11-31 Guru Ji’s Glory, Dheermal’s Jealousy

Guru Sahib constructed a beautiful house and started to live in it.  He also made sure the new settlers had everything they needed for their day-to-day needs.  Guru ji had new homes built for the settlers as well. 

Many new Sangats would come to visit Guru Sahib on a daily basis.  The new people would set up their camps and start their businesses and trades.  They sat in their shops and conducted their businesses.  The rich and poor all come.  They lived together.  Many Sikhs made their homes and started their work.  Many labours came to live in Anandpur with Guru ji, looking for work.  Hundreds of men and women came everyday.  The Guru’s court was always crowded.  The seniors and Masands lived there with joy.  They arranged for all of the construction of the homes for the people.  Many saints and fakirs would come to visit Guru Sahib.  They would come seeking the shelter of the Compassionate One.  They would bow and sit with Guru ji.  They stayed close to Guru Sahib and received the answers to their life’s questions.  Langar was distributed openly to all.  The saints were given Langar and clothes, as per their needs.  They made their lives a success as they did the Simran of the Guru.  Many servants stayed with Guru ji.  They would do seva (selfless service) with their hands folded and Simran of Guru ji all day long. 

Money and wealth would accumulate daily.  It was growing by doubling, quadrupling and 10-fold every few days.  One group of sangat would come and then leave.  Then another group would come right after.  The praise of Guru ji was spreading in all 10 directions.  The rarest and most expensive items were brought for Guru ji.  They would present them standing with their hands folded.  The Sikhs would bring new silks, pashminas and beautiful wool blankets.  They brought beautiful jewellery for Mata Gujri ji and other expensive items for Guru Sahib.  It was hard to count all of the items.  Day and night, everything accumulated.  There was no shortage.  Guru Sahib would spend all of the money that would come on building people’s houses or on helping them settle with their new trades or businesses.  The money was spent on establishing the new city.  Beautiful houses were being made.  Langar was made and distributed twice a day and a lot of money was spent on feeding people.  Guru ji gave Siropas to the Sikhs.  Many Sikhs would receive Gyaan and attain Mukti from Guru ji.  The wealth grew.  The Sodhi Master spent a lot of money. 

Many months had passed and as more people found out about Guru Sahib, they would come to meet Guru ji.  The other Sodhi cousins would see the glory and increasing wealth of Guru Sahib and be filled with jealousy.  They were surprised at how Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji’s glory was growing.  They thought to themselves: “how is he succeeding?  He was not wise about the world.  He was a quiet person, growing up.  He wasn’t a smart person and never used his intellect (to earn money) his whole life.  He was known to be useless but now he is determined as the Guru.  His wealth has grown amazingly.  Many people are coming, seeing others come.  The people stopped coming to us and are going to him.  One Makhan Shah started this whole situation.  The people don’t know the reality.  The Guru they bow to, still doesn’t know the ways of the world.  He gave the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji back to Dheermal after obtaining it.  It was the rare item of the elders.  He didn’t know the glory of the Sri Granth ji.  He gave the Sri Granth ji back out of fear.  He didn’t keep them with him.  What did he do?  The Sangat that followed us, they left us and go to the Guru with their gifts.”  In this way, the Sodhis were upset and in pain.  They made up bad qualities for Guru ji and spoke of them.  The Sodhis were surprised but little did they know that Guru ji was quiet because he saw the world for what it really was, a dream, a place where excess importance is placed on power and wealth.  The Sodhis continued to claim that it was because of Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s conspiracy that Guru Sahib was sitting on the Guru’s throne.  They couldn’t understand why Guru Sahib gave back all his wealth and the Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib ji.  They didn’t know that Guru Sahib was creating this situation so that the Guru Granth Sahib ji, written and compiled by the elders, would remain safe with Dheermal’s family.

