3-26 Prithi Chand meets Jahangir

After Bhai Gurdas ji left, Prithi Chand was upset.  He was really worried.  He didn’t like anything anymore.  He didn’t like to eat or sleep.  He was thinking up many schemes.  He couldn’t sleep as he kept thinking all night.  He kept thinking of different things.  He was burning inside for no reason.  He didn’t like food during the day and couldn’t sleep at night.  He kept playing scenarios in his mind on how he would get the Gurta Ghaddi.  He did not do any Simran.  He got weak and was not calm.  His face was always drooping.  He was always burning slowly, like wet firewood.  He would hear Guru Arjan Dev ji’s praises and burn.  Guru ji’s praises were like spears in Prithi Chand’s chest.  People would talk about how beautiful Sri Hargobind ji was.  Prithi Chand’s face got darker.  He was burning with jealousy.  Guru Arjan Dev ji was being worshiped more.  Guru ji’s radiance was growing by the day.  He was in pain like he had Teeya Taap.  He received the Vaar of Bhai Gurdas ji.  Bhai Gurdas ji sent his 6^th Vaar and told him to read it.  After reading the Vaar, it was as though salt was sprinkled to his wounds.  It was as though someone punched a scab or cut it and put chilli on to it.  Day and night he was worried.  The people with him didn’t know what was wrong with him.  His mind was never still.  He was drowning in worry.  His wife would try to console him: “why don’t you eat properly?  We are still making ends meet.  Sikhs still come to give us money.  You keep applying your effort.  The relatives will die and we will get everything.  Plan something with Sulhi Khan and go to Delhi.  The Emperor will write a proclamation that will make you the Guru.  Have the property under you.”  Karmo would speak to Prithi Chand.  He would eat a little but it would not be enough.  He would go to Sulhi Khan’s home sometimes and speak to him.  He would give him gifts and say: “look, Guru Arjan Dev ji gets a lot of gifts and money.  His Sangat has rich people in it.  My brother is prospering.  Hurry up and let’s go to the Emperor.  Let’s get the Gurta Ghaddi.  Finish up your tasks quickly.  My wishes will only be fulfilled in Delhi.  Let’s meet the Emperor.  You are my friend and brother.  I trust you.  I have hope.  I don’t want to repeat myself but I know that only you will fulfill my wish.  I trust that you see me as your brother and friend.  I know you will do my task.  You will make me the Guru quickly.  You have given me a lot of things.  Give me the Gurta Ghaddi as well.”  Sulhi Khan responded: “trust me.  Just wait till we get to Delhi.  Your wishes will be fulfilled and you will be Guru.  I am almost done collecting all the taxes.  I am waiting for the Emperor’s orders to go to Delhi.  The letter will come in about a week.  We will be happy and go to Delhi.”  He gave Prithi Chand hope for a few days.  Sulhi Khan gave Prithi Chand some money.

After a few days, Prithi Chand got impatient.  Sulhi Khan’s messenger came to meet Prithi Chand.  He showed Prithi Chand a Royal letter.  He said: “look.  The Emperor has called us to Delhi.  He wants us to bring the money.  He wants us to come quick.”  Sulhi Khan was happy and started to gather his taxes and prepared his travelling party.  A lot of money was gathered along with strong steeds.  Beautiful clothes were gathered for the Emperor along with weapons, horses and camels.  Prithi Chand was happy to hear this as well.  His ego grew even more.  He said: “now I will finish Guru Arjan Dev ji!”  He got ready.  He took a lot of Sikhs and servants.  He collected his money and fine clothes to see the Emperor.  He met Sulhi Khan and headed towards Delhi.  They loaded their carts.  The rest of the family stayed in Haiher.  They all thought they were going to get the Gurta Ghaddi.

Prithi Chand left Haiher with great enthusiasm.  He thought he already got the Gurta Ghaddi.  Prithi Chand and Sulhi were on their way to Delhi.  Thousands of people were with them.  They travelled 100 km a day and rested the night.  As they reached Delhi, they set up camp.  Prithi Chand set up his camp as well.

The next day, Sulhi Khan met the Emperor first, and presented fine clothes, weapons, dishes and expensive clothes.  It was all the best clothes.  He gave him horses and elephants to make him happy.  The Emperor was very happy.  The next day, Sulhi Khan met the Emperor again.  On the second day, Sulhi Khan spoke to the Emperor: “the son of Satguru Ramdas ji, many people bow to him.  He has come to see you.”  Jahangir called him right away.  He said: “the house of Guru Nanak Dev ji is really high.  There is no other house as high as Guru Nanak Dev ji’s.  My elders were humble in front of him and the other Gurus.  They bowed to them with humility.  They would be gracious and fulfill my elder’s tasks.  My father, Akbar, went to Goindwal to Guru Amardas ji.  He bowed to him and got his blessings.  He offered the Jageer of many villages to Guru Amardas ji.  I was very young then.  I remember this when I was young.  I went too.”  The Emperor praised the Gurus.  Jahangir was saying this to Sulhi Khan.

