3-61 Bhai Dhutta, Bhai Jodha and other Sikhs

Bhai Dhutta ji and Bhai Jodha ji came to Guru Arjan Dev ji’s home.  They bowed and sat near Guru ji.  They said to Guru ji: “Sri Guru ji, it is your command to focus one’s mind and then do the Simran of Akaal Purakh.  We have tried but we have not been able to focus our mind.”  Satguru ji heard them and said: “if you didn’t know about your mind’s nature when you didn’t read Gurbani, now you surely do.  Keep doing what you are doing.  You didn’t know how your mind reacted before doing Bhagti.  Now you know that it doesn’t like to stay focused.  Now that your mind is coming out, connect it to the Simran.  Make a constant effort to focus your mind on the Simran.  In some time, it will become focused and still.  Your pain will be gone and you will achieve Mukti.”  The Sikhs heard this and followed Guru ji’s wisdom.  They eventually achieved Mukti. 

One day, Bhai Manjh ji and Bhai Pirana ji came and bowed to Satguru ji.  They said to Guru ji: “please give us wisdom by which we will receive Mukti.  Guru ji said to them: “both of you are the servants of Sakhi Sarvar.  Sikhi is very difficult.  It is very hard to earn it.”  The two said to Guru ji: “since we have met you, our minds have changed.  We figured out that we were born as Hindus but we served a Turk Peer.  We have destroyed our afterlife.”  Guru ji said to them: “firstly, go and destroy the shrines of Sakhi Sarvar in your homes.  Come back to me after that and I will make you my Sikhs.  I will give you wisdom then.”  The two did exactly as they were told and came back to Guru ji.  Guru ji gave them Seva to do: “Manjh, go and collect firewood from the jungle.  Pirana, you should start the fire for the Langar.  Do this Seva.  When your minds become pure, then come to me for wisdom.  Go and listen to Katha and Keertan everyday.  Wash the used dishes of the Gursikhs in the Langar.  The better you clean them, the purer your mind will get.”  The two started to do Seva with great joy.  They did this for a long time.  Bhai Pirana achieved Brahmgyaan in a short while.  He stayed with Guru ji for the rest of his life.  He served Guru Hargobind Sahib ji in his battles as well.  The Katha of Bhai Manjh ji has already been said before.  He was the ship for the Sikhs. 

Bhai Hamza ji and Bhai Jujja ji were two brothers; Bhai Balla Marwaha ji with Bhai Ohri ji, Bhai Nano ji and Bhai Soori Chaudhary ji; all came to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They bowed to Guru ji and said: “oh Great Guru who saves the poor and weak, we have heard that in the Puranas, it is said that: Kanshi is a great place where, a person receives Mukti if they die there.  That person gets to live with Shivji.  They do not have to take a birth again.  You have praised Amritsar in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Please tell us the significance of Sri Amritsar.  Is it the same as Kanshi?  Please tell us.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “this is the Teerath of Amritsar.  It is the greatest.  For 36 km around the Sarovar, all of the Teeraths of the 3 worlds are here.  They live here.  The Teeraths are afraid of Kaliyuga and so they have come here.  Everyone who comes here, they receive the rewards of visiting all the Teeraths.  The Harimandhir is in the centre, where the Satnam is heard at all times.  The Bani of the Guru is constantly recited here.  The glory of the Name is in the Bani.  There is no difference between the Name and the Named.  Parmeshwar is where the Name is.  Just as Haridwar is the purest place in Ganga, that is how Har Ki Pauri is in Amritsar.  In the formless form, the Name gives Brahmgyaan.  Guru Nanak Dev ji was the direct form of Akaal Purakh, who is instilled as Guru Granth Sahib ji inside Harmandhir Sahib.  This place has the Nirgun and Sargun form of Akaal Purakh.  What sin can stay here?  Lakshmi lives here and grows.  Vishnu, Brahma and Shivji live here too because Hari Akaal Purakh lives here.  There is not a single Devata that does not live here.  All of the rewards are received near Hari.  There is no comparison to the Harimandhir as Satnam is heard here all the time.  It gives peace to the mind.  Whoever does Sangat here with love, they will receive Mukti.  Brahmgyaan will take their problems away as well as the 3 types of illnesses.  Their mind will become pure.  Brahmgyaan will come when they are desireless.  The ones who have desires, their desires will be fulfilled.  The Parkarma of Amritsar is a Teerath at every step.  Taking one step in the Parkarma gives the reward of 100 Yagnas.  The Teeraths live invisibly on the Parkarma of Amritsar.  They wish for the purity.”

Bhai Kala Ji. Bhai Mehra ji and Bhai Nihaloo ji were from the mountainous regions.  They came to Guru ji and bowed.  They heard the glory of Sri Amritsar Sahib.  They said to Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, please remove our doubts.  The people with Tamogun minds that live in Amritsar, they also commit sins.  What will happen to them?”  Guru ji said to them: “they don’t understand the glory of Amritsar.  They don’t have respect for this place.  They are foolish and commit sins.  They don’t listen to the Satnam, which is the beautiful Name of Parmeshwar.  They will take births in crocked life forms.  They will come here to live then.  They will be dogs, crows and wasps.  They will be mice and snakes.  Because the Keertan will still be heard by them, they will become human after that.  They will not have any illnesses.  They will do Bhagti and then be free of births.”  The Sikhs heard this and bowed their heads and said: “your are great Guru ji for making this great Teerath!” 

