Bhai Jagta Ram Ji Sewapanthi
Perhaps the most influential Sewapanthi of the 19th century; the epitome of the highest virtues of the Sewapanthi samparda; an ocean of compassion such was the greatness of Baba Jagta ji. Not only distinguished for his spiritual status, but also for his utter self-abnegation in the consequential benevolence shown to all who crossed his path. The stories are numerous and each is a nugget of practical wisdom on how to live and breathe humility, selflessness, compassion, and the greatest of shardhaa (faith) in God’s nadari (blessing, favourable look). His example was so great that to this day he holds a paramount position among historical Sewapanthi mahapurush.There are many events taken from his life that should be narrated. Certainly the study of his life will gift the reader with timeless gems on practical perfection. However, within this context we shall study two alone:
The first, again paraphrased from Bhagat Singh Hira’s text Great Sikh Saints;
One winter night it was exceedingly cold. Torrential rain brought the weather to near freezing point. Furthermore an icy wind was blowing. At Baba ji’s dharamsala a family of harijans appeared (then referred to as ‘Halal Khor’ meaning ‘lawful persons’, denoting outcastes). They were shivering and drenched but were too scared to ask for any shelter for fear of being cast out of even this little refuge. Baba ji on seeing them was filled with compassion and went over to assist them. He spoke, ‘Dear fellows please come in and take shelter’.
An elderly man from among them replied;
‘Maharaj we are coming from a long way, and unfortunately it rained on the way. We have taken shelter under this projection. As we are ‘Halal Khor’ we do not feel ourselves fit to step in any further’
Baba ji realising the fatal affect the cold would have upon them again said;
‘We being the ‘Haram Khor’ (corrupt ones) are comfortably sitting in quilts, but you being ‘Halal khor’ are suffering the cold of dark winter. Please do not waste time, hurry and come in’
They then entered the dharamsala, where Baba ji with his own hands prepared the bedding for them, the langar and shawls. Baba ji was pleased that he had seen his Lord drenching in the rain and shivering in the winter’s cold. He had served his Lord well; all in God, God in all.
When in the morning an errant sadhu made a sarcastic comment about touching the defiled blankets and matting, Baba ji instead of responding to him, spoke to the guests and asked them to please accept the offering of the blankets and quilts, as these sadhus hesitate to touch them.
Merger with the Supreme
One day, Baba Jagta Ji summoned, Bhai Hazari Ji, Bhai Sahaee Ram Ji, Bhai Bhaag Ji, Bhai Mulla Ji, Bhai Leelha Ji, Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, Bhai Mahtab Ji, Bhai Juaiyaa Ji, Jassa Singh Ji, Bhai Vasti Ji and all others, who resided at the Dharamsala. When everyone paid their respects and sat down, the Panch Brahmins who had been invited, also came and sat down. Then Baba Jagta Ji spoke to Bhai Hazari Ji, thus. “If I tell you to do something, will you do as you are told?” Bhai Hazari Ji stood up, and with both hands folded, said, “O Cherisher of the Meek, I am your ‘bought and paid for’ slave and the sole purpose of my life is to obey your command. Baba Ji then said, “ I have now completed my journey and I am about to depart. Now you have to bear the responsibility of the Tikana.” Bhai Hazari Ji, with both hands folded, spoke very humbly, “O Cherisher of the Meek, the burden of responsibility of seva of the Tikana, is very heavy. I am not capable of carrying this load. Please let someone else bear this burden. Allow me to continue serving, as before. Baba Jagta Ji, then benevolently said, “Bhai Hazari Ji, all you have to do is to stand tall. The Creator will run the Tikana Himself. You just have to submit the task to the Formless One and continue serving. Bhai Hazari Ji, again proposed, “O Cherisher of the Meek, the burden is very heavy, could you appoint some one else to share this burden with me.” Baba Ji replied, “Bhai Hazari Ji, two swords can never be inserted into one scabbard. Please do not be afraid at all. You should not fear anyone. The whole world will look to serve you. Let alone causing you harm, no one will be able to think bad thoughts about you. No task of yours will be hindered for want of money or materials. But do remember one thing, all the wells that were constructed in Noorpur must be well maintained. Do not let even one of them deteriorate.” Bhai Hazari Ji then bowed and paid obeisance at the feet of Baba Jagta Ji and gave his acceptance. Baba Ji then gave Bhai Hazari Ji a bountiful pat on his back. After that, Baba Ji instructed everyone to pay obeisance to Bhai Hazari Ji. The entire village council (panchayat), including Bhai Lachhi Ram Ji and Bhai Tula Ram Ji were asked to pay obeisance to Bhai Hazari Ji. It was the year Samvat 1868, and Baba Ji wished to alleviate the pain of all living things. Baba Ji thus spoke, “This terrible famine will be only be wiped out if it rains, and if I sacrifice my mortal body. So as per his plan, on the Second day of the month of Magh, Baba Jagta Ji relinquished his mortal frame and merged with the Supreme.
There are many others stories associated with Baba Jagta Sahib ji which can be read in English also in Bhagat Singh Hira’s book Bhai Jagta Ji.
