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Sakhis: Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji to Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, and Glossary of Sikh Vocabulary
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Lesson 1 Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji 4 Bhai Lehna Ji’s Life as Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Sikh 6 Lesson 2 Bhai Lehna Ji and Guru Ji’s Requests 8 Complete Surrender to Guru Nanak Dev Ji 9 Lesson 3 Guru Jot at Khadur Sahib 11 Gurmukhi Script 13 Lesson 4 Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Love for Children 14 Lesson to Humayun 15 Guru-Ka-Langar and Mata Khivi Ji 16 Lesson 5 Sri Guru Amar Das Ji 17 Early Life of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji 17 Longing For Guru Sahib 19 Lesson 6 Blessed by Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji 20 Devotion to Service 21Lesson 7 Guru Jot to Sri Guru Amar Das Ji 23 Baba Datu Ji’s Aimosity 23 Role of Baba Budha Ji in Finding Guru Amar Das Ji 24Lesson 8 Social Reforms 26 Guru –Ka-Langar 27 Lesson 9 Baoli Sahib at Goindwal Sahib 28 Establishment of Sikh Ceremonies and Festivals 29 Preservation of Life 30 Lesson 10 Guru Amar Das Ji and Equality 31 Establishment of Manji System 31 Equal Respect and Dignity for Women 32 Lesson 11 Some Notable Sikhs of Guru Amar Das Ji 34 Lesson 12 Sri Guru Ram Das Ji 37 Early Life of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji 37 Marriage With Bibi Bhani Ji 38 Lesson 13 Seva 40 Guru Ram Das Ji Becomes Guru: Platform of Humility 41 Lesson 14 Respect From Emperor Akbar 43 Lesson 15 Appearance of a Holy Spot 45 Limitless Humility 47 Lesson 16 Guru Ram Das Ji Visits Lahore 48
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Table Of Contents [Lesson 1 - 16]
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Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji ________________________________________
Our Beloved Guru Sahibs1 Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji sRI gurU nwnk dyv jI
Parkash 1469, Rai Bhoe Di Talwandi, Nankaana Sahib Father Sri Kalyan Das Ji Mother Mata Tripta Ji Sister Bibi Naanki Ji Wife Mata Sulakhni Ji Children Baba Sri Chand Ji, Baba Lakhmi Das Ji Joyti Jot 1539, Kartarpur Sahib
2 Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji sRI gurU AMgd dyv jI
Parkash 1504, Matey Di Saran, Mukatsar Father Sri Pheru Mall Ji Mother Mata Daya Kaur Ji Wife Mata Khivi Ji Children Baba Dasu Ji, Baba Datu Ji Bibi Amro ji, Bibi Anokhi Ji Joyti Jot 1552, Khadoor Sahib
3 Sri Guru Amar Das Ji sRI gurU Amr dws jI
Parkash 1479, Basrke, Amritsar Father Sri Tej Bhan Ji Mother Mata Sulakhani Ji Wife Mata Ramo Ji Children Baba Mohan Ji Baba Mohri Das Ji Bibi Bhaani Ji, Bibi Daani Ji Joyti Jot 1574, Goindwal Sahib
4 Sri Guru Ram Das Ji sRI gurU rwm dws jI
Parkash 1534, Chuna Mandi, Lahore Father Sri Hardas Ji Mother Mata Daya Kaur Ji Wife Mata Bhaani Ji Children Baba Prithi Chand Ji Baba Mahan Dev Ji Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Joyti Jot 1581, Goindwal Sahib
5 Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI
Parkash 1563, Sri Goindwal Sahib Father Guru Ram Das Ji Mother Mata Bhani Ji Wife Mata Ganaga Ji Children Guru Hargobind Ji Joyti Jot 1606, Lahore, Pakistan
6 Sri Guru Har Gobind Ji sRI gurU hir goibMd jI
Parkash 1595, Gur Ki Wadali Father Guru Arjan Dev Ji Mother Mata Ganga Ji Wife Mata Damodri Ji, Mata Naanki Ji Mata Mahan Devi Ji Children Baba Gurditta Ji, Baba Atal Rai Ji Baba Anhi Rai Ji, Baba Suraj Mal Ji Guru Teg Bahadar Ji, Bibi Veero Ji
Joyti Jot 1644, Kiratpur Sahib
7 Sri Guru Har Rai Ji sRI gurU hir rwey jI
Parkash 1630, Kartarpur Sahib Father Baba Gurditta Ji Mother Mata Nihal Kaur Ji Wife Mata Krishan Kaur Ji Children Baba Ram Rai Ji Guru Harkrishan Ji
Joyti Jot 1661, Kiratpur Sahib
8 Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji sRI gurU hir ikRSn jI
Parkash 1656, Kiratpur Sahib Father Guru Har Rai Ji Mother Mata Krishan Kaur Ji Joyti Jot 1664, Delhi
9 Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Ji sRI gurU qyg bhwdr jI
Parkash 1621, Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar Sahib Father Guru Hargobind Ji Mother Mata Nanki Ji Wife Mata Gujri Ji Children Guru Gobind Singh Ji Joyti Jot 1675, Delhi
10 Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji sRI gurU goibMd isMG jI
Parkash 1666, Patna Sahib Father Guru Teg Bahadar Ji Mother Mata Gujri Ji Wife Mata Sundar Kaur Ji, Mata Ajit Kaur Ji Mata Sahib Kaur Ji Children Sahibzaada Ajit Singh Ji Sahibzaada Jhujaar Singh Ji Sahibzaada Jorawar Singh Ji Sahibzaada Fateh Singh Ji Joyti Jot 1708, Hazoor Sahib, Nanderh
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 292) The servant's purpose is to serve;obeying the Lord's
Command, the supreme status is obtained.
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Sri Amar Das Ji spent the next few years in total love and devotion to the service of Guru Angad Dev Ji. He was so devoted that
only Guru Ji could understand his devotion and Divine Love. Guru Angad Dev Ji had experienced the same, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji
entranced his heart and soul. A new town named Goindwal was being built near Khadur Sahib (KfUr swihb). Guru Angad Dev Ji tested the obedience of Sri Amar Das
Ji by asking him to go and make Goindwal his residence and to help
in building the new town. Saying „Sat Bachan (siq bcn)‟ to Guru
Sahib‟s command, Sri Amar Das Ji started living in Goindwal. But the
pain of separation was too much for him to bear. Every day early in the morning, Sri Amar Das Ji would come
from the Beas River carrying a pitcher of water on his head for Guru
Sahib's bath. While returning from Khadur Sahib to Goindwal, Sri Amar Das Ji never turned his back on Khadur Sahib: he walked
backards with his eyes still looking towards his master. He preferred death to turning his back
on his Master.
During one dark rainy winter night, Amar
Das Ji, as usual, was
carrying a pitcher full of Beas water for Guru
Angad Dev Ji. As he
walked by the house of a weaver (someone who
makes cloth), Sri Amar
Das Ji tripped over a wooden peg fixed in the
ground by the weaver and fell in the weaver's loom pit.
At the sound of the fall, the weaver called from inside, "Who is it at this early hour?"
The weaver's wife told him to calm down and said, "Who else
could have fallen at this time? It must be „Amru nithawan (inQwvW)‟ (homeless Amar Das), who never sleeps and never rests."
Devotion to Service
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Sri Amar Das Ji heard these words and exclaimed, “You must be
out of your senses if you think I am homeless, for I am of the Guru. Guru Sahib is my home; Guru Sahib is the home of all.”
Sri Amar Das Ji had casually said to the weaver woman, “You
must be out of your senses.” After this episode, she lost her wits and started behaving like an insane person. In the morning, the weaver
took her along and presented themselves in the morning
congregation that gathered before Guru Angad Dev Ji. The weaver narrated to Guru Sahib all that had taken place
early that morning and prayed, "May our mistake be forgiven and my
wife be cured." When the weaver narrated the above episode to Guru Angad
Dev Ji, the word 'nithawan inQwvW' (homeless) used by the weaver's
wife moved Guru Sahib deeply. Guru Sahib embraced Sri Amar Das Ji to his bosom and lovingly blessed him, "My Amar Das! My Amar Das
is the home of the homeless; He is the shelter for the unsheltered;
the protector of the weak and the downtrodden; the abode for those without any abode; he is the hope for the hopeless; He is the last
refuge of those for whom no one cares." Guru Sahib advised the
congregation, "Never speak bad words of anybody." Guru Sahib pardoned the weaver woman and she got well.
Key Gurmat Message: By doing Seva, one becomes closer to Guru Sahib and earns
Guru Sahib‟s pleasure. Sri Amar Das Ji was more than 60 years
old, but he still did Seva all day long. Those who do lot of Seva receive Guru Sahib‟s spiritual blessings.
sqgur kI syvw Aiq suKwlI jo ieCy so Plu pwey ] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 31)
Serving the True Guru brings a deep and profound peace, and
one's desires are fulfilled.
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Lesson 7 Date:_____________
It was mentioned earlier
also that Sri Amar Das Ji served
Guru Angad Dev Ji and his Sangat with full devotion for
twelve years. Pleased with his
service to the Guru and Sangat, Guru Angad Dev Ji asked Baba
Budha Ji to anoint Guru Amar
Das Ji to Gurgaddi, the throne of Guru Nanak on March 29, 1552.
The “Guru Jot” that Guru Nanak
Dev Ji placed in Guru Angad Dev Ji, now resided in Guru Amar Das Ji. All the Sikh Sangat bowed to the Guru, but Guru Angad Dev Ji‟s elder
son, Baba Datu Ji, was unhappy at not being granted the Gurgaddi.
Guru Angad Dev Ji directed Guru Amar Das Ji to settle in Goindwal Sahib to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji far and wide.
Guru Amar Das Ji, as per the instructions of Guru Angad Dev Ji,
settled at Goindwal Sahib. At that time, Guru Amar Das Ji was 72 years old. At Khadur Sahib, Guru Angad Dev
Ji‟s son Baba Datu Ji proclaimed himself a
Guru, but the Sikhs did not accept him. At
this, Baba Datu Ji full of rage went to
Goindwal Sahib and struck Guru Amar Das Ji
with his foot saying, "What? Only yesterday a servant of ours, made into a Master today?"
But Guru Amar Das Ji humbly knelt down and
began rubbing Baba Datu Ji‟s feet saying, "O son of my Master, my flesh is old and bones
hard; they must have hurt your foot." After this incident, Guru Amar Das Ji quietly left Goindwal Sahib, to let Baba Datu Ji do whatever he
Guru Jot to Sri Guru Amar Das Ji
Baba Datu Ji’s Animosity
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wished to do. Baba Datu Ji declared himself Guru again, this time at
Goindwal Sahib. The Sikhs despised him for insulting Guru Amar Das Ji.On seeing the Sikhs' contempt towards him, Baba Datu Ji loaded
his newly acquired wealth on a camel and returned to Khadur Sahib.
On his way he encountered some robbers who seized the camel and the wealth. One of the robbers struck Baba Datu Ji on the same foot
with which he had kicked Guru Sahib. Baba Datu Ji‟s foot became
swollen and caused him great pain for the rest of his life.
The Sikhs were very much distressed at losing their Guru. They
searched all over but could not find him anywhere. Guru Nanak Dev Ji once blessed Baba Budha Ji, a bRhmigAwnI (Brahmgiani) Gursikh, by
saying, “buiFAw, qYQoN auhly kdy nW hosW,” which means,“the Guru Nanak Jot
would never hide from you.” The Sikhs requested Baba Budha Ji, to
help find Guru Sahib. As per Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s blessings, Baba Budha Ji knew where „Guru Jot‟ was, but he was very humble and did
not want to show his powers. Baba Budha Ji along with other Sikhs
came to Goindwal Sahib. There they found Guru Sahib‟s horse that would not allow anyone except Guru Sahib to ride on it. Baba Budha
Ji and the Sangat prayed to Guru Sahib, put a saddle on Guru Ji‟s
horse, and then anxiously followed it. The horse made
her way to a room on the
outskirts of Guru Sahib's village Basarkay, and stood
before its door.
On the door was written, "Whoever opens
this door is no Sikh of mine,
nor am I his Guru." Baba Budha Ji did not open the door, but made an opening in the back wall
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Amar Das Ji had full control over His emotions. He did not
get angry even when Baba Datu Ji hit Him.
Role of Baba Budha Ji in Finding Sri Guru Amar Das Ji
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and entered through there. Guru Sahib could not disregard the love
and devotion of His Sikhs and returned to Goindwal Sahib. Guru Sahib's return was celebrated with illuminations, rejoicing and
feasting. A large number of devotees flocked to Goindwal Sahib to
have Guru Sahib‟s darshan (drSn) and obtain guidance.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks with the correct words:
emotions Guru Sahib disregard Baba Budha Ji Sikhs
1. Guru Amar Das Ji had full control over His ______________. He did
not get angry even when Baba Datu Ji hit Him.
2. The Sikhs requested ______________ to help find Guru Sahib.
3. Guru Sahib could not ______________ the love and devotion of his
__________ and returned to Goindwal Sahib.
4. Gursikhs who are close to __________can help us get closer to
Guru Sahib to get Guru Ji‟s blessings.
Key Gurmat Message: Gursikhs who are already close to Guru Sahib can help us get
closer to Guru Sahib to get Guru Ji‟s blessings. jnm mrx duhhU mih nwhI jn praupkwrI Awey ] jIA dwnu dy BgqI lwiein hir isau lYin imlwey ]2]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 749) Those generous, humble beings are above both birth and death.They give the gift of the soul, and practice devotional
worship; they inspire others to meet the Lord. ||2||
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Lesson 8 Date:____________
In Guru Sahib‟s time, society was divided into small segments
based on caste, economic status, gender, region, religion, etc. A person was considered high or low based on family he/she was born
in, and not according to his/her deeds. Divisions based on gender,
caste and religious belief were so extreme that:
People from different castes would not sit together or eat
together.
People from different castes would use different wells to
draw water or to bathe.
People from lower castes were not allowed to enter the
temples that belonged to higher caste.
Untouchables (the lowest caste) were not even allowed to
pray or enter the temple.
Women, even if they belonged to higher caste families,
were not allowed to enter certain temples, offer prayers,
or perform religious rites.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached against discrimination and hate based on race, caste, and status. Guru Sahib aimed at creating a
casteless and classless society in which all were treated with respect
and dignity and where one member did not exploit the other. Guru Amar Das Ji took steps to ensure his Sikhs were taking
steps to practice what they had been learning since Guru Nanak Dev
Ji.
Social Reforms
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Guru Amar Das Ji continued to preach Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s
message of equality for mankind. Everyone who came to seek His blessings accepted this message. The food was prepared and
distributed to the rich and the poor alike, while they took their seats
in a row on the carpeted ground (Pangat, pMgq). Every person was
asked to eat in Guru-ka-Langar
before he/she could see Guru Sahib.
Even Emperor Akbar and the King of Haripur ate in Guru-ka-Langar before
they were permitted to have an
audience with Guru Sahib. It was Guru Sahib‟s directive – pihly pMgq, pwCy sMgq (Pehlay Pangat, Pachhay Sangat):
first take a meal in the Langar, and
then join the congregation. Guru-ka-Langar was kept up by the contributions from the devotees.
When Akbar offered land for the Guru-ka-Langar, Guru Sahib did not
accept it, saying that it is a Sikh
institution and must be supported by the offerings and services of the devotees.
Every day, fresh food was prepared and served in Langar, which
continued day and night. Guru Sahib directed his Sikhs to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the Langar hall and asked Sikhs to recite
Gurbani the entire time while cooking and serving Langar. Whatever
was left over was given to the birds and animals and even to the fish in the river, Beas, flowing close by.
Once, Guru Amar Das Ji came on a visit to the Langar. Bhai
Handal Ji, who was kneading dough at the time, was delighted to see him, and prepared to greet him. But in order to maintain the
cleanliness, he did not let his hands touch the ground.
He put them behind his back, and bowed before the Guru. Guru Sahib was very pleased with Bhai Handal Ji because he maintained
respect, both of the Guru and the Langar.
Guru-Ka-Langar (gurU kw lMgr)
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Lesson 9 Date:____________
Before Guru Sahib‟s time, there were different wells for people of different castes. Untouchables were not allowed to get water from a
well that belonged to higher caste people.
By now, Guru Sahib‟s followers from all castes and classes had learned to eat together by sitting on the floor
in Guru-ka-Langar. Guru Amar Das Ji
took another step to promote equality, and to end centuries‟ old divisions.
Guru Sahib wanted His Sikhs to share
the same well and bathe from it too. Therefore Guru Sahib decided to build
a Baoli, a staircase leading to the
source of water. The digging of the Baoli started in 1556 and was
completed in 1559. When completed, the Baoli had 84 steps.
The Sikh devotees would come in large numbers to Goindwal Sahib, take a bath in the Baoli, and listen to Kirtan and katha (explanation of
Gurbani and Sikh History).
On completion of the Baoli, Guru Sahib blessed the Sangat by saying, "Whoever will bathe and recite Japuji Sahib with loving
devotion on each of the 84 Paurees (step), will experience
great peace and happiness. Also, that person will escape from the cycle of eighty four lakh (8.4 Million) forms of
life; Joona– jUnW." In the recent times, the Baoli has been
beautifully built and artistically decorated. The
walls are adorned by rows of frescoes (paintings
engraved in color on plaster) depicting scenes from Sikh history.
When one crosses the gateway of the Baoli, one
enters the enclosure beneath the big dome. Its walls are marbled and studded with colored
stone.
Many patterns, especially of flower vases, are engraved in the marble slabs. The passage down the 84 steps is lined with marble on the side,
Baoli Sahib (bwaulI swihb) at Goindwal Sahib
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as well as on the steps.
Guru Sahib issued a directive to all Sikhs to assemble twice a year, on Baisakhi (April) and Diwali (November) festivals, either at
Goindwal Sahib or at the Manji of their area. Guru Sahib laid down Sikh ceremonies to make Sikhs distinct
from the Hindus. Guru Sahib prescribed the marriage ceremony, when
one of the Sikhs, Bhai Dayala Ji, complained that the Brahmins had refused to perform his daughter's marriage. Guru Sahib asked Sikhs to
perform Sikh marriage ceremony in the presence of Guru Sahib and
Sangat by reciting Gurbani. In a Sikh ceremony, the couple takes four
circles (Lavan -lWvW) around Guru Sahib or Gurbani, while in a Hindu
marriage ceremony the couple takes seven Lavan around a fire. Guru
Sahib also made the recitation of Anand Sahib and Ardas compulsory for a Sikh wedding. The new ceremony constituted a distinct break
from Hinduism.
Similarly, Guru Sahib gave special directions for a Sikh funeral.
Guru Sahib‟s grandson, Bhai Sundar Ji, has mentioned the funeral
ceremony in „Sadd‟ (Ang. 923 of SGGS). Hymns in the praise of God
are to be sung before and after the cremation. There is to be no crying or syapa because death is natural and inevitable, and takes place
according to the Will of God.
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Amar Das Ji took steps to promote equality and to create
a society where everyone lived with dignity and respect. siqguru isK kw hlqu plqu svwrY ] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 286)
Guru Sahib fulfills his Sikh’s needs for this world and the next.
Establishment of Sikh Ceremonies and Festivals
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Sahib made Sikhism a distinct religion with its own sangat centers and ceremonies.
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Guru Amar Das Ji greatly valued human life and regarded it as a
wonderful opportunity to merge with Waheguru Ji. The body is the temple of God and as such, it should be looked after and taken care of
properly. One day, as Guru Sahib approached a decaying house, He
quickly rode past it. When the Sikhs saw this, some questioned if Guru Sahib was afraid of death. Guru Sahib smiled and said He is not afraid
of death but He believes in avoiding unnecessary risks. If we protect
the body and look after it, we can perform holy and charitable work.
Guru Sahib elaborated the idea with an example. If we provide proper
fertilizer, water etc., to a fruit tree, it blossoms and bears fruit.
Similarly if we maintain a healthy body, it becomes easier to meditate and do charitable work.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks with following words
promote valued distinct dignity healthy body opportunity
1. Guru Amar Das Ji took steps to _____________equality and to
create a society where everyone lived with _____________ and
respect.
2. Guru Amar Das Ji greatly _______human life and regarded it as a
wonderful ___________to merge with Waheguru Ji.
3. Guru Sahib made Sikhism a ________ religion with its own sangat
centers and ceremonies.
4. One must maintain a ______________and use it to earn an honest
living, meditate, and do charitable work.
Preservation of Life
Key Gurmat Message:
One must maintain a healthy body and use it to earn an honest living, meditate, and do charitable work. nwnk so pRBu ismrIAY iqsu dyhI kau pwil ]2]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 554)
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Lesson 10 Date:___________
Guru Amar Das Ji strongly believed in equality for all people. This meant to treat everyone - men and women, rich and poor, no
matter where they came from – with equal respect and dignity. He
spread this message through the following:
Guru-ka-Langar: Guru Sahib preached “Pehlay Pangat pachay
Sangat” (pihly pMgq pwCy sMgq). Everyone eats together on the ground
at the same level.
Baoli Sahib: Guru Sahib ended centuries‟ old divisions based on
caste system by asking Sikhs to share the same well and bathe
from the same well. Guru Ji appointed both men and women to go out and preach
about Sikhi and Naam.
Guru Sahib made Sikhism a distinct religion with its own sangat
centers and ceremonies.
Before Guru Sahib‟s time, a typical preacher was a male Brahmin or, in some instances, a high caste Khatri. Guru Amar Das Ji spread
Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s message throughout India by appointing 22
devout Sikh preachers called Masands. The preacher sat on a Manji (a
cot) to convey Guru Sahib‟s message while the congregation sat
around the Manji or cot. Manji was awarded purely on merit,
irrespective of one‟s caste, gender, or social status. Each Manji or sangat center was established wherever there was a sizeable
population of Sikh devotees.
Each Masand (head of a Manji) was also responsible for the
offerings of the Sangat (the Dasvand-10% of one‟s income or 1 tenth
of income donated), which the Sangat made as a token of their respect to the Guru. The Sikhs' offerings were used for langar, and
Guru Amar Das Ji and Equality
Establishment of Manji Sahib
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paying the expenses of the local chapters; the surplus was passed on
to the Guru‟s golak at Goindwal Sahib.
Guru Amar Das Ji stood for equal respect and dignity for
women. Guru Sahib took the
following great steps towards uplifting women's status in society.
1. Guru Sahib forbade the practice of parda, the veiling of women. In
His congregation, women were not
allowed to veil their faces 2. Guru Sahib prohibited syapa, the
beating of thighs and crying by
women on the death of a relative; instead, he exhorted all to sing God's praises and accept His Will
3. Guru Sahib forbade the practice of sati, in which widows burn
themselves alive on the funeral pyres of their dead husbands. Guru Sahib said, “True Satis are those who honor their husbands in their
hearts and not those who burn themselves on the funeral pyre.
Those are considered Satis who live contented, adorn themselves with good conduct, and cherish the Lord." Var Suhi ki- Slok Mahala
3, Ang-787). To be exact, Guru Sahib said, sloku mÚ 3 ] sqIAw eyih n AwKIAin jo miVAw lig jlµin@ ] nwnk sqIAw jwxIAin@ ij ibrhy cot mrMin@ ]1] mÚ 3 ] BI so sqIAw jwxIAin sIl sMqoiK rhMin@ ] syvin sweI Awpxw inq auiT sMm@wlµin@ ]2]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 787)
4. Guru Sahib not only forbade the practice of sati, but also
encouraged widows to remarry.
5. Guru Sahib reversed the then existing practice of excluding women from preaching by appointing women among the 22 preachers who
Equal Respect and Dignity for Women
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were placed in charge of sangat centers called Manjis (mMjI). Two
Manjis were allotted to women: Mai Seva of Goindwal and Bibi
Bhago of Kashmir. 6. Guru Amar Das Ji established another organization called the Pihrhi
(pIVHI) system. Only the ladies were assigned Pirhis, whose objective
was to spread Naam among women. Bibi Bhani, Bibi Dani, and Bibi Pal were some of the most revered women assigned with Pihrhis.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks with the correct words:
Syapa rights burn honor veiling
1. Guru Amar Das Ji forbade the practice of “Parda,” the __________
of women.
2. Guru Sahib also prohibited ___________, the beating of thighs and crying by women on the death of a relative.
3. Guru Amar Das Ji forbade the practice of “Sati” in which widows
_________themselves alive on the funeral pyres of their husbands.
4. Guru Sahib uplifted the _________ and _________ of women at
the time when women were denied the basic human rights
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Sahib uplifted the honor and rights of women at a time
when women were denied the basic human rights. so ikau mMdw AwKIAY ijqu jMmih rwjwn ]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 473) So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
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Lesson 11 Date:___________
Bhai Paro Jhulka Ji (also called Parma Hans) belonged to the
village Dalla (f`lw), which is now in the Kapurthala district of Punjab. He
received religious instructions and emancipation from Guru Sahib.
Allayar, a rich Muslim horse-dealer of Delhi, brought five hundred horses from Arabia and arrived at Beas. He could not continue his
journey because the Beas River was flooded and the boatmen refused
to take the risk of crossing the swollen river. While Allayar was waiting on the banks of the river, he saw Bhai Paro Jhulka Ji plunge his horse
into the foaming river and reach the opposite shore in safety. Allayar
met Bhai Paro Ji on his return and complimented his daring feat of crossing the river. Bhai Paro Ji told him that it was through the
blessings of Guru Amar Das Ji that he could cross the flooded river. He
further informed Allayar about Guru's glory, and Allayar became anxious to meet Guru Sahib. The next morning they both went to see
Guru Sahib.
Allayar (“Alla” means God, and “yar” means friend) was delighted to see Guru Sahib. Upon hearing Allayar‟s name Guru Sahib said, "It is
difficult to become a friend (yar) of God (Alla).” Allayar humbly
requested Guru Sahib to bless him so that he could become “yar of Alla.” Pleased with Allayar‟s humility, Guru Sahib blessed him with
Naam and he became Guru Sahib‟s disciple. Allayar was also blessed
with one of the 22 Manjis that were set up by Guru Amar Das Ji to spread the fragrance of Naam. There are numerous such stories of the
Sikhs who were blessed by Guru Sahib.
Some Notable Sikhs of Guru Amar Das Ji
Key Gurmat Message: Those with faith are blessed by the Guru and bring blessings to
their companions.
Awip jphu Avrw nwmu jpwvhu ] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 289)
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Bhai Sawan Mal Ji, the son of Guru Amar Das Ji's brother, was
a devoutSikh. One day, Guru Sahib handed him a handkerchief and asked him to go to Haripur in the Kangra hills, to arrange for the
supply of lumber for the construction of buildings in Goindwal Sahib.
The ruler of Kangra, Raja Hari Chand, was a devotee of Bairagi Saints, a sect of Hindu Saints. He had ordered all his people not to eat
or cook anything on ekadshi, the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. If
smoke was seen emerging from any of the kitchens on this day, the owners of the house were taken to the king and brutally punished.
Bhai Sawan Mal Ji ignored the royal ordinance and cooked his
food. When the smoke emerged from his kitchen, he was imprisoned for the offence of cooking on ekadshi and presented before Raja Hari
Chand. Bhai Sawan Mal Ji politely explained to the Raja that he was
following his Guru‟s command not to observe fasting. The arrogant Raja Hari Chand ordered that Bhai Sawan Mal Ji‟s legs be cut off for
disobeying his orders.
The king returned to his chamber after announcing the punishment and noticed that his only son had gotten critically ill. An
acute pain had risen in his son‟s stomach. None of the royal vaids
(doctors) could cure him as he became unconscious and was dying. Raja Hari Chand understood that God was punishing him for troubling
one of his beloved devotees. The king immediately ran to the cells
barefoot and pleaded Sawan Mal to pardon him for his cruel behavior. He begged him to grant life back to his son. Bhai Sawan Mal Ji was
moved by the Raja‟s plea and he forgave the king. To help cure the
king‟s son, he placed a handkerchief on the prince's face and did Ardaas remembering Guru Amar Das Ji. The prince recovered after the
Ardaas. The Raja and the queen fell at Bhai Sawan Mal's feet to thank
him for the miraculous saving. Bhai Sawan Mal Ji humbly explained that all he did was Ardaas and that the real savior is Guru Amar Das Ji.
From that day, the king and the queen became devout followers of Guru Sahib. They visited Goindwal Sahib and presented precious gifts
at Guru Sahib's feet. Raja Hari Chand also arranged lumber to be sent
via the Beas River for the construction at Goindwal Sahib. Bhai Sawan Mal was put in charge of a Manji to spread the
fragrance of Naam in the Kangra hills area.
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Bhai Gangu Shah Ji, a merchant of Lahore, suffered losses in
business and came to Goindwal Sahib to seek the Guru's blessing. Guru Sahib said to him: "Go to Delhi and start your business.
Remember God and put one tenth of your income (Daswand, dsvMD)
into Guru Nanak‟s account. Use money from Guru Nanak‟s account to
help the needy and you will be wealthy.” With Guru Sahib‟s blessings, Gangu Shah started his business in Delhi and in a couple of years
became a rich merchant.
At Goindwal Sahib, a needy Brahmin sought financial aid from Guru Amar Das Ji for his daughter's marriage. Guru Sahib gave him a letter
for Gangu Shah, asking him to help the Brahmin using Guru Nanak‟s
account. Wealth had made Gangu Shah arrogant and greedy, however. He
thought that if he helped the Brahmin, Guru Sahib might send more
men to him for help. So he told the Brahmin that he cannot give him anything, as his registers show no account with the name of Guru
Nanak. The Brahmin returned disappointed to Goindwal Sahib. Guru
Sahib told the congregation to collect funds and He himself contributed some amount towards the marriage expenses of the Brahmin's
daughter.
After some time, Bhai Gangu Shah Ji suffered losses in business, and returned to Goindwal Sahib empty-handed. He dared not show his
face to Guru Amar Das Ji. For repentance, he cleaned utensils, mopped
floors in the Langar, and dedicated all his time to Seva and Simran.
One day, Guru Sahib called and blessed him. He was put in charge of
the Manji at Lahore to spread Guru‟s message for the rest of his life.
Key Gurmat Message:
1. Guru Sahib takes care of those who have full faith in Him. 2. Guru Sahib is very kind and forgives those who realize
their mistakes and take corrective action.
Level 4 Page 37 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 12 Date:____________
Date of Parkash: September 24, 1534(k`qk vdI 2, 25 A`sU sMmq 1591) Place of Parkash: Chuna Mandi, Lahore (Pakistan)
Father: Sri Haridas Ji
Mother: Mata Daya Kaur Ji
Mahal (Wife): Bibi Bhani Ji
Sons: Baba Prithi Chand Ji, Baba Maha Dev Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Gurgaddi: August 30, 1574(31 BwdoN sMmq 1631) Joti Jot: September 1, 1581(2 A`sU sMmq 1638)
Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami
Calendar
(Guru) Ram Das Ji‟s Parkash took place at Chuna Mandi, Lahore
lwhOr (in Pakistan), on September 24, 1534. He was the son of Mata
Daya Kaur Ji and Baba Hari Das Ji Sodhi. Being the first-born child of
his parents, he was also called Jetha Ji, meaning the eldest. (Guru) Ram Das Ji‟s parents died when he was just 7 years old.
His maternal grandmother took Him to her native village Basarkay,
Punjab. There He spent the next five years earning His living by selling boiled grains.
Imagine yourself at the age of 7. Think how hard life would be if
you had to earn a living at such a young age? You miss your parents, you are living with your grandmother, and you have to actually work
hard every day in order to survive. But (Guru) Ram Das Ji didn‟t feel
angry; instead, He was a very kind hearted and sweet natured child. He was so kind that sometimes He would give boiled grains to the
hungry for free.
Sri Guru Ram Das Ji
Early Life of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji
Level 4 Page 38 gurmiq isiKAw
Once Guru Amar Das Ji came to village Basarkay to offer support to the grandmother of (Guru) Ram Das Ji at the death of her
son-in-law. There, Amar Das Ji developed deep affection with
(Guru) Ram Das Ji. (Guru) Ram Das Ji used to hear about God's glories and the Guru's greatness from the Sikh pilgrims
going to Goindwal Sahib. (Guru) Ram Das Ji moved to Goindwal
Sahib to join in the Seva, and to earn his living, He continued to sell boiled grains. After selling the grains, he made it his daily
routine to help in the construction of Goindwal Sahib. (Guru)
Ram Das Ji would bring water for the Langar. Whenever he had spare
time, he would wash dishes, at the same time he would listen to and recite Gurbani.
Guru Amar Das Ji‟s younger daughter, Bibi Bhani Ji was a devout Gursikh who recited Gurbani all the time, even while playing
with her girl companions. She dressed simply, and cherished the
Divine Name. She was content within herself and cared not for the worldly wealth. One day Bibi Bhani Ji‟s mother conversed with Guru
Amar Das Ji about the marriage of their daughter. She said, "Bhani is
of marriageable age, and we should find a suitable partner for her." Guru Amar Das Ji asked, "To whom shall we give her hand in
marriage?" The mother,
pointing towards (Guru) Ram Das Ji said, "To a young man
like him." Guru Amar Das Ji
remarked, "He is a unique, for God had made none other like
him." In this way, (Guru) Ram Das Ji was chosen as the
bridegroom for Bibi Bhani Ji.
(Guru) Ram Das Ji was
Key Gurmat Message:
Even though (Guru) Ram Das Ji had to work hard as a child, he was very kind and helpful to the poor and needy people.
Marriage with Bibi Bhani Ji
Level 4 Page 39 gurmiq isiKAw
married to Bibi Bhani Ji in 1553. (Guru) Ram Das Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji
were humble at heart and deeply devoted to the Guru. After his marriage, (Guru) Ram Das Ji with his noble wife visited his deceased
parents' home, as was the custom. However, he could not remain
there for long; as separation from Guru Sahib was unbearable to him. So he returned to Goindwal Sahib and dedicated the rest of his life to
the service of Guru Sahib.
(Guru) Ram Das Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji were blessed with three sons, Baba Prithi Chand Ji, Baba Maha Dev Ji, and (Guru) Arjan Dev
Ji. Guru Amar Das Ji was very impressed by (Guru) Ram Das Ji and
blessed him with Naam.
Key Gurmat Message: Those who heed Guru Sahib‟s word and lovingly serve the poor
are blessed by Guru Sahib‟s gracious glance. They who
surrender themselves to the Guru, realize the Truth, and forever remain in peace.
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Lesson 13 Date:___________
Guru Amar Das Ji started the construction of Baoli, a step-well
at Goindwal Sahib. On hearing the construction of the step-well, the devotees started pouring in to take part
in the Seva (service). (Guru) Ram Das
Ji spent long hours every day
performing Seva including carrying a
basket of sand on his head, digging
dirt, or any task that needed to be done.
One day, some pilgrims including
relatives of (Guru) Ram Das Ji‟s ancestral home in Lahore were going
for a holy dip to Haridwar, stopped at
Goindwal Sahib. They were furious to see (Guru) Ram Das Ji, the son of a
high caste Khatri, carrying a basket of
sand on his head and working along with people of low castes like an
ordinary laborer in his in-law's house.
They said to Guru Amar Das Ji very angrily, "You are making our son work like a laborer with low caste
people. This does not speak highly of you." Hearing his relatives talk
like this, (Guru) Ram Das Ji went to Guru Sahib and pleaded, "Please forgive them. They are ignorant yet innocent. They have no
knowledge that Seva is above caste, creed, and relationships."
Seva
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Sahib‟s Seva is more important than even the highest
person in this world.
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Guru Amar Das Ji wanted to select his successor just like the
first two Guru Sahibs. Guru Amar Das Ji asked both of his sons-in-law, Bhai Rama Ji and (Guru) Ram Das Ji to make him two platforms
beside the Baoli at Goindwal. When they completed their platforms,
the Guru went to inspect them but disapproved of them. He asked that the platforms be built again. In obedience to his command, new
platforms were built the next day but were also disapproved and
ordered to be dismantled. Every day Guru Sahib would come to inspect the platforms, disapprove and ask to rebuild. This happened
seven times! Rama Ji refused to build it again saying that the Guru
had grown old and that there was nothing wrong with his
platform. (Guru) Ram Das Ji on
the other hand obeyed, asked Guru Sahib for his forgiveness
that he wasn‟t building the
platforms to Guru Sahib‟s expectation. He started building
the platform again. Guru Sahib
smiled and embraced him affectionately saying, "You have
passed the supreme test! Guru
Jot of Guru Nanak Dev Ji needed a new home, which I have found in you.” Guru Amar Das Ji asked Baba Budha Ji to anoint Guru Ram Das
Ji as the fourth Guru. Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s “Guru Jot” that Guru Amar
Das Ji got from Guru Angad Dev Ji, now resided in Guru Ram Das Ji. Guru Amar Das Ji's younger son Baba Mohri Ji accepted the
Guru's verdict with good grace, but His elder son Baba Mohan Ji
resented his father‟s decision. He asserted his claim to the Gurgaddi. Guru Amar Das Ji asked Guru Ram Das Ji to move to „Guru Ka Chakk‟
along with his family. Guru Amar Das Ji decided to conclude His earthly abode. Guru Sahib
blessed the sangat and instructed them not to weep or wail after His
leave. Guru Amar Das Ji immersed in Eternal Light on September 1, 1574 at the age of 95.
Guru Ram Das Ji continued the tradition of kirtan, langar, and
Guru Ram Das Ji becomes the Guru: Platform of Humility
Level 4 Page 42 gurmiq isiKAw
seva (selfless service). In His discourses to the devotees, Guru Ram
Das Ji always emphasized the value of seva and simran (meditation) as the primary duty of every Sikh. Guru Sahib encouraged Sikhs to
earn their living by honest means, meditate on Naam, and share their
material and spiritual wealth with others. This would bring happiness to this world and freedom from the painful cycle of births and deaths.
Guru Amar Das Ji had already setup 22 sangat centers. To further
propagate Sikhism, Guru Ram Das Ji sent prominent Sikhs like Bhai Handal Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji to establish contact with the Sikhs outside
of Punjab.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks using the following words: head 95 Seva earn
simran long hours September 1, 1574
meditate dirt Seva share
1.(Guru) Ram Das Ji spent __________ every day performing
_______ including carrying a basket of sand on his_______,
digging_______, or any task that needed to be done.
2.Guru Amar Das Ji immersed in Eternal Light on
________________at the age of ____.
3.Guru Ram Das Ji always emphasized the value of ______ and
__________ (meditation) as the primary duty of every Sikh.
4.Guru Sahib encouraged Sikhs to ______ their living by honest
means, _______on Naam, and ________ their material and
spiritual wealth with others.
Key Gurmat Message:
(Guru) Ram Das Ji always followed Guru Amar Das Ji‟s directions without questions. This is how we should do Seva.
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Lesson 14 Date:__________
After the construction of the Baoli, the
step-well, in 1559, the core Sikhi principles
of equality and treating everyone with respect received a further boost. Now, the
devotees not only sat in Pangat for their
meals, they also started bathing at a common place, thus further wiping out the
differences of caste and creed from their
minds. Sikhs, after visiting Goindwal Sahib, started similar practice at their villages.
With this, the false walls in the society
based on the caste system began to fall. Brahmins and high caste people, however,
could not bear low caste people acting as
their equals. In October 1566 AD, Emperor Akbar stayed for some time at Lahore.
Taking advantage of his presence, the Brahmins and high caste people
drafted a memorandum against Guru Amar Das Ji and presented it to Emperor Akbar. Having read the charge sheet, Emperor Akbar sent a
message to Guru Amar Das Ji to come to Lahore and reply to those complaints. Guru Amar Das Ji sent (Guru) Ram Das Ji as His
representative to Emperor Akbar to reply to those charg es.
