Please forgive daas as a few things in this post have been previously posted before.
(Also I apologize/forewarn before hand to those Gursikhs who read Mangals first, as in this post Sant Jee's stance on the mangal issue is brought foreward)
Telling the Sidaant of Jap Jee Sahib
One time Sant Sundar Singh Jee got the Jatha to do 125,000 Paats of Sri Jap Jee Sahib. At the day of the Bhog, there was a very large gathering. Sant Jee asked the Singhs in the Jatha "Is there anyone that can tell me the Sidaant (principle) of Jap Jee Sahib in five minutes?" All the top students tried but no one could complete the requirement. Then Sant Jee asked Giani Gurbachan Singh to try. So Giani Jee folded his hands and said if you give me permission may I sing it out loud in poetry form? Sant Jee said yes, so Giani Jee in 3 and a half minutes recited the following poem:
ਕਬਿਤ ਤੇਰੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਸੇ
ਏਕ ਹੈ ਅਦੁਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸਕ ਹੈ ਸਤ ਕੋਈ, ਹੈ ਪ੍ਰਸਿਧ ਜਗ ਰਚਨੀ ਭੀ ਹਾਰ ਹੈ।
ਪੂਰਣ ਨਿਡਰ ਵੈਰ ਨਹੀ ਤਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਕਿਸੇ, ਕਾਲ ਤੋਂ ਰਹਿਤ ਰੂਪ ਮੇਂ ਨ ਭਾਰ ਹੈ।
ਸੁਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ੀ ਅਤੇ ਚੇਤਨ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਰੂਪ, ਜਪਨ ਕੇ ਯੋਗ ਆਦੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਿਰਾਕਾਰ ਹੈ।
ਸਤਿਜੁਗ ਆਦਿ ਵਿਚ ਏਕੋ ਹੀ ਵਿਆਪ ਰਿਹਾ, ਹੁਣ ਭੀ ਜਮਾਨੇ ਵਿਚ ਸਚਾ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਹੈ॥੪੯ ॥
ਅਗੇ ਨੋਂ ਭੀ ਹੋਸੀ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਏਕ ਜੋਤੀ ਰੂਪ, ਅਨਿਕ ਦੁਐਤ ਬਿਨ ਜੋਈ ਨਿਰਾਧਾਰ ਹੈ।
ਸੋਚਨ ਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਂਵਦਾ ਅਕਾਲ ਸੋਈ, ਸੋਚੀ ਜਾਓ ਭਾਵੇਂ ਜੋਈ ਲਖਾ ਹੀ ਕੀ ਵਾਰ ਹੈ।
ਚੁਪ ਕਰੇ ਮਨ ਦੀ ਤਾਂ ਚੁਪ ਕਦੇ ਹੋਵਨੀ ਨਾ, ਤਾਂ ਤੇ ਸਮ ਦਮ ਏਹੁ ਕਰੈ ਦਰਕਾਰ ਹੈ।
ਭੁਖਾ ਮਨ ਕਦੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਜਣਾ ਪਦਾਰਥਾਂ ਤੋਂ, ਤਾਂ ਤੇ ਭਉ ਵਿਰਾਗ ਧਰੋ ਏਹੋ ਸੁਖ ਕਾਰ ਹੈ॥੫੦॥
ਸਹਸ ਸਿਆਣਪਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ ਨਾ ਕੰਮ ਆਵੇ, ਕਰਕੇ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਏਹੁ ਧਾਰੋ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ ਕੋ ।
ਪੂਰਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਮੀ ਅਤੇ ਪੱਕੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀ ਬਣ, ਸੱਚੇ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਪਾਸ ਕਰੀਏ ਆਦੇਸ ਕੋ ।
ਕਿਵੇਂ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਬਣੇ ਕੂੜ ਦੀ ਜੇ ਪਾਲ ਹਟੇ, ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹਟੇ ਪਾਲ ਏਹੁ ਕਹੋ ਲਵਲੇਸ ਕੋ ।
ਹੁਕਮ ਰਜਾਈ ਹੂੰ ਕੇ ਰਾਜ਼ੀ ਹੋਇ ਚੱਲਣਾ ਜੋ, ਹੋਵੈ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਤੁਟੇ ਕੂੜ ਦੀ ਹਮੇਸ਼ ਕੋ ॥ ੫੧ ॥
ਆਦਿ ਪਉੜੀ ਵਿਚ ਗੁਰ ਮਹਾਂਵਾਕ ਰੂਪ ਸਚ, ਪੂਰਾ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਮੋਖ ਕੋ ਸਰੂਪ ਹੈ ।
ਦੂਰੀ ਉਚਾਰਾ ਈਸ ਹੁਕਮ ਬਿਅੰਤ ਅਹੇ, ਬੁਝ ਲੈ ਹੁਕਮ ਹਉ ਕਟਕੇ ਅਨੂਪ ਹੈ ।
ਤੀਸਰੀ ਬਿਅੰਤ ਤਾਣ ਪੁਰਾਣ ਸੋ ਬਿਅੰਤ ਗਾਏ, ਪੰਚਰਾਤ੍ਰ ਨੀਸਾਣ ਦਾਤ ਗਾਂਵਦਾ ਅਜੂਪ ਹੈ ।
ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ "ਸਾਂਖ" ਜੋ ਅਸੰਗ ਸੋ ਪੁਰਖ ਕਹੇ, ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵਿਖਮ "ਨਿਆਇ" ਉਚਰੇ ਸੋ ਭੂਪ ਹੈ ॥ ੫੨॥
ਗਾਂਵਦਾ ਹੈ ਸਾਜੇ ਤਨ ਖੇਹ ਮੇਂ ਮਿਲਾਇ ਦੇਇ, ਕਾਲਵਾਦੀ ਹੈ ਜੋ "ਵਿਸੇਖਕ" ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ।
ਜੀਅ ਕਰਨ ਅਧੀਨ ਹੋਇ "ਪੂਰਬ ਮੀਮਾਂਸਾ" ਕਹੈ, ਜੋਗ ਬਿਨਾ ਦੂਰ ਹੈ "ਪਤੰਜਲ" ਉਚਾਰਿਆ ।
ਹਾਜ਼ਰ ਹਜ਼ੂਰ ਜਾਣ ਗਾਂਵਦਾ ਵਿਦਾਂਤ ਇਕ, ਕਥਯੋ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਵੇ ਖ਼ਾਸ ਮੈਂ ਵਿਚਾਰਿਆ ।
ਸਾਚਾ ਹੈ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਭੇਟਾ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਹੀ ਪਾਸ ਹੋਇ, ਤਤ ਪਦ ਰੂਪ ਇੳਂ ਚੌਥੀ ਨਿਰਧਾਰਿਆ ॥ ੫੩॥
ਥਾਪਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਸੁਧ ਰੂਪ ਕੇ ਸਾਧਨ ਕਹੇ, ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਲਖਨ ਸੋਈ ਮੈਂ ਲਖ ਆਪ ਕੋ ।
ਪੰਜਵੀ ਸੋ ਛੇਵੀਂ ਮੇਂ ਤੀਰਥ ਬਨੌਟੀ ਖੰਡੇ, ਹੋ ਨਿਹਕਾਮ ਮਤ ਵਿਚ ਪ੍ਰਤਾਪ ਕੋ ।
ਸਤਵੀਂ ਮੇਂ ਵਿਰਾਗ ਹੈ ਆਪ ਤੂੰ ਸਮਝ ਵੇਖ, ਨਜ਼ਰ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਸਹੇ ਦੂਖ ਆਰ ਤਾਪ ਕੋ ।
ਪਉੜੀਆਂ ਚੌਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਸ੍ਰਵਣ ਮਹਾਤਮ ਹੈ, ਮੰਨਨ ਕੋ ਚਹੁੰ ਵਿਚ ਕਹਿਆ ਅਲਾਪ ਕੋ ॥੫੪॥
ਪੰਚ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਨ ਵਿਚ ਨਿਧਿਯਾਸਨ ਕੋ ਵਿਸ਼ਾ ਕਹਿ, ਸਤਾਰਵੀ ਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਜਪੁ ਸ਼ਾਕਤੀ ਅਨੰਤ ਹੈ ।
ਅਠਾਰਮੀ ਮੇਂ ਤਾਮਸੀ ਸ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟੀ ਦਸ ਬਹ ਰੰਗੀ, ਉਨੀਵੀਂ ਮੇਂ ਥਾਵ ਭੀ ਅਗੰਮ ਤੇ ਬਿਅੰਤ ਹੈ ।
ਚਾਰੋਂ ਮਹਾਂਵਾਕ ਕਹਿ ਪੂਰਬ ਅਰਧ ਪੂਰਾਂ, ਪਾਪਾਂ ਸੰਦੀ ਮੈਲ ਵਿਚ ਬੀਸਵੀਂ ਕਟੰਤ ਹੈ
ਤੀਰਥ ਤੇ ਦਾਨ ਔ ਸ੍ਰਵਨ ਮਨੰਨ ਕਹਿ, ਜਗ ਉਤਪਤੀ ਹੋਈ ਆਂਵਦਾ ਨ ਅੰਤ ਹੈ ॥ ੫੫ ॥
ਬਾਈ ਵਿਚ ਲਖਾਂ ਹੀ ਅਕਾਸ ਤੇ ਪਤਾਲ ਦਸ, ਅੰਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਓੜਕ ਨੂੰ ਥਕ ਗਏ ਭਾਲਦੇ ।
ਹਰੀ ਦੇ ਮਿਲਣ ਤਾਈਂ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ ਸਿਫਤ ਕਰ, ਹੋਇ ਸੁਲਤਾਨ ਮਾਨ ਕੀੜੀ ਨਾ ਵਿਖਾਲਦੇ ।
ਅੰਤ ਤੋ ਬਿਅੰਤ ਦਾਤ ਅੰਤ ਸਤ ਹੂੰ ਕਾ ਨਹਿ, ਬਹੁਤਾ ਹੈ ਕਰਮ ਮੰਨੇ ਕੋਹੀ ਕਰ ਘਾਲ ਦੇ।
ਛੱਬੀ ਵਿਚ ਅਮੋਲਕ ਹੈ ਗੁਣ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਹੂੰ ਕੇ, ਗੋਪੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਕਾਨ੍ਹ ਆਖ ਅੰਤ ਨਹੀ ਡਾਲਦੇ॥ ੫੬ ॥
ਰੱਬੀ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ਾ ਕਹਿ ਗਾਂਵਦੇ ਅਨੰਤ ਵੀਹ, ਮੇਲਦਾ ਨਦਰ ਜਹਿ ਕਰਦਾ ਅਕਾਲ ਹੈ।
ਮੁੰਡਾ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਕਹਿਓ ਭੁਗਤ ਗਿਆਨ ਲਹੋ, ਏਕ ਤ੍ਰਿਗੁਣੀ ਰਹੋ ਆਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲ ਹੈ।
ਆਸਣ ਆਲੋਕ ਦਸ ਇਕ ਦੂੰ ਜ਼ੁਬਾਨ ਲੱਖ, ਆਖਣ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਚੱਖ ਹੋਂਵਦਾ ਨਿਹਾਲ ਹੈ।
ਬੱਤੀ ਇਮ ਪੌੜੀ ਕਹੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਹੈ ਵਿਦਿਯਾ ਸਹੀ, ਤੇਤੀ ਵਿਚ ਜ਼ੋਰ ਨਹੀ ਚੱਲਦਾ ਕੰਗਾਲ ਹੈ ॥ ੫੭ ॥
ਰਾਤੀ ਰੁਤੀ ਵੁਚ ਧਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੋ ਵਖਾਨ ਹੋਇ, ਪੈਂਤੀ ਵਿਚ ਗਿਆਂ ਹੂੰ ਕੋ ਖੰਡ ਪਹਿਚਾਨੀਏ
ਛੱਤੀ ਵਿਚ ਆਖਿਆ ਆਨੰਦ ਹੈ ਸਰਮ ਖੰਡ, ਸੈੰਤੀ ਵਿਚ ਕਰਮ ਕੋ ਖੰਡ ਅਨੁਮਾਨੀਇ ।
ਸਚਖੰਡ ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਮਜ਼ਲ ਕਥਨ ਕਰ, ਕਥਨਾ ਹੈ ਕਰੜਾ ਸੋ ਸਾਰੁ ਜਿਮ ਮਾਨੀਏ।
ਸਾਧਨ ਗਿਆਨ ਹੂੰ ਕੇ ਜਤ ਤੇ ਧੀਰਕ ਭਨ, ਹੋਂਵਦਾ ਨਿਹਾਲ ਰਿਦ ਜਾਹਿ ਨੇ ਵਸਾਨੀਏ ॥ ੫੮ ॥
ਗੁਰੂ ਕੀ ਸਿਫਤ ਕਰਿ ਪਾਉਣ ਕੇ ਸਮਾਂ ਵਹਿ, ਧਰਮ ਹਜ਼ੂਰ ਨੇਕੀ ਬਡੀ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਹੈ।
ਨਾਮ ਕੋ ਧਿਆਇ ਜਿਨ ਹੰਗਤਾ ਅਭਾਵ ਕਰੀ, ਸੁਖ ਕੇ ਸਰੂਪ ਸੋਈ ਵਾਸ਼ਨਾ ਵਿਨਾਸ ਹੈ ।
