2-1 Manglacharan/ Guru Ramdas ji’s Katha begins

Akaal Purakh became the jewellery of the Bedis.  He came to stop the ones that corrupted the traditions of the world.  He made everyone do Simran.  He was never in pain.  Always in bliss.  He removed the pain of others giving them the wisdom of Akaal Purakh.  I bow to Guru Nanak, who gave mukti to the Jagyasos (seekers of truth).

Without the illusion of Maya, above the attachments, complete and glorious, the Prabhoo is above sins.  Prabhoo is bliss.  He rejected the empty rituals, washed the sins and was full of bliss.  He washed the attachment away with wisdom.   He gave Bhagti and bliss to his servants.  Son of Baba Pheroo, Guru Angad Dev ji is Govind.  He gave bliss to his servants; glorious like the moon.  My mind bows to the feet of the Guru, with my hands folded.

The Devatas asked for protection from Guru Amardas ji.  His command would affect all the worlds.  He gave his servants the Name of Akaal Purakh and made them immortal.

The servants who come to Sri Guru Ramdas ji with a desireless mind, their fear of death was removed.  His heart was free of desire, anger and enmity.  Wisdom lives in him and he is the form of love.  When people came to Guru Ramdas ji, their 3 types of illnesses were gone.  He was always drenched in the Simran of Akaal Purakh.  Sins are washed away with Simran.

Sri Satguru Arjan ji is the moon of the family.  His calm and serene words give mukti.  He is the cloud of Aatma bliss, dispeller of attachment and provider of peace.  I bow to his feet.

The wielder of two swords at once, destroyed the army of sinners.  His thunderous roar become the peace giver of this world’s garden.  I am a sacrifice to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.

Guru Har Rai ji made the poor into Kings.

His touch would give a person all the wisdom of the Shasters.  The holder of the cane, I bow to Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji. 

Just as swans reside by the Mansarovar, Sikhs live with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  Think of the Guru and bow to such a Satguru, who was brave to save the Dharma.  Brahma comes to assist those, who do Simran of Guru Tegh Bahadhur.  Listen to and follow his teachings: recite Satnam in the Satsangat.

He removed the glory of the Mughals and protected the Dharma of Hind.  Greatness, he was full of; blessed were his Sikh servants.  Kalgidhar ji’s glory was great.

Gurbani removes all obstacles and gives bliss.  Wise people praise it.  It is a star in every world.  Recite the Gurbani which gives Aatam Gyaan.

Sharda gives great wisdom.  She is more beautiful than the moon of the winter season.  She is whiter than mercury; beautiful like Naarad.  She removes poverty and gives greatness.

Bowing to all the Guru’s, I (Kavi Santokh Singh ji) place my head at their feet.  I begin the Katha of Guru Ramdas ji.  Akaal Purakh ji, please remove all my obstacles and write this Katha yourself, through me.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Guru Angad Dev ji and Guru Amardas ji, the katha has been written in beautiful Chands.  The Khalsa Panth has heard it.  I have written it to the best of my abilities.  Now I will write the Katha of Gur Ramdas ji, as he performed his tasks.  I request the Saints, renouncing my cleverness and counting, to do Ardaas that this Katha is written in its complete form. 

Sri Guru Ramdas ji and the Parmeshwar are one.  There is no doubt that they are one.  He is the Master of the universe.  He is the Bhagat of the Parameshver, that’s why his name is “Ramdas.”  He is the Avatar of Bhagti.  Sri Ram Chander ji was a king, that’s why he is Ram Chander.  After Sri Guru Amardas, the gem of the Sodhis, Guru Ramdas ji was seated on the Singhasan.  He was not affected my Maya (illusion/ wealth/ ways of the world).  He was on the chariot of the Guru’s throne.  He was the fourth sun in the sky, to rise.  The Sikhs around him looked glorious like the stars around the moon.  Sikhs came from far away lands to see Guru Ramdas ji.  The light of Guru Nanak has entered the fourth incarnation.  People would be in bliss, when they would see Guru Ramdas ji.  They would see Guru Amardas ji in Guru Ramdas ji.  He was the light of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He showed the brightness of the Guru’s light.  The Sikhs came bringing gifts.  They were happy seeing his nature and his form.  After three days, the Sikhs went to the cremation site of Satguru Amardas ji.  Guru Ramdas ji stood at the site of the cremation.  Satguru Ramdas ji’s eyes were shedding tears along with Baba Mohri ji and the Sikhs.  The Sangat was shedding tears.  Baba Mohri ji was standing next to Guru Ramdas ji.  Baba Mohan ji bowed his head and collected the ashes of his father.  Baba Buddha ji then spoke: “why aren’t you all following Guru ji’s words?  He said: not to mourn his departure.  He wanted us to do Simran of Hari and do Keertan.  We shouldn’t disobey his command.  Don’t mourn for him.”  Baba Buddha ji’s words were heard by everyone.  Everyone stopped their tears.  Guru Amardas ji’s ashes were collected into a beautiful cloth.  The Ashes were taken to the Ganga River.  Baba Saavan Mal ji (Guru Amardas ji’s nephew) went along as well.  This tradition was for the world only.  It was done to complete the tradition.

