1-36 Guru ji Reveals Himself

When Baba Bhudda ji heard of the Guru’s horse, he got happy and said: “The horse of the Guru seems to be quite powerful.  She does not let anyone else ride her, that’s why Dattu left her here.  Gave the mare a bath and decorate her.  Light incense and Divas around her.  Sprinkle sandalwood essence on her and put a garland made of flowers around her neck.  Put a special cloth on top of the saddle and put new reins on the mare.  The Sangat should all get together and make a request.  Let the horse go and follow to where she goes.  The mare will surely find Guru ji.”  The Sangat quickly did what Baba Bhudda ji said.  They cleaned up the horse and saddle her up with beautiful decorations.  They took her to the village boundary and let her go.  The horse walked slowly ahead, as the Sangat followed her.  Baba Bhudda ji and the other Sikhs were amazed at the way the horse travelled. 

As the mare travelled, it neighed loud and sometimes it would get over-excited and run faster.  When she reached a small shed-like house, she stopped and began to neigh loudly.  The horse circumvented around the house and then stopped at the door.  The horse lowered her head and bowed at the door and neighed out loud.  The Sangat was amazed at the horse going around the house and paying respects to the door.  They said: “but where is Guru ji?”  It was as though Laxmi was telling Vishnu that: Sachi, looking for Inder, was not leaving this place.  Baba Bhudda ji asked: “who had this shed made?  Where is its door?  The horse is not moving from this place.  The mare first circumvented this shed and then bowed towards the front of the shed and is now standing here.  Guru ji must be here.”  Baba Bhudda ji examined the shed from every side.  When he noticed the front of the shed, he saw Guru ji’s sign and called everyone.  Baba Bhudda ji said: “look, this sign is written in Guru ji’s hand.  I will read it out to you.”  Everyone eagerly came forward to listen, as Baba Bhudda ji read the sign: “whoever opens this door, I am not their Guru, nor they, my Sikh.  I will not assist them, who does not obey my command.”  The Sangat heard the words and were shocked.  They didn’t know what to say.  They just stared at each other.  The Sangat spoke: “is there a way we can meet Guru ji?”  Everyone was worried and asked Baba Bhudda ji to find a solution: “only you can do this miracle.  Nobody else can find a solution to this, except you.  Please show your sympathy to the Sangat and find a solution, so that we may see Guru ji.”  Baba Bhudda ji then thought to himself: “Guru ji has commanded not to open the door, but if I can make a break in the other wall, that would be good.  Once I see him, I will ask for his forgiveness.  He never gets mad; he will surely forgive me.”  Baba ji remembered the Guru in his heart and bowed.  He then went to the backside of the shed.  He grand a sharp iron rod and began to smash the bricks to make a small opening.  He made a small opening, just enough for him to crawl through.  The Sangat was amazed watching this. 

Baba Bhudda ji collected himself and got up.  He walked ahead and saw Guru ji, sitting in Samadhi.  Guru ji looked like Shiva, in his Samadhi position.  It was the form of Akaal Purakh.  The Samadhi was bliss.  Guru ji was bliss.  The Master of the Universe was sitting, ever so still, just as Shivji sits in a Samadhi, away from all desires, for millions of years.  Baba ji bowed to Guru Amardas ji’s feet and stood in front of him.  He touched Guru ji’s feet with his hands.  As soon as Guru ji felt the touch of Baba Bhudda ji’s hands, Guru ji came out of his Samadhi and opened his eyes.  The compassionate Guru ji saw Baba Bhudda ji and said: “why did you violate my orders?”  Baba Bhudda ji responded: “Sri Guru ji, I did not violate your orders.  I did not open the doors.  Instead, I went to the back and made a sun (Punjabi word for small opening) by breaking some of the bricks.  Guru ji, the Sangat is worried.  It is as though the sun has permanently set in the world since you have come here to hide.  Oh Lord, why have you done this?  You are hiding here but the Sangat is in pain.  You are all-powerful and complete.  Whatever you think of, that becomes true right away.  Your command is followed by all three dimensions.  Who are you hiding from here?  You should come outside so the Sangat may visit you.  Remember the teachings of Sri Guru Angad Dev ji: make the Sangat recite the name of Akaal Purakh and protect the Sangat as well.”  Guru Amardas ji was pleased, listening to the words of Baba Bhudda ji.  He said to Baba Bhudda ji: “you are great.  You have done this because of your empathy.  You have done a great deed for them.  You are the pillar of Sikhi.  The fire of jealously is burning wildly in the world right now.  Patience, knowledge and focus are firewood for this fire, which are burning in this massive fire.  Desire is eating up humanity and causing pain everywhere.  Swallowing up all the kingdoms of all three dimensions, desire is not satiated.  Desire has won Brahma and others like him; the poor humans are nothing in front of it.  The army of attachment is big and its power has casted upon everyone and destroying all the virtues.  There is a painful darkness casted all around.  The intelligent and fools are both walking backwards.  Seeing this darkness, I decided to come away from it all and stay here in solitude.”  Baba ji then said to Guru ji: “you are the master of all time and destiny.  This is your own play.  You watch your own drama; you give life and you destroy; you give everyone food and subsistence.  Your Sangat is worried and impatient without you.  Please visit them and make their pain go away.  Please fulfill the wishes they have, Satguru ji.”  Guru Amardas ji heard Baba Bhudda ji’s request and honored it.  He said to him: “open the door and let the Sangat come in.  This will be a great favour that you have done for them.”  Baba Bhudda ji was extremely happy.  He bowed to Guru ji and got up immediately.  He moved the bricks and opened the door. 

Baba Bhudda ji told everyone to come inside and meet Guru ji.  The Sangat was waiting outside and rejoiced when they were called in.  They all rushed inside.  Soon, there was no place for anyone to stand.  Everyone bowed and rejoiced.  They shouted out jaikaras for Guru ji.  The Sangat sat with Guru ji and presented gifts for him.  There were mountains of gifts that accumulated.  Guru ji spoke: “the credit of all this goes to Baba Bhudda ji for bringing you all here.  He took great physical pain on his body to crawl through the small sun.  Whoever will visit the sun in the future will not be in pain by the messengers of death.  Baba Bhudda ji is a great ship for Sikhi and will help take many across to mukti.  Baba ji is the outer most limit of Sikhi.  There is no more Sikhi past Baba Bhudda ji.  By saying the name, their pain and hurdles will go away.”  Baba Bhudda ji then spoke to Guru ji: “Prabhu ji, the horse is standing outside.  She brought us to you.   Please get up and mount your horse.  Let’s go back to your home in Goindwal.”  Guru ji got up and came outside of the small house.  He visited others outside.  The horse saw Guru ji and bowed its head and flared its nostrils with joy.  Guru ji patted the horse with his hand and mounted it after reciting the name of Sri Nanak Nath, the master.  The horse walked slowly and the Sangat followed.  Baba Bhudda ji grabbed the reins of the horse and everyone was happy. 

They all reached Goindwal and everyone celebrated Guru ji’s return.  There was a Deepmaalaa in the whole city with ghee lamps and everyone came to see Guru ji.  Karah Prashaad was made and distributed.  Everyone had Prashaad to their heart’s content.  Some brought garlands of flowers and some brought fruit for Guru ji.  Guru ji accepted the Sangat’s pleas and sat on the Guru throne, just like before.  Everyone came with their families to visit Guru ji.  Sangat from far and wide came to visit Guru ji and received many blessings.  The glory of Guru Amardas ji spread in every direction. 

1-37 Paro Jhulka, Blessings to Laaloo

In this way, the Satguru came back to Goindwal.  Baba Bhudda ji stayed with Guru ji for a few days.  Baba Dhatu’s leg continued to hurt.  The pain was quite a bit and was spreading from the bone.  He had committed a great sin and it was hurting for this reason.  He wouldn’t go to ask for forgiveness from Guru ji.  He thought to himself: “I am too embarrassed to go to Guru ji.  My pride would be nothing if I go to the Sangat and ask for forgiveness.  I can’t show my face to Guru ji.”  He continued to take the pain and remained in his home. 

Satguru ji is above joy and sorrow.  Both are the same to him.  Guru ji is the treasure of forgiveness.  He never judges anyone as good or bad and certainly does not say that in words.  He blesses everyone with his divine vision.  Baba Bhudda ji folded his hands and asked for leave.  He is a great Brahmgyaani whose focus is always in the Guru’s feet.  He is the highest but his mind is the lowest.  He considers himself low. 

In the village Dhulla, Bhai Paro Jhulka is a great devotee.  He was immersed in the love of Parmeshwar Satguru.  He knew of the glory of the Satguru and would always read and ponder Gurbani.  He wished to see Akaal Purakh and came to Goindwal to see Guru ji.  He bowed to Guru ji and sat down.  He had great love and devotion in his heart, which the Guru sensed right away.  Guru ji called him “param hans,” as soon as he saw him.  Bhai Gurdas ji mentions that: Guru Amardas ji called Bhai Paro: “Param Hans.”  Bhai Paro was a fully awakened person and only saw the one Akaal Purakh in the whole world.  This was the highest level of Brahmgyaan.  As Satguru ji called him “Param Hans,” Bhai Paro became one with the Brahm Saroop and was one with his real self.  He immediately reached the highest state.  Jog, Vairagya, Bhagti and Brahmgyaan were given to him in his heart.  Niddhis, siddhis and Riddhis were all given to him by Satguru ji.  This happened as soon as he came to Satguru ji.  Bhai Paro was a merchant, but his focus was always on the Satguru.  Both Jog (the way of saints) and bhog (the pleasures of the world) were given to him.  He lived in the world like a lotus flower, not drenched by the water of desires in the world while fulfilling his worldly duties.  He would stay two days at home now and then returned to Guru ji for most of his time.  He would always long for the Guru’s presence. 

One day, Bhai Paro was going to Goindwal, mounted on his horse.  The horse was galloping very fast.  It was running as fast as a bird flying.  Bhai Paro was very powerful, and so nature and animals sensed his wishes and followed through accordingly.  The horse seemed have been flying.  There was a Navaab (governor) going to Delhi with his army.  The whole army was on top of elephants.  The Navaab saw Bhai Paro and noticed the horse going so fast.  He saw Bhai Paro’s radiance and was really surprised.  He wanted to see who this great being was.  He quickly went to Bhai Paro and stood in front of him.  He wanted to see who this saint was and wanted his blessings.  Bhai Paro was a very powerful saint now, higher than many Avatars because of Guru ji’s blessings.  The Navaab got off his elephant and bowed to Bhai Paro’s feet.  Bhai Paro blessed him with his vision.  The Navaab’s heart was filled with love and his vices were all destroyed, just by seeing Bhai Paro.  He folded his hands and said: “oh great saint, what is your name?  Where are you going and where are you coming from?  I wish to become your servant.”  Bhai Paro ji answered him: “my name is Paro and I am going to see my Guru.  I wish to go quickly to Goindwal.”  The Navaab was filled with contentment and said: “where is your Guru?  Please take me with you so I may see him.  Your Guru must be great because you are so radiant and full of Allah’s light.”  Bhai Paro responded: “if you want to go with me, then reject your army, wealth and pleasures.  Then you will be able to benefit from touching the Guru’s feet.”  The Navaab was filled with love.  Right away, the Navaab willed everything to his son.  He gave him all his wealth and army.  He now had the opportunity to meet a great saint that will give him his peace.  This was a rare opportunity that only comes with good karma.  He said to his son: “serve the Emperor well.  Don’t think of me anymore.  I am going to do Bandagi (Bhakti) and I am going to the True Guru.”  He thus instructed his son, and went along with Bhai Paro, renouncing his title and wealth.

When the Navaab saw Satguru ji, he bowed to him.  Guru Sahib ji was very happy and said to Bhai Paro: “Paro, you are great.  You are gracious and help many people.  You are one with Akaal Purakh and you are helping others to connect as well.  To meet and speak with Saints is the highest thing to do.  There is nothing better of a gift than to be in the company of saints.  Saints can break all your bonds, relieving your pain and desires.”  Paro told Guru ji the whole story of how they met and how they came together to Goindwal.  He told Guru ji of how the Navaab renounced his wealth and title.  Guru ji already knew everything and blessed the Navaab.  Guru ji broke the bonds of the Navaab from the cycle of birth and death.  Satguru ji’s love resided in the heart of the Navaab now.  His attachment to desires, the pain from the desires, were all gone now.  The Navaab was in bliss.  He stayed with Guru ji for many days.  To be in the company of saints is the same as iron touching the philosopher’s stone, turning to gold.  He was like the burned manoor (low quality iron) but was now golden.  He reached the state of Parmanand (complete, unwavering bliss).  His mind was completely still and quiet.  After a month, he left with Bhai Paro to Bhai Paro’s village. 

In Bhai Paro’s village of Dhulla, there lived a person named Bhai Laaloo.  Bhai Laaloo and Bhai Paro were good friends.  Bhai Paro recited the Satguru’s name day and night.  Bhai Laaloo was inspired by Bhai Paro and would sit with him.  Bhai Laaloo’s vices died and his mind was at peace in Bhai Paro’s company. 

One day, Bhai Paro wished to see Guru ji and was about to leave, Bhai Laaloo ji spoke: “Paro ji, you seem to be going to Guru ji.  Please take me along.  I wish to be released from my bonds.  I am afraid of the cycle of birth and death.  I wish to be in the company of Guru ji and become his Sikh.  I wish to receive his teachings to wash all my doubts away.  The Gurmukh Sikhs are gracious.  You are blessed by Guru ji.”  Bhai Laaloo had love in his heart now and his throat swelled up with emotion.  He bowed to Bhai Paro’s feet.  He was anxious to meet Guru ji.  Bhai Paro took Bhai Laaloo and went to Goindwal.

When Bhai Paro ji and Bhai Laaloo reached Goindwal.  The entered the Guru’s home compound and took the dust from the Guru’s home and put it on their foreheads.  They then went to the Langar and had Langar to eat.  They were in bliss and purified by being there.  They then went to visit Guru ji and bowed to him.  Bhai Laaloo saw Guru ji but couldn’t get enough of looking at Guru ji.  Such a beautiful sight it was, the Guru’s form.  The gracious Guru ji then spoke casually: “Laaloo has been deeply coloured by the colour of Akaal Purakh.”  Bhai Laaloo instantly reached the highest state of bliss.  Day and night, Bhai Laaloo ji would think of Guru ji from that day onwards.  Guru ji saw his love and blessed Bhai Laaloo by placing his hand on his head.  Bhai Laaloo then reached Brahmgyaan, right away.  Bhai Laaloo was now complete and his love grew along with the Guru’s blessing.  One day, Guru ji was really gracious and gave Laaloo many blessings.  There are many dimensions with ghosts and demons which are not seen.  Bhai Laaloo was made the Guru of those invisible dimensions.  Guru ji sent a message to the people of those dimensions that they are to worship Bhai Laaloo.  The people of those dimensions began to come visit Bhai Laaloo and listened to his commands.  They would be in his presence all the time, but no one else could see them.  They would do exactly what Bhai Laaloo would tell them to do.  They came from thousands of miles away and brought him many gifts. 

There was a Pathan (person from Pashtun culture from Afghanistan area) merchant who was very close to Bhai Laaloo.  He would conduct his business on ships, bringing goods to different islands.  Once, his ship had a break and all his merchandise was destroyed at sea.  There was a big storm in the sea that damaged his ship.  The Pathan managed to survive by hanging on to a raft.  The raft drifted to an island.  He saw a village on the island and spoke to one of the inhabitants: “what country is this and what is it called?  Who are the people that live here?”  The inhabitants of the island were from a different dimension.  The saw the human and laughed.  They said to the Pathan: “this is the place of people who are invisible to your world.  What are you doing here?”  The Pathan was scared and replied to them: “I am from a far-off land called Punjab.  My ship sank and I came here by God’s grace.”  The people of the island then asked the Pathan: “do you know Bhai Laaloo?”  The Pathan was extremely happy to hear his friend’s name and said: “yes!  I live with Bhai Laaloo and bow to him when I see him.  He is a great saint and we have a deep love for each other.”  The inhabitants then gave the Pathan a place to sit and served him with great respect upon hearing his words.  The Pathan remembered Bhai Laaloo and shed tears of emotion.  The people of the island asked the Pathan: “why are you crying?  We are the Sikhs of Laaloo.  We will do what you say.”  The Pathan said to the people; “please show me Bhai Laaloo.  I have lost everything and I wish to go to Punjab.”  The people gave the Pathan two rubies and said: “please give these rubies to Bhai Laaloo.  Take other diamonds and gems for yourself but give these two rubies to Bhai Laaloo.”  The Pathan was very happy.  The people got the Pathan to close his eyes and sent him home.  When he opened his eyes, he was in his home.  He went to Laaloo and gave him the two rubies and bowed to him, reciting his glory.  He then told him what had happened to him: “oh great saint, I have come back to you, with your blessing.”

Bhai Laaloo took the two rubies and presented them to Satguru Amardas ji.  Guru ji said to Laaloo: “I have the gem of the name of Akaal Purakh in my heart.  Throw these rubies into the river.  Do not fall in love with these rubies to do your business.”  Bhai Laaloo obeyed Guru ji’s command and threw them into deep waters.  The glory of the Satguru and the Sikhs of the Satguru is great.  They are gracious to the world. 

1-38 Blessing Sikhs, The Houses of the Sheikhs are Ruined

There was a great Sikh named Khan Chura that lived in Dhulla.  He worshiped the feet of the gracious Guru, Guru Amardas ji.  Deepa, Maaloo Shahi and many other Sikhs lived in the village Dhulla.  They lived by the Sikh Maryada (tradition).  Another, named Kidhari, was a very wise Sikh that also lived there.  There were 72 Sikhs that were Brahmgyaanis, blessed by Guru Amardas ji, that lived in that same village.  Their history will come in the future on how their minds were purified. 

In a place called Sultanpur, lived a person named Mahesha.  Bhai Mahesha was a very rich businessman.  He heard of the glory of Satguru ji and wished to see him, as he was filled with love.  He came to Goindwal and wanted to see Guru ji.  He had Langar first and then went to go see Guru ji.  He was fortunate to sit near Guru ji.  Day and night, he would think of Guru ji and had love for him in his heart.  He couldn’t get enough of Guru ji and bowed to him many times.  Guru ji asked Mahesha: “for what reason have you come here?  Where do you live?  Which path do you follow?  Which mantra do you recite?”  Mahesha folded his hands and replied to Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, I have come to seek your path and wish to follow your teachings.  I wish to receive your name mantra by which my pain would go away and I will be released from the worldly bonds.  I have renounced all other paths and only seek your protection and wisdom.”  Satguru ji heard his words and said to him: “you won’t be able to follow my path.  If you wish to become my Sikh, your wealth will not stay with you.  People will laugh at you and you will be in pain, regretting your decisions.”  Mahesha responded to Guru ji: “I sacrifice my body, mind and wealth to you.  I don’t care if everything of mines is destroyed.  I do not want it.  I only want your love.  I have renounced all my desires from everywhere and wish to stay at your feet.”  Guru ji saw his determination and placed his hand on Mahesha’s head.  Satguru ji made him recite the Satnam Mantra and gave him Sikhi.  As soon as Guru ji’s hand was placed on Mahesha’s head, he was in ultimate bliss. 

Guru ji wanted to test him on a rugged path.  In a matter of days, all his wealth was lost.  The investments he had made, were all in ruin, as time passed by.  He lost all his money.  People looked at him and laughed.  They said: “what did you do to yourself?  What glory did you achieve by becoming a Sikh?  Your house and wealth are all gone.  You don’t have money for food or clothes.  You have nothing now.”  Mahesha listened to everyone and responded: “I have been elevated to a very high level in the love of the Guru.  This state will never go away.  The ocean of pain will be crossed by this state of love.  This wealth is just a dream.  It is a myth.  It does not exist.  It’s an illusion.  This wealth cannot go with you to heaven or Sach Khand.  One day, this wealth will not be with us.  Either, it will leave me while I am alive, or I will have to leave it, when I die.  If my mind attaches itself to the lotus-like feet of the Guru, the troubles of this world and the world beyond, will run away.  The illusion of wealth has been destroyed since the day I fell to the true Guru’s feet and sought his protection.  I have become one with the ultimate bliss, the Parmanand.  I am not afraid of anything now.”  After saying all that, he went quiet.  People continued to make fun of Mahesha and laughed at him, but he didn’t care.  He wasn’t happy or sad.  He was focused on the love of Satguru ji.  He did the Simran of Satnam all the time. 

Mahesha went to go see Satguru ji one day.  He folded his hands and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Mahesha had become weak and thin due to not getting proper nourishment.  He didn’t have money to buy food for meals like he used to.  Some days, he didn’t get to eat.  Seeing him weak and frail, Guru ji had pity on him and blessed him.  Guru ji noticed that he had passed the rugged test that Guru ji set for him.  Just as the gold is purified by immense heat, and turns to 24 karat gold, Mahesha was now purified and filled with love.  Guru ji said to him: “you will be ten times richer than you were before.  Your time on this world will be full of happiness, joy and wealth.  You will go to Sach Khand and will be released form the bondage of desire and the cycle of birth and death.”  In this way, Guru ji blessed him with everything.  In a matter of days, he had accumulated ten times more money than he ever had.  Every investment he made, came out extremely profitable.  Almost as if, whatever he touched, turned to gold.  Guru ji blessed many Sikhs in this manner.  Sikhi flourished during this time.  Whoever came to the feet of Guru ji with love and devotion, received the ultimate gift of Brahmgyaan along with many powers.  Guru ji gave everyone both the Mantra, the name of Akaal Purakh and the powers that come with it.  Whoever listened to Guru ji, succeeded in every way.

Seeing the great hub of business and commerce that Goindwal had become, the clan of Sheiks (a clan that descends from the family of the Prophet Mohammad of Islam) decided to build their homes there along with all their relatives and clan’s people.  There was a lot of Kirtan that happened at the home of the Guru.  The Sikhs would sing Shabad Gurbani all day long.  The Sheiks saw this everyday.  The children of the Sheiks were jealous and harboured hatred towards the Sikhs.  They began to bully the Sikhs.  When the Sikhs would go to the wells to fill their water pots, the kids of the Sheiks would break the clay pots with their slingshot pebbles.  When this became a daily occurrence, the Sikhs told Guru ji of this: “the children of the Sheiks break our clay pots when we go to get water from the well.”  Guru ji then instructed them to get water in leather pouches.  The Sikhs obeyed and started to get water in the leather pouches.  When the Sheik kids saw this, they were egotistical and poked holes in their pouches with their bow and arrows.  The Sikhs went back to Guru ji and told him what happened: “they shot our pouches with their arrows.  They are doing very bad deeds with us.”  The moon-faced Guru ji responded: “get metal pots to fetch the water with joy.”  The Sikhs said: “sat bachan (true are your words),” and got metal pots to get water.  The same kids then threw bricks at them, to dent their pots.  The kids were ruthless and egotistical.  Their parents wouldn’t stop them.  Instead, they would get happy at what their kids were doing.  The Sangat then presented their problem to Guru ji again: “the kids now dent our pots.”  The gracious Guru heard this and went quiet.  He didn’t respond at all; nor said anything to them this time. 

During that time, there came a group of Sanyasi Sadhoos (hermit saints) who were travelling through Goindwal.  These Sanyasi Sadhoos were the Das Naami Sanyasis from Shankaracharya ji’s Samprada.  They practiced martial arts and carried weapons with them.  The kids of the Sheiks did the same things with them as well.  The Sanyasis only ate food made by themselves in copper dishes.  They would go to well to fetch water in their copper pots.  When the Sanyasis went to go get water, the kids threw rocks to break their pots without any delay.  One of the pebbles struck the lead Mahant in the eye and made his eye pop out.  All of the Sanyasis grabbed their weapons and gave the Sheiks a thrashing.  They killed some and some, they injured.  At the same time, Mughal officers had a camp set up nearby.  They were carrying money for the royal treasuries on top of mules to transport to another location.  They were resting the night and had their guards set up.  Early in the morning hours, there came an intense storm with lots of rain.  It got really dark and they couldn’t see anything.  The wind made the animals anxious and the mules entered the area of the Sheiks in the village.  One of the mules entered the house of the Sheiks, who were causing difficulty to the Sikhs and were against Guru ji.  The Sheiks noticed the mule and the money bags tied to it.  They hid the mule inside their house.  As the storm passed, the light shown through and the Mughal officers began to look for all their mules.  The found all their mules except for one.  They began searching vigorously.  They searched hard but couldn’t find that one mule.  As the officers gave up, the mule in the home made a whimper.  The soldiers heard the mule and retrieved it from one of the houses of the Sheiks.  The Mughal soldiers were very mad and arrested the Sheiks.  In that time period, the Mughal law for theft was capital punishment by death.  They hung the Sheiks right away, in whose house the mule was hidden in.  Others were beaten up very badly.  When the Sikhs told Guru ji about the fate of the Sheiks, Guru ji said: “listen to the this old conversation between one student and one saint carefully:  the student asked: “if someone does something bad to another, then what should the other person do?”  The saint responded: “if one person is doing a good deed and is stopped or hurt by another, then do not take revenge.”  The Sikh asked: “what if he continues to do bad?”  The Saint said: “then do more good deeds.  The bad person will suffer from the good deed the other person responded with.  The bad person would not be able to do anything anymore and will probably die.”  Guru ji then said: “everyone receives accordingly as they do.  Whoever remains humble and low in the house of the Guru, that person will achieve a high status and higher state.  Sri Parmeshwar is great.  The saints are saved by Akaal Purakh.”  The ones who received wisdom from Guru ji, they served the Guru with love and devotion.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: the blessed ones who have heard or read this history, they will not be faced with Kaal (death, defeat, or bad times).

1-39 Blessing Sikhs

One, Laaloo the wise, second Durga and third, Jivanda.  All three came to meet Guru Amardas ji to serve him.  They came to Guru ji and bowed.  They began to do seva in the Guru’s complex.  One day, they came to Guru ji and made a request with folded hands: “Guru ji, please give us, your servants, wisdom, by which we may attain salvation.”  Sri Guru Amardas ji said to them: “there is nothing else compared to helping others with a selfless motive.  A person that helps others selflessly, is always in peace.  There are three types of services by which you may help others.  Take this wisdom and engrave it in your hearts:  First type- if you have money, give it to the poor, who you think are in pain and suffering in life.  Wherever you see a poor person or an orphan, give them food and clothes.  Have compassion in your heart for them and relieve them of their pain, as much as you can.  The second type- always speak kindly and compassionately.  Solve others’ problems that might be making them go off course in life.  If you have some sort of education, give it to them.  Third type- have well wishes for everyone in your heart.  Never accept a decision to do something bad to someone else.  So, to recap: 1. Donate 2. Speak well 3. Think well.   Make a constant effort to make life easier for others and help them relieve their pain by any which way you can.  The best donation is to give food.  Constantly make an effort to donate food to others.  Always think about places and people you can give food to.  Food gives life and therefore, no other donation is better than food.  Prepared or un-prepared (raw), give it wherever and whenever you can.  Never refuse a hungry person.  Whatever time it may be, morning or evening, give food without thinking twice about it.  Don’t be concerned with high or low caste, satiate the hunger of a hungry person.”  The three Sikhs listened to Guru Amardas ji’s words with faith and devotion.  They made it their life’s mission to feed everyone.  They donated food to many people from that day onwards.  They become good Sikhs of the Guru and would come to meet Guru ji often.  They would do Bhagti and seva along with donating food.  Their preference was to stay with Guru ji.  They stayed in Goindwal more than they did at home.

A Sikh by the name of Jagga came to see Satguru ji.  He bowed his head and saw many other Sikhs in Guru ji’s court.  He was happy to see so many other Sikhs.  He folded his hands and spoke: “Guru ji, I wish to be blessed.  I met a Jogi one day and I made a request to him.  This is what the Jogi said to me: your family and relatives are all bondages for you.  Renounce them all and become a Fakir and come to me.  Come to me for wisdom by which you will receive salvation.  Renounce the home that is filled with trouble and problems.”  I have come to you Guru ji.  How can I make my mind pure and reach salvation?  How can I achieve the great Bhagti by which Nirvana, the Prabhoo is achieved?”  Guru ji saw Jagga’s faith and said: “don’t renounce your home.  If one would be able to meet Akaal Purakh by renouncing their home, then why do Fakir’s come to villages and cities amongst the householders?  They go to the shops and fight with the merchants and beg all day long.  The Gurmukh householder stays in the home and does Bhagti.  They receive mukti and are not born in this world again.  Just as a lotus flower lives in the water, but does not get wet; it looks at the sun all day long and keeps it’s position strong and tall; it looks towards the higher source; that is how Gursikhs work for a living, giving a portion of their earnings to the Satsangat.  By this, their good deeds accumulate.  When I Fakir begs for food and eats it, their japp and tapp are spent by it.  The ones who serve the Fakir, take the Fakir’s japp and tapp.  They then are rewarded by it.  When the householders feed the Fakirs, they take the Fakir’s Bhagti.  Just as people feed the cow grass and take its milk, that is how people serve saints who do Simran and take a portion of their soul’s peacefulness.  Oh Jagga!  Understand this very carefully: the supreme way of life in Kaliyuga is the life of a householder.  Use your body to work for a living and also serve saints.  With your mind, do the Bhagti of Hari Deva (Akaal Purakh).  You will reach Brahmgyaan very quickly this way.  Don’t renounce your home.  Keep your attention focused on your Guru.” The Sikh heard Guru ji’s words and engraved them in his heart.  He understood how to do Bhagti at the same time as doing is job.  He lived his life according to the teachings of Guru ji and began to serve Satguru Amardas ji. 

A father and son named Khanoo and Mayeea came to see Guru ji.  A third person, named Govind Bhandari, came with them as well.  He said to Guru ji: “we come to seek your blessings and wish to be your Sikhs.  Please give us wisdom by which we are filled with all of the virtues.”  Satguru ji said to them: “the greatest virtue in this world is the Bhagti of Hari.  By doing Bhagti, all of the virtues are acquired.  The Bhagavan Akaal Purakh is impressed with Bhagti.  Bhagavan is the treasure of all virtues.  When the giver of all virtues is on your side, then no other virtue is left.”  All three of the Sikhs asked Guru ji: “how is Bhagti done?  Please tell us how the love of Bhagti may illuminate inside of us.”  Satguru ji then said to them: “there are nine types of Bhagtis.  The first is Sukhdai.  The second is Prema Bhagti.  The third is Paraa Bhagti.  Listen to the difference of all nine.  Their pain is all gone, who understand these nine Bhagtis.  Listen to the Guru’s words with faith and devotion.  Keep your mind and eyes focused on the Guru.  Secondly, do Kirtan and Katha and sing the glories of Prabhoo.  Thirdly, do the Simran of Satnam.  Don’t let any time go without doing Simran.  Synchronize your breath with the Simran and don’t forget it while sitting down or getting up.  Fourthly, consider the Guru as the same as Bhagavan.  Focus on the lotus-like feet of the Guru.  Wash the feet of saints and drink the Amrit from their feet.  Fifth, when you are about to eat, first offer a portion to the Guru.  Pray to the Guru by doing Ardaas and then eat.  Whatever is your financial and personal ability, feed food to saints.  Get clothes made for saints and sadhoos.  Sixth, go to the court of the Guru and circumvent around the Gurduara.  Light incense and diva lamps.  Spray sandalwood and other pleasant-smelling essences.  Bring flowers for the Guru.  Seventh, consider yourself the servant; and Parmeshwar, as the master.  Everything that you have, body, mind, and wealth, consider these things as gifts from Parmeshwar.  Consider Akaal Purakh as your husband, while being a chaste wife.  Eighth, consider Parmeshwar your friend and never let your mind wander.  Whatever the Parmeshwar does, consider it good.  Don’t doubt whatever Parmeshwar does, as everything happens in Parmeshwar’s will.  Just like you trust your friends and what he or she does is good, trust that whatever Parmeshwar does, will be good for you.  Ninth, give your body and wealth to Prabhoo.  Don’t consider anything as your own.  Renounce the desire of material objects and do not be attached to them.  Understand that everything belongs to Hari and pay no attention to pain or pleasure.  These are the nine types of Bhagtis.  If one is to achieve any one of them, they reach salvation.  If one is to experience all nine, then there is no room for doubt.  There is nothing else compared to Prema Bhagti.  Just as a fruit is first green and bitter, and then it turns yellow and becomes sour; later on, it acquires the sweetness from the tree; when it is fully ripe, it becomes red and really sweet; that is how the lover of Parmeshwar is.  First the bhagat feels like crying as it wishes to meet Parmeshwar.  The Bhagat sees themselves as separated from Parmeshwar and this hurts them.  The Bhagat sighs and takes deep breaths.  They become emotional and cannot speak while their hairs stand on end.  Sometimes they sing the glories and sometimes they are quiet.  Their face turns dark and they are not aware of their own body parts anymore.  As the love grows, their hunger and thirst decrease for food and tastes.  They eat less.  Hunger and thirst become a low priority for them.  Day and night their mind is drenched in love.  The emotion causes them pain and restlessness.  After that, their face turns yellow.  If someone talks about their love, Akaal Purakh, they seek the company of such saints.  They try to see and listen; to identify the souls that are connected to Akaal Purakh.  They feel closer to Akaal Purakh, by being in the company of saints who are connected to Akaal Purakh.  When the company of saints becomes constant and frequent for them, they then begin to see the Supreme Prabhoo in all.  Their faces then turn a red colour.  Their minds are satiated and do not wander anywhere else.  Then the sweet stillness comes.  Their mind is completely still.  They are determined to focus their attention on the Aatam Gyaan.  This is the Paraa Bhagti.  They wished to see their true self but found that they are the same as the one Eshwar.  The real self was the Sat (ever-existing), Chetan (conscious) Anand (ultimate bliss), Brahm (supreme) Saroop (form).  It is existing everywhere, just like space.  It is the most beautiful form.  If one is to do this type of Bhagti, then they become one with the Brahm form.”  Khanoo, Mayeea and Gobind, all three were in bliss after hearing the Guru’s words. 

1-40 Giving Wisdom to the Sikhs

There was a cook named Jodh who made food for Guru Amardas ji.  He was a Brahman but did not let his mind be filled with ego.  He did the seva of the Guru.  The money and food that the Sangat brought, was picked up by Jodh and used to buy grains and vegetables for the Langar.  He used to take as much Langar and money required for a whole day’s worth of Langar, and cooked accordingly.  He would make sure nothing was left for the next day.  The left-over Langar was given to the animals.  If there was food left over after feeding the animals, then the left-over food was put into the river.  The pots of water were turned to empty out the water.  There was no counting of the Langar.  This was commanded by Satguru ji, which Bhai Jodh obeyed with faith and devotion.  He was very smart and made Langar accordingly.  Bhai Jodh would eat the left-over Langar that wasn’t distributed.  He would never care for taste and eat as much as he needed to.  He would serve the Sikh Sangat very well.  He would prepare Langar for anyone who came to the Guru’s home.  The Brahman, Bhai Jodh, was never lazy.  He would make sure nobody left hungry.  Guru ji was very impressed with his seva and gave him the wisdom of Satnam.  Guru ji released him from the pain of birth and death and gave him the state of bliss of the highest level. 

One day, Guru ji made a casual trip to the Dhulla village.  Prithimal and Tulsa were two people who lived there, who were born in the Bhalla clan.  They heard about Guru ji and came to see him.  They bowed and sad down beside him.  Both of them had pride in their hearts about their caste and said to Guru ji: “we are both from the same caste as you.”  Guru ji heard them and responded: “the Guru does not have any caste or creed.  The bodies, that are born in this world, caste is an illusion and is not real.  These bodies grow old and die.  The caste does not go along with your soul to the next world.

Sri Mukhvaak Mahalla 1 (The holy words of Nanak I)

In the next world, caste and strength do not exist.  There are new beings there.  Those few, that are honored, only they will be considered good.3.

(SGGS 469)

This is the wisdom of Guru Nanak Dev ji: caste and strength do not carry on with the soul.  The body that is born, dies in this world and does not go along in the next world.  Those who do Simran of Satnam, consistently and constantly; serve the Sikhs with a humble mind, their honor is acknowledged.  Caste, high or low, is not considered.” 

A Sikh named Bhai Mullan came to Guru Amardas ji and bowed to his feet.  He then asked Guru ji: “please grant me wisdom by which my inner conflict is resolved.”  Satguru ji said to him: “let go of your ego and serve the saints.  This will bring you happiness.  Have faith and devotion and feed the saints.  Wash their feet and feed them well.  For the love of the Guru, make the saints clothes; you will be blessed by the hungry and the ones who don’t have clothes.  Do the Simran of Satnam and let go of your stubbornness.  You will reach salvation.”  He heard the words of Guru ji and started to follow the Guru’s teachings.  He began to serve the saints with love and devotion.

Ugarsen, Ramoo and Deepa, came to Guru ji.  They bowed to Guru ji and came seeking wisdom.  Guru ji gave them wisdom and blessed them: “when a Sikh comes to meet you, give them food to eat.  Wake up during the Amrit Vela (the last watch of the night or 3 hours before sunrise) recite the word of the Guru with focus.  Ponder on the meanings of Gurbani or learn from a learned person, the wisdom of Gurbani.  In a day, for an hour and a half, forget all your other tasks and listen to the wisdom of Gurbani (Katha) or say the translations yourself.  A boat may be filled with a lot of people but it should stay at least four fingers above the water.  By staying as little as four fingers above the water, it still crosses the people across.  What you need to consider is that you should not load too much, so that the water level goes above the four fingers.  The ways of the world grabs the person’s attention; do the “dharam di kirat” (the honest labour or business) day and night, but take out an hour and a half a day, and devote it to pondering the Guru’s wisdom.  All of your matters will be resolved and you will reach salvation.  The Prabhoo will see your love and will be impressed with you.  The Guru will fulfil all your matters to completion and will not let you lose anything in any dimension.  Ponder on the words of the Guru.  Focus your attention and do the Simran of Akaal Purakh.”  All three listened to Guru ji’s wisdom and engraved it into their hearts.  They succeeded in their life by becoming Gursikhs. 

