Bhai Lahora Singh Di Sodh

Bhai Mala Singh & Bhai Lahora Singh

(Source: https://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?/topic/66774-bhai-mala-lahoura-singh-story-suraj-prakash/ )

Audio Sakhi : https://media.sikhnet.com/078._bhai_lahora_singh_di_sodh_skdch.mp3

Dohra- This is how Sri Satguru Ji/Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji is protecting/caring for us, getting us all across this ocean of the world 1

Nishni Chand- When the month of Visakh/april was over, Satguru Ji on his horse would go to the jungle. Beautiful flowers of different colors would bring happiness to the mind.
Guru Ji would go far into the jungle to hunt, then would come back 2

Whenever hearing or seeing that someone is harming another, Guru Ji went that way to destroy them. Whoever joined Guru Ji got protection and whoever had pride and thought themselves to be unstopable, they were the enemies, they were looted and plundered by the Khalsa 3

After sometime, the summer months passed then the clouds were everywhere and rain started to pour. The frogs and peacocks were happy 4

Sri Satguru Ji is in Anandpur Sahib in bliss. Guru Ji's house is very tall. During the night Guru Ji sleeps on the very top floor 5

Very cold wind rushes forth, Sri Satguru Ji has his bed there, because of all the flowers that are hanging the air is sweet 6

All different flowers are giving there scent, candles are giving there light. Beautiful blankets and pillows: 7

Sri Satguru Ji is about to go to sleep. Houses of Sikhs were nearby and their conversations could be heard by Guru Ji. Lahoura Singh a Sikh is a caretaker of Guru Ji's children and Mala Singh has made his house near Guru Ji too 8

Mala Singh was a business man who lent money then collected the interest, this is how he made his living. He was full of faith and a good person, because of this people took advantage of him and he was going bankrupt. Lahoura Singh took a loan from Mala Singh 9

of hundred rupay/indian money and sometime had past. Mala Singh went to collect the money but Lahoura Singh turned him down everytime 10

Mala Singh was barely making enough to live off. His wife said "you loaned him the money, why aren't you getting it back." Why isn't he giving our money back, were poor 11

He doesn't think of our needs in his heart. After listening to this Mala Singh went to ask for the money during the same night 12

He told Lahoura Singh everyday i come ask for the money and you turn me away or lie to me today im not leaving without my money.  They both started to fight outloud, then Lahoura Singh in his loud voice said this one line: 13

Dohra- "Sikh taking of another Sikh don't worry about it." Mala Singh's heart was hurt hearing this and he got even more angry 14

Then he said another line, "whatever is written in a persons life thats what he's going to get" 15

Mala Singh listened and with an angry voice said "now you have my money and trying to explain it away with your Gyan/knowledge so you dont have to pay it back." You should be faithful and pay it back 16

Whoever is not faithful and lies will be asked for an account by God, he will be punished and will cry outloud 17

Nishni Chand- Lahoura Singh listened and said "No one calls me to account, since God is my forgiver." (SGGSJ 1096) Guru Ji heard this and knew they were his Sikhs 18

He took the money and is not giving it back, Lahoura Singh has become greedy and reading lines of Gurbani with the wrong intentions he is putting force on me 19

Dohara- Then Sri Satguru in a loud voice said 20

In the Guru's Presence we should give back what we borrow and do right to everyone so we wont fall away from our faith 21

Then Sri Satguru said whatever deed a person does Guru Ji will make sure he will get the fruit of it.
Mahla 1
To take what rightfully belongs to another, is like a Muslim eating pork, or a Hindu eating beef. Our Guru, our spiritual Guide, stands by us, if we do not eat those carcasses. (SGGSJ 131) 22

Choupi- Guru Ji is on the top of his house standing, then replied to Bhai Lahoura Singh's comments'. Bhai Lahoura Singh immediately knew he was lieing and didn't say anything because he knew Guru Ji was listening to what he had said 23

Bhai Lahoura Singh became humbled and said to Bhai Mala Singh, "I was just playing with you, dont be angry, foregive me, I will give your money first thing in the morning" 24

After saying this they went to there homes to sleep. In the morning Sri Satguru woke, bathed, and put on beautiful clothes 25

In the congregation Guru Ji sat down. Bhai Lahoura Singh also woke up and called Bhai Mala Singh near him 26

Bhai Lahoura Singh give the money to Bhai Mala Singh, then took a bath and came to the congregation of Guru Ji 27

With folded hands he bowed before Guru Ji and was thinking what happened last night and wanted to be forgiven, he knew it was a big sin. Being humble he said: 28

Chand-"Being greedy a Sikh gets seprated from the Guru. Guru the forgiver please take me back. Guru Ji we are sinners who dont walk on the path of Truth. We have families and forget that this world is false" 29

Dohara- Guru Ji with a laugh said, "Dont do any wrong to anyone," always follow the teachings of the Guru 30

Kam/lust Drodh/Rage Logh/greed dont do anything with these in your mind, this is the way of the saints 31

Then Guru Ji had him sit with him to teach and all the Sikhs sitting there were also listening 32

Sakhi Series :- 270 (Bhai Triloka jee's Lightening Sword)

Bhai Triloka jee's Lightening Sword 
(Source: http://www.gurmatbibek.com/contents.php?id=476)

One day the Divine Darbar of Siri Guru Arjun Dev jee Maharaj was going on at Siri Amritsar Sahib. Bhai Triloka who was a soldier in the Mughal army in Ghazni city of Afghanistan, came for Darshan of Guru Sahib. He placed his head on the Charan Kamal of Guru Sahib and humbly requested Guru Sahib to free him from the bonds of Maya and give him such spiritual lesson so that he may swim across this terrible ocean to Sachkhand.

Guru Sahib blessed Triloka with Gurmat Naam and gave him the following Updesh:
ਸੁਨਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਰਿ ਦਯਾ ਸੁਨਾਈ।
ਸਤਿਨਾਮ ਸੋ ਰਹੋ ਲਿਵਲਾਈ।
ਊਠਤਿ ਬੈਠਤਿ ਆਵਤਿ ਜਾਂ ਤੇ।
ਨਹਿਂ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਦਿਨ ਰਾਤੇ।
ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ਭਾਣੇ ਕੋ ਮਾਨਿ।
ਹਰਖਹੁ ਭਲੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਇਮ ਜਾਨਿ।
ਦੋਸ਼ ਅਰੋਪਹੁ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮੈਂ।
ਜੋ ਬਯਾਪਕ ਨਭ ਕੀ ਸਮ ਸਭਿ ਮੈ।
ਤਨ ਹੰਤਾ ਕੋ ਤਜਿ ਅਭਯਾਸ।
ਸਨੈ ਸਨੈ ਲਖਿ ਰੂਪ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼।
ਰਹੁ ਅਹਿੰਸ ਕਰਿ ਸਭ ਪਰ ਦਯਾ।
ਕਿਸ ਕੋ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੁਖਾਵਹੁ ਹਿਯਾ।
ਜਥਾ ਲਾਭ ਕੀਜਹਿ ਸੰਤੋਸ਼ਾ।
ਤਜਹੁ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਆਦਿ ਜੇ ਰੋਸਾ।

Siri Guru jee's Updesh above captured beautifully by Mahakavi Bhai Sahib Santokh Singh jee Chooramani can be summarized as follows:

1. Always keep your concentration in true Naam.

2. Don't give up Simran ever during the day and night; continue doing it while sitting, standing and walking.

3. Accept the Will of Vaheguru; then Vaheguru would get pleased and bless you.

4. Never blame Vaheguru for anything; he is present in everything.

5. Give up the sensation of the body and slowly recognize the illuminated form of Vaheguru everywhere. Giving up sensation of the body means to give up Haume(ego) and pleasures of the body.

6. Stay non-violent towards creatures and have mercy and compassion on everyone.

7. Don't hurt anyone's heart.

8. Stay contented in whatever you have.

9. Give up the 5 evils including anger (Krodh).

Bhai Triloka took the teachings of Guru Sahib and carved them in stone, on his heart. He came back to Ghazni where he was employed as a soldier with the Mughals. He was a very able soldier, fully skilled in warfare. He was one of the favourite of the king (governor) and worked in the group that was responsible for the personal security of the king.

Bhai Triloka commits a Great Sin
One day the king went for hunting and Triloka accompanied him since he was part of his personal security. In the jungle, they spotted a female deer and the king asked Triloka to chase her. Triloka's horse swiftly got close to the deer. Triloka as part of his natural impulse, struck the deer with his sword. The deer got hurt on the stomach area and fell on the ground. She was pregnant and was in great pain. Then out of her stomach came two deer calves. All three stayed in pain for some time and then died in front of Triloka's eyes.

Bhai Triloka was devastated. He cursed himself for committing such a sin just for the sake of entertainment. He remembered Guru Sahib's hukam to have mercy and compassion for all creatures. He felt that he had disobeyed Guru Sahib's Hukam and committed a great sin. He lost his appetite and was very disappointed with himself.

After doing deep thinking, he came to the conclusion that he was not going to commit such a sin again. He thought that if he did not have sword, he could have avoided killing the deer. That day he got a special sword made out of wood with handle that of Sarbloh. He started wearing this sword of wood from that day. Only he knew about his wooden sword.

