2-11 Munafiq Desh

Oh Bani, you are the giver of boons and good wisdom.  You are the root of joy.  You are the blessing queen.  You are illuminated in the world.  The dust of your feet is worshipped by the Kavis. 

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

We then travelled on.  The sins would see Sri Guru ji and run away.  He was the great donor.  The 14 Loks felt his presence.  Both of us were with Guru ji.  We were very fortunate.  We came to a village.  The Home of Gyaan, Guru ji, looked at the village.  There was a tree on the outskirts of the village.  Guru ji did his Dhera under the tree.  A Doom Miraashi of the village came to us.  He was really hungry.  He came and said: “you look like a great king.  Give me some alms.  Complete my wish.  Seeing you is a blessing.  Your Darshan takes away sorrow.”  Guru ji heard the Marashi.  Guru ji had compassion in his eyes.  He was so radiant.  The Kavis are attracted to his form.  Guru ji spoke Amrit words: “the root of the tree, look at it with focus.  You will get what you wish for.  I will give it to you without doubt.”  The Doom ran to the tree and saw a golden coin.  This is what he wished for.  He picked up the golden coin and was happy.  He bowed to Guru ji and came to his village.  He told the people of his village: “a great saint has come.  He fulfills wishes.  He is a great donor.”  When the people heard this, they became humble and came to Guru ji.  The people that came, whatever they asked for, Guru ji told them what they needed to be told.  He told the people to go to different places.  The people went to where they were told to go and got what they wanted.  The praises of Guru ji spread in that area.  Guru ji was the destroyer of sins.  The people said: “he is a great saint.  Whatever he says, that happens.  He is a great donor.  There is no one like him.”  The people that heard this, they came to meet Guru ji.  When they would see Guru ji, they would make their minds become Guru ji’s servant.  A great crowd gathered.  They bowed and were blessed.  They folded their hands and spoke of their wishes.  They would say: “give us your wisdom.  Your form is peaceful.”  They were happy to see Guru ji.  Their hearts became pure by Guru ji’s Darshan.  They became humble and took Guru ji’s wisdom.  They wanted their sins to be washed away.  As Guru ji heard the humility of the poor people, Guru ji became compassionate.  His eyes were like lotus petals.  He said the great wisdom: “do the Seva of Saints.  Chant the Name of the Deva.  Have love in your hearts when you do Simran.  Destroy your vices.  Remember death.  Your body is deteriorating by the day.”  Guru ji washed his feet, which gave joy.  I took the water from his feet and gave it to the people.  They all became Sikhs by taking the Charan Pahul.  They were fortunate. 

The king of the land heard of Guru ji: “the True saint form has come.  He gives Mukti and his really powerful.  Seeing him, you are blessed.”  The Raja gathered clothes for gifts.  He wanted the coverings of his heart to rip.  He wanted to meet his Aatma.  Many soldiers came with the Raja.  The Raja came to where Guru ji was sitting.  The Raja bowed to Guru ji’s feet with his hands folded.  He saw Guru ji’s joyful face and was happy.  He became humble and said: “you took on a human body to save the people of earth.  Please give me your wisdom and make me your Sikh.  The bonds of the world and my sins, destroy them for me.  I heard of your glory and come with faith and devotion.  I fear the Jumms and come to grab your feet.”  The Giver of Joy said words of Mukti: “in joy and sorrow, chant the Naam everyday.  Don’t ever leave the love for the Satsang.  The body is a priceless ruby.  Don’t trade it for a Kodi.  The Seva of the Satsangat is priceless.  Spend your body in this Seva.  Make your wish for Mukti.  Do the Seva of Satsangat for a long time.  Your heart will become pure.  Do the Simran of the Naam.”  Guru ji washed his feet and gave the Raja his Charan Pahul.  A Dharamsala was made and Sangat started there.  Guru ji then left the place and went somewhere else. 

Guru ji took us with him and went on to save the world.  He wanted to destroy sins and the hypocrisy.  He had succeeded.  We came to a land called Munafiq Desh.  The people of this land were without the name of Parmeshwar.  They were in pain by their sins.  They had never heard of Satsangat.  The people were fools.  They did not know of who the Kartaar was.  They were stuck in their household tasks and were covered by the darkness of attachment.  They were aimless fools without Bhagti.  The fools did not think of the Naam of Hari.  They didn’t know what that was.  The Compassionate One saw them and wanted to bless them: “there is no Keertan of the Hari here.  They don’t know of the afterlife.  They will go to Hell and suffer pain.”  Guru ji saw a nice field and sat near the edge.  He gathered firewood and lit a fire.  He was dressed as a Dervish.  Guru Angad Dev ji, let me tell you of the backwards traditions of this Desh.  The people worshiped the king like he was Ram.  When they wanted it to rain, they would go to the king and ask him.  The King would chant the name of Indra.  When he would say the Mantra of Indra, it would rain.  This is how the farmers got by.  They didn’t know anyone other than the King as the Parmeshwar.  Since Guru Nanak Dev ji came, it did not rain.  The crops dried up.  The people went to the king and said: “without rain, our green fields will dry up.  Say the words to make it rain.”  The king chanted the Mantra of Indra.  He chanted a lot of Mantras but it didn’t rain.  The people went home and came back the third day.  They said: “we want it to rain but it didn’t.  We don’t have any rivers or wells in our area.  We only look to the skies for rain.”  The king said: “don’t worry.  It will rain.  Be patient.”  The people went back home. 

The people came back after 6 or 7 days again.  The Raja kept remembering Indra but not a drop of rain fell.  The Raja lost his patience along with the people of his land.  They were all worried.  The fields were drying up.  The fields where Guru ji was sitting, the owner of those fields was depressed.  Guru ji knew what the land owner was thinking.  Guru ji said: “you are depressed.  Tell me what is wrong.  You aren’t happy.”  The land owner said: “listen saint, I will tell you what’s wrong.  I have lost hope of living a long time.  It is not raining.  The drought will come.  The field will dry up without rain.  The king and the people are worried.  We can’t find a way to make it rain.  We have no hope.”  Guru ji said: “how did you make it rain before?”  The land owner said: “listen oh saint, our Raja would chant Mantras to make it rain.  He said the Mantra many times but it didn’t rain.  It is gone bad, this tradition.  We are worried now.  The Raja is depressed as well.”  Guru ji said: “chant the Name of Kartaar.  Let go of your devotion for your king.  It will rain a lot.  You will have a lot of crops.”  The land owner said: “who is Kartaar?  Where is his home?  I have never heard of this name nor have I ever seen him before.  He never came here before.  He has never given alms to anyone here.”  Sri Prabhoo ji laughed and said: “he lives in every heart and every place.  He is omnipresent and omnipotent.  When you do his Simran, he is present, always.  The Bhagwant is without end.  He gives to the unconscious, sentient and insentient, animals and plants.  The Devatas and the Daynts ask from him.  He created the universe and the Khands.  Remembering him, the pains are destroyed.  Chant his Naam.  He will make it rain.  Your crops will give a great and joyful harvest.”  The land owner heard this and said: “we aren’t familiar with him in our area.  I heard of him from you for the first time.  Many saints have come before but never mentioned the Kartaar.  The one whom you speak of, show him to me.  When I see him, I will believe you.  I will do his Simran day and night then.”  Guru ji said: “he can’t be seen.  When you do his Simran, your wishes will be fulfilled.  He can only be known through nature.  He does not show himself to anyone.”  The land owner said: “if I can’t see him with my own eyes, how can I ask him for things?  I don’t know who “nature” is.  Show me nature so I can know it.”  Guru ji said: “go home and bring a plough.  Run the plough through your fields and plant your seeds.  Trust me.  When the seeds grow, your crops will grow.  You will know who nature is then.”

