11-16 Bhai Makhan Shah ji Punishes Sheeha Masand

When Dheermal got to know that Baba Makhan Shah ji had attacked his Dhera in great anger, with a lot of his armed men, Dheermal lost his patience and got worried.  His men got worried too.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji brought his men and said: “I will fight!”  He had many warriors with him.  Other Sikhs who were angry at Dheermal also came with weapons.  They called other Sikhs to come with them.  Dheermal said to all his men in his Dhera: “we have less men.  We can’t fight.  This is not our village.  We have no fort, no friends and no men.  If there will be a fight, we will take on a lot of damage.  Makhan Shah’s people are experienced fighters.  The strong will win.  The weak will run away.  My men will lose or run away.  My honour will be destroyed.  My wealth will be destroyed.  It is better that we don’t fight.  Stay sitting quietly and don’t strike back.”  He said to his Masands with fear: “what should we do now?  We can’t run away nor can we fight.  Our home is not close by.  We have less men to fight with.  Makhan Shah has many strong men.  If we fight, we will be killed.  We will have to run away otherwise.  We will be looted.  There will be a lot of commotion.  We will be at a loss.  I told all of you that I had seen bad omens but nobody listened to me.  What was supposed to happen, it happened.  My honour is ruined.”  Sheeha Masand got worried.  Sheeha said: “I don’t know what to do.  Makhan Shah wants to fight us.  He shouldn’t do this.  It is not right in any way.  He didn’t think about this.  It is not right to fight the Guru’s home.  We are also the Guru’s children.  You are the Guru because your brother was the Guru.  Your nephew was the Guru.  Guru Granth Sahib ji is with you.  They are illuminated here and the Sangat does their Darshan.  Makhan Shah wants to take sides and attack your Dhera.  He wants to disrespect us.  This is not right for him to do.  There is no solution for this.  The Sikh will become a sinner.  Baba ji, use your powers to stop him.  Use the power of “Baseekaran” to possess him and take his strength away.  It’s now your time.  We did what we could.  We showed it to you.  It is not time to bribe (Daam) him with money or cause any problems (Bhed) within his camp.  We can’t cause him any damage (Dand).  Now it’s time to surrender and apologize (Saam).  If you can, do this quickly.  This is the wise thing to do.”  The scared Masands said this to Dheermal.  They couldn’t think of anything else to do.  They heard the men of Bhai Makhan Shah ji at the door.  They came to the door.  Ten men took down each Masand.  They took all the weapons and rifles of Dheermal’s men away.  They folded their hands and gave their weapons in advance.  They all became cowards.  Sheeha and his men all surrendered.

Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s men all entered the Dhera.  They looked at everyone.  The people of Dheermal were all scared and looked pale.  They couldn’t do anything.  They didn’t have time to run away.  They couldn’t say anything out of fear.  Their weapons were all taken away.  Some did manage to run away.  They were afraid to die.  Some stood like thieves, all scared.  Some sat shamelessly.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji saw Dheermal’s face.  The Masands tried to hide the loot but failed.  Their weapons were taken away and tied up.  The wealth and items from Guru ji’s home were collected and packed.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji got all of the money taken out from the treasury.  He made Dheermal’s men pick it all up and take it back to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji’s home.  Everything was taken from Dheermal’s Dhera.  Everything was packed and taken back to Guru ji’s home.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji then had Guru Granth Sahib ji taken as well.  The Sikhs picked up Guru Granth Sahib ji on their head and headed back.  Sheeha and the other Masands were tied up.  They had disrespected Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  They Masands yelled out in pain.  Everyone said: “they got what they deserved.” 

Dheermal said: “Makhan Shah, you are the Sikh of the Satguru.  We are the children of the Guru.  Why are you doing this?  Do you not fear the Guru?  You will have to suffer for this.  You are greatly disrespecting us.  You are taking everything from us.  Don’t take my Masands.  Let them go, at least.  You have taken Guru Granth Sahib ji on your head.  We are all brothers of the Sodhi family.  We deal with our matters within us.  We have fought each other and then reconciled many times.  None of the Sikhs have ever interfered within our matters before.”  Bhai Makhan Shah ji heard this and said: “Dheermal, you have sinned!  Nobody could do what you have done.  What you have done is no secret.  Everyone knows what you did.  The Guru always helps the Sikhs in both worlds with peace.  If a problem arises for the Sikh, the Guru helps them.  This is the old tradition.  Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Chand ji is above conflict.  He sees joy and sorrow as the same.  He had no wish to become the Guru.  He didn’t want to reveal himself to the world.  I pleaded with him to come and sit outside.  He didn’t accept anything from me.  He sees the world as a myth.  Brahmgyaan resides in him.  He has destroyed the army of ignorance.  He cuts the ignorance of the Sikhs.  He is the brother of your father.  He sees everyone as the same in the state of Brahmgyaan.  He is always in the single-state of mind.  He is calm.  He has won his Indriyas.  He is the gem of the Sodhi family.  He is the greatest.  You deeply insulted him.  Your men fired guns on him to kill him.  You fools are guilty of grave sins.  You are born in the family of the Guru that’s why I am letting you go.  I won’t kill you.  I thought it was better to kill you though.”  He said all this and took everything for Dheermal’s home.

Baba Makhan Shah ji came back to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji’s home.  Everything was brought back and put away.  Where Mata Nanaki ji was, everything was surrendered to her.  Dheermal’s clothes and items were brought there too.  A big packing was brought and placed.  The money was placed in front of Guru ji.  He gave everything.  Guru Granth Sahib ji were seated in a Dhera.  The great Sikh Baba Makhan Shah ji came to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  He folded his hands and bowed.  He looked at Guru ji’s face which was in the single-state of mind.  He was calm as he always was.  He was not in any excitement to see the money.  He was not upset when the money was taken.  He was in the same state.  Baba Makhan Shah ji was happy to see this.  His heart was filled with bliss knowing that Guru ji was in such a state.  Guru ji looked like the form of Shiva to him.  Guru ji’s face was blooming like a lotus flower. His eyes were filled with compassion and love.  The complete Satguru was seated on his seat doing Simran.  Guru ji was very tall with a wide chest.  His arms were long and wide.  He was filled with peace.  He was very handsome.  He wore white clothes.  He looked radiant.  Guru ji was the mine of all the virtues.  Guru ji was seated on his seat where he meditated. 

This was Bakala, where Guru Hargobind Sahib ji came to with Mata Ganga ji at the request of Bhai Mehra ji.  Mata Ganga ji left her body here and went to Sach Khand.  Her cremation was done in this place.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji lived at the resting place of his grandmother and carried out the daily traditions of the place. 

