1-29 Sri Guru Amardas ji’s History as Guru Begins

The history of Sri Guru Amardas ji will now begin.  Listen to this history carefully, oh Sikhs of the Guru, and bless the writer with Sikhi.  The history was collected from many sources by Kavi Santokh Singh ji and bounded in beautiful poetic measures.  Sri Guru Amar Das ji is like the sun, who has ascended the Guru’s throne; whose radiance has illuminated in every direction.  Guru ji held the get-together in Khadoor and came back to Goindwal, afterwards.  Guru ji had come back, as the Guru, now in a bliss of his own.  There was a room in his home, on the top floor, with windows in all 4 directions.  This room was known as a chabarra.  He sat inside the chabarra and closed the doors.  He would sit inside in a deep Samadhi (meditation).  He didn’t speak to anyone.  He was in solitude and immersed himself into his own light.  He was in total bliss.  As he had received the eternal light of the Guruship, he had reached the highest form of Brahmgyaan that any Avatar could ever be in.  The Vedas could not discuss this light nor could this state be ever described or talked about, because no Avatar had ever been in this high state.  This was Guru Nanak Dev ji’s light, it was Akaal Purakh’s limitless light.  This was the Gurupurshotam Avatar, the Avatar of Akaal Purakh.  He was immersed in total bliss.  One drop of this bliss would add up to all the powers and knowledge ever known.  The whole world’s awareness is in its one drop.  From the smallest insect to the outer most galaxies, Guru Amardas ji felt everything.  The universe in return, could not find where this endless ocean of power and awareness ended.  It had no end.  The wisest person could not describe this state.  Guru ji was in a single state, ultimate bliss, samadhi.  How can a lover let go of this blissful samadhi?

Many Sikhs gathered in front of his home to meet Guru Amardas ji.  Sikhs from far and wide found out that Guru Amardas ji is in Goindwal.  Rich and poor, they all came to meet Guru Amardas ji.  Everyone gathered and discussed amongst themselves: “we need to figure out a way so that Guru ji comes out to meet us all.  It is not good: that Guru ji stays seated in a samadhi like this.  He should give us the opportunity to be in his divine presence, just as the Gurus before him did.”  Everyone spoke to Baba Bhudda ji and said: “you should go and meet him and tell him about the Sikh Sangat wanting to meet him.  Tell him that, many Sikhs have gathered.  They wish to see him just as the Chakor partridge wishes to see the moon.”  Baba Bhudda ji responded: “Guru ji is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful).  He knows what is in everyone’s hearts, without anyone saying anything.  When he has pity on us, he will be gracious and grace us with his presence.”  Everyone was saddened by Baba Bhudda ji’s words.  They couldn’t object.  So, they stayed quiet.

The Sikhs waited day-after-day.  The wish to meet Guru ji grew increasingly unbearable over time.  The Sikhs would say: “when will we meet Guru ji?  Just as the Chatrik (cuckoo) awaits the Swanti boond (rare raindrop that is the first to fall during a rainfall, while the moon crosses the Swati Nakshatra-Arcturus star system.  This rain drop is believed by the Vedas, and other ancient text, to form the pearls in sea creatures, the Kapoor flower on top of a Banana tree, the venom inside the cobra and satisfies the thirst of the Chatrik, among many other things in nature) just as a wife, separated from her husband, yearns for him; how the Chakwa does not wish to see the sun, that is how the Sangat is without seeing the Guru.”  When all their attempts were gone in vain, they then approached a Sikh named Bhulloo, who was the personal attended of the Guru.

Satguru ji was very happy with Bhai Bhulloo.  He was drenched in the love for the Guru and would stand in front of Guru ji, all the time.  When Guru ji would speak and ask him to do a seva, he would perform it with great enthusiasm.  Otherwise, he would just stand in front of Guru ji, waiting for his orders.  Guru ji loved him very much.  Baba Bhudda ji and other Sikhs called Bhai Bhulloo over to them and said: “the Sangat has gathered here, waiting to see Satguru ji.  They have been here for seven days now.  Just as the lotus flower, wilts away without seeing the sun, that is how they are seen.”  Bhai Bhulloo folded his hands and responded to them: “I will do as you say, I will go and tell Guru ji so that all of you may see him.  To do this favor for you, there is no other better deed than this.”  He told everyone to stand with him by Guru ji’s door.  Bhai Bhulloo went inside the chabarra and stood in front of Guru Sahib.  He folded his hands and said: “oh, omniscient, omnipotent Prabhoo, the Sangat is standing outside with great love in their hearts.  They wish to meet you, Lord.  They live by the teachings of Sikhi.  Just as a drying tree wishes for water; just as a child wishes to see its father, that is how they are now, Satguru ji.”  Guru ji heard the wishes of the Sangat.  He was gracious and spoke to Bhai Bhulloo: “lay out a floor and hang a Chandooa (royal canopy), and tell all the Sikhs to sit there.”  Bhulloo did as he was instructed by Guru ji.  Guru ji then came and sat on the Guru’s throne.  Guru ji responded to the love from the Sikhs and fulfilled his duty as Guru. 

Just as an Emperor comes, wearing new clothes, Guru Nanak Dev ji came wearing his third incarnation’s body and sat on his Singhasan.  His radiance was illuminated in every direction.  Just as actors play different roles in different plays, Guru ji changes his body in different times.  People saw them all as three different beings but the closest Sikhs saw that it was Guru Nanak, changing bodies and gracing them in different forms.  “It is the same light going through different bodies,” would the devoted Sikhs say.  They had this engrained in their hearts and didn’t forget this fact.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, then Sri Guru Angad Dev ji and now it’s Sri Guru Amar Das ji who sits on the Guru’s throne.  Everyone came and bowed to Satguru ji and brought gifts.  They visited Guru ji and rejoiced.  They witnessed the love Guru ji had for them.  The rays of the sun of knowledge illuminated the world.  The darkness of ignorance faded away.  He granted everyone’s wishes and gave them mukti.  Baba Bhudda ji’s and other Sikh’s hearts that were burning, were now pure like gold, after gold is purified by heat.  They all sat beside Guru ji, the most devoted ones.  The Rababis did their Alaaps in Raag and began to sing Shabad Kirtan.  The Guru’s court was now in session and the hearts of the Sikhs were in bliss.  The Sikhs saw themselves as fortunate to be in the presence of Guru ji and to listen to Kirtan.  Guru ji was in control of birth and death in the universe.  He would wash away the sins of the Sikhs and make them recite the name of Akaal Purakh. 

The third incarnation of the Guru Purshotam Avatar was now on the Guru’s throne.  Baba Bhudda ji and the other Sikhs would sing the glories of Satguru Amardas ji:

“To save the human of Kaliyuga, you have incarnated into human form.  You came for the good of the Sikhs and to destroy the fear of death.  You are omnipresent and explain to us what Bhagti means.  You give everyone peace and are the creator of the universe.  You are the Purakh (the complete one, the supreme one).  You are one with the light of Akaal Purakh and in stillness.  Oh Gurudev, you are without form and can’t be comprehended; you are one with the universe.  Devatas, humans all worship you, oh light of Hari.

You destroy the sins of Kaliyuga; the universe bows to you; you save the bad and ill-willed; please save us as well.  You are the master of all; you are without desire and you destroy all pain.  You fulfill everyone’s heart’s desires; you destroy enemies and haters; you protect your servants.  Oh, Guru Amardas ji, victory be to you!  You are the master of the Devatas and the elements.  You are undefeated and without death.  You are our support.”

The Sikhs sang the glories of Satguru ji in this way: “please grace us with your presence everyday, Prabhoo ji!  Please stay with your servants, as you are our support.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sri Guru Angad Dev ji have left for Sach Khand.  You are now the Guru.  Please bless us with the name of Akaal Purakh.”  Guru ji heard all the Sikhs pleas and said: “I live within the hearts of all the Sikhs.  I will fulfill whatever is in your heart.”  The Sikhs and Guru Sahib were united again.  All the pain was gone, all the hurdles were gone.  After conversing with the Sikhs, Guru ji got up and left.  In this way, Guru ji would visit and sit with the Sikhs everyday.  The Lion Guru, killed the Deer of attachment.  Kavi Santokh Singh is content seeing the Guru in this way.