The land owner obeyed and went home.  He said to his people: “there is a Sadhoo near my fields.  He said to me: “first do the Simran of the Name of Kartaar and then plant seeds.”  He said my tasks will be fulfilled.”  The people laughed at the land owner.  They saw him as unwise and foolish.  They said: “without rain how can your fields grow?  You can plant the seeds but you will be left with only seeds.”  He heard the words and laughs of the people and became depressed.  He came back to Guru ji and said: “my people laughed at me.  They think I am a fool.  How can the fields grow without rain?  Everyone knows this.”  Guru ji said: “go and bring the seeds.  If the planted seeds don’t grow, I will be responsible.  If they don’t grow, I will give them back to you.”  The land owner had hope and brought a plough.  He folded his hands and got permission from Guru ji.  He did the Simran of Kartaar and ploughed the fields.  He planted wheat.  He then bowed to Guru ji’s feet and sat down.  He had faith in his heart.  His mind did not wander.  At night he went home.

In the morning, the land owner came to his fields.  He saw greenery sprouting in his fields like it was spring.  It was as though the field had been watered continuously for many days.  He was happy and came to bow to Guru ji with his hands folded.  His faith got deeper for Guru ji.  The other people of his village heard about this.  They were amazed at what they were told.  They ran to the fields and were surprised to see the miracle.  They understood that the saint was powerful.  They came to Guru ji with faith.  They bowed and offered gifts.  They all asked about how they can grow their crops as well.  Guru ji was compassionate with them and said: “say the name of Kartaar.  Do the work with your hands.  Have the Naam in your heart.  Fold your hands for rain.  A lot of rain will fall.”  The people bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  They ploughed the fields and planted the seeds.  The fields indeed had crops growing very quickly.  The sorrow had lifted.  The people said: “this saint is powerful.  We should follow him.”  When they asked about rain, Guru ji said: “if you want it to rain, make Karah Prashaad and chant Satnam in your heart.  When the Sangat gathers in one place, fold your hands and do Ardaas while standing up.  Ask for rain with humility.  The rains will come in great quantities.  The crops will grow.”  The people did as they were told.  They chanted Kartaar and did an Ardaas with Karah Prashaad while standing up.  When they bowed, asking for rain, the rain clouds came in, thundering loudly.  A lot of rain started to fall.  The drought was over in the whole area.  The fear and sorrow lifted. 

The Raja heard of Guru ji’s glory.  He came to Guru ji with a lot of gifts.  He came with a lot of soldiers.  His faith was deep.  Where the Compassionate One sat, the Raja came and bowed with humility.  He spoke with humility: “you are the complete saint that is omnipotent.  You have great powers.  Give me wisdom that will be good for me.  We were unwise.  We did not know who Kartaar was or since when, he was.  When we would say Indra’s Mantra, it would rain.  The plants would grow.  This was our tradition but you stopped it.  We will do what you say now.  I will do that which will give joy to all.  The people will be fearless.  I have seen your glory.  I have faith in you.”  When Guru ji heard the words of faith, Guru ji gave him the Charun Pahul.  Guru ji said: “do the Simran of Hari.  Love the Satsangat.  Bathe at Amritvela.  Get together and sing the glories of Parmeshwar and be in bliss.  Establish a Dharmsala to sing Keertan.  Let go of jealousy and hatred.  Give up the deceitful ways.  Take on truth, calmness, contentment, and forgiveness.  Destroy the wanderings of the mind.  Have compassion over all.  Give food to the hungry and clothes to the poor naked ones.  Meet with saints and spend your time with them.  You will cross this world without a doubt.”  The people heard the wisdom of Naam and bowed their heads with their hands folded.  The Dharmsala was built quickly.  Guru ji sat there and blessed them all.  The whole land was saved by doing the Simran of Kartaar.  We stayed there for a few days.  Guru ji saved many people there.  The king and the people came to bow to Guru ji.  This gave them joy.  They heard Guru ji’s words and were filled with love.  They did the Simran and loved the Name.  They met each other with love.  The first land owner that met Guru ji, he folded his hands and said: “please tell me about his nature.  Oh Giver of Joy, show me nature.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji heard this and said: “go to your fields and pull one plant.  You can see the great nature.  Its form is amazing.  Nobody can know it fully.  Devatas, humans, Asuras, snakes and the Patals; the sky and the universe, he has made it all.”  The wise land owner heard this and went to his fields.  He pulled a wheat plant and was amazed.  He saw sparks of fire.  He couldn’t tolerate their heat.  Everyone came to see this.  They were eager to see this.  They were amazed to see the fire in the fields.  They wondered why the crops were not burning.  The crops were green.  They said: “Kartaar’s nature is amazing.  This is amazing.  The plants are growing on the fire.  It is green.”  Guru ji showed the nature and made them chant the Satnam.  There was a Dharmsala made in every village.  Simran and charity were practiced by all.  The land had become pure.  They all sang the glories of Parmeshwar.  The great tradition of Sikhi started in a good way.  Such a Satguru, one is a sacrifice unto, who gave the wisdom of Satnam and charity. 

The people sang Keertan will love.  They had faith on the Naam.  The Simran was the giver of all.  It gives Dharm, Arth, Kaam and Moksh.  This Naam is the home of joy.  Many sinners were saved by Simran.  The space, earth and the Pataal rely on the support of Naam.  The land of Munafiq was then given a new name by Satguru ji.  It was then called “Suwaliyo.”  A new tradition was established.  Guru ji was generous.  He then wanted to go on from there.  He established a bridge of Keertan for all.  He gives bliss to his Sikhs.  Guru ji blessed the Raja and the people.  He went to a new place.  The people were sad to see Guru ji go.  They said: “we were unwise.  We didn’t serve him enough.  We weren’t satiated with doing his Seva for the time he was here.  We were happy to serve him.”  They wanted to do more Seva.  Santokh Singh runs to the shelter of Guru ji’s feet.  This will give you bliss. 

2-12 Burnt by Fire/ Destroyed by the Ocean/ Haaroo Desh

A handicapped person would climb the mountain, the dumb would be able to speak; the coward would be victorious like a warrior; if Akaal Purakh is compassionate.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Guru ji went on to another land where he blessed the saints and the unwise.  Myself and Bhai Mardana ji walked behind Guru Nanak Dev ji, obeying him.  We saw a village on the way and saw a nice tree.  Guru ji decided to sit under the tree.  The villagers saw Guru ji and came to visit him, seeing him as a saint.  They had love in their hearts as they bowed their heads.  They brought food and made requests to fulfill their wishes.  Guru ji heard their words.  There was compassion in his eyes.  Guru ji stayed there for many days.  He blessed the people.  Guru ji was the king of Rishis and Giver of Joys to his Sikhs.  Doing his Darshan would destroy sins.  After staying there for some days, the people did Guru ji’s Seva with love. 

