BENI, BHAGAT is one of the fifteen saints and sufis some of whose compositions have been incorporated in the Guru Granth Sahib. Very little is known about his personal life except that he spent most of his time in prayer and contemplation. Nabhaji`s Bhagatmal, which includes him in its roster of well known bhaktas or devotees, narrates a popular anecdote about how Beni absorbed in meditation often neglected the household needs and how the Deity himself intervened and physically appeared to help him. Bhai Gurdas (Varan, X. 14) has referred to Bern`s single pointed meditation in solitude enriched by moments of spiritual edification. Bern`s three hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib are marked by an intense spiritual longing.
BENI, PANDIT, a learned Brahman of Chunian, in present day Lahore district of Pakistan, was a devoted Sikh of the time of Guru Amar Das. As he first visited Goindval, he came loaded with books to demonstrate his learning. Guru Amar Das spoke to him gently: "Mere learning begetteth pride. What aideth one is humility, love and devotion." Pandit Beni, as says Sarup Das Bhalla, Mahima Prakash, had no desire left to show his skill in arguing. He bowed at the Guru`s feet and became a disciple. Guru Amar Das, says the chronicler, uttered impromptu a hymn in the Malar measure, addressed to Bhai Beni.
