(Rahetnama Bhai Daysa Singh)

Within The Khalsa Panth, The Character of Bhai Rai Singhji is an exemplary and unforgettable one.

There is perhaps no better representation of the word 'GurSikh' than The Character of Bhai Rai Singhji.

Bhai Rai Singhji was a native of Malwa who at a very young age traveled to Amritsar, the city viewed by people of the time as the capital of Sikhism.

There he learnt The Sacred Scriptures in Gurmukhi from the Granthis along with Their translations.

The more he learnt, Bhai Rai Singhji, being a great scholar that he was, became more desperate to achieve The Goal of a Man's Life as described in The Holy Sikh Scriptures: To Meet The Master of The Time.

With The Kirpa of The Master of The Present Time, Bhai Rai Singhji's wish of becoming His desciple was soon enough Granted.

On one Fortunate Day, Bhai Sahib was Blessed in Person with The Darshan of Satguruji at Amritsar.

Bhai Rai Singh saw something he would never forget; The Sight of The Akal-Moorat, Akal-Purakh Sahib Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji Maharaj.

With the possession of Panj Hathiar(5 Weapons[K's; Kesh - Hair, Karhra - Steel Bangle, Kachera - Traditional Underpants, Khanda - Double Edged Sword and Kanga - Comb]) and Sidha Dastara(Straight Turban), Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji Granted His Very Darshan to Bhai Rai Singh who was overwhelmingly impressed with The Sight he received.

Bhai Rai Singhji bowed down at Guruji's Holy Feet and expressed to Satguruji the Joy he felt while Receiving His Darshan. He also expressed his desperate desire of finding The Satguru Who would Bless him in this world and the next as he had read again and again in The Granth Sahibs.

Hearing this, however, Satguruji did not give him Gurmantar and made him a Namdhari there, but instead His Holiness told him about 'a poor Sikh, Son of a Carpenter, called Ram Singh living at Bhaini, a village 9 Koh to the east of Ludhiana, Who had Met with The Satguru'. After giving The Direction, Satguruji Walked on and so did Bhai Rai Singhji.

With the first step that Bhai Rai Singhji took when walking away from The Akal Purakh Satguru and losing His Physical Sight, Bhai Rai Singhji at once became aware of the 'loss' that had occured to him. He became very desperate for The Darshan of The Physical Embodiment of Akal that he had just witnessed. Yet when he turned back, he could not find Satguruji even after several attempts of searching.

That was the end of Bhai Rai Singh's career as a scholar. He, simply put, could not function properly anymore without The Sight he received. The readings of The Granths, the daily routines, all seemed oblivious to him. His only desire was to follow The Direction of Satguruji and Meet Ram Singh of Bhaini.

So Bhai Rai Singhji left Amritsar and traveled to Gur-Asthan(Place of The Guru), Sri Bhaini Sahib.

There, he at once Recognized Satguruji and bowed down at His Feet.

Thus Bhai Rai Singhji was  Given The Gurmantar and became a Namdhari.

At Bhaini Sahib, Bhai Rai Singhji along with 12 other Sikhs started to live as Satguruji's Desciples with their only goal being 'Mukti'(End of cycling through 8.4 Million Species).

Then one day, Satguruji Ordered for Bhai Rai Singhji to present himself before Him.

Satguruji Ordered him to travel to Abchal Nagar(Hazoor Sahib, Nander) and retreive The Tenth Master's Rahet(Law) that was nowhere to be found in Punjab at that time.

Bhai Rai Singh was Ordered to stay there for some time and record The Rahet practiced by The Sikhs.

