Birth and the Environment
Niranjan Singh Mehta, who came to be known as Sant Teja Singh Ji later on, was born to mother Ram Kaur on 14 May, 1877 in village Balowali (Gujranwala Pakistan). His father Bhai Ralla Singh, was a medical doctor in Central Jail, Lahore. The grandfather of Sant Ji, named Bhai Nanak Chand Ji, was a very pious soul who used to provide food and other financial assistance to the poor and the downtrodden. On account of his generosity, he was popularly known as Nanak Shah. The maternal grandfather of Sant Ji, Bhai Bhag Singh Ji, was a Gursikh who used to get up daily at 3 in the morning, take his bath and recite all the Gurbanis (holy hymns) of Panj Granthi (a compilation of holy hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji). He used to make copies of Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj in his own hand. The mother of Sant Ji, Shrimati Ram Kaur Ji, was a devoted Gursikh and was full of humility and contentment.
The village Balowali, where Sant Ji was born, is located in the holy land of Eminabad (Sadipur Pathana) where Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj blessed a carpenter named Bhai Lalo and revealed to him that the Almighty had ordained, "Nanak, go forth and apply the healing balm of the Divine Name to the scorched and burnt up hearts of men."
Bhai Lalo, a poor carpenter, used to earn his livelihood by the sweat of his brow and passed a quiet godly life. The news of Nanak-Tapa, appearing as an Avtara of the age at Sultanpur, had reached him. His heart yearned for his "Darshan". The wireless reached Guru Nanak, who started with Mardana for Eminabad. After seven days' journey, they reached their destination, both came and stood at the door of Bhai Lalo's cottage. Lalo was engaged in making pegs out of rough wood. The sound of steps at his thresh-hold made him turn round. His eyes fell on the divine radiant face of the Baba and his companion. Realizing that the Avatra of the age, for whom his heart had been yearning day and night, was at his thresh-hold, he stood up and fell at his feet. Then he went through the formality of asking the name of the Baba from his companion, who replied, "My master's name is Guru Nanak Nirankari and people call me Mardana".
Doubly assured of the Divine presence of his guest, Lalo left his work and ran to the kitchen for preparing food.
After a short time he returned with some thick black loaves and a lump of saag (green oil-seed leaves vegetable) and placed them before Guru Nanak and Mardana. The sight of the loaves made Mardana think, "What a food to eat". With this idea revolving in his mind, he cast a side look at Baba Nanak who said, "Mardana, eat and thou shalt know".
Mardana obeyed, and after he had partaken of a morsel, he said, "Baba, I have eaten many a dainty in my life but have never felt the fine ambrosial sweetness that I find in this loaf". "Yes" uttered Baba Nanak, "It is the honest fruit of the hard labour of a God-inebriated man, nothing can be sweeter and more refreshing."
Then Guru Nanak and Mardana took their meals and Bhai Lalo attended them with great love and diligence. Guru Nanak was so delighted with him that he put his hand on his head and said, "Lalo, thou art really blest. Never have I in all my life enjoyed heavenly sweetness that I have done today". Lalo humbly replied "Sir, it is your office to raise the lowly; you have really blessed me and given me the divine light I was so much in search of".
The people at Eminabad were rich and proud. At every street corner; men, women and children would point out at Nanak and say, "Lo, there is the Kurahia (a person with new fangled notions) going. He is a bedi (high class Kshatriya) by caste, and is putting up with and taking his food from a Sudra."
Guru Nanak did not mind this, but Mardana felt it very keenly; so one day he requested the Guru to grant him leave for Talwandi. After a short time, he said, he would return to Eminabad and bring Baba also with him.
Thus left alone to himself, Guru Nanak spent all day in a jungle closeby, and returned at night to Bhai Lalo's home. One day the headman of the place, Malak Bhago, gave a Brahm Bhoj (a sacred feast to Brahmans) and sent a Pandit to invite every high caste person to it. The Pandit informed every high caste Hindu in the town, and took special pains to invite Guru Nanak, saying, "Your ways are strange, but if you do not join the feast of the Malak, he would be very wrath with you." The Sat Guru vouchsafed no reply, but did not attend the Brahm Bhoj the next day.
The matter was particularly brought to the notice of the Malak by the Pandit, who felt a grudge with Guru Nanak for strange new ways. "Lo", said he to Bhago, "I was very particular in giving your invitation to him but he in his pride, has not deigned to come. He looks down upon every one but himself".
The pride of Malak was sorely touched. He at once sent one of his servants to fetch Guru Nanak. The servant returned with the reply, "Nanak refuses to come".
