“My self, no liberation without love of God comes.”!
O neday as the Baba retumed to the village, he found a crowd at the gate and an uproar. This worried the Baba. He thought that another of those men with false learning had come to disturb the peace of the village. It astonished him that these so-called learned people did not realize the value of a peaceful and joyful heart. They continued to live a life of strife, envy and backbiting. Love and forgiveness were far from their life. With their lamp of leaming they still did not see the value of love. Absorbed in these thoughts, he tumed towards the crowd. He noticed that Ranjha, one of the Mohammedan farmers was in handcuffs and the police wanted to take him away. The village’ people were trying to plead for him, but the police did not listen. As the Baba appeared, all felt a kind of confidence. Ranjha the man under arrest, also showed satisfaction reflected in his face. The police people, too, on beholding the Baba’s radiant face, paused a little. The Baba asked Ranjha with a fondling gesture, what the matter was. He replied, “We are suffering for disregarding your advice. This man, standing in front, has made a false report against me. He has been coming to the village for the last few days and playing on harmonium. He sang praises of Jesus Christ. At the same time he ran down other faiths. One day he also abused our Prophet. This provoked me. I retaliated by abusing Christ. This put his temper up and he threatened me with action by the police. No one complains to police over petty matters.”
The Baba addressing the leader of the police party said, “Friends, you too are our brothers. We shall tell you something
l. Siri Rag P.60
if you do not mind? The police servant, who too was a Mohammedan, on beholding the radiance on the face of the Baba said, “We are in a hurry, but you are a venerable figure, please go ahead, “The Baba said, “We are simple villagers. We settle our differences ourselves and never resort to the police. Now this person abused the Prophet first, to which Ranjha retaliated. Both did wrong. This man who is a preacher should be forgiven. But he has gone to the police. If we were to prevent his entry to the village, which law would stop us? He has branded us guilty. Shall we submit to his aggression? We are ignorant of the law, But we would rather not have the kind of learning which such people have. We live far from the railway line and even from the high road. I wonder why such people intrude on our privacy.
The sargeant was an old hardened cop. But the Baba’s words appeared to melt him. He said, “Baba, what you say is true. This Christian preacher complained to his boss, who wrote to our boss. We are only carrying out the orders.”
This set the Baba thinking and after some time he asked them, “Will you release him on bail?” To this the sargeant replied that this could be considered only at the police station, though he was doubtful if bail would be accepted in such a case. On hearing this the Baba, addressing Ranjha said in a serious tone: “Bear this misfortune as God's will. We shall try to do what is possible. The policemen are your co-religionists. If they remove your handcuffs that will be kind of them. Else bear with this.”
Ranjha was led to the police station. The Baba, borrowing a mare, set out too. The villagers were plunged in gloom. All observed a fast and a subscription was raised to help Ranjha. They collected about five hundred rupees and waited for the Baba’s return.
The Baba rode to the Bishop’s house about twenty miles away. TheBishopwasan Englishman. The Baba told the bearer to announce his arrival and sought an appointment. He was told to wait for an hour. The Baba in the meantime, recited the holy Sukhmani. After an hour and a half the Bishop emerged.
He asked the Baba his name and the purpose of his visit. The Baba replied that he wanted to discuss religion with the Sahib. The Baba was seated on a bench and the Bishop sitting in a: chair near him, asked whether he wanted to be baptized as a Christian. The Baba said, “I want to understand religion and the actions appropriate to it.” To this the Bishop replied, “Our religion teaches us to have faith in God and His son.” The Baba asked, “What about dealing with human beings?” The Bishop said, “One should treat others with love as one would himself expect to be treated.” The Baba then said, “Will you mind it if! talk to you for a few minutes? Tothis the Bishop replied that he was welcome. The Baba asked him in a kind or riddle “If your right hand injures your left hand will you punish your right hand?” This question surprised the Bishop. The Baba said, “I want to understand whether you agree that we should have the same attitude of sympathy towards our neighbour as our one hand has towards the other,” The Bishop admired this wisdom on the Baba’s part. The Baba continued, “Sir, I wish to narrate an incident. In the district of Shahpur there was am an named Budhu who died recently. Thousands looked upon him as a Mahatma or Saint. One day a constable came to him and ordered him to make chapaties. The saintly man baked chapaties as he was ordered. Budhu served him, taking his hunger as his own. Won't you call this the feeling of love for others as for one’s own self?” The Bishop replied, “I entirely agree with you.”
The Baba continued, “However some of the chapaties made by Budhu got burt, at which the constable, slapped him. This was certainly a bad act. Don’t you agree?” With this also the Bishop was in agreement. The Baba continued his narrative. At this Budhu tumed his other cheek towards the man saying. “Fnend, I am known as Budhu Le. a fool. Slap me also on the other side for the fault that I have burnt your chapaties, so that I may pick up some wisdom.” At this the constable realised his error. In the meantime, some disciples of Budhu came and threatened the constable with violence for assaulting such a noble soul. Budhu intervened on behalf of the constable and
said, “Do not harm him. Heis my elder brother who has imparted wisdom to me.” The Bishop, at this remarked that Budhu must have been a Christian. The Baba asked him, “Do you know him?” The Bishopreplied, “His act indicates a Christian virtue.” The Baba said, “So you see that the essence of religion lies in good qualities.” Budhu, however, had not even heard of Christ nor had a Christian Pastor.” Where did he pick up this quality? What was his religion?” The Baba said, “He was a follower of Guru Nanak, from whom he had acquired the way of worship and love.” The Bishop said, “Guru Nanak certainly was a noble soul, and he was liberated.” The Baba then said that he wanted to point outthat all human beings are fallible, but are related to each other like limbs of the body. The best relationship is one of forgiveness. The Bishop said, “Our religion teaches us to forgive seven times, even seventy times.” The Baba told him that Guru Nanak put no limit to the number of times someone may be forgiven. The Baba appealed to the Bishop for pardon for Ranjha. The Bishop at this flared up and said that he was a bad man. The whole village was bad. The Baba said that they were only illiterate people. The Bishop said that they were violent and beat and abused the womenfolk. As the Bishop’s suggestion was that the Baba was telling a lie, his face showed anger. Still the Bishop repeated his charges with the addition that Ranjha had attacked a lady member of the mission. The Baba still repeated his appeal and said, “I beg pardon on his behalf.” The Bishop still persisting, the Baba repeated his appeal to which the Bishop replied, “How can we pardon him? He has assaulted the preacher and his wife and may do so again.” The Baba pointed out that the holy men were under God's protection and should be forgiving: While the Baba appealed for forgiveness to Ranjha, the Bishop said, he wanted justice to be done. The Baba said, “Justice required that investigation be made to _ establish Ranjha’s guilt. In this case he was branded as guilty without even being heard. The Baba _ said, “You have simply condemned him on the Preacher's report, and this is not justice, while religion preaches not only justice but also compassion and forgiveness. This is
what Guru Nanak has taught in Japuji.”
The Bishop said that he had probably come to have a fight there, and called for the bearer. To the Bishop’s angry remark, the Baba said, that he looked upon the Bishop in the light of the Indian Sadhu who through indifference to the world, takes to the religious life. “You” he said, “are of the ruling race, but have avoided the ambition to be an officer. We are simple villagers and we cannotuse force. Our life revolves round the three principles of pure action, sharing one’s earnings with others and devotion to God.” He again appealed to him to take a religious man’s view of the whole matter. In the mean time the Bishop asked the bearer if lunch was ready. To which finding the answer in the affirmative, he said he would take it after half an hour. The Bishop asked the Baba whether he had come to seek conversion or to intercede on Ranjha’s behalf. The Baba said, he had come only to appeal in the name of religion which enjoins forgiveness. To the query whether he wanted to be converted, the Baba replied that he had come to talk to him about compassion and true religion. True religion lies in forgiving, in not inflicting injury, believing in the fatherhood of God looking upon all beings as brothers. The Baba said that a man could be called truly religious in respect only of his actions. The Bishop talked about grace but with regard to Ranjha he insisted on justice. The Baba said, “Do justice all right, but do not be unfair. Come to the village, and see for yourself that Ranjha is not guilty.” The Bishop now started on another track and asked whether Ranjha was related to him. The Baba replied that they followed different faiths, but he pleaded for Ranjha as a brother. The Bishop asked the Baba whether he had been bribed. To which he replied that as a sikh he was expected to be pure of conduct. The Bishop agreed that the Sikhs were good people, but said that the Baba’svillage was a centre of trouble. The Baba said that it was wrong, as the people were very law-abiding. It was free from violence and liquor and was totally peaceful. The Bishop agreed to visit the village after four days. In the meantime the Baba requested the Bishop to write to the police officer to release Ranjha on
bail. The Bishop agreed to do this. After this he entered his drawingroom. The Baba followed him. The drawing room was agreeably cooled and elegantly furnished with furniture, carpets, curtains and its walls were beautifully painted. The Baba, a simple villager said, “This is truly paradise. What noble deeds of earlier birth have destined you to have these?” But the next moment he remembered Guru Nanak’s nobleteaching in Sri Rag:
“shall I have palaces, built of rubies, set with gems and plastered with musk, saffron and dust of sandal wood, by which yearmming ambition may arise in the mind?
No, lest by seeing them, I may go astray, forget thee, O’ God! and Thy Name may not enter my heart. Without God my soul is scorched and burnt down.
Iam convinced after consulting my Guru that there is no other place (except God}. Pause.
Though the floor be a mosaic of diamonds and rubies, the couch be encased with gems and a fascinating houri with emerald bedecked face invites me to the couch with love and capturing gestures.
May it not be that on be holding them Imay go amiss, forget Thee and remember not Thy Name.
Becoming a man of occult powers, were I to work miracles and command andsummon wealth, wereIto become apparent and apparent at will, and thereby people may have regard for me;
May it not be that onbeholdingthemImay go amiss, forget Thee and remember not Thy Name.
Were I to become an emperor, raise a huge army, set my foot on the throne; and seated on the throne, were I to issue commands and collect revenue; O’ Nanak! all this is liable to pass away like a puff of wind.
May it be that on beholding them I may go amiss, forget
Thee and remember not Thy Name. (Sri Pag.14)
The Baba thanked God for conferring on man ‘his own devotion which is the greatest boon. He thanked God for the daily bread granted by Him. The Bishop, he felt had his articles of luxury from the bounty of his countrymen. But to the Baba the greatest blessing was what was earned by himself.
In the meanwhile the Sahib had finished writing the letter. The Baba with eyes closed, was rendering thanks giving to God. On the Bishop asking what words he was uttering, the Baba replied; he was rendering thanks to God for the blessing conferred on man. The Sahib appreciated his action and gave him the letter for the police officer. Taking hold of the letter, the Baba got on to his mare and after a little refreshment for himself and the animal, the old man, still young in spirit, rode on to the Police station. The police officer took the letter and said ecstatically to the Baba, “you are a true hero. The people of your village are so well-behaved because of you. You bear equal love for Hindus and Muslims. As the proverb goes, a brave man and a lion rule wherever they are. You rule over people’s hearts. Our villages would become paradise if there were more men like you.” Then he ordered Ranjha to be_ brought. The Baba testified his bail order. His handcuffs Were removed. Ranjha with eyes full of tears of gratitude fell at the Baba’ s feet, saying, “you are my father and I your true son. I am forever your slave.” The Baba clasped him to his bosom and _ said; “I have conferred no more favour on you than the hands or the eyes or the foot do when they help the rest of the body.” The Baba then brought Ranjha along with himself to the village.
The village folk were all gathered under the village vestibule. All had been fasting. At the sight of Baba a wave of love surged through all hearts. There was a loud cry of acclaim at this, melting away of prejudice.
