1-31 Mullah/ The Parasang at the Mosque

Sharda, that mounts the Swan; I bow to you with my hands folded.    I will say the Katha of the Guru with deep thought.  You relieve the 3 types of illnesses.  I remember you all the time.  I bow to you, the Sharda form.  By your compassion, I can write this katha.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

When Baba Moola ji heard of Guru ji’s profit of 760 Rajitpuns was with the Navaab, he was filled with greed and went to Navaab Daulat Khan’s court.  He didn’t understand the greatness of Guru ji.  He said to the Navaab: “give me justice!  See me as your virtue.  The Raja always gives justice.”  The Navaab heard this and said: “who are you?  Why are you asking for justice?  Who are you referring to?  Say his name, who gave you pain.  Tell me everything.  I will give you justice.”  Baba Moola ji said: “your Modi, Nanak, I am his father-in-law.  I refer to him.  Know this.  Listen to my words and think about them.  Give me justice then, by calling my son-in-law.  You will be praised.”  The Navaab heard Guru Nanak Dev ji’s name and told him to come forth.  He said to Baba Moola ji: “what are you saying?  My Modi is a great person.  Tell me properly.”  Baba Mool Chand ji said: “the 760 Rajitpuns you have of his, Navaab Rai, look at his wife and son.  Think about justice that he has a son and wife.  You should give him the money.  Find out if I am saying the truth.”  The Navaab heard this and said: “the one who has Lotus eyes, he told me to give the 760 Rajitpuns to the Fakirs.  I will listen to him and not give his money anywhere else.  I can’t give it to you.  If Fakirs come, I will give them the money.”  Baba Moola ji said: “my son-in-law is possessed and has gone crazy.  He is not aware of his surroundings.  I am not lying.  He is not living at home.  He stays in the cemetery with joy.  Whatever comes to his mind, he says it.  He is dressed like a Fakir.”  The Navaab heard this and got worried.  It was like a snake catching a lizard.  It can’t eat it nor let it go.  This is how the Navaab’s state was.  He was afraid of not giving the money to the Fakir and he was afraid of not giving the money to the children of Guru ji.  He was afraid of Guru ji as well. 

When the Navaab was in doubt, Yaar Khan was close to Navaab, a wise officer.  The Navaab said: “what shall we do?”  Yaar Khan said to the Navaab: “if Nanak ji has gone crazy, and lost his senses; if he is possessed, we need to know the truth.  We can give the money after.  If he is still alright, we will ask him what we shall do.”  When the Navaab heard Yaar Khan, he praised him: “this is a good idea.  What you said is correct.”  The Navaab looked at the Mullah and called him over.  He told the Mullah the whole situation: “go to the jungle and assess the situation of the state of Nanak ji.  Cure him if you can.  Tell me what the state is.”  The Mullah quickly went.  He wrote some spells on some paper and went to Guru ji.

The news spread that the Mullah was going to Guru ji to do an exorcism.  Where the mine of compassion was sitting, many people went there.  The people spoke nonsense: “the Mullah will do an exorcism.  We will see a drama today.”  Many went to the Cemetery.  Nobody knew the truth.  They didn’t know Guru ji’s greatness.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was sitting in Samadhi, in the Cemetery.  He was looking radiant.  It was like Shivji.  He was sitting still.  His eyes were closed.  He was the destroyer of his servants’ pain.  People surrounded Guru ji in every direction.  The people wanted to see a drama.  Guru ji was in deep Samadhi.  Guru ji was the same.  He didn’t hear or see anyone.  The Mullah came to Guru ji and recited spells.  There was a great crowd there.  Many people ran to see this.  The Mullah recited the mantras.  People watched.  The Mullah rolled a wick and lit it on fire.  A lot of smoke arose.  The Mullah put the burning wick to Guru ji’s nose.  The smoke came to Guru ji’s Dasam Duar.  His Samadhi opened up.  He didn’t open his eyes.  The omniscient Guru understood the whole story.  The compassionate one knew what the Mullah was doing.  Guru ji said:

Salok M: 1..

Damned is the life that writes the Name and sells it..

Whose field is spoiled, where will they plant their seeds..

(SGGS 1245)

When Guru ji said this, the people heard this and started yelling.  They said: “the ghost is speaking and giving pain!  Since the ghost has gone into his body, he hasn’t done any work.  He had his money and shop looted.  He has lost his senses.  The smoke went in him and the ghost started to speak.”  The foolish Mullah thought he took the ghost out.  He said: “the ghost has spoken.  Oh ghost, what is your name and where are you from?  If you don’t speak, I will burn you!  Tell me the truth if you want to be saved.  Otherwise I will give you pain with more smoke.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji opened his eyes and said a Shabad for good wisdom:

Maaroo Mahalla 1..

Some say ghost, some say Betaal.. Some say man, Nanak is poor and helpless..

I am the lover of the Shah, Nanak is crazy for him.. I do not know anyone besides Hari..1.. Rahao..

A lover is known by the fear..  There is only One Sahib, the one who sees no other, that is the true lover..2..

A lover is known if he makes the effort.. Understand the command of the Master, don’t show other cleverness..3..

A lover is known if he only loves the Master.. See yourself as low, the world is seen as better than yourself..4..

(SGGS 991)

Oh Mullah, listen: a lover can only be a true lover if he lives in the fear of the Master and no one else.  Forget the awareness of the world.  Be drenched in the colour of the Naam.  Who would leave Amrit and grab these diluted pleasures of the senses?  The unwise are fools and call the lovers: ghosts, Betaals and crazy.  They say: “he doesn’t know profit and loss.”  The lover is attaining profits.  The people don’t test his love.  The people themselves, they are stuck in vices and desires.  These fools are always in pain.  They go to the world of the Jumms.”  Hearing these words, everyone had faith on Guru ji.  They thought: “he has broken the bonds of the world and has fallen in love with Nirankaar.”

The Mullah then folded his hands and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  The Mullah said: “forgive my mistake.  I have made a grave mistake.  I was not aware of your truth.  These unwise people do not know your greatness and see faults in you.  You are innocent.  If a person is disoriented, they think everything else is unstable.  If a person loses sense of direction, he blames the sun.”  Guru ji was compassionate.  The Mullah lost his doubt as Guru ji blessed him with his sight.  The Mullah’s mind became still.  He was in bliss.  The darkness of ignorance was gone.  The Mullah was in joy and went back to the Navaab.

The Mullah said to the Navaab: “Nanak ji is the Peer of peers.  His wisdom is vast.  He is patient.  People don’t know his greatness.  They see faults in him.  It is like a person’s eyes having an issue but the person sees a fault in the moon.  Guru Nanak ji is deserving of being worshiped.  He is wise and omniscient.  People are foolish and don’t know anything.”  The Mullah praised Guru ji to the Navaab.  He had become Guru ji’s Sikh from his mind.  Daulat Khan heard this and thought in his mind: “what should I do with the money of Guru ji?” He asked the Mullah: “what should I do with the money?  Moola has asked for it.  What should I do?”  One man, sitting by, said: “listen Navaab ji, call Jai Ram.  Ask him what to do.  He is wise.  Whatever he says, you should do.  You are not greedy.  You want to give it away.”  The Navaab accepted this and sent someone to get Bhaiya Jai Ram ji.  He said to him: “go and call Jai Ram.”

Bhaiya Jai Ram ji came with an upset mind.  The Navaab said: “the money of Nanak ji, what should we do with it?  Tell me what is best.”  Bhaiya ji was afraid of Guru ji and Baba Mool Chand ji.  He thought deeply and didn’t say anything.  He sat quietly.  The Khan spoke again: “Jai Ram, why do you not speak?  Whatever you say, I will do.  I don’t want to keep the money.  I don’t want to do wrong.  I asked you for the good advice.”  Bhaiya ji said: “listen Khan ji, what you have thought, you are wise.  Do that what you wish.  If you have some doubt, call Guru Nanak ji.  He is nearby.”  The Khan agreed and sent someone to get Guru Nanak Dev ji.  The person went to the Cemetery to get Guru ji. 

