Chapter 4 (part 1) [Pita-Poot — Father and Son]
सतिगुरु देखिआ दीखिआ लीनी॥
मनु तनु अरपिए अंतर गति कीनी॥
गति मिति पाई आतमु चीनी॥
“Beholding the True Guru, I have received His teachings.
I have offered my mind and body after searching deep within my own being.
I have come to realize the value of understanding my own soul.”
— Aadi Granth (Gaudi M.1, p.227)
And,
पिता पूत एकै रंगि लीने॥
“The Father and the Son are dyed in the same colour.”
— Aadi Granth (Bhairav M.5,p.1141)
The description of Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji’s search for Truth and his meeting with Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj in the physical form has already been presented. At his very first darshan, the question that unexpectedly came to Kirpal Singh Ji was, “Huzur, why has it taken so long for you to bring me to your Lotus Feet?” Indeed, where was the scope left for questions and answers? How could one question the One who was guiding within for the past seven years!
Huzur Maharaj used to say that merely by receiving ‘Naam’ Initiation, no satsangi becomes a true disciple. Initiation is an interim period, a candidature in order to become a disciple, when he is granted a modicum of the wealth of Truth by the Master, so that he goes on to do spiritual practice and is able to manifest the Radiant form of the Master within. One gets to become a satsangi only when the Master is manifest within and converses with the disciple. The confirmation to this effect is to be had in the following statement of Huzur, “You may call me brother, call me friend, call me teacher, or consider me an elder or father-figure. Follow my commandments and be a witness to the Master’s glory in the divine regions within; thereafter, you may call me whatsoever that you may like.” Millions of times, we may be calling him outwardly ‘Satguru Dayal’, ‘True King’, ‘Swami’, ‘Huzur’ etc., but at best we can only know him as a friend, brother, teacher, elder or father; what more can we possibly understand?
A certain glimpse within of the Master can be had by the disciple — who has become a disciple due to his rich spiritual background and the grace of the Master — only when he rises above body-consciousness and calls out to the Competent Master in the manner, “Huzur, why has it taken so long for you to bring me to your Lotus Feet?” Huzur, the True King had responded, “This alone was the appropriate time for it.” (7)
It was evident from the description of Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji’s childhood that the spiritual background was already within him and he himself had a realization of this. Clairvoyance and other divine qualities and powers were inborn in him, and with age, they continued to grow and develop. During his quest for Truth, he met several Sadhus and Mahatmas, some of whom were travellers into the higher regions within. He saw fakirs such as Abdul Wahab, who could rise above the ground and stay suspended in the air, met others who had mastered the inert powers (Riddhi-Siddhis), had darshan of the ecstatic Baba Kahan, and many others, but could not find the one, for whom he was searching.
“I travel for some distance with
every sympathizer that I come across,
But do not recognize as yet, my guide.”
During the quest for Truth, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji had before him the supreme goal of God-realization; how could he settle for anything less than that? As a result, the search continued. This search, this discovery displayed various facets of separation and anguish. The situation deepened to the extent that tears would roll down from his eyes all the time. Even when he was transferred from Lahore to Peshawar, the situation remained the same. His mother and near and dear ones thought that this sadness was on account of his coming to a new place, as he missed the previous one. But who could possibly tell as to what the matter was? And who was there to understand?
“Only can one who is himself injured,
know the condition of an injured one.”
— Meerabai ki Shabdavali (2, Shabd 3, p.4)
Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji has stated that if this condition occurs on account of separation, it is an indication that the time to meet the Lord is at hand, in the manner that the coming of buds is a sign of fruition or when dark clouds abound, there is hope of rainfall. After sometime, he began to perceive the Radiant form of Huzur within, about which he said, “He, who is standing atop the mountain-peak can see where the fire burns and where-from the smoke is coming. He saw my internal condition and knew that I want to meet him, I have a true yearning within to meet him, and showered mercy on my condition and began to appear within. And then, also graced me externally in such abundance to which none can ever put a value!”
This is first aspect of this particular incident. The other aspect pertains to the life of Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, when Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, after seeing him, mentioned to Bibi Rukko that we have come here for this Sikh gentleman. While referring to this incident, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji said, “This selection is done by God himself. Was there no other candidate available in the entire Punjab? There were many, but the person could not be found for whom Baba Ji was looking, the one who would guide the entire world. What special qualities did Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj possess for this selection? He had all the virtues, which perfect divine personalities possess.”
On linking the above two statements of Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, the reality of the first meeting with Huzur becomes crystal clear. This life-story is the story of the Eternal Life-Stream, the everlasting eternal life story, which has been telling its own story in the form of the Master and the disciple, while lighting light from light from time to time. Words and language do not have sufficient capability to describe this story adequately.
“Should God not provide the ability,
this is not within the human competence.
To have his boon of love may be mundane indeed,
but to acquire the essence of love is uncommon.”
On the one side, the lover is standing. “Huzur, why has it taken so long for you to bring me to your Lotus Feet?” Behind this sentence, lies a long story of search and research, pangs of separation and of burning anguish, which has already been recounted in the previous chapter. All those incidents are in fact prelude to this incident, all those moments are a part of this moment of meeting, and are interconnected, are inseparable in such a manner that they cannot be separated, one from the other.
Only one, who has seen the Divine Radiant form of the Master within, can know the true value of Master’s physical form. “Huzur, why has it taken so long for you to bring me to your Lotus Feet?” The pain and the anguish that lies behind this sentence can only be understood by one who has delved into the secret. How can we, the bookworms, crawling at the level of mind and intellect, understand it? And Huzur Maharaj’s reply that “This alone was the appropriate time for it,” is a clear indication that in this entire affair, there is no interference of human effort; instead, this is the doing of that creational and causal Divine Will that functions through the human frame of the Master.
Behind the question of the disciple is hidden the indication of the entire earlier life, which has already been dealt with previously. The Master’s response indicates his consent and his Will, which will be detailed ahead. The story had reached its climax in the very first meeting itself, but the lives of the Great beings are not meant for their own selves, but for others. Their life is an open book for the direction of seekers after Truth. It is through their very life that they leave footprints, which is why their tale, after reaching its climax, becomes a beginning, a turning point for the seekers. In the manner a primary teacher proves his ability at the primary level, a middle class teacher at the middle level and a post-graduate teacher proves his ability at the post-graduate level, likewise, despite being perfect, the Great beings present all the ideals of an householder, a worldly person, a seeker, a servant and a disciple before us in their lives.
