2-16 Sri Arjan Dev ji leaves with Thaya Sanghari Mal for Lahore

Satguru ji’s other sons, Baba Mahadev ji and Sri Arjan Dev ji came to Guru ji and bowed to him.  They bowed to Sanghari Mal ji as well.  Baba Sanghari Mal ji blessed the both of them.  Guru ji said to Baba Mahadev ji: “go and attend the wedding of your brother (cousin).  Go with your Thayaji to Lahore.  Attend the wedding and meet your Sodhi relatives as well.”  Mahadev ji was a carefree saintly person.  He said to his father: “what are relatives?  I don’t not know any relatives.  Where should I go?  I don’t know anyone there.  I didn’t know them before nor do I wish to establish a relationship with them in the future.  What is the point of the relatives?  They only care for themselves.  Without money, they don’t even come close to anyone.  When a person has money, they become your relatives.  I do not wish to go.  I don’t wish to travel either.”  Baba Mahadev ji went quiet then.  Guru Ramdas ji, the gracious one, had understood the elder two sons’ intentions, that they do not obey him.  Guru ji thought to himself: “they think they are smarter and did not obey me.”  Guru Ramdas ji then looked towards Sri Arjan Dev ji.  Sri Arjan Dev ji was a calm and pleasant person.  He did not ever look into his father’s eyes.  He always kept his eyes lowered, in front of his father, out of respect.  He never spoke out of turn, in front of his father.  He was standing with his hands folded.  Guru Ramdas ji said to him: “my son, Arjan.  Be obedient.  Go with your Thayaji and attend your cousin brother’s wedding.  Go and be happy, meeting everyone.  Your relatives will meet you.  Sit with them and celebrate the occasion.  See how the wedding happens.  Stay with your Thayaji for 1 month and help with the wedding.  After the wedding, go to our Dharamsala and do the Seva of the traditions there.  Make the Sangat do Simran of Satnam.  When I call for you, I will write you a letter with love, then you are to come back.  Till then, you are not to come back home.  Stay there in Lahore and preach Sikhi.  Connect the Sangat to Parameshver.”  Listening to his Father-Guru, Sri Arjan Dev ji folded his hands and said: “this is a very easy thing.  You are sending me to a happy occasion.  This is a fun celebration.  If you were to send me to a place where my life would be in danger, I would have gone there without any doubt in my heart.  I would not delay going to a place where my life would be in danger.  Your command is supreme for me.”  In this way Sri Arjan Dev ji listened to his father and got ready to go with his Thayaji. 

Sri Arjan Dev ji went to see his mother for her permission to leave.  He told her that he was commanded to go to Lahore with Thaya Sanghari Mal ji.  Mata Bhaani ji hugged and kissed her youngest son on the forehead.  She said to him: “listen son, always obey your father.  Do whatever he says.  Otherwise, the Gurta Ghuddi will leave our house.  Only doing Seva is revered.  Only the servant becomes the Guru.  Your brother Prithi Chand is egotistical.  I have tried to tell him but he never listens to your father.  Mahadev is a carefree person.  He doesn’t understand profit or loss.  I only trust you, though.  I know that you will become the next Guru.  Oh son, from Guru Nanak Dev ji’s time, only the servant has received the Guru’s throne.  Both Guru Angad Dev ji and my father have only given the Guru’s throne to the servant.  Their sons never became the Guru.  You must do the Seva with great effort just as your father and grandfather did.  Do Seva just the way they did of the Guru.  The Guru does not have attachment.  The Guru is only pleased with the servant, not the son.  This is what I worry about everyday: that another servant would take the Gurta Ghaddi.  But seeing you, I have faith.  My son, I bless you that you may always live by your father’s command.”  In this way, with tears in her eyes, she said: “go son.”  Sri Arjan Dev ji took her mother’s teachings and bowed to her with great respect.  He took his mother’s leave. 

Sri Arjan Dev ji went to his father and bowed.  He bowed to his elder brothers as well.  He got on top of his chariot and travelled to Lahore.  He entered Lahore and reached his Thaya ji’s home.  There was a great celebration.  He met his relatives with respect.  Everyone was happy to see him and he was happy to see them.

