16 September 2024 (Nanakshahi 1 Assu 556) marks the 450th Gurgaddi Divas (Coronation Anniversary) of Guru Ramdas Sahib, and I find myself yearning to be enveloped in the awe of the Guru. I close my eyes and seek to see through the eyes of the heart, to hear through the ears of the spirit. What unfolds before me?

I am transported to a tranquil morning, where the first light of dawn kisses the earth with a gentle embrace. The air is thick with the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers, and the soft rustling of leaves whispers secrets of the past. In this sacred moment, the world around me fades, and I find myself standing at the threshold of something vast and ineffable—an eternal presence that transcends time.

I feel the universe's pulse in the stillness, a rhythmic beat that resonates deep within my being. It is as if the earth beneath my feet is alive, breathing in harmony with the Divine. I am reminded that Guru Ramdas Sahib, too, was born of this earth, yet touched by the ethers—a being who walked among us but whose spirit soared far beyond the mortal realm.

As I remain in this trance, the echoes of his sabads (Infinite Wisdom) begin to fill the air, like a gentle breeze stirring the leaves of ancient trees. Each note is a drop of nectar, sweet and pure, nourishing the spirit and awakening a deep sense of reverence within me. It is as though the entire creation is singing in unison, a celestial symphony that celebrates the Guru’s divine legacy.

In this sacred space, I realize that I am not alone. The spirit of the sangat, the devoted community, surrounds me like a warm embrace. We are bound by a shared love for the Guru, a love that transcends time and space, uniting us in a collective yearning for his grace and guidance. The Guru’s presence is palpable, a steady and unwavering force that offers solace and strength to all who seek it.

As I delve deeper into the life of Guru Ramdas Sahib, I reflect on how his journey began in the most humble of circumstances in Chuna Mandi, Lahore, Panjab—now in Pakistan. Born Jetha ji, he entered this world in a family struggling to make ends meet. By the tender age of seven, he had already faced the devastating loss of both parents, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother. His childhood, marked by simplicity and hardship, saw him selling modest brown chickpeas to make a living. The divine light within him that would guide his every step.

This light, though shrouded in the trials of his early years, was a beacon that drew him toward his destiny. At twelve, destiny led him to Khadur and later to Goindwal, where Guru Amardas Sahib resided. There, his heart found its true home, captivated by the Guru’s presence and the warmth of the Sikh sangat. I see him, young Bhai Jetha ji, dedicating himself entirely to the service of the Guru, his every action infused with sincerity and devotion.

As I reflect on this journey, I can almost feel the earth beneath his feet, the dust of the paths he walked, and the gentle breeze that carried the scent of devotion and humility. The simplicity of his beginnings did not dim the brilliance of his spirit; instead, it magnified the divine potential within him. In the sacred presence of Guru Amardas Sahib, Bhai Jetha ji’s inner light began to shine ever more brightly, illuminating the path ahead.

The Guru saw in Bhai Jetha ji something extraordinary that went beyond societal norms. Guru Amardas Sahib, recognizing Bhai Jetha ji’’s unwavering service, married his daughter Bibi Bhani to him. Together, they defied the world's expectations, choosing instead to remain by the Guru’s side, serving him and the community with humility and love.

In this union, I see not just a marriage but a profound merging of spirits, bound by a shared purpose and divine will. Their connection transcended the ordinary, like the roots of ancient trees intertwining beneath the earth, unseen yet unbreakable. The quiet moments they shared were filled with an unspoken understanding that their path was illuminated by spiritual service, not worldly ambition. Their lives, steeped in love and dedication, became a living testament to the idea that true greatness is nurtured in the soil of humility.

I hear the echoes of history as Bhai Jetha ji, an emissary of Guru Amardas Sahib, stands before Emperor Akbar in Lahore. The Brahmins, entrenched in their customs of caste and purity, had objected to the institution of langar, where all sat and ate together as equals. However, with the grace and wisdom of the One, the Bhai Jetha ji argued that all are equal before the One. Deeply rooted in truth, his words moved Akbar, who dismissed the objections.

As I reflect on his journey, I see how Bhai Jetha ji became Ramdas, the servant of the One, and how, in his boundless love for Guru Amardas Sahib, he merged with the Guru’s light. Before Guru Amardas Sahib left this earthly realm, he entrusted him with the eternal light of Guru Nanak Sahib’s house, passing the mantle of Guruship to him.

This passing of the light was not just a transfer of responsibility but a merging of spirits, a continuation of a divine legacy that would illuminate the world for generations to come. I imagine the moment as a gentle sunrise, where the darkness of the night gives way to the first rays of a new dawn, the light of the Guru spreading across the horizon, touching every corner of the earth. The journey of Bhai Jetha ji, now Guru Ramdas Sahib, is a testament to the transformative power of love, devotion, and divine grace—a journey that continues to inspire and guide us today.