ਮੁਖਿ ਤਿਨਹੂੰ ਕੇ ਊਜਲ ਜਹਾਂ ਮਹਿ, ਕਿਤਨੀ ਹੀ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਕੀ ਬੰਦ ਸੀ ਖਲਾਸ ਹੈ।
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੇ ਜਪੁ ਕੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਕਰ, ਸੀਸ ਕੋ ਝੁਕਾਇ ਮੇਰੀ ਨਮੋ ਸੁਖਰਾਸ ਹੈ ॥ ੫੯ ॥
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ੪੨੩-੪੨੪
Listening to Sant Sundar Singhs Katha, and Gaining blessings
Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee had listened to four complete Kathas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee from Sant Sundar Singh Jee at Boparai Village. Every day for 5 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening Sant Sundar Singh would do Katha of about 18 angs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee and Sant Gurbachan Singh would listen very attentively. So on the day the fourth Katha was completed, Sant Sundar Singh Jee blessed Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee with a Siropa (robe/cloth of honour). Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee has mentioned this in Sri Gurmukh Parkash:
ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕੀ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ਕੇ ਭਗਤ ਦੀਨ ਸਿਰਪਾਓ ।
ਸੇਵਾ ਆਪਣੀ ਸੌੰਪ ਕੇ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਕੋ ਪੜਾੳ । ।੧੨੫ ।।
ਸਬ ਕੁਝ ਦੀਨਾ ਤੋਹਿ ਕੋ ਸਿਮਰੀਂ ਸਦਾ ਅਕਾਲ ।
ਦਸ ਗੁਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੰਥ ਜੀ ਏਕੋ ਨਿਹਾਲ ।।੧੨੬।।
ਸੰਗਤ ਮੀ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਰਹੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰੀ ਨ ਮੂਲ ।
ਗੁਰ ਅਕਾਲ ਕੇ ਦਰਸ ਹੋਹਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਰੰਗ ਚਲੂਲ ।।੧੨੭।।
Brahm Giani Sant Sundar Singh Jee in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee Maharaj and in the presence of a lot of Sangat said these words:
Many students have studied under me, a lot of them may have forgotten everything they learned, some got jobs, some got stuck in marriage, but what I learned from Sant Bishan Singh Jee Muralewale, only he (Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee) has learned and applied to his life. The blessing and Seva that I got from Sant Bishan Singh Jee, from today onwards, I give that same Seva to Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee. This Damdami Taksal that was started by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee, I give all the Seva and responsibility to Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee. Sant Sundar Singh Jee asked Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee do you want to do one job or a hundred jobs? Sant Gurbachan Singh replied that one job is good enough, meaning taking care of the taksal is enough. Sant Sundar Singh said that a hundred jobs are nothing compared to this job, and everything will happen automatically, (meaning other worldly affairs will be taken care of).
When time came to tie the dastar on the head of Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee (signaling the change in the Jathedar), Sant Sundar Singh called the Singhs and told them to bring dastars, but some jealous Singhs would not bring the kapra for the dastars. So Sant Sundar Singh got a kapra/cloth from his vaaja, and some flowers and put them on Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee’s Dastar, and said just like these flowers, make your mind flourish and always have a fragrance of bhagti. When Sant Jee was giving Giani Gurbachan Singh Jee the Jathedari some Singhs started saying that he is still a child, he is an innocent child, he doesn’t know how to run a taksal, that you are putting such a big responsibility on his head. But Sant Sundar Singh Jee dispelled their doubts, He said that Maharaj Jee has blessed him with a Gurmukhi Jeevan, everything will take care of itself. Saying this Sant Jee became quiet.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਚਲਿਆ॥
ਸਚੀ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਇ ਸਚਾ ਪਿੜੁ ਮਲਿਆ॥
Spending this life fruitfully Gurmukh goes to the other world.
There in the True court (of lord) he gets his True place.
On February 15 1930 AD at the Gurdwara Sahib at Boparai Village, around 8 AM while listening to Asa Dee Vaar Keertan, Sant Sundar Singh Jee ascended to Sachkand.
Doing Three Kathas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee
Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee stayed at Boparai Village and completed three Kathas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee Maharaj. In 1934 AD, 16 fortuned Singhs and Sant Jee left Boparai Village for doing parchar.They went to Sri Anandpur Sahib, Una, Rvalsar, Biaas Kund, Joginder Nagar, Baijnath, Bast Nagari, (Baht Sahib), Kartarpur Sahib, Achal Batala etc. They did a lot of parchar with Katha and Keertan.
At this point the Singhs in the Jatha that went with Sant Jee to do Parchar had reached 25. This plant would grow larger every day. On a request from Bhai Daleep Singh and from the residents of Village Mehta, Sant Jee started the fourth Katha of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee and completed it there as well. Sant Jee would do many more Kathas all over india, and would have countless Amrit Sanchars and bring many into the Khalsa Panth.
Completing the Sarovar at Sri Hargobindpur, and 125,000 Paats of Sri Jaap Sahib
While doing Gurmat Parchar, Sant Jee went to Hargobindpur. This is the spot where Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee won his second big war. He defeated the army in one day, and listened to Bhai Gopala Jee recite Sri Jap Jee Sahib (Story of Bhai Gopala Jee who recited Jap Jee Sahib very correctly, and Guru Jee was ready to give him Gurta Gaddi. Guru Jee blessed him with Brahmgiaan, and saved many generations of his family.) Sant Sundar Singh Jee had a lot of love for this place; they used to come here a lot and do Gurmat Parchar and had started making the Sarovar. But only bit of the Sarovar had been completed before Sant Sundar Singh Jee went to Sachkand. The rest of the Sarovar was completed By Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee, and completed 125,000 Paats of Sri Jaap Sahib with the Jatha and Sangat. This Seva was done by a lot of Sangat but especially, Sant Hazara Singh, Sant Ajaib Singh, Jathedar Gurdial Singh, Bhai Jussa Singh, Bhai Bela Singh Laangree, Bhai Karam Singh, and Bhai Gurnam Singh. After a lot Simran, Bani, Katha and Keertan and Parchar was done here, Sant Jee went to Gurdwara Sri Panjokra Sahib in Ambala.
Doing Parchar
Sant Jee’s main goal was to teach Singhs knowledge and get them to take Amrit. Sant Jee had no other political motives. Sometimes they would walk for miles at a time with the Jatha, doing parchar and reading Gurbani. They did parchar in Punjab, Kashmir, Peshawar, Banaras, Patna Sahib, Jagan Nathpuri, Ramaishwar, Sri Hazoor Sahib, Calcutta, Bombay etc. There is probably not any area in India where Sant Jee didn’t do parchar and plant the seed of Sikhi. Sant Jee would always keep complete rehat no matter where they went and would encourage all the Singhs to keep strict rehat as well. Because:
ਰਹਿਤ ਬਿਨਾ ਨਹਿ ਸਿਖ ਕਹਾਵੈ ਰਹਿਤ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਦਰ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਖਾਵੈ
Staying away from Maya
Sant Sundar Singh Jee had told Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee not to ask from money from anyone, any money that you get put it back into parchar and for the Jatha. Never collect money, always use it right away.
