A sure sign of good fortune is the Sangat of Gursikhs

 

Deeds do not qualify me for such Sangat, and it is only good fortune and the grace of God that has permitted me to spend precious moments with Gursikhs. 

Puran Daarji - A contemporary of Bhai Sahib Ji's

  

First, I must acknowledge that this excellent photograph was provided by a dear friend who by most accounts is an accomplished and ardent photographer.

We had the privelege of hosting a visit from Daarji's family and unfortunately do not have any photographs yet to evidence the visit. It was certainly a historical trip where the Amrit Vela programs exceeded all expectations. And Doola Veerji was gracious enough to serve the Sangat through the Keertan that he has become so popular for.

The motivation for this post is the desire to spread the request by Daarji that the Sangat continue the Amrit Vela programs at Khalsa School Surrey. A difficult attendance feat indeed, but one that is just as rewarding.

Bhai Sahib Ji was very particular about Amrit Vela and it was his steadfast view that the Amrit Vela started at midnight and the sooner that one could commence one's Amrit Vela after midnight, the better off one would be. Hopefully, this post will be sufficient motivation for me to put into practice some of Bhai Sahib Ji's and Daarji's preachings.

Catching Up

It has been a while since I last wrote about Bhai Sahib Ji, though my thoughts continually turn to him.

Bhai Sahib Ji retains the strong influence in his own quiet ways, even without speaking his message is loud and clear - Sas Sas Simro Gobind ..., Amrit Vela Sach Nao ... and another of his favourite shabads - Mithh Bolra Ji ...

What an institution, what a remarkable life and what a precedent to set for all of us to emulate.

Best Advice

The most frequent advice, that I treasure to this day, is to sleep early and get up for Amrit Vela. At all times, in sickness and in health, this was advice that was not only preached but also a practice that Bhai Sahib Ji lived by.

I remember that even when the doctor diagnosed his weakness as having been caused by a stroke, Bhai Sahib Ji was ever so vigilant about his Amrit Vela. Imagine not being able to move one's body and instead of being depressed, to actually insist on Amrit Vela sangat joining him in his room.

This also reminds me of the instance where Puran Daarji was in hospital having suffered multiple fractures (that even years later he still has not recovered from), and slipping out of his hospital bed at midnight in order to conduct the 12 am Amrit Vela samagam at Darbar Sahib.

Such is the commitment to Amrit Vela of souls who long to live the life advocated by Gurbani.

The motivation for this effort is through this fortunate soul

Favourite Shabads

Bhai Sahib Ji's favourite Shabad, one that he would recite all the time, at every Gurdwara Sahib that we visited, was Sabhe Jee Samaal, Apnee Mehar Kar.

Another of his favourite Shabads was Sabh Srisht Sevai Din Raat Jio, Dey Kan Suno Ardaas Jio.

The Headmaster

Bhai Sahib Ji remains the senior most influence in my life. His judgment remains ever so sound and his advice ever so resonant.

It is unfortunate that many of us wish to judge his current efficacy in terms of his physical health and doubt his blessings and soundness of mind just when Bhai Sahib Ji is at his peak.