One day, the people got ready to leave their village.  They packed their luggage and boarded their carts.  The Omniscient One, saw this and asked the people: “why have you packed up your stuff on carts?  Where are you going, leaving your village?  What pain is making you leave?  Your family is going with you.  Are you afraid of some king?  Is there a big problem?  Tell me.”  The villagers folded their hands and spoke of their pain to the Destroyer of Pain: “listen Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Giver of Joy, in our village, a fire breaks out after some time.  We are leaving because of that.  We come back after a few days to make our homes again.  This happens every 6 months.  Somebody comes and lights the fire, every 6 months.  We leave and live in another village with fear.  If you come with us, we can all do the Seva of your feet.  You are the form of the Benevolent saint.  Whatever is your wish, you can do.”  Guru ji was filled with compassion and spoke: “take on the Sikhi of the Guru.  Your homes won’t burn again.  Chant the Name of Satnam.  Discard the fear from your heart.  You will have your wishes fulfilled.  You will be in joy.  You can live in your homes in peace.  There won’t be a fire here.  Make a Dharamsala here.  Do the Seva of saints that come.  Understand the glory of Keertan.”  The people heard this and were happy.  They became Sikhs, right away.  They did not leave their village.  They obeyed Guru ji and stayed.  They brought their luggage to Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  They were still afraid of the fire and had doubts.  The men and women all sat with Guru ji.  Guru ji said to them: “chant the Naam.”  The people came to Guru ji with the fear of the fire.  As they sat there, a scary Daynt came.  The people saw it.  Its feet were deep towards the Patal and its head touched the skies.  Its beard was brown.  The people sitting with Guru ji saw the Daynt.  The Daynt’s eyes were red with anger.  He thought to himself: “they are here, not fearing me.  I won’t spare them.  I will kill them.”  The Daynt’s teeth were big and sharp.  He licked his lips.  He held a torch of fire in his hand.  He terrorized the people.  The people got scared.  They went pale and their mouths dried up.  They were petrified in fear.  They closed their eyes with fear.  They said: “we will die now.  To whose feet do we go to for protection?  We used to be afraid of the fire but now we are fearing for our lives.  We used to run away but we stayed because of the compassionate saint.  We don’t know if we will survive or die now.”  Seeing the men and women who were trembling with fear, Guru ji looked towards the Daynt.  The bad intentions of the Daynt were destroyed by Guru ji’s glance.  The Daynt became anxious and fainted.  He fell to the ground like an old tree being uprooted by the strong winds.  The Daynt fell.  He couldn’t move anymore.  The Guru of the World, where his feet were, the Daynt’s head fell there.  Guru ji noticed that the Daynt became humble when he fell.  Guru ji touched his foot with the Daynt’s head.  Guru ji, the Giver of Joy, as soon as his foot touch the Daynt’s head, the Daynt got up.  It was like someone getting up by the Sanjivni plant after being injured by many weapons.  The Daynt saw Guru ji’s bright radiance and became humble.  He said to Guru ji: “please forgive my mistake.  You are the Parmeshwar in the form of a Sadhoo.  I didn’t know of your greatness.  You are the great Purakh, Treasure of Virtues.  I would terrorize these people and burn their homes.  Now that your Lotus feet have come here, these people are now fortunate.  Please bless us all.  You are benevolent.  I am the servant of your servants.  You can keep me as you please.  I will do as you say.  Destroy my pain.”  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji heard the Daynt’s words, which were drenched in faith.  Sri Guru ji said: “make a Dharmsala in the village.  Gather and do Keertan.  Do the Simran of Satnam and wash your sins away.  You (the Daynt) should bring water on top of your head to where the people do the Bhagti of the Parmeshwar.  Do their Seva.  Your heart will become pure.  The sins of your births will be washed away.  You will become deserving when you do the Simran of Satnam.  You will receive Mukti when you die.”  The Daynt obeyed and bowed. 

A beautiful Dharmsala was constructed.  The Daynt did Seva with humility.  Sri Guru ji sat in the Dharmsala.  He told everyone to do the Simran of Satnam.  Keertan was done with joy.  Guru ji taught them the way of Bhagti.  The nearby villages heard and came to do Guru ji’s Darshan with love.  They all came to bow to Guru ji.  The learnt Bhagti and destroyed their bad wisdom.  The tradition of Sikhi spread in that land.  The bonds of the world broke for them.  The men and women met each other and said: “he is the body of Parmeshwar.  He is benevolent.”  Like hawks serving sparrows, the Daynt was serving the people.  The lion was put on to tend the goats.  For many days, Guru ji stayed there.  He spread the way of Sikhi there.  He made everyone do the Simran of Satnam.  The land was now on the righteous path from the wrong path.  Guru ji then wished to go to a different place.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was the benevolent Guru.  He took leave from this village and travelled on. 

Guru ji came close to a place near the ocean shore.  The Master saw a village there.  He sat under a tree.  Every 6 months, a tsunami would come and destroy the village.  The village would drown.  Guru ji spent 2 days there.  On the third day, he saw the people pack up and leave the village.  They had packed up everything.  Guru ji said to them: “where are you going?  Why are you leaving your home and village?”  The people heard this and said: “come with us.  Don’t stay here.  The tsunami will come from the ocean.  Our village will be flooded.  Our homes will be swept away.  The fields will be flooded.  We will come back later and build our homes again.  There is nothing for us here now.”  The Compassionate One heard this and said: “take on Sikhi in your hearts.  Listen to the wisdom and do the Simran of Satnam.  Your homes won’t be destroyed again.  If you don’t trust me then you can go.  I will stay here.  Your homes will be still here when you come back.  I will give you the wisdom then.”  The Master of the Universe said this and sat down.  The people of the village went to another place. 

There was no tsunami and the ocean could not flood the village.  After some time, the people came back to their village.  They saw their homes still standing as they left them.  They understood that Guru ji was omnipotent.  They decided to become Sikhs.  They all gathered and collected some gifts.  They came and bowed to Guru ji.  Guru ji gave them the Pahul.  The villages near the ocean were all saved.  A Dharamsala was constructed and Sikhi was illuminated.  Simran, charity, Naam and bathing began to happen.  They all did the Simran of the Satguru.  They had love for Prema Bhagti.  Guru ji stayed for many days and gave his wisdom.  He then took leave and travelled on. 

There was an island in the ocean called Haaroo Desh.  Guru ji wished to go there.  Guru ji said to Bhai Mardana ji and me: “chant Vahiguru and follow me.”  We all walked on the water of the ocean, chanting Vahiguru.  Guru ji chanted another Mantra though.  He was chanting “Sohang.”  He walked and the water did not touch his feet.  When we came into the middle of the ocean, Bhai Mardana ji stopped chanting Vahiguru and started to chant Sohang.  He was trying to copy Guru ji and be equal to him.  As he chanted Sohang, he began to sink into the ocean.  He fell into the water and began to drown.  Sri Guru ji tuned his head backwards to see what was happening.  He saw Bhai Mardana ji drowning into the water.  He was all wet.  Guru ji said to the drowning Bhai Mardana ji:

Sri Mukhvaak..

Ramkali Mahall 1..

What the Guru says, earn that..

What the Guru does, why do you wish to copy it?..

