Blind Faith

Bhai Kanhaiya 1648 - 1718

Florence Nightingale carried out pioneering work during the Crimean War (1853-1856) to improve the care of sick and wounded soldiers. She was determined to achieve the best for the patients in very difficult conditions. Her work proved an inspiration to the founder of the Red Cross movement, Henry Dunant. Surely as Sikhs we should find even greater inspiration from a humanitarian who not only looked after his own but the enemy too, much to the chagrin of some of his fellow Sikhs.

Bhai Kanhaiya was born in 1648 in the Sodhara District, now in Pakistan. His father was a wealthy trader, but he himself left home when still very young and roamed about with saddhus and ascetics in search of spiritual peace. His quest ended as he met Guru Tegh Bahadur and got the opportunity to serve him. Bhai Kanhaiya established a Dharamsal at Kavha village, Pakistan. His special mission was selfless service of humanity with no distinction of nationality, caste or creed as taught by Guru Nanak Dev Ji

In 1704–5, he was on a visit to Anandpur when the city was invaded by a combination of hill troops and the imperial Mughal army.

He took upon the task of quenching the thirst of the wounded soldiers in the battle. Carrying a mashak (a sort of pouch made of goat's skin that was used to carry water from one place to another) he would serve water to anyone who was thirsty. He did this sewa with love and affection without any discrimination between the friend or foe. His act of compassion stirred up severe condemnation amongst his fellow Sikhs, who went ahead and complained to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, pointing out that Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was serving water to the wounded soldier's from the enemy camp. They were particularly annoyed as the Mughals had encircled the city and stopped all food supplies, and here was Bhai Kanhaiya sharing with them what little water they had. Many a time they had tried to stop him, but he would not pay any heed to the protestations.

Bhai Sahib’s benevolent action had upset some Sikhs who went directly and complained Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Guruji, having summoned Bhai Kanhaiya, said “These brave Sikhs are saying that you go and feed water to the enemy and they recover to fight them again – Is this true?”

Bhai Kanhaiyaji submitted 'with thy grace my Lord my eyes are so enlightened that I see nothing else but your divine spirit pervading everywhere and in all, since I served none else but only thyself my Lord?'

The Guru was very pleased with the reply. Bhai Kanhaiya Ji had understood the deep message of Gurbani correctly. Guru ji smiled and blessed Bhai Kanhaiya. Guru Ji said, "Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, you have understood the true message of Gurbani".

Guru Ji also gave Bhai Kanhaiya Ji medicine and said “From now on, You should also put this balm on the wounds of all who need it”'

Then turning to the sangat Guru Ji said, “Saadh sangat ji, Bhai Kanhaiya is a God-fearing saintly soul. His impartial and non-biased behaviour towards others has led him to achieve Sehaj-avastha. Let him carry on with his mission. Many more will follow in his footsteps in the years to come and keep the tradition of Nishkam sewa alive."