2-1 Rikhi Parsang

The words of Sri Guru ji are like the Chooran which destroys the ego illness.  I bow to the words.  To cross the ocean of pain, Guru ji made the bridge of praises of Prabhoo.  Singing the praises, the brightly coloured ego of the body is discarded.  Keertan is a trusted bridge which both poor and rich can cross.  They can know their true form by crossing this bridge.  The Devatas of Devs serve the feet of the powerful Peer Guru Baba of the world.  The foolish unwise people in Kaliyuga were poor.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji gave them the gem of Har’s Name.  The ones who do the Simran, their ego of their body is discarded.  The Gyaan illuminates in their hearts all of a sudden.  They then discarded the items of the world, seeing them as garbage.  They discarded their pleasures and pain.  The ocean of virtues came in to the world, taking on a human body as the powerful peer Guru Baba Nanak Dev ji.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Sri Kartaar Purakh ji destroys the pain and keeps the Bhagats happy.  Guru ji took leave from him from Sach Khand.  The Guru of the World, who gives joy to his Sikhs; his history, listen Guru Angad Dev ji.  He came to us in Dhruv’s dimension after leaving Sach Khand.  He met us in the radiant dimension.  When Guru ji came, Dhruv ji bowed to Guru ji and met him with love.  Dhruv ji asked Guru ji: “where no one is able to go, tell us the symbols of Sach Khand.  How did you see the infinite Prabhoo?  What colour and form is he?  You did his Darshan; nobody has ever been able to do this.  Nobody has gone to Sach Khand with their humanly body.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji said: “oh great Bhagat, listen: he has no colour or form.  It can’t be known.  He is never in species form.  He lives in the focus of his Bhagats, with love.  To show his Bhagats, according to their understanding, his colour is Shyam.  Billions of suns and moons illuminate there.  Brahma and the others cannot see the end.  He is more beautiful than millions of Kamadevas.  His nails are more beautiful.  I cannot praise them enough.  What can I say?  There is no one equal to him.  Millions of galaxies are in his body.  Just a the Sequoia tree is huge, it has many leaves, he is infinite.  He can’t be heard or talked about.  He is the master of all the universes.  He is the light in every heart.  He is untouched by everything.  He provides for all.”  Dhruv ji was happy to hear this.  He said: “you are the form of the formless Nirankar.  I wholeheartedly believe that you are the same form.  I am fortunate that I saw you.  You gave the wisdom of the Naam in Kaliyuga.  The ones who are causing conflicts, they are in pain.  You can’t tolerate their pain.  You came as a human to save them.  You are the friend of the poor and compassionate towards them.  You are the Master of all.”  Hearing the praises, Guru ji sat there for a while, seeing Dhruv ji as his servant.  Guru ji then said: “listen beloved Dhruv, I wish to leave now.  I need to do a lot of tasks on earth.  Give me permission to go.  Your praises are great.”  Dhruv ji heard this and said: “you are the Kartaar.  You have Akaal Purakh’s command.  You can go where you wish.  Your Darshan destroys the sins.”  Dhruv ji bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji bowed as well and left the dimension.

We came a long distance from the Dhruv star.  Bhai Mardana ji then said: “these beings living in the space, Dhruv ji’s place is the highest.  It is higher than the Bhootal.  How much higher is it Sri Prabhoo ji?  Small beings like me, who else would show us these places besides you?”  Sri Guru ji said: “listen Mardana, if we estimate, Dhruv’s place is about 39 Lakh Zozans (447 light years from earth) from where the human universe ends.  Nobody can go higher than his dimension.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “Prabhoo ji, tell me another thing, please don’t get upset at me as I am unwise.  You went on ahead from the Dhruv star.  How far is Sach Khand from there?”  Guru ji said: “listen Mardana, it cannot be quantified nor measured.  It can’t be talked about.  His Name and place are infinite.  Its end cannot be seen.  Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva say this too.  His Name has no end.  Whoever Parmeshwar is compassionate towards, he shows his place to them.  The Jeev can see what and how much the Parmeshwar wishes.  Nobody can see the end of Akaal Purakh.  The Sargun form of Parmeshwar is seen according to one’s intellect.  We can only call him “Anant,” without end.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “you are great!  You are the ocean of compassion.  You always say the truth.  I have understood that you and the Nirankaar have no difference.  You are the cause and effect of the whole universe.  You are timeless.  I know that we are going to the human realm again.  Where are we going now?  How long will we take?”  Guru ji said: “we will go to the Bandarga of Soorat and Natka.  We will then go to the Bandarga of Machli and Bander.”  In this way, Guru ji was joking around.  He was going to give peace to his Sikhs. 

When we reached Seelaghir, Bhai Mardana ji said: “is there no saint on this beautiful mountain?  I don’t see any animal or bird here either.  This place seems uninhabited.”  Sri Guru ji laughed and said: “you are hungry.  Oh fortunate one, why do you ask?  There is no human living on this mountain.  When you see the next mountain, great Rishis live there.  The trees have a lot of fruits there.  If you wish, you can have the fruits there and eat them.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “Sri Prabhoo ji, I am not hungry.  Since you blessed me, I have been in bliss and contentment.  I don’t wish to eat now.” 

We all came to the next mountain as we spoke to each other.  The trees were great with many fruits.  They were many flowers of different colours.  Many bees buzzed over the flowers.  Many vines were tangled on the trees.  Their shades were peaceful.  Many types of fruits were on the trees.  The branches touched the ground because of the weight of the fruits.  If someone wished to eat the fruits, its as if the tree was bending down for them to give them the fruit.  One could take the fruit without effort.  They can eat and satisfy their hunger.  They are giving wisdom to others on how to be generous: “be generous and be humble.  You will be happy in both worlds like this.”  Cool and pure water flowed in the streams which extinguished the fatigue of the traveller.  Dense and cool shades were there.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji sat under a shade.  Sweet and ripe fruits, Bhai Mardana ji pulled and placed them in front of Guru ji.  They were sweet and tempting.  Guru ji picked half of the fruit and gave them to me.  He kept half with himself.  Bhai Mardana ji broke many fruits and ate them.  He was satiated eating the fruits.  He couldn’t stop eating.  He was filled to the neck.  He took some fruit and tied them to his shirt. 

Bhai Mardana ji came and sat near Guru ji.  Guru ji laughed and said: “if you are not full, take some of the fruits I have.  Eat as much as you want to.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “Sri Prabhoo ji, I am full.  My desire to eat is satisfied.  If you wish to give me some, then you can give me 1 or 2 with your hands.  I will eat them.”  Guru ji gave some fruits to Bhai Mardana ji.  He ate the fruits quickly.  He was already full but he loved to eat.  He then said: “these fruits are like Amrit.  Who eats them here?  Are they going to waste?  I don’t see any humans.”  Guru ji said: “if there wasn’t anyone to eat them, why would they be growing here?  Think about it.  The saints of Nirankaar that live here, these fruits are sweet because the saints are here.  They eat these fruits and go back to their Samadhi.  They do Simran.  They aren’t in pain from attachment.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “let’s stay here for some time.  Let’s meet the saints and speak to them.  You can speak to them.”  The Compassionate One laughed and said: “looks like you loved the fruits.  You want to stay here because you are greedy to eat the fruit.  You will keep me here too.”  In this way we all laughed and joked around.  The Giver of Joy stayed there for some time. 