(SGGS 933)

Bhai Mardana ji heard this and understood what had happened.  He began to chant Vahiguru again.  He came out of the water and became as he was before.  He walked on top of the water.  In this way, we crossed the ocean.  We arrived at the island and came to the Haaroo city.  Guru ji saw a tree and sat under it.  The Raja and the people of the island followed a Sarevra of the Jainism faith.  They all had the wisdom of Jainism and followed it.  When the people wanted it to rain, they would go to their Jaini Sarevra.  The Sarevra would use Jantra Mantras to make it rain.  He made everyone do his Simran.  Whichever parent would come to him for sons, he would give them sons.  If someone wanted money or some other item, he would fulfill their wishes.  The people did the Simran of the Sarevra.  They never did the Simran of the Satnam. 

Bhai Mardana ji began to sing the great glories of Sri Kartaar.  Many people came and listened to the Shabad with love.  The love grew in their hearts.  After the Shabad, they asked: “tells us the meanings of what you were singing.”  Sri Guru ji said: “do the Simran of Hari.  This will benefit you in your end time.  Renounce the small pleasures of the vices.  Do the Prema Bhagti with love.”  The people heard this and said: “our Guru makes us do Simran of his own name and says that there is not Akaal Purakh.  He says: “just as a tree is grown from a seed, the tree grows the seed again; that is how a human is born of another human.  There is no other creator or sustainer.”  This is the wisdom he has given us.  He has explained this to us with many examples.”  The people said this and went back to their homes. 

It had not rained since Guru ji came to Haaroo Desh.  It was supposed to be the rainy season.  The fields began to dry out.  There was no other solution.  Sri Guru ji pulled the powers of the Sarevra.  The Sarevra was the Guru of the whole city.  The people came to the Sarevra for the wish of rain.  The Sarevra starting chanting his Mantras but nothing happened.  He tried many things but people were depressed.  They came back to their homes and were worried.  This gave them pain.  Some people came to where Sri Guru ji was sitting.  Guru ji said to them: “why are you worried?  Did you suffer some damage?”  The people said: “without water our fields are drying up.  Our Guru usually made it rain but he couldn’t do it this time with his Mantra.  This has made us worried.  There is no other solution for the crops.”  Sri Guru ji said: “do the Simran of Satnam.  It will complete your tasks in both worlds.  Stop doing the Seva of the Sarevra.  Only look towards the shelter of the Ikankaar.  Whatever you ask for, you will get.  You won’t be worried again.  Don’t waiver.  Have faith.  Make Karah Prashaad and do an Ardaas.  It will rain then.”  The people heard the words of Sri Guru ji and went to their king.  They told him everything.  They gathered and made Karah Prashaad with love.  They did an Ardaas with their hands folded.  As soon as they were done, the rain clouds came.  It started to rain a lot.  Everyone was happy.  The Raja and the people came to bow to Guru ji.  They said: “you are the giver of bliss and Mukti.  You are worthy of worship.  You are the moon of Dooj (the 2^nd).  Bless us with your wisdom.  We will become your Sikhs and do your Seva.  We have seen your powers.  We come to your shelter.  Please take care of us.”  Guru ji gave them the Pahul of his feet and blessed everyone.  He gave them the wisdom of Satnam and broke their bonds. 

The Sarevra was embarrassed.  He came to Guru ji for a discussion.  He sat down and spoke to Guru ji.  After hearing the Sarevra’s words, Sri Guru ji, the Jaganath, uttered a Salok:

Sri Mukhvaak Salok M: 1..

They pluck the hair out of their heads, and drink filthy water; they beg leftover food.

They spread their feces and smell the bad smell; they see water and shy from it.

They pull the hair on their heads like they are sheep; their hands are filled with ashes.

They have renounced the work of their mothers and fathers; their families and relatives cry out in distress.

They have no last rites, no feasts and no one lights the lamps for them.  After their death, where will they go?

The sixty-eight Teeraths give them no place of protection, and no Brahmin eats their food.

They remain dirty and impure forever, day and night; they do not apply the ceremonial tilak mark to their foreheads.

They sit together in silence, as if in mourning; they do not go to any court.

With their begging bowls hanging from their waists, and carry fly-brushes in their hands; they walk along in single file.

They are not Yogis, and they are not Jangams (followers of Shiva). They are not Qazis or Mullahs.

Ruined by the Merciful Lord, they wander around in disgrace, and their entire troop is damned.

The don’t kill lifeform but only He gives them life; no one else can protect them.

They go without giving alms or any cleansing baths; their heard are bald and covered with dust.

The jewels came from the water, when the mountain of gold was used to churn it.

The sixty-eight Teerath were established by the Devis and Devatas, where the festivals are celebrated and hymns are chanted.

After bathing, the Muslims recite their prayers, and after bathing, the Hindus perform their worship services.  The wise always take baths.

When dead and while alive, they are saved, when water is poured on their heads.

O Nanak, the bald-headed ones are filled with Satan’s ways. They are not pleased to hear these words.

When it rains, there is happiness.  Water is the key to all life.

When it rains, the corn the sugar cane, and cotton grow; which provides clothing for all.

When it rains, the cows always have grass to graze upon, and housewives can churn the yoghurt into butter.

With that ghee, sacred Home and Yagnas and feasts are performed; all these efforts are blessed.

The Guru is the ocean, and Sikhi is the river. Bathing within it, glorious greatness is obtained.

O Nanak, if the bald-headed ones do not bathe, then seven handfuls of ashes are put upon their heads. ||1||

(SGGS 149-150)

The Jaini heard this Shabad and was embarrassed.  He wanted to use his powers to scare Guru ji.  He chanting Jantras and Mantras.  He used his full power but nothing happened to Guru ji.  When he figured out that Guru ji was stronger, he then had faith in Guru ji.  He became humble and took the Charun Pahul.  He renounced his ways.  He did the Simran of the Satguru with love.  He started doing Seva.  Guru ji had a Dharmsala made.  Sikhi was established in that place.  The Sarevra was instilled as head of the Order.  Guru ji made the whole city do the Simran of the Naam.  They were walking a crocked path before but were now straightened out.  When Guru ji wanted to leave, the Raja came to Guru ji and said: “stay in our land forever.  See us as your servants and let us serve you, oh Master of the Universe.  We will do as you say.  Separating from you will give us pain.”  Sri Guru ji said: “read and listen to Bani.  That will destroy your pain.  When you have a wish in your heart, make the Satguru’s Karah Prashaad.  Place a Takka and do the Ardaas.  The Sri Kartaar will fulfill your wish.  Meditate on my form.  I will come to fulfill your task.”  The Raja then said: “please accept my gifts.”  He placed many diamonds and gems in front of Guru ji.  He thought of Guru ji’s feet in his heart.  He placed many plates of pearls.  They were shiny and expensive.  Guru ji said: “these pearls are garbage for me.  The true pearl is the Name of Hari; which I have strung in my Munn.  It is radiant in both worlds.  It is never destroyed and keeps you without sorrow.”  Bhai Mardana ji said: “take some pearls.  They are shiny and beautiful.”  Guru ji said: “what you are looking at is just pain.  The Name of the Parmeshwar gives joy.  Mardana, you have that pearl already.  Chant that name with love.  Don’t ever love these pearls.”  Saying this, Guru ji took leave and set off on his travels.  He illuminated Prema Bhagti in the world. 

