Bhai Mani Singh Ji, an 18th century Sikh saint-scholar-leader, born in 1644, was blessed to have Darshan (audience) of four of the Great Sikh Gurus (Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji).
He was further blessed with Seva (selfless service) of scribing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as Guru Gobind Singh Ji dictated it from beginning to end over 9 months, and 9 days. So, Guru Ji ‘spoke’, Bhai Mani Singh Ji ‘listened’, and then he ‘scribed’. However, he did not only scribe the Guru’s immortalising Words on paper, but on his heart. Each Bachan (Word) of the Guru throughout his life, he listened and then wrote down in his heart and mind. This would later become evident at the end of his life.
In 1734, the age of 90 years old, Bhai Mani Singh Ji was arrested by Lakhpat Rai and handed over to the Mughal Governor of Punjab, Zakhriya Khan. He was given a choice - firstly, accept intimidation and slavery by paying a heavy fine without justification. Secondly, give up his faith and embrace the religion of the oppressor. Lastly, accept a torturous death by being cut piece by piece.
In simpler words- either accept slavery, have your Sikhi torn up into pieces, or have your body torn up into pieces. Bhai Mani Singh Ji chose to have his body torn up, rather than have his Sikhi and his principles torn up into pieces and hacked to destruction.
The Guru’s Immortalising Words scribed in his conscience, his heart, and mind, gave him the strength to endure the cruel pain and torture of having each joint hacked off but not to flinch or sigh.
Listen hard, and you will hear Bhai Mani Singh Ji’s immortal spirit speaking through the pages of history- “Dear son and daughter, when given a choice to either have my body hacked to pieces or my Sikhi hacked to pieces… I chose to save my Sikhi and have my body hacked… the Sikhi that I saved, have you kept it safe or have you done the job of the oppressors and cut up Sikhi* into pieces?”
*Note: What is Sikhi? Our unshorn hair (Kes), our Dastaar (turban), our Amrit Vela (rising up in the last watch of the night), Naam Simran (meditation), our Nitnem (daily prayers), our Kakkaars (articles of faith), and our high moral character.
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