Guru Ramdas ji would hold Divans near Baoli Sahib.  Thousands of Sikhs would come to visit Guru Ramdas ji.  The Rababis would sing Gurbani in Raags.  The Keertan would give birth to love in their hearts.  In the mornings, the Divan would start and run throughout the day till the evening.  Thousands of Sikhs would come to pay their respects and give condolences.  They would ask about Guru Amardas ji.  The Langar and Karah Prashaad would be made for the Sangat.  Many dishes were made for the Sangat and distributed.  On the thirteenth day, a huge Langar was prepared for the Sangat.  There was a lot of Keertan and Katha.  There was a big mela at Goindwal.  Everyone came to see Guru Ramdas ji.  All of the different types of Sadhoos came to eat Langar.  The Sikhs that were given Manjis (became Masands), all came with their Dasvands to bow to Guru Ramdas ji.  Guru Amardas ji made Guru Ramdas ji the next Guru.  Nobody can change the traditions of Guru Amardas ji.  Mohan ji and Mohri ji, people saw them and were sad to see that they are sitting humbly.  They wondered what the sons of Guru Amardas ji would do now, as they were quite simple people.  They wondered how the sons would make a living.  The Sangat and the Masands were concerned. 

Sri Guru Ramdas ji, the king, his eyes were very humble.  He was a calm and gentle person.   He did not like to see anybody depressed.  He thought to himself: “what should I do?”  He noticed an unrest and went to his home.  He sat in a Samadhi and connected with his real self to experience the ultimate bliss.  He sat alone and didn’t let anyone else come.  He didn’t come outside to visit anyone anymore.  The Sangat would wait for him but he wouldn’t come out.  Guru Ramdas ji would sit in the Chabarra where Guru Amardas ji used to sit.  Guru Ramdas ji was filled with love, remembering Guru Amardas ji.  He was in deep Samadhi. 

Wherever he would sit, he would sit there for hours.  He would sing shabads in Guru Amardas ji’s remembrance.  If he would look in a certain direction, he would continue looking in that direction for hours.  His sons: Prithi Chand, Mahadev and Sri Arjan Dev ji would come to him and bow.  He would speak to them but go back into his Samadhi, remembering Guru Amardas ji.  He didn’t wish to see anyone.  He would write Gurbani in these times.  The Bani would be in remembrance of the Guru.  He composed many Raag compositions to sing his Gurbani.  He would sing the Bani he wrote in those Raags.  The Sangat would say: “Guru ji does not come to see us.”  Bhai Sachan Sach, Manik Chand, the Sikhs from Dhulla, Saavan Mal, Mai Das and Gango Bassi Khatri, Matho Muraari, Firia, Katara, Kheda Soini, Bayni Pandit, all came to see Guru ji with love.  The Sangat from far away lands, Baba Mohan and Baba Mohri with their Children, would all wait for Satguru ji.  Baba Buddha ji and other Sikhs would sit near Baoli Sahib.  They were all worried.  They said: “Guru ji does not come outside.  What is he thinking about?  He doesn’t come to visit the Sangat.”  Everyone asked Baba Buddha ji: “please bring Guru ji outside.”  Baba Buddha ji spoke: “listen to me: there will be a problem if I go.  Baba Mohan ji is a Mastana.  He does not think of loss or gain.  Satguru Amar Das ji’s son, Mohri ji, should go to get him.  Baba Mohri ji should go and bring him.  I will go with him as well as the Sangat wishes.”  Baba Mohri ji spoke: “he will come out if I ask him to.” 

Baba Mohri ji along with Baba Buddha ji and other Sikhs went to Guru Ramdas ji.  They saw Guru Ramdas ji sitting inside the Chabarra.  His mind was somewhere else.  Guru Ramdas ji saw everyone and got up to respect them.  They all bowed to each other.  Baba Mohri ji spoke: “why are you sitting inside?  My father, Satguru ji had seated you on his throne with great respect.  Just as my father fulfilled the wishes of the Sangat and saved them, you must do the same.  Sit with the Sangat and be joyful.  Make them do Simran of Satnam and give them wisdom.  Just as Satguru ji advised you, you should do what he told you to do.  Understand the emotions of the Satsangat.  All of us need to follow what the Satguru wanted us to do.  This is our duty, our Dharam.”  Guru Ramdas ji heard this and his eyes filled with tears.  He said: “you are the son of the Guru and the Sikhs of the Guru.  I will obey your wishes.  It is an honor to listen to your words and follow them.  This is my Dharam.”  Guru Ramdas ji came outside and sat in the Sangat.  He was radiant and glorious, sitting among the Sikhs.  He was like the full moon among the stars.  He was like a king sitting with his army.  As he came into the court, everyone got up and bowed to him.  They presented their gifts.  It was as though the lotus flower saw the sun, early in the morning.

2-2 The Glory of Guru Ramdas ji/ Conversation with the Sidhs

The Singhasan of contentment, the canopy of truth, the flag of the True Name, Satnam is waiving, on it, sits the King Satguru Ram.

The wealth of Bhagti, the crown of Gyaan is upon his head, looking glorious. The complete Sikhs with wisdom are his viziers.  Rules thus, King Satguru Ram.

Love, patience, blessings, forgiveness, in bliss all the time, these chariots and army are surrounding him.  Rules thus, King Satguru Ram. 

The wisdom of value, the beautiful vairagya.  The elephant mounted army of Yog and Dharma, is ruled by the King Satguru Ram.

Sam, Dham, Jog, Nayeem, Yam, uparat and tatikhya are the horse army, ruled by the King Satguru Ram.