2-13 Breaking the Hut/ Bhutan/ The Land Without Food and Fire

Seeing the pain of others as their own; being happy when seeing others happy; walking on the path of Mukti, day and night; I bow to the feet of such saints.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Listen Guru Angad Dev ji, Giver of Mukti, Guru Nanak Dev ji travelled on.  We came to a village, where a Tarkhan (carpenter) lived who loved Prema Bhagti.  He served saints with love.  He had a lot of love in his heart.  Guru ji saw him as his own servant and wanted to bless him.  Sri Guru ji went to his home.  The Tarkhan welcomed Guru ji and had him sit with respect.  He served Guru ji well at night.  In the morning, when Guru ji got ready to leave, Guru ji broke the Tarkhan’s hut.  It was a small hut.  The bed that Guru ji slept on, Guru ji broke that as well.  The clay pots the Tarkhan had, Guru ji broke them all.  In this way, Guru ji destroyed the Tarkhan’s whole house and got ready to leave.  The Tarkhan’s Munn was still.  He had great control over his mind and observed the service of saints and guests as his highest priority.  He walked with Guru ji as he left.  When we left, Bhai Mardana ji took Guru ji aside and said: “tell me, oh Compassionate One, nobody else kept us for the night in this village other than this poor Tarkhan.  He gave us a place to stay and served us at night.  He had love in his heart.  He served us with love.  He came with us to see us off.  He did only good with us but you broke his small and poor hut.  You broke all his belongings as well.  Why were you angry with him?  You put a hard time on his head?”  Guru ji said: “the Seva that he did was accepted.  Understand this.”  After saying this, Guru ji sent the Tarkhan back to his home and we travelled on. 

When the Tarkhan went back to his home, there was a beautiful home there instead of his broken hut.  There were pots of wealth inside the home.  Beautiful clothes were set in the home.  The Tarkhan was happy to see this.  He recognized that Guru ji was the Ikankaar.  He received all four gifts of Dharam, Arth, Kaam and Moksha.  He was blessed.  He regretted that he did not recognize Guru ji when he was with him. 

Guru ji travelled on.  The 14 Loks did the Simran of Guru ji.  Where the country of Bhutan was, the Master arrived there.  He went to the city of the king.  He saw a nice tree and sat under the nice shade it gave.  Doing the Darshan of Guru ji destroys the pain of reincarnation.  The king of this city was engrossed in carnal pleasures.  He was always with other women.  He indulged in sexual pleasures with them.  If someone in this city got married, they could not take their bride home.  The bride was to spend a night with the king first.  The king would disgrace himself in dirt with the new bride that night.  The groom would then be allowed to bring his bride home the next day.  People were afraid of the sinner king.  To give wisdom to this king, Guru ji came to this place.  The people of the city came to Guru ji and bowed to his feet.  Satguru ji gave them wisdom: “chant the Name of the Master of the Universe.”  The people heard Guru ji’s sweet words and brought food and clothes.  Satguru ji did not take anything.  He returned all of the gifts.  Guru ji spent many days under that tree.  Guru ji’s praise spread in the city: “a great and complete saint has come.  He doesn’t see anyone else besides the Bhagwant.  He has no lust, anger or greed, not even a little bit.  His words give bliss.  He is carefree.”  The people praised Guru ji to the king: “a saint with a good character has come.  You should do his Darshan.  Hearing his words, the sins run away.”  The king, convinced by the people, came to see Guru ji.

The King brought clothes, food and gifts.  He came and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  He spoke with humility: “please accept my gifts.  Eat the delicious food with joy.  Eat as much as you wish.  Wear the beautiful clothes I have brought.  You are the saint, the Ocean of Virtues.”  Guru ji said: “these gifts are of no use to me.  Give them to the poor in your area.  I am satiated from all things.  I have no wish for any item.”  The Raja folded his hands with devotion and said: “you are a carefree saint.  I won’t be blessed if you don’t accept my gifts.  The saints are generous.  Bless me by accepting my gifts.  I have come to your shelter, hearing your praises.”  Guru ji spoke with compassion: “if you want be blessed then let go of your sin of indulging with other women.  If you let this go, obeying me, you will be blessed in every way.  Whatever item you wish for, I can get that for you from the Prabhoo.”  The Raja heard Guru ji’s words and had deep faith.  He wanted to become a Sikh.  He said: “my mind wanders and is attracted to pleasures.  I am not satiated from the sexual pleasures of women.  The desire grows on a daily bases like fire burning the firewood.  Please give me your wisdom and turn my mind away from this, oh Compassionate Guru.”  The Deena Bandhu heard this and spoke words of Vairagya from the pleasures of women: “oh king, what is it about women that you find so good and pleasureful?  What entices you?  The eyes of women that you compare to the lotus petals, those eyes excrete disgusting eye crust (rheum).  If you look into the eye or bust it open, it is only made of fat and water, nothing else.  Listen about the other body parts: the lustful person compares the face of a woman to the moon but it is nothing but fat and blood wrapped in flesh.  You say the fair colour as beautiful.  Without the materials it is made up of, there is nothing else.  If you would see the fat, blood and flesh on their own, you would find it disgusting.  You compare the teeth to the jasmine flower but they are just bones without flesh.  If the teeth would break off, you wouldn’t want to touch the teeth.  You should see the whole body like this.  There is nothing more than bones, flesh, blood and fat.  The body is filled with feces, urine and other bad smelling material.  Oh one with the blinded wisdom, what are you so attracted to?  There is spit in the mouth and mucus in the nasal passages; which you praise so much.  There is flesh on top with small hairs.  Oh Raja, think about all this.  What material is pleasing to you?  Everything is so smelly in the body.  To love the body of a woman is bad.  The body is clearly impure and disgusting.  Listen on, the love that you have for other women, this love will take you to Hell.  The messengers of Dharmaraja give you pain.  They take an idol of a woman made of iron and heat it up.  They then tie that flaming hot idol to your neck.  This gives pain by which the person yells out in pain.  The Jumms then beat you with sticks for a long time.  The pleasure that a lustful person experiences with a woman, which is only for a few seconds; the person suffers much pain in Hell for a long time.  Other types of pains are also given.  The Simritees, Vedas and Puranas say this.”  The Raja heard these fearful words and began to think to himself.  He saw his sins and fell to Guru ji’s feet.  He said: “I was unwise and earned many sins in my life.  I understood this by your words.  Please forgive me by being compassionate.  I won’t sin like this ever again.”  Guru ji was happy to hear this.  Guru ji said: “listen carefully Raja: don’t sin like this again.  I have forgiven your past sins.  Do the Simran of Satnam with your focus.  Make a Dharamsala in your city.  Do the Satsangat meeting others.  Sing the praises of Hari.”  When the Raja learnt this wisdom, he took the Pahul of Guru ji’s feet.  Many others became Sikhs as well.  Guru ji said: “do the Simran of the Satnam.  It will give you joy.”  The bad deeds were renounced.  Everyone was given the wisdom of Simran, charity and Ishnaan.  Guru ji spent many days there.  The Raja folded his hands and said: “our land only has rice and silk.  No other food grows in our area.  Please be compassionate and give us a boon so other foods and cotton can grow.”  Guru ji heard the words of his beloved servant and said: “other foods and plants will grow here.”  Guru ji then got ready to leave.  The people of the area heard and came to meet Guru ji.  They folded their hands and said: “Sri Guru ji, stay in our land.  It has become pure by you coming here.  The beautiful Sikhi is illuminating here now.  Why do you wish to leave?  Have compassion and stay here forever.”  They made requests to Guru ji in this way.  They didn’t let Guru ji leave.  The next morning, Guru ji disappeared.  The people regretted this.  They were not satiated with Guru ji’s Darshan: “we didn’t serve him to our hearts’ content.  The glorious One left without telling us.”  The people did Simran of Guru ji, day and night.  Many people were blessed with Mukti.

