12-16 Bheekhan Shah’s Penance

Warm woolen throws, rugs and mats were laid evenly out and a beautiful floor was set.  A bed with golden posts was put on top.  Pillows were on top of the bed with tassels hanging from the sheets.  Silk ropes tied the sheets down.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji went to Mata Gujri ji and picked up Guru Gobind Singh ji.  He brought him to the tent.  The Sangat was sitting, waiting patiently.  The guards holding maces and the Sooraj-Mukhi Nishans were standing at the front of the tent.  They shaded the sun out.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji wanted to go into the shade.  A Sikh with the Chaur was standing, fanning Guru Sahib.  Guru ji was brought with respect.  The Raagis started performing Kirtan.  The Raags and Raagnis were sounding with the Rababs and the Mridangs.  The Sangat listened and were in great bliss.  The Sangat of Patna came with many gifts.  People came with their Ardaas in their hearts.  They did the Darshan of Guru ji and had their wishes fulfilled.  The Sangat did their Ardaas binging gifts and expensive clothes.  Peer Bheekhan Shah ji was asked to come see the baby: “come and do his Darshan as you please.”  Bheekhan Shah ji was ecstatic.  He got up with respect from where he was sitting and entered the tent.  He respectfully stood in front of the baby, holding his mala and praised Guru ji: “you are purer than pure and greater than great.  You are bigger than any good karma.  You are the most generous and the Peer of Peers.  Please forgive all my sins.  Sri Guru Nanak ji, the gem of the Bedis, the son of Kalu; his glory spread throughout the universe; I bow to you.  You are the master of the universe.  Whoever does your Darshan, you bless them.  Your glory is great.  You are the giver of bliss and peace.  The whole universe is congratulating you.  You blessed Rai Bhullar ji and destroyed the pain of Daulat Khan ji.  You relieved the pain of all the Peers of Multan.  You gave peace to all and destroyed their pains.  Hindus and Muslims, you blessed; they can’t be counted.  You heard everyone’s requests.  Whoever came to you with their wishes, you gave them the four Padarthas (duty, subsistence, desire and salvation).  Whoever meditated on you, they were blessed.  Nothing remained rare for them.  Whoever you made your own, they had no shortages.  You are the most beautiful and pure.  Whoever does your Darshan, they are not born again.  They are not touched by the Jumms.  Your radiance is illuminating in the world.  You are by the side of your servants.  You are the Gareeb Nivaaj and the destroyer of sinners.  This is your nature from the beginning.  You are omnipotent and can do as you wish.  You are the creator and the sustainer of the universe.  You feed the universe.  I have come to touch your feet.  You know the wishes of my heart.  You dispel fear and pain, and come to your devotees whenever they call you.  I am a part of your Panth.  If you keep a piece for me, keep me separate from the Turks.  Be compassionate with me.  Tell me what I wish to know.  Understand what is in my heart.  I know you are here to stop the Turks.  Please save me.”  He stood there for more than 20 minutes, doing his Ardaas.  He asked his students to bring two small clay pots and fill them with sweets and cover with a white cloth.  He took them from his students and carried each pot in each hand.  The Sai picked up the pots and put his hands on top of both and praised Guru ji.  He wanted to test the baby with a question.  He came close to Guru ji.  Guru ji’s face was beautiful.  More beautiful than Kamadeva or Chandra.  Mata Gujri ji had put a small black mark on the face of the baby to avoid evil eyes.  It looked as if the moon had a small spot on it or a lotus flower with a small bee on it.  Guru ji gave his servants his Darshan.  The Sikhs were staring at him like Chakors.  Guru ji’s face was like the vessel of Amrit.  When he would smile, it looked like the Amrit had waves.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji had the baby in his lap.  As Bheekhan Shah ji spoke, the baby laughed out loud and waived his arms and legs up and down.  The Kavi is a sacrifice unto the feet that are more beautiful than lotuses.  Guru ji wore two golden bracelets with diamonds in them on his wrists.  The chains were up to his fingers.  Rings were put on his fingers that had gems embedded into them.  The baby was wearing a yellow shirt with golden chains around the neck.  The baby looked at the Sangat and blessed them with his eyes.  His forehead was wide.  His hair was small.  He wore a small Dastaar with a golden border.  The Sangat was standing all around him with their hands folded. 

Bheekhan Shah ji brought the clay pots forward.  He bowed and put the pots forwards.  The baby tried to reach for the pots but they were too far for a baby to reach.  He couldn’t reach from his Mamma ji’s lap.  Knowing what was in Bheekhan Shah ji’s heart, Guru ji made his arms longer with his power to reach the pots.  He put his hands on top of both of the pots.  The Sangat was watching but did not know what Bheekhan Shah ji was doing.  The Sangat didn’t see Guru ji make his arms longer.  Only Bheekhan Shah ji saw this.  When Guru ji’s hands were on top of the pots, Bheekhan Shah ji felt like a tonne of weight came on top of the pots.  The Prabhoo put a lot of weight with his power.  Bheekhan Shah ji tolerated the weight with his power.  Guru ji put more weight on with his powers.  Bheekhan Shah ji increased his power to keep the pots up but could no longer bear the weight of Guru ji’s hands and began to shake.  Bheekhan Shah ji got worried and looked towards the baby’s feet and said: “I am a servant of these feet.”  Guru ji then lifted his hands from the pots.  Only Bheekhan Shah ji knew what was going on.  Bheekhan Shah ji was filled with a lot of bliss.  He felt as if he received his reward for his Tapasya.  It was like a poor person receiving the 9 Niddhis; like a thirsty person receiving water before dying.  Bheekhan Shah ji’s wish was fulfilled.  Bheekhan Shah ji bowed his head with humility to the baby and gave the pots to his student.  He filled his eyes with Guru ji’s Darshan.

