BHANU, BHAI,

BHANU, BHAI, BhaiJattu, Bhai Nihalu and Bhai Tiratha, all Chaddha Khatris, were devoted Sikhs. Once they presented themselves before Guru Arjan to have a doubt resolved. They made obeisance to the Guru and said, “Lord, in one of your hymns there is a line: `He alone kills and He alone saves; there is nothing in man`s power.` Yet another hymn says: `In this field of action, as thou so west, so shalt thou reapest.` Which of the two precepts shall apply? Because, if He performs or gets performed all actions, how are we answerable for them? And, if we have to suffer the consequences of our actions, we must have the freedom to act with discretion.” The Guru, as says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, replied: “Some merit liberation through action, some through worship, some through knowledge.

For the first category, the precept is, `Action is a field wherein you shall reap what you sow.` For the worshipper the advice is, `He Himself is the Destroyer and He alone the Sustainer.` And for the man of intellect, `God, the Only Being, abideth in each body, and prevaileth throughout space.” “As for you, Sikhs,” concluded Guru Arjan, “Your merit is bhagatior the path of devotion. You should, therefore, always repeat the Name and serve others.” Bhai Bhanu and his companions were, as says Bhai Santokh Singh, rid of their doubt.

References :

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37