by: Principal Amar Singh, Vancouver, B.C, Canada
Bhai Gurdas ji, the first exponent ‘of the Sikh religion, writes the following about the succession of Guru Hargobind Sahib; The five Gunis (Guni Nanak Devji, Guru Angad dev ji, Guru Amar Das ji, Guru Ram Das ji and Guru Anjan Dev ji) had their fill of five virtues, the sixth Guru, Hargobind, was a ‘great Guru. Guru Adan Dev ji passed on his light into the body of Hargobind, and thus the dynasty of Sod his flourished, This Warrior Guru became the scourge of tyrants and was both fearless and benevolent the Sikhs asked.
“Now we have seen six Gurus, How many more will come?” The inimitable and immaculate Guru replied “Listen, O morals”
In the Dark Age (Kalyug), the dynasty of the Gurus has now been established on a firm foundation,”
“The Guru’s sovereignty is and will be for all ages.”
The five virtues mentioned by Bhai Gurdas ji are Truth, Contentment, Compassion, Righteousness and Patience. The brutal and barbarous execution of Guru Arjan Dev ji brought about a revolutionary change in the way of life of the Sikhs. It was Gum Arjan dev ji himself who ‘suggested the change when he went to Lahore. This suggestion of taking up arms was boosted by the cruel and torturous execution of Guru Asjan Dev ji. Sikhs became determined to resist all oppression and prepared themselves to face all difficulties however barbarous they may be. They were very well aware that this resistance would precipitate suffering and death, but they had resolved to avenge the ‘death of their Gun and live a life of respect and honor, The need of the day was to infuse a new spirit in the demoralized masses. Centuries of cruel and barbarous oppression had reduced them to living corpses. They had lost all self-respect and none dared to raise his voice against the cruel injustice inflicted on them. The need of a new spirit was felt by everyone and the most by the Guru.
On the day Guru Hargobind ji ascended the spiritual throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji he asked Baba Buddha ji to enrobe him with a sword instead of the traditional Seli or Ribbon of Renunciation that Guru Nanak Dev jihad handed over to his successors. Guru Hargobind ji bowed to the ‘Seli’, but put it aside, Baba Buddha ji embosomed Guruji with sword (kirpan). Guru ji asked for another ‘one and wore two swords. They were emblems to spatial and temporal authority Piri and Miri They symbolizes Bhakti and Shakti.” Guru ji addressed his Sikhs and urged them to bring about a change in their attitudes. He urged them to offer him weapons, horses and their youth, He also ordered his Sikhs to do exercises like wrestling, kabadi, gatka, horse riding and to learn martial arts, He also wanted them to go for hunting in the jungles, Weakness is a sin and Sikhs must get rid of it. We will made use of the sword to blunt the sword of oppression, injustice and cruelty. We will fight for justice and not beg for it.
Addressing the poets he ordered them to write ballads that would kindle emotions from deep slumber and make everyone aware of his basic human rights. Every Sikh should shun fear and dedicate his life to eliminate tyranny and oppression, wielding the sword to protect the weak and oppressed, to up hold truth and righteousness would become the way of life. This new inspiration and dedication brought about a revolutionary change in the way of Sikh life. Within a few days Sikhs came to the shelter of Guru Hargobind Sahib and offered their lives to him, they asked for nothing, but food and clothing. Soon the Guru had an army of dedicated Saint Soldiers to serve under his command.
Guru Hargobind Sahib fought four wars and won all of them, In the fourth battle Guru ji had to fight against Painde Khan who had deserted Guru ji and joined the Mughal army. He was a form orphan brought up by Guru ji himself. He was given education and all the necessary training in the use of all kinds of arms. When Guru ji came face to face with Painde Khan, he gave him the option to strike first. Painde Khan struck three times, but failed to harm Guru ji. Then the Master gave him a strong and dexterous blow with his sword and Painde Khan was mortally wounded, He fell down from his horse and lay dying on the ground, The Master came down from his horse and took him in his arms. Guru ji asked him to recite the Kalma as he was dying. Painde Khan replied,” O Master from your sword I have already tasted the Elixir of Immortality, The cut by your sword is my Kalma now.” Baba Buddha left for his heavenly abode durlife of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji. Baba ji was at his village Ramdas, near Amritsar. When Guru ji head of his illness, he rushed to Ramdas to be with Babaji, Bhai Buddha ji asked for the touch of Guru ji. He placed his hand on Baba ji’s forehead and he left his world, Guru ji lit the pyre of Baba Buddha ji himself.
Guru Hargobind ji spend the last part of his life at Kiratpur. Before he left for his heavenly abode on March 3, 1644, he appointed Har Rai as the Seventh Guru of the Sikhs.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 16, 1995
