Bhai Chuhar

Bhai Chuhar, a Chaujhar Khatri of Lucknow, once travelled to Amritsar to see Guru Hargobind (1595 - 1644). He, according to Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat MaJa, one day implored the Guru: "Pray, instruct me, Lord, in what constitutes the root of the Sikh faith." "Humility is its root," spoke the Guru, "service of humanity its branches, sarigat, i.e. holy fellowship, its foliage and the fruit the understanding of the Word." Bhai Chuhar was known as a devoted Sikh who remained absorbed in repetition of the holy Name.

References

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhari di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955 2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37

Bhai Chuhar, Bhai Sam. Bhai Lala, and Bhai Nihalu were good musicians and had facility in expounding the holy hymns. Whenever they sang, discussed or discoursed on the sacred hymns, the sangat, records Bhai Mani Singh in his Sikhari di Bhagat Mala, felt deeply impressed. Guru Arjan appreciated their talent, too, and once spoke to them, "Good deeds are necessary along with a sweet voice. A preacher must match his word with action. Then alone will he be heeded. A tree in order to provide shade to others must first take root. One who does not practise what he preaches is wasting his breath."

References

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhari di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955 2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37