PACHMI PARKASH - Global Sikh Studies

To wear simple clothing
A Bibi Rattan Kaur was a devotee of Baba Ji’s and would come to see them regularly,
on one occasion after waking up early and bathing she made her way to the Hoti camp
dressed in very elaborate expensive clothing, decked with jewellery. She lived around
three miles away and was making her way alone.
Now half a mile into to her journey she found herself under the evil eyes of four
Pataans. These Pataans split themselves into two and surrounded her, two up front and
two behind. Sensing herself to be in trouble she called on Baba Ji within her heart
saying, “Maharaj! You gave your word that whoever comes to see you should not fear
anyone now please protect me from these criminals.”
Straight after making this wish, she saw a tall Sikh Soldier on horseback armed with
his spear, slowly trotting ahead of her. She instantly took a breath of relief and
bravely began to take steps towards the direction of Hoti, but the Pataans not seeing
the Soldier thought it the right time to take opportunity to rob her and began to
approach her. Suddenly they found themselves confronted by this Sikh Soldier who
had appeared right in front of them along side Rattan Kaur.
Confused and fearful they tried to cover their intentions by walking on quietly,
following her and this Soldier all the way to Hoti, where upon reaching the Soldier
disappeared into thin air. She entered the camp to great relief but still the Pataans
followed her as their eyes were still fixed upon her jewellery. Little to their
knowledge Baba Ji was sitting ahead with the congregation, Rattan Kaur walked up
and bowed humbly, now the Pataans not knowing what they had let themselves in for
also came forward and greeted Baba Ji but from a slight distance.
At that point Baba Ji, referring to Rattan Kaur said, “Bibi! Have you come to see a
Holy Man or are you going to your nephews wedding?” All the devotees sat quietly as
the lady began shivering in fear. Baba Ji continued informing everyone saying that
since he had given instructions to all once that whoever comes to this place should
come in simple clothing with no jewelry, especially women who should not come
unaccompanied but with either their husbands or brothers or with other devotees.
Then asked why they don’t obey his instructions as that was what gets them in
trouble.
Rattan Kaur stood up and with her hands folded she said, “Lord! Please forgive me as
from this day on it will never happen again.”
After which Baba Ji turned to the Pataans and firmly said, “Son! On seeing a piece of
fresh bread a dog begins to chase it but if one doesn’t have any bread with themselves
then why would a dog chase them?”
Baba Ji turned to Rattan Kaur and told her to give the jewellery to the Pataans and
that next time never to dress in such away when coming to Hoti. She obeyed Baba Ji’s
words and placed the jewellery at Baba Ji’s feet and again asked for forgiveness. Baba
Ji called over the Pataans and told them to take these pieces of earth, adding that gold
itself was just a metal that comes from the earth and in the eyes of complete Saint it
has no worth except that of earth.
Panna 275: As is gold, so is dust to him.
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