At that time, a Rikhi came to us.  He was drenched in Simran, all the time.  He came and said: “nobody was able to come here in their human body.  How did you come here?  These places are high and dangerous.  I am surprised to see you here.  Tell me your name.”  Sri Guru ji said: “my name is Nanak Nirankari.  I travel to get the Darshan of the saints and Bhagats who do Bhagti.  I travel for joy.”  The Rikhi was happy to hear this.  He inquired further: “if your name is Sri Nanak ji, then I bow to your feet.”  Guru ji said: “how do you know me?  From whom did you hear my name and recognize me?”  The great Rikhi said: “my Guru was complete.  He said to all of us students once: “in the time of Kaliyuga there will be an Avatar who will make everyone do the Simran of the Naam and destroy hypocrisy.  It will be Akaal Purakh and he will illuminate Bhagti in the world.  He will spread the supreme Dharma.”  As soon as I heard that, I wished to see you.  Sri Guru Nanak ji, you are him!”  He folded his hands and came close to bow.  The Light of the Bedis was sitting down.  Guru ji didn’t let the Rikhi bow.  He grabbed and hugged his head.  Guru ji respected the Rikhi a lot and asked: “what is your name and what is your great Guru’s name?”  The Rikhi said: “I am known as Kalyaan and my Guru ji is Seel Sain ji.  Having your Darshan, my pain is destroyed.  My Japp and Tapp is a success today.”  We all met. 

The Rikhi went back to his Ashram, where others did a strict Tapp.  He was really happy.  He told the other Rikhis about Guru ji as well: “Sri Nanak ji, who we have heard great news of, whom our beloved Guru used to speak about, he was come to us.  He sits near the jungle in a radiant way.  He has two other men with him.  Let’s go and have his Darshan.”  Seel Sain and the other Rikhis heard this and quickly got up to see Guru ji.  They had dreadlocks matted in a bun over their heads.  They wore longotis and Valkal Vasteras.  They had Janyows around their necks.  Their nails were really long.  The radiance of their Tapp was bright on their foreheads.  They had white beards.  Their skins were dry.  They were really thin.  They didn’t wish for the pleasures of Svarga or other dimensions.  The Gyaan illuminated in their hearts.  Their remaining bad karma was destroyed when they did the Darshan of Guru ji.

When they came to see Guru ji, the Giver of Mukti got up.  He bowed to the Rikhis just as Raghuvir bowed to Agusta Munni’s Rikhis.  The Rikhis bowed to Guru ji, seeing him as the Parmeshwar.  They met Guru ji and were really happy.  Love sprung in their hearts.  They praised Guru ji in many ways.  They connected to the feet of Guru ji.  They said: “you are the Nirankaar form.  You will save many humans in the Sansar.  See this place as a place of your servants.  You came here and gave us your Darshan.  We are blessed seeing you.  You are the Master of the humble.  You are compassionate.  You love the Bhagats; that is your Dharma.  The Japp, Tapp and abstinence we have practiced with love, that has been a success today.  We received your Darshan today.”  Sri Prabhoo ji said: “great is the Satsang where one is drenched in the colour of the Naam.  The deep pains of being born and dying are destroyed by doing the Simran of the Satguru’s name.  The people of the Satsang say the glories of the Parmeshwar with love.  Dhan are those who say the glories of the Parmeshwar and engrain them in their hearts.”  After speaking to the Rishis, Guru ji took leave from them.  Guru ji bowed to them and the Rikhis bowed to Guru ji.  The Rikhis saw this time as a time of success.  We all left from there.

Where the Ghiraan Mountain was, where there were beautiful trees, we all came there.  There was a beautiful pond there with pure and cool water.  We came near the pond.  Sri Guru ji sat near the edge of the pond.  Bhai Mardana ji spoke then: “are there any Rishis here or not?  If there is someone here, you should meet him.  It is nice to meet the saints.  It is good to meet them.  Meeting them and hearing them, the sins are washed away.”  Guru ji said: “there is one Rishi here.  He will come to see us.”  After saying this, the Compassionate One was about to take a bath in the pool. 

The Rishi came at that time.  He saw Guru ji bathing and said: “the mind, which is still like the Sumer Mountain; just as the fish loves the water and are one; in this same way, the ones who live like this, they do not have a wish to bathe.  There is no other use for this.  Tell me what your name is.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “you are great, Rikhi ji.  You are very wise.  The feet of the Ikankaar are like a Sarovar.  My mind is the fish in that Sarovar.  Separating from that Sarovar, Nanak is suffering to death.  The waves of that Sarovar, my mind plays there in joy.  This body has 9 doors (2 eyes, 2 ears, 2 nostrils, 1 mouth, 1 urethra, 1 anus) which excretes filth all the time.  It is purified when touching the water.”  When the Rishi heard Guru Nanak Dev ji’s name, he quickly bowed while folding his hands.  He said: “you have been compassionate to come here.  You are the form of Hari.  You had compassion on me and came here to see me.  I was unwise.  I didn’t know who you were before.  I now know who you are after you told me your name.  The people of Kaliyuga have dirtied their minds.  For this reason, Hari has come as an Avatar.  I have heard of your history before.  You blessed me with your Darshan.  You are my master.”  He was filled with love.  He became emotional and his throat swelled up.  He saw his body as blessed.  Guru ji saw the love in the Munni’s heart.  He spoke sweet words to the Munni: “the ones who meet you, they aren’t attached to Maya.  The Satsangat is the place of bliss.  There is nothing else like it.”  After saying this, the Pankaj Badan continued with his travels.

2-2 Navkhand Parsang

Oh Chandi, your radiance is unbroken and great; you take care of the world and crush the sinners.  Your arms are solid to punish the sinners.  You carry a bow and punish the sinners.  No one can punish you.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, oh Home of Virtues, listen: Guru Nanak Dev ji headed forward.  We came to the Ulka Mountain in the blink of an eye.  Bhai Mardana ji said: “on the way we are travelling, which land is coming next?  How far is our land from here?  How long does it take to go home from here?”  Guru ji said: “the Gharaat Bandarga is next.  After that it is Laahar Bandarga.  We can see our land from there.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “how far are we from home?  Tell me your estimate.”  Guru ji laughed and said: “looks like you are thinking of home.  You wish to meet your family.  I can send you home in an instance.  You can meet your family with joy.  You have been away from them for a long time.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “will you come too?  We have travelled a lot.  Your parents and family must wish to see you.”  Guru ji said: “I will go when Kartaar takes me.  If you wish to go, I can take you there in the blink of an eye.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “oh Prabhoo ji, I am happy with you.  You are pushing me away.  How can I go home without you?  I am always happy seeing your face now.”  Guru ji said: “I am not pushing you.  You are thinking of home, that’s why I said I will send you home.  That’s why I asked.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “I just casually asked of how far home was.  I didn’t think of going.  My attachment is broken because of you.  Your feet destroyed my attachments.  You can go where you wish to go.  I will follow behind you.  I won’t ever leave your company now.  I saw everything with your blessing.  I have heard of the 9 Khands of the Jamboo Dveep.  Show them to me, oh Symbol of the Bedis.  I wish to see them.  You are omnipotent and you complete my wishes.”  Sri Guru heard this and said: “I can’t ever refuse your wishes.  Let’s go.  I’ll show you the 9 Khands.  You can travel as mush as you wish.”  The Jagan Nath set forth.  He took myself and Bhai Mardana ji with him.

We came to Ilabrat very quickly.  Many lions lived here.  Guru ji came and sat there and made Bhai Mardana ji sing a Shabad.  The Shabad was sung in a high pitch Raag.  When the lions heard the high pitch, their hearts became soft and pure.  They all came and bowed to Guru ji.  When they sat, Guru ji said: “who are you and why did you come here?  Tell me your name.”  Guru ji’s Darshan gave the lions the ability to speak like humans.  They folded their paws and said: “we are a Tamsik species; we live in anger and kill.  Our sins gave us this birth.  We come to your sanctuary now.  We know that you will destroy our sins.”  Guru ji asked: “how do you survive?”  The lion said: “Sant ji, we will tell you how we live.  We don’t eat for many days.  Up to a radius 100 Jozens (400 Kos) we have eaten all the animals.  If one of us sleeps, we all kill them and eat them.  We remain awake and in attention.  We are afraid of sleeping.  We all fear each other.  Our heart has become soft by your Darshan.  Become our Guru and save us.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “I will give you the birth of a human.  Earn the Sikhi of the Guru.  If you do that, you will undoubtedly receive Mukti then.  Your lion life will be done and you will be born as humans.  Practice the Shabad and the ego of your body will be discarded.  You will receive Mukti.”  After saying this, we all left.