1-30 Sri Guru Amardas ji’s Daily Routine

After seven days, Guru ji started to implement the traditions of the Guru’s house.  This is what his daily routine was.  In the last watch of the night (around 2 am), Satguru ji would wake up, as it was the time to recite the name of Akaal Purakh.  Bhai Bhulloo would go to the Beas River to get water for Guru ji’s bath.  Guru ji would wash his hair and white beard with yoghurt.  Bhai Bhulloo would rub vatna (mixture made with sandalwood paste, turmeric and other herbs) on to Guru ji’s body and wash it away with water.  Guru ji would then put his clothes on.  Guru ji would place a tilak (mark on the forehead) made of sandalwood paste on his forehead and sit down on his Singhasan.  He would immerse himself into his true self and connect with Akaal Purakh, in pure bliss.  He would go into a Samadhi.  This was who Jogis, Brahma, Shivji and Vishnu would worship.  Guru ji would keep his eyes closed and remain in Samadhi till the sun would rise.  Once the sun would rise, Guru ji would ascend his Singhasan in Sangat.  The Rababis would come and sing Shabad Gurbani.  They would sing different reets (traditional musical compositions) in different Raags.  Guru ji would listen to the Kirtan and be in bliss.  The Kirtan was as though peacocks singing, seeing the clouds.  The glory of Guru Amardas ji was just as the glory of Guru Nanak Dev ji and Guru Angad Dev ji.  Guru ji blessed the Sangat with happiness, just as the elder Gurus did.  The Sangat would do Simran and say “Dhan” from their mouths.  The Sangat was attached to Guru ji in a deep bond of love.  It was the time of Amrit Vela (the early morning during the first rays of light) and the Sikhs were focused onto the feet of Guru Amardas ji.  Guru ji would shower them with the ambrosial nectar of immortality by speaking to them.  The fortunate ones were able to come to the Guru at this hour in the morning.  This was the time when great gifts were received.  It was as though the waves in the ocean were delivering its pearls and gems at this time.   By being in the company of Guru ji, the Sangat would receive great virtues.  Guru ji would release them from the cycle of birth and death.  During this time, their heart would be filled with love, when they would say Satnam.  They would see the world as false and as a myth when they would connect with the true name of Akaal Purakh at this time.  As the morning would progress into day, the Sangat would come to meet Guru ji.  Guru ji’s radiance would be amazing for anyone to witness.  Guru ji’s form was pure and calm.  Everyone would be at peace once they would meet him.  Guru ji was very old.  It was the third incarnation of the Guru.  The Sikhs would visit and make both their life on earth and after-life a success.  They would bow and sit next to Guru ji.  Their hearts would be filled with joy, when they were in his presence.  The Sikhs that wished to be one with Akaal Purakh, Guru ji would be extremely happy with them and love them more.  He would grant them their wish to be one with Akaal Purakh.  He would give them Brahmgyaan.  Guru ji would give them wisdom as to how they can achieve the Parmanand (the ultimate bliss).  By following this path, Simran would become their most favorite task and their egos would be destroyed.  The people that came to ask for worldly things and money, Guru ji would give them what they desired as well, since this was the Guru’s duty.  Those people only liked to spend money for pleasureful things.  The ones that were in love with the path to Parmeshwar, Guru ji would speak to them with great love and help them become one with Akaal Purakh Hari.  The ones who come to ask for sons and wealth, their desires were fulfilled but they were not in the love bonds with Guru ji.  In this way, Guru ji would hold court till noon.  When the Langar would be ready, the Langri would come and announce the Langar.  Guru ji and the Sangat would get up and then have Langar. 

The Sangat would wash Guru ji’s feet and everyone would go have Langar together.  There was no concern of caste or creed.  Everyone sat on the same level to have Langar.  Just as all swans are equally beautiful, so are all human; high caste or low caste; rich or poor.  Satguru ji, sitting in the Pangat, would look like Ram Chander ji sitting with Rishis and Munis (Saints and ascetics) in the jungle.  Satguru ji would only eat once a day.  He would have a dish called Ogra (a cooked grain in milk, yoghurt or water) without any salt.  He would not eat a full meal and stay a little hungry.  The rest of the Sangat ate the great tasting Langar to their heart’s content.  Many types of dishes would be prepared, which would make the Sangat very happy.  When the first Pangat was done eating, they would get up and leave.  The second group would then come and have Langer. 