At this moment, I feel the strength of the Guru’s conviction, his embodiment of the Divine message. It is as if the air around him vibrated with the power of his truth, dispersing the clouds of ignorance and prejudice. I see the ripples of this moment spread outwards, like waves in a serene lake, touching the hearts of all who witnessed it. The Guru’s words were not just spoken; they were a declaration of the natural order, a reminder that in the eyes of the Creator, all are equal; all are one.

During his Guruship, Guru Ramdas Sahib not only nurtured the Sikh community but also laid the foundations for its future. I see him, with the vision of a leader and the heart of a servant, strengthening the manji administrative system to ensure that the Guru’s message reaches every corner of the Sikh world. His wisdom and foresight led to the founding of Amritsar, a city that would become a spiritual and commercial hub. With the support of the devoted sangat, he purchased the land and initiated the digging of the Amritsar sarovar, the sacred pool that cradles Sri Harimandar Sahib today.

In my mind's eye, I see the city coming to life under his guidance, flourishing like a garden in full bloom. The streets of Amritsar, alive with the sounds of commerce and the chants of devotion, became a beacon of trade and spirituality. The sarovar, a mirror of the sky, reflected the resilience of the Sikh spirit. Despite the countless invasions that sought to destroy it, the pool was filled and refilled by the hands of Sikhs, a symbol of their unwavering faith and determination. I hear the prayers of the faithful, echoing through time, asking for the right to bathe in this sacred pool—a right that has been challenged but never relinquished. Each drop of water in the sarovar holds the collective memory of a people who have faced adversity with grace and strength.

I am moved by the sabads Guru Ramdas Sahib composed, especially the Lav, which now serves as the wedding composition for the Anand Karaj, the Sikh marriage ceremony. As I reflect on the Lav, I feel the presence of the Guru in every note and every word, as if the music itself is a bridge to the Divine, connecting the earthly with the eternal.

I pause to remember the story of his youngest son, Bhai Arjan ji, who would later become the fifth Guru. I see the love between father and son, a bond transcending physical distance and time. When Bhai Arjan ji, out of devotion, stayed in Lahore as his father had asked, he later wrote heartfelt verses expressing his longing to return. The Guru’s joy upon receiving these verses, the reunion of father and son, and Bhai Arjan ji’s composition of a fourth stanza in praise of the Guru—all of these moments weave together the profound legacy of love and devotion that Guru Ramdas Sahib left behind. This legacy is not just a story from the past; it is a living testament to the power of love, devotion, and the unbreakable bond between a Guru and his disciple. 

I immerse myself in the profound words of Bhai Balvand and Bhai Sata in Ramkali Ki Var, singing praises of Guru Ramdas Sahib. “Blessed, blessed is Guru Ramdas,” the sabad begins, acknowledging the extraordinary grace that adorned him. It reminds me that the Guru was not simply a revered teacher or leader; he was a manifestation of divine will, a miracle brought into the world by the Creator.

The Guru’s presence, as described in the sabad, is steady, unfathomable, and beyond measure, offering a profound lesson. It suggests that true spiritual leadership transcends human limitations and ego. Instead, it is rooted in the infinite, in a depth that cannot be weighed or quantified. The Guru embodies divine steadiness—a calm, unwavering presence that offers support and guidance to all who seek it. This divine essence, ever-present and unshakeable, becomes a beacon of hope and a source of strength.

The sabad’s recognition of Guru Ramdas Sahib as “Nanak,” “Lahina,” and Guru Amardas brings continuity and unity within the Sikh tradition. It highlights the seamless transmission of divine wisdom through the Gurus, each embodying the light of the one before. I find comfort and strength in this sacred lineage, knowing that the Guru’s light is eternal, unwavering, and ever-present. It supports all who seek it, connecting us to a lineage of spiritual guidance that spans generations.

In this sabad, I see the miracle of transformation—how the once destitute Bhai Jetha ji rose to lead the Sikh nation, embodying the very image of the Divine. The Creator’s grace was upon him, establishing him as the Guru and completing the miracle of transformation. The journey from humility to divine leadership reflects the profound truth that greatness is born from the union of devotion and divine will.

Guru Ramdas Sahib’s life is a testament to the power of humility, service, and divine love. Emerging from a background of hardship, his unwavering dedication to the Guru and the community led him to achieve greatness. He embodies selfless service, a devotion that knows no bounds, and the divine light that continues to guide us today. His life reminds us that we can become vessels of divine grace through humility and unwavering faith.

As I immerse myself in the awe of Guru Ramdas Sahib, I feel a deep connection to his legacy. His life, teachings, and unwavering faith in the Divine inspire and uplift my spirit. They remind me of the eternal light that shines within us all, which guides us through our journeys, illuminating our path with the same divine grace that once guided Guru Ramdas Sahib.