Guru Ram Das
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Milestones
Sri Chand’s question
Stuti Malhotra, Oct 30, 2023: The Times of India
Upon reaching the age of 40, Guru Ram Das, also called Bhai Jetha, assumed the position of the fourth Sikh Guru. Known for his humility, piety, and service to others, the Guru played a pivotal role in the formation of Ramdaspur, known today as Amritsar, with the construction of Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple. The gurudwara stands as a testament to the Guru’s vision of inclusivity, with its four entrances welcoming people from all walks of life.
The central theme of Guru Ram Das’ poetry is love of the human soul for God. In the Guru Granth Sahib, the Guru states, ‘Bin har parit hor parit sabh jhuti ik khin meh bisar sabh jae’ (SGGS P 720). He says that without the love of the Divine, all other forms of love are false, and they can be forgotten in an instant.
According to Guru Ram Das, true spiritual enlightenment can only be attained through selfless humility, renouncing the ego, and embracing a life of service and devotion. The story goes that on one occasion, Sri Chand, Guru Nanak Dev’s son, visited Amritsar. Guru Ram Das received him with deep reverence. Sri Chand was pleased to witness significant growth of the Sikh religion. Any lingering resentment he had about not being designated as the second guru had now dissipated from his mind. However, before his departure, he couldn’t resist making a lighthearted remark. “All is well”, he said, “and I am genuinely delighted to witness the remarkable progress of your work. But, Ram Das, please explain to me why you maintain such a long beard?” He gestured towards the Guru’s flowing beard, that extended down to his waist. The Guru, with folded hands, humbly replied, “It is this long, Babaji, so that I may use it to cleanse your feet.” Sri Chand was moved to tears and warmly embraced him.
The Guru encouraged his followers to engage in meditation, self-reflection, and naam simran, remembering of the Divine Name, as a means to attain spiritual enlightenment and inner harmony. Laavan, the four sacred hymns that are an integral component of the Anand Karaj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, were also written by the Guru.
In the Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Ram Das states the true meaning of marriage. “They are not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together. Rather, they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies.” (SGGS P 788).
The Laavan Shabads offer the married couple spiritual counselling, guiding them on a shared path towards liberation and communion with the Divine. The first hymn is about adhering to the path of righteousness and striving to live a life free of sin. The second encourages the couple to relinquish their ego and cultivate a deep reverence for the Lord. The third emphasises the importance of remembering and reciting the Lord’s name in the company of Sat Sangat, holy congregation. The fourth guides the couple toward attaining divine peace, surrendering to the divine will, and discovering boundless happiness in the Lord.
Let us reflect on Guru Ram Das’ teachings on humility and divine love. They are sure to elevate us spiritually once we start living them.