This was more than Bhago could bear. "Go and bring him with force." The servants went, and conveyed the angry message of the Malak to Baba Nanak. Quietly and without uttering a word, the Sat Guru stood up and followed the Malak's messengers. Lalo, also left his work and ran after his master.
Soon they reached the house of Bhago, who was sitting in a very angry mood. Seeing Baba Nanak coming, he spoke aloud, "What, O Nanak Tapa, means thee refuse to join a feast given to Brahmans and all high class Hindus?" Calmly said Nanak (Page 175, Guru Granth Sahib).
Sri Rag Mahalla 1
Nichan Andar Neech Jat Neechi Hoon At Neech
Nanak Tin Kai Sang Sath Wadian Seun Kiya Rees
Jithe Neech Samalian Tithe Nadar Teri Bakhsis
"I am lowly and low to be with the lowly; what have I to do with the high and the great of this world?"
"Then you refused to partake of my feast", said the Malak. "Don't be so wrath Bhago, get you rich viands", spoke the Baba. At the same moment Guru Nanak looked at Lalo who was standing behind him and told him to bring a piece of his black loaf (Kodra Bread).
With great ostentation and show the servant of the Malak brought a thal (tray) with all kinds of rich foods and just at this moment, Bhai Lalo appeared on the scene with half a black dry loaf. By this time a large crowd had gathered around Guru Nanak. Every one was interested to see him a victim of Malak's wrath.
When both the Malak's rich plate and Bhai Lalo's loaf were placed before him, Guru Nanak took Lalo's loaf in the right hand, and Malak Bhago's in the left and squeezed them both with all his might and Lo! A stream of milk oozed out of the Sudra's bread, and blood of the Malak's rich food.
"See, O proud Malak", said Nanak, "Lalo's is the honest hard-earned bread of a humble worker, your's is the outcome of extortionate sucking of the blood of the poor. Nanak would rather partake of this humble fare with Lalo than drink of the blood of the poor with thee."
Struck with horror and deep qualms of Conscience, Bhago fell at Guru Nanak's feet, and begged to be forgiven, "Thou art, truly, the Great Avatara of this Age of Darkness (Kal-juga). My mind was hardened against thee by the false and self-interested complaints of the selfish Pandits." "Rise", said the Baba, "and give up oppressing the poor, so shall the Divine Name find a place in thy heart."
So saying, and leaving the crowd to have their own say, Guru Nanak went to Lalo, took his meals there and retired for the day in the woods closeby.
It was at Eminabad that Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj revealed to Bhai Lalo the prophecies contained in the holy hymns perceived from the Almighty as follows (page 722, Guru Granth Sahib).
Tilang Mahalla 1
Jaisi Mein Aawai Khasam Ki Banhi Taisra Kari Gian Ve Lalo.
Pap Ki Janj Lai Kablon Dhaya Jori Mangai Daan Ve Lalo.
Saram Dharam Doae Chhap Khaloae Koorh Phire Pardhan Ve Lalo.
Kaajeeaa Baamnaa Kee Gal Thakee Agad Parhai Saitaan Vay Laalo.
Musalmaaneeaa Parheh Kataybaa Kasat Meh Karahi Khudai Vay Laalo.
Jaat Sanaatee Hor Hidvaaneeaa Eh Bhee Laykhai Laaay Vay Laalo.
Khoon Ke Sohle Gawieh Nanak Ratt Ka Kungu Paye Ve Lalo (1)
Sahib Ke Gunh Nanak Gawai Maaspuri Wich Aakh Masola
Jin Upai Rang Rawai Baitha Vekhai Wakh Ekella.
Sacha So Sahib Sach Tapawas Sachrha Niaow Kreg Masola.
Kaaya Kaparh Tuk Tuk Hosi Hindustan Smaalsi Bolla.
Aawan Athatre Jaan Satanve Hor Bhi Uthsi Marad Ka Chela.
Friend Lalo! As descends to me the Lord's word, I express it. Babar with the wedding-party of sin from Kabul rushed down, And forcibly demanded surrender of Indian womanhood.
Then went modesty and righteousness into hiding,
And falsehood was strutting about in glory.
Set aside were Kazis and Brahmins, and Satan went about soleminzing marriages.
Muslim women, reciting the Koran, in their afflction called on Khuda. Other women of lower castes and of the Hindus in this suffering too include in your account.