As Dheermal heard of Guru ji’s praises, he saw the Sangat going to Anandpur.  Dheermal would hold his head in pain.  Although, Dheermal now knew of the glories of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji, greed would still overpower his mind.  He knew Guru ji had Bhagti.  Money would make him greedy again.  He wanted the Sangat to bring the money to him instead of Guru ji.  He said to all: “Sangat from every direction go to my Chacha.  They take a lot of money and gifts from him.  His glory and wealth are growing.  My brother and nephew were the Gurus.  It was right for me to be the next Guru after them.  My Chacha is 2 generations above.  How is he the Guru?  He was the youngest.  All the Masands of Delhi have gone over to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  He made them do Simran of his name.  Makhan was an unwise fool.  He gave money to my Chacha and proclaimed him as the Guru.  Who knows what deal they made with each other.  My Chacha now sits as the big Guru Master.  I can’t tolerate his growth of greatness.”    Dheermal said to Sheeha: “Sheeha!  What can we do?  How can we decrease his following?  Money is coming to him from every direction.  He was poor.  He barely made a living.  He stayed hidden.  Nobody knew about him.  The Sangat didn’t even know about him.  In one instant, he established a whole city.  We tried to kill him, this backfired on us.  Help me Sheeha, what should we do?  When he is removed, I will be calm.”  The evil Masand Sheeha heard this and widened his eyes.  He spoke in a very proud voice: “I can do everything!  I know all the tactics there are to know.  If you listen to me, your glory would grow by four times as much.  There is nothing you can’t do.  You can take the joy of the enemy in an instant.  Let’s make an effort now.  Get close to Baba Ram Rai and establish your love for him.  Your nephew is like your son.  He is radiant like the moon in the sky within the Sodhi family.  He has Alamgir Aurangzeb in his control.  Ram Rai goes to the Badshah and is highly respected.  They both speak to each other.  The Badshah likes to see Ram Rai’s powers.  He shows the Badshah his powers when asked.  We can get Ram Rai to tell the Badshah about Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  The Badshah will want to see miracles and call him to Delhi.  We will stay here and have all our tasks fulfilled.  Your Chacha will go to the Shah’s court.  The Shah will ask him to show him his powers.  The Shah is quite stubborn and likes to get his stuff done.  He won’t let your Chacha come back.  Ram Rai has many powers.  How can the Shah compare anyone else to him?  If your Chacha can’t show him his powers, or decides to be stubborn and doesn’t show him his powers, then the Badshah will imprison him or kill him.  Aurangzeb Shah is really corrupt.  He will imprison him.  Nauranga (Aurungzeb, referred to by Khalsa) may even decapitate the Guru if he gets really angry.  Either of the two situations, imprisonment or death to Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji, you would become the Guru of the world.  All of the Sikhs would come to you.   They will come to you from every direction, bringing their money to you.  Your wealth will grow.  This is the best plan that I can think of.  The enemy will be killed like this.”  Sheeha Masand’s strategy made Dheermal very happy.  Dheermal said: “Shaabaash!  Good thinking, Sheeha.  This will be good for us.  If my Chacha goes to Delhi, he won’t show his powers.  He will be in trouble.  The Shah has killed many saints and will certainly make life difficult for my uncle.  He does not fear anyone.  My nephew is really powerful.  Why wouldn’t he help us?  He is the enemy of the Guru as well.  If he is the Guru of the world, Ram Rai is becoming smaller.  The thousands of monies that used to go to him, goes to Anandpur now.  Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji gets that money now.  Baba Ram Rai and I are one.  Our loss and profit are the same.  Write a letter to Ram Rai in a good way.  Tell him: “how are you sitting with a cool chest?  Our relative is mine and your enemy.  He is growing by the day.  Without taking him out, how can we grow?  Our glory will lessen.”  Sheeha and Dheermal made these plans.  Dheermal forgot about the generosity Guru ji showed him.  Dheermal had obviously become ungrateful to Guru ji because greed had taken over his mind.  The intoxication of Maya got to his head.  Thus, Dheermal then began to think of sinful strategies and forgotten what the Guru had done for him.

11-32 Dheermal Writes to Ram Rai

Dheermal wrote a letter to his nephew Ram Rai.  He praised his nephew: “you are great in many ways.  You are very powerful.  Listen son, “Barkhurdhaar,” your father, Guru Har Rai ji, was my younger brother and you are his eldest son with all the virtues.  The Turkeshwar obeys you.  Your powers and ability to perform miracles are well known.  There is nobody else like you in this world.  Nobody else can have so much power as you do.  Your father, my younger brother, I see you as the same.  The throne of Guruship should by yours, or mine.  We are the rightful heirs.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji is too far for this greatness.  How did Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji become the Guru?  Why are you not worried about this?  We are being insulted.  Our glory is lessening.  People leave us to go to him.  He has taken in thousands of Rupees and has gathered so much wealth.  He established a new city like a king.  Tell the Mughal King to call Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji to Delhi.  Some how, figure out a way to get Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji killed.  I have tried many ways to kill him but the plans did not go well.  He survived twice.  We tried to kill him twice.  This is why I am writing to you; we need to figure out what to do next.”  Dheermal sent this letter with a messenger along with a very expensive Siropa and valuable gifts.  Dheermal had hope to kill his enemy if Ram Rai agreed. 

The messenger went to Delhi and came to Ram Rai’s home.  The Messenger bowed to Baba Ram Rai and gave him the letter.  They spoke of pleasantries.  Ram Rai received the messenger and asked him how Dheermal was doing.  Ram Rai then opened the letter and read it.  He understood what was asked of him.  Ram Rai was happy and thought to himself: “my uncle, Dheermal, is now dependent on me.”  This made Ram Rai happy, but he was now distressed thinking about the situation.  He was sad that the Guruship was no longer in their family.  His father had already disowned him and the Sikh Sangat knew this.  Ram Rai and Guru Harkrishan ji had cursed each other.  The Sangat didn’t like that.  The Satguru did not want the Sangat to meet Ram Rai.  It was because of Ram Rai’s words that Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji left his body and the whole family was depressed.  The whole family thought of Ram Rai as a cruel person now and didn’t want to maintain relations with him.  As Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji left this Earth, he also cursed Ram Rai of dying without having any kids.  Remembering all this, he thought to himself: “the world sees me as a bad person.  Now, it seems like another problem is coming up.  I hope nothing goes worse.  I will be stained in dishonour even more.”  Baba Ram Rai thought about this.  He further thought: “what should I do to fix this?”  Ram Rai replied to Dheermal’s letter by writing back: “you are my elder in every way.  I respect you.  You are very wise in planning things.  Whatever you wish to do to relieve your worries, I will assist you.  I will obey you.  Why wouldn’t I obey you?”  The Letter was sent back to Kartarpur. 