Bhai Triloka in trouble
One day, someone who did not like him, somehow found out that Triloka jee had started wearing a wooden sword. He complained to the king. The king was very fond of Triloka jee and did not believe a single word of the Nindak (slanderer). At this the Nindak said that he was willing to undergo any punishment if his information was found to be false. This way with constant cajoling he sowed the seed of suspicion in the mind of the king.

The king did not want to ask Bhai Triloka directly if he was wearing a wooden sword. So he called an assembly of all his elite soldiers and told all of them that he was going to test their weapons. He first took out his own sword and showed it to all. This way he started checking swords of all soldiers.

Bhai Triloka was terrified at the thought of getting caught with a wooden sword. The embarrassment would have been too much for him to sustain. He started doing Gupt Ardaas before Guru Sahib to save his honour. He pleaded before Guru Sahib to keep his honour in the same way he had kept the honour of Panchaali and saved her from getting naked. His mind in a matter of seconds attained full concentration and right at that point Guru Sahib decided to keep his honour.

Bhai Triloka jee's Honour is kept
The king arrived near Bhai Triloka and smilingly asked him to show his sword so that he may see what stamp his sword had. Triloka said that his sword had the stamp of his Guru and saying "Vaheguru" and he confidently took out his Siri Sahib (sword). When he took out his sword, it was as if lightening had fallen on the assembly. The shine of the sword was breathtaking and the edge of the sword was so sharp that no one had seen such edge before. Everyone who saw the sword was stunned.

The Mughal was extremely pleased and right on the spot doubled his salary. The Nindak who had complained to the king had his face blackened and kicked out of the court.

Bhai Triloka's Rom-Rom (every cell) was filled with gratitude for Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib had kept his honour in such way that his faith in Guru Sahib increased manifold. After few months he personally came to Siri Amritsar and narrated his story in the Darbar of Guru Sahib. Everyone who heard this Saakhi were saying Dhan Guru! Dhan Guru!

May Guru Sahib bless us with the faith required to please Guru Sahib.

Sakhi Series :- 269 (Sardari, Sabar & Shukar)

*Sardari, sabar & shukar in Sikhi – A story*

This story is set in the mid-18th century in the north-east of the vast Indian subcontinent – today's Punjab up to Delhi and covering Pakistan, Baluchistan and Afghanistan. It is that period when Sikhs virtually lived on horseback – just after the passing on of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1708) up to the Khalsa Raj of Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1799)

Ehmedh Shah Abdali, the marauder from the north-east, Afghanistan, arrives in Lahore on his way back. He was on his way back after one of his marauding and looting trips into north-east India and after many skirmishes with the elusive Sikhs who kept relieving him of his loot and slaves.

All of modern-day Pakistan and north India was under Muslim rule in this period. He asks a question of his host the Subedar (Administrator) of Lahore: Who are these warriors who keep robbing me? After all he did not consider himself a thief! The Subedar answers – these are SIKHS.

"Who is their leader?" He asks. "I beat the Marathas in Panipat just once and they have never been able to raise their heads again. But who are these Sikhs and who is their leader? Whenever I return after gathering bounty and slaves up to Delhi, they attack me with ferocity. Sometimes I hear Charhat Singh. Sometimes Baghel Singh. Sometimes Karam Singh. Sometimes Jassa Singh. And others. Some of them or others of the same mob relieve me of a great amount of my bounty!"

The Subedar answers: "Shahenshah khud hi ko bhaakhat. Kaan na kahoo kiye raakhat. -They are not afraid of any earthly king and yet, all of them are Kings. There is no lesser one amongst them. Each of them takes on the responsibility of a leader in battle, because all of them consider themselves kings."

"Where do they stay?" asks Abdali.

"In the jungles. Virtually on horseback. Ever ready."

"Who is their Guru?"

The Subedar answers: "Their Guru? I can only tell you this. Murshidh inka velibheyo hai. Inko aape hayaat diyo hai - Their Guru has given them such an 'amrit', that we are tired of trying to eliminate them, but they are undefeatable They cannot be wiped out."

"What do they eat?" he asks again.

Subedar: I do not know what they eat, but I can tell you how they eat. They prepare food called 'langgar' wherever they rest for a couple of days because they are mostly on the move. Then they sound the war drum and announce loudly, "Bhookha dait avaza koyi. Ao degh tyar Gur hoyi." (We wish to announce that Guru Ka Langgar is ready and if anyone is hungry, come and eat!)

Ehmadh Shah Abdali was bemused. "Strange people! They prepare the food and offer it to anyone and everyone, including enemies! They are fugitives on the run, yet when they have food they announce that to everyone to come and eat!"

"Yes," says the Subedar, "and even enemies are welcome!"

"And what if the enemy comes?" Abdali asks.

