Sikh Concepts and Teachings - Sikh culture and Heritage

Question / Answers

(111) Question:-	Show your acquaintance with Bhai Banno's Beer?
Answer:-	It has already been stated above that it was Bhai Banno, a Prominent Sikh at the time of Guru Arjan Dev, who had taken the first compilation of the Holy Book to Lahore for the purpose of binding. It is believed that in the course of his journey to Lahore, he first went to his village, where he prepared his own copy of the Holy Book. This recension is now known as Bhai Banno's Beer. Although, it is the copy of the original recension, there appear to be some interpolation made therein due to which reason, the same is not considered as an authentic recension. This recension was first installed by Bhai Banno in his own house at Khara-Mangat in Phalia Tehsil of Gujrat District (now in Pakistan). This recension is still available with the decendants of Bhai Banno.
(112) Question:-	What were the causes of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and what were its effects?
Answer:-	A good number of reasons have been mentioned for the martyrdom of -Guru Arjan Dev Ji by scholars and historians. The main reason for this tragic historic event was the jealousy of several persons towards the Guru including of Emperor Jahangir, the Ruler of the day. Guru Hs elder brother Prithi Chand was highly jealous of him, and especially, after the fourth Guru bestowed Gurgaddi upon Arjan Dev, Prithi Chand had become vindictive and was always on the look out for an opportunity to take vengeance. It was he, who made the complaint to the Emperor Akbar that the Holy Book prepared by the fifth Master was in fact, full of material against Hindus and Muslims. However, Akbar was a tolerant and wise Ruler. When he got verified the fact, he found that the allegation was baseless as the volume prepared by the Guru, was worthy of reverence by one and all. After that, although certain persons associated with the emperor, like Birbal and Sulhi Khan, were opposed to the Guru, the emperor had no against the Guru's house. He, rather, met the Guru at Goindwal and was highly impressed by him. However, the cordial relationship between the emperor and the Guru did not continue when Akbar was succeeded by Jahangir, who was an impatient and narrow minded person in the matters of religion. He became highly jealous and apprehensive of the increasing popularity of the Guru, and was determined to put a stop to the religious preachings of Guru Ji prejudice against the Guru is clearly visible in the observations as made by him in his autobiography "Tuzak-i-Jahangiri". He has stated therein, "In Goindwal, which is on the river Beas, there was a Hindu named Arjun, in the garments of sainthood and sanctity, so much so that he captured the fancy of many of the simple-hearted Hindus, and even of the ignorant and foolish followers of Islam by his ways and manners, and they had loudly sounded the drum of his holiness. They called Min Guru and from all sides stupid people crowded to worship and manifest complete faith in him. For three or four generations of spiritual successors, they had kept their shop warm. Many times it occured to me to put a stop to this vain affair or to bring him into the assembly of the people of Islam." The construction of Harimandir and the compilation of the Adi Granth were such acts of the Guru which attracted his followers from far and wide. The Sikhs, living in different parts of the country, started visiting the Guru and called him "Sachha Padshah". This increasing influence of the Guru and his followers was not liked by Maulvies and Pandits, who felt their positions as threatened and down graded. They started complaining to the Emperor, who was convinced that whatever Guru had done, was not in the interest of existing two religions. It is recorded in the tradition that the Emperor had wanted the Guru to write something about Islam and its founder but the Guru refused to make any changes in the Holy compilation. Prithi Chand also took advantage of the situation and got the help of Sulhi Khan, the Governor of Lahore and Chandu Shah, a high rank Officer at Lahore. The Sikh traditions record that Chandu Shah was interested in getting his daughter married to Guru Arjan's son, Hargobind, but as he had uttered certain disparaging words against the Guru's house, the Guru declined the offer on the suggestion of the Sikh gathering. The Sikhs had felt injured when they came to know that Chandu had said that Guru's house was too low for his status and wealth. The rejection of this proposal by the Guru made Chandu an enemy, and as such, he became a party with those who wanted to make the Guru suffer. The immediate cause that led to the Guru's martyrdom is related to the rebellion of emperor Jahangir's son, Khusro. According to Mahima Parkash by Sarup Dass Bhalla, when Khusro had met the Guru, the Guru showed him hospitality by serving him Langar This gesture on The part of the Guru provided an opportunity to Chandu Shah and other detractors of Sikhism to instigate the emperor by saying that the Guru had helped the rebel, Prince. Thus Jahangir charged the Guru with the offense of supporting a rebellion and fined him heavily. When the fine was not paid, the Guru was arrested and was sentenced to death. Tuzak-i-Jahangiri mentions in this regard, as per which the emperor ordered, "That he should be brought into my presence, that his property be confiscated, and that he should be put to death with torture." The sacrifice made by the Guru for the purpose of defending the independence of ideas and following a religion separate from that of the ruling class, was the first incident of martyrdom in the history of Sikh religion. The Guru was subjected to extreme physical tortures. He was made to sit on red hot iron plates and burning sand was poured upon him. Mian Mir, Guru's Muslim friend, a saintly figure, wanted to intercede on his behalf, but the Guru forbade him by saying that whatever was God's Will must be fulfilled. When the Guru was taken to Ravi river for a dip in cold water, it was the height of the torture for his blistered body. However, obeying God's Will, the Guru remained in meditation and peacefully passed away. Guru Arjun Dev Ji's martyrdom brought a significant change in the Sikh religious history. It showed the moral strength which could always prevail upon the wicked forces. In the words of Sri Gokul Chand Narang, the writer of "transformation of-Sikhs", with this martyrdom, the whole Punjab started burning with a vengeance. Guru Hargobind, his son and worthy successor realised that for following the spiritual path, one must be prepared for its defense also. As a result, the sixth Master combined the concept of Bhakti and Shakti. He chose to wear two swords on his person, one as a symbol of spirituality and the other as the symbol of temporal investiture. It was a turning point in Sikh history as it converted them from saints to saint-soldiers. This decision of Guru Hargobind of combining devotion with valour found its culmination in the formation of Khalsa by the Tenth Master.
