Bhai Jagta Ram Ji Sewapanthi: Difference between revisions

Bhai Jagta Ji

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.

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.