"Yes, they sometimes do," says Subedar.

"What if the enemy is hungry and actually takes them up on their offer and eats all their food, leaving them nothing?" asks Abdali jokingly.

The answer, as written in the Sikh historical 'Panth Parkash' is symbolic of the character of a true Sikh. "They then eat whatever, if anything, is left over, or do not eat at all as it is all eaten already, yet they do an Ardaas thanking Waheguru that at least their enemy has eaten."

"Bache to dana aap khale hain, neheen to langgar mast fateh hain".

Not only in peacetime but also in war, a Sikh will 'vand ke shako' – share the food with others, even enemies. This is the 'sabar and shukar' – gratitude of one's lot, that Sikh practices.

Hence, the eternal legend of 'langgar' of the Sikhs globally today.

Sakhi : Kavi Heer and poverty

​Sakhi : Kavi Heer and poverty

allowfullscreen></iframe>

Sakhi Series :- 268 ( Mere Show of Devotion is of No Use)

Mere Show of Devotion is of No Use

(Source : [Book]The Gospel of the Sikh Gurus ) 

Bhai kalu, Nanu and Haari Kohli came to Guru Arjun Dev ji, prostrated and prayed for clarification that some devotees hear and recite 'Gurbani' and indulge in noble deeds. Yet

others indulge in evil deeds even after reciting 'Gurbani'. If the Guru's word is nectar, why are only some benefited and not others?

Guru ji said that those disciples who listen to 'Gurbani' with the noble intention of terminating their birth and death cycle are liberated. Other who recite 'Gurbani' to enhance

their ego or achieving objects of enjoyment, how can they be liberated? They are like a snake that attracts other insects with the light of the proverbial jewel on his head (mani)

and then swallows them. Similarly, evil persons who recite 'Gurbani' make a show of it to others and cheat them. They  are not benefited.

Those who meditate on 'Narayan', the Unmanifested Lord with dedication and one-pointed mind are liberated.

A Real Warrior is One Who Battles His Own Mind

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

THE FALSE KING AND THE TRUE KING

We treasure a beautiful story of a Sikh of Agra who was a humble grass-cutter. The tents of the two kings being pitched side by side in the fields, the poor Sikh approached Jehangir's tent wifh an offering of two copper pice out of his wages, and desired to know where was "the True King" "Whom do you wish to see ?" said Jehangir. "I want to see the True King," said the grass-cutter. "I am the king," said Jehangir. The grass-cutter placed his offerings before him, bowed down to him, and rose and said, "0 True King! save me, thy slave, from this sea of darkness, and take me into thy refuge of light that is All Knowledge." On this the Emperor told him that he was not the king sought, and that the saviour's tent was pitched yonder. The grass-cutter hastily took back his offerings, and went running to the Guru.

The queen, NurJehan, took a deep interest in the Guru, and had many interviews with him. Also, with the poor frequenting the place, he was in much repute as a comforter.

During these days, Jehangir fell ill; and, following the barbarous advice of his Hindu ministers, he invited his astrologers to tell him of his evil stars that brought illness on him. These astrologers were heavily bribed by Chandu, who was always seeking to detach the Emperor from Guru Har Gobind. The astrologers accordingly, prophesied that a holy man of God should go to the Fort of Gwalior and pray for his recovery from there. Chandu then advised the Emperor that Har Gobind was the holiest of men and should be sent to Gwalior. Jehangir requested Guru Har Gobind to go; and though he saw through the plot of his enemies, he left for Gwalior immediately.

While Guru Har Gobind was at Gwalior, great was the distress of his Sikhs in Delhi and at Amritsar, who suspected foul play at the part of Chandu. In fact, Chandu did write to Hari Das, the Commander of Gwalior fort, urging him to poison the Guru or kill him in any way-and promising a large reward. Hari Das was by that time devoted to the Master; so he laid all these letters before him, who smiled and said nothing. The Guru met many other Rajahs who were prisoners in this fort, and made them happy. •

When Jehangir recovered, he thought of Guru Har Gobind again. Undoubtedly, Nur Jehan, who evinced a disciple-like devotion to the Master, had something to do with his recall from Gwalior. However, the Guru would not go unless the Emperor agreed to set all the prisoners in the fort at liberty. The Emperor at last gave way; and, on the personal security of the Guru, all the prisoners were released. The Guru was hailed at Gwalior as "Bandi Chhor" - the great deliverer who cuts fetters off the prisoners feet and sets them free. There remains, in the historic fort at Gwalior, a shrine of the Bandi Chhor Pir, worshipped by Hindus and Mussalmans alike, where they have lit a lamp in memory of the event, and where a Mohammedan Faqir sits in hallowed memory of some great one of whom he knows only the name-Bandi Chhor.