Three or four days later the Bishop, along with the pastor, the pastor's wife and a few servants came to the village. Camping under the shade of the banyan tree he sent for the Baba, Ranjha and other prominent persons of the village came there also. The Bishop greeted the Baba with open courtesy and said, “You are a Sikh. Sikhs are fine people. The Deputy
Commissioner regards your village a very well-behaved one. But Ranjha is bad. He abused and struck the pastor's wife.”
The Baba appealed to the Bishop to forgive Ranjha. Anyway, he said the matter should be investigated on the spot. To this the Bishop agreed. The Pastor was an Indian Muslim convert. His wife called Bhagan had only recently married him.
The Baba suggested to the Bishop to send the Pastor away for a while, as that would help the truth to be brought out. This was done. The Pastor's wife was asked to identify Ranjha. The woman after much hestitation pointed out to the Baba’s son as Ranjha. On being asked to describe the blows allegedly given to her by Ranjha, she said that he had grasped her by the arm and then kicked her. Then she was asked what was the time of assault. She said it was eleven. On being further asked whether she was rescued by others or Ranjha released her of his own, she said, he himself had released her from his grip.
Then the Pastor was called and questioned. The Pastor correctly indentified Ranjha. The Bishop, however, was feeling angry. When asked to describe the nature of the blows given to his wife, the Pastor said she was slapped on the face. To another question he replied that but for himself rescuing the lady she might have been killed. None, he said, came to her rescue but all of them were making fun of her. He gave the time of the assault as three o’ clock. Ranjha, he said, had assaulted him also. He said further that Ranjha began by being violent to him, but then attacked his wife. The Baba pointed out now the discrepancy in the statements of the pastor and his wife.
The Bishop had noticed the falsehood of the Pastor's statement and was very angry. He was convinced that the Pastor had misled him. He then asked the Baba to relate the true facts. The Baba said, “The Pastor first said something insulting about the private life of the prophet Mohammad, at which Ranjha said something unbecoming about the birth of Christ. Nothing more than this happened.” This was endorsed by all those present. The Bishop said, “Still Ranjha deserved some punishment for offering insult to the son of God.” The
Baba said, “The villagers will certainly punish him for using foul language, which is forbidden in the village especially in respect of holy persons.” This drew a word of appreciation from the Bishop.
Ranjhasaid, “Sir, we Mohammadens also look upon Christ as a Prophet. I should not have insulted him, but I acted in anger.” On being asked what punishment Ranjha deserved, the Baba suggested that he should apologize and be forgiven. This was agreed to.
After this the Bishop told the Pastor that he was displeased with him and was dismissing him. The pastor and his wife tured pale. The Baba intervened on their behalf and appealed to the Bishop to forgive the pastor also. The Bishop said, “He had told a blatant lie, how could he be forgiven?”
The Baba nevertheless said, “To err is human. He is to suffer because of Ranjha. Please forgive him and induce in him love of truth. Man is an animal and despite his senses still remains an animal, neglectful of religion, contentment and compassion. He turns neither man nor an angel. Followers of ~ all religions are such and seek to grab what belongs to others and follow the five evils—lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride. Only a rare man entering into the spirit of religion is in love with truth. My dear sir, converting a person really means only changing the form, not the nature of man. This is why the missionaries of all religions enter into strife. Despite their learning theyremainasthey were. Their learning even makes them worse. The world is gripped by a dark night. Despite their pleasing forms the hearts of men are dark as night. None seeks to reform his heart. Without such reform one comes not close to God nor gets true joy. Why single out one man for our displeasure when everyone is such? Forgiveness and right guidance is the true way. I beseech you to tell the pastor to beg pardon for abusing the prophet. Should this man withdraw from worldliness and love God, let him continue doing missionary work. Otherwise help him to set up a shop and earn an honest living. He will thus learn the way of religion, as the Guru has shown it. Anyonewhotakesto preaching without
the true spirit of religion will only be running a kind of shop and will not convert the heart. These days religion only means being clever. Such people do alot ofdamageto society. Totake a simple example from farming, they damage the well andscare away the bullocks. My conception of religion consists in doing honest work, sharing one’s earnings with others and devotion to God. This is the straight path which brings us joy in this world and the next.