In the court at Lahore, (Guru) Ram Das Ji began replying to the
charges in the complaint one by one. The first complaint was, "Why do
the Sikhs not read Vedas or recite the 'Gayatri' and instead only recite Gurbani (Guru's word)?" (Guru) Ram Das Ji said, "The verses in Vedas
prohibit Shudras (untouchables) from reciting the Gayatri but the
teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are accessible to people of all castes and faiths. Moreover, the Vedas are written in Sanskrit, which is
beyond the comprehension of common men. Gurbani is easy to
understand. Having understood it, life is molded in accordance with Guru Sahib‟s teachings. Gurbani makes it easy to unite with Waheguru
(God) while living in this world. "
The second question was "Sikhs are very egoistic. They do not go
Respect from Emperor Akbar
Baoli Sahib
Level 4 Page 44 gurmiq isiKAw
on pilgrimages to holy places and bathe, which allows previous sins to
be destroyed and allow entrance into heaven in the next world." (Guru) Ram Das Ji replied, "Sangat (Congregation) is the holy place
for Sikhs. They get the spiritual wisdom from Gurbani. Sikhs
implement Gurbani in their daily life, which saves them from committing sins. Sikhs have no aspirations for the pleasures of
heaven. Sikhs rise above this.”
The third question was "Why do not Sikhs practice the centuries old caste system?" (Guru) Ram Das Ji replied, "Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s
message is that all humans deserve equal respect and dignity. Caste
system developed by Manu Brahmin oppresses and mistreats women and lower caste people. It is not for the welfare of the society."
The fourth question was "Why do Sikhs not worship idols?"
(Guru) Ram Das Ji replied, "Sikhs believe in only one God that is ever alive and is beyond birth, death or aging. He is present everywhere all
the time. Idols decay, get destroyed and have no life."
The last question was, "If the Sikhs believe in only one God, then why do they bow (Matha Tek) to their Guru?" (Guru) Ram Das Ji
replied, “The Sikhs bow to the „Guru Jot‟ inherent in the Guru that
dispels the darkness from the mind of every Sikh and unites him/her with Waheguru."
Emperor Akbar was convinced by the answers of (Guru) Ram Das Ji.
Before leaving, (Guru) Ram Das Ji said to Akbar, "It would be a great relief if you relieved the imposition of Jazia tax on farmers and
Pilgrimage Tax on the Hindus."
Emperor Akbar could not believe that (Guru) Ram Das Ji was asking about the welfare of Hindu Brahmins who had complained
about Guru Sahib. (Guru) Ram Das Ji replied that the house of Guru
Nanak Dev Ji works for the welfare of all without caring for what someone gives in return. Emperor Akbar was so pleased that he not
only removed the Jazia and Pilgrimage Taxes but also honored (Guru) Ram Das Ji with a robe of honor.
Level 4 Page 45 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 15 Date:___________
While returning to Goindwal Sahib after laying the foundation of
Guru Ka Chakk (gurU kw c~k) in 1570 AD, Guru Amar Das Ji had told
(Guru) Ram Das Ji that a great place of pilgrimage would appear at this place at the proper time. Due to the shifting of Guru Sahib's abode to Guru Ka Chakk, the
devotees started coming to this place to seek Guru Sahib‟s blessings. The people of all trades started settling at this place and the name of
the town changed to Chakk Ram Das (c~k rwmdws).
In 1577 AD, a woman came to Guru Ram Das Ji accompanied
by a man. After bowing to Guru Sahib, that woman said, "Respected Guru Ji! Please listen to all that happened to me. I shall accept the
decision you will make." Saying this, the woman started her
narration. "My name is Rajni. I am the youngest daughter of Duni Chand,
a wealthy landlord of the village Patti. I have four elder sisters.
One day our father asked, “Who provides for you to eat?” All the sisters except me replied, “Father, it is you.” I had heard that
God provides for everyone. As such I said. “God provides food to
everyone. And I believe God provides for my food too.” My father was very angry at my reply. He said, “I shall see how
God provides for you.”
When I grew older, he made me marry a leper and forced me to leave the house. I put my husband in a basket and while carrying him
on my head, started making
my living by begging in the villages.
This morning, I placed
the basket with my husband by the bank of a pond in the
shade of a 'ber' tree and went
to the village to beg for something to eat.
When I returned, the
Appearance of a Holy Spot
Level 4 Page 46 gurmiq isiKAw
basket in which I had left my husband was empty, and this man was
sitting on the bank of that pond under the shade of that tree. When I asked him about my husband, he replied, 'I am none other than your
leper husband.'"
On being asked by Guru Sahib, that man replied. "I am her husband. When Rajni left for the village, I observed that crows dove
in the water of that pond, and when they emerged they became
swans of a pure white color and flew away. I also crawled into that pond. By contact with the water in that
pond my leprosy was cured except for the hand by which I was
holding onto the branch of the ber tree. I told Rajni everything on her return but she does not believe me."
Guru Sahib told that woman, "Rajni! He is your husband. This
pond is the holy spot of which Guru Amar Das Ji had foretold. Due to your belief in God, you were blessed to visit this pond and your leper
husband has been cured with the
miraculous virtues of its holy water. Let your husband dip the hand
affected with leprosy in the pool and
you shall see the results." As he put his hand in the
water, it was immediately cured.
Rajni, filled with happiness, bowed at Guru Sahib‟s feet.
Early next morning, Guru
Sahib along with Baba Budha Ji and other Sikhs started an excavation of the pool. The 'ber' tree that still exists at this spot is called Dukh
Bhanjani beri, or the destroyer of sorrow. By the construction of this
pool of Amrit (nectar), Chakk Ram Das came to be called Amritsar Sahib.
Key Gurmat Message:
The Amrit Sarovar at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar has the powerful ability to cure any illness.
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When Guru Nanak Dev Ji placed the Guru Jot in Guru Angad
Dev Ji, his elder son, Baba Sri Chand Ji, felt that injustice had been done to him. Though he was against Guru Angad Dev Ji, he never
declared himself a Guru. He had also heard the praises of Guru Amar
Das Ji, but he did not meet Him. When Baba Sri Chand Ji
heard praises of Guru Ram Das Ji
from the people, he came to Amritsar for an audience with the
Guru. When Guru Sahib came to
know of the arrival of Baba Sri Chand Ji, He went to receive him
on the way.
With great respect, Guru Sahib took Baba Sri Chand Ji with
Him and seated him in the congregation beside Him.
Baba Sri Chand Ji saw the long beard of Guru Sahib and asked, "Why have you grown such a long beard?"
Guru Sahib replied, "It is to wipe the dust of the feet of great men
like you." With His beard in His hands, Guru Sahib tried to approach Baba
Sri Chand Ji‟s feet.
Baba Sri Chand Ji immediately bowed and stopped Guru Sahib from touching his feet and said, “It is this limitless humility and
politeness, which has made you worthy of the Guru Jot. I had heard
about your benevolence, generosity, and humility, but now I have seen it with my own eyes. With your devoted service you have not
only achieved the Guru Jot but also won the hearts of mankind. Your praise can not be described in words.”
Limitless Humility
Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ram Das Ji remained very humble to all, even after he
became Guru Himself.