It was soon the day of the wedding and Sri Arjan Dev ji went with the Bharaat to the wedding.  It was a joyous time for him.  He helped his Thayaji plan and prepare for the wedding.  He stayed there during the whole time.  After the wedding was done, Sri Arjan Dev ji went to the Dharamsala in Lahore.  The Sikh Sangat would come there, day and night.  They were happy to meet the son of the Guru.  Sri Arjan Dev ji had some renovations done to the Dharamsala.  After some time passed, Sri Arjan Dev ji was waiting for his father’s letter.  His mind was connected to the love for the Guru’s feet.  He did Simran of the Guru all day and night.  He sang Keertan of the Guru with the Sangat.  He spent his time like this.  The love in his heart grew by the day.  Without seeing the Guru, he was getting anxious.  Many months passed like this, as Sri Arjan Dev ji waited in the Guru’s love.  “Father Guru Ramdas ji, when will he call for me?”  Guru Ramdas ji wanted to test his son.  He didn’t send a letter on purpose.  Prithi Chand would stay close to his father all the time and think he is great in his mind.  He would think to himself: “I am the eldest son.  I will be the Guru.  I will do as I please when I am Guru.  Many people come to see my father.  I am praised in the house.”  He would hide some of the money and think of new strategies everyday.  He was egotistical in every way.  He would only listen to some of his father’s commands.  The commands he didn’t want to obey, he would respond to his father with anger and say: “I don’t want to do this.”  He would independently do as he pleased.  Many people would bow to him as well.  He had many of the Masands in his command.  He would have them bring the money to him from their areas.  Prithi Chand appointed many people as Masands, without getting permission from his father.  They would collect money from the Sangat and bring it to him.  Sometimes the Masands would keep the money for themselves.  Guru Ramdas ji was very calm.  He knew that Prithi Chand has a shady character.  Guru ji would never say anything to him.  He didn’t find him eligible for the Guru’s throne.  He would think to himself: “Prithi Chand doesn’t understand what the Guru is.  The Gurta Ghaddi goes to the humble person, just as water always settles at lower elevations.  Prithi Chand’s ego is like a high hill.”  Guru ji was disappointed with Prithi Chand.  Prithi Chand didn’t understand Guru ji’s glory, even by staying close to him.  Just like a person living close to a Teerath would think that the Teerath is great because of them.  Prithi Chand was arrogant and egotistical.  He thought Guru ji was great because of him.  He wouldn’t let humility come near him.  Mahadev was carefree and remained quiet all the time.  Sometimes he would come to Guru Sahib.  Otherwise, he would be off to another place on his own. 

Satguru Ramdas ji was great.  He was testing his sons to see who would be the next Guru.  Sri Arjan Dev ji was living in Lahore at the Dharamsala.  There were no letters exchanged from either side.  Sri Arjan Dev ji’s heart was filled with love, growing by the day.  His love was overflowing, like the water in the ocean during a storm.  He did Simran of his Father-Guru with every breath.  He would say: “when will I see you again and be happy?”  He would sing Gurbani in Raags and his heart would long for his father.  Tears would flow from his eyes, singing Gurbani.  He would be anxious and get goosebumps.  The pain of separation made him pail and weak.  He said: “the Satguru master has forgotten me.  The omniscient one does not remember me.  I can’t go back with my effort as it was your command.  I cannot disobey.  You said: “don’t come till I call you.”  Sri Arjan kept on thinking about this.  He felt like a bird trapped in a cage, stuck by the Guru’s command.  He took deep sighs and said: “I have been separated from everyone.”  He would sing out loud in high pitches but his father would not call him.  He would sing the Guru’s praises in the Sangat, while shedding tears.  He stayed in Lahore in this way.  He did Simran of the leader of the Sodhis.  The separation had made him anxious.  He would only be at peace when he would meet the Guru. 

Guru Ramdas ji would visit the Sangat in Goindwal and live with the Sangat.  Sometimes he would go to Amritsar and clean the minds of the Sikhs by giving them wisdom.

2-17 Bhai Teeratha, Bishandas, Manak Chand, Padartha, Taru Bharu are given Wisdom

A Sikh named Teeratha Sabharwal came to Guru Ramdas ji.  He bowed to Satguru ji and sat down with the wish of Mukti in his heart.  He said to Guru ji: “Sri Guru ji, I have come to you for the wisdom of Mukti.  Whoever has heard the words from your mouth, their sins were washed away and their minds were calm.”  Sri Ramdas ji gave him wisdom, saying: “there is no other virtue bigger than “truth.”  The form of the Parmeshwar is Truth as well.  If you speak and think the Truth, you will merge with Parameshver.  You will get the happiness of both the worlds.  The Devatas will respect and worship you.  The Satguru is always with the person who speaks the Truth.  The Truth is the greatest virtue.  The great wisdom is to be analysed and the Truth should be said and thought.  There is more wisdom to this as well: if saying the truth causes harm to someone, one should not say anything at all.  I will tell you an example about this so you can understand this better: there was a Sadhoo that was sitting near the door of a king’s palace.  He had been sitting there for many months, doing Simran.  The king’s son got married.  The new bride came to live in the palace.  There was a great celebration in the palace as they came back.  The house of the prince, that was newly married, was close by.  During the first night, the bride was not able to go to sleep, as it was a new place for her.  Near the pillow of the prince, there was a very expensive Kataar.  The princess took the Kataar out of its sheath and started to look at it.  She had it in her hand and noticed that it was very sharp.  The prince was asleep, directly below.  The Kataar fell from her hand by accident and fell on top of the prince’s stomach.  It stabbed him deeply in his abdomen by which the prince died right away.  Since the princess didn’t know the prince very well, as it was her first day with him, she wasn’t attached to him.  The princess got worried.  She figured that if everyone found out what had happened, she would be in deep trouble.  She decided to blame the prince’s death on someone else.  As everyone came into the room in the morning and saw the dead body of the prince, the princess said: “there is a Sadhoo sitting outside, he came here last night and killed my husband with the Kataar.  Now he is posing as a Sadhoo.”  The king heard this and cried.  The king ordered his soldiers to arrest the Sadhoo.  The soldiers arrested the Sadhoo and brought him to their jail.  They tortured him and punished him.  The Sadhoo held on to his not-guilty plea and did not accept the crime.  The king along with the ministers began to think about the situation.  The ministers said: “if we kill the Sadhoo, that won’t bring the prince back.  Let’s cut off his hand he used to kill the prince.  He will see his hand and think about what he did and will be in pain the rest of his life.”  The king agreed and the Sadhoo’s hand was cut off.  The Sadhoo, bleeding and in pain left the palace.  He wondered: “why did this happen to me?  There is always justice in Prabhoo’s court.  This was a great injustice that I was punished for a crime I didn’t do.”  He was worried and upset at what happened to him.  He heard about a Brahmin that lived in Kanshi, Banaras, that can speak about different lives in previous births.  He had the knowledge of previous Karmas as he had studied a Granth named Karam Vipaak Granth.  He can give the reason of pain and pleasure for all Karma.

