8-46 Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Marwahi ji

Being wise and full of Brahm Gyaan at such a young age, Sri Har Rai ji was determined to obey his Pitamah, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He engrained his teachings into this heart.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s wisdom was more metaphoric than literal about watching your chola when you walk.  He wanted Sri Har Rai ji to be able to be aware of his greatness.  One should not hurt someone due to their greatness, even by mistake.  Guru ji saw his grandson obeying his every word.  He saw Sri Har Rai ji collect his chola and rest it on his left arm as he walked.  Sri Har Rai ji didn’t stop wearing a big chola with many pleats but made sure that he carried it when we walked.  He never walked with his chola fully opened.  The chola was big and made of a fine fabric.  Guru ji was happy with Sri Har Rai ji.  He followed other commands that Guru ji said to him as well.  Guru ji had his grandson sit with him all the time.  The love went deeper between the two.  Guru ji would sometimes feed Sri Har Rai ji himself.  He would have him sleep close to him as well.  The Sangat saw this and noticed Guru ji’s love towards his grandson.  Sri Har Rai ji’s father had died.  His mother lived with Baba Dheermal in Kartarpur.  Sri Har Rai ji stayed with his grandfather.  His grandmother, Mata Damodri ji, had passed away as well.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was his support. 

Baba Sooraj Mal ji understood that his father was going to give the Gurta Ghaddi to Sri Har Rai ji.  He spoke about this to his mother, Mata Mahadevi ji (Mata Marwahi ji): “he wants to give the Gurta Ghaddi to the grandson.  He will give him the greatness.”  Mata Nanaki ji heard this as well.  It was inevitable.  Everyone saw this and noticed it.  Mata Marwahi ji was confused.  Mata Nanaki ji began to think: “how can he leave the sons and give the throne to his grandson?  The sons are wise and obedient.  They don’t show their ego in front of their father.  They obey his every command.  The first Guru didn’t give the Ghaddi to his own sons because they didn’t obey him.  Baba Sri Chand ji, Baba Lakshmi Das ji, Baba Datu ji and Baba Dasu ji did not obey the Guru.  They did not serve their fathers.  Baba Mohan ji and Baba Mohri ji did not obey the Guru.  They said: “our father Guru ji is the greatest.  He is the giver to all.  We are the most fortunate and highest to be born to him.”  In this way, they had pride and did not do Seva.  They were given greatness amongst all.  They didn’t earn the command of the Guru.  My son, Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji is very good.  His heart is radiant because he obeys his father.  He does not ask for anything nor does he disobey his father.  He sees his father’s ways and becomes happy.  He accepts his will.  He has no vices.  He has no desires or ego.  Not even a little.  Guru ji has praised him: “he is very patient and will be a great being.”  Guru ji has said to me: “his son will be the greatest being ever.”  I wonder what the master has in his heart now.  I wonder what he has decided.  He is going to give the highest throne, the Gurta Ghaddi, to his grandson.”  In this way, Mata Nanaki ji was confused.  So was Mata Marwahi ji.  Mata Marwahi ji thought to herself: “my son takes care of all of the administrative tasks.  He obeys his father’s every command.  He lives under his command.  He deals with all of the senior Masands in all of the lands.  He handles all of the transactions.  He is smart and wise in doing all of the work.  He makes sure the Langar runs well.  He takes care of all of the expenses.  He runs it well.  The Guru of the world is not looking towards my son.  He blesses his grandson instead.”  In this way, both of the wives of Guru ji were concerned.  Both mothers wanted the Gurta Ghaddi to come to their own sons. 

After a while, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji came to the home with joy.  Mata Marwahi ji said to Guru ji: “you should do what is right.  Sooraj Mal is deserving of the greatness.  He is your eldest remaining son.  He is wise.  Sri Gurditta ji was older and deserving of being the Guru but he died all of a sudden.  Everyone was shocked by this.  Now, Sooraj Mal is the wisest and the eldest.  There is no one else deserving.  He deserves to be the Guru.  The eldest grandson has kept the Guru Granth Sahib ji with him.  He tells the Sangat: “I am the Guru.”  He tried to cheat you.  He does not obey you and therefore he is not deserving of the throne.  The descendants of Guru Angad Dev ji were coming here but Dheermal respected them and deceived them.  He became close to the Trehan Bawas.  Dheermal didn’t let the Bawas come here.  He kept them in Kartarpur with him.  He deceived them.  He kept them because he wanted to show the Sangat that the Trehans agree to his claim.  He calls himself the Guru already.  He is corrupt.  He makes the Sangat do his Pooja.  He has the Guru Granth Sahib ji and so everyone is confused.  A lot of money comes there.  He makes his living in this way.  He is separate from you.  Your younger grandson, Har Rai ji is with you.  He is young.  He doesn’t seem to be great.  He seems to be without power.  He stays with you because of love.  He doesn’t stay with his brother because of you.  He does your Sangat all day and all night.  He recites Gurbani with you and listens to your teachings.  You are happy with him.  Everyone sees this.  They say: “he will give him the Gurta Ghaddi.  Har Rai ji will get the greatness.”  I hear this and get confused.  My son is eligible and deserving in every way.  He should get the Gurta Ghaddi.  It’s his right.  How can you leave the son and give it to the grandson?  I have doubts about this, that’s why I ask you.”  Mata Marwahi ji spoke to Guru ji in this way.  Guru ji heard his wife and became compassionate.  He said: “don’t worry about the future in any way.  The sons of the Guru will never be in shortages.  They will receive joy from all of the Sikh Sangat.  The Sangat will bring them all gifts and money.  The greatness of the Gurta Ghaddi depends on the earnings of past lives.  The Throne of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji will go the deserving one.  Only the true heir will be fortunate and sit on that Throne.  This is not in anyone’s hands.  You can try as much as you want to.  It will only go to the deserving one.  The sons and relatives of the Guru, the servants, Sikhs and friends; only the one who can tolerate the intolerable will get the Gurta Ghaddi.  The one who has the ability to contain the whole power is deserving.  Whoever the Prabhoo blesses, they will be the Guru.  Corruption and cleverness mean nothing.  It doesn’t work here.  The many types of efforts, the Gurta Ghaddi is not earned in any way.  Whoever cheats in corrupt ways, they will be punished for it.”  The Pativrata wife was given wisdom in this way.  Mata Marwahi ji’s family are the Sodhis of Anandpur Sahib. 

Mata Marwahi ji was not satisfied with Guru ji’s sweet words.  She was worried for her son and thought to herself: “the grandsons have taken everything.  The sons are sitting empty-handed.  Why doesn’t he give anything to the sons?”  Every time she would see Guru ji, she would talk about this issue.  She would say: “my mind is not calm.  You are giving the greatness to the grandson instead of the son.”  Guru ji would speak to her sweetly to give her hope: “your son will have everything.  He will not be in any shortage of anything.  Accept these words.  Be wise about this.  Don’t doubt this.  The Guru’s sons will be worshipped by all.  The Sikh Sangat will follow them.  They will bring gifts and money for them.” 

8-47 The Darshan of Sri Anand ji

Sri Satguru ji was a strong and powerful warrior.  He was under the control of his Bhagats.  One day, Guru ji was sitting in his court.  The Sikhs came to do his Darshan with love.  Somebody came to give Guru ji some news: “the residents of Goindwal, the descendants of Guru Amar Das ji, they are big Bhagats who have illuminated Sikh in the world.  The sons of Guru Amar Das ji: Baba Mohan ji and Baba Mohri ji; they have left their bodies for a while now.  Sant Manohar Das ji, the servant of Guru Amar Das (not to be confused with Guru Amar Das ji’s great-grandson, who was also named Baba Manohar Das ji), was very powerful.  He has gone to Sach Khand.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji heard about the news and began to mourn like other humans.  His eyes began to shed tears and he wiped his eyes with a handkerchief.

Guru ji came out of the court and sat where everyone else was sitting.  Others heard and came to him.  The omnipotent Guru went quiet and went into Samadhi.  He sat like this for about an hour.  Hie eyes were closed and he had no awareness of his body.  His body was still for that time.  When he opened his eyes, he said: “Vaho, Vaho.  Baba Manohar Das ji was great.  He had a great status.”  To give wisdom to the Sikhs, Guru ji said: “what actions give this type of status as Sant Manohar Das ji?”  A Kashmiri Sikh named Bhai Kamala ji, who stayed with Guru ji, said with his hands folded: “you are omniscient and know everything.  You give your servants greatness.  Since you are asking, I will tell you about him.  Sant Manohar Das ji used to take Guru Arjan Dev ji as a child in his lap and play with him.  He would feed him with joy.  This is one of his great tasks.  I will tell you his other efforts: he had done a lot of Seva of Guru Amar ji.  When the Mela would happen on Pooranmaashi, the Seva of Langar was done by Sant Manohar Das ji.  He would prepare many types of foods for the Sangat.  The children and grandchildren of Guru Amar Das ji, he would respect them and give them food.  He received many joys from Guru ji.  He would dress the children and grandchildren of Guru ji with new clothes.  He would do these kinds of Sevas.  He also performed Keertan for hours at Chabarra said.  Sometimes he would sit near the Baoli Sahib and sing Asa Vaar.  The children and grandchildren of Guru Amar Das ji, Sant Manohar Das ji did the great Bhagti of serving them.  He received the highest status for doing this Seva.  You have seen this Seva, Guru ji.  You have told us this yourself that he has receive the highest status.  That’s how we knew.  This is the Tapasya he has done.”  Hearing this, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said: “I have never served the descendants of Guru Amar Das ji with my own hands.  I have never done their Seva.  The Seva which gives the highest status, since the Turks had started the conflict, I haven’t gone back to Goindwal.  How can I do the Seva of the descendants of Guru Amar Das ji?  How can I do this great Seva?  I can’t go to their city.  I haven’t received any news from there either.  Many problems, I have been faced with.  I have been fighting the Turks.”  Bhai Ghareeaa ji was a great and powerful saint, who stood near Guru ji.  Guru ji looked towards him and said: “you go to Goindwal and bring Baba Anand ji, the great-grandson of Guru Amar Das ji, here.  Take the beautiful palanquin to bring him.  Go to Goindwal and bring them.  I wish to do their Darshan.  Tell Baba Anand ji: “please be compassionate and destroy the problems.  Give us your Darshan and fulfill your promise to your servants.  Come without delay.”  Guru ji wrote a letter and gave it to Bhai Ghareeaa ji. 

Bhai Ghareeaa ji went to Goindwal Sahib ji.  He met Baba Anand ji and bowed to him.  He gave Baba Anand ji the letter of Guru ji.  Baba Anand ji read the letter, filled with love.  Baba Anand ji went into Anand, bliss.  He understood Guru ji’s drama and decided to go to Kiratpur.  He figured out that the Parmeshwar Guru was hiding himself and doing a drama like normal humans.  Guru ji was the creator and the doer of the world.  Guru ji’s Maya was infinite.  His powers had no limits.  Nobody new the extent of his greatness.  Baba Anandi ji wanted to do Guru ji’s Darshan and make his life blessed.  He took many people from Goindwal and sat in the palanquin.  Bhai Ghareeaa ji took everyone and set off to Kiratpur.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji received news of Baba Anand ji coming.  Guru ji went on ahead to receive Baba Anand ji.  Guru ji went quietly.  He signaled one of the palanquin carriers to give him one of the posts.  Guru ji lifted one side of the posts of the palanquin on his shoulder.  He walked for some distance.  He wanted to give respect to Baba Anand ji.  He carried the palanquin.  After a while, Baba Anand ji knew with his powers that just as Krishan ji was Arjan’s chariot driver, the Guru had become his palanquin carrier.  He saw Guru ji’s humility and recognized his ancient nature.  Baba Anand ji jumped off from the palanquin from the top.  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji bowed to Baba Anand ji’s feet.  Baba Anand ji said: “you are looting us humans of the world.  You have the infinite power, illuminating inside of you and are hiding it from everyone.”  They spoke like this for a while.  Guru ji brought Baba Anand ji home.  He did his Pooja and respected him a lot.  He said sweet words to him: “I have been separated from you for very long time.  I couldn’t do your Seva.  I couldn’t come to see you either.  I haven’t been in peace since I haven’t seen you.  The Turks are fighting for no reason.  How would I have come?  Please be compassionate and tell me how you see us.”  Baba Anand ji was in Anand.  He was drenched in love and said: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was Guru Angad Dev ji’s form.  The third was Guru Amar Das ji.  Satguru Ram Das ji, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji; you are the 6^th form.  That’s how I see you.  You are the deep Jot of the Parbraham.  You have taken on Maya and doing the human drama in many ways.  The people of the world get mesmerized with your drama.  You are like an actor, playing a drama.  Everyone becomes amazed.  The actor has a servant called a “jamoora.”  The jamoora is not fooled though.  He knows the real play.  Your servants are never in doubt, seeing your drama.  They know what you do.  I know that you are away from Maya.  You are the support of the world.  Maya takes your support.  You are without vices; without Satogun, Rajogun and Tamogun.  The whole universe is inside you.  You illuminate everywhere but are separate from all.  You are the witness of the whole universe.  You are the creator, sustainer and destroyer.  You are the ocean of knowledge of this whole universe.  There is no other like you.  You know everyone.  Your ways are amazing and can’t be said.  Whoever praises you, that person becomes pure.”  Guru ji heard this and smiled.  Guru ji said: “you are Anand; you have achieved Anand.  Everyone praises you like the moon.”  The Sangat was told to come and bring money.  They were told to do Baba Anand ji’s Pooja and give him the money: “whoever does his Pooja, they will be filled with Anand.”  The Sangat heard this and brought many types of gifts.

Baba Anand ji said: “this Pooja is only good for you.  You are the omnipotent Guru of the world.  The money is the form of poverty.  I don’t touch the money.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “take this now.  You can give it to whoever you wish.”  Baba Anand ji obeyed.  He called his servant, Maan Singh, and said: “son, take this money and use it as you wish.  Your destiny says that you will enjoy this money.  Enjoy it.” 

Guru ji kept Baba Anand ji there for some days.  They had many discussions.  After some days he went back to Goindwal.  It was a great time.  He was taken to Goindwal with great respect.  Bhai Ghareeaa ji went with Baba Anand ji.  Baba Anand ji praised Guru ji.  The palanquin is still at Goindwal.  Everyone bows to the palanquin when they see it.  Guru Hargobind ji gave that palanquin to Baba Anand ji.    

8-48 Bhai Babak Rababi ji goes to Sach Khand

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spent his time in this way.  Many Sikh Sangat came to meet Guru ji.  Their wishes were all fulfilled.  There was a Keertani named Bhai Babak Rababi ji.  He was the “Hazoori” Keertani who did Keertan in front of Guru ji.  He did Keertan in various Raags to make the Satguru Master happy.  When his end time came, he sensed that his body’s age was completed.  He came to the home of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji and told Guru ji of his Pranas coming to an end: “Satguru ji, please bestow your joy upon me so that I may go to the afterlife with ease.  Please keep me with you in Sach Khand.  This is the wish of my heart.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji had Baba Mardana ji.  He sang Raags in front of Guru ji.  He has been well-known in the world.  He is praised for doing Keertan.  Just as being with Bhaavan, the staff in his hand grew with him when Bhaavan made his body big; I am like a staff in your hand who has been praised in this world.  With good fortune, we became good by your Darshan.  We were able to stay with you all our lives.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “Parmeshwar has created this game of coming and going.  Everyone has their time to go but they lose their patience at their end time.  Those are blessed though, who have done the Simran of Satnam.  They are blessed who do the Seva of the Satguru.  Blessed are those who sing and listen to the praises of the Guru.  There is nothing compared to this in Kaliyuga.  This action destroys the sins and troubles.  The filth of sins is on our minds.  The vices have made our minds black.  If one wishes to wash this filth, they should go to the Satsangat and listen to Keertan and Katha.  The Satnam is the water.  Keertan scrubs and washes the mind.  The mind becomes illuminated.  The wise people do this.  The colour of the highest Gyaan dyes the mind which never comes off.  It makes the mind brand new all the time.  This wisdom is the best.  That person is the wisest who does this.  For this reason, Babak, till your end time doesn’t come, keep doing the Simran of Satnam.  You have done Keertan all your life.  Your mind is pure.  You were great with what you did.  Your father received Mukti as well.  You will receive Mukti.  You will be with me in Sach Khand.”  Bhai Babak ji heard this and touched Guru ji’s feet.  Touching the feet of the Guru washes away the filth of the mind.  He said: “you are with me in this world and in the next.  I know that you are the only one that supports me.  I have understood this.  I present my son to you to be your Hazoori Keertani.  Please raise and support him after me.  We are always your servants.  Many generations of us Rababis have served you.  Please keep us with you forever.”  Guru ji gave him hope and said: “it shall be this way.  Your son will be the Rababi in my court.  He will understand the depths of the Raags.  I will leave soon but he will stay with the next Guru.  He will be given sustenance from the Guru’s home.  Don’t worry about anything.  Just do the Simran of Satnam.  Make your mind still and go home.  Lay down and take a sheet over your body.  Leave your body with ease.  Keep your son beside you.”  Bhai Babak ji obeyed Guru ji’s command.  He bowed and left.

Bhai Babak ji was close to Bhai Jatti Malak ji.  They fought battles together.  He said to him in sweet words: “Pairee Pawna ji.  I am leaving for my real home now.  We were fortunate to be in the company of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.”  Bhai Jatti Malak ji said: “you are blessed!  You made the Guru happy in your end time.  You are now going to Sach Khand.  Everyone has to go one day.  It won’t be long when I leave my body as well.  I will come to you very soon, in a few days.  My age has only a few days left.”

