Guru Amar Das ji tested the faith, devotion, humility and obedience of his two son-in laws, Bhai Rama ji (married to Bibi Daani ji) and Bhai Jetha ji (married to Bibi Bhaani ji). Both were ordered by Guru ji to make a platform for him to sit on and that whoever does the better work […]

Guru Amar Das ji tested the faith, devotion, humility and obedience of his two son-in laws, Bhai Rama ji (married to Bibi Daani ji) and Bhai Jetha ji (married to Bibi Bhaani ji). Both were ordered by Guru ji to make a platform for him to sit on and that whoever does the better work will receive the greater honour.

Both began doing the task. Bhai Rama ji finished and bowed before Guru ji but Guru ji said, “It’s crooked. Tear it down and build another.” Although Bhai Rama ji spent time and effort on it, he decided to rebuild it for the second time but it still failed the test so he built the third one. He mumbled, “The Guru has grown old, he must be senile.”

On the other hand, when Guru ji tested Bhai Jetha ji and repeatedly failed his work, Bhai Jetha ji fell at Guru ji’s feet and begged, “I am a fool and lack understanding, while you possess all knowledge. Kindly bless me with the wisdom so that I may be able to erect the platform to your liking.”

Bhai Jetha ji showed how a Sikh must always obey the Guru no matter what their own mind thinks, and also to do seva with correct attitude – to continue doing seva even if criticized, even if there is nothing to gain, or no one to praise you.