Sikhi Vs. Smoking and Vaping...

CHOOSING DEATH OVER TOUCHING TOBACCO 

~ STORY OF BHAI JAI SINGH JEE 

Bhai Jai Singh ‘Khal-katt’ was a devout, faithful, honest and hard working Sikh of the Guru who lived in the village of Mughalmajra about 5km on the Patiala to Sirhind Road. One day in 1753 Bhai Jai Singh jee was sitting in a field doing Naam Abhyaas (engaged in meditation) when the Muslim Governor Abdul Samund Khan passed by. Bhai Jai Singh jee didn’t get up or salute Samund Khan as he was not even aware of his presence. His 2nd in Command kicked him awake and ordered him, “Wake up! Carry the Nawaab’s (Governor’s) baggage!” At that time such free labour was conscripted to carry baggage from one village to another. 

Bhai Jai Singh jee replied, “Can you please tell me what is in the bag that you have asked me to carry?” Bhai Sahib suspected from the smell that it might be hukka and tobacco. The Mughal admitted that it was indeed tobacco and hukka of the Nawaab. Bhai Jai Singh jee refused point blank to touch the bag and said, “It is my Guru’s Hukam (order) that I cannot touch the tobacco, let alone carry the bag containing it.” 

Bhai Sahib was dragged to the nearest tree and his feet were tied to the branches, with his body hanging downwards. Using sharp blades they peeled off the skin from Bhai Sahib’s entire body, starting from the feet. Within minutes his whole body and the ground become red with blood. All along this barbaric torture Bhai Sahib was repeating the Name of God, “Vaheguru… Vaheguru…”. 

After Bhai Sahib’s martyrdom, the Governor ordered for Bhai Sahib’s wife, 2 sons and daughter-in-law to be mercilessly killed. When the Khalsa armies heard of this great tragedy they attacked the village of Mughalmajra and attacked the barbaric Mughals. Today in the village Baran stands a Gurdwara in memory of this forgotten sacrifice. 

Guru Nanak’s Sikhi is life. Living it and sharing it message with others can save someone’s life and brings positivity. Consuming tobacco and vaping brings death and negativity. We can choose between being a messenger of life or messenger of death. 

NOTE: Sangat is here to support anyone who wishes to give up smoking/vaping and follow the Path of Sikhi