The Sadhoo went to Kanshi to find the Brahmin.  He soon reached his home and saw that the Brahmin wasn’t at his home.  He met his wife instead and asked her where the Pandit was.  The wife of the Brahmin was a very angry person and said to him: “where is that lazy person going to go?  He’s probably somewhere close by.  What do you want with him?”  The Sadhoo was amazed to see such a rude person.  He wondered if the Pandit was good at all: “I heard the Pandit is very generous but his wife swears at his name.  I’ll wait for the Pandit by his door.”  The Sadhoo sat by his door.  The Pandit soon came and greeted the Sadhoo.  The Sadhoo told the Pandit his story.  He also told him how the Pandit’s wife behaved with him.  He said: “I asked about you and she swore at me and you.”  The Pandit ji brought him inside and said: “let me tell you your story first.  I’ll tell you my story after.  The reason why you are here: in your previous birth, you were a Brahmin and sat cross-legged near a river, after taking a bath.  You were doing Simran with a Mala with one hand, with the arm elevated.  After a while, a scared cow crossed in front of you, running away.  After the cow, came a bad butcher.  He asked you: “did you see a cow cross from here?”  You were doing Simran so you didn’t say anything but you pointed with a hand gesture showing him where the cow went.  The butcher then found the cow and killed her.  She died because you pointed her out.  The butcher had some good karma and became a prince in his next birth.  The same cow was born as his new bride.  The stage was set for her to take her revenge in this birth.  The prince was killed by her hand but you were blamed for the murder.  She was scared, that’s why she blamed you.  You pointed out to the butcher where the cow went, that’s why your hand was cut.  That’s what you were punished for.  Prabhoo does not do any injustice.  It is always your own karma that become your fruits.  Now, I well tell you my story.  Don’t keep any doubt in your heart.  This is my karma.  In my last birth, I was a crow.  My wife was a donkey in her last birth.  On her back, there was a bleeding cut.  I used to pick at her cut to eat her meat all the time.  One day, I pecked too hard and my beak got stuck into a bone.  I couldn’t release my beak.  The donkey was in pain and ran to the Ganga River and jumped into it.  Because of the pain, she went further into the river.  I tried to take my beak out but her pain would increase.  The flow of the river was fast and swept both of us away.  Both of us drown and died in the Ganga.  Because we died in the waters of the Ganga, we got the reward of being born as human beings in the Brahmin caste.  We were then married.  I gave her a lot of pain in her last birth and that is why she speaks harsh words and gives me pain.  Our karma is balancing out.”  The Sadhoo heard this and understood that pain and pleasure is due to our own karma.”  Sri Guru ji said: “the Sadhoo spoke the truth but the result was bad.  The cow was snitched on.  The Sadhoo had his hand cut off, which gave the gesture.  Previous karma does not get erased.  This is called “paralabadh.”  Everyone receives the fruit.  If pain is caused to Guru, Pandit, Saint and cow, you should not speak such a truth.  Such a truth will take you to hell.  The wise person does not speak such a truth which causes pain to someone else.  In any other situation, you should always speak the truth.  There is no sin bigger than lying.  The Gursikh should never lie.  If a person is released from death or a danger is dispelled, in that situation, that lie is like the truth.  But this should be for others, not yourself.”  Bhai Teeratha heard Guru ji’s words and began to implement them in his life.  He spoke the truth and stayed in the will of Guru ji.  He achieved the highest state and became a Brahmgyaani.  Saying the truth gives you Brahmgyaan.  That person remains connected to the truth. 

Bhai Bishandas, Bhai Manak Chand and Bhai Pooro came to Guru Ramdas ji and bowed.  They met Guru ji and sat down. They folded their hands and said: “Guru ji, please release us from the cycle of birth and death.  Please bless our families as well in every dimension.  Give us the great wisdom.”  Sri Gurudev ji then spoke: “do the Seva of Gursikhs.  Tell your wives, sons and daughters to do Seva.  Show them how to do Seva.  See yourselves as the servant of Vahiguru.  Make your children into the servants of the Guru as well.  Just as a horse stands by his master’s door and is served by the other servants; the master takes the responsibilities of the horse’s needs.  The master is worried about the food, water and care of the horse.  In the same way, the Sikh should stay loyal to the Guru and give the responsibility of his/her family to the Guru.  Let go of your claim on your possessions.  Consider your family as riders on a rented ferry.  They are with you for a limited time.  After the soul leaves the body, you are no longer related to them.  When a person sees that their body and family is not theirs and becomes the Guru’s, then the Guru takes their responsibility.  The Guru takes care of them in the society.  The Guru arranges for their good food, clothing and well-being.  The Guru erases their problems and gives them Mukti.”  Bhai Bishandas, Manak Chand and Pooro heard the wisdom form Guru ji and began to live in this way.  They received Brahmgyaan in the end. 