Bhai Kalo ji was a warrior of the Kakka caste.  He came and bowed to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He said to Guru ji: “if a warrior dies in battle, what status do they achieve?  Where do they go and from where do they receive joy?”  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “whoever follows the Dharma of the Warrior, they are fearless in battle; they want to win the enemy or die in battle; if they think of Satnam when they die, they will receive the highest status.  They will not be born again.  Their sins will all be washed away.  Without Simran, if a warrior kills people in battle; dies without fear; have weapons in their hands; they receive the same status as Jogis.  They will reach the place where Shivji lives.  The fairies of heaven will come to serve them.  There are many types of pleasures in Heaven.  There are houses made of gold and silver in Heaven.  They get to hear different Raags and watch the Apsaras dance.  The ferries of Heaven marry them.  Many other pleasures are achieved by them.  They live like Devatas and live in heaven forever.  The Dharma of a warrior is high.  They should never show their back to the enemy in battle.  The warrior has the kingdoms of Earth and Heaven hanging from both their biceps.  If the warrior wins, they are given the kingdom of Earth.  If they die, they get the kingdom of Heaven.  The golden castles are where they live in Heaven.  The beds are nice there.  Many types of pleasure are given to them.  This is what happens to warriors.  If you face the enemy in battle, head on, you will receive the highest status.” 

3-62 Bhai Setha, Bhai Ughvandha and other Sikhs

Bhai Setha ji, Bhai Ughvandha ji and Bhai Sabhaga ji were from the village of Choohneeay.  They were from the Arora Caste.  They did Seva of Sikhs with great devotion.  They woke up early and did Simran of Guru.  They fed the hungry and gave clothes to the needy.  They came to Guru Arjan Dev ji and bowed their heads.  They folded their hands and said: “the Langar that we prepare for Sikhs in our homes, does it reach our ancestors or not?”  Guru ji said to them: “the morsels of food that reach your ancestors, Guru Nanak Dev ji has recited a Salok:

Sri Mukhvaak.. Salok Mahalla 1..

Nanak says, you get ahead what you earn and give to the needy here..1..

(SGGS 472)”

The Sikhs were in doubt.  They said: “the food that we give here, are they in heaven, hell or some other life form?  How does the food get to them?  This is our question.”  Satguru ji responded to them: “when the days of the ancestors come, people prepare food and give to the Brahmins.  This is what they believe: that the ancestors come into the Brahmins, no matter what caste your ancestors were.  In this way it is believed the ancestors get the food through the Brahmins.  The ancestors of the Sikhs live in the Sikhs.  As a string is attached to the kite, which sways here and there with the kite, the ancestors are connected to the children by attachment.  They are tied with the people.  The Sikhs break their attachments.  The Devatas of the ancestors provide the food no matter where the ancestors are if you feed the Gursikhs.”  The three heard this and had faith.  They decided to only serve the Sikhs and not the Brahmins. 

Bhai Paira Chandaliya ji and Bhai Jetha Sethi ji came to Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They sought his sanctuary and said: “we have faith in your Bani, that one should earn a living of Dharma.  We share our earnings with the Sikhs and then eat.  The Brahmins argue with us by saying: “you do five types of hinsa (violence) ukhli- grinding grains; peesan- rubbing; badni- brooming; chulla- fire in the stove to the wood; paani- washing with water.  These are the 5 hinsas that we all do.  We give ahooti to the fire to wash these sins away.  We make the food pure in this way.  You don’t give the ahooti.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji heard this and said: “the food that you give to the Sikhs, the Sikhs say “Vahiguru” and then eat.  This makes the food pure.  Agni Devata (fire) is already inside our bodies.  Narayan, the true consciousness, lives in all life.  Surya Devata (sun) lives in our eyes.  Ashwani Kumar lives in our noses.  Dishpals live in our ears (the Devatas of space).  On our tongues, lives Varun Devata (water).  Our hairs have Brihaspati Dev living in it.  In our hands, Inder Dev resides.  Jumm Devata resides over the motor function to excrete solid waste (Ghudda).  Prajapati Devata resides over the motor function for urine excretion and reproduction (Linga).  In the feet, Vishnu Dev lives.  Vayu Devata (wind) lives in the skin.  In this way, the Devatas live in our body.  In fact, all 33 Crore (1 Crore is 10 million) Devatas live in the body.  When one says Vahiguru before eating, all of the Devatas are satiated.  The food given to Sikhs, with the love of the Guru, there is a great reward for that.  The ones who distribute Prashaad after doing Ardaas, their sins and troubles are washed away.  Prabhoo is the root of all the Devatas.  If Prabhoo is happy, then all of the Devatas are satiated.  Just as watering the root of a tree makes the leaves green, making Prabhoo happy will make the Devatas happy.”  The Sikhs heard this and their doubts were gone.  They bowed to Guru ji.

