Bhai Taru Popat

TARU POPAT is listed in Bhai Gurdas, Varan, XI. 13, among prominent Sikhs of the time of Guru Nanak (1469 - 1539). Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, elaborating the reference in Bhai Gurdas says that Taru Popat was only a young boy of ten years when he presented himself before the Guru and made the submission: 
:"Master you are ever so generous and kind to the poor and simple folk like me. Friend of the poor, I have heard that whosoever meets a saint obtains peace. I have taken refuge at thy feet! and seek your spiritual guidance guidance. Give me your benediction and bestow inner peace and poise to my troubled soul."
The Guru] said, "You are yet too young and have hardly seen anything of this life. Wherefrom have you learned to think of these things."
:Spoke Popat: "One day I watched my mother make a fire. I saw that the smaller logs caught fire sooner than the bigger ones.
:It occurred to me that I should see a saint as soon as possible so that I could secure happiness. Who knows when death might strike?" 
Guru Nanak was pleased and graciously bestowing his benediction on him said:
:"Taru (lit. 'swimmer'), because of your wisdom and spirituality your whole family shall be liberated from the bondage of death. When you grow up, earn your living by honest labour (Dharam di kirat) and share your surplus earnings of honest labour with the needy and destitute (Vand Khavna), with every breath, you inhale and exhale letter the Gurmantra "Waheguru" keep your mind pure and free from low desires, evil passions and feeling of hate and hostility "Rag Davaikh" 
:A king built a palace, the walls of which were made of crystals marble. One of the walls of the palace hall was decorated with golden usages, studded with gems and jewels. The other walls were so neatly furnished and made glossy like the mirror that the Golden images and pictures were reflected and could be vividly seen in all the other mirror like walls. In the same way, a heart that is made pure by praying and worshipping naturally reflects all divine viritues".
Acting upon the Guru's word Bhai Taru Popat, says Bhai Mani Singh, attained liberation and moulded his whole life on these principles.
==References==
1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri" Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
3. Macauliffe, M.A., The Sikh Religion. Oxford, 1909
Category: Disciples