In the evening, Guru ji would hold another Devan.  He would come and sit on his throne.  There was a Pandit by the name of Kesho Gopal that would come, with whom Guru ji formed a great relationship with.  Kesho Gopal wished to do Katha in Sangat to impress Guru ji and attain to the oneness of Akaal Purakh.  Guru ji sensed his wishes and asked him to start doing Katha in Sangat.  Kesho Gopal was a scholar in many forms of knowledge.  He would do Katha of history and other knowledge.  Guru ji and the Sangat would listen to his Katha with great love and attention.  After the Katha, the Rababis would come and perform Kirtan.  They would sing in different Raags and Raagnis.  The evening Devan would run for 3 hours and everyone would listen with full attention.  They would listen and do the Simran of Satnam in their hearts and out loud.  After the Devan, Guru ji would go to bed and complete the day in this manner.  Seeing the Guru’s routine, one’s sins would run away. 

Guru ji would wear white and light clothes.  He would only keep one set of clothes and wash and wear it everyday.  He wouldn’t keep another set of clothes in the house.  When his set of clothes would go old, only then would he get another set made.  They would be white and simple as well.  He would give his old clothes to the poor and not keep them for anything.  The Langar that was made was also new everyday, nothing was stored over night.  The faith that: Akaal Purakh will provide food everyday, was a solid faith that Guru ji instilled into the hearts of everyone.  It is only Akaal Purakh that provides for all.  Whatever food and grains that would come on a daily basis would all be cooked.  The Sikh Sangat, rich or poor, would eat to their heart’s content.  Whatever Langar was leftover, was distributed out to everyone and to the needy.  They would also give the leftover Langar to the animals in the village.  There was nothing kept for the next day.  Whatever food and grain would come to the Langar during the day, nothing was kept, not even the collected water.  All the pots and pans would be washed and placed upside down.  Just as birds and dervishes never gather anything, that is how it was in Guru ji’s Langar.  Birds and dervishes find new food to eat everyday and do not store anything.  The live under the will of Akaal Purakh.  Extra clothes were not kept as well.  This is how Guru ji’s ways were.  The Sikhs would say Vahiguru from their mouths and upon meeting one another, they would greet each other with “pairee puvna Satguru,” (I touch thy feet, oh Satguru).  Seeing these new traditions that Guru ji had started, the people of the world were jealous and angry. 

Some people would talk bad about the new ways of the House of the Guru.  The fools did not know that this was the way to salvation and prosperity.  In Kaliyuga, the way to mukti is only Bhagti.  Guru ji started these traditions which were inclusive to all castes.  He would say: “whoever believes in the Ashrams and comes to the Guru’s Darbar, they will need to first sit in the Pangat and eat Langar with all the other castes, sitting on the same level; only then are they allowed to see me and sit in the Guru’s court.”  The people that believed: that the purity of the food is only maintained by the food made by the higher castes, they were not allowed to visit the Guru and had to return without seeing him.  The ones that did not recognize the four Ashrams and the four castes, only they were allowed to see Guru ji.  They ate Langar and met Guru ji.  The Sikhs of the Guru brought food everyday with love.  There was never a shortage and everyone ate as much as they wanted to.  The news of the Guru’s ways spread far and wide.  Hearing the glories of the Guru, Sikhs came from far away lands.  Sikhs from the time of Guru Nanak Dev ji came to visit Guru Amardas ji.  The Sikhs that knew about the glories of Guru Angad Dev ji also came to visit Guru ji.  Everyone came, recognizing the third incarnation of the Guru.  Whatever wishes they had in their hearts, that would come true, without them saying it Guru ji.  People that came with money and gifts, only one day’s worth of cost was kept.  The rest was given back to them.  Nothing was stored or treasured.  They would beg for Guru ji to accept their money but if it was not needed for the day, it was not kept.

The Glory of Guru ji grew by the day.  The radiance of Bhagti spread far and wide.  More and more Sikhs were now immersing into the Bhagti of Akaal Purakh.  Many Sikhs began to live with Guru ji and achieved many powers and miraculous abilities.  They would serve the Guru’s feet with great love and devotion and did Simran of Satnam, day and night.  Many Sikhs came and settled in Goindwal and made new houses for themselves.  Many new businesses and shops were set up as well.  Everyone made a good living and there was no shortage of anything.  There was no illness, only happiness and peace, that everyone lived in.