In this article we will be going through Saakhi #3 of the Sikha di Bhagat Maala - the Sikher (Seeker) series. 

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The Story of Bhai Pritha and Bhai Khera

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ਪਿਰਥਾ ਖੇਡਾ ਸੋਇਰੀ ਚਰਣ ਸਰਣ ਸੁਖ ਸਹਜਿ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ॥

Pirtha and Kheda of the Soiri caste obtained joy of peace and wisdom after coming to the sanctuary of the Guru. 

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Bhai Pritha and Bhai Khera, belonging to the Kshatriya caste, embarked on a journey to Kartarpur Sahib with a purpose in their hearts - to meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Upon their arrival, they found themselves amidst a profound discourse of Gurbani. With reverence, they sat and attentively absorbed the teachings being imparted. Observing their sincerity, Guru Sahib Ji bestowed His gaze upon them and said, "Ask what you have come seeking."

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In a humble plea, they beseeched, "O protector of the meek, grant us the privilege to stay close to you, at your sacred feet. Bless us with a boon that will liberate us from worldly desires, rendering us self-sufficient in your divine grace."

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Gurbani says,

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ਅਣਮੰਗਿਆ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਦਾਤੇ ਤੇਰੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਰੇ ਭੰਡਾਰਾ ॥

You bestow Your gifts, even when we do not ask for them, O Great Giver; devotion to You is a treasure overflowing.

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Thus, they requested Guru Sahib Ji to grant them a spiritual boon that no one had ever asked for or even conceived of before. They yearned to partake in the boundless treasure of devotional worship that flows endlessly. They acknowledged the previous and present Sikhs who had been blessed with this gift and expressed their desire to be encompassed by this spiritual grace in the future.Their ultimate aspiration was to align their will with the Will of the Divine and be in eternal union with the sanctuary of Guru's feet, detached from worldly desires.

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Guru Sahib Ji, from their infinite wisdom, gave the two Sikhs three principles of life:

• The sanctuary of my feet that you seek is found within the holy congregation. Serve the holy congregation diligently and visit the Dharamsala (Gurdwara or religious place) twice a day.
• See no distinction between Saints, the True Guru, and Vaheguru; for they are all One. 
• Earn your livelihood honestly and share your earnings with fellow Sikhs.

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Guru Sahib Ji said, that by doing so, you shall forever dwell in the sanctuary of my feet. Thus, the Guru’s Sharan is found in the Saadh Sangat (company of the holy).

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Nirgun and Sargun

Guru Ji further explained, "My physical form (Sargun) represents the manifestation of God, while GurShabad (The Word of God) resides in my heart, embodying the formless (Nirgun) aspect of God. If you attach yourself solely to my physical form, you shall experience the pain of separation when this body perishes. However, if you attach yourself to GurShabad, you shall never be separated, thus transcending the pain of separation."

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And so concludes the Sakhi of Bhai Pritha and Bhai Khera, two devoted Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who discovered the profound spiritual boon within the sanctuary of the Guru. Their unwavering faith and dedication serve as a timeless reminder of the path to spiritual enlightenment for all Sikhs.

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-End of Sakhi 3, Bhai Pritha and Bhai Khera, Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji-