MOHENA - SOHENA
(FROM KALGIDHAR CHAMATKAR BY BHAI SAHIB BHAI VIR SINGH JI)
Punjabi to English Translation by Bimal Inderjit Singh
Part -1
The
sky is over-cast and a slight drizzle has begun to fall. A tentative
breeze shakes the bare branches of the trees. It is the height of
winter season and very, very cold. Now the clouds and rain have added
that extra chill to the air, making the people seek protection in the
warmth of their homes.
In a quiet area of the town there is a
beautiful garden, imaginatively laid out with shrubs, flowering plants
and trees, and, in between, there are marble fountains and paved
pathways. But all is still and the vegetation seems to wait with bated
breath for that first touch of spring, to burst forth in all its colour
and beauty.
In a far-off corner there is a simple mud hut. Its door
is closed and a dim light glows at its single window. A tall and
graceful lady walks up to the door and knocks on it with the handle of
a ‘kirpan’ which she is holding in her hand. It is indeed, a strange
sight to see this regal figure waiting at the door of this poor hovel.
After a while the door opens and she goes in.
The interior of the
hut is spotlessly clean; the walls have been white-washed and the floor
is covered with handmade mats. The leaping flames of the fire burning
brightly in a corner offer a warm welcome.
The young woman, who
opened the door, greets the lady respectfully and after spreading a
clean cloth on a stool offers it to her guest to sit on. She herself
sits down on the floor near by and with loving entreaty in her voice
says, “Ammi ji, my dearest mother, how wonderful you are! In spite of
the cold and the rain you have taken the trouble to come. Why didn’t
you send for me?”
Ammi ji : “Because I had promised that I would come.”
Mohena : “Yes, but it is so cold. You only had to send a message, and
I, your humble servant, would have been too happy to obey.”
Ammi
ji : “You must not call yourself a servant. You are under my care, and
as you know I too, am a seeker of the Almighty’s grace.”
Mohena :
“My dear, dear mother! You are so good to me. I have some fresh goat’s
milk, honey and plain bread. Please say you will have some.”
Ammi
ji : “My child, I have already served Him the evening meal and eaten
before coming. Now, you know what draws me here and for which I am
waiting so eagerly.”
Mohena bowed her head and going to a corner,
took down the ‘Sarod’ which was hanging there. Quickly she tuned it and
played a few notes of Raag Malhar, which soon changed to Raag Sarang.
Ammi ji got up from the stool and sat down on the floor with her eyes
closed. Mohena began to sing :
Sarang Mahala – 1
Har bin kiyu rahiye, dukh biyapay.
How can I survive without the Lord? I am suffering in pain.
Jehwa saad na pheekee rus bin, bin prabh kaal santapay.
My tongue does not taste - all is bland without the Lord's sublime essence. Without God, I suffer and die. ||1||Pause||
The
sweetness of the singing and the beauty of the words cast a magic spell
and time passed swiftly. Suddently, the distant clock-tower struck
three. Ammi ji got up at once to leave, but at Mohena’s pleading,
stayed to have a hot cup of salted tea with some almonds and walnuts.
As she reached the door, Mohena’s eyes filled with tears, she became
very pale and losing her balance she sat down abruptly. Ammi ji put her
head in her lap and caressed her lovingly. But Mohena’s tears would not
stop.
Ammi ji : “Mohena, why do you cry? I have taken over your
burden now. Everything will be fine. Persevere on the path which you
are following with such faith and devotion”, and reassuring her with
these kind words Ammi ji departed.
Mohena got up and after washing
her face went to the rear of the hut where some vegetables were
growing. Picking some spinach leaves she put them in the pot for
cooking and sat down to recite ‘Rehras Saheb’ (Gurbani recited daily
after sunset).
Shortly afterwards the door opened and Mohena’s
husband, Sohenaji came in. He had been away for the past few days.
After asking about her welfare, he had a wash and they sat down to talk.
Sohena : “Did you meet Ammi ji while I was away?”
Mohena : “Yes, twice. Once I had gone there and today she came and spent some time here.”
Sohena : “We are so lucky! And she is so generous, taking care of poor creatures like us.”
Mohena : “She doesn’t like us to call ourselves such names. When I say
I am your servant, she scolds me gently with these words, ‘I have
adopted you and taken you under my wing. Why do you call yourself a
servant?’ When I address her as ‘Ammi ji’ she looks happy, but if I try
to praise her, frown lines appear on her serene forehead.”
Sohena :
“The Lord has been really good to the likes of us! We can feel the joy
of His love in her hearts. But Mohena, have you seen any signs of a
change in our situation?”
Mohena : “Not yet. When I asked her, Ammi ji said, ‘It is not His wish!’”
Sohena : “Very well. But tell me, dear, you are not feeling too unhappy, are you?”
Mohena : ”No, not in the way I used to – so lonely and lost. But yes,
the eager desire to have ‘darshan’ and the pain of longing are still
there.”
Sohena : “I too feel the same. I didn’t want to go away at
all. If this job had not been for Ammi ji, I would have come back from
half-way.”
Mohena : “To live in obedience to His will, is the only
way for us. May the Lord guide us so that we obey Him always, but the
love and longing must not lessen. Let us bear the pain of this as
happily and for as long as we can and leave the rest in the Lord’s
hands.”
Sohena : “Yes, we must do what the Master says. He must
remain dear to us; our love for Him ever increasing. Then…. may be….
one day …..”
Mohena : “Yes, my dear one, ‘darshan’ is a gift, a
boon! Our actions have been lifeless because we are spiritually dead;
like the efforts of a cripple to reach the mountain – top! Only the
Lord’s grace can make him reach there. Like a beggar, we can stretch
our hands in supplication, for that is the limit of a beggar’s action.
We must not be impatient, nor must we become arrogantly demanding. We
must believe that the Lord will hear our prayers one day, and so must
remain ever hopeful.
“We have already seen the result of our rigid
and egoistic rituals. Now we must follow Ammi ji’s advice, and be
thankful for the blessing of her care and interest. In spite of the
cold and rain she kept her promise and came all the way to spend time
with me, a person who is not worth the dust under her feet!”
Sohena
ji was listening with his eyes closed. Now and then a tear rolled down
his cheek. In a while Mohena too became quiet and both sat in deep
contemplation. Time passed, the fire died down, the light in the
earthen lamp began to flicker and the pot on the stove kept bubbling.
Just
then there was a knock on the door. Mohena opened her eyes, which
reflected the peace and happiness she had been experiencing. A servant
stood outside the door and politely said, “Bibi ji, Ammi ji has sent a
message that the flowers she had ordered for the morning have not
arrived. She wants you to pick some fresh flowers, so that she can
greet Mahraj ji in the morning with a fresh garland as is her routine.”
A
thrill of happiness coursed through their hearts. Quickly they went to
the small plot where, by using great care and artifice they had managed
to grow fresh flowers. The plants were covered with a thatch to protect
them from the icy winds, and small vessels with burning wood had been
kept at intervals in the flower-beds, to create the necessary warmth.
Lifting the thatch from one side they began to pluck the golden -
coloured ‘Genda’(Marigolds) and as they filled a small basket with the
fresh blossoms, their hearts sent a prayer of thankfulness to Ammi ji
for giving them such a beautiful task to perform.
They handed the
basket of flowers to the messenger with longing and envy in their
hearts. For, soon, these very same flowers would feel the blessed touch
of Guru ji, while they waited, out of sight, denied the joy of His
darshan.
----------------------------------
Who are Mohena
and Sohena ji? Why are they living in such poverty? Why do they feel so
much love and longing in their hearts? And who is Ammi ji, who showers
so much affection on them?
The young couple belong to a wealthy and
cultured family of Raipur. Mohena is a trained classical singer and
plays the Sarod while her husband, Sohena ji is a poet, and also an
expert veena player. They had been married for some time and lived
happy and carefree lives. In due course their hearts had turned to
spiritualism. They had met a Bairagi ‘Sadhu’ who had taught them the
intricacies of idol worship and the art of meditation.
In spite of a
house full of servants, they had made it a daily ritual to wake up
early and after a bath, to go to the nearby well and bring fresh, clean
water for bathing the idols with. While chanting ‘mantras’, they would
make fresh garlands and perform ‘Puja”. Then they would play the
‘Sarod’ and the ‘Veena’ and sing ‘Bhajans’ with great fervour for long
stretches of time.
One morning when they were returning with the
water from the well, a young man ran up to them. His clothes were torn,
his turban was loosened and he was bleeding profusely from a deep wound
in his side. He fell down near them and gasped “Water, water!”
Seeing
his condition, they paused for a moment, but then the thought that the
clean water was for their gods and it would become impure if anyone
drank from it, made them turn away. The young man kept crying out for
water, but, rigid in their belief they walked away.
With his last
breath the wounded man called out, “What kind of devotion is this that
forsakes a needy person! He will not give you ‘darshan’!”
Unheeding,
they went off home, and began their daily ritual of prayers. But, today
they found no peace in the mantras, no joy in singing the Lords
praises. A great unease filled their hearts. Finally, they decided to
go back and give the wounded man some water, in case he put a curse on
them. But when they reached the well, the young man was dead and they
could only look at his body with horror and dismay. They had come back
to ease their restlessness, but now it increased manifolds.
Just then a group of people ran up and seeing the young man’s body, said, “Yes, he is the one.”
When
they enquired about the man, they were told that he was a brave and
devoted follower of the Guru of Anandpur Sahib. He lived in the jungles
as a hermit but along with his rosary for his daily prayers, he used to
carry a sword. Today, when he heard that a group of travellers was
being attacked by some robbers, he rushed there and fought so valiantly
that the robbers ran away without harming the group, but he, himself
was grievously wounded. He had rushed off in search of water. They had
looked all-over for him and had managed to find him only now and in
this condition.
The couple seemed to hear the words “He will not
give you his darshan,” even louder and their eyes filled with tears.
Bitterly they regretted their action, but it was too late!
“Nanak Samiyo Rum Gaiyo Ab Kyon Rovat Andh”
(says Nanak, when the moment has passed, what use is it to cry, you blind fool!).
--------------------------------------------
Mohena
and Sohena ji were in a strange, distracted mood after this incident.
They could not concentrate on their daily prayers and meditation, nor
did they get joy or peace from their music and singing. If they sat
down to meditate, the words, “He will not give you darshan,” would
shake them out of their concentration. The echo of these words seemed
to go everywhere with them.
They gave large sums of money in charity
to feed the poor and needy, and tried various other ways to expiate
this wrong but to no avail. The words were etched deeply in their
conscience and would not let them rest.
One day, they heard that the
Guru of Anandpur was coming to Raipur. From the stories told by people
who knew and revered Him, they had begun to believe that He was a true
saviour. They had also heard in detail about the young man who had
fought off the robbers so daringly, and who was a true Sikh of the same
Guru.
Slowly, a desire to have ‘darshan’ of Guru ji grew in their
hearts. When they learnt that He had come to Raipur and blessed the
Rani and her family, they too decided to go, but despite many attempts,
they were unable to see Him. Finally, on the day He was to leave
Raipur, they went to the outskirts of the town and waited on the main
road by which He was to pass. To their chagrin they found that though
the followers and the ‘sangat’ went by that route, Guru ji took a
different path.
Though deeply disappointed, they were now firmly
convinced that the words ‘He will not give you his darshan’ were
eternal and Guru ji knew of the plight of His Sikh caused by their
callous act.