ਸਤਿ ਬਚਨ ਸਾਧੂ ਉਪਦੇਸ ॥
True are the Teachings, and the Instructions of the Holy.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬਚਨੁ ਕਮਾਵੈ ਸੰਤਨ ਕਾ ਸੋ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਤਰੀਐ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
One who practices the Teachings of the Saints, by Guru's Grace, is carried across. ||1||Pause||
Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee would live by these orders his entire life. Any money that Sant Jee got, he used it for the Jatha, buying clothes, food, and books for the Singhs. If there was any extra money they would give it for karah parshad at any Gurdwara Sahib nearby. Once they gave 5000 rupees, once 3300 and once 3100 for degh at Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib. One time a Gurmukh from Patiala gave Sant Jee a car, at this time Sant Jee and the Jatha were at Sri Khadoor Sahib, Sant Jee gave the car to Kar Seva Mahapurakh Sant Baba Uttam Singh Jee. One time a Singh gave Sant Jee a very nice horse, and Sant Jee sent it to Sri Hazoor Sahib, and this horse did Seva at Sri Hazoor Sahib for 13 years, when the horse passed away Sant Jee sent another one.
Firmness in Nitnem
For their entire life they would always be reciting Bani, or doing jaap of Vaahiguroo Vaahiguro Vaahiguroo, they never let a moment pass without remembering God. Even if they were on a train going to a far away place, they would still get up at Amritvela do ishnaan and recite Gurbani.
ਹਉ ਰਹਿ ਨ ਸਕਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੇਖੇ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮਾ ਮੈ ਨੀਰੁ ਵਹੇ ਵਹਿ ਚਲੈ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
I cannot survive without seeing my Beloved. My eyes are welling up with tears. ||3||
They would never eat without doing darshan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee or before their Nitnem. Towards the end of their life, because of the body getting old they had to spend some time in hosptials. The doctors would tell Sant Jee to rest 24/7, but even then they would get up at Amritvela do ishnaan and do their Nitnem or listen to it from a Singh. Sometimes doctors would ask them how are you feeling and Sant Jee would say, I feel very good, it is Guru Jee’s kirpa.
ਮੀਤੁ ਕਰੈ ਸੋਈ ਹਮ ਮਾਨਾ ॥
Whatever my Friend does, I accept.
ਮੀਤ ਕੇ ਕਰਤਬ ਕੁਸਲ ਸਮਾਨਾ ॥੧॥
My Friend's actions are pleasing to me. ||1||
They would always remain in chardi kala (high spirits). Even when they would got sick they would still do Katha with the same love and enjoyment. When some Singhs would ask Sant Jee to not do Katha for a few days as they were sick, they would reply saying that doing Katha is my life’s support. Sant Sundar Singh gave me hukam to do Katha until my last breath, and I will continue to do so.
Pilgrimages to Gurdwarai by foot
Sant Jee their whole life would do darshan of different Gurdwarai Sahibs.
ਜਿਥੈ ਜਾਇ ਬਹੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਸੋ ਥਾਨੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਾ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥
Wherever my True Guru goes and sits, that place is beautiful, O Lord King.
ਗੁਰਸਿਖੀ ਸੋ ਥਾਨੁ ਭਾਲਿਆ ਲੈ ਧੂਰਿ ਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਵਾ ॥
The Guru's Sikhs seek out that place; they take the dust and apply it to their faces.
When Sant Jee were at a younger age they would always walk to historical Gurdwarai to do darshan. One time Sant Jee with, Sant Baba Harnaam Singh Jee “Paatshaah”, Bhai Daleep Singh Jee “Shah”, Baba Mehar Singh Panjokra Sahib, Baba Kishan Singh Jee Tugal and some other Singhs, walked to Sri Hazoor Sahib, Sri Patna Sahib, and Ranaishwar, and on the way did darshan of many other historical Gurdwarai. Where ever the Jatha was, if there were any historical Gurdwarai nearby Sant Jee would always visit them by foot.
Seva of Singhs
Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee would have a lot of respect and love for all the Singhs in the Jatha, especially those that were Pooran Tyaar bar Tyaar, Nitnemi Gursikhs. Whenever a Singh would come visit Sant Jee would say GurFateh with love. They would never let anyone touch their feet. Their whole life they never let anyone bow down to them, this was their humbleness. They would always ask Singhs are you tyaar bar tyaar? Do do you your Nitnem every day? When the Singhs would answer yes, they would get very happy. Then they would make arrangments for the Singhs to live and eat. Any Gurmukhs that came to Sant Jee all their pain and worries would disappear, and they would start doing Simran.
ਆਵੈ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਚਿਤਿ ਤੇਰਿਆ ਭਗਤਾ ਡਿਠਿਆ ॥
You come to mind, O Lord and Master, when I behold Your devotees.
ਮਨ ਕੀ ਕਟੀਐ ਮੈਲੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਵੁਠਿਆ ॥
The filth of my mind is removed, when I dwell in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy.