We travelled and came to a nearby village.  Many men came for Guru ji’s Darshan.  They said: “how did you come here, safely?  Didn’t any lions harm you?  For 100 Jozens, there is no human or animal left.  They ate everyone, leaving no other life.  We established a village on the mountain.  We have canons and stay awake.  When the lions come, we fire all our canons.  They all run away then.”  Guru ji said: “I went to see the lions.  They won’t commit violence anymore.  I made them my Sikhs.  They will all die in a little while.”  The men of the village heard this and bowed their heads to Guru ji’s feet.  They said: “we were bothered by the lions.  You saved us now.  You are omnipotent.  You are the complete saint.  You made us fearless.”  The men took wisdom and became Sikhs by taking Guru ji’s Pahul by washing his feet.  We stayed for a while.  We then left that place.

We then came to Hiran Khand where the land was made of gold.  Listen to the tradition of that place.  There were Sadhoos there who did Jog, day and night.  They remained youthful with their Jog.  They never died in their homes.  When their end time would come, they would climb the high mountains and sit there.  They would explode the Brahm Rundher and take their Pranas out of the Dasam Duar.  Guru ji came there and sat down in their village.  It was like the sun of the Gyaan came up.  Many men came and sat near Guru ji.  The Light of the Bedis spoke: “how do you earn your wisdom?  Tell me the name of your Guru.”  The men spoke: “Gorakh is our Guru and we do Prana Yam.  We practice Yog all the time but our mind is not calm.  Please give us wisdom by which our mind may be at peace.”  The Master of the Universe heard this and proceeded to give them his wisdom: “focus your attention in the Satnam.  Destroy your ego, “mine” and “me.”  See the world as false (finite, destined to diminish).  Only the Aatma is the truth and infinite.  If you practice this, your mind will be calm and there will be boundless bliss.”  The people accepted this and practiced Simran as Guru ji said.  The people kept Guru ji there for some time.

Guru ji then decided to take leave from those people.  We then went to Kimpurakh Khand.  Guru ji went close to a village as if benevolence took on a human form.  The king of this area was Dharam Chand.  He served the saints with joy.  He came to Guru ji and bowed his head.  There was a lot of love in his heart.  He said to Guru ji: “please tell me a Seva.  I will do as you say, without delay.”  Listen Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, Guru ji turned me into a big lion to test the king.  He said: “oh Raja, if you wish to serve me, then give my lion some food.  He doesn’t eat anything other than the sons of kings.”  To test the king, he said this.  The Raja didn’t waiver.  He said: “my son is home.  I will command him to come without delay.”  The Raja had a servant sent for his son.

The servant brought the prince quickly.  The prince was great as well.  He wanted to give his body for the Seva of saints.  He was ready to give his life.  He stood in front of the lion, me.  Guru ji said: “you are great oh king.  Your mind is drenched in the love for the Seva of saints.  Do the Simran of the Giver of Joy, the Satnam.  You love the Sangat.  You will leave your body easily and receive Mukti.”  Guru ji stayed there for some days and gave the wisdom of the glory of Hari.

The Master then went on ahead to the Harvarkh Khand.  We came close to a village and sat there.  The King of the area came with his hands folded.  He bowed his head to Guru ji’s feet.  He became humble for a long time.  Guru ji then said: “what ever wish is in your heart, you can tell me and receive it.  Accept the Sikhi of the Satguru in your heart.  Your bond of being born and dying will break.”  The Raja heard the welcomed words and said: “you are the great root of praise.  Please listen to my request: I tried many things to have a child.  My wish has not been fulfilled till today.  I tried everything.  Oh saint, if you can give me the boon for a son, whatever is your teaching, I will accept it.”  The Master of the World heard this and gave the Raja 2 cloves and 1 Elaichi in his hand.  Guru ji said: “give this to your queen.  You will have children.  Do the Simran of Satnam and listen to the praises of Parmeshwar in the Satsang.  The vices and desires, destroy them from your heart.”  Guru ji stayed there for some days and preached the ways of Sikhi in that area.  Guru ji then took leave.

We reached the Kuru Khand next.  The way of the people there, listen Guru Angad Dev ji: when people had sons, everyone would come and cry.  When someone died, they would come and laugh and be merry with joy.  We came close to the village and sat down.  The Light of the Bedis sat.  Bhai Mardana ji heard about the traditions of the area and asked Guru ji: “the people of this area are quite dramatic.  They are opposites in their ways.”  Guru ji said: “listen Mardana, the people are unwise.  When Vahiguru sends someone to the world, they cry out in pain.  When someone dies by the Hukam, they celebrate it.  They are unwise.  Listen to how Gyaanis are: when a person is sent into the world, they are happy in their hearts.  When someone dies, they are still at peace.  They do Simran in both times.  They accept the will and don’t do what their mind tells them to do.”  In this way Guru ji spoke with Bhai Mardana ji. 

Many people of the area came to meet Guru ji.  They came and sat near Guru ji.  Bhai Mardana ji asked the people: “tell me about your ways.  You laugh and death and cry at births.  You must have some Gyaan.”  The wise elders of the people spoke: “we have understood this Gyaan: when someone is born, they are separated from Ishwar.  When one dies, they go back to Ishwar.  When they take birth, they are in pain.  They are at peace when they die, meeting the Ishwar again.  This is the reason for us crying and laughing.”  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji heard this and said: “to meet the Parmeshwar is really hard.  Without the Bhagti in the Satsang, there is no other way to meet the Parmeshwar.  Sing the Keertan with Prema Bhagti.  Do the Simran with focus.  It is the Simran without talking.  There is no separation or meeting.  Everything is about the body.  When you live in the Satsangat, you practice to stop your mind with Simran.  Your vices and desires will be destroyed.  Duality, sense of self as separate, all is destroyed.  You see Parmatma everywhere.  This whole universe is a myth.  When the Aatma breaks the doubt, you see the Parmatma as the pure consciousness.  When you see the body as the Anatma (not the Aatma), the efforts and bad thoughts are destroyed.  You then meet the Ishwar.  Otherwise, you are always separated.  The ones who achieve the Gyaan, they don’t see separation or meeting.  Parmatma is complete and everywhere (omnipresent).  If you don’t see Parmatma as different from you, then what’s the separation?  Only separated ones meet again.  It is a myth to see the separation.  Just as space is everywhere and one, only the vessel is different.  Maya makes you seem different.  The space in the pot is the same as the space in the sky.  When the pot breaks, the space immerses with the great space.  When the Maya breaks, only the Aatma is seen.  It is because of the Maya, as the vessel, which makes us see the difference in bodies (or vessels).  Your crying and laughing is useless.  The humans are under the commands of their desires.  For this reason, they keep taking births and die again.  This gives them pain.  They keep coming back to this world.”  When the people heard the words of Guru ji, they thought about it: “this saint speaks the truth.  We were wrong.”  Their doubts were broken.  They bowed and accepted Guru ji as their Guru.  They bowed to Guru ji, over and over again.  They said: “please give us Mukti, oh Giver of Mukti.  Give us your wisdom.  Keep the honour of the one who comes to your sanctuary.”  Guru ji heard their humble words and gave them his wisdom: “do the Simran of Satnam with attention.  Your wishes will be fulfilled.  Accept the command of the Kartaar as the truth.  Being born and dying is the same.  Make your mind still from joy and sorrow.  You will undoubtedly receive Mukti then.”  The people heard the wisdom and became Sikhs.  They had faith in Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Satsangat began to occur in the area.  The fortunate ones sang the glories of Hari.  They served the saints and did the Simran of Hari with faith and devotion.  Guru ji stayed there for many days.  He gave them the Dharma and made them practice it.  Santokh Singh bows to the Guru and completes the Adhyaaya. 

