Page 30 - Gurmat Book 4

Guru Ji is a great example for his Sikhs. He taught by example. He taught

us we cannot ask someone to do something that we are not doing ourselves.

You can only tell someone to be good if you are good yourself!

After the untimely death of his elder son Bhai Gurditta Ji, the Guru

Hargobind Ji started grooming his grandson HarRai to be the next Guru.

HarRai Ji became Guru Hargobind Ji's successor in 1644. Guru Hargobind
Ji asked Tegh Bahadur Ji to move to Bakala. For the next 20 years the

Tegh Bahadur Ji spent most of his time absorbed in meditation. Guru

Hargobind Ji Joti Jot Samaey in 1644.

Guru HarRai Ji intalled five year old Harkrishan Ji the eigth Guru of the

Sikhs. Before Guru Harkrishan Ji passed away, he indicated that his

successor Baba would be found in Bakala.

There was a wealthy Sikh trader, Makhan Shah. His cargo was on a ship.
There was storm in the ocean. There was danger of him and his ship

drowning in the ocean. He prayed that if his ship crosses the ocean safely,

he will give 500 gold coins to the Guru. His ship sailed safely.

He wanted to give the coins to the Guru in Bakala. There he found that

there were 22 imposters who pretended to be the Guru. He offered 2 gold

coins to each of them. They were all happy to receive them. He knew they

could not be the real Guru. The real Guru would know that he had promised
500 coins.

When he found Tegh Bahadur Ji in his room, Makhan Shah offered 2 gold
coins again. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji looked at him calmly and said, “Bhai

Makhan Shah, you are breaking your promise. When you and your ship were

drowning in the terrible storm, you promised 500 gold coins to the Guru for

saving you”. Makhan Shah was over-joyed; he gave the rest of the gold as

promised and ran to the roof shouting “ gurU lwDo ry! The True Guru has been
found. O Sikhs come seek his blessing”. The false Gurus all ran away.

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 4G 2023 Edition Page 28