ਪਾਣੀ ਪਖਾ ਪੀਸਉ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੈ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਹੀ ਕਾ ਆਹਰੁ ਜੀਉ ॥1॥
I carry the water, wave the fan, and grind the grain for the servant of my Lord and Master. ||1||
Sant Jee would always be dong Simran. Any Sangat that came, Sant Jee would tell them stories from the lives of the Ten Gurus. They would do Katha of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee’s Hukamnamai, and would share what other mahapurakhs had said. Their avastha was such that:
ਸਾਚਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗਾ ॥
My mind is attached to the True Name
ਲੋਗਨ ਸਿਉ ਮੇਰਾ ਠਾਠਾ ਬਾਗਾ ॥1॥
My dealings with other people are only superficial. ||1||
Sant Jee’s Main Teachings
1) Take Amrit from Panj Pyarai and become Guru Vale, always keep rehat, never let your rehat falter
2) Make others into Nitnemis
3) Always recite Gurbani correctly
4) Memorize Gurbani
5) Never try to become “big” (famous)
6) Always respect Sangat as the form of Guru Jee
7) Always help Panthic Jathebandis in times of need
8) Recognize that your mind, body and wealth all belong to Guru Jee and do Seva of Gursikhs
9) Recognize that respect and have love for every person
10) Always remember that everything is happening because of God
11) If a Mona (person who cuts his/her hair) would make langar Sant Jee would never eat it or let the Jatha eat it. They would always keep the utmost cleanliness. They would never eat others jootha or let anyone eat their jootha, they were against using cha (tea) and other drugs.
Respect for Sangat and Gurbani
When Sant Jee would go from one village to another village, sometimes Sangat would bring horses for Sant Jee to sit on, but Sant Jee would not sit on them. One time Sant Kartar Singh brought a horse for Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee to sit on and go to Sant Kartar Singh’s village for a program, but Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee did not get onto the horse, they said: Why should I sit on a horse and the rest of the Jatha walk on the ground? Another thing is that all these Singhs are Guru Roop, and secondly all these Singhs have gutkai Sahibs with them, some are reciting Gurbani so it is not respectful to Gurbani for me to sit on a horse, higher than everyone else.
What Sant Jee gave to the Khalsa Panth
Sant Jee would travel all over India with 100-150 Singhs in the Jatha, whom they would teach Katha, Keertan etc. Doing Gurmat Parchar they gave Amrit to hundreds of thousands, made thousands into Shud Paatis ( those that can recite Gurbani correctly), and made many into Gianis (knowledgeable ones).
Sant Jee would teach their students the meanings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, Dasam Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, Bhai Gurdaas Deean Vaaran and Kabbit Savaiyai, Bhai Nand Lal Jee’s Gazals, Sri Guru Panth Parkash, Gur Bilas Patshahee 6 and 10, Mehma Parkash, Sri Nanak Parkash, Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth, other small books, Prabodh Chandar Natak, Vichaar Saagar, Birtee Prabhakar, Moksh Panth, etc. At both times (morning and evening) Sangat would listen to Katha and the vidarthees would open up their pothia and they would listen to the arths, and write them down and do veechar of them.
This travelling university (Taksal) not only gave gurmat vidya to students, but it also made the students into true gursikhs. A lot of Parchar of gursikhi has been done and continues to be done to this day, with Maharaj Jee’s kirpa. Many of Sant Jee’s students have become Granthi Singhs at the Five Takhats and other historical Gurdwarai throughout India. Many became scholars and Katha vaachiks. Some of the main students names are listed below:
1) Sant Harnaam Singh Jee Paatshah, Chakarvartee who taught Gurmat Vidya at Village Jogewal, District Faridkot. They made many into Shud Paatis ( those that can recite Gurbani correctly), and joined a lot of Sangat with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee.
2) Sachkand Vaasi Sri Maan Bhagat Ujjagger Singh Jee
3) Giani Daleep Singh, Katha Vaachik at Gurdwara ManJee Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib
4) Sri Maan Giani Mohan Singh Jee, who is doing Gurmat Parchar with a Jatha of Singhs
5) Singh Sahib Giani Kirpal Singh, Head Granthi Sri Darbar Sahib, and Jathedar Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib
6) Singh Sahib Giani Mani Singh Jee, Granthi Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib
7) Sachkand Vasi Singh Sahib Giani Kapoor Singh Jee, Head Granthi Sri Darbar Sahib Jee
8) Baba Mehar Singh Jee Birakat, Village Mandiala, District Gurdaspur, who made many into Shud Paatis of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee
9) Giani Amar Singh Jee Kritee, Village Maloo ka Fatha, who made countless Singhs into Shud Paatis
10) Giani Mehinder Singh Jee Paniaalee, Granthi at Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib
11) Giani Joginder Singh Jee, Guru Kaa Baagh
12) Giani Karam Singh Jee, Garhvaiee ( personal assistant) from Calcutta
13) Giani Preetam Singh Jee, Sarhand Mandee
14) Giani Swarn Singh Jee, Takarvaal
15) Sachkand Vaasi Giani Nand Singh Jee, Rairoo Sahib
16) Sachkand Vaasi Giani Gujan Singh Jee, Jasowal
17) Giani Preetam Singh Jee, Nairobee
18) Giani Niranjan Singh Jee, Sraai
19) Giani Gurbachan Singh Jee Raagi, Upalhairee
20) Giani Bhagwan Singh Jee, Maarhee Mega
21) Giani Balwant Singh Jee, Who did Seva in Africa
22) Giani Joginder Singh Jee Kahaarpuree
23) Giani InderJeet Singh Jee
24) Giani Prataap Singh Jee Langhiaana
25) Giani Meva Singh Jee, Kathavaachik Kaindree Sri Gur Singh Sabha, Sri Amritsar Sahib
26) Giani Kirpal Singh Jee Boparai
27) Giani Baldev Singh Jee, Head Granthi Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala
28) Giani Nahar Singh Jee, Head Granthi Gurdwara Dookh Niwaran Sahib, Patiala
29) Vaid Niranjan Singh Jee Mahant Gurdwara Boparai, Ludhiana
30) Giani Pooran Singh Jee Dehli
31) Giani Preetam Singh Jee Africa
Apart from these names there are many more students that have done and are doing Gurmat Parchar.
