3-41 The Shaheeds

Hearing the harsh curse, everyone was scared.  Nobody went against Guru ji’s order after that.  Everyone did Seva with devotion from that point on and no one dared to cause any interruptions in the Langar.  A lot of Langar was made everyday and thousands came to eat daily.  A lot of flour was used.  Many Langris were working in the Langar to make it.  It was Guru ji’s orders that the Langar will never by stopped.  Thousands would come to eat.  The news spread wide that Langar was open to all.  People said: “the Satguru is the biggest provider.  There is no other greater provider than Guru Gobind Singh ji.”  The Langar was available day and night for everyone.  No one was left hungry in Anandpur.  Everyone was in Anand, bliss.  There was a drought in the land.  There was no food, so many came to Anandpur.  The Satguru takes pain and hunger away for those that come to his sanctuary.

One day Guru Kalgidhar ji was sitting on his seat.  Sidhki Singhs were sitting with him: Bhai Mokham Singh ji, Bhai Daya Singh ji, and Bhai Himmat Singh ji were sitting with Guru ji.  Others were there too like Bhai Aalam Singh ji and Bhai Bachittar Singh ji.  They stood up and folded their hands.  They said: “Sri Prabhoo ji, please bless us with the knowledge about what we don’t know.  We wish to know who are the Shaheeds and what do they do?  What is their state, mind and Maryada?  Where do they live and how many are there?  How powerful are they?  You are omniscient, please tell us.”  Guru ji heard the Singhs request and smiled.  Guru ji said: “this was a secret that you’ve asked.  Now I have to tell you.  The Guru keeps his Sangat close to him.  The Guru protects the reputation of the servants.  It is the time of the Kaliyuga.  It is going to get fiercer.  The Guru takes care of the Sikhs in the fiercest times of Kaliyuga.  If the Sikh loses his/her way, the Guru will protect them and guide them back.  One should obey the command of the Guru without ego.  The Guru looks at these things.  The Guru scolds the Sikhs to bring them back on the path.  The Guru notices who is content with what they have and fights on the battlefield like a warrior; such a Sikh receives the status which is not achieved by kings, sadhoos, Jogis and saints.  The Sikh attains martyrdom and goes to the Shaheeds.  The Sikh becomes a Shaheed.  The cowards, who are only looking for their benefits, go through many lives and are void of peace.  The cowards who run away are stuck in the cycle of birth and death.  The Guru waits for his Sikh in Sach Khand for a very long time.  The body of 16 elements (the soul) is protected by me.  That is what comes to me.  I will watch my Sikh for 10,000 years to come to Sach Khand.  I can identify my Sikh by the unshorn hair.  I will wait for my Sikh.  The one that comes will be admitted with the other Sikhs.  560,000,000 Sikhs have been given to the Guru by Akaal Purakh.  Kartar has commanded me to hold the hand of these Sikhs.  Akaal Purakh told me to show them the right path so they are not affected by Kaliyuga.  I am to keep a careful eye on them.  I will take my Sikhs across the world ocean.  From Kuber’s land to the world, the Guru will wait for all the Sikhs, no matter where they are. 