Swami Shiv Dayal Singh Ji Maharaj gave ‘Naam’ Initiation to Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, who remained in a deep state of absorption (Samadhi) for three days. The disciple is progressing within through the ‘Tenth-door’, whereas the Master is enquiring as to the whereabouts of the young Sikh gentleman, who arrived just yesterday, but is not to be seen around! When Baba Ji initiated Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji, in a short while, he was in a state of total surrender by all means ― body, mind and wealth. Who can surrender his mind and body? One who has the special grace of the Master, one who has merged with the Master and become one with his own form. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, during his search for a Master, maintained the very highest of criteria, the highest of ideals before him, since he feared falling into the hands of an incompetent master, so that the entire life may not go to waste. But upon meeting the perfect Master, he fully surrendered his body, mind and wealth before him. As such, the story had reached its completion on its very first meeting itself. It is another matter altogether that behind the moment of the yearning, behind the first glimpse, is present the history of many a lifetime. However, as to how this tale of love keeps unravelling itself in stages, i.e. gives indicators of all the states and stages of spiritual development from human to divine, will become apparent in the portrayal of incidents that follow.
Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji says, “When I reached the Lotus Feet of Huzur, he personally took great pains in hosting me. ‘Prepare a separate room for him, ensure that he is not put to any inconvenience, do this, that and the other.’ He personally inspected the quarters of my stay and rest, seeing which, made me quite uncomfortable. The subsequent Sunday (he could come only during the official weekly off), when I came to his Lotus Feet, I requested, ‘Huzur, please do not take so much pain for this humble servant.’ Huzur responded, ‘Very well, in the future, you can look after everyone.’ ”
Huzur Maharaj gave the gift of ‘Naam’ to Kirpal Singh Ji in a separate room. That very day, other seekers were being initiated outside. Huzur used to command all initiates to practice meditation for two and a half hours daily. But he called upon Kirpal Singh Ji and said, “You must practice meditation for at least six hours a day; beyond that, as much as is up to your own will.” The indication was that the course should be completed at the earliest, as the main task lies ahead.
The Earnings of ‘Naam’
Following the commandment of the Master, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji made a programme for meditation that he would sit in meditation early morning at 2.45 AM. He had asked his wife to prepare food and place it in his room by 9 AM. There was no watch or alarm system in place, but the Master, with his grace, would release him from within at 8.45 AM. After taking food, he would go to office. After being relieved from the office, he would get involved in the Mission’s work (which he was entrusted with from the very beginning) including enquiring about welfare of the poor, the grief-stricken and the diseased before returning home. Beyond this, the night was his own. He would go out to visit the river Raavi and meditated there throughout night. At times when he was at home, he would practice meditation in his room. As per instructions, his wife used to place food in the room, which he would consume after rising from meditation. In this manner, practising meditation for six hours in the morning and at least three to four hours in the night was his daily routine.
Those, Whose Nights Are Blessed
In his discourses, the instructions regarding the practice of meditation (Bhajan-Simran) that Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji gave, presented the very essence of experience from his own life. For instance, he used to say, “Do not consume bread, until you have practiced meditation. First, feed the soul, connect the soul with the Over-soul, the all-pervading Creative Source; only then feed the body.” It was his practice that the food would lie awaiting, but he would only consume it after meditation. He often used to say in his discourses that those whose nights are blessed, for them everything is truly blessed; and for those whose nights are ruined, everything is ruined.
In this context, he said, “Make your night a jungle. Get away from worldly and domestic affairs and absorb yourself in His sweet remembrance.” From the very beginning, during nights, he would regularly meditate along the river bank. In this regard, he provides an example, saying, “A thief goes out at night to steal, a student spends the night studying, a wrestler exercises at night.” In this context, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji gave the example of a well-known wrestler, ‘Goonga’ of Punjab that when he appeared before the public as a wrestler, everybody noticed him but no one saw him when he had been exercising during the nights. The backdrop to this instance is that when Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji meditated along the bank of river Raavi, the wrestler, ‘Goonga’ also used to exercise nearby; he could clearly hear the sound of his panting.
Come And Join In
There is an interesting episode of practising meditation on the bank of river Raavi. Once when he was about to sit for meditation, a policeman came and enquired, “Who are you? And what you are doing here at this late hour?” Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji said, “I am sitting in God’s sweet remembrance. Do come and sit as well.” This was the perspective he represented in his life. Often people complained that if they did not entertain visitors to their home, remained aloof and displayed nonchalance, then people would get offended and relations would become strained. He would say, “Do receive your visitors and acquaintances welcomingly and entertain them but do not forget your main task, which is meditation. Sit in meditation and ask your guests and others to join in as well.”
The Fragrance of Meditation
After receiving the gift of ‘Naam’ from Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Maharaj, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji soon completed the course of meditation by continuous practice and devotion, with the grace of Huzur Maharaj and reached the pinnacle of Spirituality (the highest state of self-realization). The fragrance of his spiritual practice spread to far off places and it became a topic of discussion among the people. During those days, the devotees often came across two Radiant forms within, one of the Huzur and another of Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji.
Huzur had entrusted the work of Satsangs to Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji at the cities of Lahore, Amritsar, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Naushehra, Jhelum etc. Further, several important activities of the Satsang, such as sending replies to in-depth questions related to Spirituality to seekers both from India and abroad, besides completion of literary works related to Spirituality etc. were entrusted by Huzur to him. There was a special enchantment to his personality and discourses, which was the essential consequence of the practice of ‘Naam’ and self-realization. Thus, people who had the inner glimpse of Huzur’s mercy and grace, began to be attracted towards him. Huzur himself referred the spiritual patients to him so that they could benefit from the radiation i.e. the rays dyed in the spiritual colours emanating from the self-realized beings.
Complaint Against Powers of Attraction
Some people complained to Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj about the forceful personality and wonderful attraction of discourses delivered by Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, saying that the magnetic appeal of his Satsangs is such that they have begun to worship him and have his darshan with the same heart-felt feelings as of Huzur. It is feared that they may change the focus of their attention from Huzur to him. Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj said, “What is a Satsang which does not have the power of attraction? As regards attention, one who himself is attached to the Master, he shall attach you only with Him, rather than detach.”