2-3 Bhaarat Khand Parsang

Giving the good wisdom and destroying the bad wisdom; your face is like the moon; I bow to your lotus feet, oh power of wisdom.  I write the Katha that gives joy.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Listen Sri Angad Dev, Guru Nanak Dev ji went forward towards the Ketu Mal Khand.  Everyone in that area, including the Raja, worshiped the Sri Chandi there, with love.  There was a huge Mela there when we went.  It was at the Mandir of Kalika.  Guru ji sat on the path to the Mandir.  Many people came and went to the Mandir.  They brought baby goats as offerings for the Devi.  They bowed and had their wishes fulfilled.  When the Raja came, he brought many people with him.  He saw the three of us and said to his people: “these people seem foreign.  We should capture one of them and offer him to the Devi.”  Listen Guru Angad Dev ji, the people captured me.  They were happy and played their dhols.  They took me forward and said: “we have captured an awesome sacrifice!  The Mother of the World will be happy and give us a boon!”  At that time, Bhai Mardana ji came to me and said: “Bala, looks like your life is over.  Death has surrounded you.  They will chop your head and give it as an offering.  They will worship the Gaurja and receive a boon.”  I said: “you speak falsely.  Only the body dies and lives.  This body is made of the 5 prime elements.  When it dies, the elements go back to their elements.  The Aatma is never born nor does it die.  It is never happy nor sad.  It is never in fear.  Nobody can kill the Aatma.  It is the Sat, Chetna and Anand form.  Fire cannot burn it; water can’t drown it; millions of weapons cannot cut it.  The ones who see life and death, they live in the Ahankaar of the body.  They are Agyaanis.  When the end time comes for the body, nobody can save it by any effort.  If it is not time for me to die then not one hair of mine will be harmed.  Place, time and means of death needs to come together for death to happen.  Only then can the body die.  Nobody can save it then.  If even one is not precise; one of place, time and means of death, then the Kaal will protect the body.”  Bhai Mardana ji heard this and went quiet. 

I was taken to the Mandir and Bhai Mardana ji came with me.  Guru Nanak Dev ji came there as well.  He didn’t say anything.  He watched the drama.  When we came to the idol of Durga, the Raja said: “take this man and offer him as a sacrifice.  We will make the Devi happy.”  The whole crowd gathered there.  Men and women were watching this drama.  One person took out his sword from his sheath.  The sword shined and Bhai Mardana ji got scared seeing it.  Bhai Mardana ji said: “Prabhoo ji, he stays in your company!  Please protect him!”  As soon as Bhai Mardana ji said that, the Kalika Devi roared loud and appeared right in front of her idol.  A thunderous sound echoed in the temple, sending terrifying chills throughout the bodies of the attendees.  The crowd got into fights with each other.  The Chandi appeared in a fierce way.  She took the sword from the man and swung the sword on the neck of the Raja.  The Raja’s head rolled like a fruit falling from the tree.  The Raja’s body fell to the ground.  Blood flowed from his body.  The people in the Mela ran away in fear.  Nobody stayed in the Mandir except for the 3 of us.  Guru ji, the Master of the Universe spoke to the Chandi: “the Raja was your servant.  You saved Bala, my servant, and killed the Raja.  The Raja wanted to impress you and offered you a human.  Why did you do an unorthodox act in anger?”  Sri Chandi Kaali then spoke: “listen Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Parmeshwar ji: the beloved servants of Sri Hari, I protect them day and night.  If unwise people want to gave them pain, my way is to kill them.  This Raja was foolish.  He wanted to kill a saint by bringing him in front of me.  That’s why I got angry and saved the saint.”  The Devi then disappeared.  She is the Jagat Mata, Ishwari, Abhavi. 

The whole city was in mourning.  Men and women cried at the death of their Raja.  The wise people of the city thought: “these 3 people are powerful.”  The wise people all came to us with love and faith.  They saw Sri Guru ji’s radiance.  The son of the King came and stood in front of Guru ji.  He bowed and said: “please forgive our mistake.  We didn’t know of your greatness.  Please make us your Sikhs and give us the boon of fearlessness.”  Guru ji heard the request and became compassionate.  He gave them his wisdom: “do the Simran of the Satnam.  Do the Seva of saints with love and devotion.”  Guru ji had the Raja cremated and installed the prince on to the Royal Throne.  Guru ji named him, “Dharam Jas” and anointed the Royal mark on his forehead.  A beautiful Dharmsala was made.  They all did Keertan there together.  Guru ji said: “keep your mind humble, all the time.  Focus your attention in the Satnam, without any breaks.  Bathe and give donations.  This will give you peace and joy.  Sing the glories of Akaal Purakh with love.  Love the Satsangat.  Spend your time in Sangat.  You will then receive the Sikhi of the Guru.  Earn my words.”  For many days we stayed there.  Guru ji gave them the good wisdom.  Prabhoo ji then took leave from the area.  We came to a new place. 

We came to the Ramyak Khand next.  We sat down near a city.  Some people came to see Guru ji.  They saw him as a saint and bowed to him.  The Master of the Universe saw them and gave them the good wisdom: “do the Simran of Satnam, day and night.  Do the Seva of saints with love.  Don’t have the sight of dogs in your heart.  Keep the sight of lions.  Sorrow, joy, pain and pleasure; let it all go.  Do Bhagti at Amritvela.”  The people asked: “we don’t understand the “sights of dogs and lions.”  Please explain this to us, oh Master.  You are the saint that gives joy.”  Guru ji then spoke: “understand what the sight of a dog is: one sees pain and joy coming from another human.  He/she does not understand the ways of the Ishwar.  The dog does not know the hitter, it bites the stick.  It is unwise.  The one who thinks like this, those Manmukhs are like dogs.  When pain and pleasure come, the ones that see this as coming from the Parmeshwar; not from humans; Sri Kartaar does everything; as the lion leaves the weapon and attacks the attacker, that is how the Gurmukhs see pain and joy coming from the Parmeshwar and nobody else.  The One Kartaar is the only one that gives.  Have this sight and you will be saved.  Practice making your mind still.  Your desires and vices will be destroyed then.”  Guru ji stayed in this area for some time.  He gave them wisdom.  He then took leave from them.

Guru ji then came to Bhaddar Khand.  The Raja of the area heard of a saint coming.  He came to meet Guru ji.  He bowed and sat down with his hands folded.  His name was Kaulnaab.  He said: “out of the 4 Ashrams, which is the highest?  I see you as a complete saint, so I ask you.  Please clear my doubt.”  Guru ji, the Compassionate One, heard this and said: “Ghrist is the best.  It gives life to the other Ashrams.  It provides for them as well.  Just as the lotus is first born from the water, the water then takes care of it by giving it water, that is how Ghrist is.  It is the root of the tree.  The other Ashrams are its branches.  Ghrist is like the ocean form which many pearls and gems come out of.  From Brahmacharj (chaste) to Baan Prast (forest dweller) along with the Sanyasi (renouncer of the world), the Ghrist takes care of all.  The Ghristi feeds them all by giving donations.  The Ghristi does not send anyone empty-handed.  They are like wells.  If they don’t donate, the water not taken out of the well becomes dirty.  If the water keeps coming out of the well, the water is replaced immediately with sweet water.  The Ghristi is the same way.  If they donate, they will be in joy in both worlds.  Staying in this Ashram, one should practice to know the Aatma.  They should do Simran all the time of the Giver of Joy.  Do Prema Bhagti and earn an honest living.  Who can praise such a person to the fullest?  When a cantaloupe is attached to the vine, when it is ripe it becomes sweet.  If you break it from the vine and then make it ripe, it is less sweet and becomes stained.”  The Raja heard this and was happy.  He became humble and bowed his head.  Guru ji stayed here for some days.  The Raja kept Guru ji with love in his home.  Guru ji gave him a lot of wisdom.  The Raja started to do Simran.  Bhagti became illuminated.  The tradition of Gursikhi started there.  Guru ji took leave from there.