Three Sikhs: Bhai Padartha, Taru and Bharu came to Guru ji’s court.  There was a great court in session with Katha and Keertan in progress.  They were concerned and asked Guru ji, with their hands folded: “Guru ji, we are engrossed in our household duties and do not have time to read or listen to the words of the Guru.  We don’t come to Satsangat.  Guru ji, how will we be blessed?  We are at your mercy.  We come to you for your blessings.”  Guru Ramdas ji said to them: “the people that Vahiguru has created, their food has been arranged for in advance.  You should sit in the Guru’s court for this reason.  Have determination in your heart and do not wobble (doubt).  Do the Simran of Vahiguru ji in your heart.  Guru will give all your relatives food, wherever they are.  Your food will be given here by the Guru.  Make your life a success, understand this.”  All three Sikhs called their sons and said to them: “you are all grown up now.  Earn for yourselves and take care of the house.  Make an effort in your work and give the Guru a share of your earnings (Dasvand).  The Sikhs that come to your home, do their Seva.  We are going to stay with Guru ji now.  We will carry water, fan the Sangat and serve with other Sevas.  We will focus our minds into the Seva of the Satsangat.  We will listen to Katha and Keertan for bliss.  We will achieve high status and Mukti for this.  You will be blessed in this way as well.”  These Sikhs and their families were great.  They did many great Sevas of the Guru and received Mukti in the end.  They became one with the Satguru and broke their cycles of birth and death.

2-18 Mahanand, Bidhi Chand/ Dharam Das and others are given Wisdom

Two people: Mahanand and Bidhi Chand came to Guru Ramdas ji and bowed to him.  They stood in front of Guru ji, with their hands folded and made a request to the giver of happiness: “please remove our fear of birth and death.  We are afraid of this cycle of travelling.  We have had many births and deaths before because of attachment and jealousy.  We have been through many species of animals as well.  Now, we have come to you.  Please bless us so we may achieve the high status.”  Guru Ramdas ji was filled with love as he heard them.  He gave them wisdom: “when you realize your true self, you will be released from your bond of births and deaths.”  Mahanand and Bidhi Chand folded their hands and said: “we only know that: we have taken births as sons of Kshatriyas.  That is all we know of who we are.  Our body and mind are of a Kshatriya.  We were kids before and now that we are adults, we are filled with a lot of strength.  We don’t know anything beyond our bodies.  This is who we believe we are.”  Satguru ji then said to them: “your mother and father took on bodies and thought of your names and caste.  They did their work according to their knowledge.  You existed before this body and received your rewards or punishments according to your karma.  Whatever good or bad deeds you did, this is how you are experiencing joy or sorrow.  Leaving this body, you will get another one.  Your experiences, joys and sorrows will be according to your karma.  You existed before having this body and will exist after this body.  What body did you see before this one?  Consider this body as clothes.  It is an illusion.  When you grow old, your body will deteriorate and you will need to get a new one.  The soul that wears these clothes, that is your real self.  That real self never dies nor can it be ever killed.  It cannot be drowned in water nor can it be burned by fire.  Your body is false, your soul is your real form.  Your body feels the pain but the real “you” is actually pure bliss.  Your body is “jurr” (unconscious), but your real self is “Chetna” (consciousness/awareness).  Ingrain this beautiful fact in your hearts.”  Listening to Guru ji’s words, the two men inquired: “how can we see our real selves?  How can we destroy the ego of our body’s reality and realize our true self?”  Guru Sahib ji then said to them: “come to the Satsangat with enthusiasm and listen to Katha and Keertan with your ears, everyday.  Do the Seva of Gursikhs, considering their well-being.  Learn the Santhya of Gurbani of the Satguru.  Learn and understand its meanings/teachings with great love from wise Gursikhs.  Measure your mind with the guideline of Gurbani and do not fall into the illusion of joy and sorrow.  I have said these words, knowing your love.  If you do this, you will see your true selves.”  The two men listened to Guru ji’s words and implemented them into their lives.  After a while, they had the Gyaan of their true selves and destroyed all their bonds of karma.  They became Gursikhs and immersed into Guru ji when they died. 

There were seven Sikhs: Dharam Das Khosla, Dhoogardas Takiara, Deepa, Jetha, Sansaroo, Boola and Teeratha who came to Guru Ramdas ji.  They bowed to Guru ji and sat down, folding their hands.  They said to Guru ji: “we come to your court.  Please bless us.”  Satguru Ramdas ji said to them: “first of all, let go of your ego.  Become humble and let go of your ego.  Don’t be jealous and talk bad about people.  Rid yourselves of your vices.  If a Sikh comes to your home, serve them well.  Having love in your heart, give them food and clothes.  Listen to my words carefully and do not disobey.  If a Sikh has a big task, which cannot be done without money, everyone should come together and do an Ardaas.  Collect money from everyone and complete the Sikh’s task.  You will be happy.  Wherever Satsangat is gathered and Katha/Keertan is performed, go there day and evening to colour your mind.  Whoever has the financial or physical ability, have a Dharamsala constructed so travellers can have food there.  Have a Sikh live there to take care of the place.  Take care of the Sikh and his/her family.  Do Simran of the True Name and do Seva.  The value of this cannot be determined, it is beyond anyone’s imagination.  There is no reward or item equal to this.  You will be really happy in this world and go to Guru ji when you die.  Bathe in the late hours of the night and read the Gurbani with love in your heart.”  The Sikhs listened to Guru ji and began to live by his words.  These fortunate Sikhs became deserving of the Guru’s love.  They went to Satguru ji in Sach Khand when they died.  They received Bhrahmgyaan and were in bliss.