They continued to hear tales of Guru ji’s great
compassion and love, His spiritual strength, from the people who
narrated their wonderful experiences to them. They decided to go to
Anandpur Sahib to offer their services and to beg forgiveness for their
sin in any way they could.
The thought of the words: “He will not
give you His darshan,” however, made them hesitate. Guru ji had come to
their city, blessed hundreds of people, yet they had not been able to
see Him in spite of their best efforts.
What if they were rebuffed and turned away when they reached Anandpur Sahib?
After
much thinking they came to the conclusion that if they wished to offer
selfless service and beg forgiveness, then humility was essential and
true humility could not be achieved with the assurance of wealth and
status in the background.
So, they set about giving away all their
worldly possessions to the poor and needy and, with a minimum of
belongings, they set off for Anandpur Sahib.
------------------------------------------------
Part-2
Mohena
and her husband Sohena ji reached Anandpur Sahib with only their meager
belongings. They were an educated, artistic and cultured couple and
under different circumstances they would have been honourably received
in Guru ji’s ‘darbar’. But they knew this could not be. They had come
with the burning desire to serve Guruji with all their love and
devotion, and to receive His forgiveness.
With this in mind, they
met the chief gardener, Kesra Singh, who looked after Guruji’s large
estate. They loved plants and had sufficient experience through working
in their own gardens. Kesra Singh was impressed with their knowledge
and after a few days trial he engaged them as his assistants and
allotted a small hut for them to live in.
Their artistry soon
brought about a change in the gardens. One day Guru ji was taking a
stroll and happened to see the flowerbeds which were in Mohena and
Sohena’s care. He looked very pleased and congratulated Kesra Singh.
Kesra
Singh respectfully bowed his head and with folded hands, said, “Maharaj
ji, this is not my work but that of the new ‘mali’ and his wife. They
work diligently and seem to have the power to coax the plants to grow
and flower better than ever. They are a very unusual couple.”
At
these words, Guru ji’s expression changed. His eyes became somber and
he looked heavenwards. Then lowering his eyes he said softly. “He will
not give you his ‘darshan’!” and turning, He went back.
Later in the
day, Kesra Singh met Sohenaji and related the whole incident adding,
“Guruji has especially asked that you must not see Him nor be seen by
Him. But you can continue to work, if you like.”
This incident
convinced them further that Guruji was truly omniscient and knew of the
suffering they had caused to his beloved Sikh. But they were grateful
that they had been given permission to continue working for Him.
Humbly
and respectfully Sohenaji said, “We are here to serve and not to
demand. We shall be happy to obey each and every command of the Master
which you convey to us. But we don’t know if we can kill the yearning
for Guruji’s ‘darshan’ from our hearts,” and his voice choked with
emotion.
Kesra Singh was deeply moved by the simple sincerity and
the pain behind these words. Reassuring them to carry on with their
tasks he returned to his work.
And thus, a new way of life, a new
form of worship started for Mohena and Sohenaji. A life of untold
wealth and luxury was exchanged for one of simple living and service,
and adoration of a living god but without the joy of having the
beloveds ‘darshan’. Yet they were content and grateful.
Guru Gobind
Singh ji’s wife, Mata Jito ji was a pious and devoted lady. She used to
wake up in the early hours of the morning to say her prayers and to
meditate. When Guru ji used to leave for the ‘darbar’ where Sikhs from
far and wide congregated, she would touch His feet and place a garland
of fresh flowers around His neck. It was Kesra Singh’s duty to bring
these flowers every morning.
One day, Mata ji stopped Kesra Singh
and said, “The flowers you brought yesterday were beautiful. Sri
Kalgidhar ji was very pleased.”
Kesra Singh : “Ammi ji, those
flowers were not grown by me, but by a poor couple who have started
working here recently. Sadly they are not allowed to have Guru ji’s
‘darshan’.”
Ammi ji : “Why”?
Kesra Singh : “It is Guru ji’s wish.”
