3-41 The Writing of the Bir of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji

Bhai Gurdas ji was the only one that would stay with Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He would be ready to write all the time.  Other Sikhs and servants were there, sitting down and being alert for any Seva.  They would not go to Guru ji unless they were called upon.  They would sit all around Guru ji, awaiting his orders.  They would stop other people that would come to meet Guru ji.  Guru ji wanted as much solitude as possible. 

Guru ji called Bhai Gurdas ji and said to him: “listen Bhai Gurdas ji what my wishes are: I wish to make a single Bir (binding, collection of many items) of the great Granth.  Write the Granth in Gurmukhi.  The “Pati” Bani that Guru Nanak Dev ji wrote, he stated 35 letters in it.  Those 35 letters came from Sach Khand as it was written by Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Write all of the Gurbani in those 35 letters.  It is easy to read and speak.  The wise ones with a lot of knowledge will recite this Gurbani and ponder on its meanings.  They will understand the truth.  To read and understand the Vedas takes too long to learn.  The Gurbani is the butter.  Gurmukhi can be read by all.  The ones that read it with devotion will receive Mukti.  Sahiskrit and the script of the Turks, the wise ones will transliterate it later.  The Gurbani will spread in every direction.  Everyone will read it and understand it.  The householders who work all day long, will be able to read the Gurbani with ease.  They will see the path clearly in front of them.  The Gurmukhi will become a path for the future.  Whoever walks the true path will never get lost.  For these reasons, write in Gurmukhi which will spread in the whole world.  The ones with faith and devotion will recite Gurbani with ease.  They will understand that Simran will give Mukti.  Guru Granth Sahib ji’s radiance will be beautiful.  Gurmukhi will be known in the world.  The ones who will read it, write it or see it will respect it.  They will see Gurmukhi as the one that washes away sin.  The Sikhs will read it with love.  The Bani of the four Gurus gives Mukti.  Write those Shabads with care.  This is the cream of the Vedas, Shasters and other Dharma Granths.  This is the Brahm Gyaan.  It is the cream of all the Gyaan ever to have been written.  Just as the Devatas and Demons churned the ocean to take out all of the gems, that is what Gurbani is.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, Sri Guru Amardas ji and Sri Guru Ramdas ji, write their Gurbani accordingly.  Be familiar with all of the Bani yourself.  Understand that: all of the Gurbani is supreme.  Make sure the Mahalla is stated so it is known which body of the Guru wrote it.”  Bhai Gurdas ji made a plea to Guru ji: “I do not have that much wisdom.  I am a small human.  How will I know?  The Gurbani is infinite.  Their wisdom and hearts were deep, infinite and limitless.  Gurbani is the heart of the Guru.  Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and others cannot know you fully.  I am a nobody.  If you bless me, then I can understand everything.  I will be able to write then.”  Guru ji was happy to see Bhai Gurdas ji’s humility.  Guru ji is the most gracious and gave Bhai Gurdas ji a boon: “just as a son is outside the home, playing; and the parents are sitting inside, along with other relatives; when they all speak, the child will know when his parents are speaking.  If a person asks the child who is speaking, the child will be able to name everyone speaking.  He will name his mother, father, sister or brother when they speak.  Listen, Bhai Gurdas ji, you will know which Guru is speaking.  You are the child of the Guru.  Write the Gurbani and be successful.”  Bhai Gurdas ji heard the blessing he got from Guru ji and placed his head on Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji casted his divine vision on Bhai Gurdas ji and gave him the knowledge of past, present and future.  He gave him the divine vision. 

The paper was prepared, which came from Kashmir.  Baba Bhudda ji prepared it.  Bhai Gurdas ji cut them evenly.  The ink was prepared with adding water to it.  Bhai Gurdas ji thought of the Guru and picked up a quill.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji opened up a Pothi.  He thought of Guru Nanak Dev ji in his mind.  He bowed to him and began to have Japji Sahib written.  The Pothi he had, was written by Guru Ramdas ji.  Guru Ramdas ji had written the Bani of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Japji Sahib.  The Manglacharan was written with care.  Four and a half Pauris of Japji Sahib were written which speak of the form of Parbraham.  One and a half Pauris speak of the glory of the Guru.  These 6 Pauris are the Manglacharan in which the praises of Akaal Purakh and Guru are written.  “Jay jugh charay” was then written which had the great vairagya in it, the detachment from the world.  Next were the 4 Pauris of listening and then 4 for accepting.  Nidhyasan- practicing: the Panch Parvaan is the practical which shows how to bring the focus back to its place.  In these were written: “too sada salaamat Nirankaar.”  These are 4 Pauris as well which shows the Brahmgyaan and how to reach it.  These are action Pauris.  Jap and Gyaan are the same.  To know the Brahm is Gyaan.  Both are the same thing, for this reason the name of the Bani is named Jap.  The rest of the Gurbani explains the Japji Sahib.  The praise of Japji Sahib cannot be written.  It is the supreme.  It has the Brahm in it, which cannot be matched.  Reciting it, one can easily achieve Brahmgyaan.

Sri Raag was the first to be written.  It was sung in many Ghars.  When a few Shabads had been written, Guru ji asked Bhai Gurdas ji: “do you understand what is being written?”  Bhai Gurdas ji folded his hands and said: “with your blessings, I have understood.  Just as a women can hear her husband’s voice in an adjacent room, I am understanding the words.  As you are reading the Pothi, I am writing the Shabads of the 4 Gurus.  The Bani of other poets, I am not writing that.  I am making sure of this.”  Bhai Gurdas ji went to the other tent.

