2-46 Bhai Behlo

Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji gave wisdom to the Sikhs.  The Sikhs did Simran of Satnam and all their pain and troubles were gone.  They were in peace and joy.  The praises of Guru Arjan Dev ji grew by the day.  The Sikhs would tell others and they would come listening to Guru ji’s praises.  The Sikhs from the time of Guru Amardas ji, they were great and filled with power.  Guru Ramdas ji nurtured them further.  Hearing about the Kar of Sri Amritsar, the Sikhs came to wash away their sins.  They did the Seva and received the reward of Mukti.  The Sikhs left their homes to come to Amritsar to do Seva.  They dug the dirt out of the Sarovar.  They used shovels to dig.  Some people dug rich soil for the bricks.  They kneaded the mud to make the bricks.  Some carried the bricks and dirt on top of their heads.  Sikhs did whatever they could.  The masons laid the bricks for the Sarovar.  Some gathered manure for the bricks, to make them red.  Some people didn’t eat in the Langar and ate at home to earn their Seva.  They wanted to make sure the people who came from far got enough to eat.  Some Sikhs who were rich, brought money to pay workers to work on the Sarovar.  Some brought food for the Langar and some did Seva in the Langar.  Some Sikhs began to possess power; Riddhis and Siddhis.  They were able to travel far distances and come to Amritsar in the morning and leave in the evening.  They would come back in the morning to serve in the Sarovar.  They made their lives a success by doing Seva all day.  Satguru ji, the omniscient one, knew what everyone wanted and gave them what they wanted.  Guru ji saw the Sarovar as his father, Guru Ramdas ji’s body.  He wanted the world to know this and gave everyone joy and peace.  Guru ji gave the joys of the world to his Sikhs along with Mukti.  The Sikhs did seva.  They came from Lamma Desh, Dhunni, Ghayp, Potohaar, Takhat Hazaara, Chuch Hajara, Kabul, Peshawar, Kandahar, Balak Bukhara and Multan.  They came from the east and west.  They would come every 6 months to do Seva by stopping their household tasks.  They would take permission from Guru ji and go home again.  Guru ji would say to them: “how many kids do you have?  How many brothers do you have that work?  Since when have you been Sikhs?”  They would fold their hands and say: “we have been Sikhs since our grandfather’s time.  We have four kids by your grace.  They sit at our shops.”  Guru ji would say: “then send 2 of them to settle in Amritsar and set up shops.  They will make a lot of profit here.”  The Sikhs would then send 2 kids if they had 4.  Some had 2 kids and sent 1.  They came to Amritsar and became richer.  They would come to settle and also do Seva at the Sarovar.  Guru ji himself designed the markets and housing areas.  Every road led to the Sarovar.  The Sikhs served in the Sarovar.  Guru ji brought them to Amritsar so they were happy.  The Sikhs made homes to live in and made their shops.  The population began to grow and the roads were made.  Guru ji made many Sikhs settle in Amritsar.  Guru ji called them and the Sikhs came with faith.  Some came by themselves and some were called by Guru ji.  As their wishes were fulfilled, they were inspired to do more Seva. 

A Jaat by the name of Behlo lived in the village Fuffray.  He used to wear a hook in his neck as a symbol of the Sakhi Sarvar Peer, Syed Ahmad Sultan.  He used to gather many people to go the resting place of Sakhi Sarvar in the village of Nigaha.  Bhai Behlo worshiped Syed Ahmad Sultan and so everyone called him a “Sultani.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji sent a Sikh to Bhai Behlo ji to call him to Amritsar.  Guru ji sent a Hukamnama for him: “you are the Sikh of the Guru, come to the Guru.”  Bhai Behlo read this and looked at the Sikh with amazement.  He said: “I have never met your Guru.  I’ve never went to him before.  I have never written to him.  I don’t even know him.  Why should I go to your Guru?  Look at my clothes.  I am a follower of the Sakhi Sarvar.  I am a leader for my group.  People of the Malva area listen to me and go to the Nigahi Peer.  I am their leader.  Thousands of Sakhi Sarvar followers listen to me.  If I go to the Guru, their faith will be broken.  I am a Sultani and go to all the holy days to Nigaha.  I can’t leave my Peer for the Guru.  Without knowing the advantages, why should I go to the Guru?”  The Sikhs went back to Guru ji and told Guru ji what Bhai Behlo said: “Guru ji, Bhai Behlo does not know about the Guru’s home.  He does not meet with Sikhs.”  Guru ji heard the Sikh and smiled.  He said: “go and tell him it’s my command.  He doesn’t remember that he was my Sikh in his previous birth.  Tell him that he left his Dharma to go to the Turk Peers.  This is the way of foolish people.  This is the way of sheep.  He did not think of what was right or wrong.  They were born as Hindus but they worship Turk Peers.  They will not be successful here or in the life hereafter.  Sakhi Sarvar will not assist you in any world.  In fact, he will go to Hell.  Tell him: “you are the servant of the Guru from many births.  You have served the Sikhs.  Every time I have taken an Avatar, you have come along with me.  You will get the reward of many births in this birth.  This is the time for Mukti.  You have done hard work from many births.  You will be rewarded now.  The Amrit that Devatas and Munis look for, including  you, you will get it now.  Instead of coming here, you are going to the Peers.”  The Sikh took this message and went back to Bhai Behlo.  The Sikh met Bhai Behlo and told him Guru ji’s words: “you have wanted Mukti for many births.  You have been Guru ji’s servant for many births.  The time to be rewarded, is now here.  You will get Mukti now.  Come to the Guru and get Mukti.”  Bhai Behlo was amazed and confused.  He never thought about his previous births.  He wondered who the Guru was.  He said to the Sikh: “I am unwise and don’t know about my previous births.  Which Mukti or Amrit was I looking for?  If Satguru ji is speaking the truth, then I want him to call me with his power.  I want to see his power.”  He served the Sikh with great respect.  In the morning the Sikh left.  Bhai Behlo folded his hands and said: “when Guru ji shows me the truth, I will definitely come.”  The Sikh went back to Amritsar and said to Guru ji: “he says that he is unwise.  He wishes to know about his previous birth.”  Guru ji heard this and wrote about Bhai Behlo’s previous life on a piece of paper and sent it with the Sikh to go back with. 

2-47 Bhai Behlo Part 2

Guru ji wrote the details of Bhai Behlo’s previous birth and gave the letter to the Sikh.  The Sikh was sent back to Bhai Behlo.  The Sikh came to Bhai Behlo and the letter was given to him.  Bhai Behlo took the letter and put the letter to his forehead with respect.  He knew that Saints should be respected.  He opened the letter and began to read it.  It was written about his previous birth.  He was amazed when he read it.  He began to think about it.  He thought to himself: “he knows about my previous birth.  I should go to him.  If I am fortunate, my bounds to this world may be broken now.  The state that Munis wish for and kings let go of great kingdoms for; the various Tapasyas that Tapasvis do; they still can’t reach that state.  That state I am going to get by meeting the Guru.  Many saints let go of their families, renouncing their attachments to do Tapasya.  They live in solitude and still don’t get Mukti.  I am going to get that Mukti now.  I worship Sakhi Sarvar and many people follow me, but I will go to the Satguru now and pray to his feet, the one that knows about my previous birth.  If I get Mukti there, what will Sarvar say?  It seems as though my good karma has come to fruition.  I am going to see the Guru.  The Satguru is the giver of knowledge.  If it is not good to go there, I want my Sakhi Sarvar to stop me.  I want him to give me signs.  He should tell me in my dreams not to go.”  The Sikh said to Bhai Behlo: “why do you still follow the Turk Peer?  You’ve seen the power of the Guru, who told you your previous birth.”  Bhai Behlo replied: “I have been following Sakhi Sarvar my whole life.  I still have faith and love for him.”  Bhai Behlo was ready to go.  He was looking for the signs not to go.  He left his home and travelled to Amritsar with the Sikh.  The interesting thing that happened was that he saw good signs all around him.  The wind came from the back, he saw a woman carrying a pot of water and other good omens.  Sri Parmeshwar had blessed him.  He was still wearing the symbols of Sakhi Sarvar: the necklace, green clothes and a stick.  He thought to himself: “I will walk to the Sutlej.  If there is no bad omen, I will take my symbols off and throw them into the river.  I will see till then and wait for my Peer to stop me.  Otherwise I will travel as a Sikh from there on.”  In this way, he travelled with double-mindedness.

Bhai Behlo and the Sikh travelled to the Sutlej.  There was no bad omen.  They bathed at the river and ate food.  There was a ferry there in which they sat to cross the river.  After boarding the ferry and reaching a distance, Bhai Behlo took off his necklace, carrying case and all the symbols of the Sakhi Sarvar.  He threw them all into the river.   His doubts were all gone now.  He left his Sakhi Sarvar, seeing him as a false prophet.  He folded his hands and bowed to Guru Arjan Dev ji from the ferry.  His mind was determined now.  He had faith in the Guru.  They passed many villages and reached the court of Guru ji with the Sikh.  Sitting on the Guru’s throne, directing the Seva of Amritsar, was the gracious Guru, Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Bhai Behlo folded his hands and bowed his head with great humility on Guru ji’s feet.  He said to Guru ji: “seeing me as your servant, you called me.  I am unwise and ignorant.  I did not know your greatness.  You are the protector of the poor and weak.  I am in your sanctuary now.  I have come for your support.  For millions of births, I have seen my pain.  For your name’s sake, please make me your servant and assign me a task.  I didn’t know about your praises and how big you are.  You have come here in human form to help people like me.”  Guru ji said: “if you have Shurda, faith, in your heart, then all your tasks are completed by themselves.  The worship of Devatas, Devis, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; will not come to fruition unless you have Shurda.  Shurda gives you all the rewards.  Without Shurda, nothing happens.  Shurda is the root and Bhagti is the bark.  Gyaan is born as the tree from this.  The fruit of Mukti is then obtained from this, which is not affected by any trouble.  Without Shurda, all karma and actions are without fruit.  Without Shurda, the mind is not pure nor is Dharma achieved.  For this reason, Oh Behlo, Shurda is the first requirement within the heart.”  Guru ji gave Bhai Behlo wisdom and tasks to do.  Guru ji said: “you will get paid for your work as well.  Go and work on the Teerath with the Sangat.  Go to the brick ovens and bake the bricks.  Many Sikhs are doing Seva there.  The mud is dried and then baked.  You are to bake the bricks and make sure they are solid.  Stay there and do the Seva.  Make others do the Seva as well.”  Bhai Behlo was happy to be given the tasks.  He was happy to be accepted as a Sikh.

