Life of valour and sacrifice: On 400th birth anniversary we retrace Guru Tegh Bahadur’s dharmic path

In Indian history, Guru Shri Tegh Bahadur’s personality shines resplendent like a bright constellation. He was born in Amritsar to Guru Hargobindji and Nankiji on Krishna Panchami in the Baisakhi month. As per Nanakshahi calendar, today is Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 400th birth anniversary.

Guru Tegh Bahadurji was born into a tradition that challenged Mughals of Central Asia that had occupied vast tracts of Indian territory. He is a symbol of tenacity, sacrifice and his life is a wonderful example of physical and mental valour. In fact, Shri Tegh Bahadur’s life stands out as one of the greatest experiments in character-building. By reining in one’s negative instincts, even ordinary men can follow the path of dharma. Those who are trapped in the chakravyuha of blasphemy, avarice and pride cannot remain stable in crisis.

Whilst the behaviour of ordinary men changes in the midst of joy and sorrow, men of great attainment rise above these considerations. Guruji proclaimed that one should be beyond “praise and slander, look upon gold and iron alike” and not be “touched by pleasure or pain, greed, emotional attachment and egotistic pride”.

In his teachings, Guruji exhorted, “One should neither frighten away anyone nor be scared of anyone.” The greatest fear is the fear of death, that goads a person to renounce his values and turn a coward. Guruji said, “I cannot forget the fear of dying, and this worry has torched my body.” Through his preachings and selfless work, Guruji sought to create a society in which one could walk the path of dharma, free from worry and fear. Guruji’s life is perhaps the finest example of attaining the four purusharthas (goals of human existence) – dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation).

He successfully demonstrated excellent human values in his family and the society whilst accomplishing the goals of artha and kama in his domestic life. He attained martyrdom for the cause of dharma. He envisions hope and trust even in the worst of crises. Guruji famously said, “I have regained my power, my bonds are broken and all options are open on to me.” Guru Tegh Bahadurji’s thoughts and actions had such an inspiring impact that they broke the bonds shackling the country and unlocked the path of liberation. His messages in the Braj language are a unique exposition of Bharatiya culture, philosophy and spirituality.

Read More at https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/a-life-of-valour-and-sacrifice-on-his-400th-birth-anniversary-we-retrace-guru-tegh-bahadurs-dharmic-path/