Ammi ji : “Then why do you bring me flowers grown by them?”
Kesra Singh : “Ammi ji, Guru ji has given them permission to work, but not to come into His presence.”
Ammi
ji thought for a moment and said, “Guru ji must be deeply fond of them.
Some wrong is being set right.” That evening when Guru ji returned,
Mata Jito ji asked Him about Mohena and Sohena.
Guru ji said, “A young and devoted Sikh spoke these words for them in great distress: ‘He will not give you His darshan.’
“If
a Guru punishes, His Sikhs can plead and obtain forgiveness for the
wrong –doer, but when a Sikh makes such a pronouncement, the Guru
cannot overturn it - this is an eternal truth. Mohena, Sohena are dear
to me but I am bound by the dying words of my Sikh. Had he been alive,
he could have taken his words back.
Now, they must work out their
salvation. When they are spiritually awake and have got rid of the fear
of death they will be free of these fateful words.”
Ammi ji : “Will it be all right if I meet them and try to help them?”
Guru ji : “That would be a great kindness indeed, and it will make me happy.
Our Father has said :
Jan Nanak Dhoorh Mangaiy Tis Gursikh Ki
Jo Aap Japaiy Awreh Nam Japawaiy
(says Guru Nanak ji - He wants to touch the dust of the feet of that
Sikh who, not only recites the Lords name himself, but also encourages
others to do the same).
“To enlighten someone and fill his dead
spirit with new life, is dear to the heart of Waheguru ji. A person
becomes alive only when his inner being comes alive to Waheguru ji’s
presence :
So Jeevaih Jis Man Vasiya Soy
Nanak Avar Na Jivas Koy
(Only he has lived in whose heart lives the Lord, says Guru Nanak ji, the others have not truly lived).
Hor Mirtak Hai Sansar (The rest of the world is like the dead).
“Those
who are in tune with the Lord, are like the lower strings of the sitar,
which vibrate when the larger ones are played upon. Their spirits have
become one with the Creator. Hence their every word and action
resonates to His will. That is why the Sikh’s words are eternal.”
Ammi ji : “Maharaj ji, it is your nature to be loving and to forgive
the faults of us humans. You have given us the gift of spiritual life.
I do not ask you to break your vow, but if it pleases you, guide me so
I can help this couple to regain your grace.”
Guru ji : “Jit ji, may Waheguru ji grant you the strength to relieve their suffering.”
Mata
Jito ji began to call Mohena to the house and sometimes, when she went
for a stroll in the garden, she would stop by her hut and spend some
time with her. She became very fond of Mohena. With her gentle words
and kindly presence, Mata ji brought about a marked change in her
personality.
Slowly, Mohena and her husband began to experience the
joy and peace which comes from single-minded devotion. “Waheguru!
Waheguru!” was constantly on their lips and in their hearts. They
stopped thinking of themselves as cursed beings, burning with
self-recrimination. They began to feel the surge of a new life, a new
and deeper contentment than they had ever known before.
The desire
for Guru ji’s ‘darshan’ was keener than ever. However there was no
accompanying feeling of depression, but a slow spreading of hope, of
conviction almost, that all would be well. Their tears were now caused
by “Shukrana” (thankfulness) and their beings were steeped in gratitude
for Ammi ji’s blessed presence.
Time passed and gradually Mohena and
Sohena began to understand that there is only one Creator whose
creation stretches along both banks of the river of Death. It is
according to His will that a person stays on this side or that. Death
is not painful, neither is it final destruction nor eternal parting.
They realized that for people who are immersed in ‘SIMRAN’, there is no
separation – not from their Creator, nor from His creation. They began
to lose the fear of Death and to appreciate the beauty and joy of
Waheguru ji’s gift of life.
