Compassion (Daya)

The main subject interest for me was compassion, who knows why but since coming to India, I feel the whole concept of compassion needs to be imbedded in every person otherwise the darkness surrounding us will consume us individually and collectively. Seeing God in all is vital when serving the children, the poor and needy.

“If you cannot see God in all, you cannot see God at all”

Yogi Ji from the USA had given me their personal business card (this was engraved on the back) when I was 17 years old and today the realisation of its true meaning has dawned on me, seeing the God in everyone, I know its difficult at times trust me I’m going through my tests and battles both within and external. Reading Eckharts 2nd book A NEW EARTH (recommended to all seeking a deeper meaning to life). He talks about ‘Being’ in the presence this only takes place once one has detangled themselves out of the unconsciousness mind and EGO state and when finding yourself in a state of negativity, anger, resentment, blaming or in grievance when seeing another person, the emotion is within US only US we need to look within us Jesus said ‘why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?’ Makes so much sense.

I am reminded of such a saintly person who served at the time of our Gurus who clearly set the example to the true meaning of selfless service, compassion and seeing God in everyone.

“No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger, I get along with everyone. The entire humankind should be recognized as One”

In 1704, Sikhs were engaged in a battle, facing hostility from the moghul authorities as well as the local chiefs. The Sikh martial tradition was not to convert, plunder or gain territory, but to uphold just and humanitarian values. Whilst having all the courage and the skill of a soldier, one must also have the wisdom, compassion and understanding of a saint. Amongst the Sikh forces, there was a water-carrier named Bhai Kanhaiya, who was entitled to serve water to the thirsty and wounded Sikhs in the battle. Dressed in white and carrying a water pouch from his shoulder, he tended to the injured and dying without distinction. Infuriated that he was helping the enemy, his fellow Sikhs reported this to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who summoned Bhai Kanhaiya Ji. When questioned about his actions, Bhai Kanhaiya humbly said that he saw only the Guru’s face or God in everybody and in his heart he was giving water to the Lord. The Guru, deeply imbued with compassion, blessed Bhai Kanhaiya for acting in the true Sikh sprit and gave him bandages and ointment to heal the wounds of the enemy soldiers as well. In this way Bhai Kanhaiya should be considered a precursor to the Red Cross. The Sewa Panthi organisation that he established continues its selfless work in his memory to date. Bhai Kanhaiya encapsulates the Sikh teaching ‘no one is my enemy and no one a stranger; my companionship is with all alike’. He embodied the Godly qualities of Nirbhau – not living in fear of anyone – and Nirvair – having no hatred towards others.