11-17 Guru ji tells Bhai Makhan Shah ji to Stop

Sri Guru ji, the Compassionate One, looked at all the money and items that Bhai Makhan Shah ji had brought back.  Guru ji then turned his face towards Bhai Makhan Shah ji and asked: “how have you brought all these things here?  Why are there people shouting everywhere?  Why did you come here in the evening with your weapons tied?  Your men are wearing weapons as well.”  With great happiness Bhai Makhan Shah ji spoke: “the ones who insulted you, the foolish, slandering sinners, corrupt, dirty souls, givers of pain; the Masands of Dheermal, I’ve tied them up and brought them here.  Sheeha, he was with Dheermal, who fired a bullet towards you.  The items that were looted from you, I have taken all those things back after punishing the people who attacked you.  I have brought the one who tried to kill you.  He is the one who sinned against you.  I let Dheermal go because he is of the family of the Guru.  I have not killed Dheermal.  I can’t see anyone insulting you.  If anyone is to insult you, I will take weapons and kill them or will die trying.  As soon as I heard in my Dhera what had happened at your home, I did not waste any time.  I gathered my men to attack Dheermal’s camp.  Dheermal is guilty.  I looted his whole camp and brought back all of his possessions.  I brought back your items as well as their possession.  You can take back all your things.  Dheermal disrespected you.  I won’t tolerate this.  By your blessing, the loot is back.  I did not do any harm to them.  They attacked you for no reason.  I tied up Sheeha and brought him.  When they came to your home, why was I not told then?  I would have come earlier and captured them all.  If the weapons would have swung, they would have died.  Please take your items back.  I have brought their things too.  Keep them.  If he is smart, he won’t do this again.  I will see to him if he does.”  Guru ji responded to Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s explanation: “Makhan Shah! What have you done?  They were under the spell of desire and anger.   They did what they did because of desire and anger.  I did not want to stoop to their level.  I think this is a bad deed.  Desire and greed are the reason a person keeps coming back to this life and falls into the cycle of birth and death.  It is hard to steer clear of these.  Desire is the root cause of all the vices and shortcomings.  Desire destroys wisdom.  Intelligent people analyse their desire and kill it in their mind upon which all the other vices in your mind die as well.  Once desire is dead, the other vices are destroyed by themselves.  These vices are the reason that one has to be re-born.  You are a great Sikh of the Guru.  You should inherit good virtues by which you can be known as a good person.  Return all these things and the money back to Dheermal at once.  Give him whatever was brought here by the Sikhs as well.  Take it to Dheermal’s home.  What do I need this money for?  His mind will be calm by this.  The conflicts in his mind will be gone.  Give it back to him with joy.  Return all these people that you tied up to their homes/camp as well.  Do not fret, be calm and do what I say.  After you complete this task, I shall give you knowledge by which you will be free from the cycle of birth and death.  You will know good and bad with the pure Bhuddi.  Meeting the Guru will be a success for you then.  Your birth and death will stop.”  Bhai Makhan Shah ji folded his hands and spoke: “Guru ji, they have done a terrible deed.  They tried to kill you.  They are foolish, corrupt, cold and anti-sadhoos.  Forgiving such people with sweet words is not a good strategy.  It is not good politics.  The forgivers are great but bad people do bad to them.  If you forgive these people, they will think that they got away with doing such wrong deeds and will plot other schemes. The lazy people will say that you are lazy and naïve.  They won’t fear you.  They won’t be afraid after committing sins.  They should be punished for what they did.  They will continue committing sins if they are forgiven.  They will see us as weak.  They will tell others that we are afraid of them.  They should be punished.  The Purshotams (great beings) have followed this tradition.  Even Ram Chander ji who possessed great patience; he was deep like the ocean.  He picked up weapons to punish Raavan.  While crossing the sea to get to Sri Lanka he punished the sea for not letting him cross.  Once the sea was punished, the sea got scared and then told Ram Chander ji how to cross its waters along with the army of monkeys.  If he didn’t let go of his forgiving nature, his task would not have been successful.  Sri Krishan ji, while visiting the court of the Kauravs; he had to let go of his forgiving nature.  He had to show his powers to stop Duryodhana, sitting on the high seat, from insulting him.  Sri Krishan ji made his power bigger than Duryodhana.  They all had to pick up weapons.  The forgiver is not always considered the bigger person.  People walk all over that person and continue treating them bad.  Forgiveness is a sin too.  If you continue to forgive, people will disrespect you.  Bad people won’t stop committing sins.  It is the fear of punishment that stops people from doing bad deeds.  Otherwise they will bother saints and other people.  Fear brings order.  Why do you want to tolerate their insults?  Prabhoo ji, command me.”  Listening to the words of his Sikh, Bhai Makhan Shah ji, compassion came into the beautiful eyes of Guru ji.  Guru ji wanted to return the items and money back to Dheermal.  All of the Gyaan was within Guru ji.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s heart was already pure and ready for Gyaan.  Guru ji spoke to bless his Sikh and gave him good wisdom: “Makhan Shah, Sikh, give me your ear and listen to my words carefully: the vices that live in the hearts of people, they give a lot of pain.  People who do deeds for the desire of pleasure and joy, they are faced with bigger troubles.  The one who has not won the Indriyas; when they see a woman, this gives rise to lust and desire.  To wish for a woman is lust.  Desire is not just for sex; to want money is the same thing.  Whether it is a desire for money or lust, it is the same thing.  A person wants to experience the pleasure and indulge in lustful desires or gain money.  When a person goes into the pursuit and tries to gain things to satisfy their desires, which they wish for, when they are faced with problems that stop them from getting the things they want, then anger comes inside of them.  Once anger comes, the person’s wisdom no longer works and they don’t think about the tasks they are about to do because the desire for the items gets stronger.  They can’t differentiate between good or bad.  A person can commit any sin in anger.  If wisdom is destroyed, then Dharma is destroyed as well.  The person then does not see who is in front of them.  There is no sin one would not do in anger.  Even if it is their mother, father or Guru; they don’t watch how they speak to them while under the spell of anger and lust.  They will insult them.  The person will do and say things that are really bad.  One can kill in anger.  There is nothing worse than that.  They are no longer in control.  Then when things still don’t go their way, even in anger, then the person becomes more impatient and can’t eat or sleep.  Their heart burns day and night.  They make many plans and waste their whole life in pain.  Ego and Jealousy take over a person’s life.  Other vices enter, making a long chain.  So, listen oh Makhan Shah, understand this: desire is the root cause of a person’s downfall.  The other vices are the branches and fruits.  If the root is pulled, then the branches, leaves and fruits (anger, jealousy etc.) can’t grow.  Let go of desire.  Once these fruits are eliminated, then goodness enters your heart.  The good virtues enter.  Forgiveness is the greatest Tapasya.  Forgiveness is the greatest charity/donation.  Forgiveness is the same as visiting the Teeraths (the holy sites of worship) and bathing there.  Forgiveness is the progression of humanity.  That person will be blessed who forgives.  There is no other virtue compared to forgiveness.  Never let go of goodness.  Keep it in your heart forever.”

11-18 Discussion in the home/ Guru ji’s Sermon

As Guru Sahib ji was repeatedly telling Bhai Makhan Shah ji to return all of the things to Dheermal, Mata Nanaki ji came and spoke angrily: “Dheermal is guilty of a crime.  My son is a saint Sadhoo and is still looking out for the welfare of Dheermal.  He doesn’t see his crime.  Dheermal is a great enemy and should be punished accordingly.  He sent his men to shoot my son.  He wanted to kill him.  He committed a crime.  His men looted everything from our home.  My son wants to forgive such a person.”  Mata ji was angry.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji and the other men stood up, seeing Mata ji enter the room.  They folded their hands and touched the revered mother’s feet.  The wise Mata sat down.   Guru ji stayed quiet, seeing his mother angry.  Nobody else said anything either. 

Mata ji was taking long and cool breaths to calm herself down.  There were tears in her eyes.  After she was calm, she continued talking: “Makhan Shah, listen to me, this is the way my son is.  He was always like this.  His mind was never attracted to the worldly things.  These 5 brothers (Baba Gurditta ji, Baba Sooraj Mal ji, Baba Ani Rai ji, Baba Atal Rai ji and Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji) were of the bravest warriors and followed the Kshatriya Dharam (Way of the Warrior code) with their lives.  They had great patience and courage.  They were all tall, handsome and wide like their father.  Baba Gurditta ji was the eldest and my son was the youngest.  My son did not care for the world or its ways.  My son was the quietest and sat in solitude everyday.  He did not speak to anyone, let alone having any give and take with anyone.  The Sikhs would come with many gifts to make Guru ji happy.  They would do their Ardaas to Guru ji.  His brothers were all very wise.  They knew how to interact with people.  They all wore expensive clothes and rode the best horses.  They stayed along side their father and dressed like him.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji took care of all the management along with Baba Gurditta ji.  Sikhs would bow to and worship them.  They met with people as was required.  Many people loved them.  They wore expensive jewellery.  They were praised a lot.  They were praised by their father.  They all wanted to be praised by their father.  They rode horses and hunted.  They wore the best weapons.  They were very radiant amongst the others.  They went wherever their father went.  They would speak to and deal with the Sangat.  They handled everything.  Baba Gurditta ji was powerful.  I noticed the way the sons of my co-wives and my sons were.  My sons were quiet, although being very powerful themselves.  My youngest son would stay alone and had no wish to be worshiped.  I used to worry a lot.  Day and night I would worry about my son.  I didn’t say anything to anyone about my concern.  My two sons, Baba Ani Rai ji and Baba Atal Rai ji left their bodies.  I accepted my bad karma.  The sons of my co-wives, Baba Gurditta ji and Baba Sooraj Mal ji were radiant.  After a long time, my son would come to his father to bow to him.  He would spend a lot of time doing Bhagti in the caves.  Many Sikhs didn’t even know about him.  My husband saw his youngest son as pure, calm and complete.  My son was always calm and quiet.  What I did notice was that out of all the sons, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji would respect my son, Tegh Bahadhur ji, the most.  His father would pick up his knee and have my son sit next to him.  He would speak to him with great respect and love.  Seeing the fatherly love towards my youngest son, I would become really happy.  My son would sit for some time and then bow and leave.  He didn’t say anything when he was with his father either.  His father would keep looking at him when he would come and go.  His father had a lot of love in eyes when my son would leave.  He would keep looking towards him when he would leave, at his back.  My son would come to meet his father after a few days.  The love was always deep for him.  His love would grow.  I saw this many times.  I was amazed at this and in doubt at the same time. 

One day when Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, the Master of the Universe, was alone, I went to him and bowed.  I folded my hands and asked: “my son does not know the ways of the world.  He is not clever or wise.  He doesn’t speak to anyone nor does he listen to anyone.  He doesn’t know how to do any work.  His personality is naïve.  He doesn’t meet with anyone.  He doesn’t know anyone.  I am happy when I see him with you though.  Out of all the sons, why do you respect Tegh Bahadhur ji the most and why do you praise him the most?  You love him the most.  Gurditta ji, Sooraj Mal ji, Ani Rai ji and Atal Rai ji are all very wise.  You don’t give them all the same amount of respect.  You make my youngest son sit close to you and praise him with your own holy mouth.  Tell me what the reason is.  This is my doubt.”  The killer of Mughal armies; the one with long arms and a wide chest; the one whose eyes were big like a lotus flower which dispels all sorrows; the bravest and strongest warrior, who was the greatest; my husband, then told me as I stood there with my hands folded: “let me tell you, oh pure one, about Tegh Bahadhur: he is a great being and the most fortunate.  He will be the greatest of men and will be in a serene state all the time.  He has no love or hate.  He will not be overjoyed by pleasures and sad for losses.  He will have a son who will be the Master of Masters and will be second to none.  His son will be a Purshotam who will be the best poet, musician, composer, warrior, philosopher, general and saint.  His radiance will be the greatest.  He will punish the evil and slay the bad kings.  He will make the glory of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji shine in the whole world like the moonlight of the full moon.  The moonlight will look less.  He will establish the right path in this world.  He will protect the Dharma.  The earth, sea, heavens, Devatas, Yakshas, Kinnars, Gandharvs and demigods will all sing his praises and thank him for what he will do.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s name will spread throughout the world because of him.  This is why I praise and respect him the most.”  This is what his father, the True king, said to me.  He spoke the truth.  I am waiting for that reality to take shape.  This joy drenches my heart.  My grandson!  I wait for him.  I wait for him to be born and for the prophecy to become true.  Those words cannot be false.  Now Makhan Shah ji, listen to another fact of my life: as my husband was leaving this world; I folded my hands and stood in front of him.  I made a request to the one who had arms as thick as elephant trunks; the one who punished the sinners: “oh Prabhoo, what will become of me?  My son does not know any worldly work.  Other than you, we have no other Master who will support us or be on our side.  Under whose support will we live in when you leave?  Baba Gurditta ji’s son, your grandson, Guru Har Rai ji; you have given him the Gurta Ghaddi.  I am the mother of the simple son who does not know about the world or its ways.  You wish to go to Vaikunth.  You were always our great provider.”  The father of Tegh Bahadhur ji heard this and gave me hope.  He then told me: “do not worry about anything.  Your son has all of the virtues.  Tegh Bahadhur ji is quiet but he is all-knowing and full of virtues.  The Gurta Ghaddi will eventually come to your son and all will bow to your home.  Everyone will come to you and bow.  There will be no one equal to Tegh Bahadhur ji.  The slanderers will be in regret.  Whoever will worship him, will get their wishes fulfilled.”  He said this to me and made me happy.  He looked at my son and blessed him with his vision.  The words of my husband to my son, I wait for them to become reality.  Those words are about to come true.  My son is still detached from the world.  Dheermal and the other relatives are jealous of my son.  They don’t like to see him be glorious.  They want to be the Guru.  They want to kill him.  They are evil.  They fired bullets on him twice already.  My son still looks out for such evil people.  Who does that?  Who says what he says?  Dheermal is wealthy.  He has everything he wants and needs in his home.  He has a lot of land.  What we have, you have seen.  We make a living.  My son is content with all this.  He wants to return everything to Dheermal.  Even what was his.  The fire of greed burns in the home of Dheermal.  He wants more money.  He is not at peace.  My son wants to give the money to Dheermal.  What he is saying, just do it.  I have no control over this.”  After saying all this, Mata ji wiped her eyes.  She was confused as she couldn’t disobey her son.  She was in deep thought about his.  She spoke again: “look at how my son is looking out for them.  He wants the best for them.  Dheermal commits sins everyday in ego for money.”  Mata ji then went quiet.  She thought to herself: “my son is safe.  That is the greatest thing.”  This conversation carried on till around 10 PM in the home of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.