Bhai Behlo ji went to where the ovens were.  He went to the Sikhs and helped out where he could.  At night time, he would go to Sikhs houses and ask for food.  He ate less.  He did Simran in Guru ji’s love all night long.  During the day, he did Seva.  He asked some of the experienced Sikhs: “how can the bricks be solid?”  One of the Sikhs told him: “if you want better bricks, manure and feces is needed.  They bake slowly and make the bricks solid.  The bricks will be nice and red then.”  Bhai Behlo heard this and then went to the Chandaals (the cremators).  He collected the dirt and feces from them and brought it to the ovens.  He asked them to put it in a pile everyday so he can bring it back.  He did this Seva with great love.  The bricks would come out nice and red.  This made Bhai Behlo really happy.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, the omniscient one, was noticing Bhai Behlo’s difficult Seva of collecting feces and manure.  Guru ji asked to inspect the bricks from one of the Sikhs: “bring some of the bricks that Bhai Behlo is baking.”  Guru ji saw the bricks and tapped them together.  It made a bell-like sound.  Guru ji was extremely happy.  He said: “these are excellent!”  Seeing Bhai Behlo’s Seva, Guru ji blessed him.  He made his mind pure with his sight upon him.  His vices, jealousy and desires were all gone.  His mind was pure.  Bhai Behlo continued to do Seva day and night.

One day, Guru Arjan Dev ji was sitting down when the Langri came and said: “there is no flour in the Langar today.  This will be a problem.”  There were Sikhs near Guru ji.  Guru ji said to them: “someone else should do the Seva of the Langar today.”  Bhai Behlo ji got up right away and said: “the wages that you had assigned to me, a lot has accumulated.  I haven’t spent any of that money.  I wish to buy flour with that money.  I am consuming your blessings.  Please take this and use it for the Langar.  This is yours.”  Guru ji then said: “from today onwards, don’t ask for food.  You have been asking for food.  That food has been coming to me because when you do Simran and eat, that food comes to me.  From now on, eat from the Langar.  Don’t ask for food.  You have love for the Guru.  I am happy with you.  Don’t ever ask for food again.  When a Sikh gives you food, they say Vahiguru and give it to me.  When you eat it, it comes to me because you have love for me.  You say Vahiguru again when you eat.  So it is me that is with you when you ask for food.  Half of the food you give away and eat the other half.  That half comes to me as well.  Eat Langar only and do Seva.”  Bhai Behlo ji obeyed and then only ate from the Langar. 

Many Sikhs lift dirt and take it away from the Sarovar.  When Bhai Behlo ji finishes his baking work of the bricks, he comes to carry the dirt from the diggers.  The basket gets quite heavy but he doesn’t stop the digger when he fills it.  Instead, he stands there and looks at Guru ji.  Bhai Behlo lifts the basket and keeps his vision on Guru ji to see his beautiful form.  He looks at Satguru ji’s face.  The digger would tell Bhai Behlo to pick up the basket.  Bhai Behlo would have three people help him lift it onto his head.  Bhai Behlo wouldn’t complain and carry it outwards.  He would quickly throw the dirt and run back.  He would come back and stand there again with his hands folded to look at Guru ji.  The digger would see Bhai Behlo and purposely over-fill his basket to laugh at him.  Others would laugh at him but Bhai Behlo didn’t care.  He still carried the heavy basket and came back quickly.  He stayed quiet as he was drenched in Guru ji’s love.  Every time Guru ji would sit there, Bhai Behlo would come to carry the baskets of dirt.  He wanted to see Guru ji all the time.  When Guru ji would get up to go somewhere else, Bhai Behlo ji would come back to the ovens.  At night time, he slept less and did as much Simran as he could.  He was not lazy, hungry or thirsty.  He would love to look at Guru ji like Chakors.  The rest of the time he did the Seva of baking the bricks. 

Bhai Bhagtoo, who was born from the soul of Guru Ramdas ji, came to Amritsar to participate in the great Seva.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji was born by the word of Guru Ramdas ji.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji also served by carrying the dirt in the baskets, atop his head. 

2-48 The Kiln of Bhuddu/ Bhai Lakhoo

There was a potter by the name of Bhuddu.  He was a Sikh with great patience.  He lived in Lahore and visited Guru ji often.  He did the Seva of Sikhs and made an honest living.  He had great faith in Guru ji and started his tasks by doing an Ardaas to Guru ji.  He made bricks and sold them for a living in Lahore.  He would invite Sikhs to his home on special days and make Langar for them.  He had great faith and devotion, so all his tasks were always successful.

There was a time when Bhai Bhuddu made a really big kiln to bake bricks in.  He spent thousands of Rupees on it by taking loans from Shahukaars.  He hired many workers to make and work the kiln.  The workers fetched fire wood and baked the bricks.  The kiln was like a mountain.  It was quite big.  It took about 3 months to make the kiln.  A lot of money was spent on this kiln.  It costed more than he expected.  Almost twice as much.  He said to the Shahukaars from which he took his loan from: “when my bricks are sold, I will pay you back your money.  This will take many months though.”  He took a loan to pay for it.  Most of the money was spent on the workers to make the kiln.  He had thousands of workers working.  In the evening he would pay them.  After a few months the kiln was ready.  It was time to fire up the kiln and he thought of Guru Sahib: “I should worship the feet of Guru ji.  The task will be without obstacles then.  This is the glory of the Satsangat, that is known.”  After thinking about this, he set off to Amritsar to see Guru ji and ask for his blessings.  It took about 2 days to get to Amritsar.  He bathed from a well and then took a dip in the Sarovar that was still being built.  He recited Japji Sahib after taking a bath in the pool of Amritsar.  Although the Sarovar was still being built, a part of the Sarovar had water to bathe in.   Guru Arjan Dev ji was sitting in his seat, like Vishnu Prabhoo sitting in Vaikunt.  The Rababis were singing Keertan in various Raags.  Listening to the Keertan would give a person many rewards.  It was Bhai Satta and Bhai Balwand who were doing Keertan.  There was a big pile of money in front of Guru ji that had gathered since morning.  A Sikh was waiving a beautiful Chaur on top of Guru ji.  The throne was great on which he was sitting on.  There were many Sikhs all around Guru ji.  Guru ji was sitting with his Sikhs and looking radiant just as Shiv sits with the Munis.  Bhai Bhuddu presented his offerings in front of Guru ji as well.  The Mevra did an Ardaas for him to Guru ji: “Guru ji, this is your Sikh Bhai Bhuddu from Lahore who seeks the gift of Sikhi from you.  He wishes to gain faith and devotion.  He has spent a lot of money for a brick kiln.  He wishes to seek your blessings to start his kiln.  If you bless him, his kiln would be a success.”  Guru ji heard the Ardaas and had Amrit in his eyes.  He looked at Bhai Bhuddu and said: “your task will be complete.  Serve the Sikhs with the greatest devotion.  Make Langar for them.  The bricks will be great then and all your wishes will be fulfilled.”  Bhai Bhuddu bowed to Guru ji and came back to Lahore.

Bhai Bhuddu had faith on Guru ji’s word.  He fired up the kiln and started the business.  After a few days, he saw nice bricks being made.  He thought to himself: “I should call Sikhs and have them for Langar.  I’ll call them over now.  I will sell my bricks after that.  I will repay my loan.”  Bhai Bhuddu went home and told his wife: “make delicious Langar for the Sikhs.”  He called a lot of Sikhs from Lahore to his home for Langar.   The Sikhs came and ate Langar.  He washed their hands before and after.  He had Keertan Seva before the Langar.  The Rababis sang Shabads and then Ardaas was done.  The Langar was then distributed.  Everyone was satiated and enjoyed the food.  The Langar was finished.  Afterwards, a Sikh by the name of Bhai Lakhoo ji Patoolia came.  He said to Bhai Bhuddu: “I am here for the Guru’s Langar.  I want to eat as well.  You made it for the Guru, therefore I am entitled to take part in the Langar as well.  I am late but I wish to eat.”  Bhai Bhuddu looked in the kitchen and noticed that all the Langar was finished.  He said to Bhai Lakhoo: “all the Langar has been distributed.  You could have had some if you came earlier.”  All the hands of the Sangat were washed.  The Sangat stood up and began to do Ardaas: “Sri Satguru ji, Bhai Bhuddu is your Sikh.  He has made and fed Langar to the Sangat.  Please complete his tasks for his business and bless him with prosperity.  May his bricks bake to the desired hardness.”  Bhai Lakhoo heard the Ardaas and spoke out aloud: “Bhuddu!  Your bricks will remain soft.  He saw me hungry and didn’t give me anything to eat.  His bricks will not be hard.”  Bhai Bhuddu said to Bhai Lakhoo: “who are you to say my bricks will be soft?  I was blessed by Guru ji.  He said my bricks will be complete.  What kind of a Sikh are you to reverse Guru ji’s words?  The words of the Guru are always true.  You didn’t come at the right time.  It was your fault.  You are angry and cursing me but you were the one that was late.  I am a Sikh.  The Sangat is great too.  I have given them Langar.”  Bhai Lakhoo responded: “I am a Sikh too.  You didn’t feed me.  Your bricks will remain soft.”  Bhai Lakhoo was on his way after saying this for the third time.

