I hope that this is not taken as an attack on Christianity or Isa/Yeshua (aka Jesus Christ). Out of all the saints born outside of India, Isa is the one I respect most. Even though he was not worthy of Gurugaddi his devotion and Bhagti is praiseworthy and inspirational.
Yesterday marked the day when Christians collectively came together to celebrate the resurrection of their lord and savior Yeshua. I would like to take a brief moment to celebrate not the resurrection but manifestation of SatGuru Ji.
In Christian history it is mentioned that on the day of crucifixion, Yeshua cried out to God and said, “Why hast thou forsaken me?”
After his death the apostles were full of shame and agony. Many of them felt guilty for not intervening while Jesus was being persecuted in broad daylight.
In Sikh history, the departure of our lord and savior is completely different than that of the Christians. It is mentioned that when Guru Ji knew it was time to depart the physical frame he announced to the sangat at Hazoor Sahib that from now on Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be the eternal Guru of the Panth.
Guru Ji states in Bhai Nand Singh Ji’s rehatnama, if one wants to speak to Guru Ji and craves his darshan, they should read and reflect on Gurbani. Guru Ji also states:
ਮੇਰਾ ਰੂਪ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਜੀ ਜਾਣ
ਇਸ ਮੇਂ ਭੇਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੁਝ ਮਾਨ ॥
ਤੀਸਰ ਰੂਪ ਸਿੱਖ ਹੈਂ ਮੋਰ
ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਰੱਤ ਜਹਿ ਨਸਿ ਭੋਰ ॥Deem Granth Jee as my embodiment, And concede to no other perception.
My Sikh is my third embodiment, Who remains imbued in the essence of Gurbani day and night.
In the following verses Guru Ji makes it clear that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Gursikhs who remain in love of Gurbani night and day are the roop of Guru Ji. When Singhs knew Guru Ji’s physical departure was coming close they asked Guru Ji how they can get darshan of his roop. Guru Ji responded:
ਖਾਲਸਾ ਮੇਰੇ ਰੂਪ ਹੈ ਹੌ ਖਾਲਸ ਕੇ ਪਾਸਿ
ਆਦਿ ਅੰਤਿ ਹੀ ਹੋਤ ਹੈ ਖਾਲਸ ਮੈ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸ
Khalsa is my roop . From the beginning to the end will always I reside in Khalsa.
In the evening (rehras time) Guru Ji gave Gurmat instructions to sangat, he then adorned himself with shastars and recited many of the verses which are included in Sri Hazoor Sahib’s version of rehras, including Gurbani verses such as:
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਦੁਇ ਏਕ ਹੈ ਬਿਬ ਬਿਚਾਰ ਕਛੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
ਜਲ ਤੇ ਉਪਜਿ ਤਰੰਗ ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਹੀ ਬਿਖੈ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥੬੦॥The Lord and His devotees are one, there is no difference between them.
Just as the wave of water, arising in water, merges (back) into water.60.
Guru Ji then walked around Panj Pyaarey said fateh and departed. After Guru Ji’s departure, sangat performed funeral rites according to Gurmat Maryada. There was no 13 day waiting period nor did anybody mourn. According to maryada, sangat sang Kirtan Sohila and acknowledged Khalsa Panth and Guru Granth as the eternal Guru forever.
