Bhai Kanhaiya
BHAI KANHAIYA (1648-1718), was a Sikh of Guru Tegh Bahadur and was the founder of the Sevapanthi or Addanshahi sect of the Sikhs. Bhai Sahib was born in a Dhamman Khatri family of Sodhara near Waxirabad in Sialkot district (now in Pakistan). His father was a wealthy trader, but he himself being of a religious bent of mind left home when still very young and roamed about with saddhus and ascetics in search of spiritual peace.
His quest ended as he met Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-75) and accepted initiation at his hands. Kanhaiya established a dharamsdhal at Kavha village in the present Attock district of Pakistan which he turned into a preaching centre. His special mission was selfless service of humanity with no distinction of nationality, caste or creed. In 1704/5, he was on a visit to Anandpur when Anandpur was invaded by a combination of hill troops and the imperial Mughal army. During the frequent sallies and skirmishes, Bhai Kanhaiya used to roam around serving water to the wounded and the dying without distinction of friend and foe.
This upset some Sikhs who complained to Guru Gobind Singh that Bhai Kanhaiya had been resuscitating the fallen enemy soldiers. Guru Gobind Singh summoned Bhai Kanhaiya and explained that he had received a complaint about his actions on the battlefield.
Guruji said, “These brave Sikhs are saying that you go and feed water to the enemy and they recover to fight them again – Is this true?”
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji replied "Yes, my Guru, what they said is true. But Maharaj, I saw no Mughal or Sikh on the battlefield. I only saw human beings and they all have the same God’s Spirit – Guruji have not taught us to treat all Gods people as the same?"
The Guru was very pleased with the reply. He blessed him and told the Sikhs that Bhai Kanhaiya had understood his teachings correctly. Guru also gave him medical Balm and said “From, now also put this on the wounds of all who need it”
Guru ji reminded the Sikhs of Guru Arjan Dev Ji:
| SGGS Page 1299 Full Shabad |
| Kaanraa, Fifth Mehl:
I have totally forgotten my jealousy of others, since I found the Saadh Sangat (the holy congregation). ((1))Pause No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone. ((1)) Whatever God does, I accept that as good. This is the sublime wisdom I have obtained from the Holy. ((2)) The One God is pervading in all. Gazing upon Him, beholding Him, Nanak blossoms forth in happiness. ((3)(8)) |
To have respect for every person is a fundamental pillar of Sikhism and a strong message advanced by the Tenth Guru.
Sadly, Bhai Kanhaiya died in 1718 CE after retiring to Sodhara. His example, as a forerunner of the present day Red Cross, is a tribute to the universal message of compassion and kindness to all.
While the world hails Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, as the first humanitarian at the service for the care of war victims, Sikhism produced Bhai Ghaniya, more than 100 years before the inception of the Red Cross.
Lessons to be Learnt
This Sakhi has a deep message for the Sikhs:
- The Sakhi tells us that we should serve Humanity selflessly and with dedication
- To Serve All of Humanity equally without discrimination
- It tells us how we should treat even our enemies (when they do not have their swords drawn) with respect, compassion, humility and Love
- The Five Weapons to destroy the five Thieves - Deep level of Compassion (Daya), Truth (Sat), Contentment (Santokh), Humility (Nimrata) and Love (Pyar)
Gurbani
| SGGS Page 903 Full Shabad |
| You have no compassion; the Lord’s Light does not shine in you.
You are drowned, drowned in worldly entanglements. (4) |
| SGGS Page 51 Full Shabad |
| Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life.
One who is so blessed by the Formless Lord God renounces selfishness, and becomes the dust of all. (3) |
| SGGS Page 235 Full Shabad |
| The fruit of humility is intuitive peace and pleasure. |
| SGGS Page 971 Full Shabad |
| Bow in humility within your heart, and you will not have to be reincarnated over and over again. (2) |
| SGGS Page 422 Full Shabad |
| Those who practice Truth, contentment and love, obtain the supplies of the Lord’s Name.
So banish corruption from your mind, and the True One will grant you Truth. (5) |
Quotes
"I think Guru sahib’s langar system and allowing Bhai Ghaniya to serve Muslim injured soldiers during the war gives us clear message that Sikh Gurus were not establishing another Dharma to bring division in human beings but they were all for unity." Sajjan Singh
References
- Lal Chand (1955). Sri Sant Maid.. Patiala. ISBN.
- Gurmukh Singh (1986). Sevapanthian di Panjahl Sdhit nun Den. Patiala. ISBN.