Sant Jee’s Writings
Sant Jee was a big scholar, at the same time they were a great poet as well. Their book Sri Gurmukh Prakash is written all in poetry form is about the life of Sant Sundar Singh Jee, this book is a big treasure chest of knowledge. Gurbani Paat Darshan has a lot of the vishrams and ucharans of hard Banis. In the beginning of this book Sant Jee has written all about rehat maryada.
Seva of Gurdwarai
Along with teaching Gurmat Vidya, Sant Jee also helped with the Seva of many Gurdwarai. In District Gurdaspur in Sri Hargobindpur there is a Gurdwara Sahib that Sant Jee made a sarovar Sahib at. This is the place where Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee fought his second war against the Turks. A little further from that place in the village Bham, they built another Gurdwara Sahib. After that In District Firozpur, Village Manavan Sant Jee built a very beautiful Gurdwara Sahib and sarovar in meomory of Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee. This was the place where Guru Harkirshan Jee got a mute to recite the arths (meanings) of the Gita, and destroyed the hunkaar of a pandit. Then Sant Jee also got the Seva to build a Gurdwara Sahib and sarovar at the place where Bhai Jaitha Jee stayed whilst travelling from Dehli to Anandpur Sahib with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee’s Sees (head), it is near Chandigarh. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee also came to this place to give darshan to Pir Dargahee Shah, the same person Bhai Jaitha Jee had stayed with on his journey to Sri Anandpur Sahib. About one kilometer from this place in Chandigarh, where Guru Gobind Singh Jee had langar, Sant Jee built Gurdwara Sahib Loh Garh.
Sant Jee also did many Akhaand Paat Sahibs and a lot of Parchar of Sikhi wherever they went.
Seva of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee
The Mangals of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee were being changed by some members of the SGPC, which upset the Khalsa Panth. A lot of Mahapurakhs got together and said this cannot be allowed. No changes can be made; everything should be the same as the Saroop that got Gurrta Gaddi. All the Mahapurakhs and a lot of institutions and Jathebandia got together at various places such as Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib, Rara Sahib, and the biggest gathering happened at Bhindra, where approximaly all the mahapurakhs of India came. After a lot of talks and debates it was decided that all mangals should be printed as they are in the Damdami Beerh, and the Kartarpuri Beerh.
This Seva started in 1965, and Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee took up this Seva. They sent Sant Kartar Singh Jee and a few other Singhs from the Jatha to Sri Amritsar Sahib, to the Gurdwara Printing Press. At this time the India-Pakistan War also started, and the area around Khaimkarn was ruined because of the war (this area was around Sant Kartar Singh Jee’s home village). But Sant Kartar Singh had Hukam from Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee not to leave the Seva, Sant Kartar Singh did not know if how his family was doing or if they had even survived, he left it on Guru Jee to protect them. Along with a few Singhs Sant Kartar Singh Jee did the Seva of fixing the mangals of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. At this time Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee put a very big test upon Sant Kartar Singh Jee.
So the next year Sant Kartar Singh Jee and Bhai Kartar Singh Premi were respoonible for doing sudaee (correcting) the blocks that were used the print saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Jee Maharaj. Throughout the Seva a lot of obstacles came up but they always managed to keep the Seva going. Sant Kartar Singh spent a lot of time doing Seva with his own hands. At this time Sri Maan Giani Daleep Singh Katha Vaachik of Sri Amritsar did a lot of Seva of the Singhs staying there. Another test came up when Mata Harbans Kaur was going on Big Yatra (pilgrimage) to all the Gurdwarai Sahibs in India, Sant Gurbachan Signh Jee told Sant Kartar Singh that right now biggest yatra is fixing the mangals of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. All the other Singhs left on the pilgrimage only Sant Kartar Singh Jee was left, but he continued to do Seva. At that point Sant Gurbachan Singh said why would we go on other buses and pay a fare to do darshan of the Gurdwarai? We can just get our own cars and go get darshan. With Guru Jee's kirpa the Jatha goes on a pilgrimage every year to all the takhats and Gurdwarai Sahib.
After the Yatra, Bhai Kartar Singh Premi returned, Guru Ram Das Jee did a lot of kirpa and this Seva was completed. After this Seva the Singhs went to Village Dosanjh (near Moga). Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee gave Sant Kartar Singh and Bhai Kartar Singh “Premi” Siropai for their Seva. In reality Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee had chosen Sant Kartar Singh has his successor in this lineage of Guru Gobind Singh Jee’s Taksal. Later on Sant Gurbachan Singh told Sant Kartar Singh that this Seva for of the Taksal will be given to you. Sant Kartar Singh folded his hands and said Sant Jee I am just a child who does not know anything. I have not done any Seva, Simran, bhagti, etc, how can I take care of such a big Seva. Sant Gurbachan Singh replied with a little bir ras saying I have put this Seva in your responsibility either accept it or go to hell. Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee told Sant Kartar Singh a story of a Mahapurakh.