The Sangat brought many gifts along with Karah Prashaad.  The Ardaasia did the Ardaas with hands folded.  The Sikh Sangat all came with gifts, clothes and money.  Panchamrit was brought to be distributed.  Guru Ji stayed outside for an hour and a half.  The Sikh Sangat came with eagerness.  Everyone acknowledged the fact that they got to see the Baby Guru, because of Bheekhan Shah ji’s determined demand.  Everyone thanked the Peer and were happy he did what he did.  Peer ji sat there with a deep determination the day before.  They got to see Guru ji’s beautiful form.  The Sikhs met Peer Bheekhan Shah ji and said: “you are Dhan!  You made everyone have the Darshan of Guru ji.”  There was a big celebration and the Sikhs were in joy.  Sri Guru ji was brought inside and all the Sikhs returned to their homes.  Peer Bheekhan Shah ji then had Langar as his wishes were fulfilled.  The students asked their master: “Peer ji, you didn’t give the pots to the baby.  What were they for?  It looked like a useless action.  We did not understand what this was.  The baby reached for them, and then picked up his hands.”  Bheekhan Shah ji responded: “this baby is a great Avatar.  He is a great being.  To erase the kingdom and radiance of the Turks, he will establish his own Panth.  I asked him in my heart: which of the two religions will remain in this world: Hindu or Muslim?  I asked If he belonged to the Hindus or the Muslims?  He put his hands on both pots and showed me his limitless powers.  He told me that his Panth will rule.  I also wanted to see if the Muslims would be destroyed.  I thought in my mind that if he puts one hand out, then that would be the case, but he made it clear that this was not the case.  That was what was made clear to me.  He cleared my doubts.”  Bheekhan Shah ji and the students then got ready to leave.  They exited the city and were on their way back to Punjab.  The Peer did Simran of the Khuddah all the time.  Bheekhan Shah ji smiled and said: “I will come see the Guru when he is older.  I will talk to him then.  I will ask from him what I wish for then.  His form is the giver of bliss.  It is like the moon has come out.  He will be the knower of the future and a really powerful warrior.  He will be a great Saint just like his father.  He will be really generous.  He will do unique tasks in the battlefield.  He will fulfill everyone’s wishes who will come to him with love.  He will not be able to say no.”  Bheekhan Shah ji began to wait: “I will see him again!”

12-17 Baal Leela

In this way, the Syed Bheekhan Shah ji was in bliss after bowing to the Satguru’s feet.  He then went back to his land.  Sri Satguru ji is the most beautiful baby.  His form is filled with sweetness.  He sits in a cradle and sevadaars swing him all day long.  The cradle is lined with silk cloths and golden tassels.  A servant would pull on the swinging cradle to make it swing.  Guru ji would move his hands and feet around, as if eager to fight a war.  His two feet were like lotus flowers which gave peace to his servants.  His toes were small and soft; like small red lotus flowers.  His feet, chubby and round.  His toenails were radiant.  They were like diamonds.  His feet were round and high like a turtle’s back.  His ankles were round.  His calves were small.  His thighs had rolls on them.  He would raise his legs to ring his anklets.  He was radiant.  Whoever thinks of these feet, their pains would go away.  Guru ji wore a shirt of fine cloth.  He has a tiger’s nail around his neck.  His shoulders were high.  He has two golden bracelets in his wrists.  When he saw anyone with his beautiful eyes, the paupers would become kings.  His hair was soft and black, like silk.  Mata Gurjri ji was fortunate.  Mataji dressed him in beautiful clothes.  Mataji talked to the Baby Guru and he would laugh and smile, hearing his mother’s voice.  She raised him with love.  He was to keep the honour of the Hindu Dharma.  He is worship-worthy of the whole world.  She was told by Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji of his previous birth.  She would call out his name, “Dusht Daman.”  He would smile and laugh out louder hearing his own name.  This baby will protect the Hindus and will be worshiped by the world. 

Months passed and Guru Gobind Singh ji was getting bigger and stronger.  Just like Yashoda would see her son Krishan, so did Mata Gujri ji look at her son.  His name was Gobind and so was his form.  She would look at the face of her son.  The people that will be his enemies will have a tough time.  The greatness of the Guru will exceed the height of mountains.  It was always radiant.  Mata ji would pick up her son in her lap when she was happy. 

Guru ji began to sit on his own, on a bed.  He would use his arms to pull himself.  He began to move around.  After a few months he started to crawl.  Two teeth started to sprout through the gums.  They looked like two pearls, shining though.  The teeth were like pearls in a box, like drops of Amrit.  He would laugh out loud.  Mataji saw his smile and would see the teeth.  He crawled on top of the rugs and his feet bracelets rang.  His eyes were clever and fast.  They were filled with radiance.  They were like crystals with a nice colour inside.  The servants picked him up and respected him greatly.  His ways were unique.  When he looked or talked to anyone, they would get happy to be acknowledged.  They would fold their hands towards him.  Nobody could disobey him.  They did what Guru ji wanted to do.  They served him with devotion.  The Guru’s radiance was bright.  His eyes were powerful and signified that this was the power of Akaal Purakh.  As his hair grew, they would form into curls on his cheeks. 

Mataji would comb his hair.  His hair was like silk or black cobras.  Mata ji would tie ribbons with gems on them to Guru ji’s hair.  Pearls would hang from them.  There was beautiful jewellery in his hair with rubies, diamonds and pearls.  Gold flowers were tied to his hair.  They shined in the sun.  His shoulders were high and his arms were strong.  Armlets were tied to his arms with bells on them.  They rang when he crawled fast.  He would sit and look at everyone.  When he would like to have milk, he would indicate to the onlooker by his actions.  The servants would bring milk right away.  They brought him what he wanted.  He had all the symbols and characteristics of a great warrior and saint.  Mata ji would bring him milk and food.  Seeing his greatness and radiance, Mata ji knew that he was going to be a great being.  The way a son of the Guru was to be, he was like that.  She protected him, who was the protector of the world; who was infinite and forever. 