The Shaheeds live in all dimensions, Kuber’s dimension, Heaven and other dimensions.  They are totally free and independent.  They are without bonds and have unlimited powers.  No one can stop them from travelling anywhere.  My Shaheeds, whether with or without desire, all come to me.  They all have unlimited powers.  The Jumms are the strongest who can take the Devatas.  The Shaheeds are stronger than the Jumms.  I fulfill all the desires of the Shaheeds.  Bhoot, Prayts, Devatas, Yakshas, Demons and all celestial beings are controlled by the Shaheeds.  The Shaheeds are the highest.  Animals, birds, snakes, mountains, human, Yakshas, Gandarvs, Daynts, Apsaras, powers above the realms, Devis and Devatas are commanded by the Shaheed.  Forget about anyone else, the Jumms are the highest; the Jumms are commanded by the Shaheeds.  When Jumms come to get the souls upon completion of their lives, they ask the Shaheeds for permission.  People call the Shaheeds ghosts but they do not know the truth.  They are not ghosts.  The Shaheeds are the purest power.  They sacrificed themselves and killed their egos.  This makes them purer than pure.  The ones who read the Shastras, they name them according to their knowledge.  They know them as “skilled Devatas, who live in the sky.”  There are many types of Shaheeds: some are with desires and some are without.  Some are good and some are bad.  Some are Satoguni; some are Rajoguni and Tamoguni.  They have their own Sangat that worships them.  The Shaheeds complete their wishes.  They give pain and joy.  They can punish as well.  They are omnipotent.  They have many powers.  They are complete in every way.  The Devatas left Bharat Khand so the Shaheeds rule this land now.  The Devatas are worriless now, as the Shaheeds are the rulers.  The Devatas went back to Heaven and do not fulfill wishes in Kaliyuga now, only the Shaheeds can answer the prayers.  The offerings that were given to the Devatas before are now only meant for the Shaheeds, as it is the Shaheeds who do the tasks of the Devatas.  Offerings to the Shaheeds are the only offerings that are beneficial.  Parmeshwar Karta Purakh has made the Shaheeds the owners of the world.  The Shaheeds are strict on their watch and fulfill the tasks of the world with accuracy.  They are the ones that fulfill all of the wishes.  If other Sangats offer offerings to others, it is the Shaheeds that deliver the offerings to where they are supposed to go.  It is the Shaheeds that answer the Ardaas though.  They do not make any mistakes.  There are many types of Shaheeds, big and small.  They eat different types of foods, that are offered in Ardaas to them.  They wear fine clothes on their bodies with different colours.  Some wear white and some wear blue.  Their mounts are unique on which they travel to go to war.  They have beautiful horses and weapons.  They are happy with the people who offer these to them.  The Shaheeds fulfill the wishes who offers them these items.  The Shaheeds travel on their mounts.  They can travel in every dimension.  They can go to oceans and mountains as well.  They don’t forget anything nor do they fear anything.  They are so strong that they can see the temporary earth and think nothing of it.  They are above Maya.  There was a king named “Bipashchit” who wanted to see Maya.  He travelled the world to see it but never returned.  He died but could not see the end of Maya.  The Shaheeds see the Maya and observe it.  The people of the world take birth because of their desires.  Whatever desires one dies with, that his how their next birth is determined.  The Shaheeds are above this.  They are not in the cycle of birth of death because the Omnipotent Guru takes care of them.  The Guru watches their steps and does not let them go astray like a shepherd.  The Shaheeds are strong and this is their way.  You are my beloved Sikhs and I am telling you all very important things about the Shaheeds.  There are different Sangats: 9 Naths who have powers and have their own following as well as the Sidhs with Siddhis.  The ones who follow the Deen, they belong to Mohammad, who stays with them.  They are called the Jinns.  What can we say of all this and to whom do we say it to?  People do not have the wisdom to understand all this.  The ones who are without a Guru and follow their mind, they become ghosts when they die.  They become prayts and spend their time in pain.  Their ages are for thousands of years.  How can one be in joy without the Guru?  They are blind and unwise who do not follow the Guru.  They do not receive Mukti.” 

The Sikhs heard Guru ji’s words and engrained them into their hearts.  They said: “Prabhoo ji, you are great and omnipotent.  You are omniscient.  You told us about the Shaheeds.  We are in your sanctuary, please make us pure.  The unwise don’t know anything.  You are limitless and infinite.  How long will the drought last?  There is no food in the land.  People are upset.”  Sri Guru ji said: “the painful time has passed.  The rains will come now.  It will rain a lot.  The time is near.”  The Singhs folded their hands and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  They said: “Dhan Dhan,” recognizing Guru ji as the master of the universe.

3-42 The Katha of a Goldsmith Boy

One day Satguru ji was seated in his seat, a young man came to meet Guru ji.  He was a handsome young man who bowed to Guru ji and stood in front of him.  Guru ji looked at him and said: “who’s son are you and where are you from?  What is your clan and family name?”  The boy said: “I have come to your sanctuary.  I have taken the Khanda Pahul.  My father is Maula.  He is a Gursikh as well who had taken Charanpahul.  We are from Sirhind.”  Guru ji said to him: “is Sirhind established or ruined?  The Turks will be guilty there.  Their roots will be pulled starting from there.”  The Goldsmith boy’s name was Pahil Singh.  He said: “what is your will, what happen.  It is well-established now as I came to your home.”  Guru ji said: “did any other family member of yours come?”  The boy said: “my father has died a few days ago.  My mother is here with me.”  Guru ji said: “live here with your mother.”  The boy obeyed Guru ji. 

The Goldsmith boy rented a home, owned by Khatris.  He and his mother lived there and stayed in the presence of the Guru.  Guru ji asked him one day: “you are a son of a goldsmith, do you know how to work with gold?”  The boy said: “by your grace, I have learned the skill of my ancestors.  I can make what you would like me to.  I can make necklaces and other jewellery.”  Guru ji said to him: “take 11 golden coins from me and make 11 Tolas of jewellery.  I will see who well they are made.”  Guru ji signaled the treasurer to give 11 Tolas of gold to the boy.  The boy took the coins and made beautiful jewellery.  He brought it to Guru ji.  Guru ji loved the work and had the jewellery placed in the treasury again.  Guru ji said to the treasurer: “give him all the gold this boy wants to make jewellery with and have bring it back.  He is skilled.  He will get paid and we will have the work done.”  Guru ji said to the boy: “do you have any bad habits?”  Pahil Singh said: “with your grace, I only stay in the Satsang.”  Guru ji said: “virtues and vices reside together.  A person would be priceless if one has no vices.  A skilled person who is without vices, Nanak is a sacrifice unto him.”  Pahil Singh made a lot of jewellery and weapon decorations.  The treasurer trusted him with the gold as he brought it back.