The next day, Bhai Bhuddu checked his kiln.  He looked at his bricks.  They were all soft.  The first 5 were red that he had seen a few days ago.  They were the only ones that were red.  The rest were all soft.  Bhai Bhuddu got scared that his bricks were soft: “my principle is gone and I won’t be able to sell these soft bricks.  I spent a lot of money on this.  My money is gone into the mud.”  He was really scared and thinking about his loan that he needed to repay.  He thought: “what will I do now?”  He thought of Guru ji and decided to go see him.  He set off to Amritsar.

Bhai Bhuddu met Guru ji and bowed to him.  He told him his whole story and said: “Guru ji I followed your instructions with faith and called the Sangat for Langar but the batch of bricks were soft.  I will not make any profit.  I am drowning in loans now.  You are my only support, Guru ji.  I will die but never be able to pay off my loan.”  Guru ji said: “when you gave Langar to the Sangat, was there a Sikh that left hungry?  Did something go wrong?  Think about out and tell me truthfully.”  Bhai Bhuddu folded his hands and said: “everyone was happy after eating.  Keertan happened and Langar was served.  A Sikh came afterwards when the Langar was finished.  I couldn’t feed him.  The Sangat was doing an Ardaas and Bhai Lakhoo said out loud 3 times that my batch of bricks will be soft and raw.  I told him that is not possible because Guru ji has said it would be complete.  I told him that you can’t cut Guru ji’s word but that is exactly what happened.  I don’t understand what happened.  This is what went wrong.  We had a little argument as well.  I argued with him by mistake.  I should have asked for forgiveness from him instead.  It wasn’t my fault though because he was late.  I would have given him food if he was on time.  He cursed me when he left.  I tried to find him but he couldn’t be found.”  Guru ji heard this and went quiet.  Bhai Bhuddu was really worried at this point.  He stood there with his head down.  All he could think of was the loan: “what will I do now.”  After a while, Guru ji looked at Bhai Bhuddu and said: “you didn’t do a good thing.  You made someone leave hungry from your home.  My Sikhs’ words are not reversable.  I can’t reverse my Sikhs’ words.  The Sikhs can reverse my words but their words can’t be reversed.  The Langar you made for the Sikhs, you should have made sure no one left hungry.  This is a bad thing.  Whoever listens to my teachings their tasks will be complete.  You should be aware of my Sikhs’ words.  Those words can do anything.  Don’t disrespect my Sikhs.  Their words are sweet.  Greet them with respect.  See them as your friend and Lord.  Don’t worry though.  Your tasks will be complete.  I will make sure to make your tasks complete.  Don’t make this mistake again.  Disrespecting a Sikh will be very bad.  Your soft bricks will remain soft but they will sell at the price of the hard ones.  You will be able to repay your loan and make the profit you want.  Serve the Sikhs and you will be happy.”  Bhai Bhuddu came back to Lahore after bowing to Guru ji.  Bhai Bhuddu came home and checked his bricks.  He took out the bricks from the kiln and noticed they were still soft.  He regretted his mistakes.  He thought of Guru ji’s word and that gave him hope. 

There was a time when it rained a lot in a matter of a few days from by Bhai Bhuddu ji’s incident.  No other potter was making any bricks at that time.  The fort of the king needed bricks as the walls were leaking.  The kings’ men looked for bricks but couldn’t find any.  They were desperate as the King was coming back in a few days from a trip.  The king’s men found out that Bhai Bhuddu had bricks.  They called him to the fort and said: “we need bricks.  How much will you charge?”  Bhai Bhuddu responded: “I will sell you my soft bricks at the price of hard ones.  Your walls will be fine though.”  The officers agreed and paid him the price he asked for.  Bhai Bhuddu was able to repay his loan and made a profit which he had wanted.  He saw the greatness of Guru ji.  He also noticed the greatness of the Sikhs.  He knew that Guru ji completes the Sikhs’ words.  He reversed his own words.  Guru ji had blessed him again.  The soft bricks were sold at the price of the hard ones.  The Sikhs all heard this and sang the praises of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Just as Vasudev Krishan reversed his words for Bheesham and made his words true; “I will not wield weapons in the war,” said Krishan.  Bheesham, in a bout of devotion said: “I will surely make you pick up a weapon then.”  Krishan ji broke his own vow and picked up a wheel and came towards Bheesham, to honor his devotee’s word.  Guru ji’s ways are just the same.  All the Sikhs saw this that Guru ji was the supreme Avatar of Akaal Purakh.  He didn’t care about his own words but gave priority to his Sikh’s word.