Mata ji loved him and wished for his greatness.  She raised him with love.  His face was a Mandir of joy.  Mata ji would wash his face.  Mata ji would give him a bath with warm water everyday and would kiss his forehead and dress him with silk clothes and jewellery.  She would throw salt and rye over his head to avoid evil eyes.  She would feed him rice pudding with milk.  She kept her baby happy.  This gave her joy.  Guru ji would crawl to his mother wherever she was.  He would laugh and make others laugh.  He was cutting the pains of his servants.    

For two months he crawled and then began to stand by holding the beds.  When he would go upon the bed, he would then climb down.  He walked along the bed carefully by grabbing on to the sides.  When he was one year old, he was able to walk without support.  When a family of Tarkhaans (carpenters) heard that the baby could walk, they built and gifted a walker to him.  They brought the walker and bowed to have their Seva accepted.  The walker was beautiful.  Guru Sahib would use the walker and walk around the house smiling and laughing.  He smiled from his beautiful mouth.  His teeth came in and would look like little pearls.  Wherever he looked, happiness and emotion would spread to whom he would look at.  He played as a child in Patna.  He walked in the courtyard.  His feet and toenails were beautiful and round.  It was like Indras home with a trail of diamonds.  Lakshmi was living in his feet with her wealth.  She was present in his feet.  He lived in the hearts of his Sikhs.  His Darshans made the sins run away.  He gave joy to all.  To get Gyaan, the Sikhs came to him.  He wore anklets.  They rang when he walked.  His form could not be described; it was so beautiful.  Many golden jewelleries shined on his body.  He wore yellow shirts with golden jewellery in his wrists with gems.  Whoever came with wishes in their hearts, they received without asking as soon as they saw the Baby Guru.  Whoever would come and bow to his feet, their sins would be washed away. 

The Guru Baby began to speak some words after he turned one and a few weeks.  He would do baby talk which gave joy to his mother.  The wives of the businessmen would come to see him and play with him.  Their wishes would be fulfilled after seeing the baby Guru.  They would call for Guru ji, over and over again.  They would bring their kids along.  The kids would play with Guru Sahib.  He would talk to some who had good karma and they would be happy upon acknowledgment.  Some would try to speak to him but he would not pay any attention to them, wandering around elsewhere.  Just like Ram Chander ji’s arrows were always on target, so were the words of the baby Guru.  They were like the Brahmastar.  His boons and curses became true right away.  He would give joy to whom he would happy with.  If he got angry with someone, their wealth and home would be destroyed.  If Guru Sahib would nod in agreement, people’s wishes would come true.  His praises spread in the city.  The Sangat came to see him.

The Guru will destroy the Moghul kingdom and make the poor people into kings.  He will protect the Hind Dharma.  His praises were like Malti flowers in every home.  Men and women talked about this: “he is pure like his father.  He is powerful.”  People of Patna talked amongst themselves that the son of the Guru is a powerful being, this they can all see: “he is a very powerful child.  The baby dispels people’s illnesses and fulfills their wishes.  Their pain would go away, whoever the baby Guru looks at and smiles with compassion.  They are filled with bliss.  His ways are beautiful.” 

People would bring expensive toys for the baby Guru to play with.  Rich people would come to see the baby Guru everyday.  Their wives wore new clothes and jewellery.  They came with eagerness.  They would bring sweets (ladoos and Jalebis) for the Guru.  They were all happy.  They would bring the gifts and put them in front of Mata Gujri ji and say with humility: “Mataji, listen, you are omniscient: we are Sikhs from the time of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  We don’t follow anyone else.  We are happy to see the Sahibzada.  We get what we wish for.”  Some women would come asking for children and some would come asking for peace.  Some would ask Mata ji to request the baby to dispel their pains and illnesses.  Brahmins, Khatris and Vaishyas along with Shoodras would come to see the Guru.  Many Hindus in Patna would come to see the Sahibzada with faith and devotion.  Their faith got deeper.  Many Turks, devoted to the Guru’s house, would come see the baby Guru.  They would fold their hands and bow to the baby Guru.  The son of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji was glorified around Patna.  Many Sikhs wanted Guru ji to be happy with them.  They would bring parrots and birds in cages for Guru Sahib to play with.  Some brought cuckoos and other different coloured parrots.  Tittars and Chakors were brought.  They would bring them in cages.  They would bring parrots and birds and tell the baby what the virtues of the birds were.  Some could imitate speech; some would fly really high.  Some would fight very well and show Guru ji.  Many types of events took place.  Guruji would watch them.  When Guru Sahib would get happy and say something, that would become true right away.  He would fulfill the wishes the Sikhs would come with.  The different coloured birds, Guru ji would play with.  He saw their flights and games. 

When kids would come and play with Guru Sahib, they would tell their parents that they wanted to play with Guru Sahib everyday.  The parents would bring them everyday.  Gifts were brought for Guru Sahib made of clay.  There were toy horses and elephants with riders on top.  They were coloured with different colours.  It was as though Kamadeva made them.  These gifts would make Guru Sahib very happy.  He would put the horses in a line and elephants as well and look at them all day long.  He would set up two armies and laugh upon seeing this.  The Sangat brought toy palanquins, peacocks and dogs. All the kids would speak to Guru Sahib with respect.  They were well aware that whatever would come from the Guru’s mouth, would become true.  People heard and saw this.  They were amazed.  In the streets and markets, Guru ji’s glory spread.  The people praised Guru ji.  People had a lot of faith and would recite Satnam.  Their devotion would earn them blessings in both the Loks.  People would come on the days of new moon and full moon.  Many people would gather on these days to do the Darshan of Guru ji.  Floorings would be laid out when divans on these days would occur.  A beautiful bed would be laid out with tassels and silk cloths.  Zarri tassels were tied to the legs of the bed.  Guru Gobind Singh ji would be seated there wearing silk clothes and jewelry, with diamonds.  It would look as though the moon would be surrounded by stars.  Servants would do Chaur on all four corners, like swans flying.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji would carry Guru Sahib and sit down in front of him.  The Rababis would sing Kirtan and the Sangat would listen with faith and devotion.  The Sangat brought gifts with faith.  They praised Guru ji.  The Ardaasia would do the Ardaas for the Sikhs.  The gem of the Sodhis was talked about in every house.  It was known that whoever would visit the child, their wishes were fulfilled.  Everyone heard this and the Sangat grew.  This glory spread on a daily basis and people would come by the thousands.  They would come wearing expensive clothes and bring expensive gifts.  Some came for wishes to be fulfilled and some brought gifts.  They would come and do Ardaas.  The Baby Guru would fulfill all their wishes.  People from the shops and the city came daily.  The praises spread in the city.  The crowd grew by the day. 

As time passed, Guru Sahib began to run fast.  The wives of the rich men would try to catch him to give him a hug but Guru Sahib was fast.  He moved around, ignoring them.  He would prefer to play with the kids and not speak to their mothers.  He would not sit in Mamma Kirpal Chand ji’s lap either.  He would play for a bit and then come to Mata ji’s lap.  He would give joy to anyone watching.  He is the 10^th incarnation of Guru Nanak Dev ji and the most powerful.  He was his Tenth Jot.  He had blessed many people in the universe and would continue to bless.  It is because of Guru Nanak Dev ji that Langar is running across the globe.  Sidhs, Sadhoos, Peers, Meers, powerful Saints and Fakirs would come to see Guru Sahib.  Guru ji’s glory spread over them like the moon on the stars.  Everyone loved Guru ji.    Anyone who fell to the feet of the Guru, crossed the world’s difficult ocean.  The ego-filled kings who apposed, would be pacified.  This is the Avatar to save the world.  This was the rightful heir to Guru Nanak Dev ji’s throne.  People came to ask for Mukti and received their gifts.  Hindus and Muslims came without doubt and were satiated by seeing the form of the Guru.  They would know that this was a powerful soul with infinite powers.  They bowed to him.  He was pure and away from any vices.  The vices could not touch him.  He was independent and detached from all.  He lived in every heart.  He could give the gifts of all the universe to his servants. 

12-18 Child Games

The Child Satguru would play with the kids of the businessmen and have a lot of fun.  Many kids of the rich people would come.  They came with love.  Some of the kids were older than Guru ji but they would still respect him.  They would fold their hands and ask him to come play with them in the gardens: “the Gardens have different kinds of flowers and fruit to eat.  There is so much fruit on the trees that the branches stoop lower.  There are big, small, yellow, green and red leaves.  They look like thick clouds ready to rain.  Pippal, Bohrs, figs and Bers are stopping low.  Pomegranates, betelnut, Mangos, Bers, Jamun, Guavas, lemons, oranges, peaches, bananas, falsas, and plums; all within arm’s reach.  There are roses and jasmine plants and various other lush greenery.  They are taken care of by the gardeners.  They are beautiful to look at.  There are yellow nice smelling flowers, elaichi trees.  The roses have been watered well and blooming, seeing the sun.  Raivail and coconut are spread out far.  Guru ji, where the jasmine and Naag bail are, we will play there.”  The kids of the rich businessmen would come and ask Guru ji everyday.  Guru ji would tell his mother upon listening to the kids convincing praises: “I will go to the garden and come back quickly.  I will take the other kids with me.  They will show me everything.”  Mataji dropped what she was doing to address Guru Sahib’s wishes while hugging him and speaking to him with love: “if you really want to go, then listen to me: take your uncle, Mamma Kirpal Chand ji and other Sikhs with you.”  Mata ji took a piece of grass and threw it over Guru ji’s shoulder and used salt and rye to remove the evil eye of the child that is the Power of Akaal Purakh.  Kirpal Chand ji took Guru Sahib and went towards the gardens, making the streets radiant.  Guru ji was like the full moon shining as he walked.  Everywhere Guru Sahib would go, people would bow their heads.  People would say: “the son of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji is deserving of this respect.  He relieves our pains by his pure words.  Whatever he says becomes true.  He is powerful and really patient, like the earth.”  People talked about Guru ji as he walked in joy.  There were happy children all around him.  It was like a diamond surrounded by gold when he sat with the kids. 

Guru ji and Mamma Kirpal Chand ji entered the gardens and were happy to be there.  They saw the lush greenery with fruits blooming.  The ends of the branches were swaying in the wind.  There were sections made along with irrigation canals.  They saw the lattices holding up some of the plants and were impressed with the way the plants were planted in organized rows.  The plants were all watered well.  The fruits were filled with juice.  The Jasmine was shining. There were fragrant flowers everywhere.  It was as though Kamadeva (the Devata of Love) had arranged the flowers himself in honor of Guru Sahib coming there.  Colourful birds and bees made the whole garden into a central point for Spring to preserve its energy and power.  Peacocks, doves and other birds sang their songs to worship the child Guru.  They flapped their wings in joy.  The peacocks were loud.  Parrots and pigeons were there in great quantities.  Parrakeets and cuckoos sang. 

