirtanwithintheholyprecinctsofGurdwaraKatalgarhSahib;TheKirtanwasstilltobe
concluded,whenpolicepartywithriflesandbayonetsarrivedatabout11A.M.fromRopar.They
wereheadedbyaBritishCaptainandincludedoneMusliminspectorandoneAryaSamaji
Magistrate.TheywereputupintheadjoiningSchoolbuilding.Amessagewasreceivedthat,Bhai
RandhirSinghiswantedbySahib.Iburstoutthat,ThereisnoSahibotherthanGuruGobind
SinghSahib.BibiJoginderKaurboldlyadded,SinghsarenotboundtoreporttoanypettySahib.
BhogceremonywasperformedofAsaDiVarKirtan.Ataboutthattimetheweakmindedleading
personalitiesofChamkaurSahibpresentedthemselvesattheschool.ApaperofMutual
Settlementwasmadeoutandpassedaroundforsignatures.WhenaresidentofChamkaurSahib,
SardarfromBehlolpur,wassigning,aboldadvocatecommentedinloudvoice,Thereisno
significanceofsignaturebythelocalpeople.ThedisputeisbetweenthevisitingSangatandthe
priests.

Therecannotbeanyagreementwithouttheirparticipationandconcurrence.Nowthatwehad
freetime,wegotinformationabouttheattemptedagreement.Withaviewthatawrong
agreementmaynotbearrivedat,Iwenttotheschoolinfullysaturatedspiritualstate.Iloudly
voicedtheKhalsaSalutationonentering.TheBritishCaptain,otherofficialsandeverybody
aroundstoodup.Iwasofferedachair,thenInoticedthatalloftheNihangSinghJathawere
disgracefully,seatedonfloor.IcouldnotbearthisinsulttoNihangSinghs.Isaid,Itishighly
disgracefulthattheBelovedSoldiersofGurusHouseareprostratingonthefloor.HowcanI
acceptachair?IaddressedNihangSinghs,Dontyourealisethisasinsulttoyou?Withthisall
wereseatedonbenches.TheCaptainrequestedmehumbly,Thisisanapplicationformutual
settlementofthedispute.Kindlyappendyoursignatures.Iaskedtheagreementtobereadout
tomefirst.Inoticedthefollowingwording,ThelocalandvisitingdevoteesshalltakeoutHola
MohallaprocessionsandpayhomageatGurdwaras,butthecircumambulationofouterperipherry
ofGurdwaraKatalGarhSahibaloneispermissible.TovisitinsidetheGurdwaradevoteesshallbe
permittedonebyone.HoweverifsomedevoteeissuspectedtobelongtoScheduledcaste,
Choohra,thatpersonshallnotbeallowed.OnhearingthisIsnatchedawaypapersofagreement
andtearingawaytrampledundermyfeet.TheBritishofficergotflabbergastedandasked,What
isthis?Ireplied,Haveyoucometostartadisturbanceorarrangeforpeace?Heagreedthathis
purposewastoestablishpeace.Iconvincedhimthatthelastsentencewouldonlybrewmore
trouble.IfmischievouspeoplekeeppointingatrandomasChoohra,whowouldputupwiththis
insult?

Itoldhimthathehadnotunderstoodtherealmischiefbehindthiswording.Onhisaskingfor
lucidation,Iadvisedhim,Itappearsyouarenewtothiscountryandareunawareoftheprevalent
conditions.Yoursubordinateswillignitepublicdisturbanceandearntheblameforyou.Inhis
furyhewantedtosaysomething,butIstoppedhim.Iproceededthus:IaskedtheSamaji
Magistrate,Whatisyourreligion?HerepliedthathewasAryaSamaji.Ienquired.After
purificationoftheScheduledcastesaccordingtoyourFaith,aretheyallowedtofreelyvisityour
templesornot?MagistrateSaid,Yes,theyenjoyequalfreedomofentry,ThenIaskedthe
Musliminspector,WhatisyourFaith?HerepliedthathewasMuslim.Ifurtherasked,Those
whogetinitiatedinIslamdotheystillfacediscriminationasScheduledcastes?Aretheyallowed
entryintoMasjid?Hesaid,Yes,theyarefreetogo.FinallyIaskedtheCaptain,Whatisyour
religion,?HerepliedthathewasaChristian.Iaskedhim,Isthereanydiscriminationonthebasis
ofcasteforgettingbaptisedasChristians?Hereplied,No.Ithenstated,Likewiseour
ceremonyofBaptismtoohastheefficacytopurifymanyfolds.ThustheBritishofficergained
awarenessofreality.

TheSmajiofficernowinstigatedtheCaptain,thatGurdwarawaspropertyofthepriestsandnone
couldbeallowedtotrespass.Thisinitiatedfurtherdiscussion.Iprotested,thattheHollaMohalla
wouldalwaysbetakenoutandthoseguiltyofcreatingtroubleshouldbebroughttobookunder
thelaw.

