3 Types of Warriors

In this passage, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, outlines to the congregation, three types of warriors. This account is found in Gurpratap Suraj Prakash Granth, [1843CE], written by the Great Poet Santhok Singh.

ਉੱਤਮ ਮੱਧਮ ਅਧਮ ਹੈ ਜੋਧਾ ਤੀਨ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ । ਅਭ੍ਯਾਸੈ ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰਨਿ ਹਤਨਿ ਨਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਤਿ ਬਾਰੰਬਾਰੁ ।26।

Warriors are of three types; Highest; Intermediate; and Lowest. A warrior is one who daily hones their skills, for extended periods of time practicing with their weapons how to kill.

ਟਿਕੈ ਜੰਗ ਲਰਤਾ ਰਹੈ, ਬਾਮ ਦਾਹਨੇ ਹੋਇ । ਸਨਮੁਖ ਹਤੈ ਕਿ ਹੇਲ ਮਹਿਂ ਸ਼ੱਤ੍ਰੁ ਬਿਨਾਸੈ ਜੋਇ ।27।

That [lowest] warrior who holds firm in his position, [does not take a step back/retreat] covers his left and right. Facing the enemy straight on, these warriors destroy their enemy.

ਟਿਕੇ ਜੰਗ ਮਹਿਂ ਅੱਗ੍ਰ ਵਧਿ ਮਾਰਹਿ ਰਿਪੁ ਕੋ ਧਾਇ । ਮੱਧਮ ਜੋਧਾ ਜਾਨੀਏ ਪਰ ਦਲ ਦੇਇ ਚਲਾਇ ।28।

That warrior who can remain firm in his position, and push forward; killing the enemy while pouncing forward, recognize them as intermediate warriors who can make the opposing armies run.

ਭਾਜ੍ਯੋ ਪਰ ਦਲ ਦੇਖਿਕੈ ਦੇ ਧ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਭਿਨਿ ਹਟਾਇ । ਫਿਰੈ ਆਪ ਰਿਪੁ ਸਮੁਖ ਹਤਿ ਉੱਤਮ ਲਖਹੁ ਸੁਭਾਇ ।29।

Upon seeing ones army lose ranks and run, [that Warrior] who can instill steadfastness and courage into them, turning them around and destroying the enemy head on - Recognize these warriors as the highest.

ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਤਾਪ ਸੂਰਜ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ, ਰੁੱਤ 5, ਅਧਿਆਇ 40

ਕ੍ਰਿਤ: ਮਹਾਂਕਵੀ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਸਿੰਘ