1-51 Making Baoli/ Meeting Sri Ramdas ji’s Relatives

Guru Amardas ji is the teacher of Dharam.  His aim is to spread good will.  He is altruistic.  In order for Sikhs to achieve salvation, he wanted to construct a Baoli.  One day, Guru ji spoke in court: “we shall make a great Baoli here.  When Sikhs come to this Teerath, they will bathe in it.”  Guru ji then had a command written: “Guru ji is beginning the construction of a Baoli.  Sikhs are asked to come and do seva with love and devotion.  They shall be blessed.”  Bhai Paro ji wrote the Hukamnamas and sent them to different areas of the land.  The Sangat read the commands and began to gather in groups.  They came to Goindwal, bringing money.  The Sangat came and bowed to Guru ji’s feet with love and devotion. 

Sri Guru Amardas ji stepped outside, observing a good day.  He asked for sweets to be prepared for the Sangat.  He spotted a good place near the Beas River and walked slowly towards it with the Sangat.  Guru ji came to the spot and inspected it.  He gave the order to perform the ground-breaking ceremony.  Baba Bhudda ji was asked to break the ground with the shovel where the great Teerath of Baoli Sahib was to be built.  Baba Bhudda ji dug out some dirt and placed it in a basket.  He took the dirt and threw it outside the perimeter.  All of the Sangat followed and began to dug and transport the dirt.  They were all eager to do the seva and did so, with love and devotion.  Guru ji supervised and directed the whole task.  The Sangat had great enthusiasm to build the first Teerath of Sikhi. 

The news spread far and wide about the Baoli being built: “Guru Bhagavan ji is building a Teerath.”  The Sangat brought their own shovels and baskets.  Guru ji was happy to see the enthusiasm.  Sikhs came everyday to do Seva and had Langar while in Goindwal Sahib.  Labourers were also hired at 2 Annas (1 Rupee = 16 Annas) a day.  They were given gourmet foods of the Langar to eat.  They were overjoyed to earn money and eat Langar.  Langar was prepared in great quantities.  The Sangat brought grains and crops for the Langar.  Some Sikhs brought money to pay the labourers.  There was always a great crowd near the Baoli site.  Guru ji would sit there too and the Sangat would serve him.  The Sangat had great love for their Guru.  The Sangat was working very hard and earning great karma in both worlds.  As soon as Sikhs would hear about the Teerath being built, they would get ready as soon as they could, and came straight to Goindwal.  The news spread to Lahore and other places: “Satguru ji is building a Baoli that will wash away the sins.  Whoever goes with faith and love, their wishes will all be fulfilled.”  People would come as soon as they could.  Sikhs brought money and wanted to put their work into the Teerath.  They would come and grab hold of shovels and baskets.  A group of Sangat would come as others would leave.  They were doing seva with full devotion.  Labourers from Lahore came to work.  They would eat langar and work all day.  In the evening they would collect their 2 Annas.  It was a famous thing now: “the Seva of Baoli Sahib is in progress.” 

Sri Ramdas ji was working with everyone else.  He had love for the Satguru’s feet and did the Seva by discarding all his ego.  Sri Ramdas ji did seva with extreme love and devotion.  He would take the baskets and throw the dirt away.  He did not have ego, being the son-in-law of Guru ji, and did not care what his relatives had to say.  He didn’t care that he was from the high caste of the Sodhis.  He stayed focused on the Seva.  He didn’t care about anyone else and was always ready for Seva with his full attention.  He didn’t care about the pain his own body would go through.  He didn’t care to rest.  He was working with Prema Bhagti.  He had not an ounce of jealousy inside his heart.  He knew that peace and prosperity came from doing selfless service.  He knew that Seva led to the revelation of Akaal Purakh’s form inside your heart.  He knew that doing Seva, makes one immerse into the light of Akaal Purakh.  He would take the basket and throw the dirt far away.  His clothes were dirty from the dirt and mud and didn’t care about that either.  His love would grow even more.  He was ready to do seva with his mind, words, and body; and wished for no reward.  Sri Guru Amardas ji, the omniscient one, noticed everything.  He saw the immense love in Sri Ramdas ji’s heart.  He was full of faith, devotion and wisdom.  He knew the ultimate result of doing Seva and Satguru ji understood everything.  He did not have a grain of ego inside of him.  He did Seva for a long time. 

There was a travelling group that was on its way to the Ganga.  They stopped and camped at Goindwal, seeing it as a good place.  In that group were many relatives of Sri Ramdas ji.  The prominent members of the Sodhi clan were part of that group.  Some were his cousins and some were his relatives.  His friends and neighbours were there too.  Some were his acquaintances.  Some seniors of their clan were there, along with Sri Ramdas ji’s uncles.  They all came to meet Sri Ramdas ji with eagerness.  There were about a thousand people.  Their Purohits were with them too, along with the Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shoodras that knew Sri Ramdas ji.  They all wanted to meet Sri Ramdas ji and said: “we have heard the Hardas ji’s son lives here.  Guru Amardas ji had established Goindwal and many people have settled.  We have heard that Jetha (Guru Ramdas ji’s birth name) lives here and his older brother Sahari Mal lives in Lahore.  Sahari Mal lives at his father’s house and has settled there.  He lives with his relatives but the younger has settled with his in-laws.  Let’s go and see how he is.  Let’s see if he is better or worse off than Lahore.  How is he living here and what work does he do?  How is he making a living?”  In this way they all talked amongst themselves. 

The senior people of the group came to Guru ji at Chabarra Sahib.  They saw Sri Ramdas ji near the construction site with a basket of dirt on his head.  The whole group saw him carry the dirt on his head and throw it far away.  Sri Ramdas ji saw his relatives and neighbours and came to meet them.  He said “Ram, Ram ji,” to them.  He said “Pairee Puvna (bowing to their feet),” to the elders.  He had the basket in his hand, and bowed to the elders.  The elders got mad as they saw him.  They were mad to see their clansman working at his in-laws’ house.  The jealous ones began to smile with ill-intentions, seeing Sri Ramdas ji dirty with soil.  They thought that Sri Ramdas ji was not well-off and that made them happy.  His clothes were ripped and dirty.  The relatives were shocked and said: “you have stained the honor of our family.  You are working, carrying dirt in your in-laws’ home.  You have drowned the reputation of the Sodhis.  You didn’t care about our honor.  (Little did they know, the carrier of the basket full of dirt was going to become the King of the universe and take the honor of the Sodhis to unprecedented levels) You were born in the Sodhi family and stained our honor.  You shouldn’t have stayed at your in-laws’.  This is not the way of Kshatriyas.  To earn for a living, there were many other respectable forms of work.  Wise people choose good paths to earn money.  If this is what you wanted to do, you could have stayed in Lahore and done this.  You are carrying dirt on top of your head in your in-laws’ village.  No Kshatriya does this.  You have stained our honor and brought shame to your father’s name.  You made us look bad in our circles.  What will people say?  You didn’t recognize the glorious history of our family.”  In this way, the group said bad words to Sri Ramdas ji.  Sri Ramdas ji heard their words and smiled.  He said to them: “you do not know the glory of the Satguru that destroys all pain.  His court is praised in the world.  If he looks at you once, millions of pains and obstacles over many lifetimes are washed away.  The Guru makes his Sikhs become one with Parmeshwar, who Jogis meditate upon, all their life.  Achieving salvation is not easy, but Guru Amardas ji does it in an instant for us.  Guru ji’s way is very easy and quick.  When you serve the Satguru, it is never without fruit.  His Seva gives you moksha and kingdoms; who serve with faith.  Whoever does not serve the Guru, there is no bigger foolish person.  The ones who are fortunate, they become the Satguru’s Sikh and are able to serve him.  There is no other more rewarding task than serving the Guru.  The servant of the Guru is the king of all.”  Sri Ramdas ji explained all this to his relatives.  They were not listening to him and instead, they doubted him.  They all returned to their tents.  Sri Ramdas ji understood that they were not aware of Guru ji’s greatness.  The Sodhis on the other hand, thought that: their Jetha was poor and was being taken advantage of. 

At around 4 pm, all of the Sodhis got ready to see Guru Amardas ji.  They first had Langar and then went to Guru ji.  They came to Chabarra Sahib, all full with ego.  They did not bow to Guru Amardas ji because they said that the Sodhis were the groom’s side, since Sri Ramdas ji was married to Guru ji’s daughter.  They did not want to bow to the bride’s family.  They had no idea of Guru ji’s glory.  They said “Ram, Ram” to Guru ji and sat down.  Guru ji was very nice to them and gave them a lot of respect.  It was tradition to treat all guests with respect.  Guru ji got up and had the Sodhis sit down on chairs and beds.  The elder Sodhis, sitting on beds, then spoke: “you have received a lot of praises and you are senior in age.  You understand hierarchy and family dealings.  You are very wise.  You should know that all families have status and honor.  Every person wants status and to be praised.  You are the Guru but you did not think about keeping our boy in your home and making him work in your home.  We are Kshatriyas and so are you.  You are Bhallas (the descendants of Bharat – brother of Ram Chander ji) we are the Sodhis (the descendants of Luv – the son of Ram Chander ji).  You should have maintained the honor of the higher classes.  A person should stick to the traditions of classes.  We never want to see our clansmen in lower states.  Nobody likes to listen to other people’s arguments and so everyone does good work.”  One of the Sodhi elders, named Mangla was speaking to Guru ji in this way. 

Sri Ramdas ji, eventually, came to this gathering with Guru ji.  When Sri Ramdas ji met Guru ji, he blossomed like a lotus flower seeing the sun.  He basked in the radiance of the Guru’s feet as he bowed.  When the Sodhis saw this, they started to speak in harsh ways again: “such a person was born in our family that has totally lost his honor in all ways.  He left his home after his father’s death.  This unfortunate person lives with his in-laws.  He works with the labourers and digs dirt.  He lifts the dirt on top of his head.  His clothes are dirty.  He puts dirt in his head.  Guru ji, you should have known better.  You should have given him a better task suited for your son-in-law.  You did not see the traditions of your family.  Give him a better task.  Consider what is good and bad.  These stories will go far.”  Guru Amardas ji heard their words and looked towards Sri Ramdas ji.  Sri Ramdas ji was not affected at all by the Sodhis’ words.  He was smiling and blooming.  Guru Amardas ji was happy to see Sri Ramdas ji unaffected.  He knew that Sri Ramdas ji’s mind was immersed into the river of love.  The flow of the river overtakes all attempts to stop it.  The love of the Guru removes all obstacles.  Sri Ramdas ji is drenched in love and does not care for high or low; respect or disrespect.  Guru ji then looked towards the Sodhis and said to them casually: “he will have the “chutter” (royal canopy) of the universe on top of his head but you all will have dirt in your heads because you do not recognize the love for the Guru.  If he was not born in your clan of Sodhis, your ancestors would be in Hell.”  Sri Ramdas ji folded his hands and said: “you save all the sinners.  My relatives do not understand your glory.  They are stuck in the material world.”  Guru ji was happy to hear his servant and said: “Ramdas you are Dhan, Dhan.  You have done Seva and tied me up.  You know me and I know you.”  The people of Lahore took permission and left to carry on with their travels.  Sri Ramdas ji bowed to Satguru ji’s feet and went back to his Seva.  He did Seva with full devotion, by mind, words and actions.  His enthusiasm had increased four times as before.  He did not care about his family or society.

1-52 Mai Das Vaishno

There was a Vaishno Sadhoo who was a selfless devotee of Sri Krishan ji.  His name was Mai Das.  He was a “svaim paaki” (person who cooks food for themselves), Att Aachari (one who keeps pureness in their food, thinking and speaking).  He was a strict vegetarian who would cook his food with washed firewood, cooked in a stove dug 8 inches into the ground.  He wouldn’t let anyone else touch his food.  He worshiped Sri Krishan ji with selfless love.  He did the company of saints and great beings.  He would recite “Krishan, Krishan” all the time.  He would remember the “mor mukat” (peacock crowned), “Pitamber” (the one who wears yellow robes) form of Sri Krishan.  This was the Bhagti of the Sargun Saroop (visual/tangible form of Akaal Purakh).  He would focus on this form and did it day and night.  He did no other task except focus his mind on the dark-skinned, lotus-eyed; whose forehead was beautiful.  The form which had curly hair and a slight, but sweet, smile; which increased the love in the Bhagats; is, who Mai Das worshipped.  He did the Simran of Hari Krishan with love.  He heard about the glory of Sri Guru Amardas ji.  The Sikhs of Guru ji had told him about Guru ji.  Many Sikhs told him this.  He then wished to see Guru ji.  A few days had passed and planned to go but for some reason, his household tasks would take over his attention.  After a few months, he finally got the chance to go to Goindwal.

Mai Das stood at the door of Guru ji’s court and told the Sevadaar that he wanted to see Guru ji.  The Sevadaar informed Guru ji about a person who is here to see him.  Guru ji said: “tell him about our traditions.  If he wishes to see me, he must eat Langar in the Pangat and then come to see me, afterwards.”  Mai Das got the message and was in doubt.  He thought to himself: “the Langar may not be prepared with the traditions that I follow.  I cannot eat food cooked in an open tradition.  My ways of purification and hygiene is not followed here.  What should I do now?  I will not break my traditions.  If I break my traditions, what will be the use of visiting the Guru?”  He kept thinking, as he stood there.  He didn’t know what to do.  After about a half hour, he made a decision: “if I don’t eat, I can’t see the Guru.  If I eat the Langar, this will be against my traditions of cooking my own food in a hygienic way.  It is better not to see the Guru than break my tradition over many years of hard work.  It is my determination to live in my way.”  Mai Das then returned without seeing Guru ji. 

Mai Das went home but he was uneasy about not seeing Guru ji.  He thought to himself: “the Saints are Avatars of Akaal Purakh.  They are filled with many powers.  I didn’t visit him.  That was bad.  He has saved thousands and made them into Brahmgyaanis.  Many were given moksha and became Sidh Purushas (ones who are able to do anything).  My karma was bad.  Which karma was it that did not let me see the Guru?  I did not get to visit the Guru.”  He was depressed after realising his mistake.  He decided to go to Dwarka: “I need to wash this sin away.  I will go to Dwarka and visit Hari.”  With great love, he set off to Dwarka reciting the name of Hari.  He had no other wish in his heart.  He wanted to visit Krishan Bhagwan.  He wanted to see the idol of Krishan ji and ask for forgiveness.  He was in a Bhagti trance and danced the whole way to Dwarka.  He travelled during the day and felt happier as he got closer.  He would travel great distances.  As he approached Dwarka, he was in between the jungles.  It was the Ekadashi (the first day of the Lunar Calendar) and he used to fast on this day every month.  It was the thick of the jungle and there was no person in sight.  Later that day, there came a big storm with dark winds.  It began to rain and thunder.  The lightening was ferocious.  It began to hail.  He was hungry and tired.  He got really anxious.  There were no fruits on the way and he did not drink water (as per his fasting rules).  His clothes were wet and he began to tremble because of the cold.  He began to look around and could not find shelter or fire.  The rain made him more anxious and the hunger was unbearable.  At night time, there was no place to rest either.  There was an old tree that was hollow, in the middle of the jungle.  He was able to lean against it and shelter himself from the rain.  He stood in the stump and recited the name of Krishan.  He was hungry.  He spent the whole night like this.  It was now morning and he had no other wish left.  There was only the love of Krishan.  The next day was Dwadashi (the 2^nd day in the Lunar calendar).  There was no way to break his fast.  He kept reciting “Krishan, Krishan.”  There was only the Prema Bhagti of Krishan.  Krishan ji heard his cries: “my devotee is depending on me.  He has no other wishes in his heart.  His faith on me is solid.  He is drenched in love.”  He was about to be blessed.  Krishan ji incarnated into a human form.  He became a human and put a plate of food in front of Mai Das.  Mai Das opened his eyes and saw a plate with lentils and rice.  He said to himself: “I am an Att Aachari.  Without proper hygiene and tradition, I cannot eat this food.  I wonder who put this food here?  I wonder if they bathed and prepared it with pure and hygienic methods?  If I eat this, my tradition will break.  If this was fried (ghee is considered pure), then I could have eaten it and satisfied my hunger.”  He had many doubts in his mind.  He was hungry and did not eat the food.  Krishan ji understood his wish and incarnated into another form and brought him Puris (fried rotis).  The plate was placed again in front of Mai Das.  When Mai Das opened his eyes, he thought: “there is no human here.  Who brought puris here?  First the food was cooked and now it is fried.  Whoever it is, they know what I am thinking.  I wonder who brought this plate?  Who is able to read my mind other than Prabhoo?  It has to be Prabhoo that knew my wishes.  Prabhoo is nearby but did not show himself to me.  Prabhoo came twice.”  He began to look around and wanted to find Prabhoo.  He shouted out in love “Bhagavan ji.”  The puris were still there and Mai Das began to look around, forgetting his hunger.  He wanted to see Prabhoo ji.  He was drowning in the ocean of love.  He couldn’t find Prabhoo and began to cry and shout.  He lost the awareness of his body and sang out loud “oh redeemer, the creator, Ghanshyam, the saviour, the deliverer of the poor and weak, Manmohan (the enchanter).  I am a sinner.  You are great.  Please ignore my shortcomings and show yourself.  You brought me food.  Show me yourself.”  He kept praying.  He jumped over the plants and through the leaves, looking for Prabhoo.  He called himself low and a sinner.  Shyamghan (Krishan) then listened to his devotee.  There was an Akaash Vani (voice from the sky): “Mai Das, you are my Bhagat.  You have great love for me.  Listen to what you have done wrong: where there is love, traditions have no place there.  Where there are traditions, love has no place there.  For this reason, your heart was empty.  When you went to see Sri Satguru ji in Goindwal, you had doubt in your heart and you kept strict to your tradition.  You rejected love.  The Satguru and I are one.  I will bless you.  You knew about the glories of Guru ji, and yet, you still rejected love.  Your regret at this point is useless.  You will not be able to see me.  Go back to Goindwal.  That is where you will see me.  There is no difference between Sri Guru Amar and I.  We are one.  You will see the form in Goindwal which you have in your heart.  Guru ji is on Earth in bodily form to save the people of the world.  Become a Bhagat and visit him.  Let go of your doubts and visit him with faith and devotion.”  Mai Das heard the Akaash Vani and was shocked.  He was regretting his actions: “it is true.  I am guilty.  Why would Prabhoo visit me here?  Sri Satguru ji is the form of Parbraham.  He is the wisest and most enchanting in the world.  My traditions have led me astray of what really matters.  I will meet the Guru with humility and faith.  I will see him as Sri Krishan.”  Mai Das made up his mind and ate the food that was in front of him.  He then went backwards to go to Goindwal Sahib.

1-53 Mai Das Vaishno/ Manak Chand

Being in great pain, Mai Das set off to see Sri Satguru ji.  He was moving fast and got tired.  He rested during the night and walked during the day.  He recited the name of Krishan Satguru and said to himself: “Sri Guru Amar ji is the Parbraham.  I want to see him in the form of Shyam (the dark one).  I want to see his four-armed form wearing the Banmala.  I want my wish fulfilled so my faith grows.”  He finally reached Goindwal and went straight to the Langar place.  He asked for Langar and ate it.  He was fully satisfied with the Langar and then went to go see Guru Amardas ji.  He went into the court of Guru Amardas ji and saw the Guru from a far.  It was the exact form in which he envisioned in his heart.  It was the form that the Vedas praised.  He saw the form and was amazed.  He stopped in his tracks and kept staring.  He saw the form, which was bright like the sun; a huge body; a golden crown on the head; long arms that reached the knees; the eyes were sharp; the nose was sharp; red coral lips; a great radiant forehead; golden hoops hanging from the ears; strands of black curly hair hanging downwards; yellow robes waving in the wind; the feet were high like the lotus flower, which were blissful and gave mukti to the servants.  The nails on the hands were beautiful; the jewellery on the body was beautiful and radiant, lined with ruby and emerald work; the waist was thin like a lion’s waist; the chest was wide; the face was more mesmerizing than the full moon.  This form destroyed all fears.  The footprint of Bhrigu on the chest; Banmala/Vaijayanti Mala (garland of victory made of a theological flower.  In the Vedic tradition, it also displayed an emerald, sapphire, ruby, pearl and diamond) in the neck; in the four hands are the Trishool, lotus flower, the conch and the Sudarshan Chakra; armlets hanging from the biceps; sandalwood essence on the body; high and wide shoulders; the muscles are strong and bulky; a blissful smile on the face; the giver of bliss; deserving of praise; the seed of the world, Gobind. 

The beauty of Akaal Purakh could not be put into words.  Who can sing all the praises?  Millions of Kamadevas cannot match the beauty of Akaal Purakh.  Neither can millions of suns and moons.  Nobody is more beautiful that Satguru ji’s divine form.  Mai Das Vaishno saw the form and lost the senses of his mind and body.  He fell into a deep trance and forgot who he was and where he was standing.  He was speechless. He closed his eyes and saw the same form in his soul.  For a long time, he had his eyes closed.  He saw the form in his heart and then he opened his eyes.  He then saw Guru Amardas ji in his human form.  The white Dastaar and white robes.  Mai Das saw what he wanted to see.  Guru ji returned to his human form and called out to Mai Das: “come. oh Bhagat.  Come and sit close to me.”  He heard Guru ji’s call and ran to Guru ji and put his head on Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji placed his right hand on Mai Das’s head.  Mai Das began to sing Guru ji’s praises: “you are the master of the three worlds, you are the creator of the universe and sustain it.  The universe then immerses back to you when it is destroyed.  You are Dhan Satguru, the giver of Mukti.  You save the people of Kaliyuga.  I bow to you, blesser of the weak; you are without beginning and end; you are deeper than the ocean and you cannot be destroyed; you created the world and all its lifeforms; you created the 14 dimensions and play its drama.  You live in all, but are not affected by their karma.  You are the seed of seeds; you are the most detailed; you are the source of the universe; you are the one that gives life and feeds it; you are the one that destroys; you live in the universe but are not seen.  You have no form and are infinite.  No one can measure you.  Only you know how big you are and how you move.  You created the five tatts (water, fire, earth, air, space) five Gyaan Indriyas (Eyes-sight, Ears-sound, Nose-smell, Tongue-taste, Skin-touch) and five Karam Indriyas (speech, hands, feet, excretion function, procreation function).  You created the 4 Khaanis (birthing processes: andaj-eggs, jeraj- womb, setaj – from sweat, utbhuj – from the ground).  Whoever you bless, you give them the Naam of Akaal Purakh.  That person can then recite the name of Akaal Purakh and be under your protection.  They become wise and understand that their true self is the Atman and not the body.  They accept the will of Akaal Purakh and find it sweet; whether it is painful or pleasureful.  Whoever sees you as their friend, their tasks are all completed.  They see only you in all of creation.  You are the ocean of altruism.  You save the ones who have selfless love for you.  You kill the vices and desires of your servants.  You are the King of Kings and are radiant.  You are in your own bliss with your wisdom.  You incarnated in Kaliyuga as a Human but kept your powers hidden.  You are in the third incarnation of the Guru and have saved many servants.  You started the new tradition of Sikhi and destroyed the pain of all the Sikhs.  You are the master of the universe; I sing your praises.  You have saved me; you have blessed me.  Oh Prabhoo, giver of mukti, giver of bliss, the omniscient one, omnipresent, omnipotent, I bow to you.” 

Mai Das sang the praises of Guru ji with joy and love.  He was blessed and the radiance of the infinite love was lit inside of him.  He was fully aware of his real self now.  He continued: “Oh Prabhoo, if you are happy with me, please make me the dust of your lotus feet.  I wish to see you always and wash away the sins of my births.”  Guru Amardas ji heard the praises by Mai Das and was pleased.  He smiled and said to him: “Mai Das, stay with me now.  You have seen Prabhoo here today.  Your wishes have all been fulfilled.  I will show you your Guru in 8 days.  Stay in Goindwal and be in bliss.  Stay with the Sikh Sangat.”  Mai Das folded his hands and obeyed Guru ji’s command.  He was without doubt now. 

The Seva of the Baoli was in progress and the Sikhs were digging the dirt with the shovels.  It was quite deep now, about 100 feet.  They reached the point where the water was.  When they reached the bottom, they came across a really big boulder which was about 25 feet by 25 feet.  All of the Sikhs there tried to break the boulder and get to the water, but they were unsuccessful.  Everyone requested Guru ji for a solution.  Guru ji was omniscient and knew everything.  There was a person named Manak Chand Pathreeya, who was a handsome and strong person born in the house of Kshatriyas.  Guru ji said to him: “Manak Chand, pick up a sledgehammer and use your might to break the boulder, after saying Guru Nanak Dev ji’s name.”  Guru ji said it out loud and so Manak Chand was inspired and motivated.  He ran to Guru ji’s feet and bowed.  Guru ji put his right hand on his back.  Manak Chand took a sledgehammer and went down to the place of the boulder in the Baoli.  He gave a mighty blow to the boulder and broke it.  As he broke the boulder, a strong spring of water came out with full force from the ground.  It was so much water that came with force that it drowned Manak Chand and he lost his balance.  Manak Chand lost his life right away.  The Sikhs began to shout and scream and told Guru ji that Manak Chand had drowned.  Guru ji heard the news and said: “Manaks (precious gems) don’t drown.  Bring his body to me.” 

The body of Manak Chand was brought to Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji took his right toe and touched Manak Chand’s forehead.  Manak Chand got up and said “Vahiguru.”  Guru ji put his hand on Manak Chand’s head.  He was blessed by Guru ji with the ultimate wisdom.  The darkness of doubt was gone and he was now a Brahmgyaani.  He received all the Siddhis and Ridhis.  He was complete.  Guru ji said: “from today onwards, you will be known as “Jeevara.”  Manak Chand Jeevara.”  Guru ji then called Mai Das.  He said to him: “Mai Das, from today, Manak Chand will be your Guru.  (Manak Chand was in his 20s and Mai Das was in his 50s but Guru ji blessed Manak Chand with the highest level of Brahmgyaan because he did selfless Seva.  This is what Mai Das had to learn) Manak Chand is alive after dying.  Keep faith in him and he will give you a Gurmantra.  He will put a tilak of Gurmukhi on your forehead.”  Manak Chand gave a Saili Toppi to Mai Das and told him: “do Sangat of Sikhs everyday and recite the Satnam.  You are now part of the Sangat of Bhagats and your pains have all been destroyed today.  Return to your home and recite Satnam and make others recite it as well.  Preach the way of the Gurmukh and perform Bhagti.”  Mai Das heard Guru ji’s words and was really happy.  He bowed to Manak Chand and stayed with Manak Chand his whole life.  Both Mai Das and Manak Chand reached Parmanand (ultimate bliss).  Mukti and bhugti were in their hands now.  This was not a difficult thing for Guru ji to do.  Both men were now the followers of Satguru ji.  They bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Mai Das requested Guru ji: “oh Satguru ji, you have relieved all our pains.”  Both men went to their homes.  They recited Satnam and preached the way of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  They preached Sikhi.  Whatever words came from their mouths would immediately become true.  Many people came to worship them.  Whoever came to them with their requests, they were all fulfilled.  Their wishes were all fulfilled.  On special days, they would all come to Guru ji, bringing their Sangats along.  They would see Guru ji and serve him.  They would then return to their homes.  They were praised in the world and went to Sach Khand when they left their bodies.  Satguru ji blessed them with Sikhi.  Satguru ji was full of love and would give bliss to all his Sikhs. 

1-54 Gango Shah Bassi Khatri

When Akbar was fighting the Rajputs, he was not able to win the Chittor fort.  Akbar had sent one of his men to make a request to Guru Amardas ji.  The message was: “I have made pleas to many other Saints and Fakirs, to which, they gave me their blessings.  I was still not able to win the Fort of Chittor.  I come to you with both hands folded.”  Guru Amardas ji heard the message and said: “when the boulder beneath the Baoli breaks, your fort will break as well.”  Since then, Akbar had stationed one of his men at Goindwal to keep watch of when the boulder in the ground would break.  When the boulder finally broke from the hands of Manak Chand, Akbar’s man ran back to Akbar, noting the time and date it broke.  When he told Akbar, it was indeed the same time and date the Chittorgarh fort was won.  Hearing this, Akbar’s faith in Guru Sahib grew, and he wanted to go see Guru Amardas ji.  Akbar declared in both of his courts: Devan-e-Aam and Devan-e-Khaas, that “Guru Nanak Dev ji is Parmatma, without a doubt.  He is the complete Avatar of the whole nation.  He protects his servants at all times, in every situation.  He is unique from Hindu and Muslim but saves many Hindus and Muslims.  When I will go to Lahore, I will visit Guru Amardas ji.”  In this way, Akbar’s love for the Guru grew and his determination to meet him was steady. 

There was a Khatri named Gango Shah Bassi.  He was a Shahukaar (creditor).  His fiscal spread was in the thousands.  He was wise businessman and was good at his work.  There was a time when he started to go into loss.  Whatever work he took on, he went into loss.  There was nobody to help him either.  His clients wouldn’t repay their loans and he couldn’t find creditors to finance him.  He couldn’t sleep and didn’t feel like eating.  He was deeply depressed.  His friends and family deserted him.  People who had done business with him had also left him.  His closest friends didn’t help him either.  He had no way out.   As he was in trouble in every way, the praise of the Satguru fell into his ears.  Listening to Guru ji’s praise, he left his business like a fish caught in a net, escapes.  He had faith and looked towards Guru Amardas ji: “I will go to Guru ji and he will save me.”  He was full of faith and went to Goindwal.  He had Langar first and fell fully satiated.  He had love in his heart and went to Guru Amardas ji.  As soon as he saw Guru ji, his heart felt a great relief and calmness.  He put his head on Guru ji’s feet and asked Guru ji to save him.  He sat down close to Guru ji.  Guru ji said: “oh Gango, how are you?”  Gango heard Guru ji and told Guru ji about his problems: “Prabhoo ji, I am in loss.”  Guru ji said: “go to Delhi and set up your financing business there.  Serve the Sat Sangat and don’t worry about money.”  He listened to Guru ji’s command and went to Delhi.  He set up his business there.

A Mughal came to Delhi, one day, who had 100,000 gold coins.  He wanted to deposit the money and get a travelling cheque in order to travel to Lahore.  This was referred to as a “Hundi.”  He was asking the creditors of Delhi to get a Hundi for 100,000 gold coins but everyone refused to take that amount.  They were all scared to keep such a big amount.  The Mughal eventually reached Gango Shah and said: “I need a Hundi.”  Gango Shah replied: “yes I will do it.”  He took the coins and wrote the Hundi with his special stamp.  Gango Shah had the faith of Guru ji and remembered that Guru ji had blessed him.  That’s why he agreed to take the Hundi. 

The Mughal went to Lahore and located the partnering creditor of Gango Shah.  “Here is my Hundi and please give me my 100,000 coins.”  Gango Shah had the coins sent to Lahore before hand.  The banker gave the Mughal his 100,000 coins.  The Mughal was happy with his service and left on his way.  After this, Gango became famous for doing such a big job.  He was known to be fearless.  His business expanded and was known throughout the land.  Many cities knew about Gango Shah. 

Years passed and a poor Brahmin came to Guru ji and said: “my daughter is 15 and I need to marry her off.  I am poor.  I have come to you Guru ji.  Please help me.  I would like some money to marry my daughter.  The pain of a daughter not being married is more that being in debt or having a powerful enemy.”  Sri Guru ji gave the Brahmin a Hukamnama: “Gango Shah, I am sending this Brahmin to you.  Give him 50 Rajitpuns.”  Guru ji gave the Brahmin a Hundi for Gango Shah.

The poor Brahmin went to Delhi and met Gango Shah and gave him the Hukamnama of Guru Amardas ji.  Gango Shah read the Hukamnama and was surprised.  He stayed quiet and didn’t give him the money.  The Brahmin stayed a couple of days in Delhi and didn’t get the money.  He eventually went back to Goindwal and was depressed.  Guru ji knew what had happened and thought to himself: “Gango had become rich and is proud of himself.  That is the way of Maya.  Whoever gets it, losses his/her wisdom.  They forget the Guru Parmeshwar.  They become greedy and sin.  Maya makes a person senseless and a person doesn’t know from right from wrong.”  Guru ji said: “don’t worry Pandit ji, you will get your money.”  Guru ji arranged money in a different way for the Brahmin.  The Brahmin received the money and married off his daughter with joy.

From that day onwards, Gango Shah went into a loss in a matter of days.  His money was eventually all gone.  In a few days, he didn’t have enough money to buy food.  He then realised he had sinned: “I did not obey the Satguru and refused the person he sent me.  I am now in ruin.  There is no other besides the Guru to help me.  I need to go back to Guru ji and ask for forgiveness.  I will serve him and be blessed by him.  I will sweep brooms and carry water in his court.  I will do Seva of the Guru in this way.” 

Gango Shah sneaked out of Delhi and went to Goindwal.  The Baoli was being prepared and Gango started to do Seva there.  Guru Amardas ji sensed that Gango had returned.  Guru ji did not call for him.  He didn’t say anything to him.  Gango was wearing really expensive clothes and was carrying bricks in the same clothes.  He let go of his pride for status and family.  He was serving Guru ji and forgot about rich food.  He did Seva without thinking about his personal needs.  He was drenched in the Guru’s love.  He wouldn’t notice anyone’s words and didn’t speak to anyone either.  He was determined and engrossed in Seva, day and night.  His Seva Tapasya took over his Shahukaar personality.  He didn’t remember the way of the world.  He didn’t think of asking Guru ji for his business back.  All he could see was Seva.  That’s all he did: Seva.  Day and night he did Seva.  He was determined to do Seva and did it with love and devotion.  His focus was towards his Aatma.  The river of love flowed in his heart which drowned his worries and troubles away.  Worry does not stay when love is present.  As his heart became blissful and peaceful, his Seva and love for seva grew as well.  The form of the Guru was engrained in his heart.  He could see Guru ji in the world and he could see Guru ji with his eyes closed.  His attention was focussed on to Guru ji’s feet, just like Jogis are engrossed in their Samadhis.  The attraction of the Guru’s love was beyond borders now.  Guru ji could not hold himself back no more.  The Guru is a slave to his Sikh’s love. 

Guru ji called for Gango after many years of his Seva.  Guru ji looked at Gango and smiled.  Guru ji said to him: “come Gango.  All your pain is gone.”  Gango put his head on top of Guru ji’s feet.  He folded his hands and stood up before Guru ji.  He said to Guru ji: “I had become blinded by Maya, but you have blessed me and forgave me.  You made me your own.  Please don’t put me back into Maya as I only wish to stay in your service.  Please don’t call me a Shahukaar.  Please call me your servant.”  Guru ji heard Gango Shah and was filled with love.  He blessed Gango.  He had Gango wear new and white clothes.  Guru ji placed his right hand on Gango’s head and said: “Gango Shah, say the Satnam: Vahiguru.”  As soon as Guru ji said that, every hair on Gango Shah’s body stood up and began to recite “Vahiguru.”  Guru ji said to him: “Gango Shah, you are given Bhugti, Mukti, Niddhis and Siddhis today.  Go to your home of Garhshanker and preach the message of Sikhi.  Make your own Sangat and recite the Satnam.  Preach the traditions of Sikhi.”  Guru ji gave him unlimited powers and sent him off.  Gango Shah bowed to Guru ji after receiving all the powers.  He went to his home town and focused his attention of Satguru ji.  He was known as the Udaasi Baba Gango Shah.  His Sikhs were known as Gango Shayay.  Gango Shah sang the praises of Satguru ji.  He was in bliss after receiving so many powers and being one with his Aatma.  He preached Sikhi and established Sangat in his town.  He made many recite the name of Akaal Purakh.  Whatever words came from his mouth, would become true.  Many people joined his Sangat and become Sikhs.  His Sikhs would still gather around for Sangat during the time of Kavi Santokh Singh ji as he completed this Adhyaaya. 

1-55 The Patibrat Mai of Kabul

The Seva of the Baoli was in progress, with Sikhs coming and doing Seva with love and devotion.  Whoever Guru Amardas ji would cast his divine vision upon, the internal wisdom would spring out from within their hearts.  Some prepared the mortar and some prepared the bricks.  The mortar was made from grinded lentils and other materials from the time.  The mortar was grinded in the chakki (grinder) with love and brought to the site in baskets upon the heads of the Sikhs.  Nobody tells anyone to do anything as everyone was eager to work.  Everybody did the Seva without being told to.  There was an assembly line that was unbroken for the work.  The masons received all the prepared materials.  As they all did Seva with love, Guru ji would shower his blessings upon them.  All their wishes were fulfilled by Guru ji.  The light of the Guru was in all.

There was a Sikh that lived in Kabul.  His wife was a “Pativrata,” (chaste by body and mind).  She was devoted to her husband and saw him as Akaal Purakh.  Her mind was in her control as she had won her desires.  Her husband was a great Sikh who helped her understand and follow Sikhi.   The wife understood Sikhi very well.  She was Pativrata to the level where she had received great powers and was able to see Akaal Purakh inside her husband.  She was able to recite the name of Akaal Purakh and be able to travel where her mind wished to within the blink of an eye (door gaman Siddhi).  She could travel thousands of miles within a second.  She used to use this power to come to Goindwal from Kabul everyday.  She had other Siddhis as well.  Her attention was always focused on the light of Akaal Purakh within her husband. 

She found out about the Baoli Seva being directed by Guru ji.  She knew that the Seva would give a lot of rewards.  The wise people would not be left without this Seva and came right away.  The Sikhni would then come to Goindwal during the day.  She would do Seva all day long, coming in the morning.  She would dig the dirt and transport it.  She would carry bricks and mortar with love.  She wouldn’t talk to anyone and just do Seva all day long, doing Simran.  Her focus was in the feet of Satguru ji.  In the evening, she would disappear and go back to Kabul.  She would then go home and have her dinner and sleep in Kabul with her family.  She would come back in the morning and recite “Dhan Guru Nanak.”  The Sikhs would be amazed, seeing her.  Nobody knew where she came from and where she went.  They would say: “as she does Seva, she waives her hand like she is swinging a cradle in the air.  She does Seva and waives her hand every few minutes.  Where does she come from and where does she go?  This is amazing.  She does Seva with love and we cannot ask her.  Who is she?”  The Sikhs would talk about her amongst themselves.  Nobody knew about her.  Her focus was strong and still.  She was quick to do Seva.  She loved doing Seva and did it without laziness. 

Many days past and all the Sikhs were wondering who the lady was.  They all went to Guru Sahib and asked: “Prabhoo ji, there is a lady that comes to do Seva.  She does Seva, with love, with the Sangat but she disappears in the evening and reappears in the morning.  She does Seva like everyone else.  Another thing she does: as she does Seva, she waives her hand every few minutes.  We don’t understand where she comes from or where she goes.  We have been seeing her for many days.  We come to you Guru ji to tell us.  Who is she and where does she come from?  Please tell us and remove our confusion.”  Guru Amardas ji heard the Sikhs and said to them: “a Sikh of mine lives in Kabul.  This is his wife, who loves him dearly.  She is a Pativrata and is very fortunate.  She is determined in the Guru’s Seva.  She also sees the light of Akaal Purakh in her husband.  She only thinks of her husband and is devoted to him.  In her heart, she thinks of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Her attention is always towards her soul and does not talk to anyone else.  Her husband is the one that helped her understand Sikhi.  She has received many powers and is able to travel where she wants to in a blink of an eye, just like Sidh yogis.  She comes everyday using her powers.  In the evening she returns to her home.  She waives her hand because her child is a baby and in a cradle.  She waives her hand to rock his cradle every few minutes.  When she leaves in the morning, she leaves her child in the cradle.  All day she does Seva and knows when her child cries.  She has all these powers to play with her child from here.  In the evening she goes back and takes care of her house.  She takes care of her family at night.  There is no other Dharma greater that the Patibrat Dharma.  It gives many powers.  There are many Pativratas in history who changed the course of nature and were able to perform many miracles.  Once there was 10 days of darkness in the whole world by a Pativrata woman.  She had so much power that the sun did not rise for 10 days.”  The Sangat asked Guru ji to tell them about this great woman. 

Guru Amardas ji said: “there was a Muni named Mandav who was performing a Tapasya.  There was a group of robbers who robbed the palace of a king.  On the way, they saw Rishi Mandav and placed an expensive necklace in front of him as a donation.  The robbers went home but Mandav Rishi was still in his Samadhi, totally unaware of what was in front of him.  The king’s soldiers were looking for the robbers and came across Rishi Mandav.  They saw the necklace and arrested the Muni.  Mandav Muni contested his arrest but the soldiers did not listen and tried to hang him by a noose.  Due to Mandav Rishi’s powers, he did not die.  Mandav Rishi got mad at Dharam Raja and said: “you are trying to kill me.  This is unjust.  I am innocent and I am being hung for nothing.  I will curse you.”  Dharmaraj came and said to Mandav: “this is your own karma.  When you were a child, you killed an insect with a sharp object.  For this reason, you are being punished.”  Mandav heard this and said: “that is not fair.  A child is without wisdom or logic.  A child can’t be held responsible for its actions.  Dharamrai, this must be changed.  From now one, a child should not be held responsible for its actions when in its adult age.”  In the same time, a Pativrata was walking by, carrying her disabled husband on top of her head.  It was dark, so as she walked, the husband on top of her head bumped into the noose with the undead Mandav hanging from it.  This angered Mandav and he cursed the lady.  He said: “your husband shall die as the sun comes up.”  The name of the woman was Satvanti.  She was hurt when she heard the curse.  She said to Mandav: “my husband bumped into you by mistake.  If he will die when the sun rises, then I won’t let the sun rise at all.  Whoever can resurrect my husband after he dies, can let the sun rise again.”  After she said those words, the sun did not rise and there was darkness all around.  Ten days passed and the whole world was worried.  All of the Devatas then got together and resolved the issue as they resurrected the husband as the sun was allowed to come out. 

Pativrata women are very powerful.  That is how the lady from Kabul comes everyday and is able to take care of her house as well.  She centres her attention on the Satguru, day and night.  She has accumulated all these powers in this way.  People who are Ghristi, do Bhagti and serve the Guru while doing Simran of the Prabhoo, there are no others that can match their powers.”  The Sikhs heard Guru ji’s words and said: “you are Dhan, Dhan Prabhoo ji.  You are the granter of many powers.” 

Guru ji called the Mai from Kabul to him and said to her: “both you and your husband will receive Aatamgyaan.  You will both become one with me when you leave this earth.”  This was the Adhyaaya of the Mai from Kabul.  Satguru ji blessed her for her Seva.  The Satguru is the giver of all powers.  The Sikhs faith was certain of this.  This Mai was later known as Mai Seva.