Faith, purity, good wisdom and good karma are always with him.  Tapp, and love are his foot soldiers, in the middle, ever so glorious, sits the King Satguru Ram

Love is his strong general.  The Keertan of Hari is happening.  Fearlessness is his dhundhabs that sound.  Ever so glorious is the King Satguru Ram.

The enemy, attachment, which was ruling in the country, the mind; it was reduced to dust and now rules the King Satguru Ram.

The big and strong warriors: desire, anger, greed and ego with their general, attachment, were all killed and now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

Violence, anger, enmity, desire and hope, the ones capable of increasing their army, were all killed and now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

Just as Raja Ram killed Soopnakha and Tarka, that is how ego and attachment were killed and now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

Pride, selfishness, cheat and jealousy are the three vices, which were killed along with gossip, and now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

There is no duality, only One.  He showed the truth, conscious bliss of Akaal Purakh to all, and now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

He protects and nurtures his servants like his subjects.  He kills the thieves and vices and now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

Simple, well-natured and gracious, giving and respectful; good tasks are always with him.  So adheres to these and sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

With the royal proclamation of the True name in the Satsangat, his glory grows by the day and now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

For his good servants he gives them the impossible and protects what they have.  He is the giver and the gracious one.  He is with glory, the King Satguru Ram.

Good values are planted and bad values are starved; in the centre now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

Maya stays all around him but he stays free from it without desire.  He breaks his servant’s bonds and now sits gloriously, the King Satguru Ram.

He keeps the mind, the cloth, away from material items, the water.  He keeps the surma away from blackness.  Amazing is the way of the King Satguru Ram.

Whoever reads these 20 couplets everyday with love, says Kavi Santokh Singh ji, the Guru will fulfill their heart’s desires.  He will give them wealth, children and other things.

Sri Guru Ramdas ji sits in the Sangat, holding Divans, just as Sri Ram Chander ji would sit in the court of Munis and Saints.  He gives the Sikhs the wisdom of Bhagti, Satnam, just as Rishi Vashisht ji did.  The Saints come to meet him and achieve bliss just like the Chakors look towards the full moon, with full attention; just as the lotus blooms seeing the sun in the morning; the Sikhs faces bloom, seeing Guru ji.  Guru Ramdas ji is the light inside the heart of the Sikhs.  The Aatma can be seen within, as Guru ji’s light shines in the heart.  Whichever forehead is touched by Guru Ramdas ji‘s hand, he/she becomes gold from iron, just as a philosopher’s stone does.  Just as plants near the “Bhavan Chandan” (dwarf sandalwood) take on its smell, the Sikhs near Guru ji achieve moksha.  Some months passed by like this.  He would spend his time in Samadhi, in the love of Prabhoo ji, Guru Amardas ji.  He would keep his eyes closed most of the time, shedding tears, thinking of Guru Amardas ji.

The Sidhs found out that the fourth Guru, Guru Ramdas ji has sat on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  They decided to came and test the new Guru.  Just as pilgrims visit the Teeraths, that is how the Sidhs came to see him.  “The one who sits on Guru Nanak’s throne, is he complete or not?”  The Sidhs came to Satguru ji’s court.  Gorakh Nath, Bharthri, Gopi Nath, Bhunger Nath and others came.  84 Sidhs and 9 Naths came and said their salutations out loud: “Ades, Ades.”  Guru ji asked them how they were doing.  They respected each other and the Sidhs were received.  Guru ji had them sit close to him with joy.  They were happy to see Guru ji as well.  They started to converse, in order to test Guru ji.  They said to Guru ji: “Sri Guru ji, the Sikhs in your Sangat do not practice Ashtanga Yoga: (Yam, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi).  How can one’s mind be calm without Yoga?  Without the mind being calm, the Aatma cannot be seen.  Without knowing the Aatma, the jugata is not achieved.  Without jugti, mukti cannot be achieved.  Without Mukti, a person is bound to the cycle of birth and death.  What is the advantage of your Gursikhi?  This doubt is in our mind.  Please dispel our doubt.  The Sikhs achieve nothing by becoming a Sikh.”  Sri Satguru ji heard their questions and responded: “the main support of Yoga, Sikhi has taken the purest form, which is the True name, Satnam.  The Sadhana of Satnam is the highest.  Doing Simran, day and night, gives rise to Prema Bhagti.  Once Prema Bhagti is present, the need to focus on anything else is not required.  Niddhis, Siddhis, and powers come inside of you when you do Yoga.  You show those powers off and have people praise you and worship you.  You are caught up with desiring more students.  Guru Nanak Dev ji was not interested in Niddhis and Siddhis.  Niddhis and Siddhis do not give you mukti but make you get stuck in the world further.  Doing Simran, one forgets about the body.  That person is then coloured in the love of Akaal Purakh.  Their mind is calm and they are blessed by Akaal Purakh, right away.  That person receives the Gyaan and wisdom.  When the Aatam Gyaan is achieved, the snake-like world is then seen as the rope that it really is.  The illusion of the deer is dispelled (the deer running to find the musk, which is already inside it).  The deer-like mind does not run through desserts, looking for water.  Love and hate disappear; one sees the whole world as one.  In such a Prema Bhagti does one enter that the mind only does Simran of Satnam.  Without love, these acts of Yoga to achieve mukti, are without fruit.  This is what the Saints tell us.  Without love, the effort and hard work is useless; but with love, the achievement is instantaneous.  Your way of “Kasht Yog” (strict Yoga) is not possible in Kaliyuga.  It actually can make you sick.  If you meet the complete Guru and receive the path to Yoga, then after a great effort, the mind may go still.  But when the Siddhis will come to you, your mind will be enchanted and want to show your powers off to the world.  You will want to have people worship you.  The Sidhs get caught into the attachment of the world and let go of the bliss of Naam.  They desire the pleasures and praises of the world.  But with Aatam-Gyaan, the Siddhis stand in front of you with their hands folded.  Reject this Siddhis and enjoy the pleasure of the Aatam Gyaan.  Consider the whole world as the form of bliss, Akaal Purakh.  You take on the garb of Sidhs and practice Yog, but without love, how will you be one with the Prabhoo?  You do not win your mind and wander around, here and there.  You get caught up in the powers of Siddhi.”  Sri Guru Ramdas ji gave the Sidhs wisdom by uttering Gurbani:

Ik Oankaar Satgur Prasaad.. Mahalla 4 –

Akaal Purakh is the one, uniform form that creates, sustains and destroys, attained by the grace of the True Guru.  Nanak IV

Raag Aasaa Ghar 6 ke 3..

You pluck the strings of your instrument with your hands, Jogi, but it is in vain.

Under the Guru’s wisdom, chant the praises of Hari, Jogi, this will drench your mind with the love of Hari..1.

Oh Jogi, give the sermon of the wisdom of Hari’s Simran.

In every era (Yuga), the Lord Hari is pervading throughout.  I bow to the Lord. .1.. Rahao..

You sing in so many Ragas, and you talk so much, but this mind of yours is only playing a game..

You work the well and irrigate the fields, but the oxen have already left to graze in the jungle..2..

In the field of the body, plant the desireless karma (Simran of Hari), Hari will sprout there, like a lush green field.

Oh mortal, hook up your unstable mind like an ox, and irrigate your fields with the name of Hari, you will be victorious by the Guru’s teachings..3..

The Yogis, the wandering Jangams, and all the world is yours, Oh Lord, according to the wisdom that you gave, that is how they follow their ways.

Oh omniscient one, Lord of Nanak, link my mind to you..4..9..61..

(SGGS 368)

When the Sidhs heard this Shabad from Sri Satguru Ramdas ji, they recognized Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  They tested him and their doubts were cleared.  They were happy to see Guru Ramdas ji.  As the Sangat watched, the Sidhs all said: “Ades,” and disappeared right before everyone’s eyes.  The Sangat heard the discussion and had faith that Sri Satguru Ramdas ji was Parbraham Guru.  They asked Guru ji: “where did these Saints come from?  They didn’t stay and disappeared all of a sudden.”  Satguru ji responded: “they were the followers for Gorakh.  They have the power to reach any place they wish.  They came to test me.  They asked their questions and got their answers.  They have Siddhis which they are proud of.”  The Sangat heard this and was very happy and amazed.  They said: “only you know your ways.  Prabhoo has come in your form to save the Sikhs.  You have blessed the Sangat.”  They bowed their heads and said: “you are the master of the word and the giver of peace.”  Guru ji casted his divine sight on everyone and blessed everyone.  The Satguru was the supreme.  Guru ji spent many days like this. 

2-3 The Tappa Sikh/ The Sikhs are given Wisdom of Seva

Sri Satguru Ramdas ji remains drenched in love, all the time.  He gives the Sikhs the wisdom to do Simran of Satnam, as a gift.  Sikhs come in great numbers, and there is always a great Satsangat.  Wherever there are Sikhs living, in small or big villages and cites, they recite “Guru, Guru” thousands of times.  They walk on the great path of Sikhi and reject their previous ways.  They are completing their life’s mission and ingesting the glory of the Satguru.  The bad people saw this and were in pain; just as the juvasa plant burns when it rains.  These unwise, unfortunate fools couldn’t tolerate the glory of Satguru ji.  It was though a wife, whose husband is away from her, sees the moon and is irritated. 