About a half hour later, Prithi Chand came to the Emperor’s court.  He met him and gave the Emperor a blessing, pretending to be the Guru.  Sulhi Khan began to praise Prithi Chand to Jahangir.  He had Jahangir give an offering of money to Prithi Chand.  The Emperor brought gifts from his treasury.  Prithi Chand sat next to Jahangir.  Jahangir noticed Prithi Chand’s personality and actions.  He thought to himself: “he doesn’t seem to have the radiance of the Guru.”  When Jahangir looked towards Prithi Chand, Prithi Chand began to tell the Emperor his whole situation.  Prithi Chand said to the Emperor: “I am the eldest son and have come to you for justice.  I was supposed to be the heir to the Gurta Ghaddi.  My younger brother took everything from me.  He kicked me out of the city and calls himself the Guru.  He has people worship his feet.  A lot of money comes to him from the Sikhs.  He doesn’t give me anything and keeps everything for himself.  He speaks with ego.  I respect and fear you.  I didn’t say anything to him, thinking that I will come to you for your decision.  My brother doesn’t fear anyone and doesn’t regard their significance.  He is full of ego.  He doesn’t fear you either.  I told him to keep ties with you but he doesn’t listen.  I came to you for this purpose.  He still didn’t fear you, knowing that I was coming to see you.  Please give me justice.  Khuddah has made you great.  You sit on the throne of justice.  This is your dharma.”  The Emperor was surprised to hear all this.  He thought to himself: “what nonsense is he speaking?  The Ghaddi of the Satguru is very calm.  They are very wise.  How did they get into a fight?  If they fight like this, how will they solve other people’s conflict?  This is an interesting thing.  Guru’s fight as well?  The elder and younger are all in the Maya of Khuddah it seems.”  The Emperor thought of this.  He stayed quiet for a few minutes.  The Emperor thought again: “only one person can sit on the Gurta Ghaddi.  The other people become the seekers.  Not everyone can be happy.  The others become jealous. 

3-27 Jahangir gives Prithi Chand a Village

The Emperor tried to understand which way his conversation was going with Prithi Chand.  He started to think back.  He had heard from someone else about Prithi Chand’s situation.  He had heard that Sri Guru Ramdas ji was the supreme and omnipotent Satguru who had given the Gurta Ghaddi to his youngest son.  He had gone to Sach Khand after that.  He was not happy with his eldest son.  The reason why the eldest son did not get the Gurta Ghaddi was because he did not do any Seva nor was he obedient.  He did not have the virtues to be the Guru.  The Emperor thought about this and spoke: “Baba Prithi Chand ji, we are the servants of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  How can we give justice to our masters?  Only Sri Satguru ji can make a decision on this.  This is the feeling we have towards the House of the Guru.  We don’t appose or interfere with Saints and Fakirs.  Guru Ramdas ji was omniscient and knew of every mind.  He listened to our prayers.  How can we decide for them?  He was wise and omnipotent.  He gave the Gurta Ghaddi to the youngest and found him deserving.  We can’t reverse his decision.  The decision that he made, we cannot refute that.  If you would have been deserving, you would have been Guru.  We would have bowed to you then.  He was your father.  He wasn’t your enemy.  You should accept your father’s decision with contentment.  Be humble and became a Sikh of the Guru.  This is the best thing for you: bow to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He is omnipotent.  The one who has virtues, that person is great.  It is not an age factor.  The one who has no virtues is small.  The elephant is big and the lion is smaller, but the lion is the king of the jungle.  Crystal is big but it is not as valuable as the smaller diamond.  There are many conches but nobody wears them around their neck.  Only pearls are worn around the neck.  There is a lot of brass but only gold is worn as jewellery.  Even a little bit gold is desirable than a lot of brass.  Only good qualities make a person great.  Your father tested all of you.  There is no jeweller better than him.  He knew which son was the diamond.  He was omnipotent.  How can we argue his decision?  He is a Mahapurakh full of virtues.  Everyone bows to the Guru.  Nobody is equal to him.  You should bow to him too.”  Prithi Chand heard the Emperor and burned in his mind.  He was really angry but couldn’t show his anger.  He saw his last hopes diminish in front of him.  Prithi Chand said to the Emperor: “I fought and was kicked out.  How can I go back?  I can’t show my face there again.  There is no way I can go back.  You are kicking me out too.  You are not giving me justice.  I have no strength if you don’t give me justice.”  Jahangir heard Prithi Chand and said: “why are you upset?  Your brother impressed your father and got the Ghaddi.  He didn’t snatch it from you.  If he did the Seva and got the Gurta Ghaddi, why are you upset?  You didn’t do your father’s Seva.  Nothing can happen now.  You should make your living on your own.  I can’t give any commands towards them.”  The Emperor was angry when he said this.  He then focused his attention towards another task.  He didn’t look towards Prithi Chand again.  Prithi Chand sat there with his head down.  He was burning inside.  The Emperor began to give attention to his administrative tasks.  Prithi Chand was worried and embarrassed.  He thought of the money he spent and the hope he had for coming to Delhi.  He regretted coming to Delhi.  He regretted not doing Seva of Guru Ramdas ji.  He regretted that he couldn’t impress his father.  He was scratching the ground with his nails.  He couldn’t say anything more.  He sat there with a drooping face.  After the court was adjourned, everyone went home. 

Prithi Chand went home and laid down on his bed.  He took a blanket on his face and took deep breaths.  His eyes were shedding tears.  He didn’t want to eat.  He was worried all day and night.  He stayed in Delhi for 2 months.  The Emperor did not call upon Prithi Chand again.  Prithi Chand would meet with Sulhi Khan and talk about his problems.  He was always worried.  His task didn’t go as he planned.

One day, Prithi Chand met with Sulhi Khan and spoke to him while crying: “the Emperor didn’t do anything.  I had great hopes for him.  What shall we do now?  I need to save my reputation.  How should I leave Delhi and show what I got, when I go back?  Instead of getting more reputation, I lost what I had.”  Sulhi responded: “There is nothing I can do now.  The Emperor will think I am on your side and that I take money from you.  You should meet some of the other Umraavs and get them on your side.  One is named Abdul Khan and the other is Mohammad Khan.  They take money and present pleas to the Emperor.  They will take bribes to do your work.  Pay them and take them to the Emperor.  When they refer you, there is some hope for your task to go forward.”  Prithi Chand heard this and began to arrange a meeting with Abdul Khan and Mohammad Khan. 