Bhai Babak ji met the whole Satsangat and bid his farewell.  He bowed to them and they bowed to him.  He took joyful leave from all.  He then took his son and came to his home.  He told his wife: “the Guru’s hand is always on our heads.  I have no doubts.  The Guru has cut our problems in both of the worlds.”  He spent 6 hours in his home.  After 6 hours, his face became less radiant.  He knew that it was his time to go.  He began to do Simran of Satnam.  He put a sheet over his body as he laid down.  He left his body in an instant, saying the Name of Akaal Purakh.  He became One with the Guru.  The other Dooms of the same caste came to the home.  The warriors who were Muslim all came to Bhai Babak ji’s home.  They performed the final rites according to the Islamic traditions.  Bhai Babak ji’s son arranged for the burial.  He put an expensive sheet on top of his father’s body.  The grave was dug.  Bhai Babak ji’s body was buried.

Guru ji was happy with Bhai Babak ji.  There is no doubt that Bhai Babak ji received the highest status of Brahmgyaan.  In this way, Bhai Babak ji left his body.  The other Islamic traditions were completed.  After a few days, the sons finished the traditions.  Satguru ji saw that Keertan did not happen for many days.  One day, Guru ji sent Bhai Jatti Malak ji to get Bhai Babak ji with a Dastaar, money and expensive clothes.  Bhai Jatti Malak ji said to Bhai Babak ji’s wise son: “this body is meant to die one day.  Take this Siropa from the Guru.  Tie this new Dastaar on to your head.  Let go of your mourning and do Simran of the Naam.  Do the Seva of the Guru and live in joy.  Wear these new clothes and do Keertan in the Guru’s court.”  Bhai Babak ji’s son saw the compassion of the Guru and let go of his depression.  He was seen as a deserving person.  He tied the Guru’s Dastaar and wore the new clothes.  He took his instruments and went to the Guru’s court like his father had done, with his chin held up high.  He had 3 other brothers who went with him.

Bhai Babak ji’s sons came into the court of the Guru and did the Guru’s darshan.  The brothers performed the “Kalyaan di Chownki” while standing up.  They started their Manglacharan: “Gur Sahib Sodhi Sultaan.  Sri Gur Ramdas ka pota; deen dhuni thumb bhaar khalota (Guru, the Sodhi emperor; the grandson of Guru Ramdas ji.  The pillar stands still for the world and the poor).  Sri Arjan sut jodha bali, Turk maar kar Keerat bhali (the son of Guru Arjan Dev ji, the brave warrior.  He killed the Turks and received praise).  Peeree Meeree ko badh thumba; pikh prakram sab jagat achumbha (you are the pillar of Peeree and Meeree.  The world is amazed seeing you).  Mughlas Khan jang kar maaryo; Abdul Khan jut chamoo sangharyo (you killed Mughals and Abdul Khan).  Lalla Beg seh Kumber ghaati; Shah Jahan ki daahas chaati (Lalla Beg and Kumber Beg were killed.  Shah Jahan’s chest was burnt).  Loon haraami Painda ghaayo; pratipaalak so larbay aayo (the back-stabber, Painday Khan was killed.  He came to fight his master).  Aryo na shatru sakal hi maaray; mon Shaho bha maani haaray (no enemy survived.  All were killed.  The emperor is quiet and accepted his defeat).  Ko ko gun raavar ke kahai; Shaish Sharda ant na lahay (how many virtues can we sing?  Shaishnaag and Sharda can’t find your end).”  The brothers sang the glories of the Guru and sat down.  They then began their Keertan in Raag Kalyaan.  They sang other Raags and made the Sangat and Guru ji happy.  They grabbed everyone’s attention with the beautiful and skilled Keertan they sang.  Guru ji blessed them a lot.  Their hearts were filled with bliss by Guru ji’s blessing.  In the same way as their father, they did Keertan everyday.  They came to the Guru’s court and carried the Chownkis of morning and evening.

8-49 Wisdom Given to Jatti Malik ji

In this way, Sri Satguru ji spent his days in Kiratpur doing Keertan and Katha.  Guru ji would see Sri Har Rai ji’s humility growing by the day.  Guru ji’s love for him got deeper.  Guru ji saw the time for his body finishing.  It was his time to go to Sach Khand soon.  He wished to give the Gurta Ghaddi to his grandson, as he noticed his days finishing for his body.  It was time for the 7^th incarnation to be illuminated.  Guru ji saw the ship of patience in his grandson.  He was full of virtues.  His heart was pure.  He had all of the characteristics of Brahmgyaan. 

