Bhai Taru Popat: Difference between revisions

TARU POPAT is listed in Bhai Gurdas, Varan, XI. 13, among prominent Sikhs of the time of Guru Nanak (1469 - 1539). Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, elaborating the reference in Bhai Gurdas says that Taru Popat was only a young boy of ten years when he presented himself before the Guru and made the submission, "Master you are ever so generous and kind to the poor and simple folk like me. Friend of the poor, I have heard that whosoever meets a saint obtains peace. I have taken refuge at thy feet! and seek your spiritual guidance guidance. Give me your benediction and bestow inner peace and poise to my troubled soul"

The Guru said, "You are yet too young and have hardly seen anything of this life. Wherefrom have you learnt to think of these things." Spoke Popat, "One day I watched my mother make a fire. I saw that the smaller logs caught fire sooner than the bigger ones. It occurred to me that. I should see a saint as soon as possible so that I secure happiness. Who knows when death might strike?" The Guru pronounced the blessing, "Taru (lit. 'swimmer'), thou shalt be the salvager of thy clan. Learn to make an honest living and learn to share the fruit of thy labour with others. Remember thy Creator always." Acting upon the Guru's word Taru Popat, says Bhai Mani Singh, attained liberation.

References

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955

2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri" Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35

3. Macauliffe, M.A., The Sikh Religion. Oxford, 1909