Guru Arjan Dev ji was now alone.  In that instant, 15 Bhagats came to visit Guru Arjan Dev ji from Sach Khand.  These Bhagats were so powerful that one could reach Nirvana by seeing them.  The Bhagats bowed to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  It was Bhagat Kabeer ji, Bhagat Ravidas ji, Bhagat Peepa ji, Bhagat Sain ji, Bhagat Ramanand ji, Bhagat Jaidev ji and others.  Their spirits had come to meet Guru ji.  They were happy to see Guru ji.  They stood in front of him and praised Guru ji: “you are Parbraham in the human form.  The time of Kaliyuga is fierce.  You came to the world as an Avatar, Prabhoo.  You are gracious.  You are in the hold of your Bhagats.  You are in your fifth body now as Guru Arjan Dev ji.  The Maharaja, king of kings, you are.  Everyone begs from you.  You are the provider for all.  You gave the Name in the time of Kaliyuga.  You saved many of your servants.  The fire of Jealousy is consuming the people, you are the only protector.  You showed them the easy path by which they achieve Mukti.  Whoever says your name, their vices and attachments are destroyed.  You are the Brahmgyaani.  You are the One Eshwar.  The whole universe is your servant.  You are One and you are many.  You are the one that feeds all of life.  You only see the Seva of your servants and bless them with treasures.  You are omniscient and omnipotent.  No one can disrespect you or give you respect.  You are full of virtues.  You bless everyone without limits.  You are the friend of the poor and weak.  You are generous and the only provider.  You came into the house of the Bedis.  You were then Angad, the same form.  The third form was the father of Mohri.  You illuminated as Guru Ramdas.  Now you are in the fifth form.  You are always calm and forgiving.  You have great patience.  You are always in one state.  You are without hate and fear.  You gave your Sikhs the name of Satnam and took away their fears.  Your Sikhs are not afraid in any world.  The doubter fools do not recognize you.  They do not listen to you and suffer through many births.  You are very fine and greater than great.  You are deeper than deep.  You are always victorious and in bliss.  Obeisance to your feet.  Your words are Amrit, like Amrit dropping from the moon.  Please bless us so that Gobind resides in our hearts.”  In this way the Bhagats praised Guru ji in 8 lines.  If one is to read this poem with love, they will receive what they wish for. 

Guru Arjan Dev ji stood up seeing the Bhagats.  Guru ji respected them and had them sit next to him with bliss.  Guru ji asked: “all of you have come, tell me your names.  Tell me your reason for visiting.  You have been gracious for coming.  This is a good time.  It is a good time when people like you come.”  Bhagat Kabeer ji folded his hands and said: “listen master of the universe, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, I will tell you our names: Bayni, Namdev, Ravidas, Peepa, Sadhana, Sain Prakash, Bheekhan, Dhunna, Jaidev, Trilochan the Brahmin, Parmanand, Ramanand.  I am Kabeer and the one beside me is Fareed.  With Soordas ji, we are 15.  There are 4 others that are your servants: Moosan, Maskan (Patang), Summan and Jamaal.  I will tell you why we are here.  You can then think about our request.  The Vedas are the breaths of Narayan which were illuminated by Brahma.  Vyaas ji translated them and wrote commentary for the good of humankind.  Bhaamdev and others wrote stories and meanings.  Those Granths are another form of Vedas.  The common man cannot read or understand them.  You are going to write a Granth that will be understood by all.  You are writing the Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Please write the conversations of us Bhagats with Prabhoo.  The people of Kaliyuga are dense-minded.  They do not understand Dharma.  You are writing the vernacular Bani.  Please write our Shabads in this Granth.  Make the people read this for clarifications.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji heard the Bhagats and thought about it.  Guru ji then spoke to all the Bhagats: “what you had written when you were on Earth, I cannot include that Bani in the Granth.  Compose Bani with me that I can include in the Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Compose the Bani and I will write it.  Sing them in different Raags.”  The Bhagats were really happy with this and said: “you are great Guru ji!”  The Bhagats then spoke new Bani and sat in front of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  (This is the reason why Bhagat Kabeer ji’s Bani from Guru Granth Sahib ji cannot be found in the Granths that the Kabeer Panthis have of Bhagat Kabeer.  None of the other Bhagat Bani is found exactly the same elsewhere besides Guru Granth Sahib ji.  The misconception that Guru Sahib changed their Bani is also clarified here.)

3-42 The Bani of the Bhagats is included

Guru Arjan Dev ji heard the pleas of the world and fulfilled their wishes.  His praises were sung by all.  He would sit from morning till noon and work on the writing of Guru Granth Sahib ji.  He would then come to Amritsar for a while.  He would do the Parkarma and bow his head to the Harmandhir Sahib.  Guru ji would sit in the Sangat and listen to the Keertan.  The Sangat would see him as the chakor sees the moon.  Divaan would be held in the Harmandhir Sahib and the Masands would come do the Ardaas.  They would present the gifts from the Sangat.  It was as though the Devatas would visit Hari.  Guru ji would be generous to let the Sangat see him.  The Sikhs would have all their wishes fulfilled.  Guru ji would sit for 3 hours and then return to his tent at Ramsar.  He would live at Ramsar other than the time he would visit Harmandhir Sahib for a few hours.  He would write new Bani that would come from Akaal Purakh during that time.  The Bani was full of Bhagti, Vairagya, Jog and Gyaan.  He would give wisdom in his Bani in many ways.  He would do this on a daily basis.  Guru ji spent many days like this.  When Guru ji would have the Bhagat Bani written, Bhai Gurdas ji would get surprised and experience Vismaad.  He said to Guru ji: “the Bani of the 5 Gurus have the name Nanak in it at the end.  Now you are having the Bani of the Bhagats written but it has the Bhagat’s name in it at the end.  I hear the different voices but I don’t see them.  Please resolve my doubts.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji then said: “if you want to understand this and meet the Bhagats, then come an hour earlier than your normal time at Amritvela.  Your doubts will be resolved.”  Bhai Gurdas ji was happy to hear that he was going to see the Bhagats. 