Guru ji gave a lot of donations to the Brahmins and the poor.  He gave expensive gems and money.  He gave multi-coloured clothes and strong steeds with their saddles.  Raagis, Taadis and other Sevadaars were given these things as well.  Guru ji first had sharp swords in his hands.  The swords were the rivers of Bir Ras.  Cowards were killed by this river but the brave swam across and went to Heaven.  Now, Guru ji started the river of donations.  This river flowed steadily.  The poor lost their poverty.  The praise spread in the 10 directions.  The poor that came to Kiratpur, they wore expensive jewellery and made horses dance after meeting Guru ji.  When they would go home to their family and relatives, they weren’t easily recognized.  They wouldn’t believe their eyes.  Some poor people were so blessed that they would come back with an army.  They would make expensive horses dance.  They would carry weapons.  The people of small villages would see them and get scared.  Some would run away from their homes.  The Sikhs would then say: “don’t run away.  We are from here.  We are yours.  Don’t get scared.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is a great warrior.  We went to his door as a beggar but he turned us into Sardaars.”  If a beggar came in the night, they would get horses, money and Sardaari.

The two Taadis: Bhai Natha ji and Bhai Abdulla ji; they were from Sur Singh.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji had brought them.  They wrote Vaars of the 4 battles.  They sang the Vaars in the Sangat.  They sang about the 4 battles and how the Syed, Mughals and Pathaans were killed.  They sang about the victory of how the Ranjit Nagara was sounded.  They sang the Vaars in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji gave them a lot of money and an elephant with a silver howdah.  Guru ji gave horses and golden bracelets with jewels.  He gave expensive clothes.  Guru ji said: “do the Seva of the Keertanis and Taadis.”  Guru ji said to the Taadis: “keep singing the Vaars to the Sangat.  You will be given a lot of money.  My Panth will grow listening to you.”  Guru ji gave other donations to everyone.  The great Guru gave donations everyday.  Beggars from far away lands came.  They would come to Kiratpur, leaving their homes.  They would get the donations and then praise the Guru.  They would give Sri Har Rai ji their blessings.

One day, in the court of Guru ji, Bhai Jatti Malik ji, the great Brahmin full of virtues, was sitting in the Sangat.  He was the scholar of the 4 Vedas and 6 Shastras.  He was the Purohit of the Guru’s home, the Sodhis.  He was a Brahmin who wielded weapons.  He fought in the 4 battles.  He killed many Turk enemies.  His father was Sangha Purohit ji.  He was a warrior too.  Bhai Jatti Malik ji got that position.  He was a strong warrior and a great rider.  Pandit Daya Ram ji was his son, who stayed with Guru Gobind Singh ji with bliss.  His name is mentioned in the battle with the Pahari Rajas.  This Katha will come ahead.  Bhai Jatti Malik ji sensed his end time.  He went to where the Bhagwant Guru was siting.  He bowed with his hands folded.  He said to Guru ji: “please bless me with your happiness.  My Puranas will finish soon.  I am your Purohit.  Please give me the donation of the great Brahmgyaan.  I want to be taken out of the cycle of birth and death.  Release me from the noose of Karma.  Tell me about my real form, which the Jogis apply their full effort for.  I want my mind to be still and not run around.  I want to be one with the bliss inside of me.” 

Guru ji heard the Purohit’s wishes and said: “Jatti Malik!  You are great!  You want to let go of the pride of your body (falsely seeing the body as the self).  The doubt (not knowing that the Aatma is the same as Brahm) is what ruins the mind, forever.  It never becomes still.  Understand this: your body is not your real form.  This body is what takes birth and dies.  It is a child first and then grows to adulthood.  It then becomes old.  The body is ever-changing.  The body is not you.  Your real self is the same, all the time.  It does not change.  It exists forever.  The Indriyas (senses) are smaller than the body.  Understand the Indriyas that they are also made of the 5 elements.  They are not your real self either.  Notice your Indriyas individually and see them as separate from you.  The senses are different from each other.  Sight, sound, smell, touch and taste are what one experiences.  This is not part of the real self.  You are further than all this.  The mind is where ideas arise from.  It runs fast and comes back even faster.  It is smaller than the Indriyas.  It is sometimes pure and sometimes impure.  The Puranas are bigger than the mind but also come and go.  The body has 6 faults: birth and death belong to the body; hunger and thirst belong to the Puranas; joy and sorrow belong to the mind.  Even smaller than all this is your real self.  Your real self is away from the 6 faults.  It is more beautiful than the body.  It never moves.  It never goes or comes.  Your real self illuminates the mind and the body.  You are the Aatma.  The one that knows how the mind is behaving, that is the Aatma.  The further out you go, the less it knows of the one behind it.  The hands and feet do not know the mind.  The mind does not know the Aatma.  The Aatma knows the mind.  The mind knows the Indriyas.  The eyes can’t see behind it.  The Aatma is separate but within all.  The Aatma knows everything.  The Bhuddi does not know the Aatma.  The Aatma knows the Bhuddi.  It is close but far from everything.  It is the Sat, Chit and Anand form.  It is the support of all, that sees all.  The unconscious things become alive from its energy.  That is your real form.  It is without faults and indestructible.  When you are one with the Aatma, there is no doubt anymore.  Till then, the Aatma looks like its moving.  It looks like it’s taking on a different form but in truth, it is just behaving like a crystal in front of a red flower.  The crystal looks red but it is really colourless.  The Aatma has no faults.  The Aatma takes on a relationship with the Bhuddi in the same way as the crystal does with the red flower.  The mind has a relationship with the senses; “I see, I hear.”  The senses have a relationship with material objects.  The world is seen therefore in this state.  Separate your mind from the senses first.  Make it still within itself.  Don’t identify the senses as you.  The world will disappear slowly.  It meets the Aatma then.  Nothing moves then.  Everything becomes still.”  In this way Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spoke.  The Brahmin took his attention inwards.  With the blessing of the Guru, his doors to the Aatma opened.  He saw his Aatma.  Attachments and jealousy were gone.  The doubt was gone.  He was one with his Aatma.  He saw the drama.  He was in bliss.  He stayed in Samadhi for a long time.  He was amazed to see his real self.  He then opened his eyes and bowed to Guru ji.  He saw the greatness of Guru ji as he saw his true self.  He said: “there is no other like you.  I can’t even find an example.  You saw me as your own and gave me Brahmgyaan.  Even Jogis don’t know this state.” 