The Master left this area and came to another land.  This new land had no food or fire.  The people only ate meat.  They would put one rock on top and one on the bottom, keeping the meet in between and chant the Mantra of Suriya for about 4 hours and 45 mins; by which the meat would be cooked.  They would eat the meat in this way.  They would serve saints with love.  They would feed anyone who came.  Whoever would see the saint first, they would feet them.  This was the tradition of the land.  Guru ji saw a nice place and sat down.  There was a person there who tended sheep.  He saw Guru ji and came to him.  He stood and folded his hands while saying: “I will kill a sheep for your food.  Your fatigue of travel will be destroyed.  If you don’t eat the sheep, my master will beat me.  This is the tradition of our land: whoever sees a visitor, they have to feed them.  Otherwise the Raja punishes them.  The people embarrass and taunt them for not feeding the guests too.  There is no food or fire here therefore don’t wait for food.”  Guru ji said: “if you kill the sheep and cook it, I will eat it.”  The shepherd killed a sheep and cooked it with the Mantra of Suriya.  He prepared the meat and placed it in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji saw it and said: “the bones and skin of this, collect them and bring them here.”  The shepherd obeyed and brought the bones and skin.  He placed it all in front of Guru ji.  The Master of the World saw it and spoke: “get up sheep and graze on green grass.”  As soon as Guru ji said this, the sheep came back to life and ran around.  The shepherd saw that Guru ji was omnipotent.  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  He sat near Guru ji with devotion.  The Light of the Bedis said: “the Shahukaar of this land, go and bring him to me.”  The shepherd went into the city and sat near a Shahukaar and said: “listen, there is a saint here who destroys pain.  He is omnipotent and powerful.  He has called for you.”  The Shahukaar heard this and became happy.  He left with the shepherd and came to Guru ji with eagerness.  They both bowed to Guru ji and sat down.  They did Guru ji’s Darshan and were filled with bliss.  The Guru of the world said: “listen Shahukaar, if you have some food in your home, bring it here.”  The Shahukaar said: “in this whole area, food does not grow, oh Dervish.  Everyone eats meat here.  If you wish to eat meat, I will bring it now.”  Guru ji said: “if you become Sikhs then say the name of the Sri Prabhoo.  I will give you food and fire if you follow my path.”  The Shahukaar became humble and said: “you are a carefree saint.  If you give us these two things, everyone will become your Sikhs.  They will all follow your ideology.”  Guru ji became compassionate and said: “find some food in your area and bring it here.”

The Shahukaar came to the city and began to look for food in the homes.  He was able to find 1 Ser of wheat by looking for it.  He brought it back to Guru ji, bringing the Raja and the people with him.  They all bowed to Guru ji’s feet and sat down with love.  Guru ji said: “plant the wheat.  The crops will grow without shortage.”  They all obeyed and planted the wheat.  The new wheat grew and was ready in a few days.  Everyone was happy to see this.  Everyone took the Pahul of Guru ji’s feet.  Their minds were drenched in Prema Bhagti.  They all followed the path of Sikhi.  The Prabhoo was seen as the Guru, the Giver of Joy.  A Dharamsala was made where the glory of the Prabhoo was sung.  Guru ji sat with everyone and spoke from his mouth: “there will be no shortage of food in this land.  There will be no shortage at all.”  Guru ji shook rocks and made fire.  The struggles of all were gone.  Everyone was happy with this.  They sang the praises of Sri Satguru ji.  There was no food or fire here.  In this way, Sri Guru ji gave them these gifts.  He made them practice Simran, charity and Ishnaan.  He started the Panth of Prema Bhagti.  Guru ji stayed there for a few days and then decided to leave.  Guru ji was in a nice form.  The people got together and became humble.  They said: “the people of this land are fortunate to have your Darshan.  You made our lives blissful for both worlds.  You are the Sri Hari in a human form.”  The Master gave hope to all.  The Omniscient One left from that place.

2-14 Kashmir/ Vali Kandhari/ The Maseet of Kabul

The ones who have renounced Hangta (ego) and Mamta (possessiveness); stay the same in joy and sorrow; I bow to such saints and say the Katha.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Listen Sri Guru Angad Dev ji to the Katha which makes the mind happy.  Guru Nanak Dev ji, the Destroyer of Pain for the Poor, travelled to the high mountains.  Sometimes the terrain was easy and sometimes it was harsh.  The land known as Kashmir, that is where the Jagdesh went.  Guru ji came to a village on a mountain.  The Light of the Bedis sat in a nice place.  Guru ji spent 12 days there.  Nobody came to see him, nor did Guru ji call anyone.  On the thirteenth day, a shepherd came.  He saw us sitting down and was surprised.  He spoke harsh words to us: “who are you people sitting in the ruins?  Are you thieves or murderers?  Who are you looking to rob?  Are you waiting for someone to be revealed?  If you were true Fakirs then you would have gone to the village to beg for alms.  You are wearing the robes of Fakirs but you are not Fakirs in reality.”  Guru ji heard this and gave a little smile.  Guru ji said: “why are you worried?  You have left your sheep to graze.  Go and take care of them.  You have no compassion nor do you wish to serve saints with love.  You didn’t think about this.  On top of that, you spoke harsh words.  You have no fear for the Parmeshwar.”  When the shepherd heard this, he went to see where his sheep were grazing.  When he saw his sheep, they were all dead on the ground.  He was surprised to see this.  He was confused as to what had happened to his sheep.  He thought to himself: “what will I say to the owners of the sheep?  They will tie up my whole family.  Who will rescue me?”  The fool swayed in depression.  He was really worried as he lost his patience.  He thought to himself while thinking: “I spoke harsh words to the saints.  This is the result of such a bad deed.”  He thought about this and ran back to Guru ji.  He bowed his head to Guru ji’s feet.  He stayed with his head down.  He wouldn’t get up.  Guru ji tried to raise him but he didn’t get up.  Guru ji said: “what task of yours has spoiled?  You came back to me in fear.”  The shepherd said: “listen Sant ji, you are omniscient.  You know everything.  You asked so I will tell you.  Something surprising happened.  I am a shepherd.  I left the sheep and came to you.  When I spoke harsh words to you, my sheep all died.  Forgive my mistakes.  Have compassion on me.  You are a Sadhoo who forgives.  If I go home, the owners of the sheep will capture me.  They will tie up my family.  I won’t have anywhere to go.  I come to your shelter, oh Compassionate One.  Firstly, my job is gone; secondly the owners of the sheep will swear at me.”  Guru ji heard this and became compassionate.  He laughed and said: “where your sheep have died, go back there.  Say “Vahiguru” from your mouth.  Your dead sheep will wake up.”  The shepherd was happy to hear this.  He bowed and went back to where his sheep were. 