There was a Tappa that saw the tradition of Sikhi and was curious.  He asked some people: “what are you doing?”  He wanted to debate but he also wanted to do the Bhagti of Akaal Purakh.  He was a skeptic of Sikhi but also had love.  He came to Satguru ji’s court, as his good karma awoke.  He bowed and sat close to Guru ji.  Guru ji respected him and welcomed him.  Guru ji, the destroyer of evil, asked the Tappa: “what is the reason for your coming?  Please tell me.  I will fulfill your wishes.”  The Tappa began to speak his mind: “I have travelled the world and seen many saints from many religions.  I have heard the Vedas and the Puranas.  I have read them as well.  I have been to many Teeraths and bathed in the pure waters of holy sites.  Your Sikhs are very egotistical as they do not follow the traditions of the Shaasters.  There are four Varans and four ashrams as per the traditions of the Vedas; they should live according to them.  Your Sikhs do not follow these traditions or even know them.  Your Sikhs do not follow these traditions.  They only worship you and listen to your Gurbani.  They read your Gurbani and do Simran of Vahiguru all the time.  They focus their attention on you and meditate.  They don’t recognize the glory of the Teeraths or the Vedas.  Their Dharma and nature are not according to the Vedas.  How will the Sikhs reach Mukti?  How will they fulfill the mission of their birth?  They will waste their life away.”  Sri Guru Ramdas ji responded: “what glory did you see in the Teeraths?  You have faith in the Teeraths, what do you receive from them in the end?”  The Tappa responded to Guru ji’s questions: “to bathe at the Teeraths gives you Mukti because your sins are washed away.  In the end, you go to Heaven.  You receive many types of pleasures in Heaven.  By reading the Vedas, you understand the Braham and go to the dimension of Braham.”  Sri Satguru ji heard the Tappa and spoke: “you receive pleasure in heaven till your good karma is all used up.  You have led yourself to believe that the Heavens are permanent.  You think they are true.  To obtain the stay in heaven, you go through a lot of pain.  The saints see Heaven as temporary and false.  They have renounced their wish to go to Heaven.  Why do you go through so much pain to get to Heavens, which are temporary?  You are caught up in Riddhis and Siddhis so you will remain in the cycle of birth and death.  You do not serve the Satsangat, so how would you know what the reward would be?  You did not know what the real thing was, and how it is, just as a great Emperor doesn’t know the emotion of a common person.  You uselessly blamed my Sikhs and called them egotistical when you didn’t even know the reality of the situation.  Your whole life has been spent.  You did not meet the Guru and did not have faith.  The Satsang is a walking Teerath which you did not meet, nor were you drenched in the love of Hari.  You carry false pride in your heart, which will only be washed away when you meet the complete Guru.”  Listening to Guru ji, the Tappa asked about the Teeraths: “why do you look down upon the Teeraths which are visited by many?  The Puranas talk about the significance of the Teeraths.  Please ponder on this and tell me how and why the Satsangat is so great.”  Sri Guru Ramdas ji, having love in his heart, said a Gurbani Shabad for him:

Malaar Mahalla 4..

Ganga, Jumana, Godavari and Sarasvati, these rivers strive for the dust of the feet of the Sadhoos..

They say: people filled with the filth of sins come and bathe in us.  The dust from the feet of Saints, washes the filth of sins away..1..

Saying the Name is to bathe in the 68 Teeraths..

When the dust from the Satsangat rises up and comes to the eyes, all the filth in your mind is removed..1.. Rahao..

Ganga was brought from the Tapp of Bagheerath and Kedaar was established by Shiva..

Krishan ji grazed cows in Kaanshi, many Teeraths were glorious meeting with the servants of Hari..2..

Whichever Teeraths were established by Devatas, they all long for the dust of the feet of the Sadhoos..

Meeting with the Saint of Hari, the Guru Sadhoo, I apply the dust of his feet to my face..3..

The whole creation, oh my master, it all craves for the dust of the feet of the Sadhoos..

Says Nanak, one who has such destiny inscribed on their forehead, they are blessed with the dust from the feet of the Sadhoos and carried across..4..2..

(SGGS 1263)

When the Tappa heard the Shabad from the mouth of Sri Satguru ji, he was wonderstruck.  He froze.  He was speechless.  He was in bliss.  He was still, like a lake in the early morning hours of a calm day.  He was filled with love in his heart.  His heart was filled with faith.  He began to sing the praises of Satguru ji.  Guru ji looked at him with a blessed vision which purified his mind.  He said to Guru ji: “my good karma is awakened.  I am very fortunate. I met you and now I am filled with love.  Whoever you bless, knowing them as your servant, you illuminate their heart right away.  My mind was filled with ego.  I was without wisdom and didn’t see your glory.  I made the mistake of speaking in front of you but you are gracious with opponents as well.  The thing that you let go of (ego), the foolish people hold on to that and lose everything.  Now, I understand the value of saints from whom Aatam Gyaan is received.”  The Tappa renounced his old ways and became a Sikh of the Guru.  He attended the Satsangat and received bliss.  Sometimes he would come to stay with Satguru ji and sometimes he would go wandering.  He always focused on the lotus-like holy feet of Satguru Ramdas ji in his heart.

Many Sikhs came from all around and brought money.  Sri Guru Amardas ji would only take as much money as was needed for a day’s worth of Langar.  If the Sikhs would give more money than required, Guru ji would return the money.  There was always an abundant amount of Langar.  Money would come everyday.  Guru Amardas ji was determined not to save anything overnight.  The fourth Guru is a mine of virtues, full of gems.  Laxmi serves him, greatly.  The Goddess, Mata Laxmi requested the first three Gurus to let her serve them, but they refused her plea and didn’t let her come close to them.  The fourth Guru was also a strong warrior and thought of Laxmi as the previous Gurus did.  When Laxmi came to Guru Ram Das ji, he finally accepted her request, as the Panth was now going to need her services.  She came through the offerings of Sikhs and was now being saved.  Guru ji, although, was unaffected by her, just as a lotus flower lives in the water, but is never drenched or soaked by it. 

Guru ji’s eldest son, Prithi Chand, began to stay close to Guru ji.  He had a fondness towards money.  He would gather all the money and use it for the Langar and other tasks.  Sri Mahadev ji, Guru ji’s middle son, was a carefree person and never thought about profit or loss.  He wasn’t concerned with gathering or counting things.  He had great love for his Guru-Father.  Guru ji’s third son, Sri Arjan ji, collected Bhagti.  He followed his mother, Mata Bhaani ji, and did Seva by bowing.  He had a lot of faith and devotion for his father, Guru Ramdas ji.  He didn’t care about money at all.  Everyone thought that he was young and that’s why he wasn’t concerned with money, but Guru Ramdas ji was omniscient and knew that he was fond of Bhagti.  Guru Ramdas ji knew that Sri Arjan ji was complete in all virtues and was going to be the gem of the Sodhi family.  Sri Arjan ji was going to be the one to keep the Guru’s throne in his house.  He wasn’t going to let the throne go anywhere else.  Everyone else knew Prithi Chand and said: “Prithi Chand knows about all the tasks of the Guru’s house and takes care of everything.  He stays close to his father, day and night, and knows where and when to give-and-take.  He is aware of all the tasks and does everything without saying anything to his father.”  Satguru ji wouldn’t say anything to him.