One day, Guru ji said to the treasurer: “give the boy gold after weighing it but don’t tell him how much gold it is.”  The treasurer weighed 20 Tolas and gave it to the boy.  The treasurer told the boy to make bracelets out of them.  When the bracelets were brought back, Guru ji weighted it.  It was only 17 Tolas.  3 were missing.  Guru ji then said: “have all the jewellery that he’s made, weighed.”  When the jewellery was weighed, they were all less than given.  Guru ji said to Pahil Singh: “you said that you are a Satsangi and have no vices.  Stealing is a big vice.  You were nothing bigger than the Masands.  I was going to give you a lot.  Did you not receive money for your labour?”  The boy was embarrassed and stayed quiet.  Guru ji said: “Jatt panjaali chuck, Guru ka huck. Kamai ke Chhuck.”  (oh farmer, pick up the wooden farming tool.  The Guru’s right.  Earn and eat) When Guru ji said this, the Sikhs asked Guru ji: “all of the Sikhs are yours.  Brahmins, Khatris, Vaishyas, Shoodras, all of these castes; why did you only mention Jatts?”  Guru ji responded: “Jatts, Bhatts (warrior in this context), Natts (actors) and Dhanatts (wealthy) whatever they say, they do.  It is their nature.  The others don’t do what they say.  Listen Sikhs, Sikhi is distributed in 3 divisions.  The Sangat has the third division.  Jatt, Vanjaras and Roras, they have been given 2 divisions of Sikhi.  The third division is distributed.  Whoever keeps it in their heart, will be blessed.  Others who call themselves Sikhs, they don’t understand Sikhi.  They are Sikhs only because of greed and eat Langar for themselves.  They are Sikhs for their benefits.  What will a Sikh do if the Sikh has no faith on the Guru’s words?  How will one do a business if one does not advertise?  What is the use of reading the Vedas if one is still greedy?  What use is taking a birth if one does not think about Akaal Purakh?  Nanak says, the successful birth is one who does Simran of Kartar.  Don’t trust these four: goldsmith, sister-wife, snake and lion.  They will stab you in the back.  Don’t trust them.  Don’t compete with these four or you will regret it since they lie: Qazi, Administrator for real estate, distiller, and butcher.  These four are greedy: Brahmin, merchant, Bakshi (payroll manager) and children.  Don’t meet with these four or you will go to Hell: Lusty, corrupt, one who looks for fights and liar.  Stay away from these.”  Guru ji then stood up and went to his home.  The Sikhs went to their homes and thought about Guru ji’s words. 

One day in Guru ji’s court, the Sikhs were sitting with Guru ji.  One Sikh said: “how can one cross this world with ease?  Please tell us Satguru ji.  The Sikhs can hear this and cross the world.  The Pandits that know the Shastras tell us very hard ways.”  Guru ji said: “the easy way is when one’s business is finished.  When one keeps thinking about the world, he/she is stuck.  The mind will be calm when a person stops focussing on the world.  Parmeshwar will give you food.”  Guru ji said this three time: “the difference between a person and Parmatma is thinner than a moth’s wing.  It is really small.  Without knowing it, it seems far.  Parmeshwar is closer than the thickness of a moth’s wing.”  Guru ji said this three times as everyone listened on.  Guru ji said: “listen Sikh, if you get rid of your ego, it is easy.  Do Simran of Ram, Ram.  Your sins will wash away.  Remember that you will die one day.  The world is like the flow of the river.  Don’t forget death and Simran.  You won’t do sins then.”  The Sikhs heard this and remembered Ram and death.  The ones who listened, their troubles were all gone.  Meeting the Satguru, the sins are washed away.  Your mind will become pure, slowly.  Thousands will be saved by the ship of Simran.  The Sikhs got engrossed in Simran.  They fell in love with the feet of the Guru.  They practiced Shaster Vidya to destroy the sinners.  The fortunate ones, who rejected money and their homes, connected with the feet of the Guru.

