Truth will always prevail …

It is possible that many of the younger generation, like myself, may never be in position to appreciate the immense sacrifice made by late Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji on April 24, 1980. We have, no doubt, heard much about the events and the ambiance of that period both from first hand and literature sources, but this always fall short of the actual experiences of those who lived through that emotionally difficult time. We are in debt to the great service of those associated with that period, and most especially Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji, who have made it possible for us to enjoy the mission in its present state.

But what would have happened if our Satguru – His Holiness Baba Hardev Ji – know then as young ‘Bhola Ji’, did not accept the massive responsibility of the Mission’s stewardship? We are in as much dept to Baba Hardev Ji for his strength and action on that occasion (and thereafter) as we are to Baba Gurbachan Ji. In fact, this goes without saying since the truth, and the light that resides each Master, is the one and the same. Nirankar is himself manifest in the Satguru. Let us remind ourselves (maybe for the first time) of the sincere feelings expressed when the 25 year old ‘Bhole Ji’ sat on the seat as the Almighty power manifest – Satguru Baba Hardev – and lifted the weight of the Mission’s load on his young shoulders.

“As all of you know, I have hardly any qualities to discharge this great responsibility. Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Maharaj was repository of virtues. The strength to step on his footprints is to be gained with the blessings of his devotees. You all know that I have neither much academic qualification nor have I done through study of scriptures. I have, of course, had the opportunity to attend congregations of devotees (Satsang). You have bought me up. Reverend Mata Ji taught me humility …

… I believe that god almighty himself bestows the individual with the requisite capacity to carry out the assigned duty. I also believe that with your good wishes and blessings of reverend Mata Ji and with benignity of God formless I will be able to live up to the responsibility I am saddled with. Otherwise, I do not consider myself wrothy of the onus that has been put on me …

" I crave blessings form you, the Almighty and Mata Ji so that I may be able to discharge my duty with the same spirit."

The humility in these words is almost shocking. We see the great respect Satguru gives both to the Satsang (enlightened devotees) and also to Her Holiness Rajmata Ji – honouring Her not only as his Mother but also as a Saint. Here we cannot even being to imagine benevolence of the Holy Mother. Having seen her loving husbad and esteemed Guru subjected to such injustice she serenely succumbs to the Master’s wish and blesses her only son to rise to an even greater challenge!

"Only with the blessings of God can I march the path of truth and strive to put out this fire by propagating this message of peace and unity."

Looking deeply into this line we find that Satguru has immediately taken to his responsibility without hesitation and gives direction to his emotionally confused and dejected devotees. The pain that stings such tender hearts inevitably arouses one to breed anger and feelings of revenge. Realizing this, Satguru refers to the great loss he has felt both personally and from the humanitarian perspective:

“We have assembled here to commemorate the saint who spent his whole life in the service of humanity. It is said that he has been killed. I say that he has not been killed. Instead, the thoughts and ideas of those saints and prophets, who said “so good to all in the name of all,” have been massacred. This is the slaughter of the feeling and spirit of Bhai Kanhaya. No one can kill Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji. Guru always preaches the truth in the world. Those in the spate of the fire of hatred are rescued by him. In all ages whenever a great being preached the truth people whose vision was veiled by maya, and those oblivious of God did not spare him …

… Baba Ji was also my father. What he taught me cannot be forgotten. If I lose sight of his directions and deeds I would be failing in my duty …

" I had a double relationship with Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji. He was may Satguru and father too. Therefore, it is but natural that first of all I would have thought of avenging his murder. But it was his teachings and guidance that made me overcome that baser thoughts; his love and sympathy for others prevailed."

One would not be surprised to see young blood boil in the wake of such atrocities. Although young in physical form, He is the manifestation of the eternal power that is beyond the limitations of time and space. The source of all emotions; the strength in action; and the consciousness in thought – he was much more that a ‘normal’ youth.

Any individual in this situation would not have thought twice before exploiting the respect of the confused devotees eager to unleash their frustration. A pinnacle of tolerance, we again see how Satguru mothers his devotees steering their minds to absorb the shock of the injustice.

“When asked to sit on this stage, I implored that I did not deserve it. But it was an order of the Sadh Sangat and Satguru to which I bowed, and prayed to almighty to bless me with the strength to carry out my duty to perpetuate the very message of humanism that Baba Ji instilled in every heart despite many odds…

" The best way to pay homage to Baba Ji is to live up to his teachings and to spread the very voice of truth for which he lived and also laid down his life. Sadh Sangat! Let us pray to god that we may never be enticed towards evil, may our minds never harbour ill will for anyone, let Mata Ji’s blessings and love that we have had for years together be there forever."

Again he appeals to the entire congregation not only to bless him in performing his duty, but also to support the Holy Mother Rajmata Ji who has made just as big a sacrifice for all.

"Let all of us stand by her side. It is my humble prayer that we should strive up to Baba Ji’s teachings and emulate him in word and deed so that goodness and peace may prevail in the would. It matters little what fate he met; yet it is due to his teachings that the devotees submitted to the will of god. This is because of strength inherent in truth. Only those who have realized the truth can bear the sufferings. Only they can submit to his will even during such trying moments."

Having comforted and calmed the high tensions Satguru affirms that there is to be no change in the Mission’s attitude and the values Baba Gurbachan Ji worked so hard to establish.

"We have to be motivated by such profound feelings and spread the truth fearlessly and steadfastly so that the world may see the impact of our guru’s teachings."

We are truly privileged to be part of a move peaceful era. I shudder to think whether I could ever have journeyed through such harsh times. In particular, I offer my respect to the devotees of that time who made a courageous effort to channel their frustration into positively. Furthermore, had it not been for their spiritual awareness it would have been near impossible for common man to appreciate ‘Bhola Ji’ as Satguru Baba Hardev Ji in the two days of mass confusion that followed Baba Gurbachan Ji’s assassination. Moreover, the remarkable rate at which the spiritual Truth has propagated since Baba Hardev Ji’s stewardship is an indication of Satguru’s magnificent efforts and strength of character. It is a sure sign to the world at large that nothing can stop the passage of truth. “The truth is always simple’, as Baba Ji says, and the Truth will inevitably prevail.

Note:- The passages of Satguru Baba Hardev Ji’s first discourse have been taken from ‘Gurdev Hardev’ (JRD Satyarthi, SNM, 1988)