Bibi Hardevi, citing example of Baba Pritam Das and some others, said that they have gathered people around themselves by the influence of their own powerful personality. Huzur replied that there is lot of difference between the talks of those persons and the Satsangs of Sardar Kirpal Singh. They attach people with themselves, whereas he attaches with the Master. In this context, Lala Rajaram Sarraf of Rawalpindi one day said, “Huzur, why is it that I find Sardar Kirpal Singh very attractive?” Huzur asked, “How attractive?” He said, “I take you to be truly personified God and I take Sardar Kirpal Singh Ji to be only next to you.” Huzur said, “During the times of Baba Ji also, people also started loving me like this.” Lala Rajaram said, “Huzur, it means Sardar Kirpal Singh is truly a great personality.” Huzur firmly said, “Is there any doubt about it?”
Whereas on the one hand, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji had become the centre of love and respect for almost all the people, whether young or old, on account of his wealth of ‘Naam’ and spiritual benefits, which were being received by the people from him; on the other hand, he was becoming the target of the jealousy of people, who were aspiring for the seat of the Master, taking it to be an ancestral property. This is not unusual, as truth always faces opposition. The more the spiritual power in action, the greater the resistance.
‘Huzur is Sufficient for Me’
Huzur was especially benevolent towards Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji. There was a special concession for him to visit the Master any time, even though he may be busy. Those attending to Huzur had been given special instructions never to stop Sardar Kirpal Singh. It was Kirpal Singh Ji’s routine that he travelled from Lahore to Dera Beas twice a week for the darshan of Huzur, used to stay there the Saturday night and the whole of Sunday, and would proceed to Lahore to join the duty on Monday morning. In between, he would sometimes make an additional trip.
In the earlier days, people asked Kirpal Singh Ji as to how great Huzur was? He replied, “I do not know how great Huzur is, but I do know this much that he is sufficient for me.” In this context, he used to say, what can a child know about the teacher? As the child increasingly gains knowledge and education, he increasingly becomes aware about the ability and greatness of the teacher.
There were not too many visitors at Dera Beas during those days. There were two main functions (Bhandaras) during the year and not more than 500 to 1,000 people used to attend. But the devotees loved each other immensely, more than even their relatives and friends. The moral standing of the devotees was widely acknowledged, even to the extent that if some devotee (satsangi) appeared in the court of law, his witness was considered as true and promptly accepted. People used to say that Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj’s devotees do not lie.
The other major thing about the devotees was their devotion towards service. Initially, only a limited number of people could avail langar (free kitchen), but later on, a large of number of people began to turn up. Gradually, the number of devotees increased, and on occasion of annual Satsang, seven mounds (a mound is approx. 37.33 kg) of salt was consumed in the langar. During those days, the satsangis, while serving in the langar, presented a unique glimpse of love for the Master and selfless service. In the langar, everyone was treated alike, there was no distinction. All were provided free food. Ladies would prepare food in the langar with love and devotion throughout the night, while singing Gurbani hymns. The food was prepared and served with so much love that it also satisfied the soul, along with the body. Huzur Maharaj would get the devotees to sit for meditation in the large court, i.e., the new Satsang hall and would himself sit for meditation with them.
Initiation Upto The Stars
In the context of the limitless grace and competence of Huzur, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, in his discourses, often narrated the story of Darshan Singh, his elder son. Darshan Singh was around seven years old when he used to accompany his father for Huzur’s darshan. Huzur loved the child Darshan a lot. One day, Darshan Singh asked Huzur, “Maharaj Ji, please grant me ‘Naam’.” Huzur said, “You will get sweet ‘inaam’,” (‘inaam’, meaning prize) and gave him some candies. Darshan again went back to Huzur and refused to accept the sweet candies and said, “I want that ‘Naam’, which you gave to my father.” Huzur said, “Come in the evening.” In the evening, when Darshan went there, Huzur asked him to sit in the front and said, “Close your eyes and look within,” and enquired, “What is it that you see within?” Darshan replied, “I see light and the sky.” Huzur said, “Look further.” Darshan replied, “There are stars.” Huzur said, “It is sufficient for you now.” Darshan ran towards his father and said, “Father, father, I have got ‘Naam’ upto the stars, how far have you received it?”
Preaching Without Practice
Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji used to say, “I have never asked any question to Huzur. In the beginning, I merely asked two questions (which will come up later) and used to sit in silence, just looking towards Huzur with concentration and single-minded attention. I received everything by simply looking at him.” Hence, he would greatly emphasize the importance of Master’s darshan (vision) and say, “Go to a perfect Master, sit at his Lotus Feet, withdrawing attention from all directions and keep gazing silently. Become absorbed in darshan to the extent that you may even forget the world. There should be no obstacle between you and the Master — either he remains or you do. The waves of coolness, calmness and bliss flow and an intoxication and ecstasy can be experienced in those surroundings. You will experience the impact of that environment. When you go to visit a perfect Master, leave aside your mind and intellect for a while. What you know, that you know already; do listen to what he has to say.”
Whenever Kirpal Singh Ji visited Huzur, he would become [Hindi quote] ‘eye beholding the husband Lord in His fullness’ i.e. keep looking silently and become one eye. Due to Huzur’s special grace, there were no restrictions to meet him. As soon as Huzur would receive the information about the arrival of Kirpal Singh Ji, he would be immediately summoned. If Huzur was engaged in any activity or speaking to someone, Kirpal Singh Ji would sit silently. He would get so much absorbed in Huzur’s darshan that he often lost awareness of his physical body and the other people sitting nearby could experience the intoxication, free of cost.
It was a routine that Kirpal Singh Ji used to always sit in the last row. Once a well-to-do man, who had some personal work with Kirpal Singh Ji, took the seat near him and during the entire Satsang, remained seated there. Again, on the next day, he came and sat there. Kirpal Singh Ji said to him, “You are a prominent person, your place is in front, not at the back.” He replied, “Merciful Huzur’s attention and divine grace seems to be more penetrating here.”
Once Kirpal Singh Ji was fully absorbed in Huzur’s darshan, and at that time, no one else was present there. A woman devotee noticed this and made a commotion, “I have caught both of you red-handed.” Huzur Dayal laughed at that woman and asked, “What theft have you caught?” She replied, “Both of you were no longer in the body, but had risen above it and come to dwell in the eyes.”
