TAKHTU. BHAI

TAKHTU. BHAI, a Dhir Khatri, embraced Sikh faith during the time of Guru Arjan. He lived up to the time of Guru Hargobind when he earned a name for himself as a soldier participating in the encounters with the Mughal troops. “Once”, as says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, “Bhai Takhtu, accompanied by Bhai Dargah Tuli, Bhai Mansadhar, and Bhai Tirath Uppal, waited on Guru Hargobind and said, “Venerable True King ! We listen to discourses given by enlightened Sikhs and they do afford us mental peace, but when Bhai Nivala or Bhai Nihala expound the sacred word, it is a different experience altogether.

We feel spiritually elated. Whence comes the difference. Master?” Guru Hargobind said, “The Sacred Word is the fount of eternal bliss. But preachers vary as do the listeners.” According to the Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, the Guru then enumerated fourteen qualities each of a good preacher and of a good listener. A model preacher practised what he said and a model listener acted on what he heard.

References :

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35