Their spirits were up-lifted and as a
result, they saw only the splendor of Waheguru ji’s creation, and
thought of Him as a loving Father, (PITA), Mother (MATA), Friend
(BANDHAP), Brother (BHRATA); a Protector and Saviour(RAKHA), whose
presence destroyed doubt and fearfulness.
---------------------------
One
day, a wandering ‘fakir’ (sadhu) came into the garden and after walking
about, stopped at Mohena’s door, and called out: “Malan, Aulakh! A
‘fakir’ has come to your door. Make some offering!”
Mohena quickly
went in and brought some millet flour from the bin, and offered it to
the fakir. He gave her a disdainful look and began to sing, and as he
sang, he shook the rod he carried in his hand. He chanted that he was a
special minion of the Lord and could work miracles, but if he was
displeased he could be as vengeful as the black cobra. She should not
try and get rid of him with excuses but give him what he asked for. In
return he would shower them with his blessings. He did not want money –
he was not a beggar - he was Roda Jalali !
Mohena watched his antics
nervously, as he rolled his red-rimmed eyes and his bald pate shone in
the sun’s rays. When he stopped, she folded her hands and said, “Swamy,
be merciful in what you ask. We are not the owners, but poor servants.
Whatever is ours is yours.”
Roda : “O Malan, what is this that you
are keeping hidden under this glass casing? Ah, ha! Such beautiful
flowers and in this season! I like them. I like them all and I shall
have them.”
Mohena was dumb-struck. A tremor shook her body, and she slumped to the ground in a dead faint.
The Roda waited awhile but when the Malan did not move, he left the garden singing and dancing the way he had come.
A
short while later Sohenaji came home and was shocked to see Mohena
lying on the ground. He sprinkled some water on her face and when she
revived, he asked, “Dear, what happened?”
Mohena told the whole
story in a strained voice, “These flowers, which are being grown
especially on Ammi ji’s instructions for Sri Guru ji’s Gurpurab…, a
‘fakir’ came… he …he frightened me with his singing and dancing. He
would not take the flour I offered. He gave one look at the flowers and
said he wanted them, otherwise he would curse us. I didn’t know what to
do. Once earlier we had refused someone’s request…. and now when this
holy man asked for the flowers I was afraid to say no, but… but how
could I give them to him? They belong to Ammi ji. The fear that what we
were doing for her was going to be destroyed ---I couldn’t bear it! I
thought that I had died but now I see that I am still alive and this
problem is still in front of us.”
Sohenaji was extremely worried at
this turn of events. He had put his knowledge of horticulture to good
use and created a glass house in one corner of the garden, so that the
‘Motia’ (Jasmine flower) and other unseasonal flowers could grow in a
warm and protected environment. As a result, all the bushes were laden
with buds.
Now, this situation had arisen and they could not see a
way out of their dilemma. Mohena could sense that this Roda Jalali was
a different type of person, but he was God’s man and it would be
unforgivable to refuse him. The whole night was spent in discussion.
With the first light of dawn, the Roda re-appeared, dancing and singing
the same song.
Sohenaji addressed him politely but firmly, “O Holy
one, this garden and everything in it belong to the Master. We are only
the servants and have no right to give away anything without His
permission. Please meet the head ‘mali’ Kesra Singh and ask him for
whatever you want. But please forgive us, for our duty is only to grow
these plants, not to pluck them.”
Roda Jalali began to jump
indignantly and to shout threats that he would take the flowers anyway
and present them to Guruji himself.
Sohenaji : “Fakir ji, I beg you,
take anything you like from my home – it is all yours. But the Master’s
properly is His, and only He can decide what to do with it.”
Roda
Jalaji was furious by this time. Scowling darkly, he flung a curse at
them, “May you be destroyed and nothing of yours survive!” And he
walked off in a huff.
Sohena and Mohena looked relieved, “He has
blessed us! We don’t want anything of ours to survive,” they thought.
With light hearts they sat down to sing ‘Kirtan’. The incident had
wasted a lot of time and created a break with ‘Simran’. But as they
went about their daily chores, their spirits revived and they began to
feel more at peace.
