Bhai Kanhaiya: Seeing No Enemy

During the siege of Anandpur Sahib, the Sikh army, led by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, was engaged in a brutal, desperate battle against the allied forces of the Mughal Empire and the Hill Rajas. The fighting was fierce, and casualties were heavy on both sides.

A Sikh named Bhai Kanhaiya was assigned the duty of serving water to the wounded on the battlefield. Soon, some Sikh soldiers came to the Guru with an angry complaint. 'True King,' they said, 'Bhai Kanhaiya is committing treason! We fight hard to strike down the enemy, but he goes around giving water to the wounded Mughal soldiers, reviving them to fight us again!'

Guru Gobind Singh summoned Bhai Kanhaiya to the court. 'I have received a complaint,' the Guru said. 'Is it true that you are serving water to the enemy?'

Bhai Kanhaiya bowed humbly with folded hands. 'Forgive me, True King. I took the water pouch onto the battlefield, but when I looked into the faces of the wounded, I saw no Mughals, no Hill Rajputs, and no Sikhs.'

He looked up at the Guru, his eyes shining with tears. 'Everywhere I looked, I only saw Your face, my Guru. I only saw the Light of God in everyone. How could I deny water to You?'

A profound silence fell over the angry soldiers. Guru Gobind Singh Ji smiled radiantly. He stepped down, embraced Bhai Kanhaiya, and handed him a jar of medical ointment. 'You have understood the true message of Sikhi,' the Guru said. 'From now on, do not just give them water; dress their wounds as well.'