| Autar Singh | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 10 Nov 2015 | Asia Samachar |
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa || Waheguru ji ki Fateh ||
Good morning.
An Indian revolutionary once said, “Shaheedon ki chitaon par lagenge har baras mele, Watan par mar mitne walon ka yahi baki nishan hoga”, ie the sacrifices of martyrs for righteousness will be celebrated every year, this will be their everlasting memorial.
We need to continue holding these melas, these celebrations, on the memorials of martyrs every year if we want to continue producing such heroes like Victoria Cross recipients Sepoy Isher Singh and Naik Nand Singh.
Fortunately this has been going on annually, and today we again remember the brave men and women from all faiths and all nationalities, who laid down their lives in the line of duty for our safety and freedom, and for our future generations. As we remember and honour them, we can find comfort in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scriptures, that not only will they be remembered on this earth till eternity, but will also be honoured in the Court of the Lord.
SEE ALSO: Big Sikh presence at KL Remembrance Sunday
Martyrdom is an integral part of the Sikh tradition. The consistency of this theme throughout the Sikh tradition is quite remarkable.
I share below from Sri Guru Granth Sahib:
Maran na manda loka aakhiai je mar janai aisa koay
“Death is not an evil, should one know how truly to die
The death of heroic men is holy
Should they lay down their lives for righteous cause.”
(Guru Nanak, SGGS pg 579)
Kabir, Jis marne te jag dare, mere man anand,
Marne te hi paiye puran parmanand
Death, that terrifies most in this world, is what brings me joy. It is in death alone that one finds eternal bliss.
(Kabir, SGGS pg 1365)
Jau tau prem khelan ka chao, sir dhar tali gali meri aao
If you wish to play the game of love, come to me with readiness to die in your heart. For on this path, even the first step should mean that you will not hesitate to lay down your life — for righteousness.
(Guru Nanak, SGGS pg 1412)
I now share from the Sikh heroic tradition.In the works attributed to Guru Gobind Singh:
Deh Shiva bar mohe ihai, shubh karman te kabhoon na taroon
O God, grant me this boon;
May I never turn away from good deeds,
Nor when fighting adversary may I ever be afraid.
But with a firm resolution may I achieve victory,
Over my mind may I have complete control.
O Lord, that is what I crave in thy name.
When, finally the time comes for me to rest,
May I die in the thick of battle.
(Guru Gobind Singh)
As part of their Saint-Soldier uniform of 5Ks, Sikhs carry the sword. There is strict guidance on its use, as depicted in the following:
Chu kar az hama heelte dargujasht,
Halal ast burden ba shamsheer daste.
When there’s no other course available to redress oppression, it is only righteous to unsheathe the sword.
I end this reflection with another verse from Sri Guru Granth Sahib:
gagan dhamaamaa baajiou pariou neesaanai ghaao ||
The battle-drum resounds in the sky; aim is taken, and the wound is inflicted.
The warriors enter the field of battle; now is the time to fight! ||1||
He alone is known as a true hero, who fights in defense of those oppressed.
He may be hacked into pieces, but he never leaves the field of battle. ||2||2||
(Kabir, SGGS pg 1105)
In all theatres of war where Sikh soldiers fought and died, their Sikh War Cry resounded in the skies like battle-drums and sent terror in the hearts of the opposing forces. I end with the War Cry, the Jaikara:
Bolay So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akaal.
Thank you.
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa || Waheguru ji ki Fateh ||
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
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