Bhai Gurditta ji, Bhai Latkan Ghoora ji, and Bhai Katara ji were goldsmiths.  The three along with Bhai Bhagwana ji bowed to Guru Arjan Dev ji and said: “Gurbani says we should do Simran.  Which Name should we do Simran of that will give us the home of joy?”  Guru ji said: “all of Parmeshwar’s Names take you across this world.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji gave the Name of “Vahiguru” for the salvation of the Sikhs.  Just as there are 4 forms of Prabhoo by which the 4 Varans find beautiful, the 4 letters of Vahiguru are amazing.  The army has 4 parts: horses, elephants, chariots and on foot; this Vahiguru Mantra is a full army.  All of the vices are destroyed by this Mantra.  All of the sins are washed away.  It has the cream of all the Vedas.  The cream of cream is the Vahiguru Mantra.  This is a ship that saves people from all 4 directions.  This is to save the people of Kaliyuga.  Whoever does recitation of this Mantra everyday and understands its glory, no other religious action is required of them.  Within the heart that the Mantra “Vahiguru” resides in, they receive the 4 gifts of Dharam, Arth, Kaam and Moksha.  The gifts are literally placed on their palm.  Up to what extent shall I describe its importance?  The one who recites this Mantra, they become Aatam Gyanis.”  The Sikhs heard this and starting doing the Simran at once.  They became fortunate and achieved Hari Guru.

Bhai Murari Dhone ji from Rohtaas, came to Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji’s feet.  He bowed and sat next to him.  He folded his hands and said: “the Bani that you have recited and written, I read, listen and ponder on it.  My mind is not washed of filth.  Why is it like this?  I don’t understand.”  Guru ji then spoke: “listen, the white, pure cloth can easily be dyed.  The dirty cloth cannot take on a new dye.  It must be washed first.  Once the dirt is gone, it can be easily dyed.”  The Sikh heard this and then said: “the mind is so particular; how can we wash it?  Please tell us.”  Guru ji then said: “Guru Nanak Dev ji has uttered Sri Japji Sahib:

If the hands and feet get dirty.. They are cleaned by washing them with water..  If urine and other impure things dirty the clothes, it is not enough to wash with water.. Soap is needed to clean that..  If the mind is dirtied with sins.. It is washed with the colour of the Name..

(SGGS 4)

The body and clothes are solid which can be cleaned with soap and water.  The intellect and sins are intangible, which dirty the mind a lot.  Satnam is also intangible.  It cleans the mind.  The colour of the love of Prabhoo, dyes the mind.  With faith and patience, recite and listen to Gurbani.  Do the Simran of the Name.  The filth of the sins will be washed away.  The Guru’s intellect will come into the mind, slowly.  Sins from many births will be washed away with Simran.”  The Sikhs heard this and had faith.  They started to do Simran.

Bhai Aadit Suini ji, a Sikh, came to the Satguru and bowed.  He folded his hands and said: “my attention is focused into my weapons.  Please tell me how I can be saved.”  Guru ji said to him: “do the battle of Dharma Yudh.  Remember Prabhoo in your mind on the battlefield.  Think of the form of the weapon-wielding Vishnu, carrying the bow.  Think of how he killed the demons with his mace.  Keep that form in your heart when the poor are being oppressed.  Fight for their rights.  This is the Dharma Yudh.  If you are loyal to someone (ate their salt) don’t show your back to the enemy on the battlefield while fighting for them.  Give your life for your master.  You will be praised in both worlds if you die.  Do the Simran of Parmeshwar.  If you win, you are praised.”  The Sikh heard this and started to do Seva. 

Bhai Lala Sethi ji, Bhai Choohar ji, Bhai Sai ji and Bhai Nihaloo all got the Guru’s wisdom.  They focused their attention and sang the Shabads of the Guru.  They would also translate Gurbani and say it to the Sikhs.  By thinking of the translations, their minds became pure.  They had Prabhoo residing in their hearts.  Whoever heard their words, they were influenced by them.  They were in bliss as well.  The corrupt-minded person would become pure by listening to them.  They would start doing good deeds after.  Sri Guru ji said: “whoever does good deeds and has good intentions, when they give wisdom, they live by their words; their words influence those who listen to them.  Their words are stored in the listeners’ hearts.  They save many people.”  Guru ji recited Gurbani for this:

Firstly, the root of the tree grows in the earth, then the tree gives shade..

(SGGS 1288)

“Whoever lives by what they say, their shade is casted onto others.  If one does not do what they say, they can’t influence others.  They do not give shade to others.  The listeners are not affected.”  In this way Satguru ji praised those Sikhs who had the love of the Guru’s feet in their hearts.  Many Sikhs listened to those Sikhs and praised them with Jaikaras in every direction.

