Monday, May 03, 2021

History of Guru Teg Bahadur Jee - Part 4: Practice what you preach



From (Guru) Teg Bahadur jee's childhood, it is evident that whatever advice they gave to others, they happily followed themselves as well. Once, the mother of one of (Guru) Teg Bahadur jee's playmates came to see him. The mother said to (Guru) Teg Bahadur jee, "Please tell your friend that he should not eat too much Gurr (jaggery sweet)."  (Guru) Teg Bahadur jee replied, "Mother, please bring your son to me next week."

So, the week after the mother brought her son to see (Guru) Teg Bahadur jee. (Guru) Teg Bahadur jee simply said, "Friend, it's not good to eat too much Gurr (jaggery sweet)." The mother couldn't understand why he couldn't have said this last week, and so she asked (Guru) Teg Bahadur jee for the reason of waiting for a week to say what he did. (Guru) Teg Bahadur jee replied, "Mother, last week I myself ate too much Gurr (jaggery sweet)." 

ਪ੍ਰਥਮੇ ਮਨੁ ਪਰਬੋਧੈ ਅਪਨਾ ਪਾਛੈ ਅਵਰ ਰੀਝਾਵੈ ॥
(The devotee of the Lord) first, instructs their own mind, and then, they lead and motivate others.
(Aasa M:5, Ang 381)

This was one example of how the Ninth Guru through his own practical life taught lessons of wisdom.



Source: Principal Satbir Singh's book, 'Et Jin Karee: Jeevani Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Jee' (page 17)

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