The shepherd said: “Vahiguru,” and made all of his sheep alive again.  The sheep grazed the grass again.  Seeing this miracle, he was surprised.  He left his sheep and came back to where the Sukhkand was sitting.  He said: “I won’t leave from here now.  I will earn the Seva of your feet.”  Guru ji told him to go back but the shepherd stayed the night with Guru ji.  In the morning, the owners of the sheep came looking for the sheep in the jungle.  Some men came close to Satguru ji.  They saw the shepherd there too.  They said: “you fool!  You are sitting here in joy.  Where did you lose the sheep?  Where did you hide them?  Tell us or you will be beaten.”  The shepherd spoke: “don’t speak harshly here.  I came to this saint yesterday and disrespected him.  All of the sheep died because of my harsh words.  I came back to him and requested him to forgive me.  I bowed to his feet, which give joy.  The saint told me to say “Vahiguru” to make the sheep alive again.  I did what he said and the sheep were alive again.  This is the very form of Khuddah.  I couldn’t leave him.  I stopped tending to your sheep.  You can go and find them in the jungle.  Don’t depend on me to tend your sheep.  Take care of your sheep.”  The men were surprised to hear this.  When they knew the truth, they all bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  They all went to find their sheep.  They found them and went back to their villages.  The praise of Guru ji spread in the area.  Everyone came to bow to Guru ji’s feet.  They brought gifts and placed them in front of Guru ji.  Everyone was blessed.  The fortunate ones took the Pahul of Guru ji’s feet and did the Simran of the Satguru.  They destroyed the vices of their hearts. 

Guru ji entered the village and had a Dharamsala constructed.  He made everyone practice Simran, charity and Ishnaan.  The path of Sikhi was illuminated in the land.  The praise of Guru ji spread in the area.  The Shabads that Guru ji uttered, the people wrote them down.  They recited the Shabads with love and did their work.  They had faith in Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji. 

There was a wise Pandit that lived there.  He was well versed in all of the Vidya.  He heard of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji’s praises and wanted to meet him.  The Pandit had defeated many scholars in debates.  He had two camels that stayed with him and carried all of his books.  They travelled with him wherever he went.  He wore the Salagrama idol around his neck and wore 12 Tilaks on his body.  Where the Light of the Bedis was sitting, the Pandit came there.  He said: “Ram Ram,” and sat down.  He was egotistical about his knowledge.  He saw Guru ji wearing a leather cloak and spoke harsh words to him: “why do you eat meat, being a saint?  Why do you wear a leather cloak?  This is an unorthodox thing to do.”  Guru ji wore a Pusteen.  He heard the Pandit’s words and said a Shabad with love to give the Pandit wisdom:

Sri Mukhvaak.. Salok M:1..

You read and read loads of books gathered on carts; you read and study vast multitudes of books.

You read and read boat-loads of books; you read and read and fill potholes with them.

You read them year after year; you read them as many months there are.

You read them all your life; you read them with as many breaths you have.

O Nanak, only one thing is of any account: everything else is useless babbling in ego. ||1||

(SGGS 467)

Listen Pandit, without the Satguru, the Path is not achieved.  Without the key, the lock remains locked.  It does not open with many efforts.  When the good karma gathers, one meets the Guru.  The Guru gives them wisdom and shows them the difference between truth and myth.  The person then knows what to keep and what not to keep.  The doubt is erased and one is in peace.  The imaginations are destroyed in the Munn.  The person does not look towards the body and actions of others.  The person only looks inwards and makes it grow.  Oh Pandit, listen to this and think about it: till the mind is stuck with vices and desires, the outward appearance is useless.  Till you are not connected to the truth, you will experience the stick of the Jumms.  One is always caught in the cage of desire.  The intoxication of lust, anger and ego control the person by which they cannot see the True Self.  They are fools.  When the good karma comes to fruition, you meet the Satguru by blessings.  The Satguru shows you your true form.  He frees you from the doubts and karma.  The ego is renounced along with all the pain.  The person takes in whatever his destiny allows him.  He/she does not desire anything and is always in bliss.”  The Pandit heard this and bowed.  His Dvait wisdom was destroyed.  He realised that Guru ji was omniscient.  He figured out that no one could win the Guru.  Guru ji said: “listen Pandit ji, go somewhere and take on a Guru.”  The Pandit said: “listen Sant ji, where shall I go now?  Tell me who should be my Guru.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “go towards the dense jungle.  There are 4 saints sitting there.  Ask them and they will tell you.” 

The Pandit headed towards the dense jungle.  He saw the saints which gave joy.  He bowed to them and told them his story: “I had doubt in my mind.”  The 4 saints were Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Inder who had taken on a human form and came for the purpose of Akaal Purakh Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Darshan.  They knew about the Pandit and said: “your Guru is in front of your home.  The Guru lives there day and night.  Go and accept your Guru.”  The Pandit went towards his home and saw a home there where a beautiful woman lived.  She wore jewellery of gold and expensive red clothes.  She lived alone and danced in her home with joy.  The Pandit thought to himself: “she seems to be a very powerful person.”  The Pandit bowed his head to the woman.  The woman took off her shoe and slapped the Pandit in the head.  The Pandit could not say anything.  He moved back and ran away.  He went back to the 4 saints.  The 4 saints (Brahm, Vishnu, Shiva, and Inder) clapped and laughed.  They said: “why did you came back so quickly?  Did you not take on a Guru?”  The embarrassed Pandit spoke: “there was a crazy woman in the home.  She was really bad with a bad personality.  She was carefree and egotistical.”  The saints said: “that is your Guru, whom you think of day and night.  Whom you focus your attention on all the time.  Lakshmi (Maya) is who you wish for.  You are never satiated with how much money you get.  Your desire grows by the day.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is the Giver of Mukti.  Leaving him, you wander for the love of others.  Go and beg him for forgiveness.  Have unwavering faith in him.  Keep your mind focused.  The Guru will save you if you take him on as your Guru.  You won’t come back in the world again.”  The Pandit had faith and came back to Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He put the dirt from Guru ji’s feet onto his forehead.  He denounced the ego of his education.  He became deserving of The Charan Pahul.  Sri Guru ji had done a drama to destroy the Pandit’s bad wisdom.  He gave him Pahul and made him his Sikh.  A Dharamsala was made where Maya had appeared as the dancing woman.  The Pandit was made the preacher in that area.  Guru ji made him practice Simran, charity and Ishnaan.  Many came to the path of Sikhi.  They did the Simran of the Satguru with great focus.  Guru ji stayed there for a few more days.  The name of the Pandit was Brahm Das.  Guru ji preached Prema Bhagti there.  Guru ji took leave from there and went somewhere else.  Many people were saved and given Mukti.  He destroyed their ego. 

Where the Sindh River flows, there is a mountain 25 Kos away.  They mountain is 1 Ko high.  There were green trees at the foot of the mountain.  Guru ji sat under a tree there.  Guru ji stayed there casually for some time.  Bhai Mardana ji wanted to drink water.  He was thirsty and said to Guru ji: “oh Prabhoo ji, is there any water here?  I am thirsty.  You know everything.  Please tell me where the water is.  If it is not close by, let’s go on ahead.  Let’s sit where there is water.”  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji spoke: “you can drink water.  It is close by.  Go up the mountain.  There is a Fakir there named “Vali Kandhari.”  He does Tapp with love.  He wishes to receive bliss in the afterlife.  He is born a Turk like you.  Go and ask him for water.  Till you don’t drink water and come back, I will stay under this tree.”  Hearing Guru ji’s words, Bhai Mardana ji left to go up the mountain.  He climbed the mountain slowly.  He arrived at the place of the Fakir and saw Vali Kandhari sitting there.  He had kept some water blocked atop of the mountain.  Bhai Mardana ji bowed to Vali Kandhari and said: “I am thirsty.  Please give me water to drink.  I couldn’t find water anywhere else.  I heard that you had water and so I came.”  Vali Kandhari heard this and said: “from which land are you from, oh thirsty one?  Who are you?  Are you alone or is there someone else with you?  Why did you come here?”  Bhai Mardana ji spoke: “the Tappa Guru Nanak Dev ji is really great and famous.  Everyone in Punjab knows him.  He travels where he pleases.  Hindus and Turks follow him.  One call him the Guru and the others call him the Peer.  He is the supreme.  He has all the powers.  Everyone bows to his feet.  They all bring great gifts to his feet.  I am the Rababi who stays with him.  I sing beautiful Shabads with him.  He is sitting at the foot of the mountain, under a tree.  Please give me water.  This is my story.”  When Bhai Mardana ji praised Guru Nanak Dev ji, Vali Kandhari could not tolerate it.  It was like the painful tears that give trouble.  It was like a depressed person looking at a lit Deeva.  Vali Kandhari said: “the Tappa whom you say is really powerful, why does he not call water for you?  You say he is really powerful, why does his companion go around asking for water?  It is good to give water to a thirsty person but I won’t give you water hearing your words.”  Bhai Mardana ji heard his command and came back to Guru ji. 