Bhai Gurdas ji’s tent was a few feet away from Guru ji’s tent.  Bhai Gurdas ji would come to Guru ji’s tent when he had to write.  Otherwise he would do Bhagti in his own tent.  He heard Guru ji’s words and went to this own tent.  He slept the night and woke up at Amritvela to take a bath.  He did his morning cleanses and got ready to go to Guru ji.  He came an hour earlier.  He was amazed to see an amazing sight: he saw Guru ji sitting in his tent with the Bhagats speaking to Guru ji.  They were all sitting around Guru ji.  He was surprised to see the radiance and stood their stiff in the doorway of the tent.  It was the Bhagats who were the same form of Akaal Purakh sitting with Guru Arjan Dev ji.  One by one the Bhagats would speak their Banis.  Bhai Gurdas ji listened to the conversations.  After a while, the Bhagats got up to go back to Sach Khand.  Bhai Gurdas ji folded his hands and moved to the side to give the Bhagats way.  His eyes were shedding tears and he was filled with love.  Bhagat Kabeer ji and the other Bhagats came out of the tent.  Bhai Gurdas ji bowed to all of the Bhagats at their feet.  He folded his hands and bowed to all the Bhagats.  The Bhagats folded their hands and respected Bhai Gurdas ji.  The Bhagats asked Bhai Gurdas ji’s about his wellness and filled him with bliss.  The Bhagats respected and bowed to Bhai Gurdas ji as he was the scribe of the Bani of Akaal Purakh.  His job was no less.  All of the Bhagats introduced themselves to Bhai Gurdas ji and told him that they will be by his side when he writes their Bani.  Bhai Gurdas ji met all of the Bhagats and resolved all his doubts.  The Bhagats went to Sach Khand after.  Bhai Gurdas ji was humbled and went inside Guru ji’s tent.  Bhai Gurdas ji thought to himself: “Guru ji asked me to come inside an hour before but I remained outside the tent.” 

Bhai Gurdas ji bowed to Guru ji.   He understood that Guru ji was Akaal Purakh’s form who was visited by many powers.  He was standing in front of Guru ji and sang his praises: “you are the form of Nirankaar.  In the physical form you came.  In Satyuga you were Bhavan and measured the 3 dimensions in 3 feet.  In Treta you were Ram of the Raghus and killed many demons.  In Dwapur you were Krishan and killed the armies of the enemies.  In Kaliyuga, you came as the Guru, Guru Nanak Dev ji.  This form is the one with the unlimited powers.  I am an unwise human who does not know how great you are.  Your glory is great and could not be measured.  Oh ocean of compassion, forgive me.  I have erred.  Please forgive me as I am your servant.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji then said, while being happy: “I am very happy with you.  Ask for a boon.  There is no one more worthy of respect than you.  You are my beloved servant.”  Bhai Gurdas ji folded his hands and said: “the Bhagats that come to you, the way you meet them and have discussions with them, you can touch them as well; I would like to see them and talk to them as well.  I wish to ask them about Gyaan.”  Guru ji said: “so it shall be.”  Bhai Gurdas ji was very happy to hear this. 

Guru ji, the giver of Mukti, continued with the dictation and writing of the Bani.  The Shabads were filled with love.  The Bani of the Bhagats would be written at the end of a Raag as the Bhagats would speak.  No other Sikhs was allowed to come in this tent.  Guru ji and Bhai Gurdas ji were alone in that tent, with the servants standing on guard outside the tent.  The world, in which human were in pain, Guru ji was making a ship for those people to sail them across.  As Guru ji would dictate, Bhai Gurdas ji’s quill would write, at the speed of the wind.  Bhai Gurdas ji would write as soon as Guru ji would speak.  He worked really fast.  Bhai Gurdas ji would understand the Bani as he wrote as well.  If there was something he didn’t understand, he would ask Guru ji for the translations.  Bhai Gurdas ji was a great scribe.  He wrote as Guru ji spoke the Bani. 

One day, when it was noon, Guru ji went to Amritsar after writing the Bani for the day.  Guru ji visited the Sangat and came back to Ramsar.  It was around 4pm as Guru ji came back.  Guru ji composed the Bani of Bhaavan Akhri.  (This Bani was written for Mata Ganga ji, as she wished for jewellery from Guru ji.  She was told by her friends: “you are very beautiful but you do not wear any jewellery.  Ask Guru ji for a jewellery box.”  Mata ji told Guru ji what her friends said.  She asked for a jewellery box.  Guru ji said: “I will make you a jewellery box but tell me, would you like the real jewellery or the fake one?”  Mata ji understood and said: “the real one.”  Guru ji then wrote Bhaavan Akhri for her.  As there is a Salok about the Guru in the beginning and the same one at the end, it is like the top and bottom of the jewellery box.  The Bhaavan Akhri was the true jewellery.  Mata Ganga ji recited this Bani everyday as her Nitnem.)  Guru ji wrote the same Salok of the praises of the Guru in the beginning and in the end.  Bhai Gurdas ji was happy to write this Bani.  He said to Guru ji: “this Bani is wonderful!  The translations are amazing as is the flow of the Bani.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji heard him and said: “the glories of the Parmeshwar are in this Bani.  The Gurbani is the jewellery of the soul.  This Bani has diamonds and other precious gems in it.  Praise-worthy gems are in this Bani.  The worldly jewellery does not compare to this.  Whoever reads this Bani will get Mukti and Bhugti.  The ones who taste this Bani will know the joys of both worlds.”  They both conversed in this way.  It was soon night and they both went to rest.  Guru ji and Bhai Gurdas ji went to their respective tents. 

Guru ji sat in his tent and thought to himself: “I wish to compose Bani which Sikhs can read as their Nitnem.  They should recite this Bani everyday with love and memorize it.  This Bani should have all the teachings of the Vedas and Shastras.  Just as the Sri Madh Bhagwat Geeta has the summary of all the Vedas and Shastras, this Bani should have that.  In Kaliyuga, it is hard to understand the Geeta.  This Bani should be easily understood which will give joy to all.”  Guru ji thought about this till he went to sleep at around 10 pm.   Guru ji then went to sleep.  Guru ji clears the pain of his servants. 