-*This incident took place very early after Satguruji Revived The Khalsa in 1857. At the time, the englishmen had already gained full control over India and had litterally bought out Sikhism as Giani Gian Singhji wrote in Panth Parkash:

The 'sikhs' had adopted rules and faith of 'others'(malecha - english). Their likings, their habits, their diet, changed. Their love and affection was only given to the foreigners and their foreign possessions. They gave up the Straight Turban and started wearing Dhoti instead of Kachera. Many wore tails protruding from their turbans and even the cows were frightened to see them acting as turks(muslims)*-

Bhai Rai Singh was Ordered to stay at Hazoor Sahib and while recording the Rahet, he must also perform Prayer from The Granth Sahib along with Its Translation.

-*The Order of Translating Gurbani was Given to Bhai Rai Singhji as he was a trusted and learnt Scholar. After Bhai Rai Singh's return, however, Translation of Gurbani by unauthorized persons was forbidden by Satguruji to the present day*-

His Holiness also Instructed that Bhai Rai Singhji should not accept any money offered to him by those who may be impressed with his vast knowledge.

Bhai Rai Singh Listened to His Message and obeyed to follow every Command.

He then folded his hands and prayed before Satguruji to Bless him with a safe trip to and from The 10th Guru's Place.

Satguruji Put His Divine Hand on his head and Ordered Bhai Rai Singh not to marry any bride that may be offered to him and not to forget His Orders.

His Holiness then Ordered that The Guru would Look after Bhai Rai Singh.

Guruji then Reminded Bhai Sahib to Give The Offerings to The Gurdwara and not to accept any 'worshipping'.

Obeying to His Wishes, Bhai Rai Singhji prepared for traveling.

During those days there were no trains made by the english through the jungle yet. The journey to Hazoor Sahib had to be made through a thick forest. It was not uncommon for a person to be kidnapped by the thugs residing in the jungle or eaten by wild predators such as lions. Those who wish to travel to Hazoor Sahib during those days usually did so in bands of 20-25 people in order to look out for one another. This is one of the reasons why The 10th Guru's Rahet was still intact at Hazoor Sahib.

Yet Bhai Rai Singh was not at all shaken by the fact that he had to travel through such a dangerous place to get to his destination. He truly put his entire Faith, not to mention his very life, in The GurVaak of Satguruji Who had Promised that 'The Guru would Look after him.'

In the way, Bhai Rai Singh met a man who was traveling on the same route, so they traveled together until they reached a thick forest. There they met another man who told them to be careful of a big lion living in that jungle. Special residential constructions were constructed by the englishmen for those who wished to risk their lives and travel through the forest during the night.

Hearing the stranger's comments, Bhai Rai Singhji advised his newly found 'friend' it would be safer if they made use of the construction and rest there during the night.

The foolish man, however, showed off his bravery and insulted Bhai Rai Singh saying that those who wear Kachera were all easily frightened!

Perhaps somewhat agitated by the man's remarks, Bhai Rai Singhji agreed to follow him and camp out where ever the man wanted.

Spotting a place just outside the construction, they put down their belongings and prepared to rest for the night.

Even at this time, the foolish man continued with his remarks and once again insulted Bhai Rai Singhji saying that though Bhai Sahib had the height of an elephant, his heart was smaller than that of an ant!

Bhai Rai Singhji, however, was an intelligent lion-hearted Khalsa indeed and didn't pay any attention to the fool's remarks. He Prayed for Satguruji to Help him depart with the fool. Bhai Rai Singh had made up his mind to travel alone the next day.

The Sikh's Prayers were Answered at about 1 a.m. in the night, when the feared lion ventured to their camp.

Laying its paw on the foolish man, it robbed him of his soul just as the fool was crying that he was about to die!

The lion roared like thunder and even Bhai Rai Singh was captured with fear!

The lion was then only 10 foot-steps away from him. It could have easily pounced on Bhai Sahib. Ofcourse, running would do him no good. Besides, he was in such a state of panic that he was litterally frozen.

Bhai Rai Singh at once Remembered The Guru's Promise that He would look after him. He Prayed for Satguruji to Help him in that time of distress or else how would he return with The Guru's Written Laws? Bhai Rai Singh, in his prayers, reminded Satguruji of His Promise and pleaded for Him to quickly come to his rescue.

At that very moment, Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji, after Listening to The Prayer from Bhai Rai Singhji's heart, at once Mounted His White Horse, Chini, and Appeared at the very scene where the murder took place.

Satguruji's Horse took its place between Bhai Rai Singhji and the foolish man who was being eaten by the lion. Satguruji, while on His Horse, Narrated the following Shabad:

(Bilaval Raag Patshahi Panjvi - Aad Granth Sahib - Page 819)

Satguruji then Gave Bhai Rai Singh the following Updesh:

With The Darshan of Satguruji, Bhai Rai Singhji's fear was vanquished. He stood up and while placing his head on Satguruji's Feet, cried the tears that only the Sikh or The Satguru could understand. Only those who have been in such situations of distress can understand what The Guru's Darshan 'Feels like' under such circumstances.

Satguruji Placed His Hand over his head and Gave Updesh for Bhai Sahib not to be fearful of the lion. Assuring Bhai Rai Singh that he was safe, Satguruji Ordered him to go into the construction in His Presence. His Holiness also Told Bhai Rai Singh that the foolish man had killed the lion in the previous life and that's why he had to repay the lion in this life.

After seeing that Bhai Rai Singh was safe, Satguruji at once Traveled back to Sri Bhaini Sahib.

Satguruji had Helped Bhai Rai Singh at about 100 Koh(160-170Miles) away from Sri Bhaini Sahib.

The Sikhs, were amazed to see the sweat on Satguruji's Horse. They wondered who would have rode it during the night. Or did someone give it a bath?

The Sikhs therefore approached Guruji and told Him about the tired and sweating Chini.

Satguruji Modestly told them it was ridiculous. Who could have been riding Chini during the night? But the Sikhs continued with their claims and so Satguruji Told them that Chini was used according to The Bhana(Wish) of Guru Nanak. Hearing this, the Sikhs were silenced. Satguruji, however, also Laughingly Told them that when Bhai Rai Singhji returns, he would tell them everything. Hearing this, however, some of The Sikhs became worried and uncertain about the fate of Bhai Rai Singhji.

On the other side Bhai Rai Singh had continued with his traveling and reached The Gurdwara at Sri Abchal Nagar in only a few days covering the distance of 800 Koh(1,400-1,500 Miles) between Gurdwara Sri Bhaini Sahib and Abchal Nagar, Nander.

He announced The Slogan of Salutation(Fateh) and made offerings to The Gurdwara in both cash of Rs 300/- and Parshaad(Cooked Sacred Food).

The Sikhs at Abchal Nagar were very pleased to see Bhai Sahib. Everyday they performed Keertan and Katha from The Granth Sahibs.

For 3 and a half months, Bhai Rai Singhji remained there serving the Sangat, Reading and Translating Granth Sahibs and recording The 10th Guru's Maryada.

Whenever the impressed Sikhs tried to offer him money, he would be reminded of Satguruji's Hukam and never accept it.

After completing Reciting The Granths, Bhai Rai Singhji was Granted Satguruji's Darshan during the night in a Dream. Satguruji Ordered Him to quickly return to Him with the written Maryada.

The next day Bhai Rai Singhji asked for The Sikhs to give him permission to leave. However, this was not easy for The Sikhs who wanted to keep him with them. After all who would like to depart with such a great Scholar and GurSikh? They praised Bhai Rai Singh for his Faith in Guru and openly expressed their desire to keep him with them. Some even said they would arrange his marriage so he could settle there. But Bhai Rai Singhji didnot break his promise and told them that Guruji were Waiting for his return and so The Sikhs should kindly give him permission to leave.