Loving Devotion
Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj often presented the ideal of ‘Upasana’ while speaking about darshan. ‘Upasana’ literally means ‘sitting in close proximity’, and not,
“While sitting physically near a Sadhu,
our heart is given away elsewhere.”
‘Upasana’ is being absorbed so much in darshan that the physical consciousness is lost. During the discourses on the topic of ‘darshan’, Kirpal Singh Ji would expound several profound aspects. He would say, “While Huzur was involved in His work, I used to observe silently. Every move of an actor, His manner of eating-drinking, sitting-standing, walking-roaming, conversing, has the imprint of an actor, doesn’t it? On the one hand, is His real Self, which is what He himself is (i.e. God) and on the other, the garb which He acquires i.e. the human. The perfect Master maintains a body, very much like we do, but He is someone else as well. In the human form, he is God, Man-in-God or embodied-God. There is no difference between both of them. Sit in silence and keep looking with single-minded concentration, and you will get a glimpse of the God-in-man, of God-power working in that human body.”
Two Questions
Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji says that “I never put a question before Huzur, I used to have his darshan silently. By just looking, I got everything without even asking. Whatever words Huzur would utter, I used to write down, and in this manner, could get the benefit of his company.” (8)
He would say, “During my entire life, I asked just two questions from Huzur . . . that too in the very beginning. The first question was that if the disciple withdraws from the outside world, and the doors to the next station do not open, and the vision of the Radiant form of Master doesn’t appear, what is he to do?” (It may be recalled that Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji was beginning to have the darshan of the Radiant form of the Master within, seven years prior to Initiation and as such, hence, he did not ask this question for himself). Huzur, the True King, said, “People think of their children, cattle, wealth and properties, so what is the harm in thinking of a Sadhu?” Then he said, “When the Master initiates someone, he begins to dwell with the disciple within. Whether one meditates with any pre-conceived thought or otherwise, the one who is sitting within will surely appear.”
Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji used to say, “After this, I never told anyone to contemplate. Contemplation is very dangerous. As you think, so do your tendencies become. It is just possible that you may contemplate upon someone, who is not perfect, then you will become just like him. ‘Khuda’ is one who appears by himself, comes of his own accord (khudaa). Withdraw your attention from all directions and sit at his door. Huzur used to say that if someone is sitting outside a wealthy man’s door, he knows that someone is sitting at his door. The Supreme Power, which is all pervading and omnipresent, working within all human-beings and at that human pole at which the God-power is functioning, can it be unaware that someone is sitting and waiting at its door?”
When Kirpal Singh Ji rose above body-consciousness and advanced to higher inner regions, he asked, “Huzur, this self-knowledge is comprehensive in itself. What is the guarantee that it will continue after you, and if so, in what form?” Huzur replied, “To the one I personally convey to, I shall be responsible; for the others, I shall not be responsible; and that he will be in the form of a Sikh,” (conveying that whosoever is to provide guidance to the souls after him, shall belong to the Sikh community).
A Heart To Heart Connection
The torture of the heart is unbearable as it is; you can well imagine the condition of the lover, who experiences the pangs of the soul! One who lives through it, he alone knows! Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji must have written around a thousand poems in Hindi, Urdu, English and Punjabi languages. These poems are abounding with fragrant verses of love for the Master and the anguish of separation.
Kirpal Singh Ji used to visit Dera Beas twice a week for Huzur’s darshan. The Sunday holiday facilitated him to reach Saturday night, staying there for the whole day and night of Sunday, and return to Lahore on Monday to report for duty. The rest of the days were for work; even so, in between, he would manage to make a trip or two. It was nearly a two-and-a-half-hour to and fro journey between Lahore and Dera Beas. After darshan in the morning, he would return immediately, but at times had to face a problem due to the late running of trains.
Here in Lahore, if he was in throes of separation, then how could the Master be at peace? Whosoever visited Dera Beas from Lahore, Huzur would at first ask him, “Have you met Kirpal Singh?” If in any week, Kirpal Singh Ji was unable to visit him at Beas, Huzur would send someone to enquire after him. Several times, Huzur himself would reach his office by car. Deputy Harnarain used to inform Kirpal Singh Ji about the arrival of Huzur. It was all a question of making a heart-to-heart connection.
Once, Huzur, with great affection, took Kirpal Singh Ji along with him to visit Village Ghumana, the birth place of Baba Jaimal Singh Ji and showed him the cave where Baba Ji used to sit in meditation, and also the peg (Khoonti) to which Baba Ji tied up his hair to prevent him from falling asleep during his spiritual practices.
While describing the heart-to-heart connection, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji would say, “When Huzur Maharaj used to be in the Dera, and I was here in Lahore, many a times I could feel the cool sensation flowing in my body from head to toe. I used to note down the time and upon arrival at the Dera, would enquire and would learn that Huzur was remembering me at that very moment.” In this very context, Kirpal Singh Ji said, “Should the vessel be ready to receive the wealth of Spirituality, should there be a perfect tuning between two hearts, and a mutual coordination and understanding, only then does such a situation develop. Love is only the means, through which, this state is achieved. Once the needle of the radio is tuned to the right station, the sound from thousands of miles can be heard. The attention of the disciple should be towards the Master. Should there be a heart-to-heart connection, then the ticking of the telegraph instrument on one end, results in an identical ticking at the other. Being close by or far away makes no difference.” Often, it was observed that a question which was asked in Lahore to Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj and the same was put to Huzur in the Dera, the replies would be identical; even the words used would be the same.
Progress of Satsang in the Dera
As has already been mentioned, during the times of the Initiation of Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, there was not much of crowd at the Dera, but gradually the number of visitors started to increase. There used to be two Bhandara gatherings annually. The number of visitors grew to such an extent that it became difficult for the sewadars (volunteers) to make arrangements. Finally, after throwing in the towel, they suggested to Huzur that in place of annual programmes, there should be monthly Satsangs, so that the visitors could be spread out to avoid the rush during the anniversary programmes. Huzur Maharaj expressed his anguish that he could not leave out Baba Ji’s anniversary programme, but in case it was convenient to them, they could start monthly Satsangs alongside. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji said, “Huzur, monthly Satsangs would also begin to draw more satsangis, as many as seen during anniversary programmes, as the seekers will increase.” That is how it transpired. The number of devotees increased so rapidly that during a December anniversary programme, around seven mounds (one mound is approximately 37.33 kg) of salt was consumed in the langar in a single day. In history, during the times of Guru Nanak, there is a reference about a large langar organized by Raja Shivnabh of Ceylon, where nearly one and quarter mound salt was consumed each day.