Dheermal read the letter and was very pleased with the response.  Dheermal told Sheeha that his plan worked and that he had just finished reading Ram Rai’s letter: “your plan was successful.  Ram Rai read our letter and sent hope.”  In this way, the correspondence occurred.  The cousins of the Guru became his enemies.  They no longer used their logic as to what was a good thing or a bad deed.  Greed made them do bad things.

One day, Ram Rai went to go visit Nauranga in his court.  The court was crowded with other men of high positions and guards.  Baba Ram Rai sat on the highest seat.  The discussion regarding Guru ji started.  Nauranga asked Baba Ram Rai: “who sits on the Gurta Ghaddi now?  As Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji went to Sach Khand, who is the Guru now?  He had no children due to his young age.  Who is the Guru?”  Baba Ram Rai said to Nauranga: “Guru Harkrishan ji had proclaimed the next Guru with signs.  The throne went to a person in our family who was a recluse, and by our standards, did not have worldly wisdom.  He doesn’t meet or greet with anyone.  He sits on the Ghaddi now.  He is my grandfather’s younger brother.  I have heard that he has established a new city and people say that he performs many miracles.  People bring him a lot of money and have their wishes fulfilled.  He has a lot of wealth now, as many people go to visit him.  He is revealed as the Guru but I want to see him come to your court and show you miracles.  Only then will I accept him.  Otherwise, there are many people who claim to be the next Guru and loot the innocent Sikhs.”  Nauranga then said to Ram Rai: “I have seen enough miracles from you.  Nobody is as powerful as you.  Why do I need to call him and see more miracles?  You seem to be the most powerful.  You are the son and grandson of the Guru.  Everyone else is smaller than you.”  Ram Rai heard this and spoke again: “you are the master of this land.  Many people live here.  Why wouldn’t they complete your task?  Everyone would have to listen to what you say.”  The Shah heard this and stayed silent.  The subject was then changed.  Everyone heard the conversation between Ram Rai and the Mughal Shah.  The Sikhs in Delhi came to know and figured out that Ram Rai was brewing some new cruel plan to cause the True Guru some distress.  They said to each other: “Ram Rai is planning a bad thing towards Guru ji.  He is trying hard to do something.”

After a few days, the Sangat came together and said: “he will continue to cause trouble.”  Some more days passed.  The Sangat got together and wanted to go meet Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji in the new city of Anandpur.  The fortunate ones got ready.  They brought together money and rare gifts and headed towards Anandpur while doing Simran of the Guru.  They wanted to make Guru ji happy.  When the Sikhs reached Anandpur, they entered the city with joy.  They set up camp first and rested.  They washed their hands and feet.  They wore new clothes and cured their fatigue.  They took their gifts and went to go visit Guru Sahib in his court.  The Masands led the way.  They all presented the gifts and touched Guru ji’s feet.  They folded their hands and did Guru ji’s Darshan.  They felt a great amount of joy and happiness as they visited the True Guru.  A joy, not achieved be seeing any one else in this world.  Guru ji asked how everyone was.  The Sikhs said their Ardaas to Guru ji as they presented their gifts.  The Mevra did the Ardaas by saying the names of the rich Sikhs of Delhi: “Maharaj, so and so has brought their Dasvand.  You fulfilled their wish and so they bring their gifts.  So and so was helped by you.  This Sikhs was sick and is now well.  So and so wishes to prosper.”  In this way, the Ardaas’s were said.  The gifts were presented close to Guru ji’s feet.  They told Guru Sahib of all the blessings they received when they did ardaas and that they were bringing gifts upon their wishes being fulfilled.  The name of the Masand from Delhi was Bhai Gurbaksh ji.  He was a very wise man.  The Delhi Sikhs followed him.  Bhai Gurbaksh Masand ji folded his hands and spoke to Guru Sahib: “Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji spoke his final words to me, while leaving this world.  He told me, that, “the Baba, is in Bakala.”  We have now finally seen you.   I see his words in reality now.  Please be with your servants in the court of Akaal Purakh.”  Guru Sahib smiled and said: “how is Ram Rai?  How did he go to the Shah?  How did he reach the Shah and why did Ram Rai curse the Guru?  He called Guru ji from Kiratpur, upon filling the Shah’s ears.  When Guru ji arrived in Delhi, why did Ram Rai feel pain?  What was spoiled for Ram Rai when Sri Guru ji came to Delhi?  He became an enemy to his own brother and cursed him to death.”  Bhai Gurbaksh ji replied to Guru ji: “he couldn’t tolerate Guru ji’s radiance.  The reason he called him was because he knew Guru ji would not meet the Shah.  He thought Guru ji would run away to Jungle Desh.  If he would have met the Shah, his vow would have broken.  He told Aurangzeb about his brother’s miracles.  He said this to him many times.  When Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji came to Delhi, his glory and fame was a lot more than Ram Rai’s.  Guru Harkrishan ji also upheld his vow of not meeting the Mughal Shah.  Ram Rai wanted to make the Shah angry.  But nothing happened.  This made Ram Rai angrier and he then cursed his younger brother with the “seetala” disease (small pox).  There was nothing else he could do to calm his anger or pride.  Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji heard about the curse and was not sad nor happy.  He accepted what was going to happen.  He left his body for this reason.  Guru ji was very patient and left his body without hesitation saying that Ram Rai’s words are a gift from their father, Guru Har Rai Sahib ji.  (Guru Har Rai Sahib gave Ram Rai many powers as he went to Delhi, and said, that whatever will come out of Ram Rai’s mouth, will come true.)  Ram Rai is still not happy and cooking up some new trouble.  One day your discussion started.   The Shah asked about who the new Guru was.  Ram Rai was adamant that he should call you to his court and have you show the Shah your powers.  Nauranga didn’t agree with Ram Rai though.  Ram Rai is definitely plotting something against you.  He can’t do anything to you.  He can’t compare to you.  He wants the Guruship.  He has been unsuccessful with all his plotting and he will definitely fail at this attempt as well.”  The Master, Guru Sahib ji, heard the whole story and just smiled.