3-63 Bhai Rama Jhanjhi and other Sikhs

Bhai Rama Jhanjhi ji and Bhai Hemoo Soini ji along with Bhai Jatoo Bhandari ji were from Shahdara.  They came to Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji’s sanctuary and bowed their heads.  They asked Guru ji: “we have heard that Keertan and Katha have wisdom.  We listen to Keertan and Katha.  The wisdom does not stay in our hearts.  How can we be saved?”  Guru ji responded to them: “first of all, listen with love (Sunana).  Then, accept what you heard (Manana).  Thirdly, bring the wisdom into the practical (Nidhyasan).  When all these three things are present, then the wisdom will stay in your heart.  When you ponder on the wisdom, it will never be forgotten.  There are two types of listening: one is sitting in Satsangat and listening.  Your mind wanders around but you don’t know what was said.  Only a little reward is received for this.  It is like the invisible fire that does not do anything.  The sins don’t get washed away like this.  The second type of listening is when one listens with his/her full attention.  That is like the fire from the burning oven.  It completes many tasks.  If water is poured on it, though, the fire goes out right away.  When one gets engrossed in the household matters, the effect of the Keertan and Katha is gone right away.  One forgets the Satnam.  If one listens and then accepts what is heard, it is like the fire of lightening.  That fire lives in the water too and does not lose its intensity.  One when accepts the wisdom, they do not forget the words of the Guru while doing their worldly work.  If one brings it into the practical, that is called “Nidhyasan.”  That person brings the wisdom into the practical.  Their mind and body both become pure.  This is the fire of the molten lava.  It lives in the ocean and does not go out.  It is not put out by water.  Worldly things do not stop this wisdom.  This fire kills all the sins.  The mind is still and Gyaan is received from the Guru.  The Brahm is known to them and they see Brahm everywhere.  So first listen and then accept the wisdom.  Then bring it into the Nidhyasan.  Brahm will illuminate in your heart and you will not be born again.  You will live as Brahmgyaani.  This is the fire of apocalyptic measures.  It will destroy everything.  Only the fire remains.  All your vices will be destroyed, only the Brahm will remain.”

The Thayaji of Guru Arjan Dev ji, Baba Sanghari Mal ji, whose house Guru Arjan Dev ji went to, sent by Guru Ramdas ji, came to visit Guru Arjan Dev ji.  It was his son whose wedding was attended by the young Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Baba Sanghari Mal ji was very old and wanted to receive Mukti from Guru ji, his nephew.  He came and started to live in Amritsar.  He wanted to serve Guru ji.  Seeing him as an elder, Guru ji did not let him serve him.  He then served Gursikhs by washing their feet, fanning them and washing their used dishes in the Langar.  He had Bhagti in his heart like Sri Akroor ji, who was Krishan ji’s Chachaji.  He saw Guru ji as Parmeshwar.  He knew about his previous birth as well.  Guru ji called his Thayaji to him and said: “you are my elder, my Thaya ji.  I should be doing your Seva.”  Thayaji folded his hands and said: “you came as Much, Kucha and Bhaavan.  Narsingh, Rama Avatar, and Krishan are all you.  Arjan once asked Krishan ji: “can our name ever by one?  Prabhoo, can my name ever by the same as yours?  We are the same.  We have no difference between us.  Our minds are One.  I want our bodies to be one too.  I don’t want our names to be two.  I want my name to be yours.  I want people to call you Arjan.”  Krishan ji said: “you are not separate from me.  Your wish will be fulfilled because you are engrossed in my Bhagti.  In Kaliyuga when I come, my name will be Arjan.”  You are Parmeshwar yourself.  The Avatars of the past have said this about you as well.  This is how I see you.  Please don’t put me in your Maya.  Save me from the Maya.  Don’t call me your Thaya.  I wish to continue to see you as Parmeshwar.  Please give me Gursikhi.  There is no relation equal to the relation of Sikh and Guru.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji was happy to see his Thaya ji’s humility.  He gave him a boon: “you will be given Gursikhi.  Brahmgyaan will be given to you and all your pain will be gone.”  Baba Sanghari Mal ji achieved Brahmgyaan, right away.  His face and body become full of bliss.  His mind was calm and the light of Akaal Purakh illuminated in his heart.

Bhai Saiditta Jhanjhi ji and Bhai Saido Jaat ji were from Lahore.  Along with other Sikhs from Lahore, they had come to serve Guru Amardas ji in Goindwal.  Those Sikhs served Guru Amardas ji.  The came to Guru Arjan Dev ji and told him about their time in Goindwal.  Guru Amar Das ji had said to them: “I am happy with you.  Ask for a boon.  I will grant it to you.”  They all folded their hands and said: “the first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev ji came to Lahore.  He saw butchers killing the cows.  Guru ji saw them and cursed the city”

Mahalla 1..

The city of Lahore, will be filled with poison and chaos in its 1.25 watch of the day..27..

(SGGS 1412)

Since then, people feel the pain of the day at 1.25 watch of the day.  They start fighting with each other.  They argue and kill each other.  It is a great pain in our city.  It is like poison.  Please erase this curse.”  Sri Guru Amardas ji heard this and said: “you have asked for something really big.  It is difficult.  Since I promised you, I will have to fulfill this. 

Mahalla 3..