Early next morning after completing their
prayers, they came out of their room and were horrified at the sight
which met their eyes. The specially erected glass-house lay shattered,
and not a single flower remained on the stems. The marigold plants had
been viciously torn and a few flowers and leaves now hung, forlorn and
limp.
Mohena and Sohena stood as if turned to stone. Like sharp
needles the thought pierced their hearts – “What will we tell Ammi ji?
We could not do even this one small service for her, when she has given
us so much love and support! Cursed sleep! Why didn’t we stay awake and
keep watch?”
They could not bear the over-whelming feelings of shame
and regret. In that moment they felt as if their hearts had broken and
they fell to the ground; two lifeless figures lying among the ruined
plants.
--------------------------------
Guru ji was sitting
in the ‘darbar’. From far and near people had come – intellectuals,
poets, writers and “Sadhus” of various faiths. Everyone enjoyed the
soothing ‘Kirtan’, and at its completion, they moved forward to greet
Guru ji and offer Him gifts.
One ‘fakir’ came and placed a basket
full of beautiful fresh flowers near Guru ji’s feet. Usually this man
came bare-headed but today he wore a tall hat.
Guru ji looked at him and asked, “O holy one, who are you?”
Fakir : “I am Roda Jalali, Sache Patshah!”
Guru ji : “Jalali? If you are truly Jalali (powerful) then why haven’t you brought a more substantial gift?”
Fakir : “As a broken pot cannot hold water, so a beggar cannot hold wealth, and without wealth one’s hands are always empty.”
Guru ji : “Then you should have come with empty hands for they are becoming to a ‘fakir’”.
Fakir : “True, but it is also against tradition to go empty-handed to meet a ‘Maha Purakh’.” (a great man)
Guru ji : “What meaning has tradition for a person who has nothing?”
Fakir : “Call it the whim of a ‘fakir’.”
Guru ji : “Whim or style?”
Guru
ji signalled to a Sikh sitting near Roda Jalali. The man reached up and
knocked off the hat from Roda’s head. Along with the hat a handful of
gold and silver coins fell tinkling to the ground. Everyone began to
laugh and the Roda’s face became ashen.
Guru ji : “Roda Jalali! Are
you Roda with the ‘Jalal’ of divinity or of wealth? And why did you
remove these beautiful flowers from their stems?”
The Roda was speechless.
Guru ji : “These flowers were nurtured with such love and devotion! With whose permission did you pluck them?”
Roda bowed his head and remained quiet.
Guru
ji : “Ah! These blooms do not emit fragrance, but an oppressive air of
fear and sadness; their very beauty marred by pain! Whose is this fear
and whose is the pain?”
Guru ji closed His eyes. After a while two tears rolled down His cheeks. Frowning slightly, He looked towards Roda.
Guru
ji : “O Rodiya! It is not flowers which you have destroyed but two
hearts which you have broken; two spirits you have devastated!”
And
Guru ji got up and began to walk quickly. His steps moved faster and
faster and soon He was running, saying, “My children! My beloved
children! I am coming.”
The ‘Sangat’ was astonished and intrigued
and began to follow Guru ji. One of the Sikhs, realizing instinctively
that the basket of flowers had something to do with the incident,
picked it up and hastened after them.
Meanwhile, Guru ji had rushed
through the garden and reached the farthest corner. He came to the
flower-beds which had been so lovingly nurtured and now, so ruthlessly
torn apart! Mata Jito ji too had arrived and was shocked at the scene
which confronted her eyes. But before she could help the two people
lying there, Guru ji sat down on the damp ground and with great
tenderness placed the heads of the couple in His lap. He caressed their
foreheads, murmuring gently, “Awake, my children, awake!” But their
eyes did not open.