When the head gardener found out that Guru Sahib had come, he came to pay his respects.  Upon seeing the radiant and beautiful face of the Guru, he bowed his head and was mesmerized by his power.  He brought sweet fruits and garlands of flowers for the Guru.  He sang praises of Guru ji and did his Darshan with his eyes.  He engrained Guru ji’s form in his mind and was surprised.  He was filled with love.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji gave the gardener a lot of money.  He took the garlands and put them around Guru ji’s neck.  Guru ji called the other kids and gave them the fruits to eat.  The kids came and looted all of the fruits in joy.  Guru ji smiled and his teeth looked like Martbhaan flowers.  Guru ji looked around the garden very carefully in joy.  Prabhoo ji and the kids ran around the garden and played with the fountains.  They would stop the fountains with their feet and play with the water.  They would climb the trees.  The trees looked like the gardens of Svarga and It seemed as though Inder, the king of the Devatas, was playing with the other Devatas.  After three hours of playing, a servant came with the message from Mataji to come back home: “your mother is waiting for you and she is getting impatient.  She keeps looking towards the door.  If you have seen the garden and played; then come home now.  Let’s go home happily.”    Mamma ji heard the message and asked Guru Sahib and the kids to get ready to go home.  “We’ve been here for a while.  Call the kids.  We will come back some other time,” he said.  All the kids gathered and started walking back.  They were wearing colourful silk clothes.  Some walked slow and some were running in the group.  Some would play with the flowers, putting them on their heads.  They played with the leaves they brought.  They would tell each other jokes and make loud noises as they all walked back.  The kids were blessed to be in the company of such a strong being.  They had the love of Guru ji’s feet.  They were a sacrifice unto the Guru.  When they entered the roads of the houses, people watched from the rooftops and bowed.  They were drinking the Amrit of beauty.  They drank the taste by their eyes.  As they would see Guru ji walking back, they could not take their eyes off of him, even as he walked away.  They didn’t turn away till Guru ji wasn’t fully gone out of their sight.  He looked like the moon on the night of a full moon and the people were like the Chakors.  It was the love of the moon and the Chakor.

As Guru Sahib got home, Mata ji quickly got up and ran to him.  Her eyes were waiting for him, like a cow waiting for her calf.  The cow never wishes to be away from her calf.  Such is the mother’s love.  She was anxious and worried while Guru ji was out.  She was glad he was home as her eyes were constantly looking towards the doorway.  She was happy to see her child.  She had lost her patience.  She got up to pick up her child at the door.  She picked her up in her lap.  All the kids touched Mata ji’s feet and greeted her.  The kids all spoke at once: “we touch your feet, Mata ji.”  Mata ji gave all the kids, the small army of her son, a lot of blessings.  She saw her son wearing a flower garland.  She kissed the forehead of Guru Sahib; this forehead is meditated upon by many saints, Jogis and fakirs.  Mata ji folded her hands and thought of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  She bowed for blessings.  She told her brother Kirpal Chand ji to make Karah Prashaad and give it to the kids.  Mata ji asked Guru Sahib: “how was the garden?  What did you guys play?”  Guru Gobind Singh ji then said: “there were many plants there with fruits and colourful flowers.”

Mata ji brought clothes and jewellery and donated them to the poor.  She was happy to receive their blessings.  She praised her great fortune: “I am fortunate in both worlds.  I am the servant of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  I am blessed.”  Many people came to meet Guru ji.  The Mevra Sikh went to the Sikhs’ houses to call them for Guru Sahib’s Darshan.  They all came, bringing gifts.  When it was evening, the Sangat came to the Guru’s home.  They brought various gifts.  They all came to see Guru ji and to make their eyes blessed.  They saw their eyes as fortunate.  Guru Sahib was sitting on a bed.  He looked like the sun shining on top of the mountains, which dispelled the darkness of attachment.  He made the lotus eyes of his servants bloom.  He made the desires of thieves and owls embarrassed.  Many Sikhs did their Ardaas as they brought many gifts.  They folded their hands and bowed.  There was a great crowd of Sikhs.  Their hearts were full of love and devotion.  Some sat and some stood to have their sins washed away.  Karah Prashaad was brought and distributed upon the Ardaas done to Guru Nanak Dev ji and all the Gurus.  Everyone was happy with the Prashaad.  Their wishes were fulfilled.  All of the Prashaad was distributed.  Everyone was happy.  Their mouths were pure, eating the Prashaad.  They meditated on Guru ji.  Mata Gujri ji did an ardaas to all the Gurus: “please bless my son and grant him peace.”  All the Sikhs bowed to the Matas and Guru ji.  They then went home and gave their family members the Karah Prashaad they received from Guru ji’s home.  They praised the beauty of Guru ji as they went home.  The family members spread the praises to everyone else they met. 

This was the first time Guru ji went to the garden.  Mata ji was happy that everyone had a great time.  When night came, Guru ji had dinner and went to sleep.  He woke up the next morning, the king of kings. 

12-19 Sailing the Waters and Bothering the Old Lady

In this way, Sri Satguru ji would play with his little friends everyday.  He would take the kids and play tag and run around, carefree.  He would enjoy running and catching the others.  One day, upon getting permission from Mata ji, Guru ji and his friends set out to play.  Guru Sahib said to Mamma Kirpal Chand ji: “Mammaji, let’s go to the river today and watch the water.”  Mamma ji held Guru ji’s hand and walked towards the Ganga.  As they walked towards the Ganga, Guru Sahib blessed the poor along the way and completed their wishes.  He was very handsome.  His words were so sweet to listen to.  It looked like flowers showering from his mouth.  There were many kids with him that were playing as they were walking.  There were rich and poor kids.  Many servants were with them.  Everyone looking on to the group of the kids, found this bunch very inspirational.  They all bowed as they saw them walking by.  People would say to each other: “although the Guru is small in size, because he is a child, his radiance is so mighty that he makes big kings seem like ants.  The Son of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji is very powerful.  He is worthy of worship.  He relieves everyone’s pain.  Whatever comes out of his mouth, becomes true.  He can make paupers into kings; ants into elephants.  He relieves the pain and suffering of many.”  He was wearing beautiful jewellery.  He was the idol of Bir Ras.  They eventually reached the shores of the Ganga.