Obeying Master’s Commandments
Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji presented the ideal of devotion of going to the feet of a perfect Master and totally surrendering to him. “Hold on to his protection firmly. Follow the commandments that he may give and do not let your mind interfere in between. In case you fail to understand something, do not analyse, do not dither. Follow the commandments of the Master implicitly.”
Kirpal Singh Ji presented a perfect example of devotion to the Master in his life. As has already been related, Huzur had assigned the duty of Satsang to Kirpal Singh Ji in cities such as Lahore, Amritsar and other places as well. Huzur had ordered him to carry out the duty of Satsang. No matter how unwell, should he be in a position to even stir in the cot, he should be present. Huzur was very strict about the Satsang duty. Once Kirpal Singh Ji reached the Dera on Saturday night at 9 PM and on hearing about the arrival, Huzur immediately called for him. Kirpal Singh Ji intended to stay there for the night, whole of Sunday and had asked someone else to stand in for Satsang in Lahore. While sitting at the Lotus Feet of Huzur, it was 11 PM when Huzur said, “Kirpal Singh! Tomorrow is Sunday and you must attend to the Satsang.” This slight reprimand was enough to make him immediately return to Lahore, and thereafter he never missed a Satsang.
There is another incident of Lahore. Once, Kirpal Singh Ji had high fever; his whole body was scorching with heat and he felt his strength had failed him. The Master’s orders were that if he could even move while lying in the cot, he must go and attend to the Satsang. Kirpal Singh Ji got up from his bed, stepped out of the house, stopping after every 10 steps, stumbling repeatedly. However, he covered the distance of four to five furlongs and reached the residence of Lala Veerbhan, Assistant Director of Industries, where the Satsang was being held. Kirpal Singh Ji gave Satsang in a condition of high fever. That day, the Satsang was quite lengthy too. Upon completion of the Satsang, he miraculously felt completely healthy and cheerful. While going to the Satsang venue, he had stopped after every 10 steps, whereas upon return, he almost ran all the way. This was all due to his Master’s grace!
There is another incident of similar nature. Kirpal Singh Ji’s elder son, Darshan Singh was seriously ill and the doctors declared that his condition was very critical and chances of survival appeared to be dim; it would be better if Kirpal Singh Ji could take two days’ leave from office. While describing this incident, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji says, “In the meantime, came Sunday. It was Huzur’s order to attend Satsang at Amritsar. So I got up at 4 AM. The words of doctors came to my mind that there was no guarantee about survival of the boy (at that time Darshan Singh was around 18 years of age). Would I be in a position to save him? It is for the Master to worry about his task, so let me attend to my duty.” Accordingly, Kirpal Singh Ji proceeded to Amritsar for the Satsang. It was summer season and the Satsang was over by noon. I then thought, “Having covered half the way to Beas, I might as well have Huzur’s darshan. I started and reached there at 2 PM. Upon receiving the news about my arrival, Huzur called me upstairs. Huzur was resting; he woke up and sat. The perfect Masters are omniscient, all-knowing. Huzur asked, ‘What is the condition of Kaka (a Punjabi term of endearment for little kids), your son?’ I said, ‘Huzur, he was seriously ill. So I thought, how could I possibly save him by being there?’ Huzur became grew pensive and sat up. I said, ‘Huzur, with your darshan, all worries and sorrows take wings. Why are you sitting like this?’ Huzur replied, ‘Since you had taken off the load from your head, therefore, I had no choice but to take it on myself.’ ”
While following the Master’s orders, there arise many adverse circumstances when the mind ceases to function. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji had a principle to keep mind and intellect aside in such a situation.
Whatsoever commandment one may receive, it is just to be followed without any dithering. There is another incident of Lahore, which Kirpal Singh Ji described in this context. Once Huzur visited Jamaldin, his dentist. When Huzur is present, who would not want to have his darshan? Now, Kirpal Singh Ji was bound by the duty of Satsang on the one hand and the urge to have darshan on the other. Keeping the commandment of Huzur in mind, he delivered Satsang and then rushed to Jamaldin’s place, but Huzur had already left the place by then. He surmised that perhaps it was due to some lapse on his part. So, he went straight to Beas, to the feet of Huzur. After explaining, asked, “Did I commit an error?” Huzur said, “You did the right thing. One, who devotedly follows the orders, him alone do I love.”
There is another incident from the times when Kirpal Singh Ji was penning ‘Gurmat Sidhant’ as per orders of the Huzur Dayal (merciful). His routine was that after leaving office, he used to visit houses of various people to enquire about their welfare, to share the sorrow of the poor and needy and to try to mitigate their suffering, getting home rather late. He would reach home after mitigating their suffering.
During those days, some people strongly opposed him and hence, Huzur sent him a message not to visit any other place except the Satsang Hall. Now, he had plenty of time to spare. He would return home directly from office and throughout night he would engage in scripting ‘Gurmat Sidhant,’ and in the morning, leave for office. People enquired, “Earlier, you were known to visit houses of different people, but these days you are not going anywhere; so how are things going?” Kirpal Singh Ji replied, “A servant has to follow the orders of the Master. Earlier I was assigned to clean ten rooms, but now I have been assigned the duty to clean just one room; in either case one just has to do his job.”
It was the consequence of the Huzur’s instructions that Kirpal Singh Ji could not visit even the critically ill close relatives. Sardar Dalip Singh’s son, a blood-relation expired, but Kirpal Singh Ji did not visit his house, and went directly to the cremation ground. A loving friend sent a message, “I am on the death-bed, kindly ask Kirpal Singh Ji to visit me.” He did not visit him, even though the message was repeated. His eyes were full of tears. Kirpal Singh Ji said, “My heart weeps for him, but I cannot defy orders of the Master. It is the Master who has to ultimately take care of the soul.” That person died, but Kirpal Singh Ji did not visit his house. He would say, “I would feel scared even by looking at the houses of the people.”
In Lahore, Huzur was present at the engagement ceremony of the daughter of Mehta Rang Lal. Kirpal Singh Ji also went for darshan. The girl’s mother complained, “Huzur, my husband died calling for him Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji), but he did not visit, even though he was called several times.” Huzur said, “Kirpal Singh! In such circumstances, you ought to visit.” Now, the law laid down permitted him to visit only the residence of one, who was on his death-bed.
The Ideal of Service
Once, devotee sewadars were busy with the construction work of a building at the Dera. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji also picked up a wicker basket to engage in the service. People said, “This work is not worthy of you,” to which he replied, “On account of being in human body, man is also a load-bearing beast. I am in human body, hence I should also serve through my body. To serve intellectually is also my duty since I possess an intellect. As I am an embodied soul, I should also serve with my soul. For me, work, may it be of any kind, is worship.”
Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji used to lay great emphasis on the need of physical service in his discourses. He used to say that even the educated and the intellectuals ought to render the physical service. It keeps the body healthy, humility grows within and the heart is cleansed. Kirpal Singh Ji, throughout his life, visited hospitals and served the needy and anguished whole heartedly by means of body, mind and wealth. His life was dedicated to service. The work may be of any kind, he attended to it devotedly, treating it as worship.
During his entire period of 36 years in government service, he hardly availed any leave, except on rare occasions, that too only when he was seriously ill. Once, at the office, a statement of accounts was required to be submitted within a stipulated period. Coincidentally, several office employees fell ill. Kirpal Singh Ji worked for two days and nights for 48 hours at a stretch, leaving his chair only for toilet etc. and not even having any food during that period.
The Ideal of a Common Platform
Huzur Maharaj visited Agra on eve of the silver jubilee celebration of the spiritual seat of Sahib Ji Maharaj. Several other devotees also accompanied him. An agreement was made, upon which Sahib Ji Maharaj and Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj signed. The core essence of the agreement was that the name, ‘Radhasoami’ refers to the highest of spiritual states.
What objection could Huzur have to such a proposal, since all the perfect Masters had already given God the appellation, ‘Swami’, ‘Maha-Dayal’ (Most Gracious) and ‘Niraala’ (Unique)? After all, words are for His cognizance only, call Him ‘Swami’ or ‘Radhasoami’ or by any other name. Swami Ji Maharaj’s teachings are quite clear in this regard and the clarification about the word “Radhasoami” has been given by himself in one of his verses as:
“Radha is the name of the pristine spirit.
Swami is the home of the Primal Shabd.”
— Saar Bachan, Poetry (Bachan 2, Sifat 4)
‘Radha’ is the name of ‘Surat’ (soul, attention). ‘Swami’ refers to the Lord of Surat, where the soul meets the Over-soul and merges in it as does a drop in the Divine Ocean.
Upon Huzur’s return from Agra, Deputy Harnarain (Secretary to Huzur) deputed four devotees with instructions that whenever Huzur came for Satsang, they should start by chanting ‘Benti’ (prayer) in the Agra tradition. This continued on the first day and also on second day, and Huzur kept on listening, but on third day, asked for it to be stopped. Deputy Harnarain asked, “Huzur, what are you doing?” Huzur said, “Whatever I am doing, I am doing it right. I have not laid down any custom or practice of any one particular society. This is a place for all. Here, the Hindus come, Muslim brothers also come, Sikhs also come and Christians too. If I keep the practice of ‘Benti’ (prayer) of the Radhasoami faith here, then the ‘Aaarti’ of Hindus and ‘Ardaas’ of Sikhs will also be required to be followed. In the Dera, only pure spiritual teachings and Initiation shall be imparted.”
Several attempts of this kind were made by the worshippers of the religious traditions, but Huzur Maharaj did not let them succeed. In every Satsang, Huzur would say, “You can say, ‘Ram-Ram’, ‘Sat Sri Akaal’, ‘Jaya Deva’ to me, ‘Salaam Alaikum’, ‘Radhasoami’, ‘Namaste’ — anything to me. They are all acceptable to me. Stay within you own societies, follow your own rites and rituals and own salutations of respect. Engage in that activity for which you have received the human birth i.e. to connect your soul with the Oversoul. The teachings of Huzur Maharaj, which in fact, are the teachings of all the Sants, is contained in ‘Gurmat Sidhant’ and other texts spread, and are continuing to spread throughout the world. The manifest and functional aspect of this teaching is Ruhani Satsang, the unified platform of Sawan Ashram and ‘World Fellowship of Religions’ is for the entire world to see.
Flowers of Stone
There is a reference about a village from the life of Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, where people pelted stones to stop his Satsang. After the Satsang, Huzur said, “A day will come when these stones shall turn into flowers.” It was a prediction that the persons who throw stones today, shall be holding flowers in their hand in future. When the stone-throwing ones shall comprehend Truth, the essence, they will shower flowers. And this turned out to be true. Not only in that village, but everywhere all around, people became satsangis. The main centres of Satsangs came up at places where it initially faced strong resistance.
Who were the people who pelted stones?
Those, who were not willing to listen. Truth always confronts resistance, this is not something new. That Great being saw that these helpless people are not at fault as they did not have true knowledge. They had not perceived Truth, but were merely dancing to the tune of what they had read or heard. When they would realize the truth, they will accept it automatically. Huzur used to say, “Wherever there is a light, moths will come drawn in, on their own.” And against all odds, opposition and storms of revolts, Huzur lit the divine light, which no hurricanes and storms could blow out.
“The Divine Light does not take kindly to sacrilege.
This lamp shall never be put out by mere puffs.”
In this context, the example of Hazrat Ibrahim comes to mind. One day, he was going somewhere in a boat. In the same boat, a rich man was travelling along with his attendants. For his entertainment, he had brought along some mimics. Seeing the shiny clean-shaven head of Hazrat Ibrahim, the mimics started to make fun of him. He remained silent and did not utter a word. At that very moment, there was a pronouncement from the heavens, “O Ibrahim, I cannot bear your disrespect. If you say so, shall I drown the boat right now?” Ibrahim prayed, “O Lord, what is the fault of these poor people? Their inner eye has not been opened. If you are in such a benign mood, open their eye instead.” The prayer was accepted. Their eyes opened, they saw the Reality and fell at his feet, asking for forgiveness. This incident presents a glimpse of Huzur’s infinite grace and his ever-flowing mercy. People threw stones at him; in return, they were gifted with flowers. When the fragrance of the flowers spread, they came running and began to follow him.