Bhai Mardana ji told Guru ji what had happened: “he heard your praises and felt pain.  It was like a lonely woman getting jealous, seeing the moon.  He said: “if you are with the Purshotam then why are you going around asking for water?  Why doesn’t he take out water for you?  If he is really powerful, then he should give you water.”  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji smiled and said: “he is egotistical with his Tapp.  He can’t tolerate the greatness of others.  He is burning in jealousy.  You are a Turk so you should go and ask him for water.  Drink it and destroy your thirst.  Only the Turks love the Turks.  Stay humble and ask him for water.”  Bhai Mardana ji went back up the mountain by Guru ji’s command.  He came to Vali Kandhari and said: “it was rewarding to give water to a thirsty person.  There is no water anywhere else.”  Vali Kandhari got angry and turned Bhai Mardana ji back: “I won’t give you water!  You speak of your Guru’s powers.  Why doesn’t he give you water?”  Bhai Mardana ji got angry and returned.

Bhai Mardana ji said to Guru ji: “he won’t give me water.”  The Omniscient One knew what had happened.  Guru ji had a stick in his hand which he banged into the roots of the mountain.  Pure and cold water came out of the root of the mountain.  A great flow came sprouting out.  The water that Vali Kandhari had blocked, drained down the mountain.  He saw the miracle and focused with the power of his Tapp to see what had happened.  By his power, he pushed a big heavy boulder from the top of the mountain towards Sri Guru ji.  The boulder rolled down the mountain really fast, uprooting trees along its path.  It smashed other small rocks.  It was to stop the water flow.  It sounded like the Vajjar of Inder.  It was power striking power.  The boulder was coming to stop the water.  Sri Guru ji lifted his hand and spread out his fingers.  He remained sitting down casually.  The boulder came towards Guru ji and was stopped in its tracks, being held up by the hand of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  It stayed there.  The water flow did not stop.  The Fakir was shocked.  He used his powers to push the boulder further.  He used all his strength of his Tapp.  Guru ji’s hand pressed into the boulder like Inder’s Vajjar going into a mountain.  Vali Kandhari figured out that there was nothing more he could do.  He saw his power as less than Guru ji’s.  He couldn’t stop his water from draining. 

That place is still famous as Sri Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Pakistan.  The imprint of Guru ji’s hand can be seen in the boulder.  Many tried to erase the imprint with many efforts but they all lost.  The sign can still be seen.  The water continues to flow down the mountain in the same way today.  The water is pure and flows heavily.  The Peer saw himself as weaker and came down the mountain to see Guru ji.  He grabbed the feet of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He said: “oh Prabhoo, forgive me for my mistake.  I did not know of your greatness.  Assist me in my afterlife.  Give me your wisdom.”  He made many requests to Guru ji.  He had faith in his heart.  Sri Guru ji gave him wisdom: “you were suffering the pain of jealousy which has never given anyone, anything.  Renounce the jealousy and be happy.  Remember the Khuddah all the time, with every breath.  Make your human life a success.”  Guru ji spoke wisdom and Vali Kandhari accepted it.  He bowed to Guru ji a second time.  He made Guru ji his Peer.  He received Mukti for that.  The Peer remained in that place.  Guru ji left from that place.  The place of Vali Kandhari is still there.  The water still flows in the same way.

Where the city of Kabul is beautifully situated, the Guru went there as the fire to destroy the jungles of pain.  Guru ji saw a nice Maseet there where the Turks gathered and sat.  Guru ji set up a Dhera in the Maseet.  The Mulla of the Maseet came to Guru ji and said: “who are you and where did you come from?  You look like a Hindu.  This place is a great place for Turks.  Don’t stay here.  Leave from here.”  Guru ji said: “we’ve been travelling and now we’re tired.  We will only stay one night here and leave in the morning.”  The Mulla said: “you can’t stay here.  We don’t let Hindus stay here.  Go and spend the night somewhere else.  Listen to me and leave from here.  If other Turks come, they will get angry.  They will grab you by the arm and take you out.  What work is there for a Hindu in the Maseet?  Get up and go.  That would be best for you.  If you don’t listen to me, I will grab you by the arm and kick you out.”  Guru ji heard this and smiled.  He spoke to the Mulla: “if you have the strength, then keep your Maseet in this place.  If it doesn’t stay then you are a liar.  You speak like an empty pot.”  The Mulla said: “staying still?  Where will it go?  Are you trying to scare me?  Looks like you want to see my words become reality.”  He got angry and got up.  Guru ji went on top of the Maseet and rode the Maseet like a horse.  The Mulla got really scared.  Everyone saw this and were amazed.  The Maseet ran around, which everyone saw.  The Maseet was taken around Kabul like a horse.  The Qazi of the Maseet came running.  He wondered if it was a Peer, Auliya or Khuddah himself.  Everyone folded their hands and grabbed Guru ji’s feet.  They all became humble and had faith in Guru ji as they saw him as omnipotent.  They said: “please stop the Maseet.  For the sake of Khuddah, please give us your Darshan.”  Guru ji stopped moving the Maseet.  The people of the city came quickly.  They brought gifts and bowed to Guru ji.  They said: “Dhan Dhan.”  They asked Guru ji what his name was.  Guru ji said: “my name is Aughar (the Avdhoot).”  Guru ji had them all practice Simran, Charity and Ishnaan.  The left foot of Guru ji, the Turks worshipped it and bowed to it.  The right foot of Guru ji, the Hindus worshipped with love.  Everyone was given the wisdom: “do the Simran of the Naam.  The bonds of the world will be broken.  In the end, the Naam will assist you.  The sins that you have done, the Naam will wash them away.  Do the Seva of saints with love and devotion.  Listen to their words which will give you joy.  Earn their wisdom in your heart.  You will be happy in both worlds.”  Guru ji stayed there for some days and gave the wisdom of doing the Simran of the Naam.  Guru ji took leave and came to a new place.  I, Kavi Santokh Singh, ask for a gift: give me the gift of Satnam which will destroy my pain.

2-15 The Child/ The Merchant/ Saving the Thieves

The Sikhs who are engrossed in the Simran of Sri Satguru ji, I bow to their feet with great devotion.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..

Oh Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, listen on, oh Home of Virtues.  Guru Nanak Dev ji travelled on.  We saw a field on the way that had ripