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n this article, we will delve into another Saakhi of the Sikha Di Bhagat Maala series.
This series explores the life stories of Gursikhs from the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, as written by Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
The Story of 3 Gursikhs
ਪੁਰਖੁ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਤਾਰੂ ਭਾਰੂ ਦਾਸੁ ਦੁਆਰਾ I
Taru, Bharu, Das, the Sikhs at the door of the Guru are held as ideals for all the Sikhs.
Bhai Gurdas Ji mentions three Gursikhs who came to Guru Ramdas Ji and describes them as ideal Gursikhs, suggesting that we should all live our lives by their example. When they arrived to meet Guru Ramdas Ji, Katha (spiritual discourse) and Keertan (devotional singing) were ongoing in the Diwaan (spiritual gathering). As the program progressed, these Gursikhs felt fear in their minds. After the Satsang (holy assembly) concluded, they approached Guru Sahib Ji.
A Householder’s Life
The Gursikhs said to Guru Ramdas Ji, 'Guru Sahib Ji, we are all leading the lives of householders. As husbands with families to take care of, we find ourselves deeply engrossed in earning income and managing our homes. Consequently, we lack the time to engage in reading Gurbani or practicing any form of Bhagti (devotional worship). How, then, can householders like us attain liberation?
Vaheguru Provides for All
Upon hearing this, Guru Ramdas Ji says to the Gursikhs that just as Vaheguru has created everything in this world, He also takes care of sustaining all creatures. If you practice Sikhi with full faith, Vaheguru will ensure the sustenance of your family, relieving you of any worries.
Gurbani tells us,
ਸਿਰਿ ਸਿਰਿ ਰਿਜਕੁ ਸੰਬਾਹੇ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਕਾਹੇ ਮਨ ਭਉ ਕਰਿਆ ॥੨॥
Guru Sahib Ji asks us why we have fear in our mind when Parmaatma is taking care of us.
Implementing the Guru’s Word
The Gursikhs were inspired upon hearing Guru Ramdas Ji’s message. They informed their sons that henceforth, they would be responsible for managing the family business, caring for the children, and themselves. The three Gursikhs resolved to remain with Guru Ramdas Ji and serve the Sangat.
Witnessing their commitment, Guru Ramdas Ji asked the Gursikhs to do honest and hard work (Kirat), allocate ten percent of their earnings for charity (Dasvandh), and serve any Gursikh who visits their home. By following these practices, both they and their families would attain liberation.
Vaheguru has Got You!
Gurbani tells us,
ਕਾਹੇ ਰੇ ਮਨ ਚਿਤਵਹਿ ਉਦਮੁ ਜਾ ਆਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਪਰਿਆ ॥
Why, O mind, do you plot and plan, when the Dear Lord Himself provides for your care?
Guru Sahib Ji questions why we succumb to anxiety and exhaust ourselves with endless plans for the future when our sustenance is provided by Vaheguru. The arrangement for our sustenance is made even before our birth. Consider the elaborate process that each grain of rice on your plate undergoes before reaching you. The farmer cultivates the rice, it is transported, and we purchase it from the supermarket. If it is not destined for us, it will not reach us. However, if it is meant for us, it will come to us one way or another. Such is the power of faith.
Closing Thoughts..
ਸੈਲ ਪਥਰ ਮਹਿ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਏ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਰਿਜਕੁ ਆਗੈ ਕਰਿ ਧਰਿਆ ॥੧॥
From rocks and stones He created living beings; He places their nourishment before them. ||1||
Even the tiniest creatures, hidden under rocks, receive sustenance and food; then what about us, larger beings? Guru Sahib Ji has bestowed upon us hands and feet to work and earn an honest living. Therefore, it's essential to cherish every moment of life by remembering Vaheguru and serving the Sangat, without becoming overly preoccupied with the future. The key to a peaceful householder’s life lies in recognizing one's responsibilities while also dedicating time to Seva and Sangat. This involves hard work while entrusting all outcomes to Vaheguru and remaining free from worry.
This article is a transcribed version of the video Guru Sahib provides for me by Bibi Gurprit Kaur Ji.