Guru ji said to Bhai Mardana ji: “I have shown you 8 Khands thus far.  The 9^th is the Bhaarat Khand.  I will show you the Bhaarat Khand now, where the home of your family is.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “let’s go Prabhoo where you wish to go.  By your compassion I have seen all these different places.  How else would people like us be able to see this?”  He laughed and then realized that they were in Jammu.  Guru ji saw a nice place and sat down.  Guru Angad Dev ji, listen to the great Katha.  Guru Nanak Dev ji said to me: “the great bear, Jaamvant, Jammu is named after him.  There was a big cave where he used to live.  He lived for a long time.  He was very powerful.  When Sri Bhaavan ji came to deceive Bal Raja, he mapped the 3 Loks with his 2 feet.  He was the compassionate one; Jaamvant did 21 Parkarmas in 1 hour of Bhaavan while he was acquiring the 3 Loks in his grand form.  He was really strong and really fast.  How can we measure his strength?  Then when Sri Ram Chander ji came, who took away the pains of the Bhagats.  Jaamvant went to Lanka with Sri Ram ji.  A great battle happened there.  Jaamvant fought in the battle with valour.  He killed many strong Daynts.  In Dwapur, the Krishan Avatar came to lighten the weight of sins from Dharti.  He came to Jammu to find a Mani.  When he saw Jaamvant, he fought a great battle with him.  They had a duel as both were strong.  None could defeat the other.  They fought for 28 days.  None was victorious.  Krishan ji turned into the form of Sri Ram ji.  When Jaamvant saw Sri Ram’s form, he quickly grabbed his feet.  He gave Krishan ji the Suraj Mani and his daughter, Jamvanti.  He asked for forgiveness.  Sri Krishan ji then went to Dwarka and Jaamvant stayed there.  This place was known as Jammu then.”  We spent 2 days there.  Many people came to meet Guru ji.  The people went to their king and said: “the Tappa, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, is here.  The world praises him.”  When the king heard this, he ran barefoot.  He brought expensive gifts with him.  He humbly bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  He offered the gifts and said: “you are the complete Sri Satguru.  Please give me your wisdom.  I come to the sanctuary of your feet.  Make me your Sikh, oh Master of the Universe.”  Guru ji heard this and became compassionate.  The Treasure of Joy spoke: “be just, according to the Dharma.  Don’t be greedy and unjust.  See the world as a dream.  Only the Aatma is the Truth.  It is the One.  Do the Seva of saints with love.  Be compassionate towards the naked and the hungry.  Do the Simran of Satnam with focus.  Listen to and sing the glories of Hari.  Spend your time in the Satsangat.  If you earn this wisdom then you will become the Raja of the 22 mountainous ranges.  Your tasks will be completed.  After this life, you will be blessed and respected.  The sins of all your births have been washed away.”  The Raja was happy to hear the wisdom.  He did what Guru ji had instructed.  His kingdom got bigger.  He ruled the 22 mountainous ranges after a few years.  He kept Guru ji with him for a few days.  Guru ji gave the Dharma Wisdom and helped everyone practice it.  Guru ji then took leave.

We then came to a village of the Banjaras (merchants).  We spent the night there.  Their leader had a son after a long time.  He was without children for many years.  He had a great celebration when his son was born.  Many people came to his home to congratulate him.  The Leader received everyone’s well wishes with joy.  Everyone gave him their blessings.  Gulaal of many colours was thrown onto people.  Guru ji sat in a garden.  It was soon evening and the Banjaras went to their homes.  Nobody came to see Guru ji.  Nobody came to meet him or bow to him.  They were filled with joy and pride and walked by.  They didn’t respect Guru ji. 

After a while, Bhai Mardana ji said to Sri Guru ji: “these fools are filled with ego over the joy of a son being born.  They are stuck in attachment.  They didn’t respect you.  They didn’t give you any gifts, seeing you as a traveler or a Sadhoo; they should have come to welcome you.  They are congratulating each other while meeting one another.  How foolish are they?”  Guru ji said: “this child that is born, he has come to receive his debt that his owed to him.  In his last birth, he gave the father a loan.  He has received everything now.  He will die in the morning.  When the child dies, the father will be in pain.  He will cry over the child.  They will be stuck in attachment like a noose.  They will meet each other and cry together.”  After saying this, Guru ji came into love and sang a Shabad in Raag.  Bhai Mardana ji got the command to play his Rabab in Sur and Taal.

Sri Mukhvaak

Ik Oankaar Satguru Prasaad..

Sri raag Mahala 1 Pahiray Ghar 1..

In the first watch of the night, O my merchant friend, you were cast into the womb, by the Lord’s Command.

Hanging Upside-down within the womb, you performed Tapp, O my merchant friend, and you prayed to your Lord and Master.

You uttered prayers to your Lord and Master, while upside-down, and you meditated on Him with deep love and affection.

You came into this Dark Age of Kali Yuga without tradition (naked), and you shall depart again naked.

As the Pen has written on your forehead, so shall your Karma be with you.

Says Nanak, in the first watch of the night, by the Hukam of the Lord, you entered into the womb. ||1||

In the second watch of the night, O my merchant friend, you have forgotten your focus (on the Parmeshwar).

From hand to hand, you were passed around, O my merchant friend, like Krishna in the house of Yashoda.

From hand to hand, you were passed around, and your mother said, “This is my son.”

O, my thoughtless and foolish mind, think: In the end, nothing is yours.

You do not know the One who created the creation.  Gather Gyaan within your mind.

Says Nanak, in the second watch of the night, you have forgotten your focus. ||2||

In the third watch of the night, O my merchant friend, your attention was focused on wealth and youth.

You did not remember the Name of the Lord, O my merchant friend, which would release you from bondage.

You did not remember the Name of the Lord, and you became confused by Maya.

Drenched in your riches and intoxicated with youth, you wasted your beautiful life, uselessly.

You have not traded in righteousness and Dharma; you have not made good deeds my friend.

Says Nanak, in the third watch of the night, your mind was attached to wealth and youth. ||3||

In the fourth watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the Reaper (messenger of death) came to the field.

When the Messenger of Death captures you, O my merchant friend, no one knew the mystery of where you have gone.

So think of the Lord! No one knows this secret, of when the Messenger of Death came and took you away.

The false crying happened on your both sides.  In an instant, you became a stranger.

You obtained exactly what you loved.

Says Nanak, in the fourth watch of the night, O mortal, the Reaper has harvested your field. ||4||1||

(SGGS 74)

When the night passed and morning came, everyone yelled: “the child has died!”  Many women got together and cried.  They pulled their hair and threw them.  They cried and brought the body of the child out of the home.  They buried the body of the child into the ground.  They cried and regretted it in many ways.  The whole city was in mourning.  Seeing them, Bhai Mardana ji said: “they were so happy yesterday, now they are sad at the death of their child.  Time is amazing.  These people were stuck in attachment which gave them joy and pain.  They didn’t recognize the Karta who does everything.”  Sri Guru ji heard this, the Benevolent One, said:

Salok..

By the mouths that one receives congratulations and Lakhs of blessings..

I can see the same mouths crying now, they meet each other and beat their heads..1.

(Sri Nanak Parkash Granth)

After saying this, the Master of the World went on ahead.  He was going to save many others and destroy the hypocrisy. 

2-4 Coming to Talwandi to meet Dhunni Chand

The Lotus feet of the Satguru are the home of peace.  Understand this.  In the mind, in which the feet of the Satguru reside, it becomes still.  They are blessed. 

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Oh Home of Virtues, Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, listen to the Katha: Guru Nanak Dev ji travelled on from that place.  We then reached Lahore.  The Light of the Bedis sat near the city.  There was a Baniya (merchant) named Dhunni Chand that lived there.  He had heard about the glories of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Dhunni Chand was hosting the Sharaads for his ancestors.  His father’s death anniversary was that same day and he had held a Sharaad in his honour.  He heard of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s arrival and so he came forward to receive him.  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet and spoke humbly: “see my love for you as you are the Complete Purakh.  Come to my home and make it pure.”  Seeing his deep love, the Compassionate One got up and walked with Dhunni Chand to his home.

The home of Dhunni Chand was beautiful.  It was cleaned and Guru ji was seated.  Dhunni Chand had food made for the Sharaads and invited the Brahmins for the feist.  When he went close to Guru ji, the Light of the Bedis said: “for what reason have you held this great feast?  You called a lot of people to eat.  There is a great crowd in your home.  Tell me about this.”  Dhunni Chand folded his hands and said: “listen Prabhoo ji, oh Giver of Mukti: today is the day of my father’s death anniversary.  I have held this Bhojan in his honour.  I have invited all of the Brahmins of the city.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji asked: “did this food reach your father?”  Dhunni Chand said: “I don’t know if my father received this food or if he is hungry still.  This is something you would know.  I am a lowly being.”  Guru ji said: “your father is hungry and in pain.  He has been hungry for 3 days.  He still sits hungry.  This food did not reach him.”  Hearing such words, Dhunni Chand went humble and asked: “where is he sitting, hungry?  Tell me how he is and in which body is he in?”  Guru ji said: “your father is a panther right now.  He is about 5 Kos from here.  He sits in bushes, hungry.  He is crying.  Take this food to your father now.  Don’t get scared seeing your father.  When your father sees you, he will change into a human.”  Dhunni Chand was surprised to hear this. 

Dhunni Chand filled a bowl of Kheer and went where Guru ji told him to go.  He saw the place and saw a panther in the bushes.  He bowed to his father’s reincarnated body from afar.  When the panther saw Dhunni Chand, he quickly changed into a human body.  Dhunni Chand placed the bowl in front of his father and said: “you were a Dharmatma (follower of the Dharma) in every way.  Your mind was into doing good deeds, day and night.  How did you become a panther?  Tell me everything.  You let go of the panther’s body and took on a human body.  How did you do that?”  The father of Dhunni Chand spoke: “listen son, I will tell you what happened to me.  When I was going to die, a man was cooking a fish with masalas.  I heard him sauteing the spices.  I had the wish to eat fish at that time.  I didn’t get the fish and I died.  I died with that desire in my heart and therefore I was born according to my desire.  The Complete Purakh has now come to your home.  You did his holy Darshan and I did your Darshan; so, I was able to take on a human form.  My good deeds have come to fruition and so I have received the highest status.”  After saying that, the father of Dhunni Chand went to Heaven.  Dhunni Chand heard all this and was surprised.  He came back to his home.

Where Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was sitting, Dhunni Chand bowed to Guru ji and praised him.  He was filled with faith and devotion and said: “your Ishwar form is illuminating.  You are omnipotent and the ocean of joy.  You are the Lover of the Bhagats and the Compassionate Master.  You are the friend of the humble.  You are omniscient.  Please tell me how I can do your Seva.  You are beloved to the saints.”  Guru ji was going to bless Dhunni Chand with wisdom: “take this pin that I have and protect it.  I will take this pin from you in the afterlife.  This is my Seva that I have given to you.  I have no other wish from you.”  Dhunni Chand heard this and took the pin.  He went to his wife and said: “keep this pin.  Make sure it is not lost.  The Guru will take it from me in the afterlife.  He said that he won’t take it anywhere else from us.  Keep this in a safe place.  I will give it to him when we go on ahead.”  The wife heard this and said: “how will you take this with you into the afterlife?  This body that is with you now, this doesn’t even go with you into the afterlife.”  Dhunni Chand thought about his wife’s words and brought the pin back to Guru ji.

Dhunni Chand said to Guru ji: “this pin won’t go with me to the afterlife.  I won’t be able to do this Seva for you.”  The Master of the World thought that it was a good time to give him wisdom.  Guru ji said: “the 7 Lakh Rajitpuns that you have collected, how will you take this with you to the afterlife?  You have collected money with sins.  You lied and cheated to gather the wealth.  It won’t help you in the afterlife.  In collecting the money, you wasted your whole life.  Your wealth will stay here but your body will die.  The sins you did will make you suffer.  What will your money do for you?  What benefit did it give you?  If you were to donate it, then you would earn good karma.”  Dhunni Chand heard this and said: “how can this money go with me?  Please be compassionate and tell me.  See me as your humble servant and give me wisdom.”  Guru ji said: “listen with your focus: the person has 3 friends: wealth, family and karma.  Just as friends and relatives live you, listen to how they stay with you.  Till you have Pranas in the body, your money is your friend.  When you die, other relatives take your money.  The fraud and sins you do for the money, the money does not go with you.  Your family is yours till your body is not cremated.  They break the grass and come home after your pyre burns.  They can’t be with you for support after you die.  You spend your life loving them but they cry a false cry.  The third friend is Karma.  This is the friend that stays with you.  They go with you.  Whatever good and bad karma you did, they go with you.  They give you the results.  They don’t ever leave you.  Think about all this.  The money you have collected, do good deeds with it.  It will help you in your afterlife.  Donate the money to a good place.  Do the Simran of Satnam with focus.  Meet the Satsangat.  Let go of your bad deeds.”  Hearing Guru ji’s words, Dhunni Chand accepted the wisdom. 

The money Dhunni Chand had gathered, he spent it on the Seva of saints.  He had many feists to feed the saints.  He made the saints happy with his Seva.  He had many clothes sewed which he gave to the Sadhoo saints.  He spent his time in the Satsangat.  He did the Simran of Vahiguru Satnam all the time.  He renounced the useless tasks of the home.  He was blessed very quickly.  He listened to the wisdom of Guru ji.  Guru ji then took leave from Dhunni Chand in a great way.

Guru ji sensed that Bebe Nanaki ji was remembering him.  He said to Bhai Mardana ji: “my sister is remembering me.  Let’s go to Sultanpur and see how she is doing.  Let’s make Bebe ji happy.” (He went to his sister after 12 years) In an instant he reached Sultanpur.  When he entered his sister’s home, Bebe Nanaki ji got up with joy.  She ran and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Tears shed from her eyes.  Guru ji hugged her head and said: “you are older than me.  You are not to bow to me.”  Guru ji sat on a bed.  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji came.  He was happy to have Guru ji’s Darshan.  They both bowed to each other and sat down with love.  They asked how each other were.  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji said: “you have come after many years.”  Bebe Nanaki ji began to cry and said: “it seems as though you have forgotten us from your heart.  We are only happy with your Darshan.”  Bhaiya Jai Ram ji folded his hands and said: “please be compassionate and stay home.  Stay here and do the Simran of Gobind.  Give us bliss.”  Baba Sri Chand ji came inside the home.  He bowed to his father with joy.  He was a teenager at that time.  He sat next to everyone.  Guru ji said: “to see the other lands, it is my duty.  I can’t stay home.  When you think of me, I will come to you in the blink of an eye.  I won’t delay.”  He gave them hope and stayed the night. 