Prithi Chand was soon able to secure and confirm a meeting with Abdul Khan and Mohammad Khan.  He paid them 300 coins as a bribe and said to them in a humble way: “it has been 2 months since I’ve been here.  The Emperor did not call for me or listen to my plea.  I came to get the Gurta Ghaddi which was my right.  I can’t get that now.  Now my reputation is going.  Please take this money and have me respected from the Emperor so I can get some Jageer.  If you can, help me get the Gurta Ghaddi from Guru Arjan Dev ji.  If the Emperor makes me the Guru, no one will appose it.  If he helps me, my task will be complete.  If this is not possible, help me get some Jageer in any location.  I will live there and my reputation will be sustained.  Help me do this.  I will keep you in mind and continue to bring money for you.  I will get you Siropas from the Guru’s house.  This is the work of Khuddah.  Get me the Gurta Ghaddi.  You will be blessed for doing this task.  Use your cleverness to speak to the Emperor.  I will make you rich.  Make sure the Emperor doesn’t find out that I spoke to you.  He is smart and knows what a person is thinking.  You will need to be smart too so that he is not suspicious.  You will have to fix the Emperor’s view of me.  The Emperor thinks that Sulhi Khan is on my side and won’t listen to him now.”  The Khans took the money and said: “we know the Emperor.  We know when to speak to him.  We won’t let him be suspicious.  He will get you the Ghaddi or a Jageer.  Your task will be complete.  The Emperor thinks deep and wants to be just.  He doesn’t want anyone to feel like they were treated unfairly.  Pauper, rich, man or woman, he treats them equally and listens to them all with great care.  He may give you a Jageer of some villages but we are doubtful that you will get the Gurta Ghaddi.  He analyses things with care.  We will do good with you.  The thing is, your father gave the Gurta Ghaddi to your brother with joy.  The Emperor knows this.  There is no doubt in this.  The Emperor won’t believe us if we try to refute this.  We will have to be smart about this. This can go bad too.  Let us tell you about the just ways of the Emperor, oh son of the Guru (they were going to praise the Emperor falsely to scare Prithi Chand): there is a bell that hangs over the Emperor’s head with a long rope attached to it.  The other end of the rope is in the market.  One day, Jheevars were carrying water on their bulls.  The Jheevars were making the bulls ride fast.  They soon reached the place where the rope was hanging.  One of the bulls rode by and the rope got pulled.  The bell rang and the Emperor heard it.  The Emperor said to his servants: “go and find out who is ringing the bell.”  The servants ran to see who rang the bell of justice.  When the servants went to the place, they didn’t see anyone.  One person told them: “nobody rang the bell.  There were bulls passing through here and the rope got caught in one of their hooves and the bell rang.”  The servants went back to the Emperor and told him: “it was no one looking for justice.  It was the water carrying Jheevars that were passing by with their bulls.  Everyone is happy in your kingdom.  Rich and poor are all at peace.”  The Emperor said: “go again and bring the bulls.  The bull that rang the bell, I want to see it.  He must be in pain.  Nobody rings the bell without any problem.  I will give the bulls justice.”  The servants ran and found the bull with the Jheevars.  The bulls were brought into the court.  The Jheevars came where the Emperor was sitting.  The court was full and everyone was watching. The Emperor said: “who rides this bull?”  The Jheevar showed himself with the bull.  The bull had three water-carrying pouches hanging from him.  There was only room for two.  The Emperor said: “why is there a third pouch hanging from the bull?  This is unjust.  That’s why the bull rang the bell.  He was in pain.  From now on this will be law; only carry 2 pouches, not more than that.  The bull can only carry 2.  If you attach a third, that person will be arrested and fined.  Tell all the other Jheevars not to be oppressive with the bulls.”  See how just our Emperor is?  He thinks about the animals too.  He is just to humans too.”  Prithi Chand heard this and was upset.  He figured that he was never going to be the Guru.  He didn’t want the Emperor to think so deeply.  He was looking toward the Jageer now so he can save his reputation.  He was planning on showing the Jageer and say he got the Gurta Ghaddi.

Prithi Chand, Abdul Khan, Mohammad Khan and Sulhi Khand went to the court of the Emperor.  Prithi Chand wore a long chola and nice clothes.  He was, although, handsome.  The Khans praised Prithi Chand and said: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was their elder who had Hindus and Muslins as his disciples.  On his throne sat Guru Ramdas ji, who was praised in the world.  In his family, this saint was born.  His name is Prithi Chand who is like the moon.  We have gone to him many times.  The whole world follows him.  They all bow to his feet.  He is omnipotent and fulfills his Sikhs’ wishes.  The whole world sings his praises.  He has the Jot of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He is forgiving and washes people’s sins.  This is the throne that your elders used to bow to.  They all visited the Gurus in the past.  It is a blessing that he has come to your home.  Please give him justice.  Please give him respect and give him a gift.  If you don’t respect him, his reputation will be stained and his Sikhs won’t respect him either.  He is of your home.  He will bless you and pray for you to Khuddah.  Whatever you think is good, please give him.  Lakhs of people follow him.  They will all pray for you.  This is the tradition of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  If you protect the house of saints, you will be praised too.  You will be considered great in Akaal Purakh’s court.”  Jahangir heard this and figured out what was going on.  He thought to himself: “these guys have been bribed by Prithi Chand.  They never spoke of Prithi Chand before.  Today, they are praising him in a sneaky way.  Prithi Chand bribes people and makes them do bad.  He is not a Guru.  The Guru would never do this.  He is not deserving of the Gurta Ghaddi.  He has no Gyaan or wisdom.  He is still the son of the Guru.  I can’t say anything bad to him.  I will give him respect.”  Jahangir said: “welcome.  I will give you 1 village.  This is all I can do for you.  Make your home there and live there.  Don’t go to Guru Arjan Dev ji at all.  When I come to Lahore, I will call you there.  I will call your brother too and listen to the both of you.  Don’t start any fight with hatred now.  I have now given you a Jageer.  You can make a living there.”  A Patta was written in Prithi Chand’s name and he became the owner.  The Emperor said: “come meet me in Lahore but don’t do anything before that.”  Prithi Chand felt a little happy after getting the Jageer. 