8-50 The Sikh Sangat Arrives

In this way, Bhai Jatti Malik ji received the Brahmgyaan.  He saw his final time and presented his son, Bhai Daya Ram ji, as his successor, as the Purohit of the Sodhis.  He said: “Sri Prabhoo ji, I will leave me body now.  This is my son Daya Ram.  Hold his arm and keep him with you.  He is young still.  Please take care of him.  He only has you as his support.  He won’t ask for anything from anyone else.”  Satguru ji said: “your son will be fortunate.  He will be with the Guru’s home his whole life.  When the 10^th Guru comes, your son will be with him.  The 10^th Guru will possess the Degh (Langar/wealth) and Tegh (sword/power).  He will fight many battles.  Your son will wield the sword in the Guru’s army.  He will fight bravely and with skill.  He will be with the Guru and be in bliss.  He will live in joy.  His praises will be sung by people for years to come.”  Bhai Jatti Malik ji heard this and got happy.  He bowed to Guru ji and went to his home.

Bhai Jatti Malik ji came home and bathed.  He wore new clothes and laid down on a Kusha Asan.  He did Simran and left his body.  When Satguru ji heard of this, he sent the senior Masands to collect sandalwood.  Water, sesame seed oil, ghee and other things were called for.  A pyre was setup, seeing a pure place.  Bhai Daya Ram ji did all of the traditions, required for the cremation.  He lit his father’s pyre.  His father’s body turned to ashes, in due time.  Bhai Jatti Malik ji reached the dimension of the Guru.  The glory of the Guru is great.  It cannot be understood.

Whatever traditions were required for the cremation of the Brahmin Warrior, Bhai Daya Ram ji completed all of them.  After 13 days, many Brahmins were called and fed Langar.  Bhai Daya Ram ji gave the Brahmins: clothes, blankets and other donations.  Satguru ji sent a Dastaar for Bhai Daya Ram ji.  He also sent expensive clothes and money to Bhai Daya Ram ji.  Bhai Daya Ram ji was happy with the gifts.  He let go of his mourning and began to come to Satguru ji.  He stayed with Guru ji and was drenched in joy.  He spent a lot of time with Satguru ji. 

After some days, Satguru ji sensed that it was his time to go as well.  All of his companions had left.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji had left.  Bhai Babak ji was gone and so was Bhai Jatti Malik ji.  Many others were gone.  Guru ji wanted to leave too.  He wanted to give the Gurta Ghaddi to Sri Har Rai ji.  He didn’t want there to be any doubts.  He wanted to give the Ghaddi sooner rather than later.  His grandson was of a young age.  Guru ji thought to himself: “Sri Har Rai is young and people may try to pressure him.  On top of that, Dheermal is corrupt.  He may press upon his younger brother.  Just as he convinced Baba Datu ji’s son, I don’t want other Masands to follow him.  I will call all of the Sikh Sangat.  I will make Har Rai ji sit in the middle and give him the Gurta Ghaddi.  There won’t be any doubt with anyone then.”  In this way, Satguru ji decided his next steps.  Guru ji called the scribes and told them: “write the Hukamnamas and call all of the Sikhs.  Tell them all to come to Kiratpur.  The Masands should bring all of the Sangat.”  The Hukamnamas were written and sent to the Masands to all of the lands.  The ones that were far away, the letters were sent 3 or 4 months before time.  The wealthy Masands received the Hukamnamas.  They read them and got ready to leave.  They gathered their large Sangats.  They gathered gifts and the Dasvands. 