3-43 An Illiterate Sikh/ The King during Kabeer ji’s Time

One day, Guru ji was sitting in his court with the Sikhs sitting all around him.  One Sikh came and bowed to Guru ji.  He got up and folded his hands.  He said: “oh true Guru, I have come to your sanctuary.  I am upset from the world.  I thought long and hard but I cannot find any joy in the world.  Bless me with Mukti and take me out of the cycle of birth and death.  I have not studied any Vidya nor can I read Gurmukhi.”  Guru ji said to the Sikh: “you are great!  Seeing the world as a source of pain, you have vairagya in your heart.  But listen Bhai Sikh, think about this: a fool cannot be wise without being educated.  The illiterate is like a blind person, as he moves through life.  The person who recites Bani with accuracy, that person meets the Hari King.  You should gain education at it will make your mind pure.  You will understand the difference between virtue and sin then.  You will understand good and bad.  There are many benefits in reading.  You achieve wisdom, love and vairagya.  Learn Gurbani.  The illiterate remains blind by the heart.  Gurmukhi is the best education.  This will give you the highest level of intellect.  You will know how to recite Japji Sahib and other Banis.  You will receive many rewards by reciting Bani.  Your sins will be washed away by this.  Reading Gurbani Vidya is the most important Vidya for a Sikh.  The one who recites Gurbani receives many rewards.  Whatever intellect you have now, build on it with learning from now on.”  Guru ji called the Granthi Singh who taught Gurbani.  Guru ji said to him: “teach this Sikh with love.  He has vairagya from the world.”  The Granthi Singh took the Sikh, obeying Guru ji’s command.  He taught him how to write on a wooden slate.  He taught him the 35 letters with Mohaarni.  For some days, the Sikh wrote the letters.  To learn Gurbani is very easy.  It is learned easily and joy comes quickly too.  The Sikh was able to read words and then started to do Paath from a Pothi.  Love started to spring from his heart.  His devotion grew and he experienced a feeling of bliss.  When he got to Anand Sahib, he read the first line and he received the ultimate bliss.  He didn’t go back to his teacher the next day.  He didn’t care about the world anymore.  He ate Langar and did Seva.  He did Simran and kept his mind focused on Guru ji’s feet. 

6 months passed and Guru ji thought about the Sikh.  Guru ji called the Granthi Singh to him and said: “what happened to the Sikh that you were teaching?  Which Bani is he on?”  The Granthi Singh said: “he stopped at the first line of Anand Sahib and didn’t come back.”  Guru ji sent a Sikh to call the learning Sikh.  When the Sikh came, he stood in front of Guru ji with his hands folded.  Guru ji said to him: “I sent you to learn Vidya.  What happened?”  The Sikh said: “when I read that one line in Anand Sahib, all my pain and doubts were gone.  When a Sikh meets the Satguru, there is only bliss.  There is no pain or trouble anymore.  What else is left?  The reason why we learn Vidya, that was achieved.  I got bliss.  What will I achieve by learning more?”  Guru ji laughed when he heard the Sikh.  The giver of joy was happy.  He knew that the Sikh had faith now.  “Go and be blessed!”  Guru ji said.  The Sikh received Brahmgyaan.  All his pain and doubts were gone.

One day, many scholars were sitting in Guru ji’s court.  The discussion about Hari was taking place.  The wise scholars were sitting in the court.  They spoke about wise things.  All of a sudden, Guru ji spoke: “when Bhagat Kabeer ji was in his body, who was the king of Hindustan?  What was his name who ruled the country during Kabeer ji’s time?”  The scholars all debated and began to have discussion.  Somebody yelled out: “Humayun!”  Another said: “no!  It was Prithvi Raj!”  Someone else said: “It must be Sikander.”  A fourth person said: “Madan Pal.”  A fifth said: “it was the king of the Jainis.”  They all debated with each other.  They all decided that it had been a long time and it was hard to say who was the king.  Guru ji listened and didn’t say anything.  Everyone went quiet after a while.  Guru ji then spoke: “the Bhagats of Hari are the highest.  Classes, castes and Kings are all lower than the Bhagat.  Just as the white swans fly away and cross the ocean, flying high and far, no other bird can compare to it; that is how high a Bhagat is.”  The scholars asked Guru ji: “why did you ask us this question about who the king was?  Please tell us who the king was?”  Guru ji said: “I wanted to tell you the glory of Satnam.  There is nothing else more important or valuable than Satnam.  Kabeer was a Julaha, from a lower caste, who did Simran of Satnam and became the highest in the world.  Kabeer is known in every home.  The king was really rich who was known at that time, but not now.  Nobody knows what his name is now.  The king is forgotten, despite being rich, powerful and famous; Kabeer is still remembered.  Look at the glory of the name, who was remembered by a low caster person.  Pandits, doctors, astrologer, kings and maharajas, there have thousands of these, but nobody remembers them.  The radiance of the name, everybody knows Kabeer.  The Tappis, Jappis, Dhyanis, skilled, householders and Saints know of Kabeer, his wife and his children.  They know of his wife Loee and his kids: Kamala and Kamali.   Parmeshwar’s name is the real wealth.  The greatness of the name, it helps you in this world and in the next.  Whoever does Simran of Satnam, there is nothing bigger than that.  The glory of the saints was great in the past and will be in the future.  Nobody will ever be greater than the Sadhoo.  The blind people don’t do Simran of the Name.  They are in a great loss.  They are stuck in the world.  Kabeer became Bhagat Kabeer when he did Simran of Satnam.  The king was Sikander Lodhi at that time.  He tried to kill Kabeer ji by having an elephant walk over him and throwing him into the Ganga, tied up in chains.  Sikander was really strong who won all the kings in Hindustan.  He only lost to Kabeer, seeing his greatness.  He touched his feet after banging his knees on the ground.  Kabeer was poor, Sikander was the emperor.  Understand the glory of the Simran of Satnam.  Nothing else will benefit you.  The Sikh of the Guru is great who does Simran of Satnam.  The Sikh recites the Satnam and then the mind connects to it.  Work with your hands to do Seva of the Sikhs and saints.  Say the Satnam with your mouth.  Those are my beloved Sikhs that do Seva and Simran.  Their actions are great but they are not filled with pride for doing something so great.  They are humble.  They do not see their real self as the body.  They see themselves as the one Brahm.  They only see “One” and do not see duality anymore.  Only see the one as the truth, the rest is false.  What is born, will die one day.  Keep this wisdom.”  In this way Guru ji gave wisdom to the Sikhs.  He then got up after a while and went to his home.

3-44 A Sikhi in the Langar

Phagun and Chet had passed, Vaisakhi was close be.  A lot of Sangat had arrived in Anandpur to meet Guru Gobind Singh ji.  As Guru ji’s glories spread in the world, the Jor melas got bigger and bigger every year.  It was now 1700 CE.  The Sangat from every direction wanted to see Guru ji, just as chakors look to see the moon.  When black clouds come, the peacock dances and sings songs, a Sikh rejoices hearing the Guru.  The Sangat came in groups known as “Jathas.”  They travelled on carts, horses and buggies.  They sang Shabads on the way, drenched in the love for the Guru.  They had great love for each other as well.  They did Seva of each other as the Bhagti of the Guru sprung in their heart.  There was a new tradition to meet each other now (the Sikhs would touch each other’s feet and say Sat Kartar or Pairi Pavana in the past) they would fold their hands and say “Vahiguru ji ka Khalsa Vahiguru ji ki Fateh.”  They did kanga (comb) of their hair twice a day and tied their Dastaars.  They kept their mind focused on the Simran and Bani.  They sat together in Sangat, looking like swans.  It was the Panth of the Guru with the most unique radiance.  They had long beards and unshorn hair, they looked like Devatas on Earth.  This was the real form of the saints of Satyuga.  The Dharam that had become corrupted over the yugas, came back in Kaliyuga.  They lived with the Rehit and were true to their word.  Their moustaches were curled up.  They wore many weapons.  The Sangat came to Anandpur this way with many gifts.  Some brought money and some brought food, horses and weapons. 

When the day of Vaisakhi came, a great crowd gathered.  Satguru ji’s court was going to be in session.  The rugs were laid out and Guru ji’s throne was on a high spot.  Thousands came.  Guru ji wore many weapons and beautiful clothes.  His Kachera was passed his knees.  His jewellery had diamonds, sapphires, rubies and pearls.  His clothes and jewellery were worth 52 Lakh Rupees of the time.  He would come out from his home like a lion coming out of his cave.  Guru ji mounted his horse.  His Singhs were all around him, going towards the Divaan place.  Thousands of people all around folded their hands and bowed as he rode by.  Guru ji sat on his throne.  Thousands of Sikhs bowed all at once.  The Sikhs bowed and placed their gifts in front of Guru ji.  They bowed to his lotus feet.  They couldn’t get tired of looking at Guru ji.  He was handsome and full of radiance.  His beauty could not be written.  There was a great crowd of Sangat.  As Guru ji looked at the Sikhs, their pain and trouble would melt away.

Sadhoos, saints, warriors were all sitting in their places.  A young woman came with her face covered.  She would try to come forward but shy away.  She did this a few times of moving back and forth.  She wanted to come close to Guru ji but there was a great crowd.  Guru ji, the omniscient one, knew who she was and why she wanted to come forward.  Guru ji sent the Mevra Sikh and told him to bring the young woman forward.  The Mevra found her and brought her forward to stand in front of Guru Gobind Singh ji.  She folded her hands and bowed.  The rest of her in-laws and family members were sitting in the Sangat.  Her face was covered as it was the tradition of the time.  Satguru ji said to the Sikhni: “tell me my daughter, why did you not come forward?  The Guru knows why you are here, but the Sangat wants to know everything.  Tell everyone what is in your heart.  You have come from far.”  The woman folded her hands and said: “listen Satguru ji, my parents are from Raipur.  When I was young, an elderly Sadhoo came to our village.  He was a powerful saint.  My parents served him with devotion.  We would present the food in front of him.  My parents brought him food and water.  He stayed with us for 5 years.  My family and I served him for that long.  I brought him food and washed his hands.  He was happy with me and did Katha all the time.  I would listen to him.  When I was older, I was married to a Khatri from the village Barsana.  I am from a Khatri family as well.  I am a Sikhni from there and my husband is also a Gurmukh.  He is saintly and a nice Sikh.  He brings saints to our home and I serve the saints with my husband.  I grind the flour and make food for the saints with love.  My husband and I get along great.  We are both Sikhs and love to serve saints and Sikhs.  I have heard from saints that a woman’s way to Mukti is her husband.  A woman must see the Parmeshwar inside her husband to receive Mukti.  I listen to my husband and follow his wishes of serving Sikhs and saints.  I see my husband as the Guru Parmeshwar.  My in-laws, brothers-in-law and everyone come to see you every year.  My husband comes too.  I usually stay home.  I was unfortunate.  I am a sinner that I didn’t get to see you before.  I came today for the first time.  I stayed back because I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss any saint to serve.  I’ve been wanting to come see you for many years.  I came here but my mind is back home, wondering if some Sikh saint needs to be served.  This time, my in-laws made me come as I wanted to see you for a long time.  My husband wanted me to stay home and serve the Sikhs though.  I had to listen to the elders.  I wanted to come see you but also wanted to do Seva back home.  I am confused.  My focus is in Langar.  I saw the great crowd here and thought to myself, how would I see you.  I am a sinner, how would I get to see you.  I came but I couldn’t get through the crowd.  I was thinking of going back, but you are omniscient and had me come forward to meet you.  You sent a Sikh to bring me forward.  The Sikh told me that I am being called.  I was happy to hear that.  You were compassionate for calling me.  You are great and you bless your Sikhs.  Please tell me what is your command?  I will do what you say.”  Kalgidhar ji was happy to hear all this.  He said to her: “Sikhni you are great!  Your in-laws are great too, who heard from saints that doing Seva of Sikhs is great.  They are patiently serving Sikh saints.  You are serving the Sikhs.  You are devoted to your husband and are Pativrata.  You trust the Seva of the Sikhs and you trust your husband.  I will give you a gift too.  Bring your husband, then I will give you a gift.  Go now, Devi, and see your wishes fulfilled.  When you go home and serve the Sikhs, you will meet me at home.  You found the path to meeting the Guru.” 

The young woman went back to her room in Anandpur Sahib.  She told her husband what happened to her.  Guru ji got up from the court and went to his home.  The Sangat went to their rooms as well.  Everyone slept the night.  The next day, the court was in session again.  The young woman brought her husband to meet Guru ji.  They both bowed and stood in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji said: “Sikhni, who is your husband?”  The young woman was shy.  She said to Guru ji: “listen Guru ji, if the Guru didn’t know, then one would need to say something.”  Guru ji then said: “Sikh, is this your wife?”  The Sikh was wise.  He said: “Guru ji, my body, mind and wealth are yours.  I have nothing.  This woman is my wife by destiny.  We are both the dust of your feet.”  Guru ji said to the Sikh: “Sikh, you are wise, but you have no idea who you are.  I am going to tell you who you are.  You will remember right now.  You are Bhagat Kabeer ji from your last life.  You are the one that did the Simran of Prabhoo.  Your wife was Mata Loee ji.  One day, you said to your wife: “Loee, you are my wife but what did you gain?”  Loee said to you: “I got everything but I still have the wish to do Seva.”  Kabeer, you, said to your wife: “it is not right for a woman to have a different wish than her husband.  You should have the same wish as your husband.  My wish was to receive Mukti but because of your wish to do Seva, you will have to take a birth one more time.  You will be born in the house of Khatris and receive the gift of Sikhi from the house of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  You will serve the Guru and listen to his words.  You will be blessed by doing Seva then.”  Loee bowed to your feet and said: “don’t let your servant, me, go.  Stay with me.”  Kabeer said: “listen Sadhni, Seva is the best.  If this is your wish, I will be born with you again as well.”  In this way, both of you were born but you did not remember your last birth.  This time, only the Guru could wake you up and make you remember who you are.  Only then you would remember your last birth.”  Guru ji called for Karah Prashaad.  The Prashaad came and Guru ji took the bowl of Prashaad and gave a fistful to the Sikh and the Sikhni.  As soon as the Sikh and Sikhni ate the Prashaad, they were awakened and remembered their last birth, as it happened.  They were in the blissful state and received the Brahmgyaan.  They looked at Guru ji and said: “what command do you have for us?”  Guru ji said: “when I was writing the Guru Granth Sahib ji in my 5^th incarnation, Kabeer ji, you met me without your body, coming from Sach Khand.  You now have a physical body.  I want you to recite all of the Bani you recited that is in Guru Granth Sahib ji, from memory.  The Sangat will hear this and their faith, devotion and love will grow.  Trust will grow in the Sangat’s heart.”  Kabeer ji began to recite the Bani of Bhagat Kabeer ji in Guru Granth Sahib ji.  After he recited all the Bani, he folded his hands and bowed.  Guru ji said: “the Sardar (leader) of all the Bhagats is Kabeer ji.  Kabeer came to the home of Sikhs.  He has come to establish the Dharma as a warrior.  All of the Bhagats will come to establish the Dharma in Kaliyuga.”  The Sikh and Sikhni were awake and went to their home.  They continued to do Simran.

The rest of the Bhagats obeyed Guru ji and took births in the homes of Sikhs.  The were the great warriors who fought alongside Guru ji and served the Guru Khalsa Panth.  They did Sevas and fought battles with the Turks.  The radiance of the Khalsa was great because of the Bhagats.  They had unshorn hair and wore Kacheras.  They wore weapons and stood in attention with the warrior spirit.  Besides war, they had no other wish.

3-45 Pamma Vizier comes as an Ambassador/ Karah Prashaad Discussion

One of the viziers of the Pahari Rajas named Parmanand, came to Guru ji to see how their relations were.  Parmanand was a wise man.  He was educated.  He had studied the Puranas, Vedas and Shastras.  He came to meet Guru Gobind Singh ji.  He folded his hands and presented expensive gifts.  Guru ji was happy to see him.  Parmanand was in bliss, seeing Guru ji.  Guru ji respected all educated wise people.  Guru ji asked Parmanand how the Pahari Rajas were and why he was here: “why has Bheem Chand sent you?  What is your reason from coming?”  Parmanand said: “there is great benefit in meeting you.  My king has sent me to serve you.  He told me to stay at your feet.  I will stay here and serve you.  We don’t want any conflict between our houses.  I will see how you are and I will send my reports back to my King.  Whatever task comes forward, I will solve it.  I would keep all the news from this area and keep everything calm.  I have been sent as an ambassador here.  I will get to see you everyday as well.  I have studied the Vedas and Shastras, so I know the benefit of being in the presence of the Guru.  This will be the greatest benefit.  I will sit in Sangat and listen to your words and Keertan.”  He was speaking with love.  Guru ji accepted his request and said: “stay here as long as you want to.”  Parmanand was happy to stay with Guru ji.  He received the highest bliss.  Guru ji allotted the vizier 5 Rajitpuns a day for his expenses.  He was the ambassador but when Guru ji’s Divaan was in session, he would come and sit in the Sangat.  He was wise and listened to great discussions.  He was happy to be there.