Saith Nanak : Divine Beloved! Sung are paeans of blood And sprinkled is blood for saffron. (1)
Nanak, sitting in this city of corpses sings the Lord's praise, And enunciates this principle :
He who raised this creation and in manifold pleasures engaged it, Sits apart, watching it.
Holy is the Lord, holy His justice;
True shall be the judement pronounced by Him.
As will its body's vesture be torn to shreds,
India shall remember my words.
In seventy-eight they come, in ninety-seven depart- Another hero shall some day arise.
Nanak utters the woed of truth -
Truth he utters; truth the time calls for. (2) (3.5)
Education
Bhai
Niranjan Singh Mehta (Sant Ji) was brought up in
these environments of the area of Eminabad charged with holy bliss
of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj. He studied for two years in his village
school under the guidance of a teacher Mian Mohamed Din. Later on
he was sent to an English School by his father; first at Fazilka and
later on at Lahore. He passed his BA from Government College, Lahore
and LLB from Law College, Lahore in 1900 AD. He passed his MA in
1901 AD, standing first in the Punjab University, Lahore.
Marriage
While he was studying in the school, his grandfather married him to Bibi Bishan Kaur, the daughter of Bhai Jhanda Singh of village Dhaular. Sant Ji had three children; two boys, Mukand Singh and Hari Singh and one girl, Bibi Jit Kaur. The youngest boy Hari Singh was a pious soul who made several prophecies and died in his childhood.
Legal Practice and Service in Salt Department
He started legal practice at Gujjranwala but in this profession he had to do things against his conscience and therefore, left it. He competed in the All-India competition for the job of Assistant Superintendent, North India Salt Department and was selected. He served this department from 1902 to 1904. Production of salt was a government-controlled enterprise and poor people were debarred from producing salt to make their both ends meet. This frustrated him and he tought of adopting the career of a teacher. He corresponded with Sir Sunder Singh Majithia, Secretary of the Khalsa College, Amritsar, and was offered a position of Vice-Principal. He then discussed this case with his Commissioner, Mr F M Bakley who also encouraged him to take up teaching profession and granted him leave for one year to try this career. Mr Bakley pointed out that in his early life, he had an opportunity to become a clergyman, but he missed it and repented thereafter. He further told Sant Ji that in education, if one is able to reform and develop the personality of even one individual he would get divine blessings.
Vice-Principal / Principal, Khalsa College Amritsar
Sant Ji joined as Vice-Principal of the Khalsa College, Amritsar in 1903 AD. In teaching, listening to holy hymns and rendering service with love and devotion, his one year's leave came to an end. He worte down his resignation to the Salt Department but did not yet post it. One day, Sir Sunder Singh Majithia met Sant Ji in the College Gurdwara and enquired about the submission of his resignation. Sant Ji replied that a thought of uncertainty of his service in the Khalsa College had not yet permitted him to resign from his permanent job in the Salt Department. At this moment, Sir Sunder Singh Majithia spontaneously recited a holy hymn (Page 495, Guru Granth Sahib)
"Sail Pathar Meh Jant Upaaey
Ta Ka Rizak Aage Kar Dharya."
In the words of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, simultaneously with the creation of all the beings in rocks and mountains, the bountious Lord has already placed their sustenance right before them.
This holy hymn re-established the faith of Sant Ji in the Creator and he resigned from his permanent post in the Salt Department. This further generated a wave of love and devotion for service to the humanity in his mind.
Holy Sight (Darshan) of Sant Attar Singh Ji
Sant Ji (named Niranjan Singh Mehta at that time) became Principal of the Khalsa College, Amritsar in 1905. During this period, he met Braham Gyani (God-Conscious) Sant Baba Sham Singh Ji for spiritual blessing who hinted to him that Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj had come to Lahore (now in Pakistan). He developed a keen desire to meet Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj and went to Lahore at the week-end. He had the opportunity of having the holy sight (darshan) of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj and the latter remarked after the introduction, "Bhai, he (Niranjan Singh Mehta) is a pious soul". He thus got the grace of Sant Attar Singh Ji and attained the everlasting bliss. In the words of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Page 272, Guru Granth Sahib).
"Saadh Kai Sang Naheen Kachh Ghaal Darshan Bhetat Hot Nihaal"
In the gracious company of the God-Conscious persons, one has to struggle the least to control one's mind. With the holy sight of the God-Conscious persons, one attains everlasting bliss and resigns to His will under all circumstances.
