n this article, we will discuss Saakhi #2 of the Sikhaa di Bhagat Maala - Sikher (Seeker) series.

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The Story of Bhai Moola Keer

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ਮੂਲਾ ਕੀੜੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ਚਲਿਤੁ ਅਚਰਜ ਲੁਭਿਤ ਗੁਰਦਾਸੀ ॥

One Moola of the Keer clan was known for his beautiful nature and strong desire to serve the Guru. 

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Bhai Moola Keer was a Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He met Guru Sahib Ji and made a plea, asking Guru Sahib Ji to explain the meaning of these lines:

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ਚੰਚਲ ਚੀਤ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਤਮਾਸੇ | ਜੂਏ ਜਾਏ ਨਾ ਖੇਲੇ ਪਾਸੇ |

The mind should be clear. A Sikh should never gamble.

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(This Pangti does not come in Gurbani. It comes in Sri Pran Sangali Granth)

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Guru Sahib Ji explained to Bhai Moola Ji that in the past ages, kings would get together and gamble. For example in Duapuryug, the Pandavas gambled with Duryodhan and he lost everything, including his wife, Draupadi. The Kings were involved in various kinds of immoral acts, such as having prostitutes dancing in the courts. 

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Guru Nanak Dev Ji told Bhai Moola, “In Kalyug, I have enforced the discipline of Sikhi (the discipline to take on a Guru and follow the teachings of a Guru). There is a lot of pain and suffering that results from gambling. Therefore, my Sikh should forsake gambling, along with any involvement with prostitutes.”

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A Sikh is encouraged to do the following things: 

• Respect and spend time with Gursikhs who follow the Guru's words and love Gurbani, while making an effort to sing Gurbani in its original Raag form. 
• Earn an honest and righteous living. 
• Serve fellow Sikhs with one's body, mind, and wealth. Serving others brings joy to the Guru. A Sikh should be ready to serve anyone who comes, day or night.
• Provide food to the hungry and clothing to the poor.

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Bhai Moola enshrined the teachings of Guru Sahib Ji in his heart and went home. He served any passerby as if they were the form of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. 

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Bhai Moola Keer and the Thug

One day, a thug came to Bhai Moola’s house. He had memorised the words (Bani) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Bhai Moola was awestruck upon hearing him recite the Guru’s words, and served this person with much love and devotion. At night, Bhai Moola’s wife took off the jewellery she was wearing, placed it in a box and kept it in her cupboard. Both husband and wife went to sleep. 

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The thug silently came in, took the jewellery box and went out. He reached the gate and realised that the gate was locked. The key to the lock was with Bhai Moola. The thug returned and kept the box inside the house, hoping Bhai Moola wouldn’t suspect. He woke Bhai Moola and said, “Bhai Moola Ji, I am going for a stroll. Could you please give me the key to unlock the gate?”

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Bhai Moola said, “please don’t go out; it is unsafe. Why don’t you walk inside? I can help you with anything you need.” The thug disagreed and insisted on having the key. Bhai Moola gave in, he offered the key and went back to sleep. After waiting for some time, the thug went inside, took the jewellery box, and walked out. 

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As he walked out, the box fell from his grasp to the ground. Bhai Moola woke up and came out quickly, he saw the box and the precious jewellery. However, to much of the thug’s surprise, Bhai Moola picked the box up, closed it, and gave it to the thug. The thug snatched it from his hand and ran away.

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Bhai Moola’s wife got up and saw that her box was missing. She asked her husband if he knew anything. Bhai Moola said that a thief came last night and took everything away. He felt ashamed of the situation and was concerned that if he told his wife that the thug was the same person who stayed at their residence, his wife might end up doubting the Guru, because the thug knew Gurbani. He made new jewellery for his wife so she would bury the incident. 

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Receiving the Guru’s Happiness

When Guru Sahib Ji were told everything, they were very pleased with Bhai Moola. Guru Sahib said, “You protected my honour as the thug wore my clothes and recited my words. From now on, the Guru will protect your honour.”

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Guru Sahib Ji said, “Recognise the Guru and the words of Guru as one. There is no difference in both. Recognise Shabad (the words of Guru) as the heart of the Guru. Listen to Gurbani, accept it, and practise it in your life. You will thus be liberated.”

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- End of Sakhi 2 Bhai Moola Keer, Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev Ji –