DHIRA, BHAI, a devoted Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind, was a resident of Uj[jain. He used to visit Amritsar twice a year, to make obeisance to the Guru. Once, records Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, he begged Guru Hargobind to enlighten him about the qualities of a true saint. Guru Hargobind recalled Guru Arjan`s sloka (GG, 1357) which, defines a man of God as one who meditates upon the mantra of God`s Name; for whom dukh and sukh, suffering and pleasure, are the same; who, purged of rancour, has compassion for all; who subsists on singing God`s praise and is free from maya or worldly attachment; who treats friend and foe alike and instructs both in the love of God; who is selfless and humble; and who does not lend his ear to slander of others. According to Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth, Bhai Dhira, along with his brother, Hira, took part in the battle of Amritsar.
BHAGVAN DAS, BHAI, a devoted Sikh of Burhanpur (21° 18`N, 76° 14`E), on the bank of the River Tapti, once travelled to Amritsar along with Bhai Bodala, Bhai Malak Kataru, Bhai Prithi Mall, Bhai Bhagatu, Bhai Dallu, Bhai Sundar Das and Bhai Svami Das to seek instruction from Guru Hargobind. The Guru, says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, told them to construct a dharamsal in their town where they should gather morning and evening for prayer and to raise charities for the needy. He taught them to overcome their haumai, i.e. egoity, and to learn to be humble. Bhai Bhagvan Das and his companions followed the Guru`s instructions and established a sangat at Burhanpur to which Bhai Gurdas refers in his Varan, XI. 30.
DIPA, BHAI, a Jatt of Deu clan, once came along with Bhai Narain Das and Bhai Bula to Guru Arigad (1504-52) and begged to be instructed how they could have themselves released from the cycle of birth and death. The Guru, according to Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, told them to foll^ the bhakti marga, path of devotional love of God, to the exclusion of the paths of bairag (renunciation), yoga (austerities) and gian (knowledge). Bhakti, he explained, involved complete self surrender to the Will of the Lord.