Prithi Chand left Delhi with something.  He went to where his village was in Malva.  He made a nice house there and made a living by collected the taxes.  People came to him and bowed in that area known as “Sodian da Khotta.”  He brought his whole family to live there and had people worship him.  A few Sangat would come to him and bring him gifts by which he made a living.  He was like a firefly trying to make his presence known to the world.  He tried hard but failed it his task of being the Guru.  He tried to be equal to Guru Arjan Dev ji, but that was just a dream.   

3-28 Discussion with the Thakur-Worshiping Brahmin

The previous kathas were about Prithi Chand and his slandering, corrupt ways.  Now the Katha will come back to Satguru Arjan Dev ji, which will be about Bhagti and Love.  Listen to the beautiful Katha of the Satguru, oh listeners.

Sri Satguru Arjan Dev ji had a lot of celebrations for his son.  It was as though he had a new birth.  All of the pain and troubles were gone.  Guru ji donated a lot to the poor and wished for well wishes for his son.  Sri Hargobind ji’s face looked like a full moon.  Guru ji would look at his face and be filled with joy.  His eyes were like the petals of a lotus flower.  His teeth were beautiful.  The Sangat would see him and be filled with joy.  Both Hindus and Muslims would love him.  Mata Ganga ji would never let her son out of her sight.  She kept a strict watch on him and would feed him herself.  She didn’t trust anyone else and protected him like the eyelids protect the eye.  At night she would stay close to her son.  The servants would keep watch as well.  Mata Ganga ji was always scared and would raise her son with care.  Sri Hargobind ji’s body was big and strong.  When he was 6, he looked like he was 12.  He was very handsome.  He played games as children did.  He would run around the house and played with the other kids.  If we would grab another kid, they couldn’t escape.  He would wrestle kids double his age and tackle them down.  Both of his arms were powerful.  He liked to play a lot, all day long.  His hands and feet were fair and red.  His feet made the ground pure.  He would run to his father while he would hold court.  The Sangat would be happy when he came.  They would all fold their hands when he came to his father.  The wise Sikhs would say: “this Guru will be strong and powerful.  He will be gracious.”  Some said: “he will be a warrior who will pull the tyrants’ roots.  There will be no other warrior like him.  He is so tall and wide.  We have never seen such a big child before at such a young age.  His arms go past his knees.  His chest his wide.”  Everyone would see him and be in awe.  In this way Sri Hargobind ji would spend his days with his mother and father.  His body would get bigger by the day.  His forehead was wide. 

Guru Arjan Dev ji would wake up at 2:30 am and do his morning routines.  He would then sit down in Samadhi and connect with his Aatam Saroop.  He would be one with his real self, the Brahm Saroop.  His mind would be made still from all thoughts.  He would connect with the form that is the same in the ant and the elephant.

One day, as Guru ji did his morning routine, Guru ji took a bath at the well.  He would never go straight to the Sarovar without taking a bath at the well.  There were wells on all four sides of the Sarovar.  Guru ji then headed towards the Sarovar after bathing.  The other Brahmgyaani Sikhs, drenched in Satnam, went with him.  They would always be connected with Akaal Purakh.  They wished to connect with Akaal Purakh all the time.  They all bathed in the Amritsar Sarovar, the Sarovar of Guru Ramdas ji, and washed the sins of many lives away.  Guru ji and the Sikhs got dressed and did Parkarma of the Sarovar.  Guru ji headed towards the Harmandhir Sahib.  He looked towards the Harmandhir and bowed towards it, seeing it as the manifestation of Guru Ramdas ji.  He thought of Guru Ramdas ji and bowed down.  The love went through his body like electricity and made the hair on his body stand up.  His eyes filled with tears and his throat swelled up.  This was Prema Bhagti.  Guru ji showed his Sikhs how to observe it while being the same form as Akaal Purakh and Guru Ramdas ji.  The love made him forget his body.  After some time, he collected his awareness and proceeded to do the Parkarma of the Harmandhir Sahib.  He circumvented the Harmandhir Sahib 4 times.  He then sat down inside to listen to Keertan.  He listened to 5 Shabads and then came outside.  He bowed from the Darshani Deodi as he left the bridge.  He stood their and bowed to Harmandhir Sahib.  He then proceeded to do the Parkarma of the Sarovar again.  He went around (he would make 4 rounds), walking slowly and singing Shabads.  The Sangat would come to see Guru ji as well.  Where the 2 Nishans are today, Guru ji bowed at that place.  He headed towards North and bowed from one corner.  He bowed again at the west side.