Guru ji would give wisdom to the Sikhs.  One day, a lot of Sangat gathered and wanted to listen to the Bani of Guru ji.  There was a big Divaan that was in session at the Darbar area.  The wise Gursikhs were gathered there.  They were like a flock of chakors gathered together and looking at Guru ji’s moon-like face.  Just as chatriks look towards the clouds with desire of the first rain drop, that is how the Sikhs looked towards Guru ji for wisdom.  Satguru ji, the gracious one, knowing the desires of the Sikhs, began to speak: “whoever calls themself my Sikh and wants to be free of bonds when they die, they should desire to do Seva and renounce their pride.  In the previous Yugas (eras) people would do very difficult Tapasyas and cause their bodies great pain.  The “antiskaran” is comprised of 4 things: 1. Mun- the mind, from which the good and bad desires arise from; 2. Buddhi- wisdom, from where thoughts and decisions come from; 3. Chit- consciousness, from where awareness arises from; 4. Ahankaar- awareness of self-existence, from where the relationship to materials is understood.  The antiskaran becomes pure and bliss arises, when Seva is performed and the ego is killed.  Seva gives you 10 times the reward of Tapasya.  You are very strong when you die by doing Seva.  Doing Tapasya for a long period of time is equal to very little time of doing Seva.  Those who do Seva with devotion and determination, their birth and death cycle is destroyed.  They cross the world ocean successfully.  Never show off yourself and never speak harsh words to anyone to make them feel hurt.  By doing Seva, Dharam, Arth, Kaam and Moksha are achieved.  Serving the Guru, one is blessed.  Without Seva, Bhagti is not achieved.  Without Bhagti, Gyaan is not achieved.  Without Gyaan, Mukti is not achieved.  For this reason, Seva is the root of all Mukti.  Do Seva and be blessed.  Whoever does the Seva of the Satsangat, my mind loves them dearly.  Prepare food according to the best of your ability and feed it to the Sikhs and saints by being humble.  Give them water to drink and wash their feet.  With your own hands, take a fan and fan the Sikhs.  Massage their feet and speak sweetly to them.  Give them clothes, without them asking for it.  Give fruits and flowers to the Sangat and wash their clothes.  Make places of worship for Sangat to gather and sweep it with a broom.  Make places for Sangat to come and stay.  Do Seva with faith, love and devotion and never give rise to your ego.  There is a story in reference to this:

There was a person who wished to serve birds.  On a high place, he set seeds and water for them.  Many birds came to his house to eat.  The birds were happy with the person.  The person brought a pair of swans to his house, but they did not eat the seeds or drink the water.  The person saw this and was worried.  Somebody told the person that: “they only eat pearls and drink milk for satiation.”  When the person heard this, he got pearls without holes for them.  The swans ate the pearls.  They would drink the milk and leave the water from the milk (only taking the curds portion of the milk).  The swans were very happy and gave the person two rubies from their mouths.  The swans then flew away, leaving the rubies with the person.  The person sold the rubies and made himself a beautiful house with the money he received.  He served the birds even more than before.  One day, a whole bank of swans came to his house.  The swans said: “let’s see how our bhagat’s house is.”  Thousands of swans came to the person’s house.  The person placed many pearls and a lot of milk in front of them with love.  The swans were very happy with the person and gave him a lot of rubies.  He was as rich as a king by doing their Seva.  That is how doing the Seva of a Saints is.  There are great rewards in serving the Saints.  Saints are givers of Niddhis and Siddhis.  They also give Mukti at the time of death.  Serving my swan-like Sikhs has great rewards.  There is no impossible wish to be fulfilled when it comes to serving the Sikhs.  Everything can be granted.”  Satguru ji explained the significance of doing Seva to the Sikhs.  The Sikhs were in bliss by listening to Guru ji. 

There was a time when the Emperor Akbar had come to Guru Amardas ji and given the deed of some villages to Guru ji.  The deeds of those villages were given to Satguru Ramdas ji, along with the Gurta Ghuddi by the gem of the Bhallas, Satguru Amardas ji.  Guru Amardas ji sent Guru Ramdas ji, during his time, to start the digging of the Sarovar.  The digging of the Amritsar Sarovar and the establishment of some of the villages around the area happened during Guru Amardas ji’s time, by Guru Ramdas ji.  The place was named “Guru ka Chuk.”  As all the Singhs were listening to the history of the Gurus from Ram Koer ji, they folded their hands and said to him: “oh Ram Koer ji, you are the light of bliss.  Listening to the history of Guru ji, our hearts are blooming.  Please tell us the history of Sri Amritsar, as it happened.  In all of the three worlds, such a Teerath has never been heard of, nor can its praises by fully sung.  Its significance has been mentioned in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Please tell us how the Sarovar (pool) was made and how was the beautiful Sri Hari Mandir made.  Laxmi comes and serves this place.  The Saints love this place a lot.  There is nobody, so cold enough, not wanting to visit it with devotion.  That person would be unfortunate who does not wish to visit it.  When a person comes to Sri Harmandhir, their mind is won.  Bathing in its Sarovar gives great bliss.  The place fulfills all wishes and is worthy for Devatas to live there.  If one is in pain, this place relieves it.  Please tell the listeners about Sri Harmandir Sahib ji.  The listeners would like to hear it.  They have come to your holy feet for this.  You are great, gracious and complete.  You are the apex of Brahmgyaan and all-powerful.  You can do whatever you want to.  You are not afraid of anyone in all the three worlds.  You have the knowledge of past, present and future.  Please see the love in the hearts of us listeners and tell us the history of Sudhasur (Amritsar).”  Sri Bhai Ram Koer ji was really happy to hear the request, as he saw the love in the listeners’ hearts.  Bhai Sahib ji had more love in his heart to tell them the history of the Gurus.  Bhai Ram Koer ji praised the Singhs around him, like Bhai Sahib Singh ji Likhaari and others: “you are great for having such a great wisdom and a great desire.  You are certainly deserving to hear the great Katha of the Gurus.  Listen to this Katha with love.  I will make all of you happy with this Katha.  Your doubts will be removed by listening to this and you will understand the teachings of the Gurus.  The history of the Gurus is the most beautiful thing.  It destroys all the shortcomings and vices of the heart.  I will tell you the Katha of Sri Amritsar Sahib as it happened.  Centre your focus and listen to this Katha with love, my friends.  The Katha of the Satguru gives peace and happiness, along with destroying the pain of birth and death.”  Bhai Ram Koer ji made the listeners sit in attention and began to speak the great history.

2-4 Jaimal and Fatah/ Chittor Rebels

Seeing the desire of the listeners, Bhai Ram Koer ji said: “I will tell you the history of Sri Amritsar as it happened.  Listen carefully.  During the time of Guru Amardas ji, he was blessing many Sikhs in Goindwal.  He made the Baoli Sahib in Goindwal and built many houses there.  Many tradesmen and craftsmen were used.  There were countless workers and sevadaars that came from far away lands.  They did Seva at the Baoli.  It went on for a few years.  Satguru ji directed the Sikhs on how to make the Baoli.  He made this for the salvation of the Sikhs.  He was the mine of blessings.

In Delhi, the Emperor was Akbar.  Jaimal and Fatah were two Rajput Kings that stayed with Akbar.  They were great warriors.  Akbar kept these two like his brothers.  They were rulers of the Chittorgarh.  They were obedient to Akbar.  They stayed in Chittorgarh but went to Delhi sometimes.  One day, a jealous person wanted to cause friction between Akbar and the Rajput brothers: “listen Khuddah’s form, oh Emperor: Jaimal and Fatah have three valuable things that you should have, instead of them.  They have a beautiful horse and a beautiful elephant that should be with you.  These two things are kept hidden in Chittorgarh and never brought out to Delhi.  They think you will take them from them.  Jaimal has a beautiful daughter as well.  She is of the Padamani Jaati.  She is so beautiful that bees hover around her ears.”  Kavi ji goes into detail about the immoral intentions of the person speaking.  His mind was dirty and he was tempting the Emperor by commenting about the girl’s chest and waist.  He continued: “her eyes are like lotus petals; her skin is white like the champak flower; her braid is like a black snake and she entices the most patient of men.  The young girl, the horse and elephant should be with you.  You will have to ask for these 3 things from Jaimal.  He won’t give them, otherwise.  There is nobody greater than you.  You are fortunate.  I think you are deserving, that’s why I have told you.”  Akbar heard this and got caught in the illusion. 

Akbar had his messenger sent to Jaimal’s house to offer him more land.  The messenger said to Jaimal: “the Emperor is happy with you and sent me to you.  He was praising you.  He said: “both brothers are great warriors.  I would like to be related to them by being their son-in-law.  They will be respected throughout the land if they give me their daughter and give their horse and elephant as a dowry.  I will give them more land.  I would be so happy if I am related to them.”  The Rajput brothers didn’t like what they heard.  They felt as though an arrow pierced their heart.  After a long silence, Jaimal spoke: “the Emperor is a Mughal and we are Hindu.  Our traditions aren’t the same.  We are like day and night.  How can we be related?  Our traditions will be apposing.  This is an impossible thing to do.  How can we be related?  My brothers and community will appose this.” 

The messenger went back to the Emperor and said: “my Emperor, the Rajputs did not accept your offer.  They said: “we are Rajput Hindus and the Emperor is a Mughal, how can we be related?  We are like day and night.  We will stay obedient to the Emperor but we can’t be related.  I can’t give my daughter to him.  If the Emperor needs us to fight, we will fight for him and die.  We will kill the enemy or die.  We can’t leave our religion though.  We can’t give our daughter to the Mughals.  People will talk bad about us.  It will look like we sold our daughter for land.” Akbar heard the response but he was determined to marry Jaimal’s daughter.  He told the messenger to go back: “go and respect them.  Ask them: “who is greater than the Emperor of Hindustan?” Jaimal’s daughter will be known as my queen and the whole world will bow to her.  There is no other respect more than this.  Jaimal will be respected in the world as well.  Tell him: “let go of his stubbornness and give me his daughter.  His land will be four times bigger.”  Talk to him with love first.  If he doesn’t listen then remind him of my power.  Remind him how big my army is.  Ask him where he would hide in this world.  The Emperor can catch him anywhere.  Nobody will be able to save him.”  The messenger went back to Jaimal and told him what the Emperor said: “give your daughter and receive your land.  That is the best thing for you.”  The Rajputs heard this and became worried of why the Emperor was being so stubborn.  He stayed quiet for a while and then said: “I will tell you tomorrow what my answer is.  I will speak to my brother and have a discussion with the community.”  The messenger went back.

