5-26 Amrit Rai and Chandan Kavi
In the court of the great Kavis, Guru ji had asked some question by which the Kavis responded. Guru ji gave his explanations as well. Everyone said: “Dhan Dhan,” to Guru ji’s explanations. Their hearts were filled with joy.
The Prabhoo got up and then went to his home. He ate many types of delicious foods. He then laid down on his bed to rest. Guru ji would have discussions with the Kavis everyday. The Kavis of far away lands would come, hearing the glory of Guru Gobind Singh ji. Musicians, scholars, Pandits, poets and other artists came to showcase their skills. Guru ji gave Crores of money to them. He blessed them in the other wolds as well.
There was a Kavi named Amrit Rai that came to Guru ji’s Darbar. He composed a poem in Guru ji’s praise. He came and bowed to Guru ji. He then said his poem in the Darbar:
Wherever I go, I am highly respected. I hear your praises wherever I go. Shaishnaag is already singing your praises. What is there left for me to say?
You give diamonds, clothes, pearls and gold to the artists; Kuber wishes to receive donations from you.
The most skilled, you are Amrit yourself. I wish to praise you. When I see you, you give love and Mukti. Inder is singing your praises.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, your praises are vaster than the ocean. This is the message I came to give you of how far your praise has spread.
(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)
Guru ji was happy to hear this poem. He kept Amrit Kavi in his Darbar with respect and gave him a huge salary. Many other poets came hearing this. Amrit Kavi translated the Karan Parab (from the Mahabharat) in the vernacular Bhasha language. He wrote it in beautiful Chands. He received 1 Lakh Rajitpuns. He wrote a lot of praises of Guru ji. Hans Ram Kavi wrote a Parab (possibly the Sabha Parab). Kavi Kuvresh wrote the Drona Parab. Many other Granths were translated. Many poets and scholars came to Guru ji. 52 Kavis remained in the Darbar, everyday. They stayed close to Guru ji with joy.
One day, Satguru ji held court. He sat on his throne. One Kavi came with pride of his own Vidya. He said Svaiyas and hid the translations. He wanted to test Guru ji. He folded his hands and bowed. He sat close to the Prabhoo and said: “your praise is spread throughout many lands. Whoever speaks about you, they all say that you are skilled in every skill and art. You are skilled in Vedas, Puranas, Shasters, Simritees, weaponry, horse-riding, music and poetry. You respect skilled people in your Darbar. The Kavis write Lakhs of poems. You yourself have written Lakhs of Chands. You know how to test the poets. I have written a new Svaiya. The translations are deep and hidden. I don’t think there is a smart enough Kavi in your Darbar that can translate my poem.” Guru ji heard the Kavi’s pride-filled words. He wanted to break the Kavi’s ego. The True Guru said: “what you have written, say it in the Darbar.” The Kavi then spoke his poem. Sri Satguru ji and the Kavis heard this. What he said:
Navsaat tiyay navsaat kiyay navsaat piyay, navsaat peeyaay.
Navsaat rachay navsaat badhay, navsaat paya pih Dayak paay.
Jeet kala navsaatan ji navsaatan kay mukh anchar chay.
Manho megh ke mandal mai kav Chandan chand kaleyvar chaay..1..
(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)
Sri Kalgidhar ji heard this and smiled. To break the Kavi’s ego, Guru ji said: “my Ghaee stable boys can translate such poems. This is not deserving for my Kavis to translate. When the Ghaees pick the grass, they say such poems to each other. Such poems don’t work in our Darbar. My Kavis compose such poems which shower all 9 Rassas of Kavita. Reading their poems, one is filled with pleasure. Their servants who go to get grass for the horses, they compose such poems.” When Chandan heard this, he was surprised. Agitated, he then said: “alright, so call a Ghaee who can translate my poem. I will then trust what you are saying. I want to see that your Darbar is able to win Kavis.” The Chobdhaar who held a golden mace in the Darbar, Prabhoo ji said to him: “go and call Dhanna Singh. Tell him to come quick.” Obeying the Satguru, the Chobdhaar ran to Bhai Dhanna Singh ji and told him that Guru ji had called upon him. Bhai Dhanna Singh ji said: “how and why is Sri Satguru ji calling me?” The Chobdhaar told him what happened. Bhai Dhanna Singh ji understood everything. He was a wise person who was a great poet himself in Guru ji’s Durbar. He wanted to make Guru ji’s words a success. He took off his nice clothes and wore an old Khaddar cotton shirt. He held a sickle in his hand along with a basket to collect grass. He put a load of grass on his shoulder and dressed as a Ghaee. He came to the Durbar and bowed to Guru ji’s feet. He sat in a nice place. Sri Kalgidhar ji commanded him: “this poet is a scholar. He is wise and well-educated. He brought a Svaiya and claims that nobody can translate it. I want you to listen to it and translate it.” Bhai Dhanna Singh ji heard the Svaiya and translated it:
A 16-year-old girl did the 16 types of fashions. After 16 months, her husband came back home. They played the Chauper with 16 homes. They played 16 pawns. The husband completed the 16 homes and won. The girl’s face was like the moon of 16 powers. When she lost, she covered her face with her chunni. It was like the moon hiding in the clouds. That’s how her face was peaking out.”
The translations were correct. The poets understood the translations as they were scholars themselves. Chandan’s ego was destroyed. He lowered his head. He folded his hands and said: “Maharaj, my wisdom does not have the power. You are the idol of power and miracles. This person is your student. Ego does not survive in front of you. The one who does the Simran of your name, that person becomes a great poet.” Guru ji then said: “Dhanna Singh, the poem that you composed, say it and have this person translate it. Say it and have him translate it.” When Satguru ji said this in the Darbar, Bhai Dhanna Singh ji understood that Satguru ji wanted to completely destroy the Kavi’s ego. He said: “(Chandan) if you understand the poem, say the translations.” He then said the Svaiyas:
Meen maray jal ke parsay kabhoo na maray par Paavak pae.
Haathi maray madh ke parse kabhoo na maray tan taap ke aae.
Teey maray peey ke parsay kabhoo na maray pardes sidhae.
Goor mai bhaat kahi dijraaj. Bichaar sakay na bina chit lae..1..
Koul maray rav ke parsay kabhoo na maray sas ki chab pae.
Mittar maray mit ke milbe kabhoo na maray jab dhoor sidae.
Singh maray jab maas milay kabhoo na maray jab haath na aae.
Goor mai bhaat kahi dijraaj. Bichaar sakay na bina chit lae..2..
The fish dies in the water never dies by the heat of fire.
An elephant dies by drinking alcohol never dies by the illness.
The wife dies by meeting the husband never dies when he goes to a foreign land.
I have said a deep riddle oh king of the Brahmins. It can’t be thought of without using your focus..1..
The lotus dies by the touch of the sun never dies by the light of the moon.
The friend dies meeting the friend never dies when they are separated.
The lion dies when it gets meat never dies when it does not get it in its hand.
I have said a deep riddle oh king of the Brahmins. It can’t be thought of without using your focus..2..
(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)
Bhai Dhanna Singh ji said his composition. Chandan Kavi couldn’t figure it out. He kept thinking for a long time. He was then embarrassed. He became humble and stayed quiet. He understood Guru ji’s great greatness. He then said: “I forgot that whoever comes to your feet, even the fools become fortunate and wise. Who can compare themselves to you? Whoever tries will end up like me.” When he spoke with humility and without ego, Guru ji kept him in his Durbar. Guru ji then told Kavi Chandan: “it’s all about where you put the pause. Put the comma after each “kabhoo na (never).” The poem will reveal its translation to you.” Chandan bowed and was included in the Kavi Durbar. Many scholars, skilled poets and musicians came to Guru ji’s court. They heard of his praises and came. Many Granths were discussed in the court to make Guru ji happy. A lot of music was played with intricate compositions for Guru ji’s approval. Many Chands were said. Guru ji gave a lot of gifts. Guru ji was happy to see the skills of the poets.
5-27 The Glory of Sukhmani and Jap
One day in the court of Guru ji the discussion of Guru Arjan Dev ji happened: “the way of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji; in Kaliyuga, the glory of Sukhmani and Japji is great. Doing the Simran of these Banis, the sins and obstacles are destroyed. Reciting them everyday with love in your heart, in the end one will receive Mukti.” Bhai Nand Lala ji and Pandit Pindi Lala ji heard this and asked Guru ji of the greatness of the Banis. Guru ji said: “Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji composed Sukhmani Sahib and Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji uttered Japji Sahib. I will tell you their greatness.” Bhai Nand Singh ji said: “Maharaj, I have seen an amazing thing. In the Inns, I have seen a Sikh who was possessed by a Prayt.” As Bhai Nand Singh ji was saying this, the other scholars and poets came into the court, the ones who learned and recited with Guru ji. Guru ji would sit with these people for hours, discussing philosophy and Gyaan. Bhai Bidhi Chand ji, Pandit Brij Lal ji, Bhai Chand Khan ji, Bhai Nihal Chand ji, Bhai Maan Das Bairagi, Kavi Sainapati ji, Pandit Sukhdev ji, Kavi Aalam Shah ji, Bhai Madan Ghir ji, Bhai Brikha ji, Bhai Sukhu ji, Bhai Guniya ji, Bhai Gunna ji, Kavi Ali Hussain ji, Bhai Al ji, Bhai Uday Rav ji, Bhai Raval ji, Kavi Bal ji, Bhai Sukhiya ji, Bhai Dharam Singh ji, Bhai Chanda ji, Bhai Bhallab ji, Bhai Kuvresh ji, Bhai Madhoo ji, Bhai Lakha ji, Bhai Isher Das ji, Bhai Dhyaan Singh ji, Bhai Dhanna Singh ji, Bhai Hans Ram ji and others (Bhai Uday Rai ji, Bhai Alloo ji, Bhai Amrit Rai ji, Bhai Sukha Singh ji, Bhai Sudhama ji, Bhai Kullua ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Kavi Chandan ji, Bhai Nand Lal ji, Bhai Nand Singh ji, Kavi Pindi Lal ji, Bhai Bhullu ji, Bhai Maan Chand ji, Bhai Mala Singh ji, Bhai Mangal ji, Bhai Lakha ji, Bhai Ani Rai ji, Bhai Syam ji, Bhai Sundar ji, Bhai Sohan ji, Bhai Heer ji, Kavi Tehkan ji, Bhai Daya Singh ji, Bhai Nannu ji, Bhai Nishchal Das ji, Bhai Ram Chand ji, Bhai Roshan Singh ji, Bhai Achal Das ji, Bhai Jamaal ji, Bhai Balland ji, Bhai Mathura ji, Bhai Mallu ji, Bhai Gopal ji and Bhai Madan Singh ji and others) came. They were the leading scholars of the world at the time. Everyone bowed their heads to Guru ji as they came. They sat in the court, seeing the Master Guru. Bhai Sudhoo ji and Bhai Mudhoo ji, the Rababis came. They began doing Keertan and made everyone still. The Sikhs listened with attention. After the Keertan, Sri Guru ji said: “the Sikh who is possessed, he probably doesn’t recite Japji Sahib. The ones who have Japji Sahib memorized, the Prayts cannot touch them.” The Khalsa was sitting close by. They heard this. They asked Guru ji: “Sri Guru Paatshaah Prabhoo ji, we have a doubt. Please clear it. Does Japji Sahib give Mukti or protect the body? Please tell us. Tell the Sikhs.” Sri Guru ji said: “if someone receives the Amrit fruit, they eat it and become immortal. Their hunger and thirst pain goes away. Just as the Amrit fruit does both things, Japji Sahib also does both. It protects the body and gives Mukti as well. It gives both rewards.”
Pandit Brij Lal ji heard this and made a request: “Paatshaah, listen to me: one day, I saw a dream and figured something out. I did the Darshan of Guru Nanak Dev ji in the dream and my life was a success. I heard the translations of Japji in the dream. I can say them in the court. The Salok I uttered, I would like to say it.” Guru ji said: “you are a Pandit of the Guru’s home. You are very wise. You have a deep faith in the Guru. Say it as you heard it.” Pandit ji heard this and began to speak what he composed:
Salok: in my home, the enemies that give me pain day and night, protect me by making them go away. My request is to say the Salok I heard in my dream.
(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)
Pandi Brij Lal ji said this and then he spoke to the Sangat: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji; both gave me their Darshan in my dream. I will tell you what I heard. The discussion is pure and holy. The glory of the Guru’s words, listen to it. I can only summarize it as the greatness is greater than great. Nobody can fully say it.
Salok.. For Mukti, to attain it; for the protection of the Pranas; the profit of virtues and wealth; in Dharma; in Udaasi; to do the Pooja of the Devatas; to marry a great bride; to obtain a good servant; to attain good sons; to stop the enemies; to stop the mind; in war to hold weapons; to possess; the politics of Dharam; in donation; to collect virtues; for all these things, recite the Bani which starts with Oankaar and Satnam (Japji Sahib).
(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)
The Sangat heard this and said: “he received the Salok in his dream. We can’t understand the Salok. Sri Guru ji, please translate the Salok that Pandit ji has said.”
Kalgidhar ji then said: “Japji is the highest Mantra. To recite the first 25 letters (Ik Oankaar to Akaal Moorat), this Mantra gives you what you wish for.” Guru ji did the translations to bless the Sikhs: “chant the first 25 words with the mouth or with a still mind in the mind. This will destroy the faults, pains and the 3 illnesses. Vath, Kaph and Pitt; this Mantra will destroy these Doshas. They will receive Mukti, Jugti and the highest status. They will be in joy. They won’t be damned. If one recites this before eating, the food becomes blessed and cures the body. The food digests with peace. It does not make any illnesses. The person’s age increases and the pain is erased. One has profit in money, reciting this Mantra. The Dharam grows. For Vairagya, the Udaasi state; it gives peace. To marry a good bride, for sons; to travel many lands; to fight a battle; to be protected from weapons; while riding elephants and horses; to make the Devatas happy with their Pooja; to manipulate others; do the Simran of these 25 letters. While entering home or before going out, recite this Mantra. For other tasks, recite this Mantra as well. Be humble and bow before the Guru. Have faith and do Simran. Give your Dasvand to the Guru. Make Karah Prashaad. Recite this Bani when giving donations or taking them. To change your personality, recite this Bani. If a Bhoot, Prayt or ghost possesses you, or a witch gives you the evil eye; recite this Bani with faith. In the dream of Pandit Brij Lal ji, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji said this.”
Guru Gobind Singh ji had me (Bhai Ram Koer ji) write what he said. Other scribes wrote this: “when travelling; increasing skills; giving donations or taking them; to change the bad personalities; possession of ghosts or witches; to win the mind; to wield weapons in battle; to rule kingdoms in peace; while meeting the relatives; for the growth of Raj Yog; if any obstacle arises in these tasks, do the chant of the 25 letters. Do the chant of the 25 letters (to Moorat); 36 letters (to Prasaad); 38 letters (to Japp); do 150,000 chants of these Mantras. 5 letters, 25, or 36 letters, do that many thousands of chants as many letters there are. Do the Home of Gurmantra and all the obstacles will be destroyed. The tasks will be fulfilled and the obstacles will be destroyed. The bonds will break. Such is the radiance of the Guru. If a Brahmin wishes for Vidya, they should do these chants 5,000 times. The fool should do it for wisdom and chant 10,000 times. The Kshatriya should do it 15,000 times and Shoodra should do it 20,000 times. The Gyaani, Dhyani, Jogi, Karmi, the Sikh who has faith in the Guru, it is good as it is written. The Mantra up to Gurprasaad is the giver of Mukti. Add Gurprasaad with all the Mantras. The 5 letters (Ik Oankaar Satnam) gives Gyaan. For the purity of the heart and to obtain good virtues, recite the 25 letter Mantra. First make yourself pure with the Home of Gurmantra. Do the chant near the shores of a river. This will give more rewards. You can chant it over water. This gives the 4 Padarthas.” Pandit Brij Lal ji then said a praise in Sanskrit:
I bow to Oankaar, I bow to Satnam, I bow to the Tatya Gyaan, I bow to Narayan, I bow to the form of Yagna, I bow to the Karta, I bow to the protector, I bow to the saviour, I bow to the highest Purakh, I bow to the illuminator, I bow to the Akaash form, I bow to the Nirankaar, I bow to the Aatma in the body, I bow to the destroyer, I bow to the one with great praise, I bow to the one who resides in all, I bow to the radiant form, I bow to the Dweller of Vaikunt, I bow to the omnipresent, I bow to the indestructible one, I bow to the form of death, I bow to the master of Maya, I bow to the Moorat, I bow to the master of Lakshmi, I bow to the master of the Trilok, I bow to the invincible one, I bow to the Ishwar of the world, I bow to the formless one, I bow to the infinite Ishwar, I bow to the one who said the One Word, I bow to the creator of death, I bow to the Oankaar form, I bow to the one who gives existence by every step, I bow to Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji who gives peace to the Sikhs.
(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)
“Oh wise people, the main point is whether it be the 5, 25 or 36 letter Mantra, it gives the Tatt Gyaan. Add Gurprasaad to all. After Gurprasaad, it is the praise of the Guru as well. The first 8 letters: Ik Oankaar Satgur Prasaad; write this before writing a Pothi or a letter. This resides in the 5 Pranas. For daily tasks, chant the 25 letters. Chant the 36 letters for good virtues. Doing 36 Lakhs chants of the 36 letter Mantra, this gives Mukti right away. By the chant, or reciting Jap, the Aatma becomes pure. The impurities go away by washing the mind. The first Salok of Jap, this makes the Antiskaran pure.” In the next Adhyaays, the rest of the Pauris will be stated.
5-28 The Glory of Japji
The first Pauri of Japji Sahib fulfills all of the wishes. The reciter receives all of the joy and their obstacles are destroyed. To fulfill desires, the second Pauri (Aad Sach), recite this Pauri. If one wishes to see their Isht Dev; if someone is about to travel from home; if someone is to eat medicine; if someone is going to make a Rasayan; if someone is to take shelter with someone; read this Pauri. If someone faces a problem where their task is facing an obstacle, recite the “Gaveh ko” Pauri. If a task is stuck, chant this Pauri and give money, which is the Guru’s portion. To make a new home or to gather new qualities, meditate on the 4th Pauri (Sacha Sahib Saach Nai). Chant it the same size of Japji (40 times) for 7 days. Give 7 gifts with respect. To have more ambition and effort; recite the 5th, Pauri. To fight a battle, recite the 6th. If someone is in bondage, recite the 7th. This Pauri will also help a relative that is stuck far away. If a woman is stuck and not going into labour during child birth, recite the 8th Pauri. Recite the 9th for breaking any spells. Recite the 10th for business or for buying a new vehicle or chariot. To buy anything, to travel anywhere, recite the 11th. Recite the 12th to destroy the 3 types of illnesses. Recite the 13th for the Siddhis and administrative or royal tasks. To write Jantras or to be protected from them, recite the 14th. By the 15th, the ghosts run away. The 16th makes the witches and Kaljognis go away. The 17th gives you the favourite foods. For 18th, that will give you the 18 Vidyas. Recite it everyday. In 6 months, the Vidya will grow. The wisdom will grow. The attention will get better. For 19th, this is for Jog, making the desires go away. The 20th is to get married. The 21st is for the child. The 22nd is for the children to stop dying. The 23rd is for the achievement of Ridhis. The 24th is to be in the company of smart people. Recite the 25th for your respect by which everyone will be in your control. The 26th is to be safe from deceit. The 27th is for power. 28th is to make fear go away, even if it’s from cardinal sins. The 29th is for the poison by bite. The 30th will make the milk grow and thick. 31st will make the fever go away. The 32nd Pauri makes the Teeya Taap go away. The 33rd Pauri makes the constant fever go away. The 34th Pauri makes the fever that comes everyday go away. Read it 40 times. For a task to be fulfilled, read 10 Japjis. For wealth, recite 20 Japji Sahibs. For desires of administrative natures to be fulfilled, recite 30. Recite 40 Paaths for Mukti. The 35th Pauri is for the respect of relatives. The 36th is to win a fort. The 37th Pauri is for warriors to win. The 38th is to meet Sadhoos or to stay in the door of the king. The 39th Pauri is to be a Devata and the 40th is to be the Chaturbhuj (Vishnu) form. For Mukti, recite Japji in the 4 ways: reciting, writing, Yagna Home, or giving food. The glory of Japji that has been said, recite it for the fulfillment of tasks. Love the Guru. Whoever has faith in the Guru, they will be successful. Japji was uttered by Guru Nanak Dev ji and Guru Arjan Dev ji made it illuminate with a tradition. Guru Ram Das ji wrote it with his hands. For the joy of the saints, Bhai Gurdas ji wrote it in front of the Satguru. For the fulfillment of Sidhi, the tradition has been said. Don’t tell the corrupt people this. By the faith of the Sikhs, their task will become fruitful. Do the Seva of the Brahmin and the Sadhoo. Stay away from praise and slander. Let go of conflict, jealousy and ego. The words of the Guru are the same as the words of the Vedas. The saints understand this with determination.
Chant the Japji, this destroys millions of sins. The donation grows and the wisdom learns the true knowledge. Devotion grows. The wish of peace comes to fruition. The good qualities come and the Agyaan is destroyed. For wealth, health, son and wife; all of the faults are destroyed. If there is no love or faith, if a Sikh tells such a person, they will be at fault. This tradition has been said by the Satguru. The Sikh can get what they want. By the 6 Niyams, the Paath of the Vedas is achieved and the highest Yoga is received; in the same way, the tradition of the Japji should be done with purity and tradition. The tasks are fulfilled. Joy is achieved. These seeds are given. Everything is achieved.
Guru Nanak Dev ji made the path of Sikhi by compassion. Guru Arjan Dev ji made this illuminate. He wrote this tradition. He revealed this in the dream. These are the meanings that are written here. This is for the joy of the Sikhs. Guru Arjan Dev ji’s radiance blesses the reciter. If someone reads, listens, writes, worships, and gives it to others, that is achieved. In Kaliyuga, there are 4 types of chanting: Para, Madma, and Pasyanti; is what the Vedas say; Baikhri lives in the 4 places and illuminates it everywhere by the mouth. The navel is first (Para), the heart (Pasyanti) is the second and the throat (Madma) is the third. Baikhri is by the mouth. You will be rewarded by reciting it in any way. The reward grows. That is the value of the Japji.
Brij Lala ji said: “I was in great bliss seeing Guru Arjan Dev ji. He told me to recite the Jap in my mind.” Pandit Pindi Lal ji, Bhai Bidhi Chand ji, Bhai Nand Lala ji, Bhai Gopal ji, Bhai Khan Chand ji, Bhai Alam Shah ji and Bhai Madhan Ghir ji heard this and were in joy.
Pandit Brij Lal ji said: “in my dream I flew like a bird. The complete Satguru told me everything. I asked him: “what Paat should be done when someone dies?” The Guru said 3 times: “Japji is a priceless gem. The reason why you met me is because this is your last birth. Ik Oankaar with Satgur Prasaad; Satnam and Karta Purakh is in between. Whover chants this, they will be in joy. Chanting this makes the illness go away and the age is increased. The chant will fulfill your wishes. For the achievement of woman and children, chant the Japji. Japji will fulfill all of the wishes.
Salok..
The Paath of Japji in the morning is great but for the completion of a task, you can do it in the afternoon. For the impression of others, do it in the evening. To achieve a secret thing, do it after 9pm. For the destruction of the enemies, chant it at midnight. For Mukti, recite it at 3 am. What cannot be achieved at sunrise? Everything can be achieved. Brij Lal the Brahmin says the rewards of the Japji, uttered by Sri Guru ji.
(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)
When the Sikhs heard the words of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji in the court, from that day on, the Sikh that was possessed by a Prayt, he began reciting Japji everyday. His pain was gone. If someone does one recitation of Japji Sahib then Guru Sahib stays by their side. Guru ji gives them Bhugti and Mukti. That person goes to the Highest Court without fear. Guru Gobind Singh ji spoke at the end: “one should read Japji Sahib everyday. Read it for the rest of your life. That person will do the Darshan of their Aatma. They will receive Mukti. The Satguru will be by their side, all the time. Just as the Thakur tended to Bhagat Dhanna ji’s cows, do the recitation of Japji Sahib with faith. The Satguru becomes the friend of the Sikh. The one who reads or listens to Japji with attention and love; or writes it for someone, they will receive the wishes of their mind. They will be in joy and their fear will be destroyed. If someone writes Japji and gives it to someone, they will receive a lot of rewards. The one who will do the Pooja of Japji, chants it, they will become a Gurmukh. “Aad Sach Jugaad Such Hai Bhi Sach Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach,” this is the Pauri to fulfill all of the tasks. It is the beginning of all the Pauris.”
Guru Gobind Singh ji recited this when he left the Earth. Satnam Satgur Prasaad is the Sidh Mantra. Bhai Ram Koer ji said this to Bhai Sahib Singh ji Likhaari: “listen, I chant this Mantra as well, all the time. This is the highest Mantra. The Guru took an Avatar to save the world. The Satguru took on a body and showed the world. I saw everything that Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji did. He did the Simran of this Mantra all the time. One time, Satguru ji said: “people will do Mantras and Jantras but my Sikh won’t. There will be a time when everyone will do Mantras in every home. There will be no Jap and Tapp. Nobody will have faith in the Bani. It will just be hypocrisy. They will just follow others. As much as you will have faith on the Guru, that’s how many powers you will get. Stay in the shelter of Sri Ram. This will give you Mukti in Kaliyuga. Chant the Vahiguru Mantra which completes all the tasks. The Sikh should chant the Mantra for the Guru. Your life will be a success.
Once, while going to battle, Guru ji’s horse got stuck. Guru ji said: “Madan Singh, see the grass in front of the horse.” There was tobacco in the grass in front of the horse. The horse did not go ahead. Satguru ji said: “the Pahuli Sikh will never touch tobacco. My horse has held back because there is tobacco in front of him. The Turks have planted this damned seed. They have broken the tradition of the Rishis. The Hindus plough the field. They should obey my words and not farm tobacco. Wherever tobacco is, that field becomes impure.
5-29 Tobacco
In this way, Satguru ji came to his home. He then came to the court and sat on his throne. The Sikhs came to meet him. In the Sangat of the next day, many Sikhs came. Two Kshatriya Sikhs from Multan came. They folded their hands and asked questions. They were Sultanis before but they had love for the Guru. They were educated out of their Sangat and had questions. They sat in front of Guru ji and said: “Guru ji, you have prohibited tobacco. Why do you hate it so much?” Sri Satguru ji said: “if you trust me, I will tell you what is written in the ancient Granths. In the Skanda Sangita Granth, Shiv has stated the Katha. Skanda once asked his father, Shiva: “Pitha ji, why is the Jagat Jhoot (the vilest thing in the world – tobacco) slandered? How did it spread in Kaliyuga? Which Munni created it?” Shiva said: “listen son, what you are asking about, even thinking about it makes the mind impure. There is a Mantra in the Rigveda called the Agha Markhan. That Mantra makes the mind pure again if you think about it. If you touch it, you will have to bathe in the Ganga. Consuming it destroys the Jap, Tapp and the power of any Mantra you have chanted. The Maghar land is cursed, that if someone dies there, they would be born as a donkey. In the field where this plant is planted, that becomes like Maghar. One should not plant anything else for 1 year after the rains make the field pure. This plant was not in Satyuga, Tretayuga or Dwapur. There was a king in the Pandavas line named “Nem Nath.” He began to terrorize his people. When the law of justice broke in his land, the people were in pain. There was a Peer in the west who was doing Tapp. The people went to the Peer, depressed. The Peer took the people to the king of Burkan. The king had a son named Ajmer (Ajmer Sherif city is named after him). The prince was sent with the people of Hindustan. Ajmer came to Pushkar to find a Munni. There was a thick jungle there named Shivban. Ajmer dressed as a shepherd and took sheep and goats into the jungle. He found the Munni he was looking for. He said to the Munni: “please give me your pot of water. I will give you milk from my goats.” The Munni gave him his pot. Ajmer did the Seva of giving the saint the goat’s milk. He gave him milk everyday. One day, the Munni said: “ask for a boon.” Ajmer said: “I am looking for the kingdom of earth.” The Munni granted the boon and told him to do Tapp. When Ajmer began his Tapp, the Munni said: “on the land where the Go-medh is happening, go there and get a plant from there. This medicine will fulfill your wish. It only grows where cows are killed.” Ajmer found that this only happened in his land. He went back to the west and brought tobacco back on the backs of camels. He then planted the tobacco and taught people how to consume him. People began to use it. As they consumed it, their minds became dirtier. In this way, Ajmer became the king. Ajmer soon had a beautiful daughter born to him. The daughter grew up and became determined to marry a Munni. She picked a handsome saint to marry. At the reluctance of the Munni boy, the princess forcefully married him. At night, the Munni used Mantras to put up a metal forcefield around him, as so he may stay chaste and continue his Tapp. She found a solution to give the Munni boy some tobacco. That made the powers of his Mantras diminish. This plant was created from the fat of cows. It is a sinner. It destroys Japp, Tapp, fasts, abstinence, charity and the reward of visiting the Teeraths. It is like killing a cow. The Peer of Ajmer brought it. It spread in Hindustan in Kaliyuga. Thome and tobacco are made from the ear of a cow. That’s why it is slandered. It makes the mind turn away from your Isht. For this reason, my good son, Skanda, reject this. Since the seed of this plant came into Hind, the Devatas and the Pittars have left this land.”
Keshav Brahmin has said the truth: “Let this go!” For this reason, I told the Sangat to let this go. The Sangat obeyed and rejected tobacco. It is the staining thing that gives pain. Oh Sikhs, listen to the Rehit: don’t even touch it. It is better to die rather than to touch it. If you consume even a little bit, the Devatas and Pittars leave you. Water from the hands of such a person is like alcohol. It is sinful. Alcohol burns your 7 generations. Cannabis just ruins your own body if over-consumed. Tabacco ruins and burns 100 generations. The one who rejects tobacco in Kaliyuga, that person is accepted in the court. They are saved. Their wishes are fulfilled. Their Seva is a success. The Shastras consider tobacco as bad. Alcohol is bad too. They are slandered and called “Chandaalni.” Only the unwise consume these. It is bad for a Kshatriya to mount a mare and bad for a Brahmin to mount a bull. It is bad for a Sanyasi to mount a horse. It is bad for a woman to play with a man. The jealous Pandit is bad. The Brahmin on the side of the Shudra is bad. The Raja who takes a cut of the crops is bad. The Gyaani who is jealous, he is bad. The friendship of an under-aged, young girl is bad. To be in a relationship with an old woman is bad. To pay someone for marriage is bad. To breed mules is bad. To castrate a bull is bad. To make a cow carry weight is bad. To wear the clothes of others is bad. To eat the food that is already partially consumed is bad. The traditions of the family which are against Gurmat is bad. To spoil someone’s earnings is bad. Taking someone else’s money and food is bad. To tattletale and break someone’s love is bad. Such a life is damned. They can never go to heaven. To leave the faith and leave the Guru’s words is to rub many pains on your forehead. The ones who renounce the 10 Karmas with their words, bodies and minds, they are considered Sadhoos among the 4 Varnas. They will not go to the Jumms. These are the 10 Karmas: Violence, adultery, theft; let these 3 go by your body. Don’t think bad of others. Don’t have faith in the false. Let go of worrying of other women. There are the 3 Karmas of the mind. To speak harsh words, to speak lies, to slander and to talk too much. These are the 4 Karmas of the words.
The one who makes a mistake and then accepts their guilt, they can be forgiven. The one who makes a mistake and stays stubborn, they are fools. Sri Guru ji has given the words and the Rehit. This should be solid. The best Sadhana is the Simran of the Naam. That is my Sikh. That is how to be saved. Only talk about these things with others. Nobody should speak about things that will make you drown. To see all as equals, humility, to be simple, to be faithful upon facing problems; that person is mine and meets me everyday. That person is my mind and body. The one who does not think of death nor do they say the Naam; they love the bad things, that person has ruined their tasks. To eat someone’s food and be served, then praising them; don’t trust them. The one who talks bad too much is bad. Paharis are no one’s friends. Don’t leave the Naam. Love the weapons. Such a Sikh is taken care by me. Don’t doubt or argue. Don’t swear upon me.”
One day, seeing Guru ji’s wish, the Sangat folded their hands and said: “oh True Paatshaah, tell us about the 4 Varnas who shave. In the previous 3 Yugas, we have heard from the Puranas that everyone used to have hair on their heads. They had beards and moustaches. Why did everyone begin to shave their hair? They take sides and fight. The whole world has taken the same side. If we ask them, they say that their Shrutis say so. They had beautiful forms but became ugly by shaving themselves. It is like a king punished them. They are not ashamed of it. They shave their areas of their privates of urine and feces and then use the same blade on their faces. They don’t consider higher or lower areas. They use it on their pure face. The put their faces out like prostitutes putting their faces on display. They mess up their radiance in both words. They cut their hair and say that it is Dharma. How did this happen? Tell us. You made your Panth keep the hair.” Sri Kalgidhar ji heard this and told everyone the Prasang: “when the kingdom of the Pandavas was destroyed, after a long time passed, the sons of Raja Nand became the masters of the land. Their kingdom grew and they killed their enemies. They took all of the wealth from the Brahmins. They made everyone bow to them. The 4 Varnas obeyed them. They killed the Kshatriyas like Parshuram. They ruled for 1,500 years. Their wealth grew. Their names had “Nand” in it. There was a really strong king among them. He pushed out all of the Rajas. The Nand Raja feared him too. He was afraid that the Rajas whom he defeated would go to the Brahmins to do the Varni and take his kingdom. He thought that the Brahmins will hide and chant the Mantras to take his rule and radiance. He gathered all his minister and told them his fear. They all discussed that: “the Mantras should not work. The Brahmins are great in their Vidya. You should cut their hair. To shave the hair is the stamp of Shudras. When their hairs are shaved, their Mantras will be fruitless. Their Varnis will not be a success even if they make many efforts.” The Raja liked this. He called all of the Brahmins and shaved their heads. He shaved their beards and moustaches as well. He had Saloks composed by poets and added to the Granths. They were written and altered. They wrote about shaving the hair. The Brahmins who had shaved heads, they talked about shaving their heads. Everyone else followed them. They said that this was the Dharma. They spoke about the Saloks after reading them. The Kshatriyas and Vaishyas started to destroy their hair as well. The people were like animals. The Brahmins became the bigger shepherds to lead everyone astray. To read the Saloks was like hitting the animals with sticks. They commanded the animals as they wished. The Brahmins shaved their heads. Other people followed them. They accepted the consumption of the Jagat Jhoot and shaved their heads. This Panth started in Kaliyuga. It was seen by everyone in great numbers.”
5-30 Kes
Guru ji said: “listen Sangat and Khalsa, the bad tradition of cutting hair started from that day. The wisdom in Kaliyuga became bad. This spread further. The punishment that the Raja Nand gave, that became the Dharma then. The Brahmins made traditions of shaving the head when someone in the family died. They fought about this to make it look like it was always the Dharma and true. They used many efforts to prove that they were right. The traditions were like a chain to control the thieves and thugs in the world. They made a tradition and set of rules, describing Heaven and Hell, as to keep order in the world. The saints and Bhagats of Bhagwant are never affected by Heaven and Hell. They are like the officers and ministers of the king. They can go anywhere they want to without being stopped in the palace. Whoever understands (the Parmeshwar), they stayed hidden and don’t argue about it. They don’t speak about it. The ones who did the actions, they were saved. The arguers drowned in debate. Gyaan is achieved by the will of the Ishwar. Bhagti is the radiance of the kingdom. Bhagti gives everything. The rest of the public is with the change (of vices). It is the great pain. They did the Karam Kaands. They would go to Teeraths, to do Japp, Tapps, charity, Nem, abstinence; these were the traditions made by Brahma for the Varan Ashram. To see mind as true in the mind, Indriyas as true in the Indriyas and wisdom as true in the wisdom; this is the difference between Ishwar and Jeev. They could not see the Aatma. The fools stay stuck in the mind, Indriyas and its pleasure.” Bhai Ram Koer ji said: “Sahib Singh ji, understand this: I don’t see duality (two) anymore. By the Darshan of Satguru ji, I was able to see the real form. I have seen my Aatma. It can’t be described. It is the ultimate blissful and beautiful form. Hearing Guru ji’s words, we were without doubt. Satguru ji then got up and went to the stables to see the horses that ran like the wind. He started to look at the horses. In this way, Guru ji gave wisdoms to his Sikhs. The fortunate ones listened and ingrained the words of Guru ji in their hearts.”
Guru ji went hunting into the jungles with the Khalsa. From some villages that were bad, the Khalsa would loot them. Some would fear the Khalsa and give gifts from their own. If some didn’t give out of ego, the Khalsa would attack them. They hunted where they felt like it. The Pahari villagers would run out of fear. The Khalsa would cut their crops and take them. They would feed the horses in Anandpur. Bheem Chand was jealous seeing this. He couldn’t fight and got angry. Kalgidhar ji was always in Bir Rass. He always wanted war. He taught the Singhs how to find. He taught them how to be against the Turks. Guru ji thought to himself: “As long as the Khalsa fights, the Panth would remain. They would understand how to use every Shaster if they fought constantly. They would fight and use their weapons. They would take care of the kingdom of the earth.” Guru ji thought about all this. He wanted them to fight and so he instigated the fights with the Paharis. The Paharis wouldn’t fight out of fear from Guru ji. They wanted the Turks to come and protect them. Bheem Chand sent money to the Turks to keep them happy. He and the other Rajas sent ambassadors to the Turks who slandered Guru ji. Some were sent to Aurangzeb and some were sent to the Soobas. They said: “the tenth Guru has caused a ruckus in our area. He wants to take our land and wants to rule. He has ruined the Pahari lands. He loots and beats us up. We have lost.” They would keep on saying this to the Turks. When they would come to Guru ji, they talked about friendship. A lot of time was spent like this.
One day, the Mela of the Solar Eclipses came. Guru ji got ready to go with a few Singhs towards Kurukshetra. Mata Gujri ji and the other Matas stayed home. Guru ji didn’t take the family. He mounted his horse and went with the army. He held the reins and made the long trek. There were only a few days to the solar eclipses, so he didn’t take many people with him.
Giani Sher Singh ji dictates a Katha during this point: “Guru Gobind Singh ji stopped in Ambala on the way to Kurukshetra. Where the Kumara da Mahalla was (Gurduara Satsangat Sahib), Guru ji sat under a Jandh tree near the Dangri River. The Gujjars and Kumaras said: “we see lions where you are sitting. Some Sikhs came here and wanted to go to Ram Deva Sikh’s home. We showed them where to go. They had a basket with Neem leaves. They left the basket here for some time. We saw blood in the basket. We are scared now.” Guru ji figured out that it was Bhai Jetha ji who was carrying the head of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji that came there. Guru ji told the people of what happened. He stayed for 21 days there and did Katha, in Ambala. When he was leaving, the Kumaras gave Guru ji a jenny (female donkey) as they were poor. Guru ji brought the donkey to Kurukshetra. When the Brahmins came for donations, Guru ji presented the jenny but they refused. They wanted a cow but Guru ji didn’t budge. He insisted they take the donkey. There was a poor Brahmin who was the son of a widow. He didn’t get any donations that day. He told his mother about the donkey. The mother told him to accept the donkey. The poor Brahmin came back and accepted the donkey. The jenny had a small saddle on it. When he took the saddle off, there were 125,000 gold coins under it. When the other Brahmins heard this, they regretted not taking the donkey.”
Where the Teerath was, the place of Thaneswar, Guru ji came there. On the south side of the Teerath, Guru ji decided to set up the Dhera there. There were lakhs of people there. There were many Jogis sitting in the village. Baba Madan Nath ji was their leader. He saw Sri Bhagwant ji arrive and became excited. He came ahead and met Guru ji with love. He got up and said: “Adesh, Adesh!” Satguru ji saw Baba Madan Nath ji come and got up to meet him. Guru ji said: “Satgur ko Adesh!” The Jogi then said: “you are wearing the Burka of lions but your actions are of Sidhs. Your way is interesting. I have never seen this.” Kalgidhar ji gave him a lot of respect. Guru ji said: “listen Nath ji, the tyranny of the Turks is talked about in the world. They won’t be controlled without punishment.” The Jogi said: “people speak of them in every home. May your wish be accepted in the court of Parmeshwar. May you succeed. You are the Fakir of Guru Nanak Dev ji. You are a Sidh. You are generous and a warrior from the outside. Your heart is benevolent. The Turks will be destroyed. Nature always wants to destroy the tyrants. Nature will help you.” After having some discussions, both sides were happy with each other. The Nath said: “if you need the Jogis, we are with you. Our meeting would be a success.” Guru ji said: “my people have unshorn hair. Khalsa is strong enough and independent. It is different from all. It doesn’t need anyone’s help.” The Jogi said: “show me your archery. I have heard that you are an expert. I want to do the Darshan of your skills.” Guru ji mounted and arrow on his bow and released it. At 1 Ko was the Qila of the Turks. He hit the arrow in the Atari of the fort. The Jogi saw this and said: “your skill is amazing! Nobody is equal to you in this skill. I have heard about Sri Ram ji in Tretha and Arjan in Dwapur. I am determined that you will destroy the Turks with your hands. We live in the Kataas Teerath. The Asana of Baalghundai is there (where Ranja was initiated as a Jogi. Guru Nanak Dev ji also came there). Come there to meet us. Bless us Fakirs. Give your Darshan to the Sidhs and travel the mountainous area.” Sri Guru ji smiled and said: “listen Nath ji, I won’t go there. I don’t have Akaal Purakh’s permission to go there, who is the supreme. I have to stay in his command. When the 13 century of Hijri comes, the radiance of the Turk kingdom will be gone. My Khalsa Panth will come there then. They will rule all of the lands. I will go towards the Godavari and then go to the Parlok after that.” The Sidhs heard this and were happy. They took Prashaad. Everyone said: “Adesh.” Guru ji respected everyone’s Adesh.
Guru ji came into the city. He looked around the Teerath. He saw the roads and the markets. He went ahead towards the south of the Brahm Sarovar. The Singhs were far away. Guru ji stood at the shore of the Sarovar. There was a great crowd there. The Attari of Atten Shah was there. The Prabhoo came there. On the west side of the Teerath, Guru ji stayed the night there. In the morning, many Brahmins gathered and came to Guru ji. Many others came for donations as they heard of Guru ji’s arrival. Guru ji gave money to all at once and told them: “divide it amongst yourselves.” There was a Ram Dhatt Kingria Brahmin there who knew about Guru ji. He did Guru ji’s Darshan for his blessing. Guru ji looked at him and said: “ask for something oh Brahmin. You can get anything from the Guru’s home.” Hearing Guru ji, the fortunate Brahmin, who wished for Mukti, said: “I am not greedy for money. Hold my hand and never let it go. Where nobody can reach, keep this poor person there. Save me from the Jumms.” Guru ji said: “I will save you and your family. You will be in bliss.” After saying this, Guru ji gave the Brahmin a horse and a Kataar. He gave him many gold coins as well. After giving this, he said: “you will be in abundance. You have been blessed by the Guru.” Guru ji then held Ram Dhatt’s arm and walked to every corner of the Teerath with him. He walked around the shore of the Sarovar. On the northwest side of the Teerath, Guru ji sat there. People looked at Guru ji like he was the moon of the Dooj.
A Saudagar came there at that time. He folded his hands, bowed and said: “Prabhoo ji, I have horses to sell. Nobody bought them from me yet. They are expensive. I can show them to you if you want.” Guru ji told him to bring them. When they came, Guru ji mounted them to ride them. The Singhs made them jump and walk. Guru ji liked and bought 3 of the horses. They were clever, strong and fast. Guru ji then sat and held a Divaan. The Khalsa and the Sangat of the Mela sat there. They thought of their blessings and seeing the arrival of Guru ji, many Sikhs came to see him. The Sikhs did Guru ji’s Darshan. They brought gifts for Guru ji. They did his Darshan and had their wishes fulfilled. Guru ji stayed there the whole day, holding court. Shaheedi Degh was prepared with cannabis. Opium was consumed. Guru ji bathed in the evening and did the evening Divaan. Guru ji gave the Saudagar 1,000 Rajitpuns. The Saudagar bowed and left. Guru ji stayed the night. In the morning, Guru ji mounted his horse and left.
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