barublogIn the tapestry of Sikh history, the story of Guru Har Rai Ji stands out as a testament to gentleness and spiritual strength. Join us as we explore the life of this compassionate leader, whose legacy continues to inspire with its timeless message of kindness and empathy.
A Grandfather’s Lesson
Sharing Wisdom Across Generations
Grandpa: Nini, come sit with me for a moment. I have a beautiful story to share with you today.
Nini: Oh, Grandpa, I love your stories! What is it about today?
Grandpa: Today, I want to tell you about a very special person from Sikh history—Guru Har Rai Ji.
Nini: Guru Har Rai Ji? Tell me more!
The Gentle Soul of Guru Har Rai Ji
A Story of Kindness and Compassion
Grandpa: Well, Har Rai Ji was a gentle soul, known for his kindness and compassion towards all living beings.
Nini: Like you, Grandpa!
Grandpa: (Chuckling) Thank you, Nini. Yes, like me, he believed in treating everyone with love and respect. There was a time when Har Rai Ji, as a young boy, accidentally harmed some flowers while playing.
Nini: Oh no, that must have been sad for him!
Grandpa: It was, indeed. But what makes Har Rai Ji truly remarkable is how he responded to the situation. Instead of ignoring what had happened, he felt deep remorse for causing harm, even to something as small as flowers.
This is his story.
Har Rai ji was a gentle soul. Little of his life history has been recorded, but he has recorded many pages on the hearts of the saints. Though he kept the outside look of a warrior, it’s his inside spirit that makes him a True Warrior. Many can have victory physically but few achieve spiritual victory.
One time, as a child, the tender Har Rai was coming back from horse riding. He saw his divine grandpa, Guru Hargobind. Har Rai’s eyes lit up, “Grandfather!” He got off his horse and skipped over to the Guru who was meditating in the flower garden, “Waheguru.” Har Rai ji always loved to be in his Grandfathers spiritual presence. The scene was very beautiful and spiritual.
Har Rai was wearing a regal robe, a chola, like a warrior-prince. He got lost in his excitement and accidentally caught the thorn of a rose-bush with the cuff of his chola. He didn’t notice right away but the cloth pulled on the thorn, ripped the chola a little and jostled the flowers. The petals of the rose broke off and fell to the ground. When Har Rai ji saw what he had done, that his carelessness had caused harm to another living being, he cried, “Oh no! I’ve hurt the flowers!!” He began to cry,“Ahuhhhuuu…”
A Sikh who had been watching all this told Guru Hargobind ji who came over to provide comfort. The Guru’s warm voice always seemed to make things right, “The Creator has made this whole creation. To serve God we should take care of the creation.” The Guru’s words brought clarity to his mind, “Think of this as a warriors lesson. A warrior must first master themselves as they walk their path through the world.” The Guru gently added, “Keep wearing the chola, just lift it out of the way when needed. It is good for God’s servants to be gentle with all beings.”
Sweet Har Rai found these teachings reached deep into his heart. Though he was always prepared for defensive battle he held a deep gentleness sacredly in his heart. His life was dedicated to being kind to all beings. He would sometimes say, “A mandir or a mosque can be rebuilt and repaired, but not a broken heart.” Isn’t that a great thing to remember?
Later, it became clear that Har Rai would become the next Guru. The Guruship was passed on to him when he was only 14 years old.
The Lesson from Guru Hargobind Ji
Embracing Compassion and Responsibility
Grandpa: He was, Nini. When Guru Hargobind Ji, his grandfather and spiritual guide, comforted him, he shared a valuable lesson. He reminded Har Rai Ji that God had created the entire world, and it was our duty to care for all living beings.
Nini: That’s so true, Grandpa. We should always be kind to others.
Grandpa: Exactly, Nini. Har Rai Ji took these teachings to heart and carried them with him throughout his life. Even when he became the Guru at a young age, he led with wisdom and compassion.
Leading with Empathy
Guru Har Rai Ji’s Legacy
Nini: He must have been a great leader!
Grandpa: Indeed, he was. Guru Har Rai Ji’s presence was filled with light, and he always emphasized the importance of kindness and empathy towards others.
Nini: I want to be like Guru Har Rai Ji when I grow up, Grandpa—kind and caring to everyone!
Grandpa: That’s a wonderful aspiration, Nini. Remember, just like Guru Har Rai Ji said, “Everyone’s heart is a jewel, and it’s not good to break it.” Let’s always strive to treat others with love and respect.
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