1-16 Blessing the Crow and the Snake/ The Brars ask for Salaries

After a few days of stay, Sri Prabhoo ji got ready to leave.  His horse was saddled.  When his horse was brought to him, he mounted it.  Guru ji hunted on the way in many ways.  He travelled on ahead while hunting.  Prabhoo ji and the Singhs with him travelled 6 Kos.  A person by the name of Bhoondar Dewana lived there.  He heard of Guru ji’s arrival and was really happy.  He quickly came and bowed his head to Guru ji’s lotus feet.  He presented 5 Rupees and a roll of fine fabric to Guru ji.  Sri Prabhoo ji set up the Dhera and the Singhs stayed there where they liked.  Bhoondar Dewana brought a lot of pots of milk and ghee.  He gave milk to all of the Singhs.  He refilled their pots over and over again.  He brought sweets for all as well.  He was very humble in front of Guru ji.  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet over and over again.  He had many discussions with Guru ji.  He talked about a lot of things.  He sat near Guru ji’s feet as he spoke.  Guru ji then said: “Bhoondar, I am going to leave now atop of my horse.  I want to go to another place.”  Bhoondar folded his hands and said: “tell me of a Seva.  See me as your servant and command me.  I was fortunate to have had your Darshan.  You blessed me with bliss.  You came by seeing me as your own.  You save the saints and destroy the corrupt.”  Prabhoo ji blessed him with joy and travelled on.  The deep mine of virtues travelled on.

Guru ji crossed a village named Bohari (or Thaheri) and then came to Kaal Jhiraani.  There was a Falahi tree there which had a black crow living on it.  Guru ji saw the crow and said: “Dharam Singh (Roopa), look over there.  There is a crow who is nesting there.  He has 3 chicks.  Go close to it.  If one of them come towards you to peck you, twist its neck.  Don’t say anything to the others.  Go and climb the Falahi tree.”  Bhai Dharam Singh ji and Bhai Param Singh ji climbed the tree.  The brothers looked in the tree.  Bhai Dharam Singh ji stayed down and Bhai Param Singh ji climbed the tree.  Out of the 3 chicks, one of them came to peck at him.  He grabbed that chick and twisted its neck to kill it.  Everyone was surprised to see this and said: “Paatshaah, why did you have the chick killed?  It died for no reason.  It is of no use.”  Sri Guru ji spoke of its story: “he used to be a Langri of mine.  He did the Seva in the Langar.  He used to fight with the Sikhs as he gave the Langar.  He made and distributed the Langar but fought with the Sikhs.  Never spoke sweetly with anyone.  He fought with one Sikh one day.  The Sikh said to him: “you do karl, karl all day long, everyday!  You caw like a crow all the time.  You make noise in the Langar.”  The Sikh’s curse took fruition soon as the Langri died in a few days.  He was then born as a crow.  When he sees a Sikh, he jumps at them.  He was now been rewarded for his Seva in the Langar.  He has been freed from the crow’s birth now.  I saw him as my own and have relieved him from this life.  He is now Mukat and will go to Heaven.”  The Singhs heard the story from Guru ji and were surprised.  They bowed their heads. 

They all headed east from there.  There was a pond there.  There was a snake there who spanned his wide hood and came at Guru ji with speed.  Guru ji shot an arrow towards the snake.  The snake was hit in the hood and died.  Sri Guru ji said: “this was a Masand who was egotistical.  He didn’t bow his head in Satsangat.  He didn’t do the Simran of the Jagdeesh with a focused mind.  A lot of Dasvand was collected by him.  He gathered a lot of money and kept it with himself.  He thought of money as he left his Pranas.  He became a snake because of ego.  He saw me and came towards me.  He relieved him of his snake birth.” 

Guru ji set up a Dhera in Gurusar.  The horses were tied.  The Sodhis of the area came to meet Guru ji.  They bowed and were happy.  They brought rice, flour and ghee among other foods.  They brought grass and feed.  They did many types of Sevas.  Guru ji ate and then slept the night with joy.  Prabhoo ji woke up at Amritvela and bathed.  Guru ji travelled on after having his horse saddled.  He rode away from Gurusar.  Guru ji had many other animal life forms to save and so he hunted on the way.  He came to Chattyana Village.  He spent the night.  There was a hill there.  A Fakir named Brahmi (Abraham) lived there.  The place was known as Brahmi Tibba. 

The Brar employees that Guru ji had, many were fools.  They got together and said: “why don’t we take our salary from Guru ji?  Till we don’t become harsh with him, he won’t pay us.  We had asked to get paid before but he didn’t pay us yet.  He said he would.”  Some said: “Guru ji doesn’t have money.  How can you expect to get paid?  If he stays in one place, the Sangat will begin to come.  They will give money as offerings.  There is only jungle here.  Nobody comes here.”  Many heard this and said: “we don’t know anything!  We will stand here and not leave till we get paid!  The world knows Guru ji as miraculous.  Big and small obey him.  If we stop him here only then will he pay us.  Going ahead, it will be a bad thing.  Our boundary is up to here.  Across this place, our rule is finished.  We can do what we want to here.  Ahead here is Sabo ki Talwandi.  If Guru ji goes there, he will meet Dhalla who is strong and is his servant.  Dhalla has hundreds of soldiers who obey him.  We won’t be able to do anything there.  It will be hard to get paid ahead.  It is good to stop Guru ji here.  We will get paid for every day of work.  After some days, we will get paid again for the rest.”  Some of the foolish Brars decided all this.  They didn’t know the greatness of the Guru. 

Bhai Dhaan Singh ji tried stopping them once: “don’t try taking pay like this.  It will be bad for you.  We should fold our hands and ask him to give us money for our household expenses by which our families can eat.  We don’t have any other incomes.  Guru ji will pay us.  He won’t keep it.  Ask with peace.  Don’t speak harshly.”  The Brars heard Bhai Dhaan Singh ji but they didn’t listen.  They wanted to spoil their relationship with Guru ji: “we will stay in our area and take our salary.  He won’t pay us if we go on ahead.  Our way will work here.  We will get paid for what we ask for.”  They decided and got together.  They left their horses and went to Guru ji.  They all stood in front of Guru ji, sitting on his horse and said: “give us our salary.” 

1-17 The Brars Receive their Salaries/ Dhaan Singh Receives Amrit

The foolish Brars spoiled.  They came and grabbed the reins of Guru ji’s horse.  They stood and spoke Bemukh words, which were not of good fortune.  They said: “Prabhoo ji, give us our salaries!  You can then go on ahead.  We have worked with you for many months now and you did not give us any Rajitpuns.  We wish to send the money to our homes so our families can buy food and eat.  Our families our waiting for us.  We will earn and they will eat.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “don’t be hasty.  Count your days and how much you earned.  You can send the money to your homes.  It won’t be long.  Where we stay for a few days, we will get the money.”  The Brars stood in front to block Guru ji’s way.  They said: “we had to ask before as well but you said you will give it but never did.  Today, we won’t let you go till you pay us.  There is another reason, this place is our boundary by which we can be stubborn.  The Sabo ki Talwandi starts ahead.  Give us salaries here.  We can’t be calm.  Without money, don’t go on ahead.  We won’t let you go on ahead.  Give us our salaries right here.”  The Brars spoke words of Bemukhs.  They spoke words that spoiled the relation.  Sri Guru ji then said: “listen Brars, you can either keep the Guru’s Sikhi or you can take salaries for your world.  Discuss it among yourselves.  Do you want Sikhi or money?”  The Brars heard this and discussed.  They had greed for money in their hearts.  They said: “we won’t take the Sikhi.  We have been travelling as your employees.  We want money.  We won’t let you go on ahead without you paying us.  If we let you go, then where will we get the money from?  How can we take Sikhi by leaving the money?  We were your employees as we travelled with you.  If you go into another boundary, we won’t get money.  This is our area so we are blocking your way here.”  Hearing the foolish Brars, Sri Prabhoo ji took his bow and shot an arrow to the sky.  The clouds came thundering, quickly.  The wind and dust flew, bringing on a storm.  Thick hail began to fall from the sky, which hurt the body when they hit.  It rained.  The Brars were hurt by the hail.  A lot of rain came.  The Brars ran away from this.  They stood among the thick trees, hiding from the hail.  The Singhs took blankets and covered Guru ji’s head.  Sri Prabhoo ji took a Khapra arrow out of his quiver.  He held the arrow on his horse’s head.  The hail did not hit his horse.  Guru ji stood in the same spot.  For many miles, the hail and rain came down hard.  Guru ji set up the Dhera there.  The whole Vaheer, that had been travelling with Guru ji had arrived.

Among the Vaheer was a Sikh who brought a strong mule that he had bought.  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet and presented money.  He said: “Maharaj, please take this treasure.  Kuber gave me this for you and so I am giving it to you.”  Sri Guru ji said: “open up the chest and call the Brars.”  The chest was opened and the money was scattered.  Half were gold coins and half were silver coins.  The Brars were all called over.  The Brars were seated in lines.  Guru ji said: “take your salary by doing your accounts and distance yourselves from the Sikhi of the Guru.”  A mounted solider got 8 Annas and a foot soldier got half.  Money was counted and given to all.  The foot soldiers got 4 Annas.  500 mounted soldiers with horses were there and 900 foot-soldiers were there.  When everyone got paid, they were really happy with the money.  Sri Guru ji then spoke with love: “come Dhaan Singh, the one who serves my horse.  I am paying salaries.  Your colleagues all got their money.  You should get paid by counting your time.  You can continue to work.”  Bhai Dhaan Singh ji folded his hands and said: “I have milk, sons and money in my home.  Bless me with Sikhi.  See me as your own and forgive me.”  Guru ji said: “it’s good to be a part of your brothers.  It is good to do what they all do.  See your gain and loss as the same as them.  There is no place if you separate from your brothers.  As your colleagues did, you should do the same.  Why do you want to separate from them?”  Bhai Dhaan Singh ji said: “bless me.  Don’t join me to them.  I have everything I need in my home.  Give me Sikhi and make me your servant.”  Guru ji heard this and was happy.  He said: “you kept the seed of Sikhi (of Malva).  By this seed this whole Desh will have Sikhi growing by the day.  You did a great thing for the Jungle Desh.  You did a great favour for them.  Just as the Majha area’s greatness was kept by Maha Singh; in the same way, you kept the greatness of the Malva Desh.  The wishers of Sikhi will be born in this land.  Now I want you to stop the use of tobacco.  Become a Sikh and take the Khanda Pahul.”  Bhai Dhaan Singh ji said: “my stomach becomes bloated.  If I let go of tobacco, who will save me?”  Sri Guru ji said: “I will take your problem away.  Keep the hair on your head unshorn.  Become a complete Sikh now.  Let go of the bad wisdom of the world.”  Bhai Dhaan Singh ji said: “why should I keep my hair?  See me as your Sikh without hair.”  Guru ji said: “Dhaan Singh, listen to the reason why: if a Sikh goes to Hell by their Karma, I will recognize them by their hair.  I can then save them from the great pains.  I can take them out of Hell by their hair.  This is my stamp.  I will see that.”  Bhai Dhaan Singh ji, who had a huge heard, he grabbed his beard by his hands and said jokingly: “you can recognize me by this.  Grab me by my beard and take me out.”  Satguru ji held a handkerchief to his mouth and laughed out loud.  Bhai Dhaan Singh ji then said: “I won’t disobey your words.  I will let the hair on my head grow.  I will let go of tobacco and take the Pahul.  I will walk on the Panth of Gursikhi.”  After saying this, he obeyed Prabhoo ji.  He took Amrit and said the Guru Fateh. 

The Brars received their money and were really happy.  They said: “Guru ji still has a lot of money.  Let’s do something by which we can get more money.”  They all discussed and came back to Guru ji.  They said: “when we first came to you to work, we came and kept an employee in our homes.  Two kept two and three kept three.  We left our homes to come here.  For this reason, pay us double so we can take it back home.  Otherwise our employees will take half our pay.  We will go home and give the money.  We have been left empty from Gursikhi so give us double the pay now.  We will take the money and raise our families.  We will continue our work and go with you.”  Guru ji listened to the unwise people and paid the Brars double their pay.  The Rajitpuns and Dinars that remained, they were buried into the ground.  That place is called Guptsar.  Guru ji said: “the secret money came as I wished for it.”

The Brars went back to their own Dheras.  They all talked out loud: “we took money by the point of our spears.  We took everything at once from the Guru.  We took double by the point of our spear.  It didn’t take long.”  One of the Sikhs heard them and went to Guru ji.  He said to the Prabhoo: “Paatshaah ji, the Brars are spoiled.  The ones that live among the ruins were saying that they took money by the points of their spears and that Guru ji did not delay to give it.  They are talking among themselves and laughing.  They don’t have your love in their hearts.  They don’t understand your greatness in their hearts.”  Sri Guru ji heard this and said: “when my Khalsa will flourish, they will take a thousand times more by the point of their shoes from these Brars.  They will give a thousand times more.  They lost the kingdom I was going to give them.  They lost their rights to rule.  They will have to live as the subjects of the Khalsa.  The Brars ruined their own tasks.  The fools are unwise and are happy.” 

1-18 Bahmi Shah is Given Amrit/ The Dewana is Blessed

There was a Fakir named Bahmi Shah who was a Muslim.  He had a place where he had made his own crypt that was 9 hands deep.  His name was Abraheem but was known as Bahmi Shah Fakir.  He had his grave made during his life.  He had it plastered solid.  He kept a hole so he could go in while dying.  Satguru ji came to his place.  The Fakir saw Satguru ji and bowed to his lotus feet.  He brought 1 Maund of ghee, 1 Maund of sweets and 1 Maund of flour.  He also brought flour, rice and other grains and feed.  He brought the food for Langar.  He folded his hands and said: “I come to your shelter.  Make me your servant.  Make me into a Singh by giving me your Pahul.  There are many Panths in the world.  I have seen them all.  Some shave your heads and make you beg.  They make a worse form from the better one they had before.  There is no other Panth like yours.  I have tested all of the traditions by analysing them.  Your Panth’s form is bright and your Panth’s wisdom is bright.  They are drenched in the Simran of Satnam.  This is my wish: I wish to be a Singh.  I request you.”  Sri Prabhoo ji was happy to hear this.  Guru ji said: “you are starting a good tradition: if you have faith while being a Muslim; you wish to join the Panth; you can be high or low; all can take the Pahul.”  Guru ji commanded Bhai Maan Singh ji: “stand and make the wise Sikhs.”  By Guru ji’s command, the Amrit was prepared.  Bahmi Shah was given Amrit while standing.  Sri Guru ji then said his new name: “Ajmer Singh is your name.  Say the Vahiguru ji Ki Fateh.”  Bhai Ajmer Singh ji was blessed.  He was deserving of Mukti.  He began to do the Simran of the Guru.  He recited Gurbani, morning and evening, with love.  Guru ji set up a Dhera there and spent the night.

In the morning, Guru ji made preparations to leave.  Guru ji rode his horse and set off.  Guru ji had many Singhs with weapons along with him.  They travelled many Kos and reached Sahibchand village.  It was time for the Sukha Shaheedi Degh.  The Degh was grinded, prepared and consumed.  Guru ji washed up and mounted his horse again.  Guru ji then travelled to Kot Bhai Ka Village and set up a Dhera.  In that village, 2 Baaniya brothers lived.  They heard of Guru ji’s arrival and came to bow to his feet.  They all exchanged well wishes.  The 2 brothers folded their hands and said: “we would like to serve you.  Please give permission so we may take your Langri with us.  Whatever is needed, we can bring it here.  You can eat it here.”  Guru ji was happy.  He commanded: “take Amrit and be blessed.  Be part of the Khalsa and take on the same form.  At your end time, you will have the beautiful form.”  The Baaniya brothers obeyed.  The Singhs prepared the Karah quickly and brought it.  The brothers wore swords and stood in front.  They chanted the Vahiguru Mantra from their mouths.  As they stood, Guru ji said: “get up Gurbaksh Singh (Jhorar) and give them Amrit.”  Bhai Gurbaksh Singh ji obeyed and brought water.  He put sweet Patashas into the water.  Five Singhs recited the Svaiyay.  They first recited Jap to Anand.  Jhorar is what everyone called Bhai Gurbaksh Singh ji.  He stood and did the Ardaas, followed by the Hukam.  Both of the Baaniya brothers were given Amrit.  The brother that was named Rangi was now known as Rangi Singh.  The other was Ghummi Singh.  The Home of Joy said their names himself.  The brothers were blessed and they bowed.  In this way, they were blessed and bowed their heads.  Guru ji gave them a lot of blessings.  The brothers did the Seva of the whole Dhera.  They gave grass for all the horses.  Everyone ate and were satiated.  They spent the night in joy. 

In the morning, everyone bathed and got ready to leave.  Guru ji mounted his horse and went hunting.  They all went through the jungle slowly.  Guru ji moved around as he wished.  They set up camp in Suniyar Village.  They spent one night and then went to Rohila Village.  After that, they reached Babiha Village.  They set up camp there and spent 9 days.  They then went to Baajak.  They saw the time and prepared the Shaheedi Degh and drank it.  The people of the village heard of Guru ji’s arrival and came to meet him.  They collected milk from their homes and filled many pots to bring to Guru ji.  They did Guru ji’s Darshan and bowed their heads.  They put sugar in the milk and gave it to the Singhs.  The Singhs were satiated.  One of the Singhs did not drink the milk.  The villagers insisted but the Singh did not drink it.  Guru ji asked the Singh: “why are you not drinking the milk?”  The Singh said: “I have eaten meat.  It is not good to drink cow’s milk after eating meat.  I was aware of this so I didn’t drink it.  If there was buffalo’s milk, then I would have had it, easily.”  Another Sikh heard this and said: “I will bring you buffalo’s milk.”  Guru ji said: “drink it well.  Make sure you are full when you drink it.”  Sri Prabhoo ji had the Dhera set up.  The Singhs were satiated with milk. 

When the Singhs had killed the Dewana in the past, someone had told the other Dewanas about it: “there was a Dewana from your Panth who went to the Guru.  One of the Singhs killed him with his sword.”  Ghudda and Sukhu were two Mahants.  They were great singers as the Dewanas would sing as their Upasana.  They got angry and had discussions with the others: “let’s go and take revenge.”  They went around and gathered all of the Dewanas.  About 50 Dewanas gathered and set off to take revenge.  On the way, they thought and got scared: “Sri Guru ji is a strong and courageous warrior.  What power do we have in front of him?  The whole world bows in front of him.”  Thinking about this, half of them returned back.  Only 25 remained.  When they walked quite far ahead, 13 of them got scared and left.  The 2 Mahants had courage.  10 more got scared and left.  Only Sukhu and Ghuddu remained.  They saw the state of their companions and hid their Tadh and Sarangi.  They had doubts in their minds but headed towards Guru ji.  Their revenge was a far-fetched idea now.  They decided to do Guru ji’s Darshan.  They came to Guru ji and bowed their heads.  Satguru ji saw them and said: “the instruments you had, where are you hiding them?  Bring them.”  They said: “the Guru is omniscient.”  The both of them got up and brought their instruments.  When they brought their Tadh and Sarangi, Prabhoo ji said: “sing something as you regularly do in other places.”  The two Dewanas heard the command and tuned the Sarangi.  As the Sadhs of the Jungle Desh were sung, the two began to sing in a high pitch:

Kacha Kotha, vich vasda Jaani – Within the raw Kotha (the body), the Jani (Aatma) lives.

Sada na Maapay, nit nahi juaani – The parents are not forever; the youthfulness is not permanent.

Chalna aagay hoe gumaani – forward you go, oh pride one.

Sri Guru ji heard this and said: “sing it again in the same tune.  Play the Tadh and Sarangi together.  Sing it in a high pitch.”  The Dewanas obeyed and sang the Sadh again.  They sang in the high pitch.  Guru ji was very happy and had them sing it again.  Three times, Guru ji heard it.  At night, they stayed and ate.  Guru ji rested the night and headed off the next day.  As Guru ji was leaving, Sukhu and Ghuddu folded their hands and said: “Prabhoo ji, ride on top of us, as you rode before as the Peer.  Complete our wish.  See us as your own and fulfill our wish.”  Guru ji heard this and had his bed picked up.  Bhai Sudhu and Bhai Ghuddu picked the bed over their heads.  The two were joined by two other Singhs as they lifted the bed and travelled.  They quickly travelled.  Sukhu’s head was like a Nagara.  Guru ji played his fingers on top of Sukhu’s head like playing a Nagara.  As Guru ji played his fingers, Sukhu made the noise with his mouth.  They travelled on the path.  As Guru ji played his fingers on his head, Bhai Sukhu made “Dho, Dho” noises.  In this way, they travelled 1 Ko.  Satguru ji commanded the bed to be set down.  He completed the wish of the Dewanas.  (With one blessed glance, Guru ji blessed Bhai Sukhu ji with Brahmgyaan.  Bhau Sukhi ji could not contain his state.)  Guru ji had the Dhera set up.  Guru ji sat on his bed.  Sukhu ji came and bowed his head and started to do Parkarmas of Guru ji.  He ran around many times and made sounds saying “oonga oonga (I am awake now).”  The Dewanas were known to be carefree.  When he got tired, he fell in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji looked at him with blessings and said: “bathe him.”  The Singhs picked up Bhai Sukhu ji and bathed him with water.  As Bhai Sukhu ji came to his senses, he said: “why did you bathe me?  I had a lot of Vairagya in my heart.  Now it’s less.  It wasn’t right to bathe.”  Guru ji gave him hope.  He gave him a Rajitpun with 4 sides.  He said: “keep this and worship it.  Your wealth will become doubled.”  After giving them this, Prabhoo gave them leave.  The Dewanas went back to their Dhera, drenched in Guru ji’s love.  They still have the four-sided coin in their Dhera.  Bowing to that coin, one’s wishes are fulfilled.

1-19 The White Sarovar/ With Dalla in Talwandi

When Guru ji set up the Dhera in Jassi Village, there was a huge Sarovar there.  Guru ji went into the Sarovar with his horse, with all his clothes and weapons.  He went in from one side and came out of the other side.  Guru ji was wearing a blue Chola and his horse was a dark colour before going into the Sarovar.  As he came out the other end, he stood on the edge.  His clothes and horse were now white.  His Dastaar remained blue though.  Thousands saw this and were amazed.  They all came close to Guru ji and said: “what was this miracle?  Your clothes and horse are now white but your Dastaar is still blue.”  Sri Prabhoo ji heard this and said to all: “Sri Ram Chand ji had come here.  He bathed here with joy.  Since then, this is a pure Teerath.  This place was hidden but it was the Purbi (special time) time so I have made it pure again when I went in.  My clothes are white because of this.  This has become pure because of the special time.  The name of this Teerath is Bhaggasar.  By Ram Chander ji’s touch, it has become pure.”  The Sikhs heard this and bathed in the Sarovar.  Sri Guru ji then said: “the Purbi (special time) time is gone now.  There is no reward now.”  Guru ji came back to the Dhera.  He stood and spoke to all: “we came to Jassi, ate Gurrh and left.  We came to Jassi, ate Gurrh and left.”  Guru ji said this two or three times.  People went quiet and wondered why he was saying that.  Nobody had eaten gurrh.  After about an hour and a half, the army of Guru ji rested.  A Lubana Sikh had arrived.  He had many carts and bulls.  He did business of Gurrh.  He heard of Guru ji’s presence and came there.  He brought 30 solid Maunds of Gurrh to Guru ji.  He placed it in front of Guru ji.  He bowed and did his Darshan.  His heart was filled with bliss.  He saw his birth as a success.  People now figured out why Guru ji was singing that phrase about eating Gurrh.  Guru ji was happy and completed the Lubana Sikh’s wishes.  During his end time, Guru ji gave him hope of Mukti.  The Sikh set up his camp near Guru ji.  He stayed for one night.  The Langar was not made that day.  Only Gurrh was given out to everyone.  They ate Gurrh.  The horses were given Gurrh as well.  Langar was made the next day.

Many people of the village came with many gifts.  Guru ji stayed there for many days.  Prabhoo ji then eventually left the village of Jassi.  Guru ji then went to the village Pakka and set up camp.  He stayed there for one night.  Where Guru ji tied his horse, 3 spikes were put.  The 3 spikes became 3 Jandh trees.  They stand till today, where people come to do their Darshan.  Guru ji then left from that place as well.  Many people came to meet Guru ji.  Guru ji came close to Sabo ki Talwandi where Bhai Dalla ji lived.  The farmers of Sabo ke all obeyed Bhai Dalla ji.  They all heard of Satguru ji’s arrival: “the destroyer of sinners has come.”  Bhai Dalla ji sent messengers to gather one person from each home.  The farmers all gathered, with their weapons fastened.  Bhai Dalla ji had about 400 soldiers who were farmers.  Bhai Dalla came with his men to see Guru ji.  He welcomed Guru ji with respect.  Guru ji, the Root of Joy, came on his horse.  Whoever saw him, was filled with bliss.  The people presented gifts and bowed to Guru ji’s lotus feet.  They bowed their head with their hands folded.  The farmers all came close to Guru ji.  They touched his feet who were fortunate.  They slowly moved back after bowing.  Guru ji asked how everyone was: “is everyone in your family well?  Are you farmers all well?”  They said: “Sri Prabhoo ji, we are blessed by you.  Everyone in the village is well.  We have done your Darshan as you are the root of Mukti.  We heard of your arrival and we were happy.”  Talwandi was still a little far.  Guru ji got off his horse, seeing a nice place.  Guru ji said: “the Vaheer is still coming.  We will head towards the village by evening as everyone else catches up.”  Rugs and tarps were spread out.  Guru ji sat on his seat, the Compassionate One.  Bhai Dalla ji brought all his brothers and relatives.  He sat close to Prabhoo ji.  He folded his hands and spoke of the past events: “the Turks and sinners earned a lot of corruption.  You fought fierce battles with them.  You destroyed many Turks and Paharis.  There was the master of the country and then there were only a few soldiers with ambition with you.  Fighting battles are really heavy.  Your four Sahibzadas had died.  A lot of problems fell upon you.  Anandpur was surrounded from all sides, for many months.  You faced some really hard times.  You didn’t think of me, ever.  I had 200 to 300 warriors.  I would have gathered them and brought them to you.  I would have done the great effort of fighting a fierce war.  I would have kept you in peace in every way.”  Sri Guru ji heard Bhai Dalla ji’s nice words.  The Pankaj Nainang said: “what has happened, has happened.  It’s gone now.  It can’t be brought back into our hands by any effort.  To fight or be killed in war, there is no use to have regrets.”  Bhai Dalla ji spoke again: “what you say is true, but I am your servant.  I would have come and fought a fierce battle.  We would have done your tasks.  I would have brought all my men and come to you.  If you would have wrote and sent me a Hukamnama, I would have come to you without delay, like a bullet leaving a gun.  I would have helped you in every way.  I would have taken you out and brought you here.  You wouldn’t have been in such a troubled time.”  Sri Prabhoo ji explained again: “the time that is gone, doesn’t come again in your hand.  There is no solution for the time spent.  What was supposed to happen, happened.  It happened on everyone’s head as it was written.”  Bhai Dalla did not stay quiet but Guru ji would try to change the subject.  Bhai Dalla wanted Guru ji to praise him.  He wanted to be known.  He wanted praise without fighting or dying.  The court had thousands of warriors, sitting in attention with their weapons.

As they all sat, craftsmen from Lahore had arrived.  They brought really expensive rifles with them.  They came to Prabhoo ji’s presence and placed the rifles in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji picked up one rifle to check it out.  He opened it up and checked it.  He held it in his hands and aimed outwards.  He wanted to test Bhai Dalla ji.  Guru ji, the destroyer of sinners, spoke out loud: “Dalla, give me two men.  I will kill them to test this rifle.  I want to see how far its bullet goes.  I want to see if it kills a soldier or not.”  Everyone heard Guru ji’s words and were shocked: “what did he just say?  He wants to kill a person?”  The brothers that came with Bhai Dalla, they all wanted to go to their homes.  Many became cowards, leaving their courage.  They didn’t want to sit near Guru ji.  “What we heard of Guru ji, that he consumes Sukha all day long; he speaks whatever comes to his mind; we can see that.  He is harsh and stubborn.  He makes many into Bemukhs.  He wants to kill men to test his rifle.  Who would stay with him?”  The farmers made sure Bhai Dalla wasn’t looking.  200 of his men left.  Half remained.  They were afraid of being called upon to stand and eat the bullets on their chests.  They got scared and went home.  The half that remained were also scared.  Bhai Dalla was surprised and stayed quiet.  He kept his head down and didn’t look up.  He was speaking many words before but was quiet now like his wisdom had died.  Guru ji stood with his rifle in hand.  He would open the paleeta and look.  He would take out the ramrod and look at it.  He would look at the Kothi (where the gunpowder is poured).  Some time passed as everyone sat with their heads downwards.  Guru ji said: “Dalla, two men!  Give them to me!  Make them stand here.  I will shoot the rifle to test its shot.  I want to see how it injures a person.”  Bhai Dala heard this and stayed quiet.  He lifted his head but didn’t say anything.  His relatives got up and left.  They lost their courage.  None of his employees were fearless.  His brothers all left.  Everyone was afraid to be called upon and stand in front of Guru ji.  They were scared and left.  They didn’t sit in the court.  Satguru ji didn’t care about the ones that were leaving.  He kept looking down the double-barrel of the riffle.  Guru ji put gunpower and two bullets.  He rammed the bullets with the ramrod and made it ready.  He spoke a third time: “none of your farmers remained.”  Guru ji asked for the tora.  He commanded a Sikh: “the two Rangreta Sikhs are standing far, tying their Dumaalaas.  There names are Bir Singh and Dhir Singh.  Don’t call out any one of their names.  Tell them that the Guru is calling you.  Tell them that I will test the rifle on them.  I want to test the injury.”  The Sikh obeyed and went.  He said to the Singhs: “Guru ji wants to shoot a bullet.”  Both of Rangreta Singhs held their Dumaalaas in their hands and ran towards Guru ji.  Some historical accounts say that they were father and son.  Some of their Dumaalaa was tied and some of it was in their hands.  They fought each other as they ran.  They stood in front of Guru ji in the court.  They would push the other back, eager to take the bullet in their chests.  Guru ji said: “I only called one of you.  Why are the two of you fighting each other?”  The Singhs folded their hands and said: “the Sikh didn’t say any of our names.  We both wish to be fired upon.  We are fighting over this wish.  Fire on me!”  The other said: “fire on me!”  Guru ji was happy and said: “look Dalla, I have these kinds of warriors with me.  These are the kinds of warriors I had with me in Anandpur.  They wanted to fight for me.  The 300 warriors with you, look carefully; where are they now?  My Singhs had no greed for their own bodies.  Cowards don’t have courage.  I wasn’t going to kill them.  They heard my words and lost their courage.  When the rifles fire on the battlefield, killing and dying takes place.  Your warriors wouldn’t have stayed there.  They would have ran away and taken more with them.  I had the greatest warriors with me who killed Lakhs of Turks.”  Bhai Dalla ji’s ego was destroyed.  He said: “you speak the truth!”  Seeing this unique thought of Guru ji, the whole court was happy.

1-20 Dhera Near Dalla/ Mata Sundri ji and Mata Sahib Devi ji Meet

The Vaheer came and met Guru ji as it was the time to set up camp.  Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji mounted his horse to go to the resting place.  When Guru ji arrived in Sabo Ki Talwandi, Bhai Dalla folded his hands and said: “please set up your Dhera inside my fort, my home.  You will be in joy there as everything is available in my home.”  Satguru ji said: “I am better outside.  The army and Sangat will have easier access there.  I don’t need to go inside the fort.  I have no wish to fight a battle right now.  I have already written the destruction of the Turk Badshah.  In your home, the women of your family live.  It will be uncomfortable for them.”  Bhai Dalla spoke with his hands folded: “the women in my home are in one side of the home.  The rest of the home will be free.  You can go there and stay there.  If this is not acceptable to you, I can send all of the women to another home in the village.  You can take the whole home.  It is your home.  You can stay there and enjoy yourself with many joys.”   Guru ji said again: “I am better outside.  I will set up the Dhera right next to your home.  Your love and faith I know.  I accept it.  I will be outside your home but it will be the same as being inside.  This is your place too.”  After saying this, Satguru ji had the Dhera set up.  It was right next to Bhai Dalla’s Qila.  The horses were tied to the wall of the Qila.  The tents were set up.  The Singhs were at a little distance from Guru ji’s tent.  His field was big.  All of the tents were set up, spread out wide and far.  The Brars were even further.  The mounted and foot soldiers all set up the camp in a good way.  The Singhs set up guard all around Guru ji.  Bhai Dalla ji asked many times for the Langar to be cooked inside his Qila.  He brought the food out and distributed it to all.  The Brars were paid everyday.  They cooked their own food with their own money.  The Singhs ate Langar.  They ate many types of food.  The Singhs would go inside the Qila to eat.  They would bring the plate of Guru ji outside.  They all slept at night. 

In the morning, everyone bathed and got ready.  Satguru ji would sit in Divaan.  The Rababis did the Keertan.  The nearby villages, many people would come to do Darshan of Guru ji.  They came with respect and love.  Mata Sundri ji and Mata Sahib Devi ji, the wives of Guru ji, received news of how Guru ji stayed with many Gursikhs during his travels.  They found out that the Four Sahibzadas had become Shaheeds.  They heard all this and felt a deep pain.  They were in sorrow and shed many tears.  They cried many times, thinking about all this.  They found out that Satguru ji was in Talwandi.  The Matas both came there.  They did Satguru ji’s Darshan and cried in front of him, thinking of their sons.  Their throat swelled up and couldn’t speak.  Mata Sundri ji’s handsome son, Baba Ajeet Singh ji, was not there.  She thought of him and his virtues.  She cried at Guru ji’s feet.  She was in deep sorrow.  She said: “Satguru ji, everything: home and wealth; losing my sons; this is a deep pain, oh Master!”  Her lotus-like face was drenched with tears.  She was upset with deep pain.  She had 1 son (the other 3 Sahibzadas were born to Mata Jeeto ji) who was handsome and filled with many virtues.  He killed many enemies and became a Shaheed himself.  How could this mother in pain gather her patience?  She was humble and helpless.  She cried and didn’t stop.  Sri Mata Sahib Devi ji was in the exact same state.  She cried with an upset and broken heart.  Sri Guru ji gave them hope and stopped them from crying: “why are you in sorrow for no reason?  Your sons were the bravest of warriors.  They went to Vaikunt.  The Devatas welcomed them with great respect.  They now are the kings of the other realms.  They have earned unlimited praise in this world.  No life is more a success then theirs is.  They earned the real success of life.  To be the mother of such warriors, it is not right to mourn them.  You are in the Guru’s home.  You should be wise.  Why aren’t you remembering: that this world is temporary.  It will cease to exist one day.  It changes on a daily basis.  How can it be permanent?  It dies right in front of you.  When one is born, they change to a child.  By the day their body changes.  The child becomes youthful and keeps changing with time.  Then it becomes old and the hair goes white.  The body deteriorates and the youthfulness dies.  Old age comes and destroys the body.  Everyone knows this in their hearts.  Child, youth and old is by Kaal.  Nobody stays.  Death eats all.  Whoever loves someone too much, when they die, that’s how much pain they feel.  When such a body is received, it should be used for good.  Such a person is not born again, nor do they die again.  Where there is unending bliss and great joy that never dies; your sons reside there now.  It is not right to mourn them.  This is the Gyaan of Mukti.  Remember this in your heart forever.”  After saying this, the Matas stopped crying but the love for their sons did not go away. 

During this time, Bhai Dalla ji came.  He folded his hands and said: “please give them permission so they may stay inside the Qila.  I have already emptied part of the home for them.  The Matas can stay there with joy.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “you can ask them yourself.  They will stay where they wish to stay.”  Bhai Dalla ji went to the Matas.  He folded his hands and said: “Mata ji, come inside to my home.  Stay there inside the home with joy.  My whole family will stand in your presence with their hands folded.  They will serve your feet in many ways.  My life would be a success if you come.  My family would be blessed.  This home is yours.  Come inside please.”  The Matas heard this and said: “we are better near the feet of Prabhoo ji.  We don’t wish to separate from the lotus feet of the Satguru.  We were suffering for many days, being separated from him.”  At a distance, the tent of the Matas was set up.  The posts were planted and a beautiful tent was set up.  Mata Sundri ji kept mourning her handsome son.  Mata Sahib Devi ji was with Mata Sundri ji.  They rested in their tents.  Bhai Dalla ji prepared many types of food.  He sent out plates with love for Guru ji and the Matas.  Five days passed like this.  The Langar was cooked inside Bhai Dalla ji’s Qila. 

On the 6^th day, Guru ji said to the Singhs: “make the Langar outside now.”  Guru ji said to Bhai Dalla ji: “I want the Langar to be made near me.  I have seen your deep love.  You have served me in many ways.”  Bhai Dalla ji folded his hands and said: “my whole family is yours.  My belongings and wealth are all yours.  My Qila, cows, horses, buffaloes, wealth and homes; they are all yours.  I made Langar as much as I can.  Till I can do this, see my devotion and let me serve you.  The food in my home is all given by you.  Please keep eating that food along with the Singhs.”  Guru ji said: “I am happy with you but the Langar will be cooked outside now.  This is the way your love will be.  I am speaking with love.  You are with love.”  The Langar was then cooked outside.  The Singhs and other hungry people would come to eat the Langar.  The Brars were paid everyday.  They cooked their own food.  This carried on for some days.  

Bhai Dalla ji came one day and folded his hands.  He said: “for the Singhs and the Brars, I will prepare a feast.  Please come inside and make it pure.  Let me serve food for all inside.  Your feet will make my home pure.”  He said this and prepared many types of delicious foods.  With love, he had sweet, salty, spicy and sour foods made.  Many people cooked the food.  Satguru ji was taken inside with respect after being requested to come.  Everyone sat in lines.  A stool was set for Satguru ji.  A while sheet was laid on top.  The Master sat in the middle.  The two Matas were seated inside the home.  The Singhs and the Brars were seated.  The food was given to all.  They set the food with good tradition.  A huge plate was placed in front of Guru ji.  Two plates were sent for the Matas.  Their maids and servants were served food as well.  Everyone was satiated.  Guru ji’s hands were washed along with gargling his mouth while standing.  A horse and an expensive shawl were presented to Guru ji.  100 Rajitpuns were gifted to Guru ji.  Bhai Dalla ji gave the gifts and bowed his head.  He received the blessings of Guru ji.  The two Matas were given Tevars (Suthan, Kurti and chaadra or chunni) that were really expensive.  50 Rajitpuns were given.  Everyone was happy eating the food.  Satguru ji got up and came back to his Dhera.  The Singhs and the Brars came as well.  They all praised Bhai Dalla ji: “he did Guru ji’s Seva with eagerness.”