Lahore city, Amritsar will be there which will be the home of the glory of Parmeshwar..28..

By this, the curse was removed.  Bhai Saido and Bhai Saiditta came to Guru Arjan Dev ji and told him the whole Katha.  “We have come to your sanctuary.  Please give us wisdom and Mukti.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “ponder on the wisdom of Gurbani everyday.  Understand the Gyaan of Vahiguru.  See Sargun and Nirgun as one.  Whoever hears Vahiguru from your mouth, they will be freed as well.  You will receive Brahmgyaan.”  The two bowed to Guru ji’s feet and achieved the highest status. 

Bhai Nanoo ji and Bhai Kalloo ji, of the Kohli and Hari clans came to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They bowed to Guru ji and said with their hands folded: “some hear your Shabads and do good deeds in life.  Some read the Granths but do bad deeds.  Some indulge in pleasures with other women and some loot money from others.  What happens to them?”  Guru ji said to them: “the ones who read Granths for good purposes, and make an honest living, they think of the translations and let go of their bad wisdom; they fall in love with the Simran of Satnam.  They are not born again and go to the Satguru in Sach Khand.  The ones that read Granths for the purpose of looting others or to gather money; they try to be praised; they are like the mani in the snake’s head that shines and attracts bugs.  The corrupt snake eats the bugs.  That is how those people are.  They only do Katha for money.  They do bad deeds.  They do not do Simran of Satnam.  They got to Hell.  The Satguru does not help them.  They are in pain.”  The Sikhs heard this and continued doing good deeds. 

3-64 Bhai Kalyaan, Bhai Bhanoo and other Sikhs

Bhai Kalyaan of the Sood caste came to Satguru ji.  He was a warrior.  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet and said: “listen Guru ji, I am a warrior.  I fight bravely on the battlefield.  I fearlessly fight when two armies fight with weapons.  I go into enemy lines to kill them.  I only come back after killing many.”  Guru ji heard him and said: “it is easy to kill the enemy, going into the enemy lines.  It is difficult to face ignorance.  The enemy is desire, anger, greed and ego.  One must face them with the Shabad of the Guru to defeat them.  That is a true warrior.  The undying peace only comes once these enemies are killed.  There are few such strong soldiers who fight this kind of battle.  This is the war of the mind.”  Guru ji recited a Salok for this:

Sri Mukhvaak.. Salok Sahaskriti Mahalla 5..

The Sadh Sangat is the army, it is undefeated, one becomes a warrior, humility is the armour..

The weapons and support are the glories of Gobind, singing of; the leather shield is the Shabad of the Guru..

The chariot and horse or elephants is the path to Prabhoo, which is known to Guru..

To go into the enemy lines with fearlessness; that is to do Keertan of Gopal..

Having victory over the vices, Nanak says, they win the whole world who can win them..29..

(SGGS 1346)

“One who wins his/her mind is the true warrior.  They are honored in the court of Akaal Purakh.  Many people sing that person’s praises.  That person achieves the undying peace and joy.”  Bhai Kalyaan ji folded his and said: “whoever you bless can know this.  That person becomes a warrior and control his/her mind; who grabs your feet.”    Guru ji said: “do the Simran of Satnam.  You will become such a warrior as well.”  He heard Guru ji and started to do Seva.  He attended the Sangat and listened to Katha and Keertan.  Love came to his heart.

Bhai Bhanoo Bhagat ji was a great Gursikh.  He always pondered about Gurbani.  He would live by the wisdom in Gurbani and then he would preach it to others.  Whoever heard his words, that Sikh would have Prema Bhagti in their heart.  Bhai Bhanoo ji stayed with Guru ji.  Somebody said to Guru ji: “there are unwise people in Muhijung village who say bad things about the Guru and caste doubts into the hearts of the Sikhs in the area.”  Guru ji said: “Bhai Bhanoo ji, go to Muhijung and teach them Gurmat.  Save them from going to Hell.”  Bhai Bhanoo ji obeyed and went to that village.  He preached Sikhi there and did Katha of Gurbani.  There were two people there named Bhai Krishana Sethi ji and Bhai Sangeena ji.  They became Sikhs along with their families and did Seva of Bhai Bhanoo ji.  Katha would happen in the morning and evening.  Everyone would do Keertan and have faith in the Satguru.  Satsangat started to happen by Bhai Bhanoo coming to that village.  If someone would come there, they would be fed Langar and then everyone would eat.  The people of that village shared their earnings and did Simran of Satnam.

Bhai Luddha ji Parupkaari lived in Lahore.  He was the one who brought back Satta and Balwand.  He had Prema Bhagti in his heart.  Bhai Bhuddu ji, who was cursed by Bhai Lakhoo regarding his brick kiln, Guru ji told Bhai Bhuddu ji to go to Bhai Luddha to take him to make Bhai Lakhoo ji.  He wanted Bhai Lakhoo ji to be happy and to have him to take back his curse.  Bhai Luddha ji went to Bhai Lakhoo ji and told him that Bhai Bhuddu is in a lot of debt.  His kiln needs to be functioning correctly so he can sell his bricks.  The raw and soft bricks need to be baked.  Bhai Lakhoo ji knew about Bhai Luddha.  He realised that Bhai Bhuddu ji was under a lot of debt.  He said: “I can’t take back my curse but the soft bricks will sell at the price of fully backed ones.  All of his debt will be gone.  He will have money.”  He said the same thing as Guru ji did.  Bhai Luddha ji did many great things in Lahore.  Bhai Lakhoo ji was also connected to Guru ji.

Bhai Teerath and Bhai Moola Beri ji along with Bhai Mukanda ji and Bhai Nihaloo ji the goldsmith; all came to Guru Arjan Dev ji’s court.  They bowed and sat down.  They folded their hands and said: “there are many types of Sikhs who sing Shabads and do Katha.  Some of them do Keertan which calms the listeners down.  Others have no effect.”  Guru ji said: “diamond and crystals look the same.  The diamond shows different colours in its illumination.  The crystal does not reflect light.  That is how you can tell who a true Gurmukh is.  Their light shines on others while they do Keertan and Katha.  They are able to inspires others like a diamond.  They can do this because they have truth inside of them.  The corrupt and hollow people can’t influence anyone.  When they go to bad company, they like going there.  They can’t affect good people.  The ones who have the Guru’s Shabad in their heart, they come to Sangat and receive all the joys and peace there.  Whatever they say makes the listeners calm.  The heat of the desires is renounced by people and they begin to fall in love with Simran.  If you see someone higher than you, you should want to be in their company.  If these kind of Gurmukhs need to go to a place of bad moral, or be in the presence of immoral people, their mind does not waiver.  They stay still and disciplined.  They are like a tree, standing in the same spot.  Just as sandalwood remains cool, snakes wrap themselves around it to cool the burning of their venom; the sandalwood is not affected by the venom.  The sandalwood cools the venom.  That is how the Gurmukh is when they go to immoral places.  The Gurmukh gives wisdom to the immoral people on how to calm their vices down.”  The Sikhs heard this and bowed their heads.  Guru ji’s words were powerful.  Guru ji blessed many Sikhs on a daily basis.  Guru ji’s praises spread far and wide.  People came from every direction to meet Satguru ji.

One day, Guru ji sat in his court.  Many great Sikhs were sitting with Guru ji.  A discussion started: “where are the most Sikhs?  Which country has the most Sangat?”  Many people started to talk of their experiences while travelling.  Some Sikhs said: “we went to the mountainous area of Kashmir.  The Pandits of that area were doubtful and didn’t let us recite Gurbani there.  They said: “Sanskrit is the language of the Devatas.  The Gurbani is the language of humans.  Why do you recite this Bani?  What rewards does this have?  You have renounced the Nit and Namit Karma.”  They say such words and stop Sikhs from following Sikhi.  They put a lot of Sikhs in doubt.”  Guru ji heard this and called Bhai Madho Sodhi ji to him.  He said to him: “you are great in Gurmat.  I will fill my power in your words.  Whatever you say will be irreversible.  Whatever you say will come out to be true.  Go to the mountains of Kashmir and preach Sikhi there.  Give them Gurmat and make them do Simran of Satnam.  They will be in peace.”  Bhai Madho ji said: “the Brahmins of Kashmir do not know Bhagti.  They are stuck in Karma Kanda.  They do not let Upasana come to their minds.”  Guru ji said: “when you go there, they will know what Bhagti is.  Their hearts will be filled with Upasana when they meet you.  They will do Bhagti of Parmeshwar.  Just as Sanskrit is beloved to the Pandits, that is how the Sikhs love Gurbani.  It makes them happy.”  Bhai Madho ji got ready and headed towards Kashmir.

Bhai Madho ji took Pothis of Gurbani as he was great at translating Gurbani.  When he reached Kashmir, he set up camp and began preaching Sikhi.  The Pandits of the area came to meet him and said: “we don’t like the Katha of the vernacular Bani.  How can you renounce the Bani of the Devatas?  This Bani cannot enter our hearts.”  Bhai Madho ji said: “the person who is hungry, if he waits for a golden dish and tries to get it, if he doesn’t eat he will die waiting for the golden dish.  If another hungry person finds any type of clean dish and eats the food, he is satiated and lives on.  It takes great effort to learn the language of the Devatas.  It takes a long time to learn it.  When someone does learn it, it makes them egotistical.  The Gyaan received through the vernacular Bani gives Bhagti and Gyaan.  One achieves Mukti.  Gurmat makes one blissful.  They become Brahmgyaanis.  Ghee can be placed in any dish.  It is always pure.  Brahmgyaan is the food which is always pure.  It doesn’t matter what caste or creed one belongs to, the Brahmgyaan is pure wisdom.  Think about the language of the Devatas; do you not translate it into the vernacular?  You have to translate it to understand it.  It is not complete.  The Gurbani is complete.  It does not need to be translated.  Whoever does Simran of Satnam, they receive all types of rewards.  Don’t waste your life over such false pride of your caste.  Do the Bhagti of Prabhoo who resides in all.”  The Pandits said: “we only translate for the fools.  We don’t need to translate for the wise.”  Bhai Madho ji responded: “you say the Vedas are the breath of Parmeshwar; Guru Nanak Dev ji was the Avatar of Parmeshwar.  He knew that the people of Kaliyuga will not have the intellect to learn Sanskrit.  That is why he recited Gurbani in vernacular to save them.  The Guru’s Shabad makes one humble.  Sanskrit makes one egotistical.  Whoever accepts Gurbani, they receive all the powers and become Brahmgyaanis.  They travel to different places and can not hide.”  In this way Bhai Madho ji’s words affected the Pandits minds.  Katha and Keertan took place at both times.  Many people listened with love.  A Dharamsala was constructed and a lot of Sangat gathered.  Sikhs did Seva and they had love for the Guru.  The Dasvand would be collected and Bhai Madho ji would come back to meet Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Sikhi in Kashmir spread in this way.  They did Simran of Satnam all the time. 