There was a Brahmin sitting at the edge of the Sarovar.  He had an idol of Bhagwan Salagrama and was worshiping it.  He rang bells and bowed to it in many different ways.  He had grinded sandalwood paste and was putting a mark on the Salagrama idol.  He had a big bell.  He had a yellow cloth on the idol.  He was sitting in a meditative pose but his mind was not still.  He was thinking of his household chores.  He desired money and wealth.  He wanted people to bow to him and offer money.  This is why he was sitting there, to collect money.  He was pretending to be in samadhi, like a flamingo does.  Guru ji saw him but passed right by him.  The Pandit was angry that Guru ji did not bow to him or bow to the idol of Salagrama: “he didn’t bow to me or the Thakur.  He just passed by.  The Sikhs passed by as well without respecting me.  I am a Brahmin.  They didn’t look towards the Thakur either.”  The Pandit was angry now and wanted to speak to Guru ji.  Guru ji was omniscient and knew that the Pandit was angry.  The Master did his Parkarma and crossed the Darshani Deodi again and bowed.  He went towards the Pandit a second time, along with the Sikh Sangat.  He saw the Pandit, who had 12 marks of the tilaks.  He had a pouch tied to his hand in which there was a Mala, which he used.  There was a mat under him.  He had a conch and sandalwood in a small box.  Guru ji spoke to the Pandit: “Pandit ji, where is your attention focused?  What is in your mind?  Why are you angry?”  The egotistical Brahmin spoke: “I am serving the Thakur.  I am a Brahmin.  You are a Kshatriya.  You walked by me without bowing to me.  You didn’t bow to the Salagrama either.  You didn’t bow to us humbly.  You sit on the Gurta Ghaddi.  You should know better.  You are a Guru but are egotistical.”  Guru ji responded to the Pandit: “Pandit ji, you are without good karma.  Your inside does not match your actions.  You are showing off but you do not have the Gyaan of real or illusion.  You are doing false rituals and getting your mind stuck in them.  The Seva of the Thakur, you do not know what is real.  You are seeing the false Seva as real.  If your mind was into the Seva, if your mind was into the Thakur, I would have bowed to you.  You are doing empty rituals that’s why a walked by you.”  The Pandit started to think: “this Guru is omniscient.  He knows me.  He understands how I am.  That’s why he didn’t bow to me.  He will give me salvation.  I will become his Sikh and get Mukti.  I should speak to him and test him though.  I will become his Sikh then.”  He spoke to Guru ji: “Guru ji, you saw the fault in me but why did you not bow to the Thakur?  What fault did you see in the Thakur?”  Satguru ji heard the Pandit and uttered a Shabad:

Sri Mukhvaak

Ramkali Mahalla 5..

You read the scriptures with the translations.. Ram does not dwell in your heart..

You preach to others to have faith..  You don’t practice what you preach..1..

Oh Pandit, contemplate on the Vedas, Pandit..  Eradicate anger from your mind, Pandit..1.. Rahao..

You place the Salagrama before you.. Your mind wanders in the ten directions..

You apply the tilak to it and fall to its feet..  You try to appease the people and act blindly..2..

You perform the Six Karmas and sit wearing your dhoti..  You read your Pothi in the homes of the wealthy..

You use your Mala and ask for money..  Nobody has ever been saved in this way, friend..3..

The Pandit earns the Shabad of the Guru..  The Three qualities of Maya leave him..

The four Vedas are completely contained within the name of Hari..  Nanak seeks that person’s sanctuary..4..6..17..

(SGGS 887)

“You do katha using translations but you don’t have love for Ram.  You show people fake and false rituals to take money from them.  By doing this, you can’t achieve Mukti and cross this difficult world.  You have made Akaal Purakh into a rock.  You don’t see Akaal Purakh in every life form and space.  Akaal Purakh is the support of millions of universes.  Everyone asks from that master.  Shaishnaag, Sharda, Brahma and other powers sing the praises of Akaal Purakh.  Vishnu, Shiva and other Devis cannot understand Akaal Purakh.  They constantly sing Akaal Purakh’s praises.  In any time period, no one could see the end of Akaal Purakh.  There is no end or beginning of Akaal Purakh.  Shaishnaag has one thousand mouths with two tongues in each mouth.  He was been saying a new name of Akaal Purakh since he was created, everyday.  No name is repeated.  He is not able to completely describe Akaal Purakh.  Parmatma is true, forever existing.  Nobody knows the beginning and end of the Akaal Purakh who feeds all of the life forms of the universe.  Elephants and ants eat what Akaal Purakh gives them.  The 33 Crore Devatas sing Akaal Purakh’s praises.  Moon, Sun, Shivji, Inder, Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, Brahma and other Gyanis all worship Akaal Purakh.  Akaal Purakh is complete and supreme in all 3 worlds.  There is no space where Akaal Purakh is not.  Akaal Purakh is such a big king that created the universe in an instant.  You have tried to sum Akaal Purakh into a small rock.  Akaal Purakh is not a small power.  Akaal Purakh does not give or take anything.  See Akal Purakh as the supreme.  You are proud of your Brahmin caste.  I didn’t respect you because I saw you as a person of empty rituals.  You got angry because of this.  You made Akaal Purakh into a small stone, the Prabhoo who is supreme, how can Prabhoo be happy with this?  Akaal Purakh is the master of the universe but you are calling him a mere landowner.  Tell me, how would you make Akaal Purakh happy like this?  My Thakur is above all.  Listen Pandit what the form of Akaal Purakh is:

Asa Mahala 5..

In the eight watches of the day, the Salagrama bathes in water..  He takes the offerings continually and is the Gyani..

He doesn’t ignore the pain of anyone..  I bow to his feet continuously..1..

I serve the supreme Salagrama.  I worship and bow to that form..1..Rahao..

His bell sounds in the four corners of the world..  His seat is in Vaikunt..

His Chaur waives over all..  His incense is forever fragnant..2..

He is treasured in every heart..  He is without end and lives in the Sangat of Saints..

His Keertan is his Aarti..  His praises are beautiful and limitless..3..

Whoever is destined to meet Akaal Purakh, only he/she meets him..  He can be obtained from the feet of the Saints..

I have achieved this Salagrama of the Lord..  Says Nanak, the Guru gave me this gift..4..39..90..

(SGGS 393)

My Thakur is the supreme who takes care of all.  Thakur is higher than the highest.  Nobody can be equal to Thakur.  The Thakur lives in my heart.  I have forgotten the difference between inside my heart and outside.  The Thakur is the master of the poor and weak.  The Thakur stays with his servants.  He appears in his own form and does what his servants wish him to.  When his servants are in pain, he saves them.  His name is “Bhagat Vachal.”  He protects the poor and weak.  He blesses the lowest of lows.  Prabhoo, Madhusudan, Gobind, the treasure of compassion, Hari, Madhav, the giver of Mukti, the destroyer of pain, the master of Maya, the master of the universe, the master of Seetha, the master of Rumma is always on the side of his servants.  Ishwar is the form of bliss.  He is Aagir, Anupam, the Guru.  He can eradicate the ego of the king of kings.  Parbraham destroys many sinners.  Kartar gives live to many life forms.”  In this way Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji described the form of Akaal Purakh and the Brahmin listened.

