Introductory - Global Sikh Studies

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CHAPTER XV
The Spirit
1. The Revolutionary Zeal
The spirit that inspires and sustains a movement is an important
factor in determining its character and strength. it is especially so in
the case of such idealistic movements as, for long periods, raise and
sustain their participants to a high and noble level of functioning,
despite the gravitational pulls of narrow selfish interests and common
human failings. There is a spark in human nature which yearns
eternally for freedom and equality. The strength of the Sikh movement,
so long as its revolutionary phase lasted, lay in kindling that spark.
The Sikh history shows in bold relief that, when fired with an ideal,
human beings have an amazing capacity to bear untold sufferings and
to make supreme sacrifices.
We have referred to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan and Guru
Teg Bahadur. Both the gurus were inspired by their faith in the
Immortal Spirit. His Command and His Mission. “When all from
whom man looked for assistance have fled, and all succour is at an
end. If he then remembers God, no hot wind shall strike him.” 1 “Nanak
everything is in Thy Power, Thou art my refuge.” 2
Beside the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the battles of
Guru Hargobind and Guru Gobind Singh, the first Sikh martyrs who
silently and courageously suffered death by extreme torture, were Bhai
Mati Das and Bhai Dyala. Bhai Mati Das was sawn alive and Bhai
Dyala was roasted alive in a cauldron of boiling oil. This was done in
the presence of Guru Teg Bahadur in order to frighten him into
submission. Had they chosen, these marytrs could have saved
themselves by embracing Islam. But they did not. This was because