Within a week of coming back from Lahore to Amritsar, Bhai Teja Singh Ji came to know that Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj had come to Tarn Taran (24 km from Amritsar). He went to Tarn Taran along with his mother, wife, his son Kuldip Singh (renamed Mukand Singh after taking Amrit) and his servant Achhar Singh. While sitting in meditation and hearing holy hymns, a Divine Voice told him, "In case you wish to become God-conscious in this birth, then you should take Amrit (the holy nectar) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj". With an intense desire to take Amrit, he begged Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj for this. He thus took "Amrit" from Sant Attar Singh Ji along with his mother and family in 1906 and changed his name from Niranjan Singh Mehta to Teja Singh.
Dedication at Mastuana Sahib
As per the wishes of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, he went to attend the holy congregation at Mastuana Sahib. A proposal to open a school at this place was finalized and Sant Teja Singh Ji dedicated his services for this purpose. Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj then expressed, "I wish that an educational institution is established where the spiritual science as advocated by Guru Nanak and the material science of the west are combined together for teaching the students so that they may adopt the spiritual philosophy in action and become assets to the world," In order to fulfil the mission of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, Bhai Teja Singh Ji made up his mind to go abroad for acquiring higher education of western sciences. This was approved by Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj with his blessings. Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj also gave him a sum of Rupees one hundred and twenty five and later bade him farewell with the following messages :
1. Keep your entire original form of body and hair intact, enter not into controversies, simply say with folded hands that we have not formed this, it is the gift of God.
2. Wherever you go, establish Sikh temples (Gurdwaras).
3. Convey the message to the people of western countries (Europe and America) that the development of occult powers (Ridhi and Sidhi) to work miracles are nothing. The Divine realization is much beyond these.
4. One, who develops desire and craving under the influence of ego for delivering spiritual discourses and lectures, should desist from doing so and the other, who is free from these cravings, may do so.
Higher Studies and Spreading Guru Nanak's Mission in Foreign Countries
He left for England in August 1906 under the patronage of Sant Attar Singh Ji for higher studies. He studied at the University College, London and at the Cambridge University from 1906-1908. For the first time in the history of this University, he brought round the authorities to let him tie the turban according to the Sikh religion tenets. He joined a summer school in the Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York in 1908. Later, he joined the Harvard University in USA and took his Masters' degree in 1911.
During his study abroad, he opened the Sikh Dharamshala in London in 1910. A Sikh Gurdwara was got built in Victoria BC in Canada in 1912-13. He served the Sikhs and other Indian communtites in Vancouver BC and organized the Khalsa Diwan there. He pleaded with the Canandian Government for Indians who were being ordered to leave the country and won the legal battle. He opened the Sikh Temple at Stockton, California in USA and organized the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society in 1912. In America, he also met Baba Baisakha Singh, Baba Jawala Singh and other members of the Gaddar party (struggling for the freedom of India at that time).
AM Degree at Harvard, USA
On account of his services to the Indian community in Canada and America, he was branded as a freedom fighter (political worker) by the then British Government and as such, he had to face many difficulties in his studies. In the last trimester of his studies at the Harvard University, he had no money to pay his dues and was, therefore, served a notice by the University either to pay his fees or quit. Under these circumstances, he got immersed in the Divine within and enquired from his wife as to whether she had developed any worldly longing for material benefits. She exclaimed that she had developed a desire that on completion of this higher education, her husband would be able to get a high official post on his return to India with rich worldly comforts. Sant Ji told her that her thought of worldly desire had become a stumbling block in the completion of his degree at this last moment. He at once asked her to join in a prayer with full devotion, "O Lord ! everything is yours and we are only to render service according to Your will without developing any thought and desire for ultimate worldly benefits." In the words of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sukhmani Sahib page 274, Guru Granth Sahib):
Karam Karat Howai Nihkaram Tis Baisnu Ka Nirmal Dharam
Kahoon Phal Ki Ichha Nahee Bachhai Kewal Bhagat Kirtan Sang Rachai
The sacred duty (Dharma) of a man is that one should remain selfless and detached from the worldly greediness in his actions and performance of duties in his life. One should not desire for worldly benefits in lieu of his rendering service and duties. One should have faith in God and remain immersed in His Glory and the Divine Law. In fact, this is called "Karama Yoga".
No sooner did Sant Ji completed his prayer and recited the Divine Name than his Professor, Mr Blisso Parry came to meet him and entered his room. Dr Parry offered him one hundred and ten dollars for paying his fees and clearing his dues in the University. Dr Parry told him that he had come to know about his inability to pay his fees in the University and, therefore, he had come to offer his humble assistance. Sant Ji exclaimed that the God is bountiful and we are full of short-comings. He then paid all the dues in University and got his Masters' degree from the Harvard University in 1911.