Whengeneralsangatbecameawareofthedetailsofourdiscussiontheorganisersshivered
sensingmoretroubleinfuture,butthevastmajoritywasarousedwithreligiousfervour.Onthe
suggestionofMasterChandaSingh,itwasdecidedtoformaCommitteeofelevenpeopleand
theirdecisionwouldbebindingforfurtheraction.TheCommitteewentintosessionatGarhi
SahibtocomeoutwithGurmata,decisionmadeaccordingtoGurmatandinpresenceofSri
GuruGranthSahibJi.MeanwhileBabuVirSinghsbrothercametoannounce,Whyareyouso
downcastinlowlyspirits?Iamcomingfromtheschool.Theofficerinchargehassentforthe
headpriestofGurdwara.IaskedtheadvocatetobringtheHeadpriestfirsttome.Iurgedhimto
statefactstruthfully.TheCaptainaskedhimaboutownershipoftheGurdwara.Herepliedthatit
belongedtoPanth,entireSikhNation.Hewasthenquestionedabouthisstatus.Tothishereplied,
thathewasaservantofthePanth.Whoaretheseotherpriests?Captainaskedfurther.The
replycame,Thesearemyemployees.

ThedecisionwasmadeinfavourofSangat.TheBritishOfficeralsojoinedinHolaMohalla
celebrations.Thiswasatrulymaginificentprocession.

ThiswasaforerunnervictoryofPanthicControlofGurdwarasandfirsteventofGurdwaraSudhar
Lehar(MovementforimprovedManagementofGurdwaras).SriBibiJoginderKaurwasaliving
exampleofoldtimerSikhladiesofGurusHouse,whohadfoughtshouldertoshoulderwiththeir
Singhbrethreninsoaringspirits.Shehadimpressiveandcommandingpersonality.

In1915leadingpersonalitiesofJathahadbeenarrestedinconnectionwithLahoreConspiracy
case.WarrantswerealsoissuedtoarrestBhaiSurjanSinghJi,husbandofBibiJoginderKaur.A
policepartyarrivedinvillageGujarwaltosearchBhaiSurjanSinghshouse.Howeverhewasnot
presentthen.BibiJoginderKaurputalockonheroutergateandstoodonguardlikealioness.She
warnedthepolicepartythattheycouldnotsearchinabsenceofherhusband.Sheroaredfurther,
Bewarnedandstayaway!Anyattempttoapproachshallleadtoseriousconsequences.Blue
turbanadorningherheadandaswordinhand,Shepresentedanaweinspiringpersonality.This
discouragedthepolicefromanyaction.Thelawalsopreventedsearchinabsenceofamale
member,butlawwasnevercaredforthenorevennow.ItwasonlytheboldchallengeofBibi
JoginderKaurthatrestrainedthepolice.

Manyotherhouseshadbeensearchedinabsenceofmalemembers.OnlyBibiJoginderKaur
provedexceptionandworthyexampleofoutstandingSikhlady.Shefacedpolicecourageously
andcheckedtheirnefariousactivity.

ShewasembodimentofbrimmingSpiritualDivineLove,piningwithutmostyearning.Shewas
blestwithsoaringspiritofhighspirituality.WhenshefoundthatmanyoftheJathaSinghswere
arrested,shetoofelttheurgetovolunteerforbeingarrestedandjointhem.Whatheldherbeck
wastheabsenceofherabscondinghusband.Shewasfilledwithfuryofindignationhearingofthe
actsofcrueltyofBritishGovernmentindealingwitharrestedSinghs.Mostofushadbeenarrested,
butBhaiSurjanSinghwasstillabsconding.Onedayhecamehome.Immediatelybravehearted
Bibiproposedtohim,Letusjoinourbrethreninjail.Whathavewetogainremainingoutside?
VirSurjanSinghJiwasabletorefrainherfromthisaftergreatstruggle.Howeverhepresented
himselfatthejail.Thiswastheresultofpromptingsofhiswife.OurcasewasundertrialinLahore
JailbyaspecialCourt.Threejudgesconstitutedthecourt,twobeingstaunchBritishersheavily
biasedagainstusandoneIndian,adulatinghisforeignmasters.Withcourtinsessiontherewas
heavyguardingoutsidethejail.ThatisthetimewhenBhaiSurjanSinghpresentedhimselfbefore
theJailSuperintendentforbeingtakeninside.Hewashighlysurprisedwiththisandasked,Who
areyouandwhatbroughtyouhere?BhaiSurjanSinghreplied,Mycompanionsareundertrial
andmywarrantshavealsobeenissued.Soplease,takemeinside.Iwasnotawareofallthis,but
assoonIcametoknowIhavecomehere.

Superintendentenquired,Didyourfamilymembersnotstopyoufromcomingtojail?Bhai
SurjanSinghreplied,Thereisnoneotherthanmywife.Superintendent,Didyourwifenottryto
holdyouback?BhaiSurjanSingh,repliedthatOnthecontraryherstrongpleasonlyhave
broughtmehere.Thisastoundedallthejailofficials.BhaiSurjanSinghwaspresentedinjailalong
withus.TheChiefJudge,Mr.Scott,wantedthattheaccusedbehandcuffedbeforebringinghimto
theCourt.HoweverJailSuperintendent,E.L.Ward,commented,Dontyourealise,thatthe
accusedhaspresentedhimselfvoluntarily?Youarejustexhibitingyourcowardicebygettinghim
handcuffed.Well,DivineWillcametopass.AlltheJathaSinghsweresentencedto
lifeimprisonmentandsomeofusweresenttoCentralJail,Multan.

AnEventAtMultan
BhaiSurjanSinghwasimprisonedwithmeinMultanJail,lockedupindifferentcells.SriBibi
JoginderKaurJicametotheJailforinterview.Shehadrequestedformeetingmefirstandthen
herhusband,BhaiSurjanSinghJi.

Herfirstrequestwasnotacceded,butshewasallowedtomeetBhaiSurjanSinghJi.Duringthe
meetingDrRamLalJiwasalsopresentasoneofthejailofficials.ThewordsconveyedbyBibi
JoginderKaurJiweremostastonishingtoallthejailofficials.Dr.RamLalJinarratedallthistome
asfollows:

IreadbookslikeBijeSingh,SundriofBhaiSahibVirSinghJirepeatedly,Ithoughtoftheseas
mereflightsofimaginationandfailedtobelievethatsuchboldSikhladiescouldhaveexistedin
fleshandblood.HoweverinbeholdingandlisteningtoaBibi,whocameforandinterviewtoday,I
amnotjustastonishedbeyondmeasurebutalsoextremelydelighted.Thereasonformydelightis
thatallmyearlierdoubtshavebeenbanished.WhatIhadthoughttobemerefictionabout
braveryofSikhladies,Isawinthisladyoffleshandblood.Iamnowfullyconvincedthatthereare
soulsblessedwithTrueKhalsaSpiritinfullmeasure.ThisladyhassurpassedallthatIreadin
bookslikeBijeSingh,etc.aboutbraveryofSikhladies.WhateverIwitnessedwithmyowneyes
andheardwithmyownearsleavesnoroomforanyfurtherconfirmation.

Hedescribedallthatwassaidduringthatmeeting,howeveronlyasampleofthosewordsis
presentedtoavoidlengthypresentation.FacingBhaiSurjanSinghJi,Bibitoldhimthathewas
blessedtoagitateagainstBritishRule.Shetoowishedwithallherhearttobeabletoparticipate.
SheremindedhimthathewasSikhoftheGuruSahib,whohadsacrificedallhisfoursonsandthe
entirefamilyinserviceofthePanthandcountry.Thathemustremainunshakeninpursuitofhis
GurmatidealsandneverbringtheSpiritofBraveryofGursikhstodisgrace.Sheassuredhimthat
shewassafeinHandsoftheLordandtherewasnothingtoworryabouther.Therecouldneverbe
anyobstacletothespiritualmeetingbetweenthetwo.ThegiftedNamFearless,bestowedby
SatguruonBaptism,,wasenshrinedintheheartsofbothandmustbecometheirlifesustaining
Force.Thusfearofanykindhadtobeshunned.Inanycasebodywasperishableandwouldcome
toanend.Ifonecoulddedicatelifetoreligiousdutywhatcouldbebetterendthanthat?Herein
thisworldandinthehereafterNamimbuedsoulswereboundtogetherinBliss.ThattheSacrificing
ServicesmustbearfruitandbringfreedomtotheCountryoneday.ShestressedtomakeDivine
Namastheonlysupportoflife.ThatadversitywasthetestingtimeoffirmnessinFaith.That
followinginthefootstepsofBhaiRandhirSinghJiwouldensureradianceofonesfaceinglory
bothhereandinthehereafter.AtthisBhaiSurjanSinghdisclosedinadvertentlythatBhaiSahib
BhaiRandhirSinghJihadnottakenanyfoodordrinkforlasttwentyonedays.Thisdisclosure
endedthemeetingabruptly.Theintervieweesweresternlytoldtopartawayimmediately.

BhaiSurjanSinghwantedtosaysomethinginprotest.HoweverBibiJicheckedhimfrompleading
withthecruel.Sheassuredhimthattheywouldtalktoeachothereverydayatwillandwhocould
everstop?Thespiritualmeetingwasirrevocable.ThejailofficialsthreatenedBibiJithatifshe
failedtoleaveimmediately,shewouldbepushedout.Hearingtheinsultingwords,BibiJisface
reddenedwithDivineFervourandchallengedthethreateningofficialstoapproachher.She
warnedthatShewouldtearanyonemakingsuchattempttopieces.Nonecouldbearthelookof
herfaceinfuryandsplendorouswithDivineGlory.Jailorthenrequestedherhumblywithfolded
handstoleave.DrRamLaldescribedthatallthejailofficialswereshiveringfromheadtofootin
fear.Suchwastheunbearablesightofherfaceinfury,likealioness.Thisbecametalkoftheday
throughoutthejailandmerethoughtwascausingshiveringinthecowards.Dr.RamLalresolved
thathetoowouldseekBaptismofGurmatwithallhisfamilyandsoughtmyblessingsfor
bestowingofSikhFaithbytheGuru.Ihopethiswouldsufficeasspecimenofwhatthoughtswere
transpired.

Afterthatday,IenvisionedtheglorifiedfaceofBibiJoginderKaureverydayduringmyjailperiod.
FinallyIenvisionedthesightofhermomentofdeathinHazaribagjail.Inotedthedateanditwas
confirmedafteralapseofmanyweeksthatSriBibiJoginderKaurhadindeeddepartedfromthis
worldonthatveryday.Toomanyarethemiraculouseventsofherlifetowriteabout.Dedicated
toselflessservice,everreadyforanysacrifice,ShewasalwayssoaringinSpirit.

Rarearesuchpersons.HerlifewouldverilyserveasLighthouseforcominggenerationsofSikh
ladies.Shehadheronlyson,whocontactedtheepidemicofinfluenzainOctober1918.Bhai
SurjanSinghwastheninMultanJail,whenbothmotherandsondiedwithagapofoneday.She
wasanembodimentofpatienceandgratitudetoDivineinherlastmoments.
CHAPTER22MOTHOFLIGHTDIVINEDR.GURDIPSINGHJI
HisearliernamewasNandSingh.HewasbornandbroughtupatNarangwalandgotmarriedin
earlylife.HisfatherwasDr.CharanSinghSlotri,veterinarydoctor.HehadbeenrenamedAsa
SinghafterBaptism,yethewasalwaysknownasCharanSingh,thediscardeddeadnameas
Gursikh.HehadbeenBaptisedinyoungagealongwithmeandwasknownasmySunehriaVir.
HewasofaveryyoungageandBaptismhaddeepspiritualeffectonhim,butonlyforashorttime.

Hehadverysweetdispositionandwaswellbuilt.IalwaysaddressedhimbyhisGurmatname,Asa
Singh.HewastobearrestedinLahoreconspiracycasein1914alongwithme,buthemanagedto
escapetoCalcuttaandthentoBurma.Therehebecameveterinarydoctorandgotintoservice.He
sentforhisfamily,consistingofhiswife,onesonNandSinghandonedaughterNandKaur.Thus
thefamilywasreunitedinBurma.

IdonotknowmuchaboutearlylifeofNandSinghinBurma.Onlyhisbosomfriend,Dr.Tirlochan
Singh,canthrowsomelight.AllIknowisthathereceivedhiseducationthereandbecamea
doctor.Hewasarenouncerbynaturelikeasceticsandagreatspiritualseeker.Itwasinfulfillment
ofultimateobjectiveofGodRealizationthathehadpursedinhispreviouslife.Hissimplicityand
purityinlifeledhimtobetakeninbyanyfakeholyone.Howeverhecoulddiscernfakesfromreal
likeswansseparatingwaterfrommilkwithhisnaturalgift,thoughafterfullconvictionwithtime.
Oncesoconvinced,hewouldimmediatelyabandonthem.Withhisspiritualthirstunquenched,he
wouldremainyearningfortrueSatSang,holycompany.WhereveraprominentSaintexistedin
Burma,hewentontofollowhimwithfulldedicationandfaithtilltheend.Hewouldworshiphim
likeGod.Dr.TirlochanSinghwashiscompanioninspiritualpursuitandknowsthedetailsofevents.
HoweverIamnotmuchconcernedwiththisearlierlifeasNandSinghinBurma.Ihadfirstserious
contactwithhimwhenhereturnedtoNarangwaldisappointedafterhislongsearchforspiritual
solace,havingtriedasceticsofdifferenthues.

Hecontinuedtobeahumbleseekerwithutmostspiritualyearning.HisvisitcoincidedwithSat
SangSamagam,providingafeastofsoulfulKirtanofGurbaniSinging.Idonotknowhowthislove
lorn,NandSingh,gotwindofSatSang.

Thetrueseekershavethemeanstoreachtheirobjective,helpedbyDivinedispensation.Thiswas
thefirstoccasiontomeetthisyoungDivineLover,fullychargedemotionally.Hisaccompanying
sisterwasalsoacoseekerofspiritualitywithequalfervor.TheBaptizingceremonywasbeingheld.
TheexperiencedGurmukhsimmediatelyidentifiedthemasoldassociatesofpreviousbirth.Dear
NandSinghwasthehighestcandidateforBaptismandhissister,BibiNandKaur,wasnotfar
behindinspiritualmerit.SheverymuchdesiredtojoinherbrotherforBaptismtogether.However
thiswasnotpossible,becauseshewasrequiredtogetBaptisedonlyasacouplealongwithher
husband.Thehusbandwasasyetuntouchedbyspiritualconcernandremainedalooffromthe
environmentofSatSang.HoweverBibiNandKaurfirmlybelievedthathersilentprayerswould
soonbringherhusbandaroundandhetoowouldbereadyforBaptism.Shereconciledwith
postponementofherownBaptism,muchagainstherwishes,inviewoftherestraintofGurmat
principleandstrongfaithandhopeofredemptiontogetherwithherhusband.Hersacrificeof
wilfulacceptancetowithholdherspiritualprogressincompliancewithtenetsofFaith,
perseveranceinhopeandfaithinDivineDispensationwashighlyappreciable.

IrememberNandSinghsittinginsideamongaspirantsforBaptisminanticipatedspiritual
transformationwhilehisdevoutsisterwashappilyswinginginecstasyoutsideinvarandah.It
appearedthatshetoowouldsharethespiritualflightsofcelestialBlisswithherbrotherevenin
herpresentstate,sittingoutside.ThefinalmomentarrivedandVirNandSinghwasbeing
transformedintoBlessedGurdipSingh.HewassittingbeforetheChosenFivewithhandsfolded
togetheringreatanticipation.HewasthirstingmostlikerainbirdfortheDivineNectar.

JustasheimbibedAmritfromtheChosenFiveandwasinitiatedwithGurMantar,theDivine
Nam,hiseyesrolledupwardandhisspiritsoaredinhighestflight.HisSimranofNamwasthe
uniqueexampleofGurbaniquote,GurmukhRomeRomeHarDhiyave,contemplatingDivine
witheveryporeofhisbeing.TearsofgratitudeforbestowingofDivineGracewereflowingfreely.
ThefaceshoneinSplendorDivineandhisnaturalcharmwasenhancedmanyfoldinsplendorous
glory.NandSinghoffewearliermomentswastransformedbeyondrecognition.Hepresentedthe
sightofmoonenamoredbirdinhisfixationofDivineLove.Hehadaconsiderablecreditofspiritual
meritcarriedoverfrompreviouslifeandhadmadeendlessstrivingseveninthisbirth.His
consciousnesswasfullyawaketoreceivetheveryfirstdropofDivineNectar.Justashereceived
SwantiBoondlikerainbird,therewasinnergushingofSpiritualNectarwithin.Assoonashe
heardGurMantar,initiatedbyChosenFive,DivineNamutterancebecameautomaticfrom
everyporeofhisbeing.InitialswitchingonkepttheNamSimrangoingceaselesslylikeworkingof
apendulumformanyyearstocome.

NectarineNamreflectedDivineLightwithin,andLordinFullGlorywasenvisioned!Howcould
GurdipSingh,engrossedintastingNamNectarnow,haveknownthatthevisionofhisyearning
wouldbeenvisionedwithinhisownbeing?DivineLightnotonlyfilledhisinnerbeingbutcould
alsobeenvisionedwithout,everywhere.HisLoveYearningeyesoflongkepthimengrossedin
enjoymentofDivineVisionwithsinglemindedconcentration.EnlightenmentofWAHEGURU
NampresentedthevisionoftheselfNamedLordinRealBeing.Thisishowthetongueandthe
eyesofGurdipSinghinecstasywerecompletelyengrossedwithDivineWonder.Hehadattained
hislongawaitedselffulfillment.HewasapictureofgratitudeinthanksGivingforDivineGrace,
utteringKartar!Kartar!Withincreasingrepetitionofutterance,manifoldmiraculousDivinely
Glorioushues,werereflectedbyhisface.

Thiswasamazingsightindeed!WhosoeversawyouthfulGurdipSinghinthisBlissfulstatealso
becameecstatic.ThemostuniquehappeningofthisoccasionwasthatVirGurdipSinghssister,
NandKaur,wentintotrance,sittingoutside.HerNamSimranstartedautomatically,asifshehad
directspiritualcommunicationwithherbrother,centerofherlovingconcern.Itiscustomaryto
confinetheenvironmentofBaptizingceremonyonlytotheconcernedindividualstotheexclusion
ofgeneralsangat.TheChosenFivereceivedDivinepromptingsthatReborninGurusHouse,Vir
GurdipSingh,maybeglancedbyhisDivinelyintoxicatedsister,NandKaur,fromoutsidethrough
windowglass.WithfirstglanceitselfBibifainted,unabletocopeupwiththesightofPiercingof
EcstaticDivineLoveanditsGlory.Fallingflat,shelostherconsciousnessformanyhours.Though
sheregainedhercomposure,yetVirGurdipSinghcontinuedtobeintranceinside.TheBaptizing
Ceremonywasoversincelongandhisothercompanionshadleft.ThechosenFivedecidedto
leavehimundisturbedinhisBlissfulStatealoneinPresenceofSriGuruGranthSahib.TheGranthi
SinghsonattendancedutyofSriGranthSahibwerebeingrotated.HoweverVirGurdipSingh
remainedinsamemeditationalposture,withoutmovementofalimbnordidhiseyesblink.Ah!
ThiswasgreatimbibingofDivineNectar!

ThegatheredSangatwasanxioustobeholdVirGurdipSinghandwasgettingrestless.FinallyIwas
toldtosomehowbringhimoutofhistrance,sothathemaycomeoutforsangattohaveaglimpse.
IncomplianceofSangatsdirection,takingholdofmyselfIenteredtoshareinBlissfulPlayDivine.
LovinglyItouchedVirGurdipSinghinhisdeepmeditation.InhisstateofIntoxicatedDivineLove,I
couldbarelymanagetosupporthimwithmyshoulderinhalfcarrying.Finallyhewasinthemidst
ofeagerlywaitingGursikhsoutside.AllwerebeholdinghisGloriousSightindevotion.Slowlyhe
regainedhisnormalcomposure.HislipsmovedandtherewereresoundingofKirtanDivinefor
long.ItisnotknownhowlongittookVirGurdipSinghtoreturntonormallifeanddutytowards
family.HiswifetoowasBaptisedalongwithhimandthusthecouplereturnedtoBurmaasdevout
Gursikhs.HisDivineinfatuatedpresenceofNamenlightenmentfirstregaledGursikhSangatin
Rangoonandthenmanyothercities.