2-49 Ganga Ram the Brahmin comes to sell his Oat

From the area of Bathinda, came a person named Ganga Ram who was a Brahmin.  He was a Pandit, who performed religious ceremonies and weddings.  He also had a business on the side of selling oat.  He had many carts filled with oats that he brought to Lahore.  He travelled through the Sutlej and Beas to get to the Majha area.  When he reached Majha, he asked someone: “I need to sell my oats.  Where can I sell it?  I want to sell it quickly so I can go back to Bathinda.”  After asking a few people, the people told him: “Guru Arjan Dev ji is doing the Kar of Amritsar.  There is a lot of food needed there for the Langar.  Many Sikhs come to do Seva and workers come to work there.  Day and night, people stay there, so they need food.  You should go there and sell your oat.  Your business will be good and you will get to take part in the Seva.  You can go back happy then.  There is no other place that would buy your 500 Munns of oats.”  Ganga Ram ji had hope and took his oat to Sri Amritsar.  He travelled slowly.

He reached Guru ka Chak and unloaded his carts.  He set up camp and rested.  He saw thousands of people there from around the lands, speaking different languages.  Some were from foreign lands but they all had love for each other.  He saw them all doing Seva of the Sarovar.  Some were making bricks and some were preparing the grout, known as choona, for the bricks.  Thousands of Sikhs were at work.  Lentils and other tough materials went into the choona.  Some Sikhs brought firewood for the kilns.  Many gathered pebbles and dirt and kept them in one place.  Some would bring them close to the Sarovar.  Some laid bricks.  There were piles of bricks stacked all along the Sarovar.  Some carried the choona and mud to the Sarovar.  Some grinded the choona and some brought it to the masons and brick layers.  Guru ji sat close by to direct the Seva.  Many faithful Sikhs were there doing Seva, who were some of the greatest Brahmgyaanis to ever walk this earth.  They did Seva for love.  They felt like they were massaging Guru Ramdas ji’s feet by doing this Seva of the Sarovar.  Some workers were paid to work there.  In the evening they were paid.  Many tradesmen were working.  The Sikhs helped out the tradesmen.  Ganga Ram ji saw the faith and devotion of the Sikhs and was amazed.  He noticed the peace and tranquility of Seva and Simran.  He thought to himself: “these people are working with such faith and devotion.”  Ganga Ram ji had a turning point in his thought process.  He got pulled towards the love of the Guru.  He understood the radiance of Guru ji, as he was a scholar of the Vedas.  He saw the Saint and Brahmgyaani for the first time that he had read about.  He bowed from afar and went back to his camp.  He ate his food and went to sleep.

That same day, the food for Langar finished and Langar couldn’t be made.  Nobody brought anything that day.  The flour was finished that came from the villages.  There were thousands of people there.  Food is made all day long so a lot of food was needed.  The day that Ganga Ram came was the day that the Langar finished for the first time.  There was no Langar that day.  On the next day, no food or rations came.  Ganga Ram ji noticed that nobody was eating: “there is so much money that comes but there is no food.  They are doing Seva day and night for their own good.  They get blessed by their Guru.  They give money and do Seva.  I should do the Seva for the Sikhs too.”  The faith of the Guru was coming into Ganga Ram ji.  “I will do Seva and earn good karma.  I will earn Sikhi.”  Another day passed and there was no Langar.  “It’s my time to do Seva now.”  He thought about giving the oat.  He went to the Langar and wanted to find out what was going on: “where does the Langar come from?”  The Sikhs said: “the food comes with the Sikhs.  The Sangat brings it.  Thousands of people do Seva and eat Langar.  The Sikhs bring everything.  They fold their hands and give the Langar.  This is the Langar of Guru Nanak Dev ji which is in abundance.  It has been going on for a long time.”  Ganga Ram ji said: “I came here to sell my oat.  I am a Brahmin from Bathinda.  I thought it would be better to sell it here.  Today, I want you to take the oat from me and make Langar for the Sangat.  I can’t tolerate their hunger.  I don’t feel good that they hadn’t had any food.  The children and women are hungry.  I would love to do this Seva.  Take these oats from me.”  The Langri said: “I can’t make that decision.  I will have to ask Guru ji if I can take your oats.” 

The Langri went to Guru ji and said: “a Brahmin from Jungle (Malva) country has come to sell his oat.  He wishes to offer his oat for the Langar.  Please let me know what is your wish.  We can take the oat and make Langar.”  Guru ji said to the Langri: “weigh the oat and take what you need.  He has come to sell his oats and we will pay him.  The mela of Vaisakhi is upon us and a lot of money will be collected.  We will pay him then.”  The Langri went back to Ganga Ram ji and said: “Guru ji has ordered us to buy 100 Munns of oats from you but we will pay you on Vaisakhi.”  Ganga Ram ji agreed.