3-29 The Brahmin becomes a Sikh

The Brahmin heard Guru ji’s words and said: “your Bani is in the vernacular, the language of the country.  I like Sanskrit because it is the language of the Devatas.  We listen to Granths written in Sanskrit, the knowledge of Brahm.  We only listen to Sanskrit and preach from it.  It is the only language which can give you Mukti.  It is the language of Bhagavan and the Devatas.  One gains knowledge from reading Sanskrit.  What can the vernacular language do?  Your Bani can’t bless anyone.  The Granths should only be in Sanskrit.  People don’t have faith in the vernacular.  People won’t listen to it.  There is no execution in this.”  Guru ji heard the Brahmin and said: “without the vernacular, Sanskrit can’t sustain itself.  The disciples cannot be blessed by Sanskrit alone.  How can a discipline be blessed till it’s translated into the vernacular?  When you read a Salok, people can’t understand it.  You have to translate it into the vernacular language.  Then normal people can understand the message as well.  Without the vernacular the wisdom cannot be understood.  The disciples will not be blessed.  They cannot receive Mukti.  Without the vernacular, Sanskrit is fruitless.  The vernacular is the root to receiving wisdom.  Everyone can receive wisdom by it.  The vernacular has Bhagti and Gyaan understood by all.  They can all achieve Mukti by this.  The vernacular does not need any support and can give Mukti on its own.  Only those know who have earned from it.  One can easily understand everything from it.  It is easy to read and understand.  It can be learned in a few days.  Sanskrit takes many years to learn.  No translations are needed for the vernacular.  Sanskrit needs many years of training.  The army of attachment is killed by Gurbani.  Once attachment is dead, one receives Gyaan.  Just as there is a “Athrathi” (a warrior who fights with 10,000) fights alone and kills countless in war, Gurbani is like that.  Your Sanskrit is a Rathi or Maharathi that needs support from other soldiers.  It can’t fight alone.  Gurbani speaks the vernacular and gives wisdom to the Sikhs.  It kills attachment.  Whoever listens to it, their attachment will die.  If you call Sanskrit the language of the Devatas and it gives more rewards, then listen to this Pandit ji, I will clear your doubts: the beloved Bhagats of Parmeshwar, if the say something, the language of the Devatas is not equal to that.  The Vedas and Shastras believe this.  The words of a Bhagat are equal to the Vedas.  The Devatas are stuck in Karamkaand (actions) and want to keep people there.  That makes people go to heaven and hell.  This is the Karma Chakra.  That is what Devatas teach.  They are in an endless cycle of joy and sorrow.  The Satguru gives Gyaan which breaks the bonds of the Sikh.  Understand this Pandit ji, there is no Bani big or small.  Whatever gives Mukti is big.  Gurbani is wisdom for all and gives mukti to all.  Whether it’s Sanskrit or Vernacular, if it gives wisdom, it is high.  The things that are to be avoided, if a person falls into those things, they will be in pain.  Only good food should be plated in a plate by which one is satiated.  If you put poison in the dish, eating it will kill you (go to Hell).  Bad things can be written in Sanskrit as well.  There have been Granths written in Sanskrit which gave people thick egos.  So how can Sanskrit be so great?  Without humility, Bhagti cannot happen by which Mukti is achieved in Kaliyuga.  If someone plants seeds on a high hill, the plants do not grow.  Sanskrit is like that, you read it and are proud about it.  I will tell you another point.  Try to understand it, as it is an objective observation.  You have not given the opportunity for everyone to learn Sanskrit.  Women and Shudras are not allowed to read it or listen to it.  You are always looking at castes to teach Sanskrit.  Not all Kshatriyas and Brahmins can understand Sanskrit.  Only the wise ones will practise it or who are enthusiastic about the knowledge.  The ones that study hard will be rewarded.  Out of Lakhs, one may achieve Mukti.  The person will be Mukat but can’t give it to others.  What happens to the others?  Just as a person takes water from the well and waters his own fields after a great effort, the person has rewards.  Now listen to the point about the vernacular: everyone from every caste understands it; wise and less wise understand it.  Not a lot of studying is required.  It is understood in a few days.  Both high and low castes can understand it and do Bhagti.  Everyone can achieve Mukti by doing Simran of Satnam.  They will know between good and bad deeds.  It is like the rain from the clouds that gives water to all.  It rains on high and low areas.  Animals, birds, and lifeforms on land are all happy by the rain.  Vegetation, plants and trees are all green by it.  Forests go green because of the rain.  The droughts are relieved.  Sri Guru ji’s Bani is just like this.  It is equal for all castes.  All castes can achieve mukti.  The dirty or pure, whoever does Simran of Satnam, they can easily achieve Mukti.  Which is better?  Rain or well-water?  Oh Pandit, think about this objectively.” 

