One morning in Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s court, a man arrived with a trained bear. Seeking permission to perform, he wrestled with the animal and made it dance using a stick. As the spectacle unfolded, Bhai Kirtia—who was performing chaur seva above Guru Ji—burst into laughter at the bear’s antics.
Suddenly, Guru Ji turned to Bhai Kirtia and asked, “Do you not recognize this bear?” Puzzled, Bhai Kirtia replied, “I’ve never seen it before, Guru Ji.” Guru Sahib revealed the shocking truth: “This is your father, Bhai Gurdas.”
A Devotee’s Fall from Grace Bhai Kirtia, heartbroken, folded his hands: “My father served Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with devotion—waking early for prayers and seva. How could he be reborn like this?”
Guru Ji explained: Though Bhai Gurdas had served faithfully, one day, while distributing karah prasad, he harshly refused a traveling Gursikh who humbly begged for a share. When the Sikh picked up fallen crumbs and lamented “Waheguru, why have some forgotten Sikhi’s spirit?” Bhai Gurdas scornfully called him “a bear.” Those very words became his fate.
Guru’s Mercy Liberates a Soul Moved by the sangat’s pleas, Guru Gobind Singh Ji purchased the bear for 200 rupees. As the animal sat at his feet, Guru Ji fed it prasad. Moments later, the bear peacefully passed away—freeing Bhai Gurdas’s soul through the Guru’s grace.
The Eternal Lesson This profound sakhi teaches:
Words matter—cruelty to a fellow Sikh carries consequences.
No one is exempt—even devoted servants must uphold humility.
Guru’s compassion can redeem even the gravest mistakes.
“Man jeete jag jeet”—Victory over the mind is true victory. May we always serve with open hands and kinder tongues.