Light Shall Again Come From the East
During his visit to Chicago in USA, Sant Teja Singh Ji met Rev Jenkin Llyod Jones, Lord Bishop of the largest Unitarian Church of Chicago, who was a pious, learned and highly respected person. Rev Jones was an open minded person and it was he who had organized a Parliament of all the religions of the world in which Swami Viveka Nand Ji also participated. After a brief introduction, Sant Teja Singh Ji and Rev Jones exchanged views on various aspects of spiritualism. Sant Ji explained the sacred mission of Guru Nanak Dev Ji for attaining the Divine Peace. At this point, Rev Jones got so much inspired that he got up from his chair, warmly shook hands with Sant Ji and with great love exclaimed, "Brother Teja Singh, Light shall again come from the East. We in the West are quite unfit for it" Sant Ji presented him all the six volumes of the book on "The Sikh Religion" written by Mr Makalay. Rev Jones got so impressed with the Sikh Religion that he requested Sant Ji to participate in the Congress of free Christianity and Religious progress at Berlin, Germany, organized by the Unitarian Church of Chicago to explain the glories of the Sikh Religion and spiritual path shown by Guru Nanak. On his invitation, Sant Ji attented this Congress along with delegates of all the religions of the world. All the delegates spoke about the teachings and philosophies of their respective religions. Sant Ji in his address, explained the spiritual mission of Guru Nanak Dev Ji revealing that the whole created universe has sprung up from one Divine Light and the bodies of the people of all the religions, races, castes, colours and creeds are made up of one common material (five elements or panch Tat. i.e. earth, water, air, energy and gaseous sphere). The sense of mine and thine forms the dark clouds of ignorance against the Divine Light and becomes a bar to self realization. Under the influence of lust, greed and sense of egoism, mine and thine, the people involve themselves in the animal instinct of actions, reactions and fighting, If we remove the veil of selfishness and egoism by immersing ourself in the Divine Name, the Divine Light shines in all the human hearts and leads to the realization of the One-in-All and the All-in-one (The stage of God consciousness) as revealed by Bhagat Kabir Ji in his hymns incorporated in the Holy Shri Guru Granth Sahib (Page 1349).
Prabhati, Kabir Jio
Aval alah Noor Upaaya Kudrat Ke Sab Bande.
Ek Noor Te Sab Jag Upjia Kaun Bhalai Ko Mande. (1)
Loga Bharam na Bhoolo Bhai. Khalik Khalak, Khalak Meh Khalik
Poor Rahio Sarb Thain (1) Rahau. Mati Ek Anek Bhant Kar Saji Sajanbarai.
Na Kachh Poch Mati Ke Bhaande Na Kachh Poch Kanbhare (2)
Sab Meh Sacha Eko Soi Tis Ka Kiya Sabh Kachh Hoi.
Hukam Pachhane So Eko Jane bada Kahie Soi (3)
Aloh Alakh Na Jaai Lakhia Gur Gurh Dina Meetha.
Kah Kabir Meri Sanka Naasi Sarb Niranjan Ditha (4,3)
Sant Ji further pointed out that without self-realization (the Divine within), there can not be any permanent peace in the world for which Guru Nanak Dev Ji has shown the straight spiritual path. At this point, a great German Philosopher (delegate) stood up from his seat, warmly shook hands with Sant Ji and exclaimed loudly, "This is the thing we want".
Rigorous Spiritual Training
After completing his mission abroad, Sant Ji came back to India from Vancouver (Canada) in March 1913, traveling via Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Malaya. He reached Gur Sagar Sahib, Mastuana (Sangrur) and offered himself in the services of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, who enquired about his trip abroad and then said, "Bhai Teja Singh, you have studied in various Universities and qualified in various examinations. Now you join the University of Spiritual Science at Gur Sagar Sahib, Mastuana and pass its various examinations". He bowed his head and submitted himself to Sant Ji Maharaj and prayed to qualify the tests and examinations of Spiritual Science.
