It is with solemnity that we learn that Hazuri Ragi Bhai Balbir Singh has passed way.
Bhai Sahib inspired the whole panth with his passion for singing. It is said that he originally was a nihang but his love of kirtan he humbled himself and changed his turban so he would be allowed to play kirtan in Darbar Sahib Amritsar, and treasure of love.
His words and life demonstrated not just his passion but also a simple teaching of our beloved Guru. Bhai Sahib explains to us all an important episode in history: During the time of Guru Arjun the ego had arisen in the musicians at the time who left the court of the Guru. Guru Arjun Dev taught the sangat that we don't need to rely on the particular talent of such people, we should all learn how to play kirtan ourselves. The sangat began to learn. It is on all of us to participate in Guru's court. And this is the kind of inspiration that Bhai Sahib lived by.
He began learning kirtan at the age of 4 and he never stopped. Sikhs around the world will always be inspired by such lovers of gurbani as Bhai Balbir Singh ji!
When you see him play, you can see it is no chore for him, not simply a job or an ambition to be recognized or any such thing. He plays kirtan with his whole body. Watch this legendary video of him and pray that all of us may have more such innocence and joy with Gurus words.
In honor of this beloved GurSikh here is dozens of his recordings:
Bhai Balbir Singh's Shabds on Gurbani Media Center