The Pandit heard this and had nothing more to say.  He understood everything objectively and was in bliss.  He looked towards Guru ji and folded his hands.  He said to Guru ji: “you are the provider for the whole world.  I am filled with ego of debate.  Please accept me as your Sikh and remove my delusions.  See me as you servant.  You are the ocean of generosity.  I am a drop in front of you.  I can’t compare to you.  I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to meet you.  Please give me wisdom and make me your own.”  The Brahmin grabbed Guru ji’s feet, letting go of his pride about his high caste.  He saw himself as a troubled person and Guru ji as omnipotent.  He saw Guru ji as the complete Avatar of Akaal Purakh.  He said to Guru ji: “please break my bonds and relieve my pain.  You are gracious and serene.  Please wash my troubles away.”  The Pandit was humble and made his pleas.  His heart was drenched with Prema Bhagti.  Whoever is fortunate, their sins are washed away.  Sri Satguru Arjan Dev ji said: “you are of the high caste of Brahmins.  Do Simran of Satnam with devotion, all day and night.”  The Pandit said to Guru ji: “I have disrespected you.  Please forgive me, oh provider of the world.  Your feet are beautiful like the lotus flower.  Please clean them with water and give it to me.  I wish to take your Charan Pahul and become your Sikh.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji saw the faith and devotion in the Pandit.  He gave him Charan Pahul and made him his servant.  Guru ji washed all his vices away.  The Pandit’s attention became focused in Satnam and Rass came on his tongue.  He was deserving of the Gyaan.  The Pandit received all four gifts (Dharam, Arth, Kaam and Moksha) and was in bliss.  He began to sing Guru ji’s praises all the time, seeing Guru ji’s glory.  This was the Katha of the Brahmin as it happened.  Listen oh listener to the Katha ahead, filled with flavour and joy. 

As time passed, Guru ji stayed in Amritsar where many Sikhs came and settled down.  They loved the feet of the Guru and came from afar.  They served Guru Arjan Dev ji, leaving their egos behind.  Guru ji called for people to come to settle there.  On one side was the Amritsar Sarovar and on the other was Guru ji’s home.  In between the two was a great market.  There were many types of businesses there.  Many rich merchants began to live there after listening to Guru ji’s call to come and settle there.  They stocked up their stock with many types of commodities. 

One day the merchants got together and went to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They bowed to Guru ji and folded their hands.  They said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, we obeyed your command and set up our businesses here.  The shops are stocked but we don’t have any customers.  How shall we make a living?  How will we eat?  There are no customers and nothing is sold.  How can we buy more if the old stock is not sold?  What shall we feed our families?”  Guru ji heard the Sikhs and said to them: “come to Sri Darbar Sahib and bow your heads.  Come two times everyday.  Once in the morning and once in the evening.  Bring 1, 2 or 3 Kaudis, 4 or 5 if you can, and offer it when you bow your heads, with faith and devotion.  Come in the morning and then do your business the whole day.  In the evening, come again and do the Parkarma of the Sarovar.  Your business will grow.  You will be rich and happy.  Your families will grow.  Clear all your doubts.”  The merchants heard this and folded their hands.  They obeyed Guru ji’s command and bowed.  The merchants came in the morning and evening to bow their heads at Harmandhir Sahib.  Their businesses grew even till this day.  They were rich and enjoyed the joys of life. 

3-30 Sri Hargobind Sahib ji’s fever

Sri Hargobind ji would play with the other kids of his neighbourhood in his home.  Mata Ganga ji would always keep an eye on him.  Sri Hargobind Sahib ji would wear pure gold jewellery.  Whoever would meet him, their sins from many lives would be washed away.  Sri Hargobind ji would give bliss to his Sikhs.  Many Sikhs would stay close to him because being around him would rid their ignorance.  They would bow to him with full attention and be filled with joy.  They were walking on the path of Prabhoo Bhagti.  They would receive serenity in their minds.  Their vices would be washed away being in his presence.  Many days passed and Sri Hargobind ji’s body was getting bigger and stronger.  He was Parmeshwar who was playing a drama of his own design.  He was in a human body playing the play.  Illnesses would be a part of this play.

One day, Sri Hargobind ji had a high fever.  His body shivered and his mouth was dry.  He had to drink water, over and over again.  Mata Ganga ji got worried.  She sent a message for Guru Arjan Dev ji in the Divaan.  She sat close to her son and gave him water when he asked for it.  Her son was in pain from the fever.  She was focused on her son’s condition.  She kept touching his forehead and cheeks to see his fever.  Her heart was in pain.  She kept asking her son if he was alright.

Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji arrived home and came to see Sri Hargobind ji.  Guru ji sat close to Sri Hargobind ji and saw that Mata Ganga ji was quite concerned.  Mata ji’s eyes were shedding tears.  She stopped eating and drinking.  She was in pain and worried.  She had become an idol of worry.  She did not give attention to anything else.  Guru ji saw the pain in Mata ji.  Guru Arjan ji, full of love, sat close by and looked towards his son and his own wife.  He noticed the high fever.  The servants and maids were in pain and worried.  Their faces were drooping and they did not like doing anything.  Sri Hargobind ji was the root of life for all these people.  He was the joy of life for everyone.  Guru ji noticed that everyone was in pain.  He noticed that Sri Hargobind ji was the support for everyone.  Guru Arjan Dev ji was connected to Akaal Purakh ji.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said out the Satnam Mantra.  This Mantra would relieve the highest of fevers.  Guru ji chanted the Guru Mantra repeatedly and waived his hand on Sri Hargobind ji’s forehead, face, arms and legs.  The fever went away as soon as Guru ji waived his hand.  Sri Hargobind ji got up and sat up.  He was cured.  He began to play around just as he did before he was sick.  He was happy and playing in the home.  The servants and maids were really happy.  Mata ji was really happy.  Everyone was happy and folded their hands to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They said: “the pain of the world obeys you.  These pains follow your wishes and come and go as you please.  They can’t do anything without your command.  Jumms seek the dirt of your feet as well.  They wish to receive Mukti as well.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji heard this and gave them the wisdom of the Name: “the name of Satnam is the greatest.  It is the supreme.  If someone wants to be without illness, they should chant this Name everyday.  The body’s fever is nothing.  All three types of illnesses are gone with the Satnam.  Chant the name of Satnam from your mouth.  That mouth is great that chants the Satnam.  It does not let you be in any trouble.  The fortunate ones can connect to the Name.   The pain of this world and the other world is washed away.”  Guru ji said to the Sikhs: “let go of your desires and chant Satnam!  Chant Satnam!  Guru ji recited Shabads about the Satguru and the praise of Satnam:

Sorath Mahalla 5..

