ਦੁਖੁ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਘਰਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ॥
It removes grief, provides spiritual peace, and takes one to self-realization. – Jap Ji Sahib, stanza 5
Story of Bhai Gopala
Once, Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Guru, asked if there was any Sikh who could recite Jap Ji Sahib correctly to him. One of his Sikhs, Bhai Gopala, got up and sought Guruji’s permission to recite. Guruji directed him to commence the recital.
Sitting in front of Guruji, Bhai Gopala began to recite Jap Ji Sahib. With full focus and concentration, he recited Jap Ji very beautifully. Upon hearing his recitation, Guruji was overcome with joy. He was so pleased with the way Bhai Gopala was reciting that he thought to himself, what could I possibly give him in return for such a beautiful recital?
With his heart full of love, Guruji decided to offer him the Throne – the gur-gaddi. Guruji moved one of his knees to get up from his throne and give him his seat. At that point, Bhai Gopala was on the final stanza. After seeing Guruji getting up, Bhai Gopala’s concentration was disrupted; a thought crossed his mind that Guruji was leaving. He thought if Guruji remained till the end, then he would gift him a royal horse from his stable. Understanding Bhai Gopala’s sudden thought, Guruji sat down on his seat again. After the recitation was completed, Guruji told him that ‘I was about to give you Guru Nanak’s Throne had you not desired for a horse.’
