On Monday, December 22, 2008, Gurmukh Pyaare Bhai Surat Singh jee (known as 'Pooran Jee') passed away. He was a renowned scholar, known for his profound humility, kindness, and deep love for Naam & Baani (the Divine Name and Guru's teachings). Here's a short glimpse at his life journey.
Early life
Bhai Surat Singh was born on December 24, 1924, in Mitha Tiwana, which is now in Pakistan. At a young age, he received the gift of Amrit and devoted himself entirely to Akaal Purakh (the Timeless Being). His spiritual status soared when he started associating with Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh, Bau Mal Singh, and other devoted members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. Because of his exemplary character and lifestyle as a devout Sikh, Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh affectionately called him "Pooran jee," meaning "complete."
Serving through Amrit Sanchaars
Due to his deep religious nature, he was blessed with the honor of serving as one of the Panj Pyaare (Five Beloved Ones). Bhai Sahib dedicated himself to conducting Amrit Sanchaars (initiation ceremonies) both in India and abroad. Alongside his government job, which required him to relocate frequently, he saw an opportunity to spread the teachings of Gurmat and encourage others to embrace Amrit and become devoted followers of Waheguru.
Later in life, Bhai Sahib got married to Bibi Bhupinder Kaur jee, who contributed to the Sangat (the Sikh community) by singing Gurbani Shabads in Keertan (devotional music). Together, they continued to serve and inspire others on their spiritual journey.
Accepting the divine will
In 1982, Bhai Surat Singh lost his two beloved sons, Bhai Rupinder Singh "Rupi" and Bhai Varinder Singh "Vinny," in a motorcycle accident. Thankfully, Bhai Manjit Singh from Glasgow survived the accident.
Even in the face of this heartbreaking tragedy, Bhai Sahib accepted God's will gracefully and didn't let it waver his dedication and love for Waheguru. On the day he learned of the accident, he didn't miss his Amrit-vela (morning prayer time).
During the funeral, Bibi jee, Bhai Sahib's wife, was deeply distraught and couldn't walk into the Guru's Darbaar (prayer hall) on her own. The Sangat (community) helped her and requested her to do Keertan (devotional singing).She sat down and the Sangat took over from there .
Later, Bhai Sahib talked to Bibi jee and encouraged her to be strong and accept Guru Sahib's Divine Will. He shared his own grief, saying, "Do you think I am not upset that I have lost both of my arms in this tragedy?" (referring to his sons). Bhai Sahib set an inspiring example of leading the Gursikh way of life. He reminded his wife that Waheguru had given them two precious gifts (their sons), and now it was the Giver's decision to take them back.
In this way, Bhai Surat Singh ji showed incredible strength and devotion even in the face of immense sorrow and loss. His faith and resilience continue to inspire others to follow the path of a Gursikh.
Moving to Amritsar
In 1982, after losing his two sons, Bhai Sahib moved to Amritsar. There, he devoted himself entirely to Sri Harmandir Sahib, participating in Amrit-vela and Keertan Samaagams daily. Despite attaining a high spiritual state, he treated everyone with love and affection. Bhai Sahib's heart was full of love for all, and whenever he met people in the Sangat, he warmly embraced them. Each person felt that Bhai Sahib loved them the most. Throughout his life, he never harboured any negativity towards anyone. He encouraged everyone in the Sangat to learn and recite Gurbani, explaining how it could positively impact their lives.
Inspiring Sikhs in the UK to follow Amrit-vela
In 1998, Bhai Surat Singh jee visited Toronto. A group of Sangat from the UK went to Canada for a Keertan Smaagam (event). When Bhai Surat Singh jee saw the Sangat from the UK, he was so happy that he literally lay down and rolled towards them. The Singhs from the UK were amazed but quickly lifted him up, and he was always smiling. The UK Singhs were told that the Amrit-vela would start early, but they were surprised when at exactly 12 am, Pooran Jee came into their room. He jokingly remarked, "Cats and dogs are awake by now!" (In India, dogs don't usually bark during the night). It was so funny that everyone immediately got up, grabbed their towels and kachhere, and went to do ishnaan (morning cleansing ritual).
Naam Simran from within
In 1998, during a visit to Toronto, something interesting happened with the youth practising Naam Abhiyaas (chanting the Divine Name). Bhai Surat Singh Pooran Jee was not very happy with the loud enthusiasm shown by the young people during the practice. Normally, Pooran Jee would recite Sukhmani Sahib, a sacred scripture, during the Naam Abhiyaas. However, some of the youth didn't realize that the volume of their Abhiyaas should be lower than the volume of Sukhmani Sahib.
In a loving manner, Pooran Jee advised them to do the Naam Abhiyaas from within themselves, saying "Andhro karo" (do it quietly inside). This puzzled some of the young Singhs, as they were used to repeating Naam loudly and quickly. But then they started to listen and learn.
A wise Gursikh explained what Pooran Jee meant by doing Simran from within. He said the sound of Naam should resonate through the whole body. To clarify, he gave an example: he asked a Singh to put his fingers in his ears and listen to the Naam Simran. This way, when one does Amrit-vela alone, they won't hear the echoes of the Sangat (congregation).
The essence of the advice was that Naam Simran should be powerful both internally and externally. However, this didn't mean they should sit there with their fingers in their ears. Instead, the more they focus on listening to the sound during Amrit-vela, the more it will vibrate through their body. This resonance will continue while walking, talking, and even sleeping. It's a special and enjoyable experience for those who truly embrace it.
Jathedaar of the Jatha
On March 2, 2006, Jathedaar Bhai Raam Singh jee passed away, and Bhai Surat Singh Pooran jee was chosen as the next chief of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. Singh Sahib Bhai Ranjeet Singh, the former Jathedaar of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, honored Bhai Sahib with a Siropa.
Undying Love for Amrit-Velaa
Despite his physical condition, Bhai Sahib never compromised on his daily routine. Even when he was weak, he remained dedicated to his Amrit-vela practice. Every day, Bhai Sahib would take a thorough bath, wash both his body and hair, and be ready at 12:00 am to join the Saadh Sangat (congregation of devotees) at the Parkarma (periphery) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar.
In the Parkarma, he would lead the Sukhmani Sahib and Naam Abhiyaas (repetition of divine name) program. Until his last moments, Guru Sahib's love for Amrit-Vela and Sukhmani Sahib never wavered. He remained devoted to his spiritual practices until the very end.
Final Moments
In the past few days, Bhai Sahib's health was weak, so instead of holding the morning prayer at the parkarma of Sri Darbaar Sahib in Amritsar, they conducted it at their residence. On the final day, many devoted Gursikhs attended the morning prayer at their home. Bhai Sahib, as always, showered love upon everyone.
Later that day, Bhai Sahib fell ill and received care from two Gursikhs in his room around 5:30 pm IST. Following Guru Sahib's command, he peacefully departed from this world.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਚਿਲਆ ॥
gurmukh janam savaar dargeh chaliaa||
Spending this life fruitfully Gurmukh goes to the other world.
(Bhai Gurdaas jee)
*Based on an article by Manvir Singh, published on 30th December, 2008