Jaimal spoke to his brother, Fatah.  They were sad to hear the choices.  They said: “the Emperor is egotistical and proud of his army and wealth.   We are Rajput Hindu warriors.  It looks like we are not going to be friends anymore.  He is showing his might to us.  If we give our daughter and get more kingdom, we will be spoken bad about.  We will be called cowards in this world and the next.  Let’s go to the Chittorgarh fort and announce a rebellion.  We will fight for our pride.  Akbar’s army will come and we will destroy it with our weapons.  Otherwise we will die in this fight for our Dharma.  We will go to Heaven then.  By fighting the battle, we will be praised.  If we give our daughter, we will be in pain in this world and in Heaven.  That person’s life is great who lives with self-respect.”  Both brothers decided to gather their soldiers and go to their fort.  They looted other villages on the way to Chittorgarh.  They sounded their Nagaras and announced their rebellion.  They gathered all the Rajput army and fortified the fort.  They got ready for battle. 

2-5 Akbar Mobilizes/ The Battle of Chittor

The rebellion started in Chittor and they were ready to fight.  Jaimal and Fatah were ready to fight.  Akbar found out and got angry.  He was ready to fight as well.  Akbar called all his generals and Soobas.  He respected them and mobilized his army.  He handed out weapons to the calvary and other regiments.  Canons, guns and spears were ready.  Akbar went to do Ardaas to Peers and holy sites.  He went to Ajmer and placed his bow there to win the war.  It was believed that if the bow was strung by itself, the person would win the war.  He set off from there, sounding the Nagaras, Napheeryas and Ransinghas.  He stopped along the way and eventually reached Chittorgarh. 

Akbar’s army surrounded the fort and got ready to attack.  The canons fired like thunder and made the mountains tremble.  Tunnels were made to breach the perimeter of the fort.  The Rajputs had consumed opium and were ready to fight.  They came out and attacked Akbar’s army.  Sirohis and Teghas were used to fight.  Guns were fired.  There was blood everywhere.  One blow would kill many.  It was chaos all around.  The Nagaras were sounding from both sides, along with dhols and Napheeryas.  Maaroo Raag could be heard.  Bullets were flying everywhere.  The soldiers died and mixed in the dust.  The Canons shook the mountains.  There were thousands of soldiers and a lot of noise.  Limbs were cut, swords were swung.  Some lost their weapons and started to wrestle.  Some lost their arms some lost their legs.  Soldiers were dead.  Some were unconscious.  The soldiers that were hit with bullets and sliced with swords, were down on the ground.  Spears were thrown, that pierced the chests.  Gunpowder was flying.  The vultures circled the sky above to eat the flesh of the dead.  The brave warriors fought with their chests out.  Heads were rolling.  Vultures ate the flesh.  Dogs ate the flesh.  There were bodies everywhere.  The 64 Kaljognis of Kaali Mata came and drank the blood.  Jaimal and Fatah came into the battlefield like drunk elephants.  They fired their guns and killed the front line of the Mughals.  The warriors faced each other.  Sharp metal was struck.  The guns had sparks coming out of their barrels, like lava spewing from a volcano.  The bullets rained like coal lumps.  The bullets broke the faces of the soldiers.  Some ran away, afraid of the gruesomeness.  The Mughals surrounded the Rajputs and said: “surround them, don’t let them go.”  Jaimal and Fatah stood their ground.  They were fighting in Bir Ras. Their eyebrows were clenched together, their eyes were red.  They fired guns and then threw their spears.  They swung their axes and took out their Teghas.  They fought with their swords and cut many soldiers.  So many fell, eating their swords, suffering on the ground.  The ones that died went to Heaven.  Jaimal and Fatah did not step backwards at all.  They caused so much blood to spill.  They piled up the bodies, hands and feet that were cut.  Organs were seen, hair was everywhere.  Horses and elephants lay dead.  Many weapons were on the ground.  The bodies were pierced, with spears still in them.  Some were suffering in pain and asked for water.  Dogs and vultures dragged the body parts.  There was chaos on the field.  Many had died and gone to the dimension of the Jumm.  Jaimal and Fatah gave the enemy a good run.  The Rajputs caused a lot of damage and went back into the fort.  The Mughal army began to advance forward and surrounded the fort.  They fired the canons.  Bullets were fired from inside the fort which caused a lot of damage to the Mughals. 

In this way, many months passed.  The war raged on.  The bullets rained, the gunpower was lit.  It was as though lightening was shining.  They would make preparations and attack again.  Jaimal and Fatah would come out sometimes to fight and kill many.  Both armies killed many.  Many years passed in this war.  Akbar could not win the fort.  They fought in trenches.  Many bullets would fly.  Canons were fired everyday.  Sometimes a fierce charge would be made with guns.  Other strategies were used to fight.  Akbar wanted to win this war.  Soldiers from both sides died.  Many women were widowed.  Both sides wanted to win.  Some soldiers fought for money.  Some had their own intentions.  Akbar had the fort surrounded but he could not win.  Many years passed but victory was far.  Akbar visited many Saints and Peers but it was of no use.