Bhai Jappa, Bhai Muyee, Bhai Nuyee Khullar Khatri and Bhai Tulsa Vohra came to Guru Ramdas ji’s court with devotion in their hearts.  They met Guru ji and bowed to him.  They sat down and folded their hands.  They said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, please give us wisdom by considering us your servants.  We want to know how we can make an effort while living in Ghristi (life of a householder).  We wish to become Gursikhs while living at home.  When we live at home, we are stuck in attachment and Maya (illusion of wealth and worldly commodities).  We would like to stay in our homes and live above all this.”  Sri Guru Ramdas ji, the gracious one, spoke words of love to them: “you do your tasks, day and night, and do it with great focus and love.  You are not able to let these go.  In the same way you should love Gurbani.  Read and listen to Gurbani with enthusiasm.  Make the meanings of Gurbani reside in your heart.  Consistently and constantly think of the Shabads of Gurbani.  Think to yourselves: “what is Guru ji saying?  What should we do that Gurbani tells us to do?” Slowly begin to turn your mind towards what Gurbani is saying.  In your mind, think of the Satguru’s form and focus your attention on me.  If you do this during Amritvela, you will receive great rewards.  Recite my Gurbani.  Meet other Gursikhs to learn and understand the meanings.  Masala (powder composition of herbs and spices) is given to a horse (for vitality and digestion.  It is difficult to give it to a horse as it is bitter) and the reins are fastened around its neck so it can’t spit it out.  The masala makes the horse stronger and cures any illnesses it may have.  The horse runs faster and with agility this way.  The focus of the Guru’s form makes love form in the heart.  Doing Simran of Vahiguru Satnam, the illness of ego is killed.  The horse-like mind is cured in this way and its power increases.  The mind will live in the will of the Guru and is able to live above joy and sorrow.  The mind becomes still.  Do Simran when walking or sitting as well.  Do your work with your hands but while standing, sitting, waking, sleeping, listening and watching, have the focus of the Satguru inside your hearts.  Do Simran of Vahiguru all the time.  Do your work with your hands and feet.  Just as women carry pots of water on their heads and do not hold it with their hands; talk to their friends and keep their focus on the pots; the pots do not fall as their minds are focused on the pots; in the same way, keep your mind focused, but do all your work.  You will be happy when you are experienced.  You will be deserving of emerging into the Guru at the end.”  Sri Guru Ramdas ji thus gave them wisdom.  All four Sikhs implemented the words in their lives.  They served Guru ji for the rest of their lives and received “Sameep Mukti” (staying near Guru ji) in the end. 

2-19 Sri Arjan ji’s letters of Obeisance

As Guru-Father carries out his daily routine, so does Sri Arjan Dev ji sit with the Sangat for Katha and Keertan in Lahore.  He lives his life with the same routine as his father.  It had been a long time for Sri Arjan Dev ji in Lahore and Guru Ramdas ji did not call for his son.  The people who were close to Guru Ramdas ji did not say anything either, fearing Prithi Chand.  They talk to Prithi Chand to keep him happy.  They are afraid of Prithi Chand.  They are afraid to get him angry in case he tells his father and they are cursed.  They accept Prithi Chand’s words.  Whatever transaction, give and take needs to happen, Prithi Chand is the one to do everything.  Everyone needs to go through him.  Nobody thinks of calling Sri Arjan Dev ji back from Lahore, nor do they talk about him, fearing Prithi Chand.  They only praise Prithi Chand all the time.  Satguru Ramdas ji was taking a great test from Sri Arjan Dev ji.  He was well aware of everything.  Guru Ramdas ji did not send a letter or a messenger to see how he was.  Guru ji thought to himself: “I gave Arjan Dev the command to go to Lahore.  Let’s see if he fully obeys my command or not.  If he comes without being called upon, that means he is not obedient.  Till I don’t call him, he should not come.  He should stay there until I call for him.  He would be obedient if he stays.  He would be deserving of the Gurta Ghaddi then.”  In this way, Guru ji would think, but not say anything to anyone.  He was thinking about his son constantly, but didn’t show it. 

Sri Arjan ji was in Lahore for a long time.  He wanted to see his father.  He would long for his father, like the Chatrik longs for the first drop of rain from the clouds.  His mind was not at rest.  The river of love flowed with great power in his heart.  He thought about his father a lot.  He wrote a Shabad, thinking about his Guru-Father.  He wrote it on a piece of paper, of what he was feeling.

Maajh Mahala 5 Chaupaday Ghar 1.. (Raag Maajh, Nanak V, 4 Padas, Ghar 1.  The heading was added later)

My mind longs to see the Guru..  It calls out like the Chatrik..

The desire does not go away, I am not at peace without seeing the revered, beloved Saint..1..

I sacrifice myself, I am forever a sacrifice unto the blessed sight of the beloved Saint..1.. Rahao..

(SGGS 96)

Sri Arjan Dev ji gave this letter to a Sikh and sent him to give it to Guru Ramdas ji.  He said to him: “take this Ardaas and give it to Satguru ji.  When he reads this, whatever he says or writes back to you, bring that message back to me.”  The Sikh listened to Sri Arjan ji and took the letter.  He bowed to him and left from Lahore.  He headed to Amritsar.  It took him two days to get there, staying one night on the way. 

Guru Ramdas ji was in his home.  The Sikh from Lahore wanted to give the letter to Guru ji.  He wanted to see Guru ji as well.  Prithi Chand was sitting near the door of Guru ji’s home.  When he noticed the unfamiliar Sikh coming towards him, Prithi Chand asked him: “where are you from?  Who sent you with this letter?”  The Sikh told Prithi Chand everything: “I came from Lahore and this letter is from your younger brother.  I am to give this to Sri Satguru ji.  Whatever response Guru ji gives me, I must take it back to Lahore and tell the son of the Guru.”  Hearing this, Prithi Chand’s ears were alerted.  He said to the Sikh: “give me this letter.  I will give it to him.  Guru ji is resting now, so you can’t see him.  You can bow from here and go back.”  The Sikh gave him the letter and went to rest.  Prithi Chand opened the letter and read it.  He thought to himself: “he has composed Bani just as the previous four Gurus have written.  There is a lot of love for the Guru in this Bani.  He longs to see the Guru.  If Pitha ji reads this, he will call him back.  He will be happy and give him his throne.  I will not show this to Pitha ji and keep it in my pocket.”  Prithi Chand did not send the letter to Guru Ramdas ji’s home.  He hid the letter and kept it with him.  The Sikh spent the night in the visitor’s camp.  In the morning, he came to Guru ji’s court.  Prithi Chand saw him and called him over.  He said to him: “Satguru ji read the letter and was really happy.  Tell my brother that everyone and everything is fine here.  Tell him not to worry and stay in Lahore.  Tell him to recite Gurbani and stay with the Lahore Sangat.  Get them to do Simran and Seva.  There is nothing more for you, you can leave right now.”  The Sikh left the court and headed back to Lahore.  Prithi Chand did not let the Sikh meet Guru ji and lied to him.  As the sun came up, the Sikh went back to Lahore.

The Sikh met Sri Arjan Dev ji and bowed to him.  He told him everything: “I met your brother Prithi Chand ji and gave him the letter.  He gave the letter to Guru ji and told me in the morning that Pitha ji said that everything is good in Amritsar and there is nothing to worry about.  He had read your letter.”  Listening to this, Sri Arjan ji got worried: “the giver of happiness, Pitha ji, has forgotten me.  Staying away from me, the love is gone.  He loves the ones that are close to him now.  He read my letter and did not send me a response.  He does not love me anymore, it seems.  Guru ji is omniscient, how can it be that he didn’t know about my love?  I wish to see him and long for his meeting, day and night.  My eyes long for his sight and shed tears all the time.  When will he call me, the poor one, and put his hand on my head and make me happy?  The ones who live with him are fortunate.  They get to see Guru ji and listen to his words.  Their wishes are fulfilled.  I am unfortunate, who does not get to see him.  It has been a long time since I’ve seen him.”  In this way, Sri Arjan ji was very worried.  A long time passed and Sri Arjan ji composed a second Shabad.  We wrote it on a piece of paper and read it to himself.  He called the same Sikh as before, to take the letter to Guru Ramdas ji: “go to where Guru ji is and give this to him.”  This letter was towards seeing Guru ji.

Sri Mukhvaak..

Your face is so beautiful and your Bani is filled with the wisdom of Sahij (path to Brahmgyaan)..

It has been a long time since I have seen you, it is like a Chatrik has not seen water for a long time..

Great is the land where you dwell, my friend, my divine Guru..2..

I am a sacrifice, I am forever a sacrifice unto my friend and divine Guru ..1..Rahao..

(SGGS 96)

The letter was folded and given to the Sikh.  The Sikh headed towards Amritsar and reached Guru Ramdas ji’s door by evening.  Guru ji was inside the house so the Sikh waited for about a half hour at the door.  Prithi Chand came out of the house and saw the Sikh.  He saw that it was the same Sikh that came before.  He thought to himself: “my brother must have sent another letter.”  Prithi Chand called the Sikh to him and asked him why he was here.  The Sikh took out the letter and gave it to him.  Prithi Chand read the letter and felt a sense of danger.  He felt like he was hit with a spear with the Gurbani.  He though to himself: “my brother writes Gurbani everyday now.  If Pithaji finds out, I will be considered useless.  My brother has praised the Guru in this Bani.  Just as Pithaji composes Gurbani, my younger brother is composing Bani in the same way.  If Pitha ji sees this, he will be very happy.”  Prithi Chand had the Sikh stay in the visitor’s camp.  He was given food and bed.  He said to him: “I will give Guru ji this letter.”  The second letter was kept in Prithi Chand’s pocket as well.

In the morning, Prithi Chand called over the Sikh and said to him: “the letter that Sri Arjan ji sent, Pitha ji read it and was really happy.  He understood that everything is well in Lahore.  Everything is good here too.  Go back to Lahore.  This is what Satguru ji said: “do the Seva of the Dharamsala and have the Sangat meet there.  I reside in the Satsangat and that is where one can meet me.  Meet the Sikhs and bless them.”  Listening to Prithi Chand, the Sikh headed back to Lahore.