Langar was made from the oats.  The 100 Munns were used in one day.  The next day, there was no food again.  No rations were brought.  Ganga Ram ji came again to ask.  He had faith in his heart and did the same thing as the day before: “please take another 100 Munns.”  The Langri bought another 100 Munns.  On the third day, another 100 Munns were purchased.  The Langar was made and the Sikhs ate and did Seva.  For five days this continued.  The oats were all finished now.  Ganga Ram noticed the routines of the Sikhs of how they woke up in the morning and recited Bani.  He was impressed with Guru Sahib ji as well.  He saw the radiance on the faces of the Sikhs and was impressed.  The Brahmin was motivated.  His faith grew by the day.  The Sikhs did Seva.  Some Sikhs paid the workers to work.  They earned Seva.  He saw the way of the Sikhs and his love grew.  He started to do Seva himself with the Sikhs.  He carried dirt on his head and recited Vahiguru.  The love and faith in his heart grew.  If someone’s good fortune is upon them, they do not need to be taught on what to do.  It was his fate.  He forgot about his home and did Seva with love.  For many days he stayed with Guru ji.  He did Seva with faith and devotion.

It was soon Vaisakhi and a lot of money was collected.  Sikhs from every direction had come.  A great crowd gathered in the Guru’s court.  Many gifts were brought, including clothes and money.  Some brought food and some brought money.  The people that came, they had love and faith.  Their wishes were all fulfilled.  Guru ji fulfilled all their dreams.  The Mevra did the Ardaas for the Sikhs as they came.  He presented their wishes.  Guru ji would happily give them joy and peace.  The Sikhs would meet Guru ji and be filled with joy.  The mela went on for many days.  People began to return to their homes.  Ganga Ram ji was over-joyed to do the Seva during the Vaisakhi Jor Mela.  The love in his heart grew.  He had been there for a few months now and had totally forgotten about his home and his business.  He was mesmerized by the Guru’s radiance.  He only had the goal of life on his mind now.  He had realised that the world was not permanent nor were the people.  His attachment was gone.  He only had the Guru in his mind.  After a few days of Vaisakhi, Guru Arjan Dev ji remembered Ganga Ram ji and called him: “the Pandit we had bought 500 Munns of oats from, let’s pay him his money.  We have the money now.”  One of the Masands went to go call Ganga Ram ji.  He came to him and said: “Guru ji is calling you.  Stand up and come with me.”  Pandit Ganga Ram ji got worried.  He thought to himself: “I wonder why Guru ji is calling me.”  He got up and went with the Masand Sikh.  He came to Guru ji and bowed to him.  He sat down near Guru ji’s feet.  There was a lot of love in his heart.  He was drenched in love because of Seva.  He had forgotten everything about his home and the money he was owed.

2-50 Ganga Ram/ Mool Chand

Ganga Ram sat near Guru ji.  Guru Arjan Dev ji looked at him with grace in his eyes.  He said to Ganga Ram: “Pandit ji, take the money for the oats you sold to us.  You did a great service.  You can go home now.  You helped us by giving us the oat at our time of need.  You didn’t ask for money right away.  There was nothing to eat and you gave us the oats.  The Satsangat ate.  For this reason, I will give you 25% more than you are owed.  You came from a far distance.  You gave us the oat on credit and trusted us.  We will pay you more for this reason.”  Pandit Ganga Ram ji folded his hands and said: “Guru ji, I don’t want the money.  I only want to do Seva.  I want my life to be a blessing.  I don’t wish to go home.  I will stay here with the Sangat and do Seva for the rest of my days.  There is no other home greater that here.  You are the greatest family member one could have.  My soul will be blessed here.  I don’t want to go and leave your home.  I only think of your name.  You are in my heart.”  Guru ji said: “take the money.  Do the Seva but we have to complete our promise.  Take the money and send it to your home for your children.  They have a right to this money.  If you want to go, you can go and take the money.  Otherwise send the money through a hoondi.  You can come back and do Seva as you are doing now.  Guru Ramdas ji will fulfill all your wishes.  You will get more Seva to do.  We can’t keep this money as it is for a Brahmin.  The Langar runs with the Dasvand of the Sikhs.  We don’t take money from someone’s earnings.  Only the Dasvand.  There is no shortage in the Guru’s home.  Money comes and money is spent here on Langar.”  Ganga Ram was humbled and bowed his head.  He said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, I am your Sikh as well.  I have offered the oats as a Seva.  I only want to do Seva.  I don’t want to go home.  I have no other wish.  I wish to be your Sikh.  Wash my doubts away.  Have mercy on my and make your Sikh.  I have come to your sanctuary.  I have heard that you are gracious and generous; you bless the poor and weak.  You have mercy on the poor.  You love your Sikhs like a father and mother.  I will not leave you.  Whoever leaves you is a fool.  I have understood who you are and that’s why I am here.  I have renounced my family, home and business.  I have no attachments with anyone else.  I have found you.  You are the master of the universe.  You are the complete Guru.”  Guru ji saw the determination in Ganga Ram ji’s heart.  He blessed him with Charan Pahul.  Ganga Ram ji was given Charan Pahul and initiated into Sikhi.  Ganga Ram’s doubts were all washed away.  He assigned his Seva to Ganga Ram and made him into a Sikh.  Ganga Ram ji was in joy and did Seva with determination.  His good karma from his previous births had awaken which led him to meeting the Satguru.  His mind became purer as he continued his Seva. 