The Ganga meets many other rivers at this point in Patna, and is really wide.  As Guru ji approached the river, a sudden anxiousness arose in the waters.  The waves got higher in anticipation of Guru ji’s arrival.  Everyone sat in the boats and sailed onto the waters.  Guru ji looked around and the kids with Mammaji.  The water of the Ganga wanted to touch the feet of Guru ji but being in the boat, it was difficult for the water to touch his feet.  The Ganga was jumping to touch Guru ji’s feet to relieve all of the sins the people had washed in her.  Guru ji was sitting in the lap of Mamma Kirpal Chand ji and was looking around, here and there.  With a sudden spark of cleverness, looking towards the water, he took both of his feet and dangled them over the side of the boat.  Ganga, Jamuna, Sarasvati, Alak Nanda and Varun Dev incarnated into bodily forms and came up the sides of the boat and washed the feet of Guru ji with the water.  These feet were the deliverers of many souls from their sins.  They gave joy.  No one else could see Varun Dev and Ganga.  Only Guru ji could see them.  Guru ji acknowledged their show of devotion.  Ganga and Varun Dev bowed, washed Guru ji’s feet and immersed back into the waters.  The boat driver was a poor person.  Mamma ji gave him a lot of money and said: “take it far into the deep waters.  Make it go fast.”  The kids would ask him to take the boat into different directions.  They went fast and slow to either shore.  They sailed over deep waters and then towards the shore.  Guru ji would jump into Mamma ji’s lap and then jump off again.  The kids had a great time on the boat.  They jumped in excitement and ran towards the side to see the view. 

They came off the boat and onto the beach and began to run around there.  Guru Sahib stomped his feet into the muddy part of the beach and played with the water.  Many people on the beach stood to watch Guru Sahib play.  They folded their hands and bowed.  They would clearly see the light of Akaal Purakh in the Guru, enjoying himself and playing with the other kids.  They wanted to do Guru ji’s Darshan and touch his feet.  They were drenched in love and praised Guru ji: “he is the son of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  He is the true Jot!  It can be seen.”  His eyes were clever.  Guru Sahib would look around, and in his childish cleverness, give everyone looking at him, a glance.  By one glance, he would grant them joy to their hearts content.  He would share glances with everyone standing there, looking at him.  He would bless and go back to playing with the kids.  His face couldn’t be described.  Thousands would visit him and say his praises.  Guru ji’s face was radiant.  Guru ji granted money to whoever needed it.  He would tell his Mamma ji to give the poor people what they needed.  He saw the poor people and made sure they got what they needed.  Guru ji looked radiant.

They played for three hours until a messenger came from Mata Gujri ji to come back home.  The servant said: “Prabhoo ji, your mother is calling you back home.”  He would fold his hands and say this.  Mamma ji hugged the young Guru and indicated the path to go home.  Everyone obeyed.  Guru Sahib climbed on top of the shoulders of one of the Khidawas and saw the shops and homes along the way.  The Khidawa walked like a horse.  Guru ji would tell him to go fast and jump as he went home, riding him like a horse.  The name of the Khidawa was Bhai Chaupa Singh ji Chhibber (the writer of the Rehitnama of 1400 Rehits.  He had also played with the 4 Sahibzadas).  They soon came home and Mata ji picked up Guru Sahib, whose name gives Mukti by chanting it.  Mata Gujri ji kissed his head and said while rubbing his whole body with her hands: “you played for a very long time with the kids at the river’s shore.  That is not a good thing.  There are many rivers there with deep waters.  You should stay at home and play.”  She tried to stop Guru ji from going.  Guru Sahib told Mata ji: “Mata ji, we were on a boat ride and sailed on to the river.  We were in very deep waters and then we went real fast.  We went really far and came back.  We sailed really fast.  We saw temples and tall trees on the shores that looked like people standing.  The people standing looked like they were walking.”  As he talked, the reflection from the golden hoops in his ears shined onto his cheeks.  His face looked like the moon on Kathak Pooranmaashi with fish swimming around on them.  Mata ji heard him talk and was happy to hear about his adventures.  She swung him around and hugged him tighter.  Seeing her son, she was in deep joy; like a Sadhoo doing a strict Tapp and receiving a Sidhi as a reward.  Guru Sahib had his dinner and milk and went to sleep. 

In the morning, he woke up and took a bath.  He sat on the bed and Mata ji dressed him in beautiful clothes with expensive jewellery.  The kids of the other businessmen came to play with Guru Sahib again.  They came and bowed to Guru Sahib.  Although some were older, they knew from their parents that Guru Sahib was the light of Akaal Purakh and that they were to bow to him when they saw him.  They played many types of games, running around the home. 

There was an old lady who lived in the same neighbourhood.  All the kids would go to her house to tease her.  She was about 70 or 80 years old.  She would spin cotton on her spinning wheel.  When her attention would be on her spinning wheel, the kids would take her cotton stalks.  When the old lady would see that the kids have taken her cotton, she would grab a stick and chase after them in anger.  She would yell at them and wave the stick around.  The kids would tease the old lady and show her the stalks and run around.  They wouldn’t run far.  They stayed close to tease her at a distance of about 10 feet.  The old lady thought she would catch the kids but they would move back further.  She tried to catch them but they tricked her and moved around quickly.  The jewellery on the kids would make clanking noises when they would run.  She would run around and say: “where are you going to run to Govind?  I will catch you and get your mother to beat you.  I will make sure your mother beats you with this stick!  Govind, you need to stop teasing me!  I am an old woman and you need to stop this!  Stop tiring me out!  Give me my cotton or else I will tell on you today!”  The kids would go up and down her house running all over the place.  After about 15 mins, the kids threw her prepared cotton stalks on to the road.  The kids would run away and go some where else to play.  The old lady would collect her cotton stalks and go to Mata Gujri ji with anger, showing her the destroyed stalks: “Mata ji, look what your son has done.  Your Govind caused chaos.  He does not let me sit or do my work.  I spin cotton and he picks up my stalks and throws them on to the road.  He throws them far.  When I try to catch him, he runs away.  He teases me on purpose.  I am fed up with this game on a daily basis.  I get tired.”  Mata ji listened to her son’s doings and felt bad.  She thought to herself: “the poor old lady is old and she gets tired chasing him.”  She said to the old lady: “Mata ji please have a seat.”  She gave the old lady some money and new clothes.  “Whatever trouble and bad my son does, please don’t get mad at him.  I will give you everything you need,” said Mata ji.  The old lady said: “oh don’t worry, I’m not really mad at him.  I enjoy it when he comes to my house and plays these games.  He comes everyday.  He brings all of the kids with him.  They make a mess in my house and take my things.  They run when I chase them.  When I stop, they tease me more.  They go out when I’m inside.  When I go out, they come inside.  The truth is, I like it when he plays these games of teasing me.  My mind blossoms seeing this.  I enjoy watching his games.  He comes with his whole army of kids of about 100.  They throw my dishes around and make a mess.  I know they are kids, and that is what kids do.  When I don’t say anything, they do more of their mischievous acts to get me angry.  So, this is a game they want me to play.  I entertain them by getting angry, they entertain me with their teasing games.  Seeing him, my heart blossoms.  When he does bad things, then I tell him to stop but I have great joy in saying it.  May he live hundreds of years.  Since you have come to Patna, I have forgotten my pain.  I feel like a mountain of support from you.  I come to your house and I get food to eat and clothes to wear.  I am poor.  I feel like the richest person in the world.  I wish your son a long life and may he always play in and around my house all the time.  I love him a lot.  I feel like a queen with him around, receiving all the gems.  They climb my top floor and play.  Today, he really took me over the edge though.  I had to come to tell you.  The kids took my cotton stalks and threw them around onto the road.  But I’m not tattle tailing.  I like what he does.  Your son is getting older.  He comes everyday but today he made me tired.  I am happy seeing him.  I won’t come again to tell on him if it makes you feel bad.  Please stay in Patna forever.  I wish you all the best.”  Mata Gujri ji was happy to hear the old lady’s words.  The old lady was given money, food and clothes.  When the old lady was leaving from the door, Guru Sahib was on his way back into the house.  She waved her stick and said in a low and stern voice to Sri Guru ji: “look, I told on you today.  You’re going to get it!  I told your mother what you did today and how you bothered me, without getting scared.  You caused chaos.  You are going to get a beating from her.  You won’t be able to do this again.  Go and see what awaits you.”  Seeing the old lady, Guru Sahib and the kids ran from her.  Guru ji went to his mother.  He came into the house and Mata ji picked him up in her lap.  She began to wipe the dirt off his clothes with her chunni.  Mata Gurji ji was fortunate.  Mata ji looked at her son and come under the spell of his love. 

12-20 Sailing in the Boat, Blessing the Daughter-in-Law of a Rich Family

Satguru ji had his dinner and went to sleep on a beautiful bed.  The next morning, he got up and got ready.  He bathed and got ready.  The kids of the rich businessmen came to meet Guru Sahib, early in the morning and had breakfast together.  They all started to play.  One of the kids spoke to Guru Sahib: “Sri Guru ji, let’s go boating again.  My family has a boat.  Let’s all go.  All of us should go to the dock and take a boat ride.  My father mentioned that he hoped you would bless the boat by boarding it and taking it on a ride.  We will sail and play in the water.  We will take it far and fast.”  All the other kids were excited and made the request to Mata ji.  After they got their permission, the group of tiny explorers was off to the docks for their adventure with Mamma Kirpal Chand ji and many other servants.  The ocean of Gyaan was going with many kids.  As they reached the docks, the Shahukaar (banker) owner of the boat came to visit Guru Ji.  He did Ardaas and brought Karah Prashaad to distribute amongst the group.  He had brought a lot of food on board.  The kids boarded the boat and were excited for their adventure.  Everyone was happy to sail the waters.  The boat left the shore and sailed in the river.  In a whim of a moment, Guru Sahib made a statement: “this boat will belong to me in two days.  I will sit and sail in it.”  The Shahukaar folded his hands and said: “this is your boat, Guru Sahib.  You may ride it as often as you wish; day or night.”  Guru Sahib changed the subject and joined his friends in enjoying the scenery.  The boat sailed in the river.  It was with other boats.  They all went fast.  Guru ji was the highest Devata. 

They got off on the shore.  The greatest amongst humans, more powerful than all the Devatas, got off and began to splash water at everyone.  He made two parties and had them fight each other.  They splashed the water hard.  Guru ji inspired the kids to fight.  He was happy seeing them fight.  He encouraged them to fight: “fight hard!”  He praised them.  Guru ji’s hair was wet and black.  They looked like small snakes on a white lotus.  The snakes looked like they were trying to drink the Amrit.  The kids charged at each other and splashed the water on each other.  Their hands were like squirters.  They were in bliss.  They threw fistfuls of water.  The water of the Ganga was washing Guru ji’s feet.  Some covered their eyes and some put up their hands as Guru ji took handfuls of water to splash them.  They then bathed in the Ganga and changed their clothes.  Guru ji would clearly look more radiant than the rest of the group.  They played for about 3 hours when Mata ji sent a messenger to call them home.  The kids went home with Guru ji in the middle, speaking and jumping around as they walked.  These kids were Sadhoos in previous births who had done Tapasya to play with the Lord for Mukti.  The form of Hari within the kids was very radiant. 