In the morning, he met everyone and continued his travels.  Guru ji wanted to meet his mother and father.  The Destroyer of Pain arrived in Talwandi.  About 2 Kos away from Talwandi, where the thick shades were, Guru ji saw a beautiful place and sat there.  There was a well there which was built by my father, Sri Chander Bhaan ji (It is now known as the “Bhai Bala da Khoo”).  Guru ji sat near the well.  After about an hour of sitting there, Bhai Mardana ji folded his hands and said: “tell me what is your command.  Shall I go see my family?  I don’t know if they are dead or alive.  I have come home after many years.  We haven’t come back since we left.”  Guru ji heard this and laughed.  He said with joy: “if your people die, what will complete for others?  Don’t worry till I am here.  Don’t be afraid of the Jumms.  They will not come near your family.  If you wish to see them, go and meet your family.  If you go to my father, Pitha Kalu ji, don’t tell them that I am here.  Meet your family and come back here.  Don’t get attached to them and decide to stay home.”  Bhai Mardana ji heard this and said: “what shall I take when I go home?  I spent a long time away from home.  How can I go home empty-handed?”  Guru ji picked up two fistful of rocks and said: “take these rocks and tie them to your shirt.  Don’t have any doubts.  Open it when you get home.  They will become what you wish for.”  Bhai Mardana ji took the rocks and tied them to his shirt.  He walked towards his home.

Bhai Mardana ji met his family.  He met his sons, Bhai Razada ji and Bhai Shazada ji.  When Bhai Mardana ji opened his shirt, he saw two lumps of gold.  The whole family was happy to see this.  Their poverty was destroyed for generations to come.  The people of the city heard of this.  They all said: “the companion of Sri Nanak ji, Mardana, has arrived!  He travelled for many years and came to his home.”  Hearing the news, both high and low caste came to see him.  His home became crowded with the people of the neighbourhood.  They all came to meet Bhai Mardana ji and asked how he was.  People talked: “Mardana was with Sri Nanak ji.  He has become calm as well now, just like Guru Nanak Dev ji is.  He has become a saint now.  He is pure-hearted.  He speaks sweetly with everyone.  He respects everyone in a great way.”  Bhai Mardana ji spent just under an hour at home.  He met his family and became happy.  The other people that came to see him, he met them all with love.

2-5 Meeting Mata ji and Pitha ji

The one who rides the swan, the Mother of Vidya, she is white.  She is the form of Bani in the world.  I bow to her Lotus feet and say the beautiful Katha of Sri Guru ji.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

An hour went by fast.  Bhai Mardana ji left his home and went towards Pith Kalu ji’s home.  He saw the Mata ji of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Mata Tripta ji.  When Mata ji saw Bhai Mardana ji coming, she came and hugged him with love.  The river of attachment flowed with force.  She lost the sandy bridge of patience.  Her words were like the strong current of the river.  Bhai Mardana ji asked her to gather herself but she couldn’t.  The love for her son was overwhelming for her.  She cried a lot.  She eventually gathered herself after a while and asked: “tell me about my son, Nanak ji.  Where did you leave him?  Since you left home, we haven’t heard of any of you.  My son left everything, his home and his belongings.  I don’t know why he became a Fakir.  I spend my whole day and night crying.  I sit there and remember him.  I suffer.  Vidhata gave me only one son which he never stays with me.”  In the courtyard of Pitha Kalyaan Chand ji, many other people began to gather.  Hearing the words of Mata ji, Bhai Mardana ji said: “when we lived in Sultanpur, we stayed with Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  When he left, I didn’t hear about him either.  I don’t know where he went.”  Mata ji heard this and became anxious.  It was like scratching an old wound.  She couldn’t say anything.  She was anxious.  She was lifeless without her son.  She had gone very old.  She was weak.  On top of that, she didn’t know where her son was.  She thought Bhai Mardana ji was with her son but he spoke painful words of not knowing where Guru ji was.  It was like an arrow piercing a vulnerable spot.  Mata ji was anxious and went pale.  She lied on the floor.  After a long while, she regained consciousness.  Her eyes kept shedding tears.  Bhai Mardana ji sat for about an hour and a half.  He then got up and came back to the well.  Mata ji gathered her patience of where Bhai Mardana ji was going.  She thought to herself: “where is he going?  He must be going to my son.  He came after 12 years.  He didn’t stay in his home for even a day.”  In this way, Mata ji thought about everything.  She took sweet food with her and quickly ran behind Bhai Mardana ji.  She took new clothes for her son.  She followed Bhai Mardana ji and said to him: “take me to my son.  You must know where he is.  I haven’t seen him for many years.  My love has made me suffer for him.”  Bhai Mardana ji remained quiet as he was told not to say anything.  He didn’t respond out of fear of Guru ji.  Mata ji figured out what was going on.  She continued to follow Bhai Mardana ji. 

Where the Light of the Bedis was sitting, Bhai Mardana ji and Mata ji came to the well.  Guru Nanak Dev ji saw his mother coming from afar.  He quickly got up and bowed his head to Mata ji’s feet.  He came ahead to meet Mata ji.  Mata ji hugged Guru ji and began to cry a lot.  The tears flowed like a strong river.  Her tears were cooling the fire of pain.  She made Guru ji’s clothes wet.  Whoever saw this began to cry as well.  She didn’t let her son go.  She was not satiated.  She kissed Guru ji’s forehead.  She touched his head with love.  She had gone old and weak.  She sat near Guru ji with joy. 

When Pitha Kalu ji heard about his son arriving at the well, he saddled his horse and came to meet Guru ji.  Guru ji saw his father coming and got up.  He bowed to Pitha ji’s feet.  Pitha ji got off his horse and hugged Guru ji with love.  It was like a hungry person getting food; like a person dying of thirst, getting water.  Pitha ji shed tears from his eyes.  His throat swelled with emotion.  Many other people came to see Guru ji with love.  They all met Guru ji with love.  Everyone sat with Guru ji.  A great crowd gathered.  The King of the Bedis sat and everyone sat around him.  They just kept looking at Guru ji with love.  Nobody spoke.  For a half hour, everyone sat like statues.  Mata Tripta ji spoke with patience: “I am a sacrifice unto you.  You gave us your Darshan today.  You made me really happy.  Day and night, I have been worried about you.  We only have one son, not a second.  You left your home and became a Fakir.  We lost our patience.  The both of us are always anxious and wonder when we will see you again.  Many years have passed since you left us.  You travelled many lands and returned now.  I am happy to see you.  It is like Kaushaliya seeing Ram Chander ji after his Vanvaas (exile).  I am a sacrifice unto you.”  She said this over an over again.  When Guru ji heard this, he spoke a Shabad:

Raag Vadhans Mahalla 1 Ghar 1..

To the addict, there is nothing like the drug; to the fish, there is nothing else like water.  Those who are attuned to their Lord – everyone is pleasing to them. ||1||

I am a sacrifice, cut apart into pieces, a sacrifice to your Name oh Master. ||1||Rahao||

The Lord is the fruitful tree; His Name is Amrit.  Those who drink it they are satiated.  I am a sacrifice to those who drank it. ||2||

You are not visible to me, although You dwell with everyone.  How can the thirst of the thirsty be quenched, with that wall between me and the pond? ||3||

Nanak is Your merchant; You, O Lord Master, are my commodities to sell.  My mind is cleansed of doubt, only when I praise You, and pray to You. ||4||1||

(SGGS 557)

After hearing this, Mata ji placed the sweet food in front of Guru ji and said: “eat this, oh son.  I will be happy if you eat this.”  Guru ji said: “I am always satiated.  I am never hungry.  I have eaten only once and have never been hungry again.”  Pitha Kalu ji then said: “what have you eaten that you are never hungry?  Which food made you satiated?  Tell me everything.  We made food for you and you are not eating.  You are just making it up that you are full.  What unorthodox way do you follow?”  Guru ji then spoke the Bani.