What strange twist of Nature was this? These two,
who had been banished from the Lord’s presence by the words of a dying
man, and for whom it had become their sole wish in life to receive
forgiveness and the Lord’s ‘darshan’, are lying here, unseeing, while
the Lord’s chosen one is beseeching them to open their eyes.
Mata ji
began to massage Mohena’s hands, urging her to wake up. The
congregation of people stood all around, looking on in wonderment as
another facet of Guru ji’s personality was revealed.
Kesra Singh now
stepped forward and offered a mug of water to Guru ji, who sprinkled
some of it on Mohena and Sohena’s faces and let a few drops trickle
into their mouths. Within minutes Mohena and Sohena’s eyes flickered
open, and as understanding dawned, their faces became radiant with
happiness. They tried to get up so as to prostrate themselves at Guru
ji’s feet, but the effort was too much, and their eyes closed again.
Then Mata ji said, “Children, be strong and open your eyes.”
Guru
ji’s loving caresses on their back and His smiling face, caused a
magical vitality to flow through their limbs, and they sat up, looking
at Guru ji with adoring eyes. Gradually Sohena and Mohena became aware
of their surroundings, and that Guru ji was sitting on the muddy
ground. They could not bear this and with moist eyes and folded hands
Sohena spoke in a choked voice, “Please forgive us. We are sinners and
do not deserve….”
Guru ji smiled understandingly. He got up and with
Mata ji by His side, went inside the hut, while the rest of the
‘Sangat’ sat down on the ground outside.
Sohena and Mohena quickly
offered seats to Guru ji and Mata ji but could not think what else to
offer them. Nothing had prepared them for this joyous moment and they
were still in a daze. Mata ji could understand their confusion. She
smiled at Mohena and nodded towards the ‘Saroda’. At once Mohena
brought it down and after running her fingers over the strings, began
to sing a ‘Shabad’:
“Jo Teri Sarnai Har Jiyo Tin Tu Rakhan Joag,
Tudh Jevad Main Awar Na Soojhay
Na Ko Howa Na Hoag”
( Prabhati Mahala-1)
It was a moment of pure joy for Mohena and Sohena. Their faces radiated
contentment and peace. After a while Guru ji got up and blessing them
once again He left. Mata ji gave the basket of flowers to them, telling
them gently, to present it to Guru ji themselves on the following day.
-----------------------------
‘Gurpurab’ day dawned, and a joyous air filled the town of Anandpur
Sahib. Throngs of people came to the ‘darbar’ to have Guru ji’s
‘darshan’ and to offer their gifts.
Mohena and Sohena made
exquisite garlands from the flowers and with light hearts and soaring
spirits, they approached Guru ji and placed their offerings at His feet.
Guru ji smiled and made them sit near Him. He told the congregation
about their sacrifice and devotion. Then turning towards them, He said,
“Tell me if you have any special wish.”
Sohenaji said humbly, “Patshah, all our wishes have been fulfilled. But we have one request if it pleases you.”
Guru ji nodded and Sohena continued,” Patshah, Roda Jalali has been
locked up. We are all full of weaknesses and faults, and need your
guidance to show us the right path. Please forgive Roda and bless him
also.”
At these words, Guru ji cast a loving glance at them and
sent for Roda to be brought before Him. “You are a fakir, so your wrong
actions are forgiven,” He said, “But you must be strong and truly
‘Jalali’. May Waheguruji’s blessings be with you and may you never
forget His name.” Roda fell at Guru ji’s feet, and, with Guru ji’s hand
on his head, he got up a changed man.
When the congregation learnt
how Sohena and Mohena had given up a life of wealth and comfort, and
worked as menials under Kesra Singh, to atone for their wrong action,
their affection for the couple new no bounds. Sohena and Mohena, hearts
overflowing with gratitude and love for Guru ji, continued to live in
Anandpur Saheb in a simple and frugal manner, serving Him and the
‘sangat’.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਬਚਨਕਮਾਵਣੇਸਚਾਏਹੁਵੀਚਾਰੁ॥