Worship Of The True Guru

When Bhai Jetha and a group of Sikhs arrived in Goindwal they asked for an audience with Guru Amar Das. After langar they went into the Guru's darbar. For Bhai Jetha, it was the turning point in his life. As he sat with the other Sikhs and listened to Guru Amar Das, he could feel a change in himself.

The golden words of the Guru's teaching had a profound impact on him. He suddenly realised that all the questions that had so far disturbed him, seemed so simple now. He felt the divine light, he so desperately sought in all the holy men of his village, now shining right before him. All his doubts and questions seemed to fall in place.

Bhai Jetha could feel a certain peace descend upon him as he gazed into the serene eyes of the Guru. All his restlessness suddenly seemed to settle down, and he felt relaxed. This one meeting with the Guru was the most enlightening experience for him. Bhai Jetha now knew what he really wanted to do with his life. He decided to dedicate it to the Guru, and spend his days in his service. His heart glowed with love and reverence for the Guru.

Guru Amar Das could not help noticing the young boy introduced to him as 'Bhai Jetha' by the group of Sikhs from Lahore. In reply to the Guru's inquiries Bhai Jetha told his name and station, and how, abandoning all worldly desires, he had sought his spiritual protection.

Guru Amar Das replied, "If you have come abandoning all worldly desires, you shall obtain true sovereignty. If you perform honest work and service, you shall obtain God's court." Bhai Jetha was delighted at his reception, and at once applied himself to the Guru's service. Guru Amar Das noticed the spark in his eyes, and his ardour when he was serving him. Soon he was won over by his devotion. Guru Amar Das noticed that the young boy never sat idle. He was forever busy doing something or the other.

Selfless Service

Bhai Jetha used to be either cleaning the utensils in the kitchen or sweeping the house or something else. He was always around to help other people. He was loved by one and all, including the Guru and his family. Soon, Guru Amar Das became so fond of him that he began guiding him spiritually. When he realised that the young boy was truly a slave of God, he began to dote on him.

Bhai Jetha, on the other hand, took it upon himself to serve Guru Amar Das in every way, and he began looking after the Guru's personal comforts by himself. He would clean the dharamsala, serve the food, press the Guru's feet, massage his body, and sometimes even wash his clothes with great pleasure. All this endeared him greatly to Guru Amar Das, and he grew really fond of Bhai Jetha. The boy too felt very happy and content when he was with Guru Amar Das, in his service.

When the whole party returned to Lahore, Bhai Jetha stayed back in Goindwal to serve the Guru. He knew his parents would initially be upset at his decision, but he also knew that with time they would accept his decision, and even appreciate it. They were as religious minded as he was, and lived by the teachings of the Gurus. He decided that one day he would go himself and explain his decision to them, but for now he had to stay by his Guru's side.

He continued to perform all sorts of tasks without any consideration for himself. He was always doing something either for Guru Amar Das or for the other people, and also the dharamsala. It was not long before he actually became part of their family.

• 

  Gurdwara Sri Chaubara Sahib Goindwal

  (approximate location) Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, Punjab, India.

  Associated with Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji.

  Gurdwara Sri Chaubara Sahib Goindwal was the home of Guru Amar Das and his family. Many Sikh related events occurred here.

Back to Guru Ram Das Sakhis (Stories)

Guide To Discover Sikhism |   Guide To Becoming A Pure Sikh|   Guide To Carrying Out Nitnem