My Satguru became the protector..  He blessed me and extended his hand and cured Har Govind..1..Rahao..

The fever was gone, Prabhoo made it go away.  He protected his servant’s reputation..  All rewards are received from the Sadhsangat, I am a sacrifice to the Satguru..1..

This world and the next world were made successful; my shortcomings were not considered..  Nanak Guru, your words are permanent, you placed your hand on my forehead..2..21..49..

(SGGS 620)

Sorath Mahalla 5..

The Perfect Guru has dispelled the fever (of the desires and vices)..  The unstruck melody of the sound current sounds..

Prabhoo has blessed me with all the joys.  In his mercy, he gave them himself..1..

The Satguru took away the pain..  All the Sikhs and saints are filled with joy, chanting the name of Har Har..Rahao..

They receive what they ask for..  He saved Har Govind..  Nanak, the Jan, speaks the truth..2..6..70..

(SGGS 626)

Sorath Mahalla 5..

Kartar has made everything cool..  The fever has left my family..  The complete Guru protected us..  The sanctuary of the True was sought..1..

Parmeshwar was the protector..  Naturality, tranquility and joy came in an instance; the mind became a home of joy..Rahao..

The Name, Har, was the medicine..  This cured all the illnesses..  He extended his mercy to me..  Everything was resolved..2..

Prabhoo confirmed his loving nature.  He did not take my merits or demerits into account.  The wisdom of the Guru sprouted in me..  He preserved my honor..3..

I only speak as you make me speak..  You are the Master and the ocean of excellence.  Nanak chants the name, this is the true wisdom and the true statement..  He preserves the honor of his slave..4..6..56..

(SGGS 622)

In this way, Guru ji wrote a lot of other Shabads in that time period.  He wrote some Shabads in Bilawal Raag as well, which were included in Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Depending on which type of trouble one faces, Guru ji wrote Shabads for different types.  If a Sikh reads those Shabads with faith and devotion, that trouble goes away.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji did not state all of those Shabads here.  The Shabads are self-explanatory within the Sangat.  Only 3 Shabads have been mentioned.  One who wishes to read them, they should do the Paath of Guru Granth Sahib ji.  It can be seen that those Shabads were written for Sri Hargobind ji.

Guru ji began a great Yagna.  A lot of sweets were prepared.  A great Langar was called for all Sadhoos and saints.  It was for everyone.  Sikhs went out to get flour and grinded it finely.  Many cooks cooked the food.  The foods were cooked all day and night.  Many ladoos were made.  Pooray were made.  Yoghurt was prepared with pakoras and spices.  Karah Prashaad was prepared in the morning with dry fruits and nuts.  Invitations to all castes were sent: “everyone is to come and eat Langar here.”  Dervishes and saints were called to come and eat.  Householders from high and low castes were called to attend.  The Sanyasis were invited. 

A crowd gathered in Amritsar.  The villages in the area found out and came to Guru ji’s home.  Sadhoos, Fakirs and saints came in groups.  They came to meet Guru ji.  People of many castes came.  There was joy in every direction.  They all sat in rows to eat.  The food was placed in the centre.  Everyone sat at the same level.  The saints of different groups were given the food.  The food was delicious.  They ate and praised Guru ji from their mouths.  The Langar was given in abundance.  There was no shortage.  Saying the name of the Guru would dispel all pain.  Meeting Guru ji, the Sikhs would bow to him.  Everyone said: “be happy.  May Sri Hargobind ji live long.  May the family of the Guru last on this earth till there are stars in the sky; till the sun and moon last; till there is water in the ocean, the family of the Guru will last.  Till the tradition of the Yugas last; till the creation of Brahma lasts; the family of the Guru will last.  The praise of the Guru will spread in the world.  May the son of the Guru remain without illness.  May you never face any obstacles.”  Everyone ate as much as they wished.  They all gave their well wishes. 

Guru ji gave donations to the poor.  A lot of money was given, which was not counted.  The beggars were happy with the donations they received.  They shouted out Jaikaras.  Guru ji then went to the Harmandhir Sahib.  He took Karah Prashaad along with him.  Sri Hargobind ji was taken as well.  He went to the place of his father, the greatest place.  He went to worship the Harmandir.  He came to his Father’s Darbar and bowed from the Darshani Deodi.  He thought of Guru Ramdas ji and bowed.  Sri Hargobind ji bowed as well.  With great devotion and love, they bowed their heads.  Guru ji asked for a long life for his son.  Ardaas was done with hands folded in the Harmandhir.  Guru ji did the Parkarma of the Harmandhir Sahib.  Guru ji was filled with love and enthusiasm. 

Guru ji came back home after doing Parkarma of Harmandhir Sahib.  Shabads of celebrations were sung.  Many musical instruments sounded.  Celebrations took place.  There was happiness everywhere.  Men and women watched in joy.  The Dhundhabs sounded loud with Napheeryas.  People could not hear each other.  The Shehnais could be heard loud.  Bhatts sang there poems along with Kavis.  They praised Guru ji’s praises in their poetry.  They received great rewards from Guru ji.  There was a lot of noise at Guru ji’s home.  People met Guru ji and had their sins washed away.  There was a great crowd.  Celebrations continued.  Mata Ganga ji was really happy.  She looked at her son and touched money to his head to give to the poor.  She donated to the beggars and the needy.  The beggars gave their well wishes.  Sri Hargobind ji was like the full moon.  Just as the tidal waves are formed with the full moon, the people saw Sri Hargobind and their happiness could not be contained.