3-65 Bhai Roop Chand, Bhai Bheeva and other Sikhs

Bhai Roop Chand ji and Bhai Bheeva ji were from Sirhind.  They made an honest living, met with Gursikhs and shared their earnings before consuming.  On special days, they would prepare Langar and call Sikhs to their home.  Once a Mughal came to their home and gave them some golden coins to store.  The Mughal then went to Delhi after depositing the coins.  Bhai Roop Chand ji and Bhai Bheeva ji forget to write the entry of the coins being deposited.  They also forgot about the coins in their place of business.  After 5 months, the Mughal came back and said: “I deposited golden coins here.  I would like my coins back.”  The two checked their books but they couldn’t find the Mughal’s entry.  They said to him: “we don’t see an entry of your coins, nor is there a signature.”  They all got into an argument and took the matter to the Navaab.  There was a boiling pot of oil there.  They were all asked to put their hands into it.  They relied on these types of decisions.  The liar would have their hands burned.  Bhai Roop Chand ji and Bhai Bheeva ji did an Ardaas for 5 coins of Prashaad if they are freed.  The Mughal did an Ardaas to his Peers to make an offering if he wins the case.  Both had to put their hands into the pot of boiling oil.  The Sikhs were saved and the Mughal’s hand was burnt.  The Navaab kicked the Mughal out of his court.  Bhai Bheeva ji and Bhai Roop Chand ji went back to their home.  Bhai Roop Chand ji said to his brother: “brother, why did the Mughal came to our home to ask for money?  If he was lying, why would he have put his hand into the oil?”  The brothers began to search their shop.  They eventually found the coins in a pot.  They regretted their mistake and were upset that the Mughal endured so much pain.  They went to the home of the Mughal, who was worried why his hand burned and that he lost his money.  The two brothers came to the Mughal and said: “we forgot about the coins you gave.  We have found them now.  We had made a mistake and didn’t write the entry.  Please accept this and forgive us for our mistake.  Please make your pain go away.  Take it and be happy.”  The Mughal was surprised and said: “tell me one thing, who did you pray to?”  Bhai Bheeva ji said: “I did an Ardaas for 5 coins of Prashaad to our Satguru.  He is the True Guru.”  The Mughal figured out that their Guru was complete.  He said to them: “take me to your Guru’s place.”  Both of the brothers took the Mughal to Guru ji, right away. 

The Mughal bowed to Guru ji and sat down.  He said to Guru ji: “something interesting happened in Sirhind.  The liar become the truthful one and the truth became the lie.”  Satguru ji heard this and said: “these two did not know that the money was with them.  The Sikhs are under my protection.  I saved them, seeing them as my own.  Your Peers did not protect you.  You prayed to too many of them at the same time.”  The Mughal asked for Guru ji’s sanctuary and said: “you are great Guru ji.”  He praised Satguru ji and accepted Gurmat. 

Bhai Partapoo ji came to Satguru ji and bowed his head.  He folded his hands and said: “I am a weapon-wielding warrior.  How can I be blessed?  Please give me your wisdom.”  Sri Guru ji said: “remember one thing: when Kaal, death, comes, nobody can save you.  Till death does not come, the same Kaal protects you as well.  Stick to your Dharma of warriors.  Don’t think about death.  Do not lose your courage and strength on the battlefield.  Saint, visitor/guest, Brahmin, cow, and poor; if one gives them pain, it is right to wage war on the oppressor.  Don’t analyse to see if the enemy is strong or weak.  Just fight.  Give donations in life.  Give as much as you can.  Give food and clothes to the needy.  When you give donations, your weapons will have power.  You will be prosperous and your praises will be like Amrit.  Being talked bad about is like poison.  That will be destroyed.”  Bhai Partapoo ji was happy to hear this and bowed to Guru ji’s feet. 