11-33 Guru ji Blesses the Holy places

Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji is the Satguru, all-knowing and great.  He has the divine vision of foresight and knows what is going to happen in the future.  He looked into the future of what was to happen.  Guru ji had to bless many Sikhs and Teeraths.  Many were waiting for Guru ji in their homes.  To bless the Sikhs in the East, Guru Sahib wanted to go visit them in their homes.  The Sikhs of the East wanted to see Guru ji.  Guru ji made an excuse that he wanted to go visit the holy sites in the East but the real reason was to go visit the Sikhs.  He wanted to bless his Servants.  Anandpur had been established.  Many came and were now living peacefully.  Guru ji also noticed that the Sodhis were trying to get Guru ji away from Punjab and they were full of greed.  Guru ji said: “I am sitting here in peace but the Sodhis see me and are burning from within.  They think of new schemes on a daily basis.  They are greedy for money.  They want people to come to them.  I have been calm but they look at my calmness and get restless.  I wish to go away far from here and let them live in peace.  They will be at peace once they don’t see me.  So, I believe it is a good idea to travel and meet the Sikhs of the East who wish to see me.”  Seeing many reasons to go, the Master commanded his Sikhs: “make all the preparations for travelling.  We will travel to different lands.  We will travel slowly in peace and move at our own pace.  We will visit holy sites along our travels and meet Sikhs who wish to see me.  Prepare the palanquins and chariots.” Many Sikhs, servants, saints, Fakirs and ascetics who were living with Guru Sahib, got ready to travel with Guru Sahib.  They wanted Satguru ji’s Darshan everyday.  They also wanted to visit the Teeraths to earn good Karma.  They would travel and make their lives a success.  The people saw many reasons to go. 

Guru Sahib called everyone in Anandpur to assemble and hear his announcements.  As the people came together, Guru Ji said to them with respect: “you are to live here in peace.  I am going to the holy sites and will spend many days in the Jungle Desh (Malva area).  After that, I will visit the East and see those sites.”  The Sikhs then folded their hands and said to Guru Sahib: “you are our Master, whether you are near or far from us, please always be close to our hearts and assist us where we need you.  You are our omnipotent Bhagavan.  Protect us forever.  Please come back soon.  We live by your support.  We will wait for you continuously.  When you come back, only then will this city become well-established.  Otherwise, it will remain as it is now.”  Guru Sahib was very happy to hear the devotion in the Sikhs’ voices.  Guru Sahib then smiled and said: “when the great being will be born, he will come to live here.  He will see you as his own.  He will come and make this city even bigger.  He will make many forts and wells here.  He will make this place great.  I have merely planted the seed; he will make this city into a full-grown tree.  Thousands will come here everyday.  The settlers will live here in joy.”  The Sikhs heard Guru ji.  They folded their hands and bowed their heads, accepting Guru ji’s words.

Guru Sahib then got ready to leave.  The chariots were prepared.  The horses were saddled.  Guru ji gave hope to all.  He was going to bless the Sikhs of the other lands.  Mata Nanaki ji mounted her chariot.  She was happy travelling with her son.  She had the love of her son in her heart.  She would get to visit the holy sites.  She wanted to get away from the Sodhi cousins’ jealousy as well.  Mata Gujri ji was seated in a palanquin and travelled with her husband.  Her brother Mamma Kirpal Chand ji was with her too and mounted his horse.  He was the general of the armed men.  Many Sangat walked on foot.  The Sadhoos and saints wanted to receive Mukti from Guru ji.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji thought of Sri Satguru Nanak Dev ji and got on top of his horse. 

Everyone travelled slowly.  Guru ji was omniscient who knew every heart.  He first stopped about 6 kms away.  Many people came to see him there.  Guru Sahib left all the money of the treasury there and commanded one servant to manage the treasury.  Guru ji told the treasurer: “leave one servant here to take care of the expenses.”  One fortunate servant obeyed and stayed.  He was given all the money.  Guru ji said to him: “spend the money well.  Make wells and homes.  Help people build their homes and help to establish their businesses. Dig many wells and make sure people have access to fresh water.  Make sure everyone is in joy.  Don’t over spend and don’t be cheap, spend the money on the progression of the city.  Nobody should be in pain.  Nobody should give them pain.  Whoever thinks bad of the people of Anandpur, they will cease to exist.”  Guru ji gave them instructions. 