Sant Teja Singh Ji stayed at Gur Sagar Sahib, Mastuana from 1913 to 1916 AD under the religious training of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj. During this period, he got blessings of Sant Ji Maharaj and passed through various physical, mental and spiritual tests and examinations. The history shows that searchers after truth are put to many tests. Holy Sukdev was put to rigorous tests by His Holiness Raja Janak before showering the Divine Bliss. The Jagat Guru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj subjected Bhai Lehna Ji, his disciple, to many tests to show his worthiness as his spiritual successor. Bhai Lehna Ji, wearing costly silken clothes, brought a heavy bundle of common salt on his head from his village to Kartarpur (the abode of his master, Guru Nanak Dev Ji) - a distance of over 100 kilometers - for Guru Ka Langar (holy free kitchen). Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked him to do weeding in the wet rice fields. All the day, he did weeding with all fellow disciples and in the evening Guru Nanak made Lehna lift up a huge bundle of wet weeds on his head for feeding of cattle. His silken clothes were completely covered with mud. On seeing Lehna in this condition, mother Sulakhni (wife of Guru Nanak Dev Ji) very humbly submitted to her husband,"Look at this newcomer's rich clothes. How they have been spoiled with mud and what a heavy bundle he is lifting on his head." Guru Nanak Dev Ji smiled and said, "Sulakhni, this is not mud but saffron and the bundle is not a heavy weight of weeds but the burden of the whole suffering of humanity." Since that day, Bhai Lehna Ji became the constant attendant of Guru Nanak. He always followed Guru Nanak Dev Ji like a shadow and implicitly obeyed all his master's hints and commands. He used to clean the Dharamshala (temple) and render service to the master and the congregation. With his humble and constant intensive service, he scored over two sons of his master, Bhai Siri Chand Ji and Bhai Lakhmi Chand Ji. The time for the final trial for the choice of a recipient of Gur Gaddi (spiritual succession) came. Guru Nanak Dev Ji took off all his clothes and came out with a loin-cloth on his body and a piece of khadi on his head. He had strong wooden staff in his hands. He asked all his disciples to come round him and ordered them to set on fire all the stacks of wheat. Most of them hesitated thinking that Guru Nanak had gone crazy. But the faithful among them obeyed the orders. When they came back to pay their homage and touched his feet, every one received a thwack of the staff on his back. The faith of most of them evaporated. Only a small number remained. At this juncture a very severe hail storm came and Guru Nanak, naked as he was, began running through the storm. Now only three followed him; Bhai Lehna, Bhai Sudharam and Bhai Budha. Incapable of bearing the pain of striking hail stones, Bhai Sudharam took shelter in a pit and Bhai Budha crouched under a tree. Only Bhai Lehna remained with Baba Nanak. At this moment Guru Nanak exclaimed in very harsh tone, "Why art thou following me? Run Away". Lehna immediately obeyed, ran about a hundred yards and came back. With a very angry look, Guru Nanak said, "Why hast thou come back to me?" In very low humble tone, Lehna said, "O my Master, where shall I go. There is no place left for me but thy holy feet." "Then eat that corpse lying by the way side", spoke out Guru Nanak. Immediately Lehna ran to the corpse. Just as he was going to lift the shroud, Guru Nanak stretched out his arms, embraced Lehna and with a face beaming with Divine joy and glory said, "You are me and I am thou. From this moment your name is Angad, a limb of my limb and a soul of my soul. Henceforth my spirit will dwell in thee and thou shalt give the Divine Name to the whole suffering humanity.
Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj exposed Bhai Teja Singh to rigorous spiritual training and tests. On his arrival at Gur Sagar Sahib, Mastuana, Sant Attar Singh Ji entrusted to him the duties of running a school, which he carried out faithfully under great stresses, strains and criticism. Many disciples of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj started thinking that Bhai Teja Singh has been given only the teaching duties whereas they were carrying out physical duties of digging of earth and other manual labour. Perceiving this, Sant Attar Singh Ji asked Bhai Teja Singh to dig the surroundings of big holy tank of the Gurdwara, 15 feet wide and one foot deep, within five weeks. Inspite of this arduous manual work, Bhai Teja Singh Ji carried out the instruction of Sant Ji Maharaj faithfully and effectively, in addition to his teaching duties. Sant Ji Maharaj came after five weeks to Gur Sagar Sahib, Mastuana and on seeing the progress of teaching and digging of earth work being done by Bhai Teja Singh, approved it and showered his blessings on him, thereby indicating that he can also undertake physical work with all humility and devotion. This created further jealousy among the other disciples against Bhai Teja Singh and thus he was subjected to various kinds of criticism from them. They started putting many kinds of false complaints to Sant Ji Maharaj against Bhai Teja Singh and went to the extent of saying that the latter has spoiled the work and has eroded the funds of Gur Sagar Sahib, Mastuana. Once Sant Ji Maharaj called Bhai Teja Singh, gave patting on his back with affection, and narrated the holy hymns of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sukhmani Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 275):
Prabh Ki Aagya Aatam Hitaawai. Jiwan Mukat Souu Kahaawai.
