Over the weekend we celebrated the Parkash
Divas of Guru Angad Dev Ji, our second Guru Ji. Happy Parkash Divas! Guru Ji
was born into a Hindu family to parents Bhai Pheru Mall Ji and Mata Sabhrai Ji with
the name Bhai Lehna. He was a devout worshipper of Goddess Durga until he came
across Bhai Jodha Ji singing the 21st Pauri from Asa Di Var. After
hearing this, he decided he must meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji and went to go meet him
in Kartarpur. From them he became a follower of Guru Nanak. After many tests
and years of service, Bhai Lehna Ji was renamed Guru Angad Dev Ji and the
Guruship was passed on to him. For example, when a cup fell in the dirt, Sri
Chand, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s son would not go to pick it up, but Bhai Lehna Ji
gladly went into the mud to pick it up.
Guru Angad Dev Ji was married to Mata Khivi
Ji at age 16 and lived the life of a householder. They had four children: Dasu,
Datu, Amro, Anokhi. Both of them did an incredible amount of hard work and sewa
in their lifetime. Guru Ji created the Gurmukhi script. This is particular
important because at that time, most religious writings were in Sanskrit and
only the elite could read it. Punjabi was simple enough that there was no
division among people- it was easy for anyone to learn to read and write. It
was also clear enough that there wasn’t misinterpretation. Guru Ji believed in
education and created many schools. He also taught about equality and carried
on the tradition of langar. He established many religious institutions. I
actually learned for the first time that Guru Ji was an advocate of physical
wellness as well and used to teach youth to exercise and play sports after
their prayers in the morning, because he believed that being fit was a
foundation for being able to have higher goals for your mind. I think nowadays perhaps we under-value how important it is to keep physically fit! Guru Ji
contributed 63 shabads and saloks now in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
References:
Book Illustrated Life Stories of Guru
Sahibs’ by Dr. Ajit Singh Aulakh (really awesome English resource!)
Picture from http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/nanak2.html
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