Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh Ji - An Excellent Master Of Pen

Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh Ji was one of the great Diamond Figures in the 20th century. He was among the greatest spiritual personalities of his time. He was a poet, a scholar, a historian and a great activist. His excellent writings, filled with spiritual love and finely polished with an exceptional writing style, formed an integral part of not only Sikh Literature or Punjabi Literature but also of Spiritual Literature. His writings not only enlighten the reader about Truth but also give him some taste like some ‘Divine Nectar’.

An interesting event from his life depicting his exceptional brilliancy is as follows:

Once upon a time, Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh Ji went to Lahore. In Lahore, there were many poets, writers and scholars of Urdu and Hindi languages, at that time. Since, Bhai Sahib was very famous, they were very eager to meet him. So, finally they came up with a meeting with him.

In the meeting, after a warm welcome, a discussion began over literary work in various languages. After sometime, someone put forward an English quotation “Where there is a will, there is a way” and asked everyone to translate it in their respective languages. And thus, we will find out who could do the best and most accurate translation and in which language.  

After everyone has finished, they began showing up their translations.

An Urdu Scholar had translated, “Jahaan musammam iraada ho, wahaan kaamyaabi hoti hai.”

                                                  ਜਹਾਂ ਮੁਸੰਮਮ ਇਰਾਦਾ ਹੋ, ਵਹਾਂ ਕਾਮਯਾਬੀ ਹੋਤੀ ਹੈ|    
      جہاں مسمم ارادہ ہو،, وہاں کامیابی ہوتی ہے                                                                                          

Another Urdu scholar translated, “Musammam iraada kaamyaabi ka raasta dikhaata hai.”

                                                  ਮੁਸੰਮਮ ਇਰਾਦਾ ਕਾਮਯਾਬੀ ਕਾ ਰਾਸਤਾ ਦਿਖਾਤਾ ਹੈ|

                                                                                       مسمم ارادہ کامیابی کا راستہ دکھاتا ہے                             

A Hindi scholar translated, “Drirh vishwaas safalta ka maarg hai.”

                                         ਦ੍ਰਿੜ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ ਸਫਲਤਾ ਕਾ ਮਾਰਗ ਹੈ| 
                          दृढ़ विश्वास सफलता का मार्ग है| 
              

Finally, when Bhai Sahib Ji’s turn came, he said, “Jithe Chaah, Othe Raah.”

                    ਜਿੱਥੇ ਚਾਹ, ਓਥੇ ਰਾਹ|

After listening this, you can fairly guess what happened. Everyone started praising and complimenting Bhai Sahib Ji and agreed that he has done the best translation. 

 

Sant Teja Singh Ji and Henry Ford

Sant Teja Singh Ji Mastuanewale was one of the great shining stars of the 20th century. Perhaps he was the First Messenger of Sikhism for the western world. He was not only a mere ‘saint’ but also struggled for the rights of Indian communities in Canada, before the beginning of Gadar Movement. He was truly an inspiring torch-bearer for the Truth-Finders. Here, we will read only a small excerpt from his life when he met Henry Ford, a great industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company, and gave him the divine message of Guru Nanak.    

When Sant Ji went to meet Henry Ford, he asked an appointment for five minutes from his secretary.  He replied that you can get five minutes appointment after three months. The reason was simply the busy schedule of Mr. Ford. Sant Ji said that I am also returning to India and I don’t have that much time. Then secretary answered, “Mr. Ford will go outside in his car after having his food, I will request him and you may go with him and have your word with him on the way.” Sant Ji agreed.

When Henry Ford got seated in his car, his secretary told him about Sant Ji. He was highly pleased after meeting Sant Ji and respectfully made him seated in his car. Sant Ji asked Mr. Ford,”How much are your daily savings?” Mr. Ford replied, “Savings are countless.” Then, Sant Ji asked,” How much money has you saved in the banks?” Mr. Ford replied the same, “In the banks, we have numberless money.” Now, Sant Ji asked, “How much more you want to earn?” He replied, “I am running day and night for this money.”

Then Sant Ji told him that this money should be spent for you and for the welfare of poor people. Otherwise, thieves will definitely try to spend this money.

Finally, Sant Ji asked,” Do you have peace?” Mr. Ford replied, “No, I am always stressed, you seem to be some enlightened person, bless me with peace, I will be grateful to you.” Sant Ji gave him his Simarna and asked him to stop the car and went on his way.