UnderhispowerfulinfluenceofcompleteFaithdedication,aprominentKirtaniJathacameinto
being,usheringanenvironmentofspirituality.Manyweremovedtoexperiencehisstateof
DivineBlissandindeedacquiredthesamehighestBlisslikeonelamplighteningtheother.

ThetransformationinoldNandSinghtoVirGurdipSinghofhighspiritualitywasmostastounding
tohisassociatesinBurma.TheaspiringGursikhsintheirearlyyouthwerehighlybenefited.The
cityofPaeboiwasparticularlyblessedwithaheavenlyatmosphereofdevotionalSatSang.Quitea
fewyearslaterDr.RandhirSinghofGujerwalreturnedtoPunjabfromBurma.Thisishisnarration,
BurmaisnowtrulyblessedwithheavenlyspiritualenvironmentintheregionofPaeboi.Rangoon
hasalsoexperiencedsomeofthisBlissfulness.ThoughIamhardenedworldlymortaldevoidofall
spirituality,yetIcanalwaysspottheEssenceofGurmatwheneverIchancetocomeacross.I
happentohavenamecommonwithyou,RandhirSingh.Whileyouhaveprogressedspiritually,I
toohavemadesimilarifnothigherstrivingsinserviceforPanthiccauses.

HoweverIremainastrangertomattersspiritual,yetitisGurusblessingthatIcanevaluate
accuratelyrealtalentofGurmatinPanth,Khalsanation.TherearetwoshiningexamplesofJatha,
VirWishakhaSinghandVirAmarSingh(PooranSingh)inRangoon.Thoughsociallytheyfallin
categoryofnotsowelltodopeople,yetonebowstothemfortheirhighspirituality.Likethe
hiddenjewels,wrappedinrags,theyhavebeenidentifiedbythejewellerinme.Letmeelucidate
thattheirspiritualenlightenmenthasbeenhelpedbyDr.GurdipSinghJi,whogotimbued
spirituallyhereandthencarriedtheFlametoBurma.

Dr.GurdipSinghservedhispatientsmostselflessly.Hissoothingwordseradicatedhalfthe
problemofdisease.Inthecaseofpatientswithpoormeansandlowcastes,hedevotedspecial
attentiondayandnightgoingtotheirhouses.Hespenthisownmoneyfortheirmedicinesand
care,bringingthemfullreliefandenthusingnewlife.Irrespectiveofthesocialstatusofapatient,
hewouldrushtoattendthepatientevenatmidnight.Makingmoneywasneverhisobjective.
Startingwithwordsofreassuranceandsolace,hewouldmakeasmanyroundsasrequiredtillthe
patientwasfullycured.Hewasrenownedforhiscaringandidealethicalbehaviorwithpatients.
Allhispatientswerenursedbacktofullhealth.HelefthishighmedicalpositioninBurma,thinking
ofserviceasmereenslavement.HesetuphismedicalpracticetoserveNarangwal,Gurjerwaland
surroundingvillagesmostselflessly.Hewouldnotchargeevenformedicinesfromthepoor.Even
therichwerenotquotedmedicalfees.Cheerfullyhewouldansweranycallsfrompatientswithout
regardtotimeorprevalentweatherofincessantrain,storm,etc.Hisdevotionandprofessional
carebroughtmostsatisfyingresultstohispatients.Makingitfreeforthepoor,hechargedvery
reasonablyfromtherich.

Howevereventhewelltodofamilieswouldnotpaycostofmedicinesandwouldaskforcredit
facilitythatnevergotrepaid.Manyofthevillagephysicianshadtopackuptheirpractice.The
highclassmedicalservicerenderedbyDr.GurdipSinghnevergottrueappreciation.Hispersonal
financialresourcesgotdriedup.Underthiscircumstance,hisveterinarydoctorfatherrecalledhim
toBurma.

WithhisinfluenceinGovernmentcircles,hegotDr.GurdipSinghrehabilitatedtohisprevious
position.Howeverthefatherhaddrawnrelationshipwithhisson,Dr.GurdipSingh,thatnever
couldflourish.Thedetailsdonotinterestme,butImainlyattributethistodiversityofinterestsof
worldlinessasagainstspiritualpursuit.MymainpurposeistogivealifesketchofDr.GurdipSingh
Jiandnotconcernmyselfwithfamilyrelationships.

Dr.GurdipSinghJilenthissurroundingsanairofblissfulspiritualitywhereverhestayed.Hewent
aroundestablishingSatSangs,congregationalseats,andinterestinKirtan.Leadinganexemplary
lifeofadevoutGursikhonPathofGurmat,hehelpedmanyaspirantsofGursikhi.Hisfamilylife
wasleddutifullyinaspiritofdetachmentoftruerenouncer.Heremainedobedienttohiselders
andcompliedwithGurmatcodefullyinspiritofdedication.Forreasonsunknown,heseemedto
havebeeninahurrytomergewithLightEternal.Prayingsecretlyforendofhislifesojourn,he
readiedhimselfforthemomentofdeparture.Hisliferemainedbeyondreproachandinaspiritof
detachmentlikealotusflowerinwater.SuchwasGurmatordainedfamilylifethatendedtooearly.
SittinginasecludedcornerinBurma,hedepartedwithselfinvitedDivineCall,nevertoreturn
again!Hereweareleftashislovelornadmirers,tocherisholdmemories.
Chapter23YOUNGPREMSINGHPININGDEVOUT
HetrulyremainedpiningforDivineLovethroughouthisshortlivedlife.DepartingforDivineLove,
heleftmetoopinninginlove.Thischancemeeting,everlastinginmemory,runsthus:Theentire
AkhandKirtaniJatha,includingBabuMalSingh,hadcometovillageBoparaiatthehouseofSri
BhaiIqbalSinghforAkhandPathhSatSangSamagam.AccordingtodispensationDivine,awhole
familyfromVadali(AlaSinghWali)ofMaenDoabcamethereforGurmatBaptism.JathedarGanga
Singhwastheirintermediary.

WithgreatlovingdevotiontheygotBaptisedalongwithotheraspirantsandallfeltspiritually
transformed.YoungPremSinghwasparticularlysmittenbyDivineLoveinhisastonishing
transformation.Hewasdeeplyimbuedwithspirituality.EngagedinmeditationofDivineNamall
werelosingawarenessoftheirbodiesintotalengrossment.SeeingyouthfulPremSinghin
enjoymentofDivineGlory,acommonthoughtoccurredseparatelytoGurmukhBhaiMalSinghJi
andmeatthesametime.Itwasthoughtthatthisyoungmansmarriagewithourlovingyounggirl,
KulwantKaur,wouldbemostbefitting.Theconcurrenceofthoughtbetweentwoofusgot
confirmedandmaderesolutewithoutexchangingwords.SriBabuMalSinghJitalkedtoJathedar
GangaSinghJiandthefamilyfromVadalithatthisyoungPremSinghnowbelongedtous(hinting
theproposal).Itfurthertranspiredthathewasstillaneligiblebachelor.Hewasastudentinsome
schoolnearVadali.

BabuJifurtherproposedthattheboy`maytakeadmissioninSriMukatsarHighSchool,where
BhaiIqbalSinghwasservingasHeadmaster.ThiswouldensurepersonalsupervisionbyBhaiIqbal
SinghasalsoprovidechancetobenefitfromholyenvironmentofSriMuktsarDarbarSahib,
historicalshrine.BhaiIqbalSinghJireadilyagreedtothisarrangement.ThusPremSinghJipassed
hismatriculationfromthere.

NexthetookadmissioninKhalsaCollegeSriAmritsarandpassedinFacultyofArts(F.A.)Itwas
thentimeformuchawaitedAnandSanjog,thedestinedmarriage.Finallythedayarrivedanda
marriagepartyofGurmukhs,singingGurbaniKirtan,landedatNarangwal.Thiswasthefirst
occasionforSantBhaiJawalaSinghJisvisit.ItturnedouttobealongsessionofAkhandKirtan.
Thiswasasummergatheringofdevoutsouls,baskinginspiritualenvironment.GurmukhPrem
Singh,thegroom,wasinmostblissfulstate.EarlymorningAsaDiVarKirtanstarted.Itwasfull
moonnight.WavesofKirtansoundreachedafar.Theinitiatingprayer,Ardasa,byGurmukhBhai
MalSinghJibroughtatouchofflourishmenttotheyearningsouls.TherenownedAkaliRagiBhai
LachhmanSinghJiGandharb(titlemeanscelestialsinger)startedclassicalKirtaninDivine
fervour.InadditiontoharmoniumtherewasminglingofthetunesofNafris(flutetypemusical
organs),playedbytwoaccompanyingartists.TheprominentKirtaniyasoftheJathawerealso
present.TheAnandmarriagewasperformedinastoundingprevalenceofBliss.ThedevoutBibi
KulwantKaurwasthusweddedtoGurmukhyouthfulPremSingh.Itwasaperfectmatchofboth
physicalandspiritualbeauties.PremSinghJischarmfascinatedoneandall.Ihadcometoadmire
himattheveryfirstsightandthatdevelopedintostilldeeperlovewiththisnewrelationship.They
livedhappilytogetherinhighestmaritalbliss.BeforeIstartedcomingtoKumarHattihills,Iwas
invitedtosecludedareaofSolanhillsbySardarBashesharSinghJi,ahighofficialofPatialaState,
athisresidence,alongwithentireJatha.Alongperiodoffourmonthswasspentthere.Therewas
adequatearrangementforcomfortablestayforallandtheLangarexpenseswerebornebySardar
BashesharSingh.TheblestcoupleofVirPremSinghJiandmybelovedgirl,KulwantKaurwerealso
partofthisgathering.

TheverysightofyouthfulPremSinghwasenoughtomakeSardarBashesharSinghjiandhiswife
BibiSagarJifallindeeplovewithhim.VirPremSinghwasappointedtoanattractivepostin
Patialastate.SardarBashesharSinghwasthenamongtheprominentstateofficials,belongingtoa
highlyreputedfamily.HecametoadmirehighcharacterandbearingofPremSinghandalmost
adoptedhim.Thoughappointedasstateemployee,PremSinghspentmanyyearsstayingcloseto
S.BashesharSinghJi.Heservedwithutmostloyalty,intelligenceandawareness.PremSinghhad
excellentdealingswithassociatedofficialsofbothsuperiorandsubordinatecategories.Hecame
tobelovedbyoneandallforhisenthusingblissfulnessandeveryoneclaimingspecialrelationship
withhim.Hisdevotiontodutyandobediencewassuchthathewaseverwillingforanything
anytime,anywhere,withoutslightesthesitation.Thoughinmycaseheenjoyedaprivileged
positionofalmostsoninlaw,yetheremainedmosthumbleandreadyforanyservice.Henever
exhibitedanysenseofselfprideorhaughtiness.Enjoyingtheblessednessofmanysatsang
samagams,hisprivilegedrelationshipwithmewasneverexhibitedduetohisdeephumility.He
alwayshadsweetwordsforall,whichweresweetenedwithhisinnerdispositionandnotjust
faked.ItisthissweetnessofdispositionthatwinsrecognitioninHouseoftheGuruanddevoidof
thisvirtuehavenoplace.ItisNamSimran,ceaselessDivineMemory.ItwasGraceoftheGuru
thatPremSinghenjoyedbothspiritualandworldlyrecognition.

ThehighsocialstatusofhisfamilywaswellacknowledgedinVadali.Itwassodestinedthrough
DivineWillthatallmembersofthisaugustfamilydiedwithinaperiodofoneyear.Thehouse,
oncefilledwithhustleandbustleofactivity,woreadesertedlook.PremSinghsmotherwasfirst
todepartandherglorytoodepartedwithher.Nextitwasturnofhisyoungersisterandelder
brother.PremSinghssonofabout3yearstoodied.BibiKulwantKaurwasleftwithtwo
babydaughters.

Hisfatherwasnextvictimofdeath,leavingallmatterstothesolecareandresponsibilityofKaka
PremSingh.Howeverinthegeneralcollapse,hetoodidnotendure.Nonecouldanticipatehis
recallbyDivinesosoon.IwasenjoyingSpiritualBlissatKumarHattiandBibiKulwantKaurwas
alsowithme.Asuddennewscamethatbelovedofall,PremSingh,whileridingabicyclebetween
SirhandandBassicollidedheadonwithaTongaanddiedinaccidentonthespot.Allbewailedhis
untimelydeathinfamilycirclesandamongspiritualassociates.Therewasawaveofsympathy.
ProceedingfromKumarHattiIheadedforNarangwal.InthefollowingAkhandPathhSamagamall
bereavedsoulsweregathered.Thesolerepresentativeoftheoncelargefamilywasourbeloved
girl,BibiKulwantKaur.AthirddaughterwasborntoherafterfewmonthsofPremSinghsdeath.
AcceptingDivineWillanddrawingsolacefromspiritualistsympathizers,sheisspendingherdays
atherparentalhome.Shehadenjoyedadeeplovingrelationshipwithherhusband,PremSinghJi.

ThecouplehadaccompaniedmeonmyfirsttourofKashmir.Theyweredeeplysteepedin
enjoymentofAkhandKirtans.PremSinghhadapennameofBehbal,thatIwasnotawareof.
WhenIfoundhiminsoaringspiritualflightandlosingallotherawarenessIhappenedtocomment
thathewasagreatpinningloverofDivine.Itwasthenthataknowingpersoninformedmeofhis
pennamethatcarriedthesamemeaning.Howeverhewasnevercalledbythisnameduring
congregationsofSatSang.

Timewouldpassandsowouldmanyayouthfulness,yetthememoriesofthebelovedwouldnever
fade.TheNamimbueddevout,abidinginthehereafter,mustberelishinggreatenvironmentof
highspiritualityandwouldnotlookbackhere.Howwouldthoseyearningforonwardprogress
evertolookback!Woundsofseparationofthelovelorncanneverheal.Thecallofdeathdoes
notdiscerntheageofchild,youthorold,butfollowsdictationofMasterDivinetoleadmortalsto
thehereafter.Departedarethecharmingwhileridingthecrestofspiritualityandparticularly
thoseuntouchedbyworldlinessendedtheirlifesojournbeautifullyinBliss.Thisupheavalisa
blessingindisguiseforme.ThepangsofthisseparationfromNamimbuedsoulsofdevout,keeps
mealooffromworldliness.Thedeathalwaysappearstobehoveringoverhead.Itisagiftofthese
departeestothehereafter!

MysalutationstotheGracedonesofGurusHouse,whosesoulsdepartedoneaftertheotherto
mergeintoDivine!!

JU 8lJl HH Hl3 o=l3

l8J 3 lH lHU Ilo H lo el3
lo 3 elo H lH lHU H HH l=U =lHlJ
lH lelH ol8o JlJ lo Hlo H3l IlJ JlJ
HI I o=I =8l JlJ l3 l3
JU 8lJl HH Hl3 o=l3
Iamsacrificeuntomyspirituallyawakenedfriends.
Thosearetheones,myinseparablebelovedsofcommonlove.
Howcanthebelovedsofunbreakabletiesoflovebeforgotten?
Theirverysightisenthrallingandtheyremaineversoclosetoheart.
Everblessedaretheywithallvirtues,withoutaflaw.
SacrificeamIuntomyfriendsofspiritualawakening!
SuhiChhandM:1[765]