The Bishop was pleased to hear all this and asked the pastor to beg pardon of Ranjha. Ranjha took the pastor in his embrace and exchanged mutual forgiveness with him. The Bishop also forgave the pastor and told him not to indulge in falsehood in future. He told him that if caught again in such an act, he might get him imprisoned.
This episode thus ended happily. The Bishop liked the spirit of love among these simple Punjabi folk. His former view was that the Punjabis are an uncivilized lot, but he realized that they are honest people and are full of love. He was himself not free from religious prejudices. Nevertheless now there was goodwill all around. He asked the Baba, “Don't you wish to turn all people into Sikhs? He wishes everyone to turn a Christian.” The Baba replied, “I certainly wish to bring others into the Sikh fold but only to bring them joy. Thesource of joy is love and my idea of Sikhism is to impart the spirit of love to others. There should be no coercion mn religion nor should there be envy, hate, calumny among preachers. Devotees of God should not have recourse to foul deeds; thereby they do not serve God.”
TheBishop said, “All thisisverytrue. Sikhs are goodpeople. They are brave soldiers. We shall now be friends and meet - now and then.”
Says the Guru “Let man fix his hope only in God and discard seeking human props. By devotion will success Come.”!
Whatever transpired in the village was related to Subhag
also. The Ranjha episode had made her anxious. Her experience of the so-called religious people had made her apprehensive. She knew that much that passed as religion was only an imitation. Religion, these days was not directed towards winning spiritual joy, but its preachers only wanted to add to the numbers of their flock and to do press propaganda about these. Their spirit was that of industnalists who seek more profit or of rulers who want to recruit larger armies. Numbers alone counted, means did not matter and often foul means were employed. Most of the people did not rise above the desire for more success in society, and were indifferent to spiritual elevation. Even the social structure was built on aggression. Subhag had now come to realize the true spirit of religion from the example of a man whose heart had been illumined by the spiritual light. This had elevated her. Man has acquired more knowledge, but not happiness. Material comforts have increased, but not spiritual joy. Greed and aggressiveness are dominant.
subhag was sad, although usually, after her trials she
remained happy. After the Baba left home to help Ranjha, she remained sad. Seeing her in this mood the Baba’s wife, Nand Kaur spoke to her thus:
[.. AG. P: 257
“My child, don’t be sad. Your papa is facing a difficult task, but men have to face difficulties.” Subhag said, “Mother, I have seen hard times. That is why I am worried.” To this Nand Kaur replied, “A true Sikh does not give way to worries; he discards these.” Subhag said, “My worry arises from this, lest the shelter I have sought in your home may not be lost. How can this worry be removed?” Nand Kaur said, “My child, prayer, a sincere heart and the ascending spirit are the true medicines of the heart that a sikh should have. Pray to God that He should ever be by the side of your father. He himself has never lost faith in God’s succour. Keep your mind in the ascendant spirit that the divine and angelic powers may aid your thoughts. God himself has sent out His saints to help him. My child, no one dares challenge him. Misfortunes will be scattered when they see him; the dead cannot injure the living. Your father has within himthat power of which, according to the Guru, even a particle will make a person exalted beyond praise. Those who do not have such life essence within them are in reality dead. As the Guru , says, ‘without true devotion worthless is the body.’ As says the saintly Kabir, “None can touch God’s devotee whose praise is beyond comprehension. Your error lies in taking your father to be like ordinary mortals without devotion. Your anxiety will only disturb the firm course of his devotion.”
Subhag said, “I have not fully understood you.” To this Nand Kaur replied, Your fears may touch his heart like waves. Let us send on to him such waves as may exalt his feelings. Let us pray to Guru Gobind Singh—Lord of the Plume, ever to be by his side. He is being protected through his devotion, by God who is the lord of millions of worlds and of all creation, which he cherishes every moment. He helps His devotees to fulfill his cherished objectives. In the Guru's words, wherever His servant has some objective to achieve, He rushes there and grants a close view of himself. In another place the Guru says, ‘In all situations ever be joyful. Fear has been banished as the Lord is our protector. This has driven away our anxiety, Says Nanak, “By repeating God’s word at home and outside are we in joy.”
On hearing these noble words Subhag embraced her adopted mother and said, “Mother dear, you have brought joy to my heart. It was thoughtlessness on my part to entertain anxiety about my father who cherished in his heart God’s exalted Name, which is the source of all joy. lam deluded, you have given me new life. Old experience lands me in anxiety.”
The old lady replied, “My child, be you brave. Whoever is without devotion is moved by desire and is full of anxiety. Such a one may be depressed or be full of pride. Real strength comes from devotion. Your anxiety arises from love for your father. Your mind which has strayed from devotion to the Name, has entered the house of fear. I know this arises from love. Love is good, but it must not drag us down, It should exalt us.”
Subhag said, “Without a true guide such a State of depression cannot be banished.” The mother said,” You will by and by acquire strength. Letnot your mind be shaken. Should such a thing happen, pray to God, contemplate the holy Word, think of the heroes of faith. If a true devotee is near, state your anxiety to him. Holycompany gives true support. This learning one acquires only in good time. As we face anxieties in life, our wisdom also becomes mature.”
On hearing these noble words, Subhag said, “Mother, I see the vision of my father on horseback. His face is radiant and he is in high spirits. The rain of God's grace falls over him in showers. The world is bowingtohim inrespectandheisfearless hike a lion.”
The mothersaid, “My child, such thinkingalone will bring joy to your father. Love is like a bird flying high. Our love, even from distance, puts courage into those, of whom we think.”
Thus these two ladies carried on their conversation. The simple old woman who was steeped in devotion, was encouraging her adopted daughter. The young woman now realized that God is ever by us. He is our father, and cherishes us in love. Our function is to lodge Him in our hearts, to seek His protection and live ever in His presence-as the Guru says:
“Not even the hot wind touches him, who is under the protection of the Supreme Lord.
On my four sides is the Lord’s circle, so pain afflicts me not, O brother,.
I have met the Perfect Guru, who has created the world. He has given me the medicine of the Lord’s Name and | have enshrined love for the One Lord-Pause
That Preserverhas preserved me and cured all my maladies. says Nanak, the Lord has extended His mercy to me and has become my Succourer. (Bilawal - 5th Guru. AG P.819)
Ha4u0U00
“Should man consider himself to be very powerful, in the end he may only regret his pride.” !
ne day the Baba was sitting close to his well and reciting
Sukhmani when Gama, a cobbler came minning and said, “Baba, an accident has occurred near the mound. A motor vehicle has been upturned. An Englishman and a woman and a driver are lying under it and are groaning.” In Gama’s words theré was a touch of triumph. On the Baba’s suggestion that he should have rescued them, he said that, he would not wish ~ to be entangled in any case. The Baba said, “There is nothing wrong in rescuing people.” But Gama said, “These people are ' very unpredictable. It is possible they may blame the accident on us. Should anyone die we might be accused of stealing their belongings. So nothing doing.” said Gama.
The Baba was amused at Gama’s fear, but said, “You are right in a way. When people were less educated, they did not tell lies so frequently. Under Sikh rule there was much less. litigation and disputes were settled by Panchayats through compromise. People did good to others, without fear of being implicated in false cases. Nowit is falsehood all over.” Then he asked Gama to call a few men, so that they could do a good deed. en
A few men were called. A motor vehicle was lying upside down and three persons were under it. But being under a hollow part, they were saved.
The men put right the upturned vehicle and the people pressed beneath were rescued. All the three were
1. AGP 1286
injured and were bleeding, but there was no serious injury. The woman was semi-conscious, but the men, although greatly shocked, were conscious. Inthe meantime came a crowd with sticks, shouting that the occupants of the motor vehicle should be killed. The Baba realized the seriousness of the situation. He felt for a moment that he should not be quixotic to take risks. Butthe next moment his normal courageous self asserted itself. So he shouted at the crowd to lower the sticks. They were going to assault him, but realizing that it was Baba, they were calmed a little. The Baba then spoke to the crowd in a loud voice. ‘Now tell me what you want’.
One Nathu came forward. His child of about eight years, ’ had been run over by the vehicle.
He was crying, and throwing his dead child before the Baba, wailed. Then another person, Ghasita complained that his sons’s leg had been crushed under the vehicle. A butcher came forward and said his goat had been killed. The Baba realized the gravity of the situation. These people belonged to a neighbouring village and that added to the existing difficult situation. The Baba wanted to consult Alla singh, the Headman of the concerned village. The man was a Sikh. He was afraid lest the Christian occupants should be harmed, which would cost him his Official position. At the same time he was afraid of his fellow villagers. Nathu taunted him with indifference to their calamity. The Baba tried to console them and said that they were feeling that this loss was their own. Nathu was in a murderous mood and said that he would be satisfied only if he killed the three occupants of the vehicle and buriedthem along with his own child. The Baba, in order to defuse the situation said that the law required life for a life. SO he must wait and not take law into his own hands. The villagers were clamouring for instant revenge. The Baba explained to them that by taking the law in their own hands they would become criminals. This kind of argumentcontinued. The Baba addressed the words of wisdom again. “The dead”, he said, “cannot be brought back to life. You must wait for the process of law.” The villagers said that no one would listen to them. The people would hire
clever lawyers and go scot free. After some further argument the Baba pleaded with them to forgive these people. If they were not for forgiveness, they must report the incident to the police. The case would be put up in the court and they must tender evidence. Then the punishment of the accused will follow. The villagers said that the Baba’s words had cooled their anger. At the spur of the moment they would have taken their revenge. Now their tempers being cooled, they could not act revengefully.
While they were engaged in this talk they saw a cloud of dustrising at a distance. What had happened was that a weaver of the village had informed the police with the motive of getting a reward for saving an Englishman. The police arrived on the spot. The police-inspector finding the Baba there asked him to narrate what had happened. Then he turned to the villagers who madeidentical statements. He then turned to the occupant of the vehicle who was in great fright. But the presence of the police reassured him. It happened that this man was not a European, but an anglicized HindubamsternamedMadhoDass. The policeman was nowless enthusiastic. Areport was drawn up by the police officer and the barrister was told to come to the police station. The police said the dead bodies and their kin along with the accused should be sent to the hospital. The Baba pleaded that the accused be let out on bail which the sub-Inspector declined. Then the Baba asked him to wait till all were served food. The Sub-Inspector consented to this proposal. Food was brought from the village. The Baba’s son along with the others rendered simple indigenous first aid to the occupants of the vehicle and gave them hot milk to drink. The Baba, on finding that the hospital was fifteen miles away, suggested that the accused persons should be left there on his executing a surety. A doctor who was on leave was staying in the neighbouringvillage and would treat the wounded. There was no harm in leaving them in his care as he was a Government servant. The Sub-Inspector agreed, partly because of the influence of Baba’s personality, and partly because the accused person was a barrister who would know
how to defend himself. All this prompted him to accept the surety signed by the Baba and the accused were entrusted to the care of the Doctor. The damaged vehicle was entrusted to the care of the village Headmen.
The villagers were not satisfied with this arrangement, particularly the weaver who finding that the owner of the vehicle was not an Englishmen, but only an Indian, had felt deprived of the reward. The Baba had acted in the spirit of the service of humanity which the villagers felt was out of place here, as they were bumingto take revenge. The Baba’s religion embraced all humanity without discrimination.
“Since the time, I have attained unto the society of the saints, I have altogether forgotten to be jealous of others. Pause
No one is my enemy, noris anyone a stranger to me and! am the friend of all.
Whatever the Lord does, that! deem as good. This sublime understanding | have obtained from the Saints. Amongst all, the One Lord is pervading, seeing and beholding Him, Nanak is greatly pleased.
(Kanra 5th Gum P.1299 AG)