Prithi Chand thought to himself: “Pitha ji is to live around 6 years and some months after Guru Amardas ji.  That time is very near now.  I will get the Gurta Tilak.  Till then, Arjan should not come here and meet Pithaji.  My brother is my rival in this.  He is my competition.  This will be a problem.  The Sangat will hear his Bani along with Pithaji and make him the Guru.  There is no doubt that I am next of kin for Pithaji.  Nobody will speak in front of me.  I have the right to the Guru’s throne.  This is not hidden.  Everyone knows this in the whole world.  Pithaji will not give me the throne while he is alive, though.  He always opposes me.  It is better that Arjan does not come back till Pitha ji is alive.”  In this way, he had bad thoughts in his mind.  He was not obedient to Guru ji’s commands.  He wanted to acquire the Gurta Ghaddi with his wealth, wisdom and strength.  What he didn’t know was that the Guru was omniscient.  The Satguru is omnipotent and omnipresent.  He is the master of the universe and cannot be cheated.

The Sikh came back to Lahore and told Sri Arjan Dev ji: “without saying anything, Prithi Chand took the letter from me.  I don’t know if Guru ji was given the letter or not.  It seems as though he was lying.  He sent me off quickly and it seems as though he was trying to get rid of me.  I didn’t think about his lie the first time but now I saw jealousy in his eyes.  He didn’t let me see Guru ji as well.  He sent me off quickly.  He gave me a bed to sleep and sent me in the morning.  I then figured out that something was wrong.  I couldn’t do anything and left from there.”  The whole Sangat in Lahore heard this.  Sri Arjan ji and the Sangat figured out that Prithi Chand was a cheat.   Sri Arjan Dev ji thought to himself: “my brother is seeing me as an opponent.”  Sri Arjan Dev ji wrote a third Shabad.  In this Shabad, he wrote about his longing to meet the Guru.  He wrote it on a piece of paper and collected it.

Sri Mukhvaak..

When I cannot meet you for a moment, it becomes Kaliyuga for me..

When will I meet you, my beloved, Bhagwant Lord..

I cannot endure the night, sleep does not come, without seeing the Guru’s court..3..

I am a sacrifice, I am forever a sacrifice unto the true court of the beloved Guru.. Rahao..

Sri Arjan Dev ji gave the Sikh strict instructions this time: “this time, go to where Guru ji will be sitting.  Do not meet Prithi Chand.  Go when the Sangat comes to sit with Guru ji.  Go quickly when the Sangat comes and give Guru ji this letter.  Bow to him for me and place your head on his feet.”

2-20 Sri Arjan ji is called from Lahore

Sri Arjan ji said to the Sikh: “don’t meet Baba Prithi Chand first.”  He gave him strict instructions to give the letter to Guru ji after bowing.  Sri Arjan ji focused his attention on his father’s form in his mind.  He bowed to him in his mind and said: “my heart longs to meet you, why are you not recognizing this?  You are the friend of the lowly, you are omniscient.  You are gracious and the giver of peace.  You are the master of the universe.  I do not wish to eat or drink anything during the day.  I can’t sleep at night after lying down.  You have forgotten me, seeing me as useless.  I am anxious to see you.”  He had many conversations with his father in his mind.  He made many pleas in his mind.  Satguru ji was aware of every conversation Sri Arjan ji had in his mind with him.  Satguru ji is always bound by love.  He just wanted to see if his son was obedient.  He wanted to give his son the supreme throne of the Gurta Ghaddi.  The Sikh from Lahore thought of Guru ji and set off towards Amritsar.  He thought to himself: “I will need to be smart about seeing Guru ji.” 

The Sikh reached Amritsar in the early evening and entered Guru ji’s court.  He hid from Prithi Chand as he came in where Guru ji had the Divan set up.  He finally saw Guru ji and went to bow.  He folded his hands and bowed to the Master of the universe, he so longed to do for a while.  He said: “Guru ji, I and the Sangat of Lahore bow to you.”  The Sikh presented the letter of Sri Arjan ji and said: “Guru ji, this letter has the Ardaas of Sri Arjan Dev ji.”  Guru Ramdas ji heard this and took the letter.  He opened the letter and read it right away.  There was a lot of love in the letter.  He read: “I wish to see your court.  I am not at peace.  I am anxious without your love.”  Guru ji said: “my son is anxious to see me.”  Guru Ramdas ji’s eyes filled with tears.  His throat swelled up and he was not able to speak.  He thought to himself: “out of my three sons, only this son has the love for Gursikhi.  He has fulfilled it well.  He is obedient and wishes to see me.  He will be able to carry the responsibility of the Gurta Ghaddi.  He has great tolerance and is without ego.  He has kept the light of the Sodhi family lit.  He did not let the Gurta Ghaddi go out of the Sodhi family.  He has composed very beautiful lines of Gurbani.  This Gurbani will give Mukti to people.  He stayed obedient in my command and stayed in Lahore for 2 years.”  Guru Ramdas ji was extremely happy knowing his son was longing to meet him.  Looking towards Baba Bhudda ji, Guru ji said: “look Baba Bhudda ji!  My son Arjan’s letter.  Look how much love is in his letter.  He sent this letter that he has composed.  Look how beautiful and lovely this Bani is.  It is been a long time since he has been in Lahore.  I didn’t ask for him either.  Baba Bhudda ji, go to him and bring him.  He is very anxious to see me.”  Baba Bhudda ji heard the words of Guru ji and began to praise Sri Arjan ji.  He said: “he has such a calm personality.  He does not have a trace of ego in him.  He obeys your every command.  I will go to Lahore in the morning and bring him back to Amritsar.  He wishes to see you.”  It was night time and everyone rested.

In the morning, Baba Bhudda ji took permission from Guru Ramdas ji and headed to Lahore, resting one night on the way.  The next day he reached the Dharamsala of Lahore.  Sri Arjan ji and the Sangat saw Baba Bhudda ji and stood up.  Everyone came to Baba ji and bowed to his feet.  Baba Bhudda ji was seated in the court.  Everyone then heard Guru ji’s message and was very happy.  Baba Bhudda ji said: “I am here to take you back home.”  It was as though Amrit fell into Sri Arjan ji’s ears.  He was filled with bliss, that is indescribable by any poet.  It was as though a poor person received the Kalapbrish (tree of wishes) overnight.  Everyone rested the night.  Sri Arjan ji met Baba Sanghari Mal and other relatives to ask for leave.  He met the Sangat of Lahore.  The Sangat bowed to Sri Arjan ji and were sad to see him go.  Sri Arjan ji saw the Sangat and gave them hope: “stay happy.  Come see Guru ji and me in Amritsar when the Jor mela happens.  Be in bliss when you see him.” 

Sri Arjan ji got on top of his cart which was pulled by strong bulls.  The bells in the bull’s necks rang as they moved.  Sri Arjan ji was anxious to see his Guru-Father.  The bulls were well-fed so they rode fast.  Baba Bhudda ji sat with him.  The bull driver went fast too.  Sri Arjan ji took money out of his bag and told the driver to go faster.  He was happy to be going back.  They reached Amritsar in 9 hours.  As soon the Sarovar of Sri Amritsar Sahib could be seen, Sri Arjan ji bowed from afar.  He kept thinking of seeing his father and was shedding tears.  He tolerated the separation for many days.  He said: “today is a great day.  This is a great time.”  Where Satguru Ramdas ji had his court, the bulls stopped there.  Sri Arjan ji saw his father from afar and bowed.  Just as the lotus flower blooms seeing the sun, that is how Sri Arjan ji bloomed.  Guru Ramdas ji’s form was like a full moon and Sri Arjan ji’s eyes were like the eyes of a Chakor.  Sri Arjan ji jumped off the cart and walked towards his father.  He approached his father and bowed to him, lying on the floor like a long staff.  He washed the Guru’s feet with his tears.  Guru Ramdas ji saw his son, drenched in love, and lifted him from his arms.  He hugged his son and held him to his chest.  He kissed his forehead and said to him: “you have made the house of the Sodhis great and will make it greater.  You kept our name.  Oh strong one, take the great weight of the Gurta Ghaddi.  You have great patience.”  Guru Ramdas ji called for the letter and read it out.  It made his chest calm when he read it out.  Guru ji said to his son: “listen son, since you left, why did you only send one letter back?  You stayed in Lahore for a long time in the Satsangat.  Why did you not send any other letter?  You are a great writer and composer.  You sent this letter and wrote the number 3 at the end.  Why was 3 written since there is only one Shabad?  You should have written 1, not 3.  Tell me why is it like this?”  Guru Ramdas ji purposely asked his son this question in front of everyone to bring his plan into action.  Sri Arjan ji folded his hands and said: “it is not right to speak in front of you.  You are omniscient and know what is in every heart.  Nothing is hidden form you, oh master of the world.  Since it is your command though, I will tell you: I have sent two letters before this one.  That had the Bani of two Shabads.  This letter is the third one, that’s why I wrote 3.  You saw the 3 and that’s why you asked.”  Guru Ramdas ji heard this and said: “I did not receive any other letters.  Who did you send them with?  Who took them and hid them?  Or did they got lost on the way?”  The Sikh that brought the letters was sitting in the court as well.  He spoke up and said: “it was me, who brought the letters; but the letters were taken from me by your eldest son.  He told me to stay outside and went inside your home, alone.  After, he came out and said: “Satguru ji has read the letter and he said to tell everyone that everything is good.” He told me to go back to Lahore.  He didn’t let me see you.  He did this to me twice.  He didn’t let me see you both times.  I had to leave without seeing you.”  Guru Ramdas ji heard about Prithi Chand’s treachery and wanted to expose him in front of everyone.  Guru ji said: “where is he right now?  Go and get him.  Bring him to me.”  Somebody spoke up: “it is a hot day today so he is bathing by the well.”  Guru ji said: “call him from there then.  It is my command.  Tell him to come quick from where he is.”  The Sikhs heard Guru ji’s command and went to get Prithi Chand.

The Sikhs saw Prithi Chand bathing near the well.  Many servants were with him and serving him, happily.  They were putting water on Prithi Chand’s body.  One person was rubbing his body with soaps and oils, one person was standing by holding Prithi Chand’s clothes.  Another person was cleaning his shoes.  They were all standing around and praising Prithi Chand, trying to please him.  They were standing around him and spraying him with water in a playful manner.  It was the middle of summer so it was really hot.  The Sikhs sent by Guru ji came close and spoke out loud: “Sri Satguru ji has summoned you to his court, right away.  Go to the court right now and meet everyone.”  Prithi Chand heard the command and put his clothes on, right away.  He was drenched in treachery but went quickly.  His servants followed him too.  He was laughing and playing with his servants as he walked back.  He had no idea what was about to happen.