BABA GURBACHAN SINGH'S WAY OF TEACHING
By: Professor Raj Vasdev Singh

BABA GURBACHAN SINGH JI possessed an impressive personality. The few words spoken by him were more effective than long speeches. He believed that actions spoke louder than words. He was a practical personage who did not waste even a second of his life and taught to make precious human life meaningful by treading the path of selfless service and sacrifice.

Babaji taught his followers to care for the feelings of others: “All the devotees, irrespective of their status, position and possessions, deserve our respect and regard. The devotees are the reservoir of virtues. The only way to tap this reservoir is to serve them. We must not miss any opportunity to serve them. All our intentions and efforts should be to serve the devotees. A little carelessness or negligence on our part can deprive us of their blessings.” He always warned us in this respect. One such incident illustrates this.

It was summer. As usual, Babaji along with his family and a few devotees was staying at the Mussoorie Satsang Bhavan. Mussoorie is a hill station having attractive natural scenery and greenery. This town is teeming with people during the hot summer days. The Satsang Bhavan is situated at the Camelback Road, which attracts pedestrains and horse-riders. Every morning and evening congregations are held at the Bhavan.

One day, Babaji's daughters and a few devotees went for a picnic. After the picnic, they saw a film and then dined at a hotel. They returned to the Bhavan at a late hour: it was about 10 p.m. Obviously, they missed the congregation and were not in a position to share the community meal with other devotees. As soon as they reached the Bhavan, they saw Babaji strolling on the road. All the members of the group were ashamed of their long absence from the Bhavan. Fearfully, they paid obeisance to Babaji, who enquired. “Where you have been all this while?” Everyone stood silently like a statue. Seeing them silent, Babaji himself remarked, “First you went for a picnic and then saw a film and after having food at a hotel, you have come back. In the process you totally forgot to attend the congregation and the request of the devotees who had invited you to share the community meal with them. The devotees, who prepared the (community) meal, are still waiting for you and have not taken their meal. Go and join them.”

Hearing this short, mild rebuke, holy sisters Manmohanji and Jagjitji fell at the holy feet of Babaji and begged pardon on behalf of the whole group and promised to be careful in future. Smilingly Babaji observed, “Always remember that the true happiness lies in caring for the feelings of others. Never forget that the simple food cooked in the spirit of service and dedication is more delicious than the food of a 5-star hotel. You are all saints. You should never forget that happiness and ecstasy of the congregation is unachievable anywhere else. Worldly pleasures are mean as compared to the spiritual bliss of the congregation. Always remember that the real happiness in life lies in the happiness of others.”