Many days, Guru ji would play like this.  One day, the wives and lady family members of the businessmen all came to see Mata ji and Guru ji at their house.  They were wearing bright and expensive clothes.  The clothes looked like lightening in the clouds.  Into Guru ji’s beautiful home they came.  They came and bowed to Mata ji with joy.  They all sat around Mata Gujri ji with her permission and presented her with many gifts.  They then praised Guru ji to her: “we are your servants, Mata ji.  Our faith for you grows day by day.  Whatever we ask for, we receive because of your blessings.  We do the Simran of your pure feet.  We know that the blessing of the feet of the Guru will be with us in this world and in the next.”  One of the ladies was the wife of a great and really rich banker.  She brought her daughter-in-law along with other women of her family.  Other daughters-in-law came too.  They wore a lot of gold and beautiful clothes.  They brought friends and family with them.  They wanted a boon for a child from Guru ji.  They had brought various types of gourmet dishes to eat.  The food was like Amrit.  Mata Gujri ji asked one of the servants to call Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Guru ji was playing.  He came running to his mother, as Krishan came with his group of friends.  His face was brighter than the moon.  He sat in his mother’s lap.  Just as Aditi would cuddle her son Bhavan in her lap, so did Mata Gujri ji hug Guru Sahib.  The group of women all folded their hands with respect and bowed down in front of Mata ji and Guru Sahib.  They were well aware of the power that Guru Sahib possessed.  They bowed to Guru ji’s lotus feet.  They were happy to share sights with Guru ji’s eyes.  The whole world and its people belonged to the Master.  He was a child right now.  He took care of life in the sea, land and sky.  He gave food to the whole universe without judgement.  The women of the rich people sat there.  Mata ji spoke to Guru Sahib in her lap: “son, these women are the wives of the businessmen and bankers of Patna.  They are your Sangat.  They have love in their hearts.  They only serve, and have faith in, the house of the Guru.  They ask from only you.  They bring gifts for you.  They sing the praises of the Guru.”  Seeing Mata ji’s indication, the women brought the young daughter-in-law forward.  They folded their hands and said: “we have come to your shelter.”  Mata ji said: “they have all come to you, son.  Please speak from your mouth that their daughter-in-law will give birth to a handsome and fortunate son who will be blessed with power and popularity. May he be wise.”  They stated their wish to Guru ji.  They would speak to him not as a child, but as a grown up.  Guru Sahib would ignore them and act restless.  He would keep speaking to his friends.  He looked at the women but ignored them.  He acted like a child.  The women would keep repeating themselves: “say it Guru ji!  Say that her wishes will come true.”  Guru Sahib would see their stubbornness and focus his attention somewhere else, as a child would do, when asked to do something they didn’t want to do.  “They are the daughters and daughters-in-law of a very big banker, who are your Sikhs.  They all want children.  The whole family is here from her own parent’s side and her in-law’s side.  They have come to do Ardaas in front of you, as they have no other choice.”  The women said: “there is no other option we have.  Your words give all the treasures.  Your words dispel all pain.”  After constantly making their plea, Sri Guru ji finally spoke: “if this person is to have a son or not, how would I know?  All life form on Earth receives what is in their destiny and is according to their karma.  Many types of life forms come to the world.  They get what is in their Karma.”  Guru Sahib said this and went quiet, deflecting their pleas.  He was hiding his powers.  All the women folded their hands and said to Mata Gujri ji: “please convince your son to bless us by fulfilling our wishes.”  They were humble in front of Mata ji.  They folded their hands and said: “bless us and command us.  We will do as you say.  Mata ji, ask him to fulfill our wish.  He knows the love in the hearts of his servants.”  Mata ji asked Guru Sahib again.  Noting their persistency, Guru Sahib said quickly: “if you are really adamant to receive a son, then listen all to what I have to say: you have a beautiful boat.  Give that boat to me.   Then I will say that you will have a son.”  Sri Guru ji’s child form was beautiful.  As soon as the women heard these beautiful words, they all laughed in joy and said: “yes!  That is good!  We will surrender the possession of the beautiful boat to you.  We offer the boat at your feet, Guru ji.  Mata ji, we give our word that the boat is yours.  Everything is yours anyways.  We know that it was you that gave us everything.  We have gifted the boat to you from our hearts, right now.  Please say the words that we will have a son.  By having a son, we will not see the gates of Hell and we will be saved.  Guru Sahib will save us from Hell by giving us his bhakti.”  Guru ji said: “Mata ji, you must be the witness.  Till they don’t give me the boat, I won’t say the words.”  the women said: “it’s yours!  Say the words!  You protect the Sikhs in both Loks.  We don’t go anywhere else.  You are Dhan Guru ji.  Whoever you give wisdom to; they are saved from this world.”  Guru Sahib accepted their request.  He raised a thin stick he was holding and raised his arm.  He approached the young daughter-in-law and tapped her head lightly with the stick five times.  He tapped and said: “One, two, three, four and five.  You will have five great sons with joy.”  All the ladies were over-joyed.  They heard the gem of the Sodhis say the beautiful words and their hearts blossomed like a lotus on a glorious morning.  The women laughed in excitement.  They loved the little drama, the child-like play he did.  They were in bliss.  They bowed to the Child Guru many times.  They understood what a great being the child Guru was.  They praised him in many ways.  All of the women returned to their homes with a new hope in their hearts.

The mother-in-law went back to her husband.  She told him the whole story and said: “go and gift the prettiest boat to the Guru right now!”  When the rich banker heard this, he shouted out loud: “great is Guru ji!”  He ran to the home of Guru Sahib with eagerness and said to Guru Sahib: “for your sailing pleasures, I have a beautiful, colourful boat.  Please have that boat and bless us.  You help many cross this treacherous world ocean of life.”  He bowed to Guru Sahib and gave him the boat.  He returned to his home with joy.  As time went by, the banker had five grandsons. 

The glory of Guru Sahib spread throughout the city and many others came with their wishes and problems, leaving with a renewed faith and hope.  Guru Sahib would sail on the boat everyday in the Ganga River.  He played many games with his friends on the boat.  They travelled in the deep waters from shore to shore.  He played with the kids of the rich families in the water.  Guru ji was small but powerful.  Many days were spent in Patna like this.  His praises spread.  Sikhs came with wishes.  Guru ji fulfilled them.