The Sikhs, having no other choice, complied with Bhai Sahibji's request and so they gathered their Weapons and Performed Ardaas(Common Prayer) after which Bhai Rai Singhji announced Fateh to The Khalsa of Abchal Nagar and left for Gurdwara Sri Bhaini Sahib. Both parties(Bhai Rai Singh and The Sikhs of Abchal Nagar) had tears in their eyes because of the separation. The Singhs did not want to be separated from one another.

From there Bhai Rai Singh traveled about 500Koh(800 Miiles) when he realized he had no more money left for traveling expense! He did not accept any money from Gurdwara and neither is a Namdhari allowed to beg. Bhai Rai Singh was caught in this situation, with no other choice than to Trust The Guru and continue walking.

For 36 long hours, Bhai Sahib kept walking without any food dropping into his stomach. But he was, at all times, reciting 'Naam'.

He was reciting the Shabad:

Reciting Naam and Bani, Bhai Sahib continued walking without even thinking about breaking The Guru's Rule and begging for money or food.

After walking for some time, Bhai Rai Singhji became very thirsty. At his right, he saw a well. Hungry and thirsty, he approached the well and was surprised to see a small bag full of money.

However, Bhai Rai Singh did not open and use the money as a thief would. He waited for sometime to see if anyone would come back to retrieve it and then he carried it openly for people to see so that if anyone asked for it, he would gladly hand it over.

After walking for about 3 Koh(4-5 Miles), still no one showed up to ask for the bag of money.

Bhai Rai Signh then realized that it was The Guru Who had once again Assisted him in his time of distress. Only then did Bhai Rai Singhji open the bag containing Rs 107/- and use the money inside.

Bhai Rai Singhji was still about 2 Miles away from Bhaini Sahib when Satguruji, Who were Sitting in a Congregation during Diwan, Gestured The Sikhs to remain sitting and His Holiness Himself Stood up and started Walking towards Bhai Rai Singh.

At the distance of 1 Mile from Sri Bhaini Sahib, Bhai Rai Singh was Granted Darshan of Sri Satguruji with which all his sorrows were washed away.

Satguruji asked how Bhai Rai Singh was doing to which he replied with folded hands that he was fine with Guruji's Blessings.

Satguruji then Questioned Bhai Rai Singh if there really was a big lion in the way as the people say. When Bhai Rai Singh heard of this, he could not stop the tears that flowed down his cheeks. He bowed down at Guruji's Feet and litterally washed Them with his tears.

Satguruji then Asked him about his journey back if it was a smooth one or not. Bhai Rai Singh continued crying and endlessly praised Satguruji for His Divine Blessings that He had Showered upon His Sikhs since Satjug to Tretajug to Dwaparjug and in the present Kaljug.

After a while, Bhai Rai Singhji walked along with Satguruji back to Bhaini Sahib. In the way, Satguruji kept asking Bhai Rai Singh regarding the trip Bhai Sahib had made. However, Satguruji were actually retelling him the story of his trip Himself! Whatever Bhai Sahib was reporting, Satguruji were ahead of him and were telling him what he must have seen!

As The Sikhs sitting in the Congregation saw Satguruji and Bhai Rai Singhji coming near RamSar, The entire Congregation stood up in Reverence with folded hands. Bhai Rai Singh was very surprised to see so many Sikhs, both men and women all painted in the Color of God present in The Diwan when there were only 12 other Sikhs when he left a few months back.

And so Bhai Rai Singhji told his story to The Sikhs, one of them Sant Dhian Singhji, the writer of 'Satguru Bilas Patshahi Barvi', which has ever since become a very famous Sakhi of Satguru Ram Singh Ji where He fullfilled His promise and protected Bhai Sahib with no thought given to the distance that separated them physically.

Even though Bhai Sahibji's physical body had perished for decades now, his character, more importantly his Faith, was something so phenomenal that it did not die with him. It lives on even today as the very living proof of The Bakshish(Protection and Blessing) of The Akal Purakh Satguru on His Sikhs that He had always, and will always Assist them in times of distress.