Taisa Harkh Taisa Uus Sog. Sada Anand The Nahi Biog.
Taisa Swaran Taisi Uus Maati. Taisa Amrit Taisi Bikh Khaati.
Taisa Maan Taisa Abhimaan. Taisa Rank Taisa Raajan.
Jo Vartaae Saee Jugat. Nanak Oh Purkh Kahiae Jiwan Mukat.
(One who completely resigns to the Divine Will realizes the God within and becomes free from the bondage of birth and rebirth. He gets above all the worldly pleasures and sorrows. He always remains in the Eternal Divine bliss and never feels separation from the God within. For whom gold and clay are the same and he is above the different tastes of nectar (sweetness) and the bitter poison. For whom the worldly admiration and defamation and abuses are the same. He takes the poor and the rich on a par. Nanak sayeth that a person who completely submits to the Will of God gets the Divine Realization within and becomes immortal.)
With recitation of the above-mentioned holy hymn, Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj told, "Teja Singh Ji, people regard me as a saint, but it is difficult even to become a Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev Ji." This clearly indicated that Sant Ji Maharaj prepared Bhai Teja Singh Ji for still strict tests of enduring criticism, abuses and defamation in the same way as admiration, fame and praises. In the next few days, the same things happened and Bhai Teja Singh was loudly criticized, abused and even man-handled by the jealous people. He endured all these with serene mind and showed great humility. So much so that the disciples and other people of surrounding villages created such a kind of atmosphere that Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj asked Bhai Teja Singh Ji to quit this place after handing over all the charges of the school, Gurdwara, Guru Ka Langar and other infrastructure to a committee formed for this purpose. He completely submitted to the words of Sant Ji Maharaj and handed over all the charges to the committee. At this time, there was a debt of Rupees ten thousand due to the receipt of advance construction material and wages of the labour engaged in construction work. On the next day when he met Sant Ji Maharaj, he was asked to try to clear the debt. Bhai Teja Singh Ji with folded hands humbly told that he would mortgage his only house at Gujranwala and clear the debt of the holy place. This inspired the other devotees sitting there who exclaimed, "Bhai Teja Singh Ji has won the spiritual battle". Sant Ji Maharaj was extremely pleased with the successful passing of Bhai Teja Singh Ji in various tests and showered his blessing on him saying, "Bhai Teja Singh has to render a great service to humanity and he will continue to do so wherever he goes."
Serving Educational Institutions
Sant Teja Singh Ji left Gur Sagar Sahib, Mastuana and reached Gujranwala. He mortgaged his only house and cleared the debts. He tried to keep himself aloof from the public life and engrossed himself in the Divine Name. However, within a few days, the Gujranwala public approached Sant Teja Singh Ji and requested him to restart the Guru Nanak Khalsa College Gujranwala under his patronage. He declined but when he was told that this is the decision of the holy congregation and is a binding on him, he accepted the same. He started this College in 1917 and remained its Principal up to 1919. Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, President of Banaras Hindu University, approached Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj in 1919 and requested him for the services of Sant Teja Singh for starting Teacher's Training College in that University. Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj asked Bhai Teja Singh Ji to go to Banaras to help the University. Sant Teja Singh Ji joined as Principal of this College and established its working. He remained there for about one year. This gave great fame to him. The distinguished personalities and the holy congregation approached Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj to call back Bhai Teja Singh for starting Akal College at Gur Sagar Sahib, Mastuana. Bhai Teja Singh Ji resigned the job of Principalship of Banaras Hindu University and joined service at Akal College, Mastuana, which he faithfully did till the end of 1920. Sant Teja Singh Ji also established Khalsa High School, Kallar in Rawalpindi district (now in Pakistan) and other educational institutions and carried out the instructions of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj for rendering service to various educational institutions and service to humanity. He was sent many a time by Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj to resolve very crucial and vital issues of the Sikh Panth by conveying the message of Sant Ji Maharaj to various organizations of the Sikhs including Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Final Spiritual Training
Perceiving his last days, Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj asked Bhai Teja Singh to leave all other activities and be with him. Bhai Teja Singh Ji constantly remained in attendance on Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj and imbibed final spiritual training and merged his identity with the One-in-All and All-in-One. Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj bestowed his blessings on Bhai Teja Singh Ji to carry out the divine mission of Guru Nanak for the uplift of mankind without any distinction of caste, creed, race or colour.