Bhai Nanda Vitter ji and Bhai Swami Das ji were from Thanesar.  Both of the Sikhs made an honest living.  They had set prices for their merchandise.  People called them “Ik Sukhni,” which meant that they only spoke once.  They didn’t bargain nor did they ever lie.   If there product was faulty or had negative feedback, they would say it as it was.  They came to Guru ji and bowed to his feet.  People discussed that these two were known as Ik Sukhni.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said to them: “the work that you do, keep doing it.  You will be saved in this way.  There is no other sin compared to lying.  There is no better deed than telling the truth.  Serve the Gursikhs as well.  Have Gurmat reside in your hearts.  In winter, give blankets and warm clothes to the needy.  Do good deeds.”  The Sikhs listened to Guru ji and did Seva of Sikhs in their home town.  Their children and family were inspired and had love in their hearts.  They all had loving personalities.  They loved Gurbani.  They recited and listened to it.  They did as the Gurbani said.  They washed the feet of the Sikhs.  They gave food and clothes to the Sikhs.  They continued these actions and were saved.  They received the higher status.

Bhai Gopi Mehta ji, Bhai Natha ji and Bhai Bhao Mokal ji got together.  Bhai Dhilli ji and Bhai Mandal ji along with the others, came to Guru ji.  They bowed, folded their hands and said: “Guru ji, you have recited a lot of Gurbani in many ways.  It gives the mind peace and increases love when it is read or heard.  The pain is destroyed with it.  The vices are calm upon hearing the Gurbani.  The Simran of Satnam gives joy to the heart.  Many others have composed Bani as well.  They have been composed with cleverness.  That Bani does not make the heart melt.  It does not make the love sprout in our mind.”  Guru ji said: “Gurbani has great powers.  Whoever wants to be blessed, they should listen to and recite Gurbani.  They receive great rewards.  The ones that read Gurbani a lot, they come under the command of Parmeshwar.  They no longer go to places of immorality.  They receive all the joys and get what they ask for.  They are never in pain in any world.”  The Sikhs heard this and were at peace.  Their love for Gurbani went deeper.

Bhai Saktoo Mehta ji and Bhai Nihaloo ji were wise Sikhs from Agra.  They came to see Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They bowed and sat down.  They said to Guru ji: “the Karam Kaandi Brahmins only talk about Karma.  They say that there is no other way to get Mukti other than Karma.  The Nit Karma of reciting Gayatri and doing Pooja during the Sandhyas (dawn, dusk, and afternoon) is important.  This makes the body pure.  The Namit Karma of doing the Sharaads are important.  Pind Patals are highly regarded by them.  The Gyaan Kaandis say something else.  They say that Karma is a myth.  They say the body is a myth too.  They say that there is no Mukti without Gyaan.  They say that this is what the Vedas say.  Who should we listen to?”  Guru ji heard this and said: “just as a bilingual person inside a ship helps the merchants do business in foreign lands; that is how the Satnam Shabad is.  It gives Mukti to both the Karam Kaandis and the Gyaan Kaandis.  The Gyanis have their Gyaan go deeper with the Satnam Mantra.  It makes their knowledge come into the practical.  They understand that they are the form of Brahm for sure.  Only the Satnam can do this.  It doesn’t let them forget this.  For the Karam Kaandis, the Satnam makes their Karma into a selfless action.  They are “Nishkaam.”  Their minds become pure.  They receive the Brahmgyaan in this way.  There is great power in the name of Parmeshwar.  For this reason, do the Simran of Vahiguru.  It is the home of joy.”  The Sikhs heard this and began to do the Simran of the Satnam.  They achieved the highest status in the end.  They received Mukti. 

Bhai Ghareeal ji and Bhai Mathura Das ji came to Guru ji.  Their job was to tow stuff to different places.  They were both Gursikhs.  Their families also served Gursikhs by making Langar.  They gave food and clothes.  They all said to their families: “if a Sikh comes to our home while we are out, do their Seva just like we do.  Give them food and clothes.”  Both of the Sikhs did a lot of Seva of Sikhs.  The Sikhs who were served by them, they would come to Guru ji and praise Bhai Ghareeal ji and Bhai Mathura Das ji: “these Sikhs are full of Seva.  They are coloured in the colour of Seva.  They serve Sikhs like they are you, yourself, Guru ji.”  Guru ji was extremely happy to hear this.  Guru ji said: “they will not be born again.  They will be in bliss along with their families.”  As soon as Guru ji said this, the Sikhs were filled with powers and became Brahmgyaanis.

Bhai Ganga Sehgal ji was a warrior.  He came to Guru ji and bowed.  Guru ji looked at him and said: “you are the employee of the Malaich (corrupt person).  This is not good for you.  If you say that you have no other way to earn money, then be employed into the army of my son, Sri Hargobind ji.  Stay with him and be employed by him.  Your family will have what they need as well.  Do the Simran of Satnam.  Your worldly responsibilities will be fulfilled along with your spiritual needs.  You will be radiant in this way.”  Bhai Ganga Sehgal ji was extremely happy to hear this.  The Guru had made him his own in this world and in the next.  There is nothing better than this.  The warrior began to stay with Guru ji.  He was part of Guru Hargobind ji’s army on the battlefield when Guru ji fought the battles.  He fought many strong Turks and never showed his back.  He achieved the highest status.  Seeing him, many other warriors came and joined Guru ji’s army.  They were happy to see Bhai Ganga ji.