The great Guru remained detached while submerged in love, as a fish is one with the water.
As the moth throws itself into the flame, his light mingled with the Divine Light.
Just as a deer hearing only the ringing bell of a hunter, his consciousness was absorbed in Sabad, and Guru passed the night in peace and happiness.
Like a rainbird in longing, the Guru spoke of the teachings not to be forgotten.
In a state of love and joy, the great Gurmukh was self-poised, as in the company of the Saint.
I am a sacrifice unto Guru Arjan Sahib.

     Bhai Gurdas Ji, Var 24, Pauri 23

These verses do not merely recount a moment—they reveal the state of a being fully merged with the Beloved.

Today, we pause to honor the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib (1563–1606), the fifth Nanak, whose grace-filled life and fearless martyrdom forever changed the course of Sikh history.

Bhai Gurdas Ji reminds us that amid extreme hostility and hardship, the great Master remained serene. Even sitting on a hot plate, he was absorbed in the love of the Beloved. The extremity of suffering could not break his inner poise. From that depth of love, gratitude—not bitterness—arose.

Guru Arjan Sahib’s martyrdom is a timeless symbol of unconditional love, serenity, devotion, and unwavering faith in the Divine.

During his revelatory earthly journey, Guru Arjan Sahib gifted the Sikh community and humanity with one of its greatest treasures: the compilation of the Adi Granth Sahib, installed at Sri Harimandar Sahib, the theo-political center of the Sikhs, in 1604 CE.

At a time of rising political and religious tensions in the Mughal empire, his leadership radiated clarity and resolve. His growing spiritual-political authority, inclusive vision, and steadfast commitment to justice were perceived as challenging imperial dominance. Under his guidance, a ‘State within a State’ emerged, as the Sikhs began establishing autonomous structures that functioned parallel to Mughal rule.

Refusing to compromise the sovereignty of the Sikh way of life, Guru Arjan Sahib was arrested under the orders of Emperor Jahangir. He was subjected to brutal torture and ultimately attained martyrdom in Lahore in 1606. This marked a profound turning point in Sikh history.

Guru Arjan Sahib was unwavering in his dedication to truth, justice, and freedom in the face of oppression. With this same resolve, he accepted suffering with grace.

He remained in divine harmony with the Sabad-Wisdom. In this realm, there is no other, no second, where none dominates or disturbs another, and where peace is the abiding nature of the Guru's benevolent dominion.

Now, the Compassionate One’s command has prevailed. Let no one grieve another. All abide in peace; this has become the benevolent dominion.

     Guru Granth Sahib 74

In continuing the legacy of the House of Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Arjan Sahib laid the foundation of a society grounded in love, dignity, and justice. Even as he surrendered his physical self to the fire of otherness and tyranny, he gently urged us to recognize the unity of all creation, to behold the Divine in each being, and to transcend all worldly divisions of caste, creed, and religion through love, compassion, and justice.As we remember Guru Arjan Sahib’s martyrdom, let us draw inspiration from his life and revelation—the Sabad. Let us seek refuge in the timeless Wisdom as Guru Arjan Sahib embraced it.Let us recite the Guru, let us reflect on the Guru, let us live the Guru—and thus, merge with the Guru.