Now all of the SPGC members have come to Gobind Sadan at the same time, though in two groups [see 11 January and 22 January]. Each side presents a letter they have signed asking for Maharaj’s guidance and saying they will follow it. He gives them a long and powerful talk, including these points:

            What is Sis Ganj? [the gurdwara which is the seat of Sikh management in Delhi] It is the place where the weak were uplifted and walls were broken, to unite all with God. If our neighbour is weak, we are to help them. We are all part of the one Light of which Guru Nanak said, “God put His Light into you, and thus you came into the world.” All are united to us. We are to help and love all.

            The Guru said that the Guru-oriented person is detached in the midst of maya. We are to live in this world but always think “Tav prasad” (This is Your blessing) as Guru Gobind Singh did 24 hours a day. By contrast, we don’t even once say, “It is by Your grace.” If we look at our evils, we are not even worthy of bowing at Sis Ganj. But He is forgiving and He teaches us what not to do—not to lie, steal, or forget Him.

            He is the Creator and Destroyer. Is He a beggar? When we came here (to what is now Gobind Sadan), there was no water. But now this is the most valuable land. We did nothing. This wealth is all because of Guru Gobind Singh’s grace. This is not about management of a factory—it is about management of the Guru’s house.

            Who will oversee our management? Guru Teg Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, but you will run it. Enlightened wisdom will come from among you. If angels come, they will come from within you. But we will have to sacrifice a bit. If you are going to appoint anyone to these institutions, first investigate their character. It’s your responsibility.

            You will be amazed that in America they know nothing about Sikhism except that people are fighting in these small places. It is amazing that this is the result of our Gurus’ great sacrifices.

            Guru Gobind Singh showed us to oppose evil with love. We are all a family. Our Father is very powerful, giving everything. My firm faith is that if you ask in these holy places what the Guru wants, what Lord Krishna wants, you will be amazed at how they will be transformed by love. Become loving, welcoming children instead of greeting people with swords. It is our responsibility that if anyone gives wrong teaching, to stand up and lovingly ask where they have read that.

            Gurbani strictly forbids criticism, whereas we do it every time we open our mouths. Instead, ask the Guru to bless and change those with bad habits. All power is with Guru Gobind Singh. He can change anyone. Lovingly explain to those who criticize you that you are both guilty. If God doesn’t judge us, how can we call others bad? We are to forgive them—but are we to appoint them to a committee or presidency? When you make a committee, write that you are committed to not have liquor-drinkers on it.

            To head the institutions [such as managing schools], you want someone of such high character that all our women can safely bow there. Take the Guru’s guidance. Why not stand on these things? Guru Granth Sahib is the authority for us, and we must not ignore it in management. “Oh True King, give them the power to stand firm, for if they slip, the whole community slips.” It will be criminal cruelty if we put bad people in charge of our children. This is not a political election. It is for religious management and pleasing Guru Gobind Singh. In schools, give dharmic talks as well as worldly education.

            We must be aware that our Father is always seeing and listening to us. Our desire is that Sikhism should be uplifted, and that there should be great teamwork. Maharaj has given you such good food and thoughts, but not much courage. We should give an example of good management. Keep your character and your respect for others high.

            At the end of the audience with Maharaj ji, one man says, “This is a great miracle that they will all come to one place. On both sides, all members are saying that they want to serve the spiritual cause and follow Guru Gobind Singh’s hukam.”