As time passed, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji blessed Ganga Ram ji and called for him.  Sitting next to Guru ji, Guru ji gave Ganga Ram ji Brahmgyaan and showed him how to do Samadhi with the Simran of Satnam.  He instantly received Aatam Gyaan when Guru ji showed him.  The Siddhis were standing all around him with their hands folded.  Whatever would come out of his mouth, would now come true.  He continued doing Seva at the Sarovar.  He possessed many powerful Siddhis now.  After a few months, Guru ji called for him and said: “go back to you home now.”  Ganga Ram ji obeyed the orders, as he understand that obeying was the highest thing.  He came back to Bathinda.  He was a full Brahmgyaani now, detached from all attachments.  His desires and ego had all died.  He was not influenced by the world nor did he desire anything from the world.  The Satnam now resided in his heart.  When he came back to Bathinda, the people who knew him were amazed to see him.  Everyone respected him now.  They saw his radiance and bowed to him.  He was glowing with Aatam Gyaan.  Ganga Ram ji didn’t go home.  He sat under a tree about 1 km from his home.  He did Simran all day long.  Whatever came out of his mouth, came out to be true.  He made it known that he denounced his Purohit duties and made his children do the same.  For the families that he was a Purohit for, he gave his responsibilities to another Purohit by writing a letter.  He made his children denounce the Purohit duties and made them do Simran of Satnam.

There were two Khatri brothers that lived in Bathinda.  They were quite rich.  The elder was Bidhi Chand and the younger was Siddhi Chand.  Siddhi Chand began to do Seva of Ganga Ram ji, as he always sat under a tree away from his house.  He brought food for him everyday and brought water for him.  Siddhi Chand sat by him all day long.  He became his Sikh and did Simran with him.  When Ganga Ram ji would come out of his samadhi, he would give Siddhi Chand wisdom as he already was a scholar and explained Gurbani to him.  When he would give out an order, Siddhi Chand would serve him right away.  Siddhi Chand let go of his ego of being a rich person.  We would bring clothes for Ganga Ram ji every month and washed his clothes.  He brought delicious food for him everyday and brought cold water for him.  He would impress Ganga Ram ji all day long and served him for 12 years, non-stop.  He had faith and devotion towards Ganga Ram ji.  He knew that he had been blessed by Guru Arjan Dev ji for doing Seva in Amritsar.  After 12 years, Ganga Ram ji was impressed with Siddhi Chand and said: “I am happy with your Seva.  What is your desire?  Why do you serve me?  Tell me what you wish for.  Guru Nanak Dev ji will give you what you want.  You served me with faith and devotion.  I am happy.  I wish to bless you.”  Siddhi Chand heard this and folded his hands.  He was filled with joy and said: “if you are gracious, please bless me.  I don’t have a son.  We have tried many medicines but nothing worked.  Please give me a son that will be a saint.  Your words can do all this.”  Pandit Ganga Ram ji heard Siddhi Chand.  He was a Sikh of the Guru.  He noticed that his servant was without a son.  He had served him with faith and devotion for 12 years.  He said to him: “you will have a great saint born to you.  He will be known in the world as a great saint.  He will have Gyaan, Buddhi and Siddhis.  People will bow to him.  When he will be born, he will show miracles.  Whoever will see him, will bow to him.  He will be born with 10-inch-long hair which will be purely white.  He will have Siddhis as soon as he will be born.  He will make your family famous and he will be a great saint.  He will bless many and will be generous.  He will come by the blessing of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji.  The whole world will know him.  He will call himself a servant but people will see him as a Guru.  He will have a lot of powers.  This is your reward for doing my Seva.”  Siddhi Chand was over-joyed to hear all of this.   He bowed his head to Ganga Ram ji and was in bliss.  He continued doing Ganga Ram ji’s Seva. 

A year later, Siddhi Chand’s wife was pregnant.  There was a great celebration.  After 9 months, a son was born with white hair that was 10 inches long.  People around the area came to see him.  They saw his 10-inch-long white hair.  People bowed to him seeing his white hair as a sign of a powerful saint.  People saw that Ganga Ram’s words were true.  Siddhi Chand brought his son to Ganga Ram ji.  He said: “this is my son.  Please name him.”  Ganga Ram ji named him “Mool Chand.”  His life was great.  He was a powerful person with Siddhis.  He preached Sikhi in Malva and had many powers.  The whole world bowed to him.  Ganga Ram ji got all his blessings from Amritsar and became a great and powerful saint.  His words were so strong that blessed others with sons who were powerful saints.  All of these blessings came from the Seva of Amritsar Sarovar.  The ones who did Simran of Satnam, their names are still spoken in history.  Ganga Ram and Mool Chand are known in the area of Sunaam.  There is a great temple there in memory of Bhai Mool Chand ji.  The generations of Ganga Ram ji are in charge of that area (during Kavi Santokh Singh ji’s time).  They all serve the Sangat there and run the Langar.  People come to bow there and do Seva.  Their wishes are fulfilled.  There were many who did Seva in Amritsar and were blessed in both worlds.  They received many powers by doing Seva and Simran.