It is said that a Guru is better than Paras (Philosopher’s Stone), because Paras (Philosopher’s Stone) turns iron into gold. But a Sadguru makes his disciple a saint like himself, this is true for Bakhna Sahib.
Bakhna saheb’s birth date is not known exactly. Based on the verses of Bhaktmal, it is estimated that the latter half of the sixteenth century is considered to be ‘Narayana’ town or ‘Narane’ village Rajasthan. There is a difference of opinion regarding his caste. Different people consider him to be of Mirasi, Lakhara, Kalal and Rajput caste. Bakhna had a beautiful and well-built body since childhood. In his youth, his well-built body used to attract people. Not only a beautiful body, he was also born with a melodious voice. There was so much attraction in his singing that The listeners would come from far away. The passersby would stop and listen. And the fellow listeners would not leave till Bakhna kept singing. He would often sing romantic songs and that too songs of extreme romanticism or say songs of sensual beauty.
Meeting with the Guru- One day Bakhna was singing ‘Phaag’ songs with his friends in Narane. The song was full of naked lust and all the friends including Bakhna were dancing with complete concentration. They were so engrossed in the song that they were not aware of anything else.
Many times even great saints keep looking for such moments.
Talking about Dadu Saheb, he is considered to be an expert in changing the flow of restless, uncontrollable rivers (changing the direction of the mind). Just as he had transformed Rajjab’s intense worldly physical love into love for his Guru, in the same way he transformed Bakhna’s intense fleshly beauty and erotic song full of intense erotic feelings into a lake of supreme peace filled with Guru-devotion and worship of Nirgun Brahma. Dadu Saheb went to him and said, ‘Brother, sing the praises of Niranjan Ram, the God who has given you such a beautiful voice and body. Why do you waste your precious life by singing these dirty obscene songs? If you devote it to devotion to God, then this life will be improved and the future will also improve.’
Dadu saheb himself recited a verse to him and said that if you waste this precious human life like this, if you do not use it in the service of God, then you will waste your life in the things you are used to, like you are immersed in sensual pleasures. Now is the right time to wake up. Speak in the spirit Though the direction of the feeling was sensual, but there was urgency. As soon as Dadu sahab’s infallible words hit him, that urgency of feeling turned. That same urgency got used in devotion to the Guru. Bakhna bowed his head at Chahoo sahab’s feet and said- ‘Lord, you have been very kind to me by awakening my sleeping soul. Please give me a place at your feet. Show me my path.’
Dadu sahab did not miss a moment and made Bakhna his disciple. Bakhna became Bakhna sahab from then on. Within no time, his love for the Guru’s feet deepened. The journey from form to formlessness began. His songs now started pouring in the Dadu sect not only like a lake but also like the clouds of Ashadh. His bhajans were like the voice of God himself. His songs would flow from his ears and while singing, tears of love would also flow from his eyes. He became one of the main disciples of Dadu sahab.
It is said that Bakhna sahab was not only a devotee of his Guru, he also became a devotee of his devotees. Such humility is rarely seen anywhere other than Bakhna. It is a popular belief that when the Emperor of Delhi Jahangir came to meet Garibdas ji in Narayana, he bowed down to him along with the Pandit and the Qazi. It is also a popular belief that Dadu sahab had gone to Sikri with his special disciples on the invitation of Emperor Akbar. Bakhna sahab was highly respected among those special disciples.
Bakhna-Rajjab Milan –
It is said that once Bana Saheb invited his guru brother Rajjab to his house for dinner. Seeing the beauty and splendor of Rajjab Sahab, Bakhna Sahab’s wife said that both of you are disciples of the same Guru, then why is there so much difference between the two? Then Bakhna Sahab said that you are present in my house in the form of Maya. This is the power of your feet. This wealth has been given to Rajjab Ji by our Sadguru Dadu Sahab. After this, Rajjab Sahab did something for Bakhna Sahab that prosperity came to his house too.
Disciple Tradition Bakhna Sahib was a true disciple and he always considered discipleship to be the basis of the spiritual journey. He had no special interest in becoming a Guru, that is why there is mention of his only disciple Hariram.
Works- Bakhna Sahib’s words are in two parts ‘Sakhi’ and ‘Pad’, in which Dadu ji’s principles, sadhana method and philosophy are prevalent.
The time of Nirvana of Bakhna Saheb is not known properly, but he left his body to merge with the five elements in Narane village itself. Even today, the seekers and saints feel the fragrance of Bakhna Saheb in the soil of Narane. His soft voice still resonates in the air.
