The Humble Life of Guru Ram Das Ji and His Divine Meeting with Baba Shri Chand Ji
The Life of Guru Ram Das:
The fourth of the ten Sikh Gurus, Guru Ram Das, came to occupy the throne in 1574. Jetha was born and suffered from orphanhood early at the age of seven. Raised by his paternal grandmother in a village, Jetha's life turned quite dramatically when at the age of 12, he along with his grandmother went to live at Goindval.
It was in Goindval that they met Guru Amar Das. One day, Guru Amar Das was selling sprouts near his place. These sprouts, cooked by Jetha's old grandmother, were the key to their survival. Guru Amar Das was impressed by the dedication of Jetha and requested him to stay and be a devotee.
By fate, Bhai Jetha later married Guru Amar Das's daughter and became part of Guru Amar Das's household.
The Story of Baba Shri Chand and Guru Ram Das Ji:
Following Guru Nanak Ji’s passing, Baba Shri Chand ji entered an ascetic phase. He chose to remain unmarried, abstained from worldly work, and even neglected his meals. Observing Baba Shri Chand’s austere lifestyle, second sikh Guru ;Guru Angad Dev Ji and other followers decided to allocate one-tenth of the Sangat’s revenue (Daswant) to support Baba Shri Chand Ji.
Initially, Baba Shri Chand ji declined the request, but after persistent appeals, Baba Shri Chand ji agreed.
One day, Guru Nanak Ji’s son, Shri Chand Baba Ji, planned to meet the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji. Upon receiving the message, Guru Ram Das Ji prepared to welcome Baba Shri Chand.
As Baba Shri Chand ji arrived, the devotees welcomed Baba Shri Chand ji by showering flowers, each holding a bucket full of blossoms in their hands.
Despite his old age, Baba Shri Chand was revered as an embodiment of Guru Nanak Ji’s image.Upon reaching to Guru Ram Das ji place , Baba Shri Chand noticed Guru Ram Das Ji’s long beard and questioned;
"inna lamba Darda Kiske liye rakha hai apne"
For whom have you kept this long beared ?
Guru Ram Das Ji replied very politely that the beard was grown to clean Baba Shri Chand’s feet.
Baba Shri Chand reflected on the power of surrender, humility, and polite speech after listeneing such words from Guru Ram das ji.
Recalling that Guru Nanak ji selected the right another Nanak and assigned the highest gadi to Guru ram das ji who carries very polite and humble temperament.
In short, Baba Shri Chand's experience with Guru Ram Das Ji emphasized the importance of devotion and surrender in spiritual practice. These attributes enable one to attain a connection with the Divine Name spontaneously.