The Sangat came to see Guru ji off.  Guru ji became compassionate and wanted to destroy their pain.  Guru ji gave them wisdom before giving them leave: “oh Sikhs, this body is a jewel and make sure to apply your body for its well-being.  Do what it takes to make your life a success.  Don’t let your life get stuck in worldly affairs.  Don’t think it will last forever.  The body will finish.  Don’t fall into its doubt.  Work an honest living, without sin.  Don’t spend your time in gathering wealth and material things.  This body and life will not last forever, don’t get attracted and disillusioned by worldly things.  Live an honest life and work to live.  Always remember Akaal Purakh as you go about in this world and earn an honest living.  Keep the Simran of Akaal Purakh alive in your heart and don’t let any breath of life go to waste.  Wherever you see the Sangat of the Guru, perform their selfless seva.  Do it with love, so love arises.  Wave the fans for them and bring them water to drink.  Grind the flour for their feasting and provide them money as your budget allows.  By giving them food, clothes and massaging their feet, you will be successful in life.  It is not the time now to perform strict penances with your eyes closed and meditating.  The three primal beings “Tridev” have done these types of penances known as “Tapp.”  There is nothing that cannot be achieved with Tapp.  Brahma received power by Tapp to create the universe.  Vishnu used the power to sustain.  Shiva used Tapp to destroy.  Great saints like Dhroo Bhagat and others have gained many glories by doing tapp and have been known throughout the world for their great devotion.  Tapp makes the radiance grow.  Everyone praises Tapp.  What those great saints achieved can only be achieved by this type of Tapp, but there is now no time to do such types of penances.  People of Kaliyuga are weaker.  A person can achieve a hundred times more rewards by doing the Seva of the Satsangat.  Seva is bigger than Tapp.  What else can I tell you?  There is more glory in serving the Sikhs of the Guru than Tapp.  So, understand the importance of selfless Seva.  Seva is the highest.  Serving the Saints and serving the court of the Guru, there is nothing that cannot be achieved in the sangat.  There is nothing found in the world that can’t be achieved by the Seva of the Sangat.  The Seva of the sangat is a great chance given to a person.  Don’t lose the opportunity.  There is great importance in the Simran of the Naam.  The mind will be at peace.  By doing the Simran of Akaal Purakh, great levels of spirituality are achieved.  Keep your mind focused on the Name of Akaal Purakh, your mind will not wander here and there.  Your mind will remain still, by keeping it focused.  Start off slow, and try to slowly bring it to focus on Simran.  Use your concentration to keep it focused and still.  As your personality grabs on to this stillness, you will slowly get better at it and will progress.   Your mind will then be either focused on the lotus feet of the Satguru or it will be focused on the Name of Akaal Purakh.  The mind flows like water, as you pave the way, it will flow in that direction.  Slowly stop your mind from the vices of the mind because they give the mind such little pleasures and then show you Hell.  The pleasures and happiness of this world are destined to perish.  They are only temporary; they do not stay forever.  Serve the Satguru and Saints every day.  Seva will make the mind pure and will reveal the deep secret that: the Aatma is the same as Akaal Purakh.  When pain or tragedy strike, accept this as the will of Akaal Purakh.  Take it on your head.  Understand that all the fruits you receive in life, good or bad, are because of your own karma.  Don’t doubt this and do not blame Ishwar for this.  Face the tragedies and pains of life with full acceptance and joy; because one should consider those pains as payments for their bad karma.  Consider the pain as payment for the bad karma.  Understand that the bad karma is gone because of this.  When you receive success or joy in life, do not be filled with pride, for, all joy comes from Prabhoo Kartaar.   The Kartaar is the sole giver of life and its attributes.  Consider the joy as a blessing from the Satguru and that by reciting Satnam, all pain is diminished.”  Guru ji gave more teachings to the Sangat.  After a while, Guru ji sent the sangat home and Guru ji stayed the night there.  The Sangat bowed and left.

In the morning, Guru ji and the vaheer of people set forth for their travels.  The group moved slowly and set up many camps in the journey.  They all traveled slowly.  Guru ji blessed all the Sikhs.  Wherever they stopped, more Sikhs came and did seva within the camp.  Guru Sahib went to Ropar and sent up camp there.  Guru ji crossed many villages.  Then, Guru Sahib went to the site where the future city of Patiala was to be established.  They set up camp there and Sikhs came to serve in the camp.

11-34 Mayeeaa and Gonda of Moolovaal, Tiloka Jivanda

The great Guru, the son of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, casually arrived in Moolovaal.  He saw the village and stood there.  The Gareeb Nivaaj told the Sikhs to set up camp outside the village. The Vaheer camped as well.  After about an hour, Bhai Mayeeaa and Bhai Gonda (local Sikhs of the area) came to Guru Sahib.  They bowed in front of Guru Sahib and sat down beside him.  They had love in their hearts.  Guru Sahib said to Bhai Mayeeaa and Bhai Gonda: “bring some pure water for me so I can quench my thirst and cure my fatigue.  I wish to wash my hands and feet as well.”  Bhai Gonda ji then spoke: “Guru Sahib, the water of this well is salty.  There are a lot of stones in this water.  The villagers do not drink from this well.  If it is your command, we can go to the other well that is quite further away and fetch water.  It will take some time but we will get fresh water.  The whole village also goes to that particular well.  They drink that water and use it for their daily lives.  It is hard to bring water from there but the water is great.”  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji knew about the difficult situation for the water.   He was there for a particular reason.  He had arrived to this village to bless it.  From his divine mouth, he spoke: “the water of this well here will not be salty.  Remove the rocks from the top and fix the well from the top.  The water will then be fresh and cold.  The whole village will then be able to drink the water of this well.  Say “Waheguru,” and bring the water for me first.”  Hearing this, Bhai Gonda was amazed and ecstatic.  He obeyed and went to the well in the village and brought water for Guru Sahib.  Guru Sahib drank the water.  It was fresh and sweet.  Guru ji was satiated.  He said: “this water is very cold and sweet.  This well will be known as the “Well of the Guru.”  If someone else digs another well, that will be fresh as well.  9 others can be dug.  You can have up to ten wells in total here.  If someone tries to dig an eleventh well, that well will not work.  That is the command.  If someone tried to dig an eleventh well, it will fall apart.”  Guru ji said such words.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji has visited this place and says that there are only ten wells in this village.  The water is cold and sweet.  After Guru Sahib had the first water, Bhai Mayeeaa and Bhai Gonda then drank the water from the same well.  They were amazed to drink the great tasting water.  They had faith in Guru ji’s feet from then onwards.  The news spread: “Sri Guru ji made the well water sweet!”  The villagers then came to know of the miracle and came to see Guru Sahib to pay their respects.  They bowed to Guru ji’s feet and spoke of Guru ji’s praises.  The villagers then became greatly devoted to Guru Sahib and stayed with Guru Sahib. 

Guru Sahib stayed there for two days and preached the Satnam, the giver of peace and joy.  Gonda did not serve Guru Sahib well.  He did not have true devotion for the Guru in his heart.  The rest of the villagers were very devoted.  They served Guru ji with as mush devotion and love as they had.  Guru Sahib asked one of the devoted villagers to come forth and made him the leader of the village.  Guru Sahib tied a Pagree (turban) on his head as a sign of leadership.  Guru ji said to him: “you are now the Chaudhary.  You are the leader of this village and everyone will listen to you going forward.”  Gonda came running to Guru Sahib and folded his hands.  He said: “the leadership of this village is understood to be from my house.  Nobody else can become the leader.  I am the Chaudhary.  The whole village sees me as their leader from many generations.  How are you making someone else the Chaudhary?  How are you making a poor person the leader?”  Guru Sahib said to Gonda: “listen Gonda, you have been the Chaudhary but there will be no one from your house.  This is why there will be another leader.”  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “the Chaudharys have been others from then on.  Gonda was not the Chaudhary anymore.  When I met the people of the village, the villagers told me that when Gonda died, there was no one from his house to take over and so the person who Guru Sahib picked became the leader.  The leader that I met was from that same person’s lineage, who Guru Sahib tied the Pagree to.”

After leaving Moolovaal, Guru Sahib came to a village called Shaykhay.  Guru Sahib saw a nice spot with water and shade and set up camp there.  There was a person named Tiloka there whose last name was Jivanda and was a Jutt by caste.  He was the big Sardaar (leader) of many villages and a lot of people were in his command.  He was the disciple of a Bairagi (order of ascetics) and obeyed his commands.  Tiloka heard about Guru Sahib coming but was confused if he should go to see Guru ji or not.  He decided to ask his own Bairagi Guru.  He asked: “the one who sits on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji has come to our town and many people are going to see him.  They all bow to him.  He has set up his Dhera in my village.  Shall I go to see him or not, oh master?  I am confused.”  The Bairagi heard Tiloka’s questions and became worried.  He was insecure.  He was worried that if Tiloka goes to see Guru ji, he may become Guru ji’s Sikh.  He thought to himself: “he will become his Sikh and bow to him.  If Tiloka goes, he will be given a sermon which will change him.  If Tiloka changes to Sikhi, then others would follow his lead and become Sikhs of the Guru.  Nobody will follow me then.  If the Chaudhary goes, others will follow.  Everyone will become Sikhs.  Nobody will bow to me.  The gifts and money would then stop.  I need to stop this.  I can’t let him meet the Guru.  If he meets him and sees his greatness, he won’t listen to me anymore.”  The Bairagi thought about this and spoke to Tiloka: “Tiloka listen to my words: you are the lover of Hari.  Our path is the best one.  Meet people of our Path.  Whether a person is strong or weak, knowing our path is the best approach.  Our people will tell you the right path.  It is virtuous to speak to our people.  The person can get Mukti that way.  People praise those who stick to their own.  If we are to visit other Gurus of other religions, a person is not saved.  Other Gurus are fond of rich people like you and want them to become their Sikhs.  It is not right to go to others.  You can’t get Mukti then.  You can’t be blessed by them.  The Dharma grows by going to your own.  One goes to Heaven then.  Our people praise our path.  The other people want the rich people to come to them.  They want rich people to become their Sikhs.  They trick you into becoming their Sikhs.  They make you their Sikhs and take your money.  You become a Bemukh from your own Panth.  They are in doubt and give money to the wrong person.  You shouldn’t meet the saints of other paths.  Take Tulsi and Charnodhak in your hand; promise that you won’t go there.”  In this way, the Bairagi stopped Tiloka.  Tiloka listened to his teacher and didn’t go to see Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  Tiloka did not serve the Guru nor did he get his Darshan.  Tiloka was a fool of the highest level.  He couldn’t recognize the Parmeshwar who came to his home town. 