11-19 Dheermal’s items are Returned

After listening to Mataji’s words, Bhai Makhan Shah ji was confused.  Guru ji then told Bhai Makhan Shah ji to go quickly and take all of the stuff back to Dheermal’s place: “don’t delay.  Go to Dheermal’s place.  Return all his stuff to him.  Give our money to him as well.  That is the way of money, it does not stay in one place.  Lakshmi is always moving.  When it comes, it brings happiness and when it goes, it burns your heart.  The greedy commit sins for it.  They gather it all their life and then die with regret.  As Karta Purakh keeps you, that’s how you should stay.  Guru Nanak Dev ji says:

Sri Raag Mahalla 1 Ghar 5..

Maya cannot be cheated.  It cheats everyone.  It can’t be injured or cut with a Kataar..

As the Sahib keeps you, that is how you should live; the greedy person’s heart wanders because of it..

(SGGS 25)

Maya (wealth, money) cannot be deceived, but deceives everyone.  Kataars (or other such things) cannot injure or kill it.  Maya causes attachment in the hearts of humans.  Everyone wants to have the most money.  While earning it, keeping it and when it goes away; it gives pain in every state.  So, oh Bhai Makhan Shah ji, why are you worrying?  There is no use in worrying.  One will get what is in their Karma.  Take this Maya to Dheermal so his pain may go away.  The greedy one is happy with money.  If they don’t get money, their heart continues to burn.  Don’t think too much.  Do as I say.  Take everything back.”  Hearing Guru ji speak, Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s heart got caught in the chains of Guru ji’s words.  His heart was still like an elephant caught in chains.  He said: “as you wish Guru ji.  I have no control over anything.  I will do as you say.  This is my wish.”  As Mata ji watched, Bhai Makhan Shah ji gathered all the items and told his men to take them to Dheermal.  He said: “give him this message, “Dheermal, you took all these items from the True Guru, but the True Guru is the greatest.  He is returning all these items back to you because the True Guru thinks for the best for all, even sinners like you.  Don’t do another conflict with Guru ji again.  Don’t listen to corrupt people.  Don’t take their advice.  The Satguru is compassionate towards you.  He forgave you.  He gave you your things back, even though you were guilty.  It’s a good think our weapons didn’t swing.  If they had swung, you would have been no where to be found.  You are alive and so you are now getting money.  This is the compassion of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.”  Baba Makhan Shah ji had all the items packed and loaded and sent to Dheermal.  Sri Guru ji had everything sent back.  Guru ji then rested the night on his bed.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji bowed and got up.  He had all his men sent.

After everything was sent, Bhai Makhan Shah ji saw Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and thought to himself: “Guru Granth Sahib ji is too valuable.  I don’t want to give them back.  They should remain here with Guru ji and not with Dheermal.  Dheermal is not worthy to keep Guru Granth Sahib ji.  It is better that they stay in the home of the Guru, where Sikhs can do their Darshan.”  Bhai Makhan Shah ji said to Mata Nanaki ji: “I believe Guru Granth Sahib ji is most valuable and should remain here.  There is nothing else like them.  We will not take Guru Granth Sahib ji back to Dheermal.  That is my wish.  I will have them set up a Dhera here.  Until Guru ji asks about Guru Granth Sahib ji, we will not say anything about their whereabouts.  Doing the Darshan of Guru Granth Sahib ji gives a person great peace within the mind.”  Hence it was decided between Bhai Makhan Shah ji and Mata Nanaki ji that Guru Granth Sahib ji would remain within the house of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  Nobody was told about this.    

Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s men reached Dheermal’s camp and gave him back all the items that were taken.  They delivered the message they were told and spoke about the greatness of the True Guru.  The Guru is the most merciful and loving.  The greatness and compassion of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji was told to Dheermal.  Listening to the message that Bhai Makhan Shah ji sent pierced Dheermals ego.  Dheermal didn’t lift his eyes.  He kept listening quietly.  He couldn’t let go of his greed.  He kept everything that was brought back.  He was happy to see the money but it pained him to hear that message.  He remained silent and did not say anything to Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s men.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s men unloaded the items and gave them to the Masands of Dheermal.  Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji’s bravery was seen.  Dheermal was terribly embarrassed and could not tolerate Guru ji’s greatness.  He was in pain and did not feel the joy of receiving such wealth.  The men unloaded the stuff and the Masands put everything away.  They didn’t look anywhere.  They were like dead men from embarrassment.  They were embarrassed as they grabbed the stuff from the Sikhs.  Dheermal thought to himself: “the virtues that my Chacha has are definitely that of the True Guru’s.  My uncle is truly worthy of the Guruship.  I have done a great sin by trying to take his life.  After all that, he still cared about my happiness.  He didn’t think about my crime.  He did what was good for me.  Nobody can compare to Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  Not everyone does what he did.  I can’t be the Guru.  I can’t be like him.  He is too great.  There is no one greater than him.  He gave me all his money and things.  He didn’t think of my vices.  I’ve heard about the way of saints; they are like trees.  They give shade to the bad people too.  The saints bless even the sinners.  I have seen my Chacha’s goodness.”  Dheermal regrated his actions after thinking about this.  He cursed himself for what he had done.

All the items were unloaded and given custody to Dheermal.   The Masands saw Dheermal being depressed and how his head was hanging low.  Dheermal didn’t look up.  The Masands spoke to Dheermal to give him hope: “why are you humbled?  You don’t know your own glory.  Don’t feel bad about what happened.  In fact, your Chacha has recognized your greatness and has figured out that this wealth should belong to you.  He didn’t think it belonged to him.  You are the True Guru.  This is not hidden.  Nobody can hide this.  You are the brother of Guru Har Rai ji.  Your glory will be the same.  He had 2,200 mounted men with weapons.  In wealth, your home is bigger.  The whole world knows this.  You are the grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He gave the Gurta Ghaddi to your home.  Many lands, which can’t be counted, they worship you, bringing you gifts.  So what if a foreign Sikh has interfered?  He did a foolish act.  Your uncle has understood that you are the True Guru.  He respects your home.  He sees himself lower than you.  He sent everything to you.  He is afraid of you.  He probably figured that once Makhan Shah goes back to his land, your Chacha would be alone and no one will protect him.  He won’t always have Makhan Shah’s help.  He got scared about the future.  That’s why he brought all the wealth back to you with respect.  Be happy now.  There’s no time to worry.  You have received all the greatness.  Your army will grow like your brother’s.  Enlist more men.  Keep the money the Sikhs give you.  The Gurta Ghaddi will be in your home.  Have courage.  You don’t have to be humble.  If your enthusiasm dies down, nobody will come to bow to your feet.  Everything has come to your home.  Be happy.  Now all the Sikhs will come to you and bring more money and gifts.  Your wealth will grow and your army will grow.”

11-20 Dheermal’s Return

Hearing the words of the Masand, Dheermal gathered his courage.  In a pitiful way, he spoke with pain: “Sheeha, you spoke sugar-coated words to me right now but the truth is that they could have killed me.  Makhan Shah has 500 armed men.  He is my Chacha’s Sikh.  He listens to him.  He obeys him.  If my Chacha would have signaled him, he would have killed me.  My Chacha saved me and didn’t let me be harmed.  My Chacha was always a calm person.  He has never done anything wrong.  He still doesn’t do anything bad.  What you say may be true but I think my Chacha’s personality is pure.  Listen to what bothers me: this conflict that has come about in our family, this can never be repaired.  The gun should never have been fired.  My honour is now stained.  It won’t ever be the same.  I will be spoken bad about because of this.  This won’t be hidden.  The elder Sodhi relatives will meet and laugh at me.  I will be seen as the bad one in every way.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji will be praised.  He will prosper.  How will I sit in Sangat now as a Guru?  As I think about this, I feel embarrassed.  If I stayed in Kartarpur I wouldn’t have been dishonoured.  I lived with honour in my home.  The Sangat would come with love.  They brought a lot of expensive gifts.  I was really happy in my own home.  Many others like Makhan Shah would have come.  They wouldn’t have been able to even speak to me.  If I would have met him, I would have given him wisdom and tried to convince him that I am the Guru.  You made me set up a Dhera here.  When I told you about the sneeze being a bad omen, you didn’t listen to me.  You used your own logic and did what you wanted to.  You gave me dishonour and trouble.  This is what I get for listening to you.  This is my reward.  The bad horse pulls hard and goes the wrong way.  It bothers the rider and throws him where he can’t survive.  The horse goes where it pleases.  You did such a bad thing with me.  My reputation will never come back to me.  My mind is not calm anymore.  The relatives will laugh at me.  How will I tolerate this?  I’m going to stay this night and leave in the morning.  I don’t wish to show my face to anyone.  We should leave as Aruna’s (the red driver of Surya’s chariot) light comes out.  You made me into a greedy person.  I lost my honour.  Load all of the things.  Make preparations to leave.  Make sure nothing is left behind.  Pack everything up.  Pack up the Dhera now.  We will go to our own home and stay there.  I am respected there.  It was wrong to come here.  If we stay in Bakala, the relatives, we can’t face them.  I came to get the greatness of the Gurta Ghaddi but I am worse off now.”  Hearing the words of Dheermal, the Masands remained quiet.  They all heard his command and packed the luggage.  They didn’t sleep the whole night.  They spent the whole night packing.  Everything was packed and kept in one place.  The stuff that Bhai Makhan Shah ji brought was loaded.  There was noise all night.  Everyone went home at midnight. 

Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s men went to their Dhera and rested.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji got the revenge for his Guru but his mind was still a little anxious.  He laid down with joy and thought to himself: “Guru ji is too calm and cool.  There is nobody else more forgiving.  Dheermal committed a big sin.  Look at how nicely Guru ji reacted?  He gave his own things to Dheermal.  His Bhuddi did not go into any conflict.  He did not get angry at all.  He was calm and patient.  He didn’t think of anyone’s wrongdoing.  He has great virtues and wisdom.”  Bhai Makhan Shah ji thought about Guru ji’s greatness.  He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

At midnight, everyone rested.  The Masands of Dheermal did not sleep.  Dheermal said: “did everything come back?”  The Masands said: “yes.  The money came as well but Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji were not returned.  They kept them.  There is nothing like them.  That was a priceless treasure you had.  That should be with us.  They belonged to our elders.  The Sangat bowed to them.  Everyone bowed to them.  They did their Darshan and saw themselves blessed.  Ask your Chacha to give them to you.  How can we go home without them?  We will never get something like that again.  We were great because of them.”  Dheermal heard this and got angry.  He said: “you made me loose them.  How can they come back once they are gone?  My enemy is now more powerful than me.  I can’t take anything from them.  Even if we fight, we can’t get them.  How can I ask them for it?  We are enemies who want to kill each other now.  You made me do all this.  You influenced me.  You convinced me.  Guru Granth Sahib ji should come to me.  I don’t see a way.  Everything is back.  Money too.  How can we get Guru Granth Sahib ji now?  This is a very bad thing.  Ther is no solution to this.  If we stay here, they won’t come back to give them back.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji wrote that Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Guru Hargobind ji gave them to me.  We have the same elders.  My Chacha will want to keep them.  He will take them and stake his claim over them.  If Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji would give them and not be greedy, they will come back to my home.  There is no other way.  Only his compassion would work.  I’m not going to stay here though.  I can’t tolerate this dishonour.  Let’s leave before morning.  We will go to Kartarpur.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji till Guru Har Rai ji, I bow to all of them.  I will do Ardaas and make Karah Prashaad.  I will pray to the Gurus to make Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji become compassionate so he gives me Guru Granth Sahib ji.  They can change his Bhuddi.  I want to get them without asking for them.  May the Guru complete my wish.  Going to the shelter of elders, there is no other solution.  I will go to their shelter and have my wish fulfilled.  This is the only way, none other.”  Dheermal was worried.  He thought of this big problem.  He was in pain and depressed.  He sat still like an idol, all night long.  He spent the night awake.  He didn’t close his eyes.  He was drowning in the ocean of worry.  He was in pain. 

When it was 5 am, Dheermal said to his men: “bring my chariot.  Let’s go.  Take the carts.  Gather the luggage.  Let’s start the journey without delay.”  Everything was loaded.  They took the money and stayed quiet.  They started their way to Kartarpur.  Dheermal kept thinking about Guru Granth Sahib ji.  He thought to himself: “look at what greatness we came for!  I am worse off.  We lost the honour we had.”  He travelled home, depressed.  There was nothing he could do.  He had great regret in his heart.