Bhai Jeevan Singh is a renowned figure in the Sikh community known for his deep humility and saintly character. Throughout his life, he has dedicated himself to serving the Sikh community and humanity. Bhai Sahib has held the position of Head Granthi at Takhat Sri Patna Sahib and has been actively involved in singing hymns (kirtan) with the Akhand Kirtani Jatha for nearly 40 years.
Spreading the message of Sikhi
Since 1977, Bhai Sahib has been visiting different countries to share the Guru's teachings. He has motivated many people to follow the path of Sikhi because of his good character and behaviour.
Meetings with Giani Baba Kartar Singh Jee (Bhindran Wale)
Bhai Jeevan Singh was regularly invited by Giani Baba Kartar Singh Bhindran Wale to sing devotional songs at Mehtaa. It's been said that Baba Kartar Singh eagerly awaited Bhai Sahib and the Akhand Kirtani Jatha Singhs at the train station. When Bhai Sahib arrived, Baba Kartar Singh would rush to greet him, and they would warmly embrace each other. Baba Kartar Singh held Bhai Sahib in high esteem and personally served him langar. Whenever Bhai Jeevan Singh entered the Diwaan where Baba Kartar Singh was giving a spiritual discourse, Baba Kartar Singh would pause and kindly ask Bhai Jeevan Singh to sing hymns for the sangat (congregation).
Inspiring lives
His stories about inspiring lives are many.In England, a young Singh who had taken Amrit about a year ago found his commitment to Amrit-velaa, the practice of waking up early slackening. Initially, he used to diligently participate in Amrit-velaa with fellow Gursikhs at a Gursikh's home, but over time, he gradually stopped attending daily.
One morning, when it was time for Amrit-velaa, the young Singh was still asleep and hadn't woken up. His father was working the night shift, and his mother was doing her prayers. Suddenly, the phone rang. Bhai Jeevan Singh asked, "Is Bhaji there?" The lady replied, "No, he is working the night shift." Bhai Sahib then clarified, "No, I'm not asking about Dad. Is Bhaji there?" (Bhai Sahib always presents himself as the youngest, showing his humility).
The lady hurried to wake up young Singh and told him to answer the phone. Singh greeted Bhai Sahib and then Bhai Sahib said, "You didn't wake me up this morning. It's Amrit-vela, and you forgot to do me a favour." Singh felt embarrassed for missing Amrit-vela. The aunt and her son exchanged puzzled looks, wondering how Bhai, residing in Canada, knew about the young Singh's lapse in observing Amrit-vela that day.
Accepting Akaal Purakh's Will
In the late 1980s, Bhai Sahib visited a family in England. He stayed at their house to help with Akhand Paath sevaa. During his stay, Bhai Sahib devoted many hours to listening to the Paath and meticulously corrected the Paathis (readers) whenever they made grammatical or pronunciation errors.
Seven or eight years later, Bhai Sahib returned to England and was graciously invited back to the same family's home. In the intervening years, the head of the household, the Singh, had passed away. When Bhai Sahib jee inquired about her husband, the lady of the house became visibly emotional. Upon witnessing her distress, Bhai Sahib jee promptly ascended to the room housing Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and remained there.
Fory 4 to 5 hours, Bhai Sahib remained in a deep meditative state, sitting in smaadhee. It was then that the daughter of the house was told to go to Bhai Sahib jee , urging him to come downstairs. She ascended the stairs and discovered Bhai Sahib jee in his meditative pose. She conveyed her mother's request for him to join them downstairs, to which Bhai Sahib responded that she should inform her mother that he would only descend once she accepted Akaal Purakh's divine Will and refrained from becoming overly emotional about her husband's passing.
The Bibi, after some reflection, agreed to this request, and Bhai Sahib jee eventually came downstairs. Later, he led the keertan (devotional singing) at the family's home.
The Turning Point
One evening, Gursikhs finished singing at Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Slough, England. Then, a Singh called to say they had a kirtan booking in Hounslow and needed to go there right away. Bhai Jeevan Singh said, "Let's go quickly, we should always be on time." Bhai Jeevan Singh, his wife, and two other Singhs went downstairs to the shoe area. At that moment, a man with a haircut entered the Gurdwara. He accidentally bumped into Bhai sahib, said, "Sorry," and looked at Bhai sahib's face.
People who were familiar with Bhai Sahib could recognize his mysterious smile and his glowing face. Bhai Sahib told the young man, "I came here especially to see you, I have something for you." Then, he removed his turban and gave it to the young man. The clean-shaven young man was amazed by what he saw. Bhai Sahib spoke to him with sincerity, love, and humility. From that day forward, the young man decided to keep his hair and embrace Sikhism.
At the World Sikh Samellen
In 1995, Professor Manjit Singh, the leader of Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib, organized a global Sikh conference. This event invited Gurdwaras, Sikh groups, and organizations from all over the world. The conference lasted for several days, and the focus was on discussing important matters concerning the Sikh community. Thousands of Sikhs came together, including prominent leaders and well-known individuals in the Sikh community. While some attendees, including political figures, were self-centred and sought special treatment, everyone was treated with equal respect and fairness.
At the event, something interesting happened when the Panj Jathedars from the five Takhats were present. While the rest of the Sikh leaders sat on the floor, a humble Sikh entered the building. He walked in with great respect, bowed in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, and joined the congregation.
To everyone's surprise, the Jathedars quickly approached him and insisted that he sit on the sofa. He felt quite embarrassed but refused their offer. However, they insisted and finally placed him on the sofa. He felt uncomfortable because he wasn't used to such attention. This special Sikh was Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji. This incident highlights the deep respect and honour he receives in the Sikh community due to his life, service, and humility. It shows how the Guru's virtues, especially pure humility, touch people's hearts.
An epitome of humility
A man who followed the Muslim faith walked past Bhai Sahib. He paused and gazed at Bhai Sahib's face. The man approached Bhai Jeevan Singh and said, "I can see 'Allah Da Noor' (the Light of God) in you". Bhai Sahib respectfully replied, "O great man! Can you please give me your wonderful eyes with which you see such wonderful things."
Another time, in Canada, Bhai Sahib was with a group of people. Someone came up to him and asked, "Bhai Sahib, you tell us - as you have met God." Bhai Sahib simply responded with a humble and surprised "Achaa? (O really?)" and walked away.
His unwavering devotion
Bhai Jeevan Singh lived just a short 5-10 minute walk from Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. Sometimes, he would go there to do kirtan service when it was his turn. One day, Bhai Sahib was very ill, and his wife was worried that he might still want to go to Sri Darbar Sahib. So, she locked the door of his room to keep him from going. Later, when she turned on the TV, she was surprised to see Bhai Sahib performing kirtan, perhaps it was Asa Di Vaar kirtan.
She took another person to the TV and showed them. They thought it might be a recording. To check, they unlocked a closed room. They saw the window wide open, and Bhai Jeevan Singh was gone. He had somehow managed to escape through the window and went to perform keertan seva, despite his ailing health. This remarkable act demonstrated the unwavering dedication of a beloved Gursikh to his Guru.
In the extraordinary life of Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji, we find a true embodiment of humility and devotion. Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji remains a beacon of humility and service in the Sikh community, reminding us of the Guru's way.
*Based on an article written by Manvir Singh, published in ManvirSinghblogpost on 11th January 2010