Resistance in Rawalpindi
At the outset, people who did not know about the secret of the true essence of life, strongly opposed Huzur. The period from 1928 to 1932 was very difficult. Huzur single-handly faced the storm of opposition and reversed its direction. In cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Amritsar and Gujranwala, there were even exchange of blows. In Rawalpindi, the Akaali brothers came in groups into this Satsang site, some of whom were armed with daggers (Kirpans). Before the start of the Satsang, they sent a written note asking for some time to address the gathering. Before the start of the Satsang, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji rose and announced that “at this time, Satsang will be held, after which, brothers who wish to talk shall be given an opportunity. This is in reply to the message which has been sent to us, and which has been replied to earlier as well.”
Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj started his Satsang, in which a verse from the writings of Kabir Sahib was read. People who had come only with the intention for creating a commotion, started creating ruckus asking as to why any verse outside Gurbani had been taken up. Huzur said that the Raagis (religious singers), while reciting Gurbani, have sometimes been quoting their own poetry, whereas I am presenting a verse of a perfect Master. No one was prepared to listen, chaos prevailed with people scuffling with one another. Huzur sat peacefully, watching. Curiously, a situation soon developed that people who had come to disrupt, started to fight with each other. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji caught hold of the hand of one of the chiefs and asked, “What is all this going on?” He replied, “These people are not under my control.” Upon this, Kirpal Singh Ji retorted, “Never light a fire which you cannot extinguish.”
At that time, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, his brothers, Sardar Prem Singh and Sardar Jodh Singh, Sardar Beant Singh, Dr Johnson, Babu Gajja Singh, Amolak Mastana and Lakhmer Singh were present on duty in the Satsang Hall. Lakhmer Singh, Bibi Hardevi and Dr Johnson were standing guard at the three closed doors behind Huzur. The others stood encircling Huzur. The persons, who were protesting outside, managed to break open one door and entered. Lakhmer Singh, who was holding that door with his back, did not move from his position even though he had received severe wounds on his back. One Akaali leader stood behind Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji as personal bodyguard. In the meantime, one person tried to attack him and immediately, Amolak Mastana leapt at him from the gallery. The trouble-makers, who were holding unsheathed daggers could not gather enough courage to attack. One Sikh brother placed his feet on Darbar Sahib in order to attempt an attack on Huzur. He was pushed aside by reminding him not to place his feet on the sacred Guru Granth Sahib. The free for all continued for two hours and thereafter, peace prevailed. Then Huzur said, ”Should we start the Satsang now?” Maharaj Kirpal Singh said, “Huzur, you are at complete peace, but the hearts of the people are still restless.”
Huzur had to go back same night but he stayed on. He said, “Now I will go tomorrow after the Satsang.” Next day, he gave Satsang in the morning and another Satsang in the evening, and left on the third day. On the day of the violence, when Huzur went to the upper floor of the residence of Lala Raja Ram, Huzur asked, “Kirpal Singh! How are you feeling?” Kirpal Singh Ji expressing gratitude said, “Huzur, I felt so serene and peaceful within, which I have never experienced earlier.”
Resistance in Lahore
At Baghbaanpura in Lahore, the Akaali brothers disrupted the Satsang of Baba Bagga Singh and the same could not be held. The following day, Huzur’s Satsang was scheduled at Peeli Kothi near the fort. There too, the agitators had gathered with the intention of not letting the Satsang take place. Several of the agitators were present among the sangat. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji got some people to sit along with them, so as to keep a check on them in case they resorted to disruption.
Huzur reached the Satsang place, sat at the dais and said in a forceful tone, “Kirpal Singh! Who asked you to make arrangements for the Satsang?” To which Kirpal Singh Ji replied, “On hearing the news of Huzur’s arrival, the people have gathered here for darshan.” Huzur said, “Well, now that the sangat has arrived, I will go only after giving Satsang. Sangat from Amritsar is also coming, we are awaiting them.” Huzur was talking with great intent, which alerted even the agitators.
Huzur gave Satsang for nearly two to two-and-a-half hours. The agitators were sitting in the Satsang, as well as standing outside, but could not disrupt. During Satsang, one person who was distributing propaganda pamphlets outside was stopped by a satsangi. The satsangi was attacked with an axe by the person spreading misinformation. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji leapt and caught hold of the axe, otherwise there could have been a death at the spot. The attacker was handed over to the police, who were later on requested to release the attacker. That man then went to the Dera Sahib gurdwara and alleged that their religious signs had been snatched and their religion had been defiled. About 10 to 15 persons reached the Satsang arena armed with swords and daggers. In the meantime, police had been informed about the situation. The axe-wielding attacker, who had been let off, indicated towards Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji and called to his companions saying, “Catch hold of him.” When they advanced, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji said, “Come to your senses and speak in a peaceful manner.” In the group, there were some elderly persons as well, who were explained that “no one has dislodged the religious signs, but that had been taken away by the police. The axe will be recovered and in case not found, the same will be procured by us from the market price of two-two and a half rupees. They were warned that attacking the residence of others is an offence. You are holding weapons in your hands and your offence is established. You are all my brothers. The police is about to reach here in a short while, leave the place immediately, otherwise you will be caught.”
The agitators left the place. The police reached the spot. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji said, “Some brothers had a misunderstanding. They were pacified and have since left the place.” The policemen said, “You have needlessly wasted our time. Next time, we will not come on your call.” The policemen left after expressing their anger. On the other hand, another meeting of Sikh brothers was held in the evening at gurdwara Bawli Sahib, where passionate speeches were delivered. The president of the meeting was staying near the residence of Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji at Quila Gujjar Singh. He said, “I personally know Sardar Kirpal Singh Ji. What you are saying is incorrect. You ought to be grateful to him. He has saved your honour, otherwise all of you would been caught.”
The cities of Gujranwala and Amritsar also faced such oppositions. In Amritsar, the police had to intervene. There is no need to get into details here.
In Peshawar, Saiyyad Kasran and some other places, satsangis were totally discarded, so much so that they faced difficulties in performing last rites of dead according to Sikh religious practices. The opponents began to conspire in various ways. One person, named Netar Singh (9) alleged that Huzur had failed to uphold the promise he had made. He complained that Huzur had promised him that he would get him to have darshan of God, but had not fulfilled that promise and filed a suit in the court. Huzur was summoned and said in the court, “God is within him. He was told about the process of going within and told that if he followed the practice accordingly, he would realize God. But, he did not do the practice. As a result, the thing that he had received, has been lost.” In this manner, Huzur had to face stiff resistance in the beginning. It is not possible to provide details of all the incidents here, hence we provide the following instance of village Saiyyad Kasran and conclude.
Resistance in Saiyyad Kasran
Saiyyad Kasran was the birth place of Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, where Sardar Jodh Singh, Sardar Prem Singh (his brothers), Sardar Dalip Singh, Sardar Beant Singh, Master Nanak Singh, Dr Heera Singh were the few satsangis, besides Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, who lived there. There was a great deal of opposition there too. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji and Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj had to face fierce opposition of religious fanatics at different times. Once Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji was called to a gurdwara that was jam-packed and was asked to express his views about the Sikh religion.
Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji gave a convincing speech, listening to which all were satisfied. Thereafter, he was asked questions to which he gave satisfactory replies. He said to the Sikh brothers that in case you wish to have further discussion on this subject, you may invite five to seven learned persons (Gyaanis) and I shall also come and we shall together remove all the differences in that very sitting. In this connection, all assembled at the house of Sardar Dalip Singh.
However, even before that meeting, there were heated speeches in the gurdwara and a resolution (Gurmatta) was passed against all those visiting Dera Beas. One person even took the pledge that he will only take food once he had killed Sardar Kirpal Singh. (10) On hearing this, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji visited each and every house all by himself at night, but no one dared to attack him. As per the pre-planned meeting, they all gathered at the house of Giani Sardar Dalip Singh and admitted to their gross mistake.
Once, Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj also visited Saiyyad Kasran. At that time, there was such negativism towards Huzur that all the essential items, even salt, had to be procured from Rawalpindi, which was around hundred miles away. After the morning walk, as Huzur was returning to the residence where he had been putting up, he suddenly stopped at a crossing, from where one road led towards the gurdwara. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji and both his brothers, Sardar Prem Singh and Sardar Jodh Singh were accompanying Huzur. Huzur said, “Kirpal Singh! Let us go to the gurdwara.” Sardar Prem Singh said, “Huzur, there is great antagonism there, you ought not to be going there.” Huzur said, “No, let us go.” Huzur was about to add something, whereupon Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji whispered in the ears of his elder brother, “Do you perceive Huzur Maharaj as an ordinary human-being?” At the gurdwara, there was a mammoth crowd, people were present not only on roof tops, but on the trees around as well.
Sants are the true followers of societal decorum. Huzur paid obeisance to the Guru Granth Sahib, as is customary, and took a seat amongst the gathering (sangat). The Headmaster of Saiyyad Kasran School, Sardar Gopal Singh, who was the leader of the agitators, stood up and said,
“We all had resolved that should you be a perfect Master, you shall reach this gurdwara without any invitation. Any doubts that we had in this regard have now been cleared. However, we have some questions, upon which we would like to have your views. The questions are:
1. Who are you?
2. Who is your deity?
3. Are you called a Guru?”
Huzur stood up and said, “I am very pleased that, for the first time, I am being asked as to who I am. To this, I have to say that I am a Sikh and follow all the societal rites right from birth to death as per the Sikh religion. I have been President of many gurdwaras and secretary in several others.”
“The answer to the second question is that the deity of my worship is Sri Guru Granth Sahib, but the ‘vaani’ (readings) of Granth Sahib speaks of yet another ‘Vaani’ (Sound), which is the Guru (Master) of the entire world. I recognize that as the Guru,”
Huzur presented the following verses of Gurbani in support as proof:
“The Word of the Guru’s Bani is contained in all.
He Himself hears it, and He Himself repeats it.”
— Aadi Granth (Maru M.5, p.1075)
And,
“The Guru’s Bani vibrates throughout the four ages.
It tells the Truth, nothing but the Truth.”
— Aadi Granth (Siri M.3, p.35)
And,
“God’s Light shines continually within
the nucleus of my deepest self;
I am lovingly attached to the Bani,
the Word of the True Lord.”
— Aadi Granth (Sorath M.1, p.634)
Further, continuing to present his view, Huzur said, “In relation to the third question, I have to say that I consider myself a humble sweeper of the Satsang. Should anyone call me by any name, it is His Will.”
The Headmaster stood up to oppose Huzur and said, “The first reply you made is correct, and the second statement is also correct.” People checked the Headmaster, saying that what kind of opposition you are offering, by agreeing to everything!
There was a preacher named Lal Singh present there, who stood up and said, “For the first time, we have seen the glory of a perfect Master.” He recited the ghazals of Bhai Nand Lal Goya that were written in praise of the ‘Dasam Guru’ (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj) in praise and glory of Huzur. It was in this manner that Huzur’s teachings spread to small villages and to cities far and wide.
Footnotes:
(7) In this context, it is interesting to note that, in 1921, his close acquaintance, Sardar Beant Singh Ji, who was a resident of his own town and an old satsangi of Huzur Maharaj, glorified Huzur Baba Sawan Singh ji Maharaj to him. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji mentioned a few signs saying that if these are there in your Guru, then certainly he is a competent Master. From 1917 onwards the divine Radiant form of Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj used to appear within i.e. already Huzur was with him for four years at the time. Had Sardar Beant Singh Ji not said a word and merely displayed a photograph of Huzur (in the manner that Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji used to display after giving ‘Naam’ to ascertain as to which great-being they had a darshan of within), this meeting could have taken place in 1921 instead of in 1924. But, this was clearly not acceptable to the Guru-Power.
(8) At Sawan Ashram, Delhi, there used to be prayer morning and evening each day, when people would meditate. Thereafter, a recitation of ‘Gurmat Sidhant’ would take place. Whenever Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji was in Delhi, he would give a discourse in Hindi and English, and would give instructions that his discourses should be made note of and emulated in life. Those discourses have been published as ‘Morning Talks’ in two volumes.
(9) After the demise of Huzur, that person (Netar Singh) came to Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji and apologized.
(10) Later on, when that person came to Lahore, Kirpal Singh Ji took him to his house and fed him. He began to cry and said, “While we behaved badly with you, you are behaving so differently with us.”