Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Story about answering evil with goodness...

When I was in Canada in the holidays, a Gurmukh pyaara shared an inspirational story about Bhai Sahib Jeevan Singh jee when he once came to visit Canada...



Once Bhai Jeevan Singh jee was invited to do Keertan in a far off town where there was not much Sangat or Gurmat influence. Arriving there Bhai Sahib asked for the saaj (instruments) to be lifted from the stage and placed on the floor facing Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee so that the whole Sangat could collectively do Keertan facing Guru Sahib.

There was an elderly Sardar who had retired from the Indian Army. He lacked knowledge of Gurmat Maryada (Guru's tradition) and was also hot headed. One night, after a few days of Bhai Jeevan Singh jee doing keertan on the floor facing Guru Sahib, the elderly Sardar shouted abuse at Bhai Sahib and said that he is "Paapee" (Sinner) and misleading the Sangat by moving the Vaaje on the floor and who is he to change things around by not doing keertan on the stage. The man was very rude and insulting to Bhai Sahib (over such a trivial issue!).

Bhai Sahib calmly listened to his abuse and folded his hands in humility and just smiled sweetly. Bhai Sahib did not show any anger back and asked others from refraining to do so either. Late that night Gursikhs came to where Bhai Jeevan Singh jee was staying and said that they couldn't keep the good news and had to share it with Bhai Sahib. Bhai Sahib asked, "What is the news?" The Gursikhs said, "Look at Guru Jee's kirpaa (grace), that the 'Nindak' (slanderer) who slandered you has been shown a lesson. Bhai Sahib jee that Nindak became paralysed today and is now in hospital." The Gursikhs were overjoyed that the man who had been so offensive to Bhai Jeevan Singh jee was now suffering his punishment.

Rather than looking happy, Bhai Jeevan Singh jee looked concern and told the Gursikhs, "We must immediately go the hospital and find out how the man is doing." Arriving at the hospital Bhai Jeevan Singh jee recited Sukhmani Sahib da Paatth and did Ardaas for the well-being of the man. When the elderly man woke up and saw Bhai Sahib he felt remorse for his actions and asked forgiveness.
ਫਰੀਦਾ ਬੁਰੇ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਗੁਸਾ ਮਨਿ ਨ ਹਢਾਇ ||
fareeda burre da bhallaa kar gussaa man na handdaae. |
Fareed, answer evil with goodness; do not fill your mind with anger.

ਦੇਹੀ ਰੋਗੁ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਪਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਇ ||੭੮||
dehi rog na lage-ee palle sabh kichh paae. ||78||
Your body shall not suffer from any disease, and you shall obtain everything. ||78||
(Ang 1381)

It just shows the character of true Gurmukh. May Guru jee bless us all to fall the True Guru's Path and seek inspiration from such blessed souls.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

So inspiring!! This story for some reason reminded me of Jesus. How high are the true gursikhs that they naturally have the gun/qualities that people asscociate with prophets and saints such as Jesus! It's like their every action corresponds and follows bani!

Manbir Singh said...

Bhai Jeewan Singh Ji as I know is very fond of doing Kirtan. He would love to get kids around and start teaching Shabad Kirtan and I know due to his motivation many stated donig Kirtan.

Anonymous said...

Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh,

veer ji thank you very very much for sharing this story.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh

Manvir Singh (UK) said...

Someone asked where Bhai Sahib lives so they can have darshan (some how the comment got deleted by mistake).

Bhai Sahib lives in a house on the rear side of Akaal Takht Sahib. If you have cross the road and go towards Punjab and Sind Bank in the rear road - it is the first turning left (near Jain High School). Ask anyone about meeting Bhai Sahib Jeevan Singh and they will guide you.