Gopi, Ramoo Mehta, Mohan Mal, and Amaroo; all four came to the Guru’s feet.  They folded their hands and said to Guru ji: “please keep us with you.  Please bless us, as you are the most powerful.  You bless the poor and fulfill your greatness.  Please give us wisdom by which we are saved.”  Sri Guru Amardas ji then said: “you have been caught in bondage due to your ego.  This happened without you wanting it.  Everyone has taken this menace and attached themselves to it.  They have forgotten the Parmeshwar, which resulted in their pain being present.  For this reason, renounce your ego, only then will you be in love with Prabhoo Akaal Purakh.”  The four heard Guru ji’s words and then further inquired: “how do we renounce our ego?”  Guru ji responded: “accept your body as false.  When your time is up, your body will finish.  On a daily and constant way, slowly take your attention away from your body and direct it towards your Aatma.  It won’t happen right away.  Do it slowly so it sets in to your mind, that you are the soul and not the body.  Build tolerance, stamina, forgiveness and patience.  Do not hate others.  If someone says bad words to you or disrespects you, don’t be angry with them.”  They heard Guru ji’s wisdom and made changes in their life.  They become fortunate and turned towards their Aatma.

Gangoo and Sahaaroo Bhaaroo came to Guru ji and bowed.  They sat down beside Guru ji.  Guru ji gave them wisdom as well: “accept the highest form of love and share your earnings.  Speak nicely to everyone.  If someone speaks harsh words to you, do not be angry.  First feed Gursikhs and then eat food that was not distributed, after the Gursikhs have eaten.  That person is pure that eats after the Gursikhs have eaten.  Do the Simran of Vahiguru, everyday.  When your mind will be focused onto the Simran, you will achieve a high level of peace.  Do not worship graves, ancestors, snakes, plants, ghosts, demons or idols.”

Khan Chura, Begha Paasi, Nand Soodana were impressed with Guru ji.  Ughroo, Taaroo, Jhunda and Pooro heard the glories of the Guru and came to him.  They bowed to Guru ji and began to ask him questions about the ultimate salvation.  Sri Guru Amardas ji said to them: “Kaliyuga has a strong hold on the world right now.  In the previous Yugas, people did Yagnas by placing home (offerings) into the Yagna.  The Devatas were happy by this as they received energy from this attention.  Attention is energy.  This is equal to giving food to Sikhs.  Make love your Bhagti for the Prabhoo as your main support.  You will receive all of the happiness in life.  Make Vahiguru reside in your heart and achieve the pleasures of life while living as a householder.  This will be equal to doing tapp in the forest.” 

Two Chimbas (tailors): Malyaar and Sahaaroo came to Guru ji.  They bowed to Guru ji’s feet, the giver of peace.  Guru ji gave them wisdom: “do seva of Sikhs.  Get clothes made for them and become pure.  The Guru will be happy with you then.  The Satsangat washes your filth from your heart.  Serve the Guru with faith and devotion.  Do the Simran of the one who is the master of the Devatas (the elements, senses and powers of the universe).”

A Pandha (a Brahman priest) named Boola came to Guru ji and bowed.  He said to Guru ji: “I cannot serve anybody because nobody would let me serve them, seeing that I am a Brahman.  Please bless me with wisdom so that I may reach salvation.”  Guru ji said: “read the Gurbani of the Satguru and do Katha with love.  Recite Gurbani in Satsangat and teach Gursikhs, Gurmat.  Write pothis (collection of Gurbani scriptures) for Gursikhs.  If somebody gives you money, be content with it and use it for yourself.  Don’t beg for the money.  Your seva will bring you the fruits and rewards you need.”

One day, all of the Sikhs from Dhulla came to see Guru ji.  Guru ji gave them all wisdom at once: “on Gurpurabs (special days of the Gurus), new moon, full moon and Shangrand (new month of the Vikram Calendar); a Deepmaalaa with divas (ghee lamps) happens here.  Everyone should come here on those days and have a jor mela (gathering of Sikhs).  Make Karah Prashaad on those days and celebrate.  Distribute the Karah Prashaad on the name of the Guru and sing Shabad Kirtan with love.  Make new clothes for people who don’t have clothes.  Give food to the hungry and poor.  Help them in life with other necessities, so they can become self-sufficient.  Otherwise, help them for the rest of their lives if they can’t do it on their own.  If someone’s tasks are stuck, everyone should get together and do Ardaas for their success.  Everyone should contribute what they can and give that person money to help them out.  Make this the tradition in your villages and regions.  Do jor melas and make sure your kids and grandkids inherit these traditions.  This tradition is the most ancient.  One receives many rewards and is at peace when one becomes a Sikh.  Sing Gurbani with faith and love.  This will make your destiny a great one.”  In this way, Guru ji gave wisdom to the Sikhs and came back to Goindwal.  The Sikhs and servants were with Guru ji as well.  In Goindwal, bhajan, Simran and Kirtan were spreading bliss amongst all the Sikhs.  The Langar was prepared all the time.  The Langar was like the ambrosial nectar.  People would come to see Guru ji and their sins were washed away.  Whoever came to Guru ji for their salvations, they were given the wisdom of Satnam Simran.  This would give them peace.  This message was spread by the Sikhs who reached Brahmgyaan by doing the Simran of Satnam.  They themselves gave the same wisdom to others and helped them achieve salvation.  Some acquired the wisdom through Gurmukhs and were released from their bonds and troubles.  Just as the Bhavan Chandan (dwarf sandalwood) gives off its smell to other plants, so did the Gurmukhs pass on their levels to others by singing the Gurbani.  The fortunate ones stayed with Guru ji by which the Simran of Satnam helped gather their focus.  They would recite: “great is Guru Amar,” and became one with themselves.