(113) Question:-	Who said about Guru Arjan Dev Ji that he was a ship of Baani? How far this statement is true?
Answer:-	This forecast was made about Guru Arjan Dev Ji by his maternal grand-father, Guru Amar Dass Ji. Later on, Guru Ji not only wrote Baani but also collected the best of the Baani available in the whole country. It was only after screening the available humps that he included the best in the Adi-Granth. This great task performed by him, undoubtedly, justifies the prediction made by his maternal grandfather.
(114) Question:-	Give a brief description of the Baani written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Answer:-	Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Baani written in 30 Raagas is comprised of 2218 hymns, as are included in the Adi-Granth. His compositions are more than half of the entire Baani included in this Granth. Among his prominent compositions are Shabad Hazare, Barah Maha, and Sukhmani Sahib. Sukhmani is really a treasure of happiness and tranquilizes our hearts. It cures both the body and the soul.
(115) Question:-	Explain the scheme, contents, and spiritual significance of Sukhmani (Psalm of peace).
Answer:-	Sukhmani, the magnum opus of Guru Arjun Dev Ji is stated to have been composed by him in 1602-03" A.D. It is comprised of 24 cantos called Astpadies and each canto consists of 8 stanzas. Each Astpadi is preceded by a sloka or couplet. Generally, the theme of the canto is summed up in the preceding sloka. Although, each Astpadi deals with a Particular aspect of the truth and there appears sometimes a break in the Progression of thought, yet there is a continuing unity of spiritual and ethical tone. The truths which are dealt with in different Astpadies concentrate on the Divine immnance, Divine compassion, abundance of grace, the merit of devotion,. the merit of a holy company and humility. The first twelve Astpadies dwell on the advantages of remembrance of God. It is the love, devotion and complete surrender to the Divine Being which brings us bliss, peace and recognition at the Divine Court. According to the Guru, God's Name is the treasure and this name dwells in the heart of the seekers. Emphasis has been laid on the purity of mind for the attainment of which the best way is again to remember God. The Seventh Astpadi enumerates the benefits of the company of the holy persons. The characteristics of the possessor of Divine knowledge called a Brahmgyani have been specified in the eighth Astpadi. The 13th Astpadi points out the agony of a person who does not appreciate a true saint. The Guru has made it clear that those who are near to God become God like. In the remaining Astpadies, the Guru has shown superiority of the Divine Name to yogik austerities ascetic practices and ritual worship which do not help in liberating one from the cycle of birth and deaths. The remembrance of Divine Name is the most exalted of all the religious practices. Such a remembrance in the company of saintly people is the best way to liberation. While speaking of God, who is a formless Being, the Guru enlightens us that it is the God's Hukam which is the source of the entire creation. In Astpadies from 15 to 20, the Guru has shown the significance of discipline for the spiritual progress of man. The man has to keep himself away from all deadly sins including self conceit and slander against the saints. The eradication of pride and the inculcation of humidity enable a man to recite the glory of God for achieving the desired bliss. The last 4 Astpadies talk of the creator and his creation. The Sikh theory of creation is elaborated by stating that there was utter emptiness before the creation which is the result of His will. He is the giver of faculties, benefits and blessings. His grace brings enlightenment with which a person seeks the company of the Holy persons. The enlightened person sees the Lord within himself and in all the external creation as well. The last Astpadi sums up the ideas contained in earlier cantos and shows the real path of remembrance of God for obtaining happiness and the blissful state. Although, Sukhmani is not included in the daily prayers, it is one of the most favourite recitations among the followers of the Gurus and is recited everyday by a. large number of Sikhs and those non-Sikhs who are devotees of the Gurus and want peace of mind. A number of commentaries have also been written on this composition as to bring Out the major tenets of Sikhism which have been expressed in this devotional poetic composition. The language used by the Guru is the Khari Boli which is simple Hindi or Sant Bhasha which has ever been understood by most of the people of northern India. This composition has also been translated into several languages, particularly several times by different persons in English. In English, it has been titled as a psalm of peace or song of peace, signifying thereby the soothing effect it has on the mind of the reader. Professor Puran Singh was one of those who were highly influenced by it and translated it into English for the benefit of others. While describing the spiritual significance of this masterpiece as enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib from page No. 262 to 296 Prof. Puran Singh writes: "The whole psalm flows in an ambrosial stream of hope and light from the bosom of the Guru." The glory of day-break symbolizes the great illumination that like a holy nimbus, pervades this hymn."