Sri Raag Mahalla 1..

All tastes are sweet. Hearing, the salty flavors are tasted;

Chanting with one’s mouth, the spicy flavors are savored.  All these spices have been made from the Sound-current of the Naad.

The thirty-six flavors of Amrit are in the Love of the One Lord; they are tasted only by one who is blessed by His Glance of Grace. ||1||

O Baba, the pleasures of other foods are false joys.

Eating them, the body is in pain; wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Rahao||

(SGGS 16)

Sri Guru ji then went quiet after saying this.  Mata Tripta ji then said: “oh son, let go of the garb of Fakirs.  Wear the nice clothes on your body.  This garb of Fakirs does not look good on you.  I am your mother who is a sacrifice unto you.  Your personality is already of a saint.  You don’t need to wear these clothes.  You are the boundary of greatness.”  Guru ji said: “I have worn the best clothes.  They never leave me nor are they ever destroyed.  They don’t go old.  They are always new.  I don’t wish to wear anything else.”  Pitha Kalu ji said: “where are the clothes you speak about?  I have never seen your new clothes.  If you are wearing them, we would see them.  Everyone would see them.”  Guru ji spoke to explain to his father:

Sri Mukhvaak..

My mind is imbued with the Lord’s Love; it is dyed a deep crimson.  Truth and charity are my white clothes.

Erasing the blackness of sin is my wearing of blue clothes, and the focus onto the Lord’s Lotus Feet is my robe.

Contentment is my cummerbund; Your Name is my wealth and youth. ||2||

O Baba, the pleasures of other clothes are false joys.

Wearing them, the body is in pain; wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Rahao||

(SGGS 16)

Pitha ji said: “stop saying foolish things.  Obey us and come home.  You have travelled a lot.  Stay home and rest.  Don’t talk about leaving again.  Ride this beautiful horse.  You have walked a lot and must be tired.  Ride the horse.”  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji said: “this horse is of no use to me.  What stays with me is very beautiful.  I have a very nice horse with me.”  Pitha Kalu ji said: “I don’t see your horse.  Where did you tie it?”  Guru ji said a third Shabad”

Sri Mukhvaak..

The understanding of Your Way, Lord, is horses, saddles and bags of gold for me.

The pursuit of virtue is my bow and arrow, my quiver, sword and scabbard.

To be distinguished with honor is my drum and banner.  Your Mercy is my caste. ||3||

O Baba, the pleasures of other rides are false joys.

By such rides, the body is in pain; wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Rahao||

(SGGS 16)

Pitha Kalu ji went quiet after hearing this.  Mata Tripta ji spoke with love: “listen son, you don’t have attachment in your heart.  Come home and meet the family.  The other Bedi family and relatives have been waiting for you.  We have made the home beautiful after you left.  We spent a lot of money on it.  Let’s go son!  Come and see it for yourself.  Come see the new home.  It will give you a lot of joy.  We made it for you.”  The Home of Compassion, Prabhoo ji said:

Sri Mukhvaak.

The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is the pleasure of houses and mansions. Your Glance of Grace is my family, Lord.

The Hukam of Your Command is the pleasure of Your Will, Lord. To say anything else is far beyond anyone’s reach.

O Nanak, the True King does not seek advice from anyone else in His decisions. ||4||

O Baba, the pleasure of other sleep is false.

By such sleep, the body is in pain; wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Rahao||4||7||

(SGGS 16)

Guru ji said: “listen Mata ji, I am detached from my heart.  I need to travel the world still.  I will come home after all that.  I will stay permanently then.”  Mata ji said: “your words have made my heart unrest.  You came after 12 years.  You didn’t step foot in the home.  You were going to leave from the outskirts of the city.  You didn’t listen to what we said.  Which sorrow has made you so detached?  Tell me and we will do as you say.  If your wife gives you pain, we can marry you off again.  We have everything.  We will do as you say.”  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji heard this and said: “the connections that Kartaar has made, that is great.  I have no other wish.  I will stay as the Parmeshwar wishes.  I will stay where he wishes.  To leave and stay is not in my hands.  I am under the command of Sri Kartaar.  He sends me where he wishes me to go.  One word cannot be said without his permission.”  Pith Kalu ji spoke with love: “listen son, let go of your carefree words.  Let go of your Fakir clothes.  Do the work of the home.  Since you left us, we met today.  If you leave us now, I don’t know when I will see you again.  I don’t even know if we will ever see you again.  We have gone old and weak.  Our age has passed.  Old age has confined our bodies.  Our end time is near.”  Guru ji heard this and spoke a Shabad.

Maaroo Mahall 1..

Those who receive the call in the last hours of the night (old age/Kaliyuga), chant the Name of the Lord and Master.

Canopies, Chattars, tents and chariots (Sunan, Manan, Nidhyasan) are prepared and made ready for them.

The ones who think of your name, they are called and met. ||1||

Father, I am unfortunate, a fraud.

I have not found Your Name; my mind is blind and deluded by doubt. ||1||Rahao||

I have enjoyed the tastes, and now my pains have come to fruition; such was my destiny according to my Karma, O mother.

Now my joys are few, and my pains are many.  In agony, I spend my life. ||2||

What separation could be worse than separation from the Lord? For those who are united with Him, what other union can there be?

Praise the Master, who created this play and sees it. ||3||

By good destiny, this union happens; this body enjoys its bliss.

Those who have lost their destiny, suffer separation from this union.  O Nanak, they may still be united once again! ||4||1||

(SGGS 989)

Pitha Kalu ji heard this and became quiet.  Mata ji became humble and said: “oh son, your nature is like saints.  Obey my command.  Come stay in the home for some days.  You are adamant of leaving.  Don’t be stubborn.  Fulfill our wishes.  Spend some time with us.  I have not been satiated seeing you.  I spent my whole life separated from you.  I am old now.  I wish to see you.  My wish is to see you and spend my life.”  Hearing his mother, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji became compassionate and obeyed.  He got up and walked with his mother.  Everybody was happy that Guru ji was going to his home. 

Prabhoo ji entered his home and sat down.  Many people heard about his arrival and came to see him.  They folded their hands and bowed to Guru ji.  Guru ji respected everyone according to their ages; bowing to the elders, hugging the young.  Chacha Lalu ji was gone out for work.  As soon as he heard about Guru ji’s arrival, he quickly ran home.  He came and met his nephew with love.  There was a big crowd in the home.  Many men and women came for Guru ji’s Darshan.  Guru ji asked how everyone was.  Everyone was seated.  Purohit Hardial ji and Maulana ji had gone to heaven.  When Guru ji heard about this, he said: “this world is a myth.  This body doesn’t take long to end.  Do the Simran of Satnam with love.  Living in this world is like watching a dream.  Let got of your attachment towards this world.  It will not last forever.  The ones who have Prema Bhagti in their hearts, they make their life a success.  They have left, achieving the highest status.”  The people that came to meet Guru ji, they all said: “Dhan!”  People left praising Guru ji and said: “he is a great Sadhoo being.”  Guru ji stayed home, whose Darshan makes the pain run away.  Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, Guru Nanak Dev ji said to me: “Bala, go and meet your family with love.  Go meet them and quickly come back to me.  Don’t get caught into the mud of attachment.”  The sun that blooms the lotus of the Bedis, I obeyed him and went home, singing his praises.  I met my family with joy.  I then returned to Guru ji after meeting them.