GARU, BHAI

GARU, BHAI, a Vij Khatri, received the rites of initiation at the hands of Guru Arjan. Once he, accompanied by Bhai Haru, also a Vij, and Bhai Chatur Das and Bhai Mula, both Kapur Khatris, waited upon the Guru and raised a question. They said, “While the advice of all other holy men is for the seeker to keep wakeful nights in meditation, Guru Nanak had in one of his slokas suggested that all effort was futile, for the reward, if He pleases, would come even during sleep.” Guru Arjan, says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, explained to them the correct import of the sloka.

The Guru said, “Remember, it is not the learned, proud of their accomplishment, who are blessed with gidn or true knowledge, but the simple illiterates who seek with humility and dedication. Yet the learned are generally considered awake and the illiterate a slumber.” Bhai Garu and his companions departed, enlightened in mind and humble in heart. They daily attended the holy sangat and recited bdni with complete faith.

References :

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-33