(116) Question:-	Whose verses are there as are mentioned below regarding Guru Arjan and where are the same incorporated in the Adi-Granth ਜਪਉ ਜਿਨ੍ ਅਰਜੁਨ ਦੇਵ ਗੁਰੂ ਫਿਰਿ ਸੰਕਟ ਜੋਨਿ ਗਰਭ ਨ ਆਯਉ ॥6॥ Japio Jin Arjan Dev Guru Phir Sankat Jon Garab Na Aayo. Whosoever contemplates Guru Arjan, He does not pass through the pain of the womb again. (SGGS, p. 1409)
Answer:-	These verses are of Bhatt Mathura and the same are enshrined in the Swayyias of the 5th Master appearing on page 1409 of the Adi-Granth.
(117) Question:-	When Guru Arjan Dev Ji became a martyr on 30th May, 1606, What were his last spoken words?
Answer:-	In the scorching heat, Guru Ji was made to sit on a hot iron plate and the hot sand was poured on his body. After these tortures, when he was to be thrown into river Ravi for purpose of killing him, the following verses of Guru Granth Sahib were on his lips:- ਸੁਣੀ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਮੇਰੈ ਸਰਬ ਕਲਾ ਬਣਿ ਆਈ।। ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਭਈ ਸਗਲੇ ਜੁਗ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ।। (ਅੰਗ 611) Suni ardaas suaami merai, Sarab kala ban aaee. Pargat bhaee sagle jug antar, Guru Nanak ki vadiaaee. The God my Master, heard my prayer. And my all works had been completed. The grandeur of Guru Nanak became. Manifest through all the ages. These verses were inscribed at the time of the construction of Dehra Sahib. (where the Guru became a martyr)
(118) Question:-	When and where was Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji born?
Answer:-	Hargobind, the only issue of Guru Arjun Dev Ji and Mata Ganga Ji, was born on Haar Vadi 7, 1652 B.K./19th June, 1595 at Vadali, a village in Amritsar district.
(119) Question:-	Narrate the story of Mata Ganga Ji's going to Baba Budha Ji for blessings from him for the birth of a son.
Answer:-	There is a difference of opinion among the scholars as to whether Mata Ganga Ji had gone to Baba Budha Ji for a boon for the birth of a son, or not. A number of scholars including Macauliff have made a reference to the effect that the Guru's wife first visited Baba Budha Ji with a number of attendants in the form of a procession having carriage and Talkies. She carried sweets to the saint. However, Baba Budha Ji did not respond to this gesture. Later on, when the Guru told his wife that while going to saints one must show the utmost humility, the Guru's wife went again to the saint, This time she went without attendants and carriages and took simple food cooked by herself, which gesture pleased the saint and he accepted the food. As the anecdote goes, Baba Budha Ji blessed her with the birth of a very handsome and brave son. He also predicted while crushing an onion that her son would likewise crush the cruel and unjust people.
(120) Question:-	Describe in brief the period of the childhood of Hargobind. 'When was the Gurgaddi bestowed upon him?
Answer:-	Since Guru Arjun's brother, Prithi Chand, and his wife did not like the Guru as blessed with a child, attempts were made by them for killing the child. More than once the attempt was made to poison the Child and then a cobra was thrown in his way so that the same could bite him. However, it was Guru Arjun's faith in God that saved the child time and again. On another occasion, Hargobind became a victim of small-pox, but this time again the unflinching faith of the Guru brought recovery to the child. These facts find a mention in the hymns of Guru Arjun as contained in Guru Granth Sahib. Hargobind received his education and training at the hands of Bhai Gurdas and Baba Budha Ji. Whereas Bhai Gurdas taught him the religious tenets, Baba Budha Ji made him an adept in the arts of swordsmanship and archery. It is believed that Guru Arjun before going to Lahore for martyrdom had nominated him as his successor. It is also widely admitted that the fifth Guru had sent instructions to his young son as to make himself armed and keep armed men along with him. When the ceremony of succession took place on 24th June, 1606, Hargobind, following the instructions of his father wore two swords on his person. These swords of Mini and Piri symbolised the spiritual and temporal investiture. Thus, Hargobind occupied the spiritual thrown of Guru Nanak as its fifth successor (Sixth Guru).