The master woke up at Amritvela and did his morning cleansing routines.  He did the daattan (meshwak) to clean his teeth and took a bath.  He then came to the tent of Bhai Gurdas ji.  He took Bhai Gurdas ji with him and went to the edge of the Ramsar Sarovar.  They both took a dip in the Sarovar and wore their clothes.  They sat there in the northeast corner of the Sarovar where there stands a Beri tree, even till this day.  The ocean of compassion sat cross-legged under the shade of the Beri tree.  Bhai Gurdas ji sat in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji said to Bhai Gurdas ji: “the fierce time of Kaliyuga is coming.  The army of desires will attack the world.  Humans will sin in order to fulfill their desires.  They will go to Hell because of these sins.  They will endure a lot of pain in Hell for many years.  No one would help them there.  The ones for whom these sins were done for, they will not be able to help them.  The Jumms will punish them.  The souls will pay for their sins and then come out of Hell.  They will come to earth via the moonlight.  The moonlight will carry the soul and come down to earth via the rain clouds.  The rain will be consumed by plants and then the animals will eat the plants.  They will be in the food and be crushed by the teeth and endure the pain.  The soul will then reside in the belly and endure the pain of the fire of the digestive system.  It will then be broken up and go through the various organs of the body to become blood.  The soul passes through many nerves.  The blood becomes fat and then skin.  It then mixes into a 7-element form to become sperm.  It then enters the womb of a female to become a new lifeform.  The pains of the womb cannot be counted.  The feces and urine pass above the head.  When the life is born, it cries in pain.  The birth is painful.  One dies again after doing so many sins.  These are just a fraction of the pian that one goes through for doing sin.  The actual amount of pain cannot be counted.  I wish to compose a Bani that a person can recite everyday to wash away the sins.  Whoever recites it everyday, makes it reside in their heart, and lives by it, they will not be born again.”  Guru ji said this to Bhai Gurdas ji and wanted to save the world.  The sun came up and the birds sang the songs. 

3-43 Sukhmani Sahib/ Satta Balwand

In the northeast corner of the Ramsar Sarovar, sat Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He was composing the Sukhmani Sahib Bani which was going to give peace and joy to the heart.  The first Salok was an obeisance to the four Gurus- Aad Guru: Guru Nanak Dev ji; Jugaad Guru: Guru Angad Dev ji; Satguru: Guru Amardas ji; Sri Gurudev: Guru Ramdas ji.  The first Ashtpadi stated the glory of Simran.  The second Ashtpadi describes the difficult path in the afterlife.  The 3^rd shows how the Naam is bigger than the Karmas.  The glory of the Naam is greater, which Guru ji explains with great depth.  The Brahmgyaani, Bhagat and Bairagis are talked about.  The glory of the Sadh Sangat is discussed in one Ashtpadi.  The importance and radiance of the great beings is stated.  Guru ji mentions what happens to people who give pain to saints or speaks bad about them.  He states: “Akaal Purakh is the Nirgun and the Sargun (the unseen and the seen), Akaal Purakh created the world and spread the net of the Maya over everything.”  The wisdom of the Vedas, Shastras and Shrutis was all taken and placed in Sukhmani Sahib.  “Tat Tvum Asi” you are the Brahm.  In the end, the glory of Sukhmani Sahib was written as well.  The glory of Sukhmani Sahib is great.  One will attain the highest status who recites the Sukhmani Sahib.  If one recites it everyday, they will no longer be in the cycle of birth and death.  The glory of Sukhmani Sahib could not be quantified, Guru ji already praised it.  The omnipotent Guru said it the best.  One who recites it in the morning with full focus, the sins of 24 hours are washed away and one is not born again.  They will go to the feet of Akaal Purakh.  Where Guru ji sat and said the Sukhmani Sahib, one should visit that place in Ramsar.  There is a great benefit for visiting that place.  Guru ji finished dictating the Sukhmani Sahib and got up.  He did a lot of tasks that benefited the world.  Guru ji dictated a lot of Bani everyday.  Bhai Gurdas ji would write. 

Another Katha comes now.  It is right to write it now.  There is a Vaar in Ramkali Raag written by the Domes, the Raagis of the Guru.  Bhai Luddha, a Sikh, brought them to Guru ji.  The Khalsa Asked Bhai Santokh Singh ji about this Katha.  Kavi Santokh Singh tells the Katha.  There was a Miraashi named Doom Balwand.  His younger brother was Satta.  They were both poor and tried to earn money in different ways.  Balwand travelled to other places and portrayed his singing skills.  Nobody valued him though.  Bhai Satta stayed with Guru ji and sang Keertan in Guru ji’s court.  By Keertan, Satta made a good earning.  He had good clothes and good food to eat.  Many Sikhs would give Bhai Satta money after doing Ardaas.  Bhai Balwand eventually came home after failing to earn money in other lands.  He came to Guru ji as well after he found out that his brother was making a good earning.  He was upset and went to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He was a good singer and good poet.  He praised Guru ji and wrote a Kabit: “I have come to your door; you are an ocean of compassion; you are like the Kalapbrish; you are great and you bless the sinners; you make the pain of the poor go away.  You protected Draupadi; you saved the elephant from the crocodile; you killed the demons and protected the Devatas.  You protected Prahalad; you made Valmiki into a Rishi by making him pure; you blessed Ganika who never visited a Teerath.  Just as you blessed all these people, bless me as well.”  He said this Kabit to Guru ji by coming close to him: “I seek your sanctuary.  Nobody valued my Raag Vidya.”  Guru ji gave him hope and said: “your wish will be fulfilled.  Stay close to me and do Keertan.  Sing the Raags with your brother, Bhai Satta.  Stay here and you will make a good earning.  You will get all that you need and want.”  Guru ji gave Bhai Balwand a lot of money right away.  Bhai Balwand came home with joy. 