Guru ji sat in the Cemetery where there was no other human.  His compassion destroys all 3 illnesses.  Joy is given.  The person said: “Nanak ji, get up.  The Navaab is calling for you.  He wishes to ask you something.  He will follow you.”  Guru ji said: “what do I have to do with the Navaab?  I don’t sit as the Modi anymore.  I sit in the jungle.”  The person came back to the Navaab and said: “he is not coming into the Sultanpur.  He won’t obey your command anymore.  You are wise.  You should do as you wish.”  The Khan heard this and got angry.  It was like an angry insect trying to smash the Sumer Mountain.  He said: “grab him and bring him here if he doesn’t comply.  Tell him to come otherwise he will regret this.”  The person came back to Guru ji and said: “come quickly with joy.  The Khan is angry.  He will have you arrested.  It is best that you go yourself.”  The giver of joy heard this and smiled.  He got up and went to give the unwise foolish Navaab, wisdom.  The gem of the Bedis went to the Navaab’s home to give him wisdom.  From the mighty Kaliyuga, the sins had entrapped the Navaab’s mind.  Guru ji went to save the Navaab.

Guru ji stood in front of the Navaab.  He did not give him a Salaam.  The Navaab was angry.  He said: “I called you.  Why did you not come?  What did you think of me?  You didn’t obey my command.  You gave away so much and sat in the Cemetery.”  Guru ji said: “when I worked for you, I came when you called.  I don’t work for you now.  I am detached from the world.  I am the slave of the Khuddah now.  I only obey his command.  The whole world sees the Kartaar Nirankaar form.”  The Navaab heard this and become angrier.  Daulat Khan thought to himself: “why don’t I bring him into the Deen of Islam? Today is Jumma (Friday).  I will take him to the Mosque and get him to read the Nimaaz.”  He said: “if you see the Khuddah as One and do not see any difference between Hindu and Muslim, then come with me to do the Bandagi of Khuddah.  Come with me and forget about what people will say.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji heard this and said: “let’s go Khan ji.  Take me where you wish to take me.  The thing that needs to be found will be found.  What needs to be known, will be known.”  Guru ji went with the Navaab to the Mosque.

The news spread in every home.  In every home, they discussed about what was happening.  The poor, rich, young and old, came and said: “Nanak will become a Turk.  This is not good.  This is a wrong tradition.”  The Hindus were scared.  They said: “who will tell the Navaab not to do this.”  This was a shocking thing that scared the people.  They said: “this has never happened before.”  The 4 castes got together to see the drama.

Bhaiya Jai Ram ji saw the corrupt plan and got upset.  He thought to himself and was scared.  He came home.  He wanted something else but something else was happening: “It was like the vine of Amrit giving fruit of poison.  It was like one was drawing the picture of the moon but made the picture of Rahu instead.  Instead of giving money, he is taking him for Nimaaz.”  He was shocked in every way.  He was getting tired.  He thought: “what will his father, father-in-law and mother say?  They will ask me why I didn’t do anything.  They will blame me and not know the reality.”  He was embarrassed and hid in his home.  He lowered his head and stayed quiet.  He was worried.  His eyes were filled with tears.  He scratched the ground.  His form was of love.  He was in regret.  Bebe Nanaki ji saw her husband upset.  He looked like a wilting lotus.  She said: “you are in shock.  Tell me what’s wrong.  You are in sorrow.  Tell me.”  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji said: “what can I say?  We are being slandered.  The Dharma tradition is being spoiled.  Your brother has gone to the mosque with Daulat Khan.  The Navaab will make him read the Nimaaz.  The 4 castes have been talking about this: “Guru Nanak ji will become a Muslim.”  Many people have gathered.  I am drowning in sorrow and worry.  I tried to think of many things but I can’t find a solution.”  Bebe Nanaki ji said: “don’t worry about anything.  Don’t forget in doubt.  Know my brother.  He is the form of the Parmeshwar’s Prema Bhagti.  He is the Master, who has created the 3 Loks.  Nagas, Danavas, Devatas, Varun, Kinnars, Dharti, Maartand (Surya), Jumm, Dharmraj, Inder, Shiva, Brahma, Pavan, Agni, Digpaal, and others obey my brother’s command.  This human Navaab is nothing in front of him.  Don’t worry even a little bit.  He will embarrass them all and come home.  You should eat food with joy.  If you don’t trust him, send Nidha Brahmin to the Mosque.”  Nidha Brahmin was sent to the mosque. 

There was a crowd in the mosque.  Nidha came inside the mosque.  He was upset to see the Compassionate One in the mosque.  He couldn’t get to Guru Nanak Dev ji though.  It was a great crowd.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji completes this Adhyaaya.  The root of joy, his Katha will continue. 

1-32 The Occurrence at the Mosque/ The Qazi and Daulat Khan Become Sikhs

The feet of the Guru are illuminating in the world like the sun.  Staying in their protection, the darkness of hatred is destroyed; they give the gift of joy. 

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

The mosque was beautiful.  The walls had beautiful paintings on them.  The name of Allah was written with gold on the walls.  It shined.  Daulat Khan stood in the Mosque with the people of his court.  His senior officers were there as well.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the cloud of Gyaan, was with Daulat Khan.  His face was radiant like the lotus flower.  He had no joy or sorrow.  He was always in bliss.  He was always in the single state.  He stood by the Navaab to show him the true path.  The Hindus couldn’t say anything to the Navaab as the Turks were in power.  Only Parmeshwar could keep their honour.  The Hindus did Simran of the Compassionate One.  The Qazi and the Navaab took water in their hands and washed them till their elbows.  They washed their feet to their knees.  They cleaned themselves and stood towards the west.  They placed their hands on their ears and knees while they bowed.  They were in the mosque but their minds were somewhere else.  They placed their hands and heads on the ground to bow.  They did this many times.  They completed their Nimaaz and then said to Guru Nanak Dev ji: “you just stood there.  Do you not have any fear?”  Guru Nanak Dev ji said: “Khan, listen: with whom should I do the Nimaaz with?  You have no shame.  Your bodies were here but your mind was not.  When you were bowing, your mind was in Kandahar.  You were thinking of buying horses.  Your bowing and reading of the Nimaaz was a farce.  You bowed and stood up many times but if was just a show.  Your mind wasn’t here.  You did not instill the root in your heart.  On the outside you looked like you were praying but your mind was travelling foreign lands.”  The Qazi then said: “you are lying.  Are you not afraid?  You are standing in front of the Navaab and myself.  Look who you are speaking to.”  The Navaab spoke: “what he said is the truth.  When I was bowing, I was thinking about buying horses in Kandahar.”  The Qazi said: “I understand your mind was in Kandahar but I performed the Nimaaz with focus.  Why did he not do the Nimaaz with me?”  The foolish Qazi was trying to hide his own thoughts.  He didn’t know how vast Guru ji was.  Guru Nanak Dev ji spoke, who was the home of compassion and joy: “I know of the Nimaaz that you did.  Your mind was in your home.  Your mare had just given birth to a foal.  There is a pothole near the animals and you were afraid that the foal would fall into the pothole.  Your mind was running around with the foal.  You were not focused for even a second.”  The Khan Navaab heard this and laughed.  He said to the Qazi: “let’s leave our honour.  What he is saying, let’s speak the truth.  Say what you were really thinking.”  The Qazi said: “yes he is saying the truth.  I have a female horse who gave birth to a foal.  There is a pothole nearby and I was thinking about that.”  Everyone was amazed to hear this.  Some laughed.  When the Qazi said this, The Navaab got up and grabbed Guru ji’s feet.  He became his servant and said: “you are the Peer of Peers.  Please dissolve my pain.  You are the ocean of virtue.  I come to your shelter.  We were in doubt.  We didn’t know your greatness.  Forgive our faults.  We were unwise.  Forgive our sins and the way we treated you before; give us wisdom now.”  He folded his hands and made requests: “you are the form of Khuddah.  You are omniscient and know every heart.  I am a fool who could not know you.  I was proud of my wealth.  You have been close to me for a long time.  Don’t leave me empty now.  My mind is not in my control.  I wish to control it.  Destroy the 3 types of illnesses.  I am a slave to my desires.  I am influenced by joy and sorrow.” 

Guru Nanak Dev ji heard these words and spoke with compassion: “listen Khan with your ear: this mind is strong and clever.  To stop it is hard.  It is priceless if it is stopped.  Without stopping it, reading and listening is useless.  Without stopping it, love does not come.  Without this virtue, Bhagti is not achieved.  If you keep mercury under your finger, it does not stay.  If someone tries to control the mercury, it still slips away.  If you meet someone who knows the technique to make mercury still, that is like meeting the Satguru and making the mind still.  Just as a stray horse is mounted by a person, the horse will do as it wishes.  The unwise person will be thrown off.  If a wise person mounts it, he would take a whip first.  He would control the horse first and put reins in its mouth.  The word of the Satguru is the rider.  The whip is like warning the mind of Hell.  The reins in the mouth are stopping the desires.  Control the mind in this way.  Let go of attachments and hatred.  This is filth.  Accept the will of the Prabhoo.  Do the Simran of Kartaar.  Your life will be blessed.”  Hearing the wisdom of the Satguru, the Navaab followed it.  He folded his hands and bowed.  He said: “what shall I do with the 760 Rajitpuns?  Moola came to me and wanted me to give the money to him.  He was going to give your wife and kids the money.  I will do as you say.  I am now your disciple.  Bless me.”  Guru ji heard the sweet words and his eyes became watery.  The Navaab was entangled in the world.  Guru ji destroyed his attachments.  He said: “I had already told you to give the money to the Fakirs.  You can do as you wish though.”  The Navaab said: “oh ocean of compassion: I think that half should go to your sons and wife and the other half should go to the Fakirs.  I will do as you say.  I am your servant.  I will obey.”  Guru ji said: “do as you wish.  Nobody will stop you.”  Guru ji then exited the mosque.  He gave Bhagti to the world.  The servants followed the righteous path.  The Navaab was devoted to Guru ji for the rest of his life.  He had bliss.  He didn’t speak too much.  He was always humble.  Whatever happened in the mosque, the people spoke about it: “he was omniscient.  Whatever he said, was right.” 

Nidha Brahmin heard this and ran back to Bhaiya Jai Ram ji.  The whole family was upset in the home.  Nidha Brahmin said: “sir, congratulations!  Be happy.  Don’t be upset.  You are praised in the world.”  When Bhaiya Jai Ram ji heard this, it was like Amrit in his ears.  He was not satiated.  He said: “tell me, oh wise Brahmin, tell me what happened.  What happened between Guru Nanak ji and the Navaab?”  Nidha said: “I saw from the outside.  Guru Nanak Dev ji only stood there.  He didn’t do the Nimaaz.  The Navaab did it and then Guru ji spoke to him.  Guru ji was praised.  I heard from the outside.”  Bebe Nanaki ji was happy to hear this.  She said: “Brahmin, where did you leave my brother?  Did you not see where he went?  Did you see?”  Nidha said: “I quickly came home.”  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji were upset over this.  He said: “why didn’t you find him and see how he was?  You came without his news.  This was not good.”  Bebe Nanaki ji said: “don’t worry.  Have love and trust.  Don’t doubt anything.  Eat food now.  You haven’t eaten for a while now.  My brother is Parmeshwar.  He will come when he wishes to.”  They spoke these words.

Tulsa, the maid, heard these words from the first floor.  She saw Guru Nanak Dev ji coming and came to tell them: “your wise brother, the giver of Mukti and joy, is coming.”  Bhaiya ji heard this and rejoiced, like an ill person getting Amrit.  The joy couldn’t be contained in his body.  He got up, quickly. 

Guru ji’s teeth were like crystal.  He was the destroyer of pain.  Bhaiya ji and Bebe ji were happy to see Guru ji.  The lotus-bodied one came.  The couple bowed to him.  Their worries were gone.  They were in bliss.  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji and Bebe Nanaki ji welcomed Guru ji with respect.  He was seated.  They said to him: “tell us what happened in the Mosque.  Nobody knows your greatness.  That’s why were worried.  The people of Sultanpur slandered you and that’s why were in doubt.”  Guru ji said: “what is done is done.  Why bother speaking about it.  The people that were there, they can tell you.”  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji folded his hands and asked over and over again: “tell us what happened in the mosque please.  If someone asks us, what will we say?  What we hear form you, will be the truth.  Tell us the whole story.  Tell us and give us bliss.”  Guru ji saw the humility and told him everything.  Whatever happened in the mosque with the Qazi and the Navaab, he said it all: “the Manmukh is foolish.  Their minds are not still.  They do Bandagi with their bodies.  They have ego in their hearts that they remember Khuddah.  They are empty from love.  Their forms are a farce.  The mind is stuck in desires and attachments.  It is eager to taste great pleasures.  How will they connect with the pleasure of the Prabhoo.  I told the Qazi and the Navaab where their minds were.  Their minds were doing business.  Their minds weren’t still.  When I told them where their minds were, the king bowed with faith.  He said: “forgive my mistake.”  He had love in his heart.  He then spoke about the money.  He wanted me to give half of the money to the mother of Baba Sri Chand ji and the other half to saints.  He then bowed and went home.  I came here, seeing you close by.  Jeeja ji, this is what happened.  Was it good or bad?  All castes were gathered there.  Everyone heard this and laughed.”  Everyone was happy.  Their worries were gone.  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji folded his hands and said: “you are always right.  You only do the right thing.  Who can say it was wrong?  You are like the moon and sun who give peace to all.  You are the Avatar who gives Mukti to your servants.”  Bebe Nanaki ji said: “do you trust my brother now or not?  Do you still doubt him?  Is your mind still?  Get up.  Food is ready.  Don’t be in doubt now.  The ocean of blessings, Guru ji, is right here.”  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji said: “Sri Nanak ji is great!  The Devatas follow him.  You are his sister.  You are wise and great.  I am somewhat fortunate because of you two.  We are related and so the world will know about this.” 

Sri Bala Sandhu said: “Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, you are the giver of bliss.  Listen to the Amrit Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji.”

Bhaiya Jai Ram ji got up to eat.  He was in place.  Guru ji took me as well to the kitchen.  We ate rice with ghee and sugar.  There was Dhaal (lentils) that we ate with pleasure.  Guru ji ate and got up.  He then laid down on a beautiful bed.  Doing his Darshan would wash the sins away.  If a sinner would hear this history, Guru ji would give them faith.  To destroy the filth of sins, this Katha is like water. 

1-33 Mata Sulakhani ji goes to her Parents’ Home

Sri Guru ji is the home of compassion.  I take the dust form his feet and clean the mirror of my mind to write this Katha filled with the flavor of Love.

Bhai Bala ji, whose moon-like mouth was showering Amrit, said the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji to Guru Angad Dev ji.  Guru Angad Dev ji would go into Samadhi when he would hear the Katha.  He would become still and radiant.  When he would open his eyes, Bhai Bala ji would continue with the beautiful Katha.  The listeners sitting there (Bhai Paira Mokha ji, Guru Amardas ji, Baba Bhudda ji) would consume the Amrit with their ears.  They were not satiated hearing the Katha.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Guru ji gave joy to his servants.  He stayed in his sister’s home.  It was like Vairagya took on a form.  He showed himself to the world while being detached.  It was peace in human form.  He showed his beautiful form to all.  To be generous to all, he came into a human form.  He was deep.  He came to save humans.  He tied a Safa (Pugri) to his head, 2 yards long.  He wore a Kaphni around his neck and a Chadra on his body, which looked radiant.  This is how he dressed. 

One day, Guru ji, the saviour of slanderers, was sitting in Bebe Nanaki ji’s home. Baba Moola ji and Mata Chando Rani ji came to the home.  They were really angry.  It was like Gyaan sitting on one side with his army.  He was the form of Truth, contentment and peace.  On the other side was Agyaan in human form.  Anger led the charge with attachment and others.  Anger ran in the heart and wanted to make Gyaan run around.  The in-laws came and stood in front of Guru Nanak Dev ji and spoke harsh words: “you are now dressing like a Fakir?!  You are showing the world that you have become a fake Sadhoo.  How will your two sons and wife afford a living?  You have been born to give us pain.  If you wanted to be a Fakir, why did you get married without patience?  You drowned my daughter.  You gave all your money to Fakirs and ruined the whole home.  You now became a Sadhoo.  You gave away your profit.  You should have given it to Sri Chand ji.  They could have made a living with that money.  What will your family do now?  Your sons are small.  Who will support them?  You sit there quietly.  You don’t fear the Parmeshwar.  You haven’t seen your younger son yet.”  Mata Chando Rani then spoke with anger: “Nanak!  What did you do?  Your family grew and you now became a Sadhoo.  You don’t love the children.  You have no pity on them.  Your work as the Modi was huge.  You made a lot of money there.  Daulat Khan listened to all your wishes.  You had many types of foods and clothes.  You quit your work, which ran your home.  You sit here wearing a Kaphni and are broke.  When you used to work, you slept on nice beds.  Now you wander anxiously.  The joys of the home, you denounced them and did injustice.”  Guru ji heard these words and spoke like a Virakat:

Maaroo Mahalla 1..

The mother and father meet to give birth to a new body..

The Karta wrote the destiny..

He wrote what is to be received, greatness and the jot..

The body met with Maya and lost its awareness (of the Parmeshwar)..1..

Oh foolish mind, why are you proud..  When it be the command of the master, you will have to go..1..Rahao..

Let go of pleasures, joy will come slowly.. The homes will not last, neither will the people..

You eat some, you wear some..  If we come back, then we should save..2..

The body wears beautiful clothes..  It makes many wishes and shows off..

The body makes nice beds and sleeps on them.. When the Jumm grabs you, why do you cry then..3..

The home (body) is a whirlpool..  The rock of sin cannot swim across it..

The ship of Parmeshwar’s fear is good, board it..  Nanak says, only some get this ship..4..

(SGGS 989)

Guru ji uttered the Shabad with Gyaan.  It had no effect on his in-laws.  A person entangled in desires and vices won’t like this wisdom.  How would they understand Virakat?

Just as a person stuck in lust won’t understand this; like a cheap person gathers money, he does not let go of his greed; he does not to hear words of letting the money go; that is how Baba Moola ji and Mata Chando Rani ji were.  They didn’t understand Guru ji’s Shabad.  Mata Chando Rani ji spoke in anger as she didn’t know her son-in-law’s greatness: “he is trying to give us wisdom.  Why didn’t you think about all this before when you settled down and got married?  Your family got bigger and your expenses grew.  You became a Fakir because you couldn’t afford it anymore.  If you were planning on doing this, why did you give my daughter so much pain?  She was my only daughter.  Why would she have married you?  She is with bad karma.  How can we see her in pain all her life?  You do not fear Parmeshwar.  Who will raise the boys?  Who will support them?  They are not aware.  They are too young.  They don’t know how to make money yet.  You are leaving them.  You are like a visitor who leaves in the morning.  You have no love for my handsome grandsons.  They will make your family grow.  You don’t love them.  Everyone dies for their sons.  They do many efforts for them.  You don’t look at them.  You made them into orphans.  You became a Sadhoo who gives pain.  You gave your money away to the Fakirs.  Give them the rest of the 760 Rajitpuns.  Give it to your wife so she can make a living.”  Baba Moola ji spoke: “I already knew it!  I saw his actions.  I saw that he was going to become a Fakir one day.  Look!  I was right.  He wears a Kaphni now.” 

Bhaiya Jai Ram ji and Bebe Nanaki ji heard these words.  The home of virtues, Guru ji, did not give any responses.  He didn’t speak out of respect for the elders.  Daulat Khan sent money during this time with a servant.  He sent 380 Rajitpuns to the Gopal, Guru ji.  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji took the 380 Rajitpuns and gave them to Mata Sulakhani ji.  The other 380 were given to the Fakirs of Khuddah.  The whole day was spent in this argument.  The mother-in-law and father-in-law yelled.  When it was night, everyone ate and went to sleep. 

Guru ji woke up at Amritvela and bathed in the Bein River.  He did the Daattan and then washed his face.  He bathed in the river and wiped his body.  The ocean of virtues tied a cloth around his body.  He saw some commotion on the bridge nearby.  The Kshatriya took tolls on the bridge for the Turk kingdom.  He stopped a Brahmin who wanted to cross with his cow.  He said: “you are crossing with a cow.  Pay the toll.”  The Brahmin didn’t have the money.  He was humble.  He had the Dhoti and the Tika.  Guru ji saw the Brahmin’s form.  To give wisdom to the Kshatriya, he uttered a Shabad:

Salok M 1.. 

You tax the cows and the Brahmins, the dung from the cow will not save you..

The Dhoti, Tikka and Japmala you wear, the ones with the bad intentions, you eat their food..

You do the Pooja but read the Ketabs, your way is of Turks..

Let go of this farce.. Say the Name which will save you..1..

M:1..

The ones who eat humans (by taking taxes) and do Nimaaz..  They wield the knives and wear the thread.

The Brahmins blow the conches in their homes..  They have the same tastes..

False is the capital, false is their business..  They speak false and eat their food..

The home of modesty and Dharma is far..  Nanak says the false is growing..

They wear sacred marks on their foreheads and the saffron loin cloths around their waists..

In their hands they hold knives, they are butchers of the world..

They wear blue clothes for acceptance..

They accept bread from the Malesh and still worship the Puranas..

They eat their Kutha goat upon which their prayers are read..

They draw the lines with cow dung for the Eating Chownka..  The False comes and sits within them..

They then cry out: “don’t sit here and pollute our food..

Our food will be polluted”..  The body is polluted by evil deeds..

They gargle their mouths, although their minds are dirty..

Says Nanak, remember the Truth..

If you are pure then the Truth can be attained..2..

(SGGS 471 – 472)

The Kshatriya heard the words of Satguru ji and fell to his feet.  He said: “I had forgotten.  You showed me the way.  I was greedy and forgot.  I taxed the cow and the Brahmin.  You blessed me and gave me the Naam.  You made the pain go away.”  Guru ji then went into the jungle.  He sat there, the Guru Kartaar. 

Guru ji did not go back to the city.  He stayed in the jungle, day and night.  Sri Guru Angad ji, Guru Nanak Dev ji spent his time in this way.  Listen to the Katha: Baba Moola ji did not know the reality of Guru ji.  He was confused by doubt.  He got ready to go back to Vatala, his home.  He wanted to take care of his home and work.  He said: “listen Sulakhani, there is no use staying here.  Your husband renounced everything and became a Fakir.  Who will take care of you?  Came home with us.  You will get all that you need.  Your Karma was not good.  Your house is ruined.  Your husband is ruined.”  Bebe Nanaki ji heard this and said: “this is not a good thing!  Why should my Parjai leave with you?  Firstly, my brother is not here, secondly, my Parjai is going away with you.  How will I keep my patience?  How will I keep my mind stable?”  Mata Chando Rani ji spoke: “how can she live here now?  Who will support her?  The one who would support her has become a Fakir.  She is without support.  How can she keep her patience?  She has nothing here to stay for.  Her in-laws are not close by.  The expenses of the home are many.  Without a loved one, no one helps.  Look at her sons.  They are very young.  They aren’t aware of anything.  Their father doesn’t come to love them.  They are like orphans.  Who will take care of these two boys?  They can come to our home.  We will take care of them.  They will come of age and earn their own money later.  They will take care of their mother with earned money.  She will be happy then.”  Bebe Nanaki ji said: “Massi ji, listen.  You are wise.  My brother is the form of Parmeshwar.  His ways are different and not like normal people.  His ways are miraculous.  He amazes everyone who hears about him.  I swear, I do not lie.  The people of this city came to us and said: “the Modi spends all the money.  He will be in loss when the accounting is done.  He will run away when the money is gone.  The Navaab Khan will arrest him and put him in jail.”  Many came to us and said this.  We used to get scared when we heard this.  He spent money like a king.  He didn’t let any beggar leave empty-handed.  When the Khan did the accounting, there was always a profit.  He then spent 3 days in the Bein River.  We kept looking for him and lost hope but he came back.  He then had the Modikhana looted.  People looted the shop and got tired.  The stock did not finish.  He still made a profit after all that.  Massi, there are many other things.  What happened at the Mosque, you know about that.  No human has powers like that.  Whatever is in your heart, how can anyone else know this?  My Parjai, if my brother has ever been angry with her, I would fold my hands and ask for forgiveness.  I would make sure I would be forgiven.  He has no anger in his mind.  His body has no faulty ways.  Whatever is in his mind, he does that.  He doesn’t care about worldly honour.  He is omnipotent.  We can’t control him.  Your son-in-law is the home of virtues.  Nobody knows his greatness.  Nobody knows why he has become a Fakir.  Leave Parjai here.  Do this favor for me.  If you are going to be stubborn and want to take her, I will become depressed.”  Baba Moola ji said: “we are not going to leave her here now.  We will take her with us.  There is no use for her to stay here.”  Bebe Nanaki ji said: “Listen Massi, we are powerless.  Listen to my plea: leave her here.  Kartaar takes care of all.  We will serve her as much as we can.  Prabhoo gave us a lot of food and clothes.  We will consume together without any thought.  If you don’t want her to stay here, then send her to Talwandi, where my parents’ home is.  She can stay with her mother-in-law with peace.  She can take care of her grandsons in every way.” 

Bhaiya Jai Ram ji knew what the in-laws wanted.  He knew that they had decided to take their daughter.  He thought to himself: “we tried but they are not listening.”  Bhaiya ji said: “leave Sri Chand ji here.  Take his mother and Lakhmi Das.”  This was accepted after many arguments.  Bebe Nanaki ji said: “if Sri Chand ji stays, I will have hope.  Don’t be mad.  Keep coming and going.  Keep communications open.  Don’t forget us.  Keep love in your heart.  Come see us when you wish to.  Don’t think of our faults.  Forget all of the anger that you had in the past.” 

When everyone got ready to leave, Mata Sulakhani ji met Bebe Nanaki ji with love.  They both cried a lot.  Both were upset and in pain of being separated.  The love overflowed in their hearts.  Their throats swelled up.  Mata Sulakhani ji bowed her head to Bebe Nanaki ji’s feet.  Bebe Nanaki ji hugged her Parjai tightly.  She gave her many blessings.  Bebe Nanaki ji blessed the head of Baba Lakhmi Das ji.  She touched his head and gave him love, many times.  He didn’t say anything but saw the pain in everyone’s eyes.  Baba Sri Chand ji was held by Bebe Nanaki ji.  Mata Sulakhani ji hugged Baba Sri Chand ji and kissed his forehead.  His face was like the moon.  Mata ji was like the cow who couldn’t leave her calf.  She cried and made his face wet.  There was attachment drenching everyone.  Baba Sri Chand ji cried as well.  Bebe Nanaki ji and Bhaiya Jai Ram ji cried.  The servants and maids cried.  Seeing the separation, everyone was upset.  Baba Mool Chand ji and Mata Chando Rani ji cried.  They couldn’t speak.  The women of the town came to meet Mata Sulakhani ji.  They all cried.  They all met each other, over and over again.  They hugged each other.  Baba Mool Chand ji said: “the day is short now.  We have a long way to go.  Let’s go now.”  Taking Lakhmi Das ji, Mata Sulakhani ji left the home with her parents. 

Baba Sri Chand ji stayed in Sultanpur with Bebe Nanaki ji, the giver of joy.  Baba Moola ji took his daughter back to Vatala.  His mind was upset.  Since then, Mata Sulakhani ji lived with her parents.  The grandson was raised by the maternal grandparents.  Baba Mool Chand ji loved Baba Lakhmi Das ji and stayed happy. 

Seeing the bad ways of Kaliyuga, Guru ji took on a human form.  The Adhyaaya is complete here.  I bow to the Satguru. 

1-34 Mardana comes to Guru ji

Sri Guru ji’s feet are like the peg of the Chaki.  My mind is like a grain in between the two grinding stones, coming close to the peg.  When the Chaki spins, the other grains are ground expect for the ones that are close to the Peg.  The stones of attachment and other vices grind but I am saved by the Guru, seeing me as poor.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Listen Guru Angad Dev ji to the Katha of the Satguru which gives spiritual wealth (compassion, contentment, Truth, Dharam and patience) joy.  Guru Nanak Dev ji sat radiantly in the jungle, day and night.  Doing his Darshan destroys pain and poverty.  He came into the word to illuminate the path of Bhagti.  He came to destroy the sinful wisdom and sinful ways along with hypocrisy and overindulgence.  He came to grow the radiance of the Naam of Parmeshwar.  He came to give the righteous path of Prema Bhagti to humans.  He came with this wish into the world.  The saints would do Simran of the Naam of Parmeshwar.  Guru ji came to save the humble and poor.  He saw the minds of the egotistical as dangerous and detrimental.  He came to save the poor and weak as the form of Bhagavan.  By his compassion, the pain and problems are destroyed of Kaliyuga.

For some time, Guru ji stayed in this form of a small Safa tied to his head, Chadra and Kaphni.  Somebody saw his form and sent news to Talwandi.  The family heard about this and became anxious.  It was like the lotus flowers destroyed by the snow of winter.  Pitha Kalu ji called Baba Mardana ji and spoke to him with sorrow: “go to Sultanpur right now.  Don’t waste time.  Go there now.  I have heard some bad news.  Nanak has taken on a bad form.  He quit his work from the Modikhana.  He has become a Fakir after leaving the honour of the Bedis.”  Baba Mardana ji heard this and got ready.  He obeyed and set off towards Sultanpur.  Mata Tripta ji and Pitha Kalu ji thought many things and were upset.  Pitha ji thought to himself: “he must have been in a loss.  He may have become depressed because of this.  He was generous and gave a lot of donations.  He must have given too much.  I am sure this is what happened.  I advised him many times not to lose so much money.  He didn’t listen to anything I said.  I was afraid of this, day and night.  What I feared, has now happened.”  Pitha ji was upset and shook his head in grief.  He thought of many things and spent the whole day like this.  He didn’t eat anything the whole day.  The neighbors came and tried to console him. 

When Rai Bhullaar ji heard of this he tried to console Pitha Kalu ji: “don’t worry about your son, Nanak ji.  He does what he pleases.  Nanak ji is the cause of all effects.  He is independent.  Know this in your mind: he is not under anyone’s influence.  He does what he pleases.  Whatever he does is good.  He is the ocean of joy.  He is really powerful.  Parmeshwar came as human.”  Rai Bhullaar ji gave him hope and remembered Guru ji’s nature.  He wished to see Guru ji, deeply.  It was like the Chatrik looking for the Swanti drop or the Chakor wishing to see the moon.  The members of the Bedi clan heard this and were surprised.  They said: “what was the reason for this?  He had a good business and a lot of money.  The Navaab listened to him and helped him.”  This is what was happening in Talwandi. 

Baba Mardana ji went to Sultanpur.  Listen to what happened: he came to Bebe Nanaki ji’s home to ask how they were doing.  He gave his blessings and then sat down.  His face was pale.  Bebe Nanaki ji served him and respected him in many ways.  Bebe Nanaki ji then said: “tell me about the well-being of Talwandi.  How are my parents?  Is the Rai well?  Tell me about your coming here too, oh patient one.”  Baba Mardana ji heard this and said: “everyone is well in Talwandi.  I’ll tell you why I am here: your father heard from someone that Sri Nanak ji quit his work and took on the form of Fakirs.  He sent me to get the news.  I came to see the Flag of the Bedis.  Where is the Lotus-bodied one?  I need to meet him and ask him what is happening.  Otherwise you can tell me everything.  I will tell your parents of the well-being.  I had no other reason of coming.  I am here for the task of finding news of the Gem of the Bedis.”  Bebe Nanaki ji heard this and said: “as you have seen with your own eyes that there is nobody else here but us, I will tell you the news from here.  How can I tell you?  You can see that nobody else is here besides us two and Baba Sri Chand ji.  If you wish to know more, go and meet my brother.  You can ask him how he is.  He will tell you everything.  You can then go to Talwandi afterwards and tell my parents.  There is a jungle outside of Sultanpur.  The Compassionate One is sitting there.”  Baba Mardana ji got up to leave.  Bebe Nanaki ji spoke as he left: “eat food before you go.  Food is ready.”  Baba Mardana ji ate food with joy.  He was satiated and then left with Bebe ji’s permission. 

Baba Mardana ji was upset seeing the situation.  He walked towards the direction of the jungle, where Guru ji was.  He walked and thought of many things.  He thought: “if he is in the jungle, he must be a Fakir then.  He was earning a lot of money as the Modi.  I don’t think this was a wise thing to do.”  He finally saw Guru Nanak Dev ji and was sad.  He thought to himself: “the one who wore gold jewellery with pearls and gems with radiance; wore Pashmina clothes and other beautiful clothes; he looked really handsome; today he is wearing the Bhagwa clothes of Fakirs.”  Baba Mardana ji sat down with anxiety.  He thought to himself: “there used to be a crowd around him in the Modikhana.  Everyone praised him.  He is alone right now.”  He began to shed tears.  He stood in front of Guru ji and gave him blessings of well wishes.  He then sat by Guru ji and said: “what form have you taken on?  You used to be the Modi and gave a lot of donations.  You earned a lot of money there.  Why are you sitting here now?  You used to eat and spend openly.  You had unlimited food and clothes when I saw you last.  Your work gave you prosperity.  You had a lot of money and items in your home.  Did you suffer a loss in your earnings?  Did the King take your work away?  Did he not pay you?  Why did you leave your work?  Why are you dressed like a Fakir?” Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji heard this and said words of Vairagya: “Mardana, when you came to my wedding, you asked me for a wish which would last forever.  I gave you the string and skill of playing the Rabab.  You took that gift with joy.  I gave you that skill for this time.  Oh wise one, there is no other reason for me to be in the jungle.  Stay with me, day and night.  Don’t mention about coming or going.  Make your life a success.  See the world as a myth; see it as you watch a dream.  Just as a person sleeping sees a dream, it looks real; you make many things in your dreamworld; you become a king in a dream but when you awake, you remember that the dream was not true; the dream goes away; see the items of the world in the same way.  They are all false.  With Gyaan, these material items are considered like a dream.”  Listening to the words of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the wise and fortunate Baba Mardana ji came into Vairagya.  His mind became detached from the world.  The name of Guru Nanak Dev ji destroys the Agyaan; why wouldn’t Gyaan come from his words?  Baba Mardana ji laughed and said: “where do you wish to go?  I am under your command.  I will do your task.  I am without deceit.  Why wouldn’t I do what you say?  Your Darshan has pulled my mind towards you.  Only one desire remains in my mind now.  All others have been destroyed.  The desires of the world, I am now calm towards them.  Joy and peace have come into my heart.  Tell me where we should go.  Where do want to go?”  Guru ji heard this and spoke with bliss: “I don’t have any thought of going yet.  We will go where Kartaar takes us.  We will go together in that direction with joy.  Attachment and greed, take them out of your heart.”  Baba Mardana ji said: “Prabhoo, I am faced with a difficulty of going with you.  Your parents sent me here.  They heard about you from somebody in Talwandi.  They sent me to you to get your news.  They sent me to see how you are.  I came without delay.  They are waiting for me.  They are worried about you.  You wish to keep me with you, this is difficult for me to do.  I can’t go to Talwandi because of your command but your parents must be worried.”  Sri Guru ji said: “listen Mardana, you can do what your mind thinks is good.  It will be difficult staying with me.  You will have to endure difficulty with me.  People are burning with desires, day and night, you will have to extinguish this and obey me.  Only then can you stay with me with content.  If you can’t do this, you can go.  Food and clothes will be scarce staying with me.  This will be hard and painful.  If you wish to experience joy, then go back to my father.  You can live with the family and sit there.  You can get all the pleasures and peace you want there.  Hunger and nakedness will be with me all the time.  There won’t be any beds.  We will sleep in the jungle.  If you want to stay with me, you will have to accept all this.”  Baba Mardana ji said: “Prabhoo, my desires have been extinguished.  I have no wish to go anywhere else.  I don’t see anyone equal to you.  After seeing the sun, the firefly is not pretty anymore.  I am determined to stay with you.”  Guru ji heard this and said sweet words: “go get a Rabab from the city.  Get a beautiful one and play it.”  Baba Mardana ji said: “Prabhoo ji, I have never sung before nor have I played the Rabab before.  I have never played an instrument before.  I can stay with you and learn in a few days.  I will then play the Rabab with the correct Sur.”  Guru ji then said: “when you came last time, I already gave you the gift of singing and playing the instrument.  What did you do with that gift?”  Baba Mardana ji said: “listen Compassionate One, what you gave me, I have never used that skill.”  Guru ji said: “don’t distrust me.  Go get a Rabab and play it.”  Baba Mardana ji got up and went to find a Rabab in Sultanpur.

Baba Mardana ji saw Pathaans sitting with a Taadi singing and playing a Rabab in front of them.  Baba Mardana sat down to listen.  When the Pathaans went home, Baba Mardana ji came to the Taadi and said: “a great saint has called for you.  Come to him.  He has called for you.”  Baba Mardana ji took the Taadi and went to where the Compassionate One was sitting in Samadhi.  His eyes were closed.  He was the form to destroy pain.  The Taadi took the Rabab and began to play a Raag.  Hearing this, the Kamal Nain opened his eyes.  The form of Guru ji was so beautiful, the people who don’t do his Simran are damned.  Guru ji said: “take this Rabab Mardana, and play it.  Play the Raag.”  Baba Mardana ji obeyed and tuned the Rabab.  The trees of the jungle began to seep the dew of love as the Rabab was tuned.  The different coloured birds became mesmerized with the sound of the Raag.  The wind stood still.  Whoever heard the sound of the Rabab, they were attracted and memorized by it.  The lifeless tress became conscious.  The conscious became like they were lifeless.  The deer came to listen.  Love came into the hearts of the animals.  The Taadi was amazed.  He forgot about himself.  He went into a Samadhi as well.  He didn’t speak for a while.  He then said: “there is no one more skilled than you.  I have seen Taadis from many lands but none are like you.  Nobody has this skill like you do.”  Sri Guru Nanak ji then said: “tell me Mardana, how did you like this skill?  You played the Rabab and sang; how did you like it?”  Baba Mardana ji, amazed, said: “listen Prabhoo, I only have one mouth.  How can I sing your praise?  You are the complete Purakh or Khuddah himself.  Your words gave me this amazing skill.  I have never sung before nor have I ever played the Rabab.  I have achieved this skill by your words.”  He got up and bowed to Guru ji.  He said: “your Darshan destroys all the 3 illnesses.  You are the home of joy.  Whatever you say, I will do.  You complete all wishes.”  The Compassionate One said: “buy a good Rabab.”  Baba Mardana ji said: “I should get a Tamboora which has a nice sound.  It is light and beautiful.  I can play that and sing along with it.”  Guru ji said: “listen Mardana, the Rabab is a melodious instrument which gives peace and joy.  Other instruments cause the mind to become excited.  Hearing them, vices and desires arise.”  Baba Mardana ji said: “Prabhoo ji, what is your command, I will do as you say.  Please give me money to buy the Rabab.  I will look for a Rabab and bring it.”  Guru ji said: “asking for something is not good.  A body always asks for things.  Begging destroys virtues.  Go to my sister to get money.  Get the money you need to get a Rabab.”

Baba Mardana ji left and went to Bebe Nanaki ji’s home.  The Taadi said to Guru ji: “you can have this Rabab.”  The Compassionate One said: “you said it, and I received it but keep it with you.”  Guru ji looked towards the Taadi and blessed him by destroying his pain of the unwise mind.  The Taadi was in peace.  He was no longer in pain.  He knew that the unlimited Parmeshwar came as Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Baba Mardana ji reached Bebe Nanaki ji’s home and said: “your brother asked for something.”  Bebe ji was happy and said: “if he has asked for something, my life is a success.  I am fortunate today.  Say it without fear.”  Baba Mardana ji said: “he didn’t let me go home.  He is keeping me with him.  He wants me to go and buy a Rabab.  He told me to get money from you.”  Bebe Nanaki ji said: “this is great!  If you stay with my brother, that is great!  What is one Rabab?  I will buy you 100.  Go to my brother and tell him to show me his face for Darshan.”  Baba Mardana ji went back to Guru ji.

Baba Mardana ji said: “your sister has called for you.  She wishes for your Darshan.  She said she would buy 100 Rababs.”  The Compassionate One said: “my sister is older than me.  I will have to obey her.  I can’t refuse her wish.”  Guru ji got up and went to Bebe Nanaki ji’s home.  He walked slowly.  His walk was great.  Whoever meditates on his form, their wishes would be fulfilled.  Baba Mardana ji followed behind.  Listen ahead to the Katha of Guru ji.

1-35 Bringing the Rabab and Going to Bebe ji

Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, who is determined to destroy pain, whose feet wash the sins away; I meditate on his feet and write his history.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

The Mine of Joy went to the home of his sister, hearing her request.  Guru ji met his sister with love.  Bebe ji laid out a bed for him to sit on with respect.  She was really happy to see Guru ji.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji spoke sweet words: “my sister, your wish, tell me.  I am always under your command.  Your heart is really pure.  Think and tell me.”  Bebe ji said: “listen brother, oh form of Parmeshwar: you created the universe with the Maya.  Maya took your power of consciousness to create the world.  You took on a human form to save the people of Kaliyuga.  You travel as you please.  Please always give me your Darshan.  I have no other desire, other than this.  If you need or want anything, please let me know without any doubt.  May my heart be the head of Shiva, may your glory be the Ganga and live in my heart.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “listen sister, whenever you think of me, even if I am far away or near; busy or not; I will quickly come to you.”  Bebe ji heard this and was overjoyed.  She called the cook and told him to make many types of foods. 

Bhai Mardana ji was sent to call for me.  Listen Sri Guru Angad Dev ji: I was with Bhaiya Jai Ram ji when I got the message.  I then came to Bebe ji’s home.  The Master of the Bedis was sitting with Bebe ji.  We all sat down to eat in the kitchen.  Bebe Nanaki ji set the food with her hands.  The food was delicious.  We all ate as much as we wanted to.  We got up and went into the home.  Bebe ji said: “Mardana, go and look for a Rabab.  Take the money from me.  Get a beautiful one.  Don’t worry about the price.  Don’t bargain.”  Bhai Mardana ji got up and went to find a pretty instrument.  I folded my hands and said: “oh Flag of the Bedis, if it be your command, may I go to my home?  It has been many days I have been here.  I want to see the news of my home.”  Guru ji said to me: “why are you sad Bala?  You want to leave me and go home.”  I said: “I am not sad, oh Destroyer of Hypocrisy.  I look for your blessings.”  Guru ji said: “ask for something.  There is nothing I can’t give you.”  I said: “Sri Guru Nanak ji, give me this boon: I don’t ever want to forget Hari.  I want another boon: I don’t ever want to leave you.  Just as slanderers leave Amrit and run after their desires, like deer run after mirages, I don’t want to be deceived by such people and run away.  I want my mind to be still.  I want to stay with you in a good way.  I don’t ever want to be in doubt, seeing your tasks.  The harsh words of slanderers, they leave the Sarovar of Amrit.  I wish to run towards your lotus feet.  I want my mind to be a bee, hovering over your feet.”  Guru ji was happy hearing this.  He saw my determination.  He said: “just as the Sumer Mountain is still, your mind will be like this.  The Bemukh (night), the doubts (moon), the pain (stars), the sun of love will illuminate in the sky of your heart.  Your heart will be like a Sarovar.  The praise of Hari will be the lotus flowers.  Those flowers will never wilt.  The love will grow like the fragrance of the flower.  The slanderers are like salt in the ocean.  They will always dissolve.  Your heart will always remain above the water.  The dogs bark, day and night.  The slanderers are like this.  The carefree elephant doesn’t worry when dogs bark.  You will be like the carefree elephant.  You can go to your home.”  I got permission to go home.  I bowed to his feet.  I said: “hearing your words, my heart is in bliss.”  I went to Talwandi and went home with peace.

Listen to what happened after I left: the Flag of the Bedis was really happy with his sister.  He went back to the jungle.  He was alone, where no one else came.  He was the Giver of Mukti, the Lotus-faced one, always blooming.  His words were like the sun.  The doubts are destroyed of his servants like stars.  He destroyed them all.  Bhai Mardana ji went to Sultanpur to find a Rabab.  Wherever he would hear of a Doom, he would ask them for a Rabab.  The other Marashees didn’t respect Baba Mardana ji.  They spoke harshly to him: “you are the Doom of the “Kurahia” (one who is on the wrong path).”  He would hear this and get angry.  He wandered and got tired of listening to the slanderers.  He was upset hearing the harsh words.  There was nothing he could do.  He was alone.  Wandering the whole city, Baba Mardana ji was anxious.  Where Guru Nanak Dev ji sat, Bhai Mardana ji came there and sat down next to him.  Guru ji looked at Bhai Mardana ji.  He saw his upset face and said: “you came without a Rabab.  Tell me what happened.”  Bhai Mardana ji was upset and said: “why do you ask me?  You are omniscient and know everything.”  Guru ji spoke again: “tell me without a doubt.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “what can I say?  I can’t repeat what the people of my caste said.”  Guru ji said: “tell me as it happened.”  Baba Mardana ji spoke with fear: “many people spoke harshly.  They called me a “Doom of the Kurahia.”  Nobody gave me a Rabab.  They are unwise and have fallen in doubt.  The fools slander you.  I wish to get a good Rabab that was tuned and well-used but I couldn’t find one.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji heard this and said: “the corrupt speak nonsense for no reason.  They will lose their lives and be embarrassed in the court of afterlife.  The Jumms will punish them.  You should do the work without thinking of honour.  Go back to the city and get a beautiful Rabab without doubts.  Go to the homes of the Dooms.”  Baba Mardana ji said: “Prabhoo ji, the Dooms of this city are unwise.  They didn’t listen to me.  They didn’t let me sit down or respect me.  Nobody brought a Rabab for me.  Where else should I go to find a Rabab?  Oh master, tell me.  You know of all 3 Loks.  You are omniscient and know every heart.”  Guru ji said: “don’t go to the city then.  I will tell you another place.  Where the Desh of Jungle is, go there and get your Rabab.  Two rivers flow there.  Between the two rivers is a village.  A Rababi named Firanda lives there.  Go there and ask for him.  Go and look for him.  You will find him there.  Ask him for a Rabab.  If he doesn’t give you the Rabab, tell him that: Nanak sent you.  When he hears my name, he will agree to giving you the Rabab.”  Baba Mardana ji said: “listen Prabhoo ji, if I have the money, I will give it and bring the Rabab.  I won’t have to come back over and over again if I have the money.”  Guru ji said: “go to my sister and get the money.  Take what you need and go right now.  Don’t delay.”

Baba Mardana ji quickly went to Bebe Nanaki ji’s home.  He said to her: “I searched the whole city and couldn’t find a Rabab.  Prabhoo ji is sending me to another place.  I have come to get money for the Rabab.”  He took 7 Rajitpuns and went on his way.  He reached Jungle Desh in 3 days.  He looked for Bhai Firanda.  He looked for two days in the village.  Nobody told him about Bhai Firanda.  He then got tired and anxious.  He was upset and was ready to go back home.  He sat under a try, outside of the village.  He was worried.  A man walked by and said to him: “who are you looking for?  What is your name?  Tell me everything.  I can see that you are upset and anxious.  Your face is showing that you are upset.  Tell me what your wish is.  Where is your home?”  Baba Mardana ji heard the sweet words of the man and was happy.  He said to the man: “I am from the Rai Bhooa Talwandi.  My name is Mardana.  A Rababi named Firanda lives here.  I am looking for him.  Nanak Bedi has sent me here to get a Rabab.  I looked for the person but got tired.  I couldn’t find him.  I am anxious now for this reason.”  The person said: “Firanda is my name!  You have been sent to me.  Take this Rabab to where the Gracious One is sitting.  He has come to save the unwise from this world.  He took on a Human form.  He is the Parmeshwar.”  He gave Baba Mardana ji the Rabab.  It was beautiful.  Baba Mardana ji was happy and surprised at the same time.  He thought: “where did he take this Rabab out from?  His ways are unique.  How did he know I needed the Rabab?  Where did he pull it out from?”  Seeing the amazing and beautiful Rabab, Baba Mardana ji was really happy.  He said: “tell me how much this Rabab is.  I have never seen a Rabab like this before.  Take how much it is worth.”  Bhai Firanda ji said: “you won’t be able to pay for this Rabab.  I wouldn’t take money from you for it.  This is for the Sri Avatar who gives Mukti.”  Bhai Mardana ji was surprised to hear this.  He asked: “how are you giving me this Rabab without taking money for it?  I don’t know you.  You don’t know me.  Tell me your whole story.  I am in doubt.  Clear my doubt.  Your personality is great.  Your clothes and form are great.  Your words are sweet.  I don’t understand who you are.”  Bhai Firanda ji said: “this Rabab cannot be found in the Realm of Mritmandal (where death exists).   This Rabab and myself are not from this world.  This Rabab is only to be played in front of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and no one else.  Play it for him.  Let’s go to where Guru ji is.  I will come with you to see him.  I wish to do the Darshan of his Lotus Feet.  I have this desire to see him.”

The two of them set off to where the Compassionate One was.  It took them 3 days to come back.  The feet of Guru ji were the givers of Mukti.  Bhai Mardana ji and Bhai Firanda ji bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Bhai Mardana ji returned after 9 days.  He placed the Rabab in front of Guru ji.  The Lotus-bodied One said: “You took a long time to come back.  What happened?”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “Prabhoo ji, I don’t understand your secrets.  What can I say?  You are the Khuddah who has come to Earth.  Your ways are unique.  They are amazing.  I went to the village you told me to go to but I wandered in vain.  I wandered for 2 days to find Firanda.  When I was ready to return, this saint met me and came back with me.  He gave me this beautiful Rabab.  It took me 3 days to get there.  I spent 3 days wandering there and then it took 3 days to come back.  This is why it took so long.”  Bhai Firanda ji folded his hands and said: “listen oh Cloud of Bliss, this beautiful Rabab, I had to give it to you.  Oh Compassionate One, please accept it.  I wished to see you, so I came.  I am overjoyed seeing you.  You are the Omniscient One.  You already know who I am and where I am from.”  He said this and left.  To see him off, Bhai Mardana ji was going to go with Bhai Firanda ji, but when he turned, Bhai Firanda ji disappeared.  He couldn’t figure out where he went.  He was amazed and shocked.  He thought to himself: “are my eyes deceiving me?  He was here just a second ago.  He deceived me and disappeared.  I can’t figure out what happened all of a sudden.” 

Bhai Mardana ji came back.  Guru ji said: “did you see him off?”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “he just disappeared!  I am shocked!  I don’t understand!”  He then sat down and asked: “oh master, who was this person?  His personality was beautiful.  He was not like any other person.  He was handsome and radiant.  He took out the Rabab out of nowhere and gifted it to you.  The Rabab is beautiful.  Tell me, oh Master of the Weak, what was this?  How did he disappear?  He was full of powers!  I am amazed!”  Sri Guru ji heard this and said: “he is a Saint Gandarv (singer from Sach Khand) who loves to sing the praises of Hari.  He is drenched in Hari’s Love, day and night.  He played this Rabab.  He wanted to give it to me for a long time.  He came to give me this.  He gave it to me so you should play it now.  Don’t delay.” (In another source it is said that Guru Sahib said: “you, Mardana, are also a Gandarv from Sach Khand but I have made you forget this as I needed you with me.”) Baba Mardana ji obeyed and picked up the Rabab.  He tuned the Rabab.  Guru ji said: “this will tune itself.  Don’t delay.  Play it.”  Baba Mardana ji quickly began to play the Rabab.  The Surs (notes) aligned themselves in a perfectly tuned pitch.  This was not surprising.  Guru ji created the Devatas and Daynts.  The Rabab tuned itself with Guru ji’s words.  A sound came out of the Rabab as Baba Mardana ji played out: “Tuhi Nirankara!  Nirankar Kartara!”  The strings of the Rabab praised Guru Nanak Dev ji, while making their plea.  Hearing this sound, the animals and the birds of the jungle were mesmerized in love.  Their minds were still.  They were hypnotized by the sound.  Sweet Dew seeped out of the trees, as an expression of their love after hearing the praise of Nirankar.  Everyone and everything lost their senses.  Guru Nanak Dev ji heard the sound and went into Samadhi.  His eyes closed.  He was above his body.  His breath instilled in the Dasam Duar.  Guru ji was in the deep Samadhi.  Two days passed in the Padamasana.  Guru ji was in Samadhi like Shiva sitting in meditation in the Lotus position.