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.