Construction of Gurdwaras
He constructed Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib Kanoha Ki Jhangi (now in Pakistan) where Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj had constantly meditated on the Divine Name for about two years. In 1932, he undertook the construction of Gurdwara Nanaksar Cheema (Sangrur, Punjab, India) whose foundation was earlier laid by Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj by revealing that this place had been blessed with the holy visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and completed it in the succeeding years and also established a Gurmat Vidyala there. He also laid the foundation of Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nanaksar Cheema in 1960 at the place where Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj was born. At the time of his passing four storeys were completed.
The Spiritual Uplift Work
With the hearty blessings of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, Sant Teja Singh Ji undertook the work of spiritual uplift among the sikhs and other communities without any distinction of cast, creed, race or colour in India and many other foreign countries.
(a) In the United Punjab: From 1928-47, Sant Teja Singh Ji preached the Divine path (Guru Nanak's teachings) in the United Punjab, particularly in the areas from Lahore to Peshawar. He used to say, "My dear fellows (both Sikhs and Hindus), leave these areas and settle down in the areas beyond Lahore." While saying so in early forties, he has had the vision of the uprooting of the people of these areas. His prophecy came true in 1947 when India was partitioned.
(b) At Khalsa College Amritsar : Sant Ji used to inspire the students to imbibe the divine virtues along with the worldly education. Some of the students would argue that they do not find time from their studies for reciting the holy hymns and the Divine Name. Sant Ji explained, "Where there is a will, there is a way. When I was ignorant of the holy hymns and the Divine Name, I had to exert very hard to get through the various examinations from the Punjab University. However, when I started devoting time in the evenings and mornings in the Divine Name and the recitation of the holy hymns, I felt neither tension nor difficulty in qualifying my examinations with honour and success during my studies in England and USA". In 1949, he addressed the students at Khalsa College, Amritsar and inspired them to follow the path of Guru Nanak and participate in spreading His message to the mankind for establishing the Divine peace in the world. Those students who offered themselves for the mission of Guru Nanak were taken to Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh for teaching the basic tenents of the Divine Path shown by Guru Nanak.
(c) In African Countries : In 1954, he went to many African countries and spread the message of Guru Nanak. He advised the Asian settlers to develop love and affection for the local population and help their needy brethren. In Uganda, he told the settlers that the day may not be far off when they would have to leave this country. This did happen in the subsequent years during the regime of Idi Amin.
Addressing the Eighth Congress of Religions in Japan
He undertook the work of spiritual uplift of humanity in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, USA and Canada in 1955-56. During this period, he delivered an address on the occasion of the Eighth Congress of Religions for the world peace organized by Ananai-Kyo, Shimizu city, Japan in 1956. The full text of this lecture "The way to establish Permanent peace" is given in the following pages.
Revealation of the Tapo Bhoomi Baru
In July 1957, he revealed the Tapo Bhoomi of Baru where many rishis, munis and saints had meditated on the Divine Name and also blessed with the holy visit of Tenth Guru. Here, Gurdwara was constructed and provision of Guru Ka Langar was made. The first Akhand Path (continuous recitation in full of Sri Guru Granth Sahib) was solemnized in August 1960. During the invocatory prayer (Ardas) he passionately prayed, with tears rolling down, to Akal Purakh (God) to bestow His Grace on the sacred mission so that it grows and carries His message of the Divine peace and spiritual brotherhood to the mankind in the world. He used to visit this place during summer along with his devotees for meditation and solemnization of Akhand Path till his demise.
The Kalgidhar Trust
For continuing the work of the spiritual uplift among the people through combination of the scientific education and religious education, Sant Ji organized a trust named as The Kalgidhar Trust. The activities of this Trust, based at the Sant Attar Singh Hari Sadhu Asharam, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, carried out as per the blessings and guidance of Sant Ji are contained in the following pages.
The Call of the Almighty
He received the call of the Almighty on July 3, 1965 at Nanaksar Cheema and merged with the One-in-All and the All-in-One.
"Kabhu Saadh Sangat Eh Paawai
Uus Asthaan Te Bauhar Na Aawai
Antar Hoae Gian Pargaas
Uus Asthaan Ka Nahi Binaas
Mun Tun Naam Ratte Ik Rang
Sada Baseh Paurbraham Kai Sang
Jyon Jal Meh Jal Aaye Khataana
Tyon Joti Sang Jot Samaana
Mit Gai Gavun Paae Bisraam
Nanak Prabh Kai Sad Kurbaan"
(Page 278, Guru Granth Sahib)
Just like as water becomes one with the ocean after entering it, the Divine Soul (Aatma) becomes one with the Divine Light (Parmatma) on merging with Him. |