Bhai Balwand and Bhai Satta started to do Keertan in Harmandhir Sahib.  Satguru ji was really happy listening to their Keertan and gave Balwand the name “Rai Balwand.”  Rai means king.  Guru ji started calling him Rai Balwand.  The brothers sang with great “harkat” (singing technique) and applied the correct tones and pitches with love.  They sang in Raags and Raagnis with enthusiasm.  The Sangat loved their singing of Keertan.  The Sikhs would praise them when they would hear them.  Satta and Balwand’s ego began to grow.  A lot of time passed like this and the two got prouder of their skills.  The ocean of compassion knew that the Raagis’ pride was getting out of hand.  They were proud of being singers.  They had forgotten what their life was before doing Keertan for Guru ji.  They were proud of their Raag Vidya.  They did not see Guru ji as the saviour of the poor who grants them their good reputation.  He is known as the “gareeb nivaaj.”  After a while, it was time for Satta and Balwand’s sister to get married.  Both of the brothers came to Guru ji’s home and praised him.  They said: “see us as your servants and complete our tasks.  We need money for our need.  We need to hold a fabulous wedding for our sister.  If the wedding is grand, it will be a praise for you.”  Guru ji said: “don’t worry, Guru Nanak Dev ji’s treasury is endless.  Whatever money is brought by the Sikhs tomorrow, you can take it all.  The Satguru will complete all the tasks.”  Both of the brothers were happy as thousands are collected in one day.

The next day, Sikhs came to the court and presented many gifts to Guru ji.  After the whole day, only 100 Rajitpuns came.  There were more gifts that day rather than money.  It was the play of Guru ji to purify his servants.  Guru ji gave the 100 Rajitpuns to the brothers.  The brothers were filled with ego and did not take the money.  They threw the money back to Guru ji.  They said: “are you playing with us?  What wedding will we do with 100 Rajitpuns?  Why don’t you give us money from your home treasury?”  Satguru ji gave them hope and said: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is omnipotent; he will fulfill your dreams.  Take this much.  Do more Keertan and more money will come.  Have faith on the Satguru and do Keertan.  You can take money everyday from the Satguru’s home.  You won’t be given money just once.  You can take money everyday.  Our relationship is forever.”  When Guru ji spoke with humility, Bhai Satta and Bhai Balwand took the money.  They weren’t happy though.  On their way home, they were saying bad things about Guru ji: “we are not going back to Guru ji.  We are not going to do Keertan again.  Our tasks are not complete.  What was the use of staying close to the Guru?”  The both of them did not return to Guru ji and stayed inside their homes. 

The next day, Guru ji said to the Sikh: “the Rababis did not come today.  Go and call them from their homes.”  The Sikhs heard Guru ji and went to the home of Satta and Balwand.  They told them Guru ji’s command: “get up!  You are fortunate that Guru ji is thinking of you.  Guru ji is happy with you.  Come and see him.”  Satta and Balwand heard this and said: “what are we going to attain by going to Guru ji?  When we do Keertan, only then does the Guru’s court come in session.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji then comes and sits in the Divaan.  The Sangat comes and worships him calling him “Guru, Guru.”  They do this because of our Keertan.  They bring him many types of gifts.  The Gurta Ghaddi exists because of us.  If we don’t come, nobody will worship him or call him Guru.  There will be no money coming to him.  Without us, Guru ji would be sitting alone.”  The Sikh tried to speak logic to the two brothers about their pride: “why are you speaking nonsense?  Have you gone mad or are you drunk?  You have gained praise because of Guru ji.  Go to him and do Keertan.  You are praised and the Sangat gives you money.  Get up and listen to me.  Guru ji will be happy with you.”  The Sikh tried but he was not successful.  The two brothers did not listen.

The Sikh came back and told Guru ji: “they are not coming.  Those foolish people are filled with too much pride.”  Satguru ji heard this and told another Sikhs to go and get them: “go and call the Rababis.  Tell them the Guru is calling you.”  The Sikh went to the Rababis and said: “why are you here?  If you have a problem, go and tell Guru ji.  Nine Niddhis, Riddhis, Siddhis, Laxmi and other powers look towards Guru ji’s, awaiting his command.  Whoever Guru ji commands, Laxmi goes to the Sikh that Guru ji wants her to go to.  She does not delay.  Why are you leaving such a Guru?  Why are you not understanding this?  Many Rishis and Munis wait for Guru ji.  Guru ji is waiting for you.”  The two brothers spoke with pride: “we received nothing from the Guru.  We are not going back.  We have left him.  We will stay in our home.  You can try all you want, we are not going to meet Guru ji.”  The Sikh heard the harsh words and came back to tell Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, those foolish people did not listen.  They are filled with pride.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, the treasure of forgiveness, was going to prove them wrong.  Guru ji decided to go himself to bring the Rababis.  Guru ji respected the singers of Keertan a lot.  Guru ji knew that the Rababis had become proud of their Vidya.  Guru ji decided to bring them with respect and give them more money.  He wanted them to do Keertan so the Sangat can engrain the Keertan in their hearts.  Guru ji thought to himself: “I need these great Rababis who can do Keertan twice a day.”  Guru ji got ready.  Guru ji’s personality was great, unto which Kavi Santokh Singh is a sacrifice. 

3-44 Satta Balwand/ Bhai Luddha

The home of Satta and Balwand was close to Bhai Salo’s Dharamsala.  Guru Arjan Dev ji wanted to bring them back.  Guru Arjan Dev ji respects Bani and Keertan.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and the other Gurus kept the Rababis close to them with love.  They sing the Shabad of the Guru in Raags.  Singing Gurbani is beneficial for the whole Sangat who listens.  Guru ji respected the Raagis for these reasons.  Guru ji reached the home of Satta and Balwand.  As Guru ji entered their home, Satta and Balwand did not get up to respect Guru ji.  They were full of pride.  Both of the brothers were sitting down and stayed quiet.  They did not think that Guru ji was the form of Akaal Purakh and that he had come himself.  They did not care to respect him.  Guru ji said to the brothers: “what is the reason that you are upset?  Money comes and goes.  It never stays.  This is nothing to be upset over.  Why are you upset over this?  You will get more.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s treasury is full.  There is no shortage.  Have faith and do Keertan.  Money will come.  Parmeshwar will give.”  Balwand spoke to Guru ji: “I haven’t seen anything.  You talk about the treasury, where is it?  You only gave us 100 Rajitpuns.  How are we going to hold a wedding with that?  What can we get from you now?  We are not coming with you.  We will go to some other king and sing there.  We will earn money there.  We will show them our skills and sing Raags.  We will receive the money we ask for and make people happy.  The years we spent with you, we have wasted our skills.  You didn’t appreciate our skill.  The ones who appreciate us, give us a lot of money for it.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was not known by anyone.  It was when he kept Baba Mardana ji that made him famous.  Guru Angad Dev ji, Guru Amardas ji and your father; it was the Rababis that made them famous.  In your home, we sang the glories of the Gurus.  The Sikhs from other lands listened to our singing and gave you expensive gifts and money.  People call you Guru and worship you.  They listen to our Raags and worship you.  We have done so many favours for you which you did not appreciate.  If you would have appreciated us, you would have given us half the money that comes.  It should come to our home since we do the hard work.  Now you will know how hard it is to call yourself Guru.  How will you get the thousands of gifts that you did before?  We will go to someone else and make them the Guru.  People will worship that person; our skill is great.  We can make who we want the Guru.  Your greatness will finish now.  You will regret this.  Wherever we do the Raags, that person will become the Guru.  We won’t come to you now.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji was the ocean of calmness and forgiveness.  He didn’t care about him.  He just smiled when they talked about him, but when he heard Guru Nanak Dev ji’s name in a negative context along with the other Gurus, he became angry.  He cursed them: “you are cursed.  You speak bad about the gem of the Bedis; your body will be full of blisters.  You will be in pain from a grave illness.”  Guru ji then came back to Tharra Sahib. 

The Sangat sat around Guru ji.  Guru ji said to the Sikhs: “you sing the Raags.  Sing the Shabads with Taans.  Learn this Vidya.”  Some Sikhs brought a Dutara and some brought a Rabab.  The Sikhs started to sing without any doubts.  People were surprised to see the Sikhs singing.  It was the Guru’s command that gave them the skill powers.  The Raag fairies and Sarasvati came into the Sikhs to sing.  The Sikhs had never sung before.  They obeyed Guru ji’s command and received the gift of Raag Vidya in an instant.  They did not know Raags before.  They were singing in perfect pitch and beat.  Guru ji was happy to hear the Sikhs sing the Raags.  He blessed them and said: “you obeyed my command with love.  This Vidya will exist in the Sikhs as well now.  They will sing and listen to Keertan and be blessed.  The Dooms will regret this.  Desires ruined them.  They will move from house to house and will not be satiated.  They will be disrespected wherever they go.  The Sikhs will not respect them or give them any attention.  The Rababis will be in pain.”  The Sikhs gained the Raag Vidya and did Keertan in Harmandhir Sahib from that day onwards.  The Sangat’s mind was still and filled with joy as they listened to the Keertan with love.

The Sangat from Patna came to visit.  They bowed to Guru ji and brought expensive gifts and money.  They asked Guru ji: “when we came before, we saw Satta and Balwand doing Keertan.  Where are they?”  Guru ji said: “they have been cursed.  They couldn’t handle their pride.  They said bad things about Guru Nanak Dev ji and the other Gurus.  They are in pain now.  If a Sikh visits them, the Sikh will be in pain.  I don’t want anyone speaking about them to me.  I will punish the person who tries to recommend them.  Their face will be blackened and their hair will be shaved.  They will be placed on a donkey and paraded around the city.  A dhol will be played along them for people to see what happens to a person who defends a person who talks bad about the elder Gurus.”  The Sangat was surprised to hear Guru ji say this.  The Sangat thought it was unfortunate of what happened.  The Sangat liked Satta and Balwand but Guru ji’s words were strong.  Guru ji didn’t want anyone to speak to Satta and Balwand.

Satta and Balwand developed a skin disease.  There were blisters are all over their body with blood pouring out.  Their condition progressed quite fast in a matter of days.  They were in pain and on top of that, they had no more money.  They did not have money for food.  They started to beg.  People did not want to face them as they had been cursed by the Guru.  They were disrespected like dogs.  They went to other villages and were disrespected there too.  Parmeshwar and the Satguru were opposed to them as they were full of ego.  They were disrespected in both worlds now.  They wanted someone to talk on their behalf to Guru ji, but no one agreed to it.  They were not able to sit anywhere.  They couldn’t even beg as no one would give them anything.  They were suffering in pain.  They now understood what the greatness of the Guru was.  They wanted to go to Guru ji and beg for forgiveness.  Nobody would take them to Guru ji.  The Sikhs would say: “Whoever would go to Guru ji for you, would have their face blackened.  You had ego and have been cursed by the Satguru.”  They regretted what they did and sat in their homes upset: “Satguru ji came to our home but we did not respect him.  We spoke harsh words to him.  We were nothing but insects in front of him.  Our pride was false and didn’t recognize Guru ji’s greatness.  The 5 Gurus are illuminating in this world like the sun.  Nobody can compete and win them.  Whoever tried to face them were destroyed.  They are the form of Khuddah, whom we spoke bad about.  How will we be in peace now, since we have been cursed?   Destiny inspired us to do bad.  We were egotistical.  We thought we were the greatest artists.  We were praised in the Guru’s court but we couldn’t digest it.  We are in trouble.  Nobody is there to save us now.”  Both brothers would rock back and forth and regret it.  They then remembered Bhai Luddha Parupkaari (the Altruist) who was a very gracious person: “Bhai Luddha lives in Lahore and does great things for everyone.  Bhai Gurdas ji has written about his praises and said that there is nobody more gracious and generous than him.  He does not care about his reputation when he does things for anyone.  He will help us for sure if we go to him.”

Bhai Satta and Bhai Balwand went to Lahore to meet Bhai Luddha ji.  They stayed one night and reached Lahore the next day.  The Sikhs of Lahore saw them and looked the other way.  Some people covered their faces so they don’t see them.  Nobody talked to them, seeing them as big sinners.  They were cursed by the Guru.  The brothers looked for Bhai Luddha’s home.  Somebody had told Bhai Luddha: “Satta and Balwand are looking for you.”  Bhai Luddha locked his door.  He didn’t want to disobey Guru ji’s orders.  They had been cursed by Guru ji and he didn’t want to see them.  Bhai Satta and Balwand knocked at Bhai Luddha’s door and begged: “we have come for your help.  You are a great Gursikh who is generous.  We heard of your praises.  Please help us poor people.  You help others in pain.  For the sake of you name, please help us.  Just once, please help us get forgiveness from Guru ji.  There is no one who can help us other than you.  We will stay on your doorstep.  You can either help us or kill us.  We are at your mercy.  We have come to your sanctuary.  Protect us.”  In this way they begged Bhai Luddha ji.  They sat at his door, shouting for help.  Bhai Luddha ji thought to himself: “I am a Sikh.  Guru ji makes me help others.  These two are Keertanis of the Guru.  They have come to my door after being rejected by others.  It is hard to defend them as Guru ji has said that the defender’s face will be blackened.  What shall I do now?  I will have to help them.  I will make my face black and sit on a donkey.  I will go to Guru ji and then ask Guru ji to forgive them.  Guru ji is forgiving and compassionate.  He will forgive them.  If he sees the punishment before hand, he will forgive them.”  Bhai Luddha ji opened his door and invited Satta and Balwand into his home.  He gave them hope and said: “you have been turned away by the Guru but I will make my best effort.”  He fed them and kept them in his home.  The next day, Bhai Luddha ji rubbed blackness on his face.  He rented a donkey and a dholi.  He sat on the donkey and had the dholi play the dhol.  He travelled through the streets of Lahore and headed towards Guru ji’s home.  People were surprised to see Bhai Luddha ji like this.

Bhai Luddha ji did a parkarma around Amritsar and entered.  People wondered what was going on and looked upon the view with amazement.  He travelled through the streets of Amritsar as men, women, seniors and children looked on.  People eventually found out what was happening and said: “Bhai Luddha ji is great.  He is the most generous.  Look at what he is doing for Satta and Balwand?  Who else would do such a thing?  Great are the Sikhs of the Guru who do things for others.  He didn’t think about his own reputation.  He didn’t think about his loss or pain.  He sacrificed himself for the Guru’s words.  He lived up to the Guru’s words.”  The dhol was playing and everyone came out of their homes to see the spectacle.  Bhai Luddha ji was on the donkey and travelling the streets of Amritsar.  He headed towards Guru ji’s place, where a Divaan was in session.  Guru ji heard the dhol.  He was told that a great Sikh was coming, sitting on a donkey.

3-45 Satta Balwand are Forgiven

Bhai Luddha ji, the “Altruist,” had no doubts in his heart.  He wanted Bhai Satta and Bhai Balwand to be forgiven.  He didn’t care if his reputation was ruined: “I’ll wash my face and my hair will grow back.  If my body is useful for someone else’s benefit, then my life would be a success.”  He had love for Guru ji’s feet in his heart.  There was a great crowd with Bhai Luddha.  A dhol was playing.  Guru ji came to ask: “who is coming with such a crowd making so much noise?  From which land did this Sangat come from?”  The Sikhs folded their hands and said: “your Sikhi is great.  Your Sikhs have great patience and altruism in their heart.  Bhai Luddha ji is coming, following your command.  He has blackened his face.  He is on a donkey and travelled the streets before he headed towards to you.” 

Bhai Luddha ji came to Guru ji.  He folded his hands and came to grab Guru ji’s feet.  He placed his head on his feet.  Bhai Luddha ji said: “you are the ocean of compassion.  You make the sinners pure; you are the one to give greatness to the poor; you give bliss to your servants.  Your anger and joy are great.  Please forgive your servants.  I have followed your orders and come to ask forgiveness for your servants.  If there are other punishments you wish to give me, I accept them.  I still have a request for your feet.  Oh compassionate one, I am unwise.  Please give me Gyaan.”  When Guru ji saw Bhai Luddha’s state, his eyes began to shed tears.  Guru ji said: “if the Guru curses someone, the Sikh can save them; if a Sikh curses someone, the Guru cannot save them.  A dehydrated tree can be saved by water, but if water drowns the tree, then no one save it.  If a person gets injured by a knife, the person can be saved; if a person is deliberately murdered, then the chances of survival are less.”  The Sikhs heard Guru ji’s word.  Guru ji sent Sikhs to give Bhai Luddha ji a bath and dress him with new clothes.

Bhai Luddha ji came back after getting cleaned up and bowed again.  Guru ji asked him: “why did you do this?”  Bhai Luddha ji said: “you are omniscient.  You know everything in the world.  You know the past, present and future.  If you are asking, obeying your command I will speak.  The reason that I did this as per your command.  I darkened my face, sat on a donkey and shaved my head, because nobody was helping Satta and Balwand.  I did this first so I can present my request after.  You are forgiving.  Satta and Balwand are in pain.  Their ego is gone.  They are paupers and ill now.  Please forgive their mistake.  Please join them to your feet again.”  Guru ji and the Sangat acknowledged Bhai Luddha ji’s altruistic intentions and said: “why did you endure so much pain?  You could have come in your normal state and I would have forgiven them in an instant.  I would have taken your word for it, that their ego is gone.  Satta and Balwand were punished because of their pride for their skills.  I wanted their ego to go away.  You saved them.  Call the two brothers if their ego is gone.  I will take their pain away.  When the iron is hot, it is soft.  We can mould them in any way we want.”  Bhai Luddha sent a person to call Satta and Balwand.