The Sangat travelled to Kiratpur.  Many Sikhs came from different places.  They all brought their gifts and presented them to Guru ji.  They bowed with humility.  Form Balak Bukhara, Kabul, the west, the Sikhs of Multan and other places; all came with gifts.  From the south, Ujjain and other areas, Sikhs came for the Guru’s Darshan.  Sikhs from Ung, Bhang, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh; they all came.  It is hard to say all of the names.  Many came with horses, weapons, clothes and expensive things.  They all gave them to Guru ji and received joy.  Sikhs from the east, Dhaka, Bangla, Patna, Jonpur and other cities; all came and brought gifts.  The Pahari Sikhs came and did the Darshan of Guru ji.  There were tents all over the place.  Many Sikhs had come.

The Bedis, Trehans and the Bhallas all came.  The ones who followed Guru ji all came.  From Malva (Jungle Desh), Bhai Bhagtoo ji, who was drenched with the Guru’s colour, came.  Bhai Behlo ji came, bringing many Sikhs.  In this way, the Brahmgyaanis who had the Masand statuses came.  They all came to the home of the Guru.  There was a great crowd.  The whole family had arrived.  Many did the Guru’s Darshan and presented their gifts of love.  The Sikhs had their wishes fulfilled.  From Majha, Lahore and other lands, many Sikhs came with joy.  The Masands who were gifted by the first 5 Gurus, whoever was still alive, they all came to Kiratpur Sahib.  They all thought to themselves: “we wonder why Guru ji has asked us all to gather in Kiratpur.”  Nobody knew the real reason but they all went, even though some were 80 or 90 years old.  They all came, obeying the Hukamnama.  From Doaba and Pawaad, many Sikhs came to Kiratpur.  They met the Satguru and had their wishes fulfilled. 

Satguru ji sent a maid to his daughter-in-law with a message: “go to your son Dheermal.  Tell my grandson to be good and come to Kiratpur.”  Mata Natti ji obeyed the command and went to Kartarpur to meet her son.  She arrived in Kartarpur the next day and met her older son.  She tried to convince him.  She said: “go to your grandfather.  Your Guru is calling you.  Sri Har Rai ji is your younger brother.  He is blessed by the Guru.  It is known by all that he will be the next Guru.  If you stay close and obey him, the Sangat will respect you too.  You are the elder brother.  You will be worshipped as the elder brother of the Guru.  You are the Guru’s grandson as well.  The Sangat is being called.  To say separate is not good for you.  If you want to be the Guru, go to the Guru.”  She tried to convince Baba Dheermal.  Dheermal responded: “I have the Guru Granth Sahib ji.  I am already the Guru.  I don’t need the Ghaddi from Dada ji.  I will be the Guru.  Guru Granth Sahib ji is the symbol of all of the Gurus.  It is the treasure of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Nobody can refuse my claim to the Guruship.  That’s why I stay here.  Nobody can take the Guru Granth Sahib ji from here.  If I go there, they will take it.  I am friends with the Badshah.  I have an army as well.  The Badshah takes care of me.  I pay the soldiers I have.  I will live here with joy.  I will take the Gurta Ghaddi.”  Mata Natti ji said: “you are wise but still think about this.  Your grandfather is the Guru.  Whoever he gives the Ghaddi to, will be the next Guru.  You are smart and can do what you want.  What loss will there be if you go to the Guru now?  If you are afraid of losing the Guru Granth Sahib ji, then don’t take them with you.  If the Guru blesses you, he will make you the next Guru.  You will be the Guru in every way then.  You will have Kiratpur and Kartarpur.  You will be worshiped.  If your brother becomes the Guru, it is still good for you.  If your uncles get the Gurta Ghaddi then the Guru will be upset and none of you brothers will be the Guru.  Understand this.  Listen to me and go to the Guru.  This will be good for you.  Go to the Guru’s shelter.  Many Sangats from around the world are there.  Go and have your Pooja done with your Pitamah.  Nobody will dispute your status then.  They will all see you.  If he gives you the Ghaddi or not, go there now.  Go there and get your Pooja done.”  In this way, she convinced her son. 

In the morning, Baba Dheermal obeyed his mother and got ready to go.  He mounted his horse and travelled to Kiratpur.  He and his mother arrived to where the great and powerful Satguru sat.