One day, there was a big Divaan.  Guru ji sat in the middle.  There were Chaurs being waived over his head.  The Kalgi had strands of pearls, the chaurs looked like swans trying to eat the pearls.   It seemed as if when they would come close to the pearls, they would get scared from the radiance of Guru ji and move back.  Many scholars were sitting in the Divaan.  Great discussions were taking place in the court.  Parmanand was seated there as well.  He was sitting near Guru ji.  There was a Bairagi Sadhoo named Madan Das who was in the court as well.  He was part of the group of Bhagat Ramanand ji.  He served Guru ji with love.  Sanyasis, Jogis and Brahamachaaris were there as well.  They were all wise people.  They sat together with there own Panth people and spoke about the wisdom they had gained.  They were all there to learn new things and to achieve the gift of Mukti, learning from each other.  Different scholars did kathas and spoke about knowledgeable things.  They all spoke according to their ideologies.  Guru ji would answer questions and clear any of their obstacles on their journey to Mukti.  Guru ji was the ocean of compassion.  The scholars would say: “in our school of thought, this is how we reach Mukti.”  Madan Das Bairagi had a question.  He folded his hands and said: “please listen to my request: why is Karah Prashaad called Karah Prashaad?  Is it cooked in a Karahi (iron bowl)?  Is that why it’s called Karah?  It is tasty and soft.  It gives joy when we eat it.  Hanuman’s and Devi’s Prashaad, they have their own Prashaad, people distribute it when their desires are fulfilled.  Sri Baba Guru Nanak Dev ji made the supreme, Karah Prashaad.  Why did he choose this as so high?  This is called Mohan Bhog as well.  Why is this chosen by Guru Nanak Dev ji?  Was it because he was old and it was easy to eat?  What was the reason?  Please tell us.”  Guru ji then spoke in the court, telling an old Katha: “a Bairagi named Sai Das asked Guru Baba Nanak Dev ji the same question as you.  Guru Nanak Dev ji was doing Katha at Sri Kartarpur when he came and asked him that question.  He asked Guru ji: “oh Guru of the world, why do you love the Karah Prashaad?”  Guru Nanak Dev ji responded to him: “I did an Udaasi towards the north, near the mountains of Sumer.  I travelled high on the Himnoor (Himalaya) and sat there.  I travelled the mountain ranges with Bala and Mardana.  The 84 Sidhs and 9 Naths came to have a discussion with me.  They said: “oh saints, Aadesh, Aadesh.  Purakh Niranjan Alakh Vishesh.”  I said to them: “Satkartar, Satkartar.  Welcome Sidhs, sit down and recite the Name of the Niranjan.”  The Sidhs sat down and wanted to see miracles and powers.  They decided amongst themselves and said: “you are a great Tapasvi.  You have been sitting on this mountain before us.  We came after.  Feed us something now that is delicious and nutritious.  Give us lot of it.  Give us the Prashaad of your treasure.  Make us all happy.”  Sai Das, I knew what was in their minds.  They wanted to test me.  They had powers and were able to do a lot.  Mardana and Bala were with me.  I told them to stay there and I was going to go.  I told the Sidhs: “Sri Kartar feeds everyone and provides everything.”  I gave them an invite to eat but I told them that Kartar will give.  I went to the jungle.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji continued: “listen Madan Das, Guru Nanak Dev ji went to the jungles.  The Ganga was flowing there from Gangotri.  He walked along the shores of Gangotri.  The Sidhs waited for him, expecting fruits.  The Sidhs decided to make their bodies older so they would have to reject the fruits that require chewing.  They changed their bodies and were missing teeth.  They were going to tell Guru Nanak Dev ji that they couldn’t eat fruit.  They wanted to make Guru ji feel embarrassed.  Baba Nanak Dev ji went really far.  The Devatas then came, in the form of Sidhs.  They came because they saw their Master walking on the shores of Gangotri.  One Devata gave Guru ji sugar, another gave water, flour, dry fruit, cloves, elachis, almonds and fruits.  The Devatas placed the stuff at Guru ji’s feet and went back to their dimensions.  Guru ji then picked up the stuff and headed back, deeming his task fulfilled.  Guru ji set up a big rock and had Bhai Bala sit behind it.  Guru ji said to the Sidhs: “come and sit in a line.  Eat as much as you wish.”  The Sidhs duplicated themselves and made themselves big like demons.  They had no teeth.  Guru ji made the food greater in quantity.  There can never be a shortage in Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Langar.  The Sidhs ate as much as they could.  They ate without teeth.  They were filled till their necks.  They were amazed and said: “you are great!  You should eat it too.  It was delicious.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji ate it as well.  He said to the Sidhs: “make the Prashaad pure so that there is reward in eating it.  One should receive japp, tapp, Nem, and fasting rewards, who eats Karah Prashaad.”  The Sidhs said: “Tappa ji, you are great.  Vishnu gave you sugar; Shiva gave you flour; Brahma gave you water and ghee; Rishis gave you dry fruit; the cloth was given to you by Aad Shakti Bhawani.  The Devis and Devatas are all your servants.  We made a mistake in testing you.  We are sorry.  Nobody has the power to compare to you.  The Devatas will eat your Prashaad.  In Kaliyuga, the ones who prepare Prashaad with purity, and ask you to bless it, their sins will all wash away.  They will gather good karma.”  Guru Baba Nanak Dev ji heard this and said: “khopa and fennel seeds are for Hanuman and the Devi.  Dry fruits are for one’s Guru.  If ghee, sugar and flour are mixed in equal quantities, the Guru will receive that Prashaad.  If one of these three things is not equal, the Satguru will not bless it.”  The Sidhs said: “it will be as you say.”  The Sidhs then disappeared.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji said: “Guru Nanak Dev ji said: “this is my Prashaad.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji then went quiet after saying this to Sai Das.”  The doubts were then cleared of all sitting in Guru Gobind Singh ji’s court.  Guru ji said: “Madan Das, Karah Prashaad was thus established.  Guru Nanak Dev ji took Dastagheer’s son from Baghdad to many dimensions and returned with Karah Prashaad.”  Everyone was happy to hear Guru Gobind Singh ji’s words.  This was the history of Guru Nanak Dev ji regarding Karah Prashaad, which Guru Gobind Singh ji spoke to the Sangat.