Satta and Balwand started to bow from far away as they came to Guru ji.  They came and grabbed Guru ji’s feet.  There were tears in their eyes.  They said: “please forgive us.  We were rightfully punished for our ego.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “Bhai Luddha Sikh has been gracious to you.  It’s because of him that I am forgiving you.  Don’t keep pride in your heart going forward.  You made a big mistake in speaking bad words towards Guru Nanak Dev ji, the master of the universe.  Bhai Luddha had you forgiven.  You would have had thousands of punishments to endure in both worlds.”  Bhai Luddha ji said: “their skin has a disease.  Please cure them as they are in pain.  They can only do Keertan in your court if they are well.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji then said: “they said bad words towards Guru ji.  That is why they are in pain.  When their sin is washed away, their illness will go away as well.  The mouth that spoke bad words, must sing the glories of the Guru; then they will be cured.  That is the only way.”  Bhai Luddha ji said to Satta and Balwand: “go and bathe under the Dukhbhanjni Berri.  Sing the praises of the form of Brahm, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, who saved the whole world.  After that, sing the praises of all 5 Gurus.  Kill your ego and corruption.  You will be joined with the Sadh Sangat then.”  Satta and Balwand heard the words of Bhai Luddha.  They were happy.  It was as though Amrit rained upon them.  They bathed under the Dukhbhanjni Berri in the Sarovar.  They did Simran of Guru ji and had love for the Guru in their heart.

Satta and Balwand were without pride.  They stood in front of Guru ji and sang a Vaar in the Ramkali Raagni.  It is the Raag of Jogis.  They were in bliss.  They sang 4 Pauris about Guru Nanak Dev ji’s praises.  They used all their wisdom to redeem themselves.  They praised all the Gurus.  They sang a Pauri each for the other 4 Gurus.  There are a total of 8 Pauris in that Vaar.  They stood in front of Guru Arjan Dev ji and sang all the Pauris with their hands folded.  Guru Arjan Dev ji was very happy to hear the Vaar.  Guru ji decided to include the Vaar into Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.  The illness was gone and their skin was good as new.  Everyone was surprised to see their illness disappear as they sang the praises.  Whoever reads or listens to this Ramkali ki Vaar with faith and devotion; their illness will go away from their bodies.  If one reads this Vaar everyday, their faith and devotion towards Guru ji will grow.  They will receive what they ask for, who think of Guru ji’s form after reciting this Bani.  There is nothing that can’t be achieved by reciting the Bani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. 

A Divaan was in session.  Guru Arjan Dev praised Bhai Luddha ji: “great is Bhai Luddha who did not care about his reputation and did what he did for others’ benefit.  Nobody else could have done what he did for the Rababis.  He travelled through 2 cities on a donkey and than came back.  Satta and Balwand’s pain is gone now.  The Simran of Satnam is the greatest as well as altruistic tasks.  Without these two things, the life of a human is useless and damned.  That human is an animal without a tail and horns who does not do Simran or helps others.  In their end time, Jumms will take them.  They will have to leave empty-handed.  Good deeds, donations, Tapp, yagnas are nothing in front of altruistic tasks.  There are many karmas in Kaliyuga but nothing is worse than being ungrateful.  That is the biggest sin.  Doing karma with Ahimsa, one should identify sin.  One should always think about helping others with their mind, body and wealth.”  Everyone heard Guru ji’s words with faith and devotion.  They did Simran of Satnam.  They knew to help others now.  Bhai Luddha ji stayed for a few more days and then asked for permission to leave: “oh treasure of compassion, you are generous.  I am the servant of your servants.  I am without virtues.  I am full of vices.  People call me your Sikh, so please, for that sake, protect me.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji was happy.  Guru ji gave permission to Bhai Luddha to leave.  Bhai Luddha Parupkaari did Parkarma of Guru ji and went to Sri Harmandhir Sahib.  He bowed inside and then headed to Lahore.  He sang the praises of Guru ji on the way home.  He sang the praises of the Guru in whichever village he went through.  Bhai Luddha was praised in every home as well.

Guru Arjan Dev ji continued to write Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Bhai Gurdas ji was the scribe and wrote with love.  As Guru ji dictated, they had reached Raag Basant.  Guru ji was about to dictate the Vaar.  As he spoke 3 Pauris of the Basant Ki Vaar, the Langri came and said to Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, the Langar is ready.  Please tell me what is your desire.”  Guru ji, in respect of Langar, stopped at the third Pauri and did not go forward.  He ate Langar with respect.  This became known in the Sangat that Guru ji respected food and Langar a lot.  Guru ji did not focus on the Vaar again and looked towards something else. 

Kavi Santokh Singh ji makes a clarification: some people say that the Satta Balwand incident happened during Guru Amardas ji’s time and that Guru Amardas ji threw them out of his court.  This is not true.  The Vaar that they composed has the praises of five Gurus.  This has been proven that the Vaar was written during Guru Arjan Dev ji’s time.  There is no doubt for this.  Do the Simran of the Satguru and listen to do Katha.  Don’t let your mind wander when listening. 

Guru Arjan Dev ji wrote new Gurbani everyday.  He praised Parmeshwar and the Saints: “do Simran of Satnam and don’t waste your birth.  Be successful by connecting with the Prabhoo.  You will be happy.”  Guru ji put wisdom in the Bani.  Guru ji wrote a lot of Shabads speaking to his mind.  This would give Sikhs a lot of wisdom to help them.  Thousands would recite this Bani and achieve the wisdom of the Guru.  The ones that listened to the Bani and recited it, they have crossed the world ocean.

Guru Arjan Dev ji was the most altruistic.  There has been no one like him.  He made two ships: Guru Granth Sahib ji and Harmandhir Sahib.  He helped many people achieve Brahmgyaan.  The Harmandhir inside the Amritsar is very beautiful.  Guru Granth Sahib ji was placed on the throne inside the Harmandhir.  The Sikhs were told to connect to Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Many people received joy like this.  Many people were successful.  The ones who bathe in Amritsar with faith and devotion, their sins are washed away.  The ones that sing the praises of Hari in Harmandhir Sahib (or listen to them) they leave sins and achieve Brahmgyaan.  They are well received in the other world as well.  There is no other more altruistic than the Guru.  Guru Arjan Dev ji thinks of the benefit of everyone.  I bow to Guru Arjan Dev ji’s feet, over and over again.  He will help you during the time of death.