One time a Mahapurkh was about to pass away, he told his Sevaadaar that I have this Philosophers stone here; it is very valuable. The Sevaadar said what will I do with this, I am an ascetic? The Mahapuakh said that I thought you would use this for good reasons, you would have extended your life and done a lot of Simran, but if I gave it to someone else they would use it for worldly purposes. But it is your choice, you will barely survive in this world, you will suffer, the Mahapurakh started cursing his Sevadaar. Sant Gurbachan Singh says that he saw the Sevadaar suffer, and every curse the mahapurakh had said had come true. Hearing this Sant Kartar Singh got very scared and accepted all the Seva of the Taksal. He said to Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee that please bless me with this Seva of the Taksal, do not send me to hell. Hearing this Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee said, that in the future whenever I ask you to take on this Seva, do not say no. Sant Kartar Singh accepted and apologized.
In sultanpur Sahib, a lot of parchar was being done and sikhi was beginning to flourish thanks to the efforts of Sri maan Sant kartar Singh Jee (Thatai Tibai Vale). At Gurdwara Hutt Sahib, after the morning Katha, Sant kartar Singh Jee(bhindranwale) were reciting Gurbani to Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee. Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee said to Sant kartar Singh Jee(bhindranwale) that here at this Gurdwara Sahib, Guru Jee has filled countless peoples bags with money, poverty has been eradicated for countless people, should I get Guru Jee to fill your bag with money as well? Then you can do Seva of the Jatha. Sant Kartar Singh Jee (bhindranwale) remembered what Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee had said earlier about not saying no to anything he asked of him. So Sant kartar Singh Jee (bhindranwale) said whatever you wish you can do, it is up to you. Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee remained quiet for a while and then they said these bachans which Sant kartar Singh wrote down on a piece of paper after he had finished reciting Gurbani to Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee.
Consider the Jatha as the form of Guru Jee. If any Singh does not keep maryada then kick him out of the Jatha. Consider yourself smaller than the Sangat. Never take pride, it is the horrifying time of Kalyug. Don’t look at the status (worldly standing) of any Singh that comes to learn from you, if any student comes to you, then teach them. Make sure no changes come in the Amrit sanchar maryada. Always keep away from pAkhaand, vikaars, and kureits. Always keep at least two Singhs with you at all times, if there are more that will be even better. Always consider Guru Jee to be ang sang always with you, Guru Jee takes care of all tasks, so do not worry about anything. Never ask for money from anyone, but if some does come then use it on the Sangat, never collect it. Do not be attached to your family. Other Singhs heard these bachans as well. Then Sant Gurbachan Singh started listening to Gurbani again and later said, one day I will share these bachans with the Sangat.
After some days the Jatha went to Calcutta, there were approximately 150 Singhs in the Jatha. Here the Jatha stayed for about 3 months at Gurdwara Jagat Sudhaar. 136 Akhaand Paat Sahibs were done. Sardar Harbans Singh, his daughter Bibi nirmal Kaur, Sardar sampooran Singh, Sardar laabh Singh khatra, Sardar diljaan Singh, Sardar gurnaam Singh lapara Sardar mehar Singh gareeb, Sardar sujaan Singh, Bhai Sahib Bhai karam Singh Jee, Bhai karam Singh , Bhai harnek Singh, Bhai harJeet Singh, Bhai ekbaal Singh etc, all did a lot of Seva with a lot of love. It was here that about 14 Singhs started feeling jealous towards Sant kartar Singh Jee, because of what Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee had said. They were very beer ruse and out of anger left the Jatha but Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee did not care.
Blessings at Takhat Sri Patna Sahib
After Calcutta, the Jatha went to Takhat Sri Patna Sahib for the 300th Avtaar Gurpurb of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee. They went with Sri Maan Sant Kartar Singh Jee (Thatai Tibai Vale). Then out of happiness the Sangat did an Akhaand Paat Sahib and give Siropai to all the Sevaadars. The first Siropa was given to Bhai Sahib Bhai Maan Singh Jee, Head Granthi of the Takhat Sahib. The second Siropa was given to Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Jee. That same Siropa Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee gave to Sant Kartar Singh Jee and gave the Seva of the Taksal to Sant Kartar Singh Jee.
Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee’s Katha had so much love:
ਬਾਣੀ ਉਚਰਹਿ ਸਾਧ ਜਨ ਅਮਿਉ ਚਲਹਿ ਝਰਣੇ ॥
Whoever listened to it once they never forget it their entire life, they would listen to it repeatedly. Sant Jee would never use Kachi Bani, they would always use Gurbani to back up what they would say. They would only tell stories from authentic Guru history. Whilst doing Katha, they would get so mast, they would forget about their body. In one day they would do Katha at many different places. Their life was Katha, Simran, Gurbani. They would give at least two meanings of each Shabad. They would do Katha in such a way that even the big scholars would gain something and at the same time illiterates would gain something. Their Katha was very beautiful.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਬਚਨਕਮਾਵਣੇਸਚਾਏਹੁਵੀਚਾਰੁ॥