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Lesson 16 Date:___________
The elegance and hustle and bustle of Amritsar increased day by
day. The pilgrims from all over the country visited the city. Bhai Sihari
Mal, a relative of Guru Sahib, along with other Sikhs from Lahore requested Guru Sahib to visit his birthplace. He told Guru Sahib that
Sikhs of Lahore were eagerly waiting for him. Guru Sahib agreed and
promised that he would reach Lahore within a month. One day Guru Sahib asked Sikhs to make arrangements for His
visit to Lahore. Members of the family and some devout Sikhs also
accompanied Him. When they reached near Lahore, all prominent Sikhs and other settlers of Lahore came outside of the city to welcome
Guru Sahib. They were proud that Guru Sahib belonged to Lahore.
They were discussing how an orphan child, because of his selfless service and complete surrender to the Will of the Guru, had become
the True Emperor.
Guru Ram Das Ji first visited his own house in Chuna Mandi. He stayed there for few days and converted his house into a DharamShala
(Gurdwara Sahib). Guru Sahib stayed at Bhai Sihari Mal‟s house. Bhai
Sihari Mal had a huge house. A large number of devotees paid their homage to Guru Sahib in Lahore. To manage the time more
effectively, Guru Sahib fixed times for dIvwn-assembly. Every morning
and evening, the Sangat recited kirtan followed by an address by Guru Sahib. The langar was served all day.
Those relatives who had used inappropriate words to Guru Amar
Das Ji at Goindwal Sahib also came to pay homage to Guru Sahib and asked for forgiveness. They confessed, "Since we have come from
Goindwal Sahib, we are facing many problems. We are always in grief
and pain." Guru Sahib advised them to contemplate the holy Name of God with full devotion, give up the pride of higher cast, and serve the
Sangat and the true Guru. After staying in Lahore for a long time,
Guru Sahib returned to Amritsar along with his family and other Sikhs.
Guru Ram Das Ji Visits Lahore
Level 4 Page 49 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 17 Date:___________
Date of Parkash: April 15, 1563 (vYswK vdI 7, vYswK 19 sMmq 1620)
Place of Parkash: Sri Goindwal Sahib, District Amritsar Father: Sri Guru Ramdas Ji
Paisa (pYsw): One hundrederth part of Indian Rupees
Palki (pwlkI): palanquin (a seat carried on poles)
Pangat (pMgq): sitting together on the floor to eat meals (langar)
Panj Piarey (pMj ipAwry): the five beloved Sikhs that gave their heads at the call of Guru Gobind
Singh Ji
Panja (pMjw): hand
Parkarma (pRkrmw): the act of going around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Parkash (pRkwS): light; see „Parkash Diwas‟
Parkash Diwas (pRkwS idvs): a respectful term to describe Guru Sahib‟s birthday
Panth Parkash (pMQ pRkwS): A renowoned book on Sikh History by Sardar Rattan Singh Bhangu
Parsad (pRswd): means blessing; often refers to Karah Parshad (see above)
Parshada/Prashade(pRSwdy/pRSwdw): roti; tortilla made of flour
Paurees (pwauVI): steps; also refers to stanzas in Gurbani
Phagun (P~gux): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (months of February – March)
Pir (pIr): spiritual guide, Muslim saint
Piri (pIrI): spiritual power
Pirri (pIVI): Wooden seating which has lower legs and no back, organization where women were
chose to spread the message of God
Poh (poh): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (covers months of December – January)
Pothi Sahib (poQI swihb): religious book
Pothis (poQI): see „Pothi Sahib‟
Qazi (kwzI): judge of Muslim court
Rabab (rbwb): string instrument (Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to do kirtan while Bhai Mardana Ji
played the rabab)
Rabab Chher (rbwb CyV): Touch the strings of Rabab (Guru Sahib asks Bhai Mardana Ji to play
Rabab)
Rababi (rbwbI): Rabab player
Raja (rwjw): King
Rani (rwxI): Queen
Level 4 Page 73 gurmiq isiKAw
Ranjit Nagara (rxjIq ngwrw): a big war drum of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Reetha (rITw): soap-nuts that are used to make shampoo and detergent
Roti (rotI): tortilla made of flour
Rumalaas (rumwlw): clothes of Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Rupees (rupeIey): Indian currency (currently in 2009, 45 rupees=1 dollar)
Sabad Kirtan (sbd kIrqn): Singing hymns from Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sabad (Sbd): A sacred Sikh hymn from Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sacha Sauda (s~cw sOdw): Ture-Trade.
Sadhu (swDU): A religious ascetic or holy person
Sahib (swihb): A respectful term used to address Guru Sahibs and other people
Sakhi (swKI): Account of the historical events in Sikh History. Salok (slok): The verse in Bani
Sambat (sMmq): Indian calendar year
Sangat (sMgq): Congregation; people who are worshipping; worshippers Saranda (srMdw, isrMdw): Musical string instrument that was first used by Guru Arjun Dev Ji Sawan (swvx): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of July – August) Sehaj (shj): A blissful stage of calmness Siropa (isropw): An honorary cloth given to a person in honor of performing a good deed/act
Sarbans Dani (srbMs dwnI): who sacrificed all of his possessions and worldly joys for other, Guru
Gobind Singh Ji
Sarovar (srovr): Holy pool of water Sat-Bachan (s~q-bcn): literally means, ”True is your word and I obey” – Saying satbachan means
you will do what is asked of you.
Satguru (sqgurU): True Guru
Sehaj Path (sihj pwT): The entire reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji at the readers‟ own pace.
Seva (syvw): Self-less service that you do to benefit others without expecting anything in return Shaheedan De Sirtaj (ShIdW dy isrqwj): The one who led martyrdom. This title is used for Guru
Arjun Dev Ji as He was the first martyr.
Shaheed (ShId): Martyr- the one who accepts death with courage as a witness to his faith.
Shaheedi (ShIdI): Martyrdom- Facing death as supreme witness to the truth of faith
Shakti (SkqI): Temporal power
Simran (ismrn): Remebering Waheguru and meditating on His Naam Singh (isMG): Lion, Last name of Sikh man
Sukh-Aasan (su~K-Awsn): A short ceremony performed when the Guru Granth Sahib is formally
taken to His room at the end of day.
Taabiya (qwibAw): In presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji specifically being in reading position
Level 4 Page 74 gurmiq isiKAw
Takhat (qKq): An eternal throne representing Authority.
Tayra (qyrw): Adressing to Waheguru that “it belongs to you; all is yours Lord”
Tibbi (it~bI): Mound Tilak (iqlk): Ceremonial symbol Udaasis (audwsI): Journeys of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Vaisakh ( vYswK): Lunar Punjabi calendar month ( Covers months of April - May) Vaisakhi (ivswKI): Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) - Celebrated as the founding day of Khalsa in 1699
Vand ke Chakko (vMf ky Cko): Sharing with the needy. This is one of the 3 Golden rules of Guru
Nanak Dev Ji.
Waheguru (vwihgurU): “The wonderful Lord"; It is the Gurmantar given to Sikhs by Guru Sahib,
meant to be recited while meditating.
Zafarnama (zPrnwmw): the Book of Victory- Word is used to describe the letter Guru Gobind