Guru ji stayed there for two days and would have conversations with the Sikhs with him.  Guru ji was sitting with some people and speaking to them one day.  Tiloka came out of his house and saw Guru ji, straight ahead.  He didn’t go close to Guru ji nor did he bow his head in love.  He didn’t even come close to sit with him.  He didn’t speak with anyone about Guru ji.  He didn’t speak to Guru ji.  When he went home, Guru ji saw Tiloka and asked the people that came to see him: “who was that person who turned away?  What is his name, caste and family name?”  The few villagers that were present with Guru Sahib said to Guru Sahib: “that person is the Sardar of the Jivandas and many people are in his command.  When he steps outside his house, many people are in his company.  Look how many people he has.  A lot of people obey him.  He has 22 villages in his command.  He is the Sardaar of them all.”  Guru Sahib heard this and spoke in an angry voice: “there will be no 22 nor 23.  Nothing will remain of his.  All the villages will be destroyed.  The ones that will survive will go to other places and make new villages.  There will be no Sardari nor Sardaar.  They will die and be born again.  They will run around aimlessly.  It will be like Ahmnabad (which was destroyed by Babar).  The big fool will be destroyed soon.”  One Sikh, who was serving Guru ji, went home and told his family: “a curse as fierce as the Vajjar (of Inder) has been uttered.  The Jivandas will soon be no more and the village will be destroyed.  The 22 villages will be destroyed.  They will be destroyed like hail destroying the fields.”

Guru Sahib then travelled on to a village called Hadiyay.  Guru ji set up the Dhera.  There, some of the people from the Jivandas, and others, came to meet Guru Sahib.  They were afraid of being cursed and wanted to know from Guru Sahib, why they were cursed.  They asked: “why have all of us been cursed?”  Guru ji said: “that is the way it is going to be.  There is no stopping it in any way.”

11-35 Curing the sick in Handiyay

Guru ji reached Handiyay and set up camp in a nice place.  Guru Sahib sat under a Borh tree (Indian Banyan) where there was shade.  There was a man laying down outside the village who had a high fever.  It was like he had fire within him.  His mouth was dry and he took deep breaths.  He had aches all over his body.  His body was shivering from the fever.  His head hurt.  His pain couldn’t be described.  Sometimes he would sit up and sometimes he would lay down on the ground.  He would stretch and yawn in anxiety.  Guru Sahib saw him and was really concerned about this man.  Guru ji asked: “who is this person and why is he laying down outside of the village?  Why isn’t he in his home and laying down?  He is dirty and dusty because of laying down on the floor.”  One of the villagers who came to see Guru Sahib replied with humility: “this person has a very high fever and is in pain.  His skin has gone pail and he is very weak.  All of his body parts have become weak.  He does not wish to eat because he does not feel hungry due to the illness.  He stays here, day and night.  There are many others who are suffering from this high fever in this village.  They all have the same symptoms and are in deep pain.  You can see how he is; the others are just like him.  Many are in pain.  Hundreds have died from this illness.  The fever has brought them all down.  There is fear and chaos in the village.  They have no hope of life.  We have tried to find cures but have not been successful thus far.  Both poor and rich have had this illness.  This person is shivering in pain.  He doesn’t have strength to speak.  His mouth is dry.  He lays on the floor with no hope of living on.  If you know of any cure, please be compassionate and bless him with life.  The great beings are generous.  He will be saved if he is cured.” 

Near where Guru Sahib was sitting, there was a small pond.  It was a small dug up area that had gathered rain water over time.  Guru Sahib ji casted his divine vision onto the water in the pond and said: “go and take this man to the “small Sarovar” and bathe him in the water.  He will be cured after that and will be out of danger.”  The men standing beside Guru Sahib heard his words and had faith in their hearts.  They went to the ill man as fast as they could.  They took the sick man and placed him into the water.  As the water touched the ill man, the fever came down in an instant.  Everyone was shocked and surprised to see the man cured.  The people standing became devotees of the Guru that instant.  The villagers ran back to the village and told everyone of the miracle they had just seen.

Many people from the village came running to see the great Guru and folded their hands and said: “please cure us!  We will be the servants of your servants.  The Karma of our village has come to fruition as you have come.  Many of our people have died.  Some are dying.  We come to your shelter.  Save us, otherwise we will die.  The person you cured, he is good as new now.  His pain is gone.  We saw him being cured and so we have come too.  Please say the words and cure us.”  As the villagers cried, Guru Sahib saw their devotion and smiled.  Guru ji said: “go and take a bath in that pond over there beside me.  You shall be cured as well.”  The people ran to the pond and took a dip, listening to Guru ji.  Their fevers went away as soon as the water touched their skin.  More and more people with the fever from the village came and they all bathed in the pond.  Their skin was pale and their bodies were withering away.  Guru Sahib told everyone who came, to go and take a dip and do Simran of “Waheguru”.  Guru ji said: “don’t doubt.  Bathe in the pond.  As your illness goes away after taking a bath, recite the true name “Satnam.”  You will be saved after this life as well.  As your pain is gone now, the Guru will save you from the Jumms as well.  You will be in joy in both worlds.”   As word spread, everyone with the illness came.  Rich and poor, they all came.  Hundreds heard of Guru ji’s greatness.  Many people then started to bring gifts and food for Guru Sahib.  They brought clothes and food.  Many became Sikhs of the Guru and started to Simran of Satnam on a regular basis.  They served Guru Sahib for many days, as long as Guru ji stayed there.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji visited this village and there he noticed that a great Sarovar (pool) had been constructed where Guru ji sat and there is a Gurduara made there as well.  The glory of the Satguru is still radiant.  In the village, the people still have faith in the Sarovar of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.

Guru Sahib, the omniscient Prabhoo, then left Handiyay.  Guru ji gave a lot of love to the people of the village.  The villagers wanted Guru ji to stay longer but Guru ji gave them hope and left in the morning.  Guru ji and the Vaheer travelled about 3 kms from there to a village called “Dhaula.”  Guru Sahib’s horse stopped from entering the village.  Guru Sahib tried to make the horse go forward by poking his stirrups and hitting his whip but the horse did not budge.  Guru ji then stopped and concentrated.  He then spoke: “these people are the servants of the Turks by choice.  These fools do not know of the Prabhoo Guru.”  Guru Sahib then turned to a different direction.  Guru Sahib then passed a village called “Sohibaal” and get off his horse to wash up.  After washing up, Guru ji headed towards Kail village.  People from that village were not nice to the travellers and did not serve anyone in Guru Sahib’s camp.  Guru Sahib did not stay there, seeing them as unwise.  Some Sangat from foreign lands were looking for Guru ji and met Guru Sahib in that area.  They brought a lot of money and gifts for Guru ji.  They were rich people.  The Sikhs did Guru ji’s Darshan and placed their gifts in front of Guru ji.  Their wishes were fulfilled by Guru ji. 

Guru Sahib then headed toward a village called “Dhillvi.”  A nice place was seen and camp was set up.  They stayed there for one night.  Guru Sahib observed that it was a good time for charity and donations.  Guru Sahib purchased 101 cows of the Kapla breed.  Guru ji paid for the cows and wanted to donate them.  Guru Sahib then called a caste of Brahmans known as “Gujrati Brahmans”.  Guru Sahib asked them to accept this donation of cows and money.  The Brahmans heard this and did not accept the donation.  They said: “this donation is very difficult to accept.  This donation has dire consequences.  Taking this type of donation would cost us our lives.  This is a hard thing.  There is an astrological situation (known as a Partgraha) that will kill us if we take this donation.”  When the Brahmins refused, other Brahmans were then asked from the village.  They also refused the donation as well, citing the placement of the planets.  They didn’t see themselves as deserving or able to taking the donations.  There was a village called Tappa close by.  From Tappa, there was a Brahman who had heard about the greatness of Guru Sahib.  The Brahman from Tappa came forward and spoke to Guru Sahib with his hands folded and faith in his heart: “Guru Sahib, I am ready to take this donation but please be compassionate and help me.  I would like you to assist me in taking this donation.  I will take this donation on your support.  Destroy the effect of the astrological situation.  I will accept these cows but this donation may cause pain to my body.  I would kindly ask you to bless me and help me if the planets do harm to my body.  I will not be egotistical about my caste.  You are the provider of Mukti and so I bow to you and seek your shelter.  I wish for your support in all the worlds.  You are omnipotent.  Please save me.”  The Brahmin made a plea with a pure heart.  Guru Sahib, the Compassionate One, accepted his plea and laughed.  Guru ji said: “if a person has pure faith in the Guru and does not let his/her mind wander, being determined in the devotion; then the Guru assists the person.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is like the sun in this world who helps the Sikhs.”  Guru ji made the effort and gave the donation to the Gujrati Brahmin from Tappa.  Guru ji then put water in the hand of the Brahman as a sign of giving the donation.  The Brahman’s skin instantly darkened and he began to feel pain.  The Brahman became anxious and began to scream in pain.  In pain he asked Guru ji for his help: “it’s now time for you to help me.  Take my fear away.  Take my pain away.  See me as your servant.”  Guru ji put his hand on the head of the Brahman.  The pain the Brahmin felt from the Partgraha was taken away, right away.  The body of the Brahman cooled down and he was no longer in pain.  It was like a cloud blocking the heat of the sun.  As the Brahman witnessed this miracle of Guru ji’s hand, he let go have his ego of being a Brahman.  He bowed at the feet of the Guru.  The Brahman then spoke: “Oh Great Guru ji, you are the Supreme being who gives and takes in every place.  You are the giver and the receiver.  You are the giver in every donor.  It is you who is asking as other bodies.  I am poor.  Please listen to my plea.  I wish to be your servant.  Please place your foot on to my head and save me from drowning in this world ocean of life.  Keep me in your shelter and destroy my sins.”  Guru Sahib saw that the Brahman had shed his ego of his caste and was now pure.  Guru Sahib placed his lotus foot on the Brahmin’s head.  Guru ji took the Brahmin out of the cycle of birth and death.  For the rest of the Brahman’s life, he did the Simran of Guru ji.  He achieved the highest status when he died. 

Satguru ji then had a great Yagna in Tappa.  A lot of Sangat ate as much as they wished to.  The Brahmins of the nearby villages all came.  Guru ji sent Sikhs to call them.  They were all given Langar.  Pooras and other delicacies were made.  Pakvaans were made for the Sangat.  Pooris were made.  Everything was delicious.  Guru ji gave donations of money to all of the Brahmins.  They all praised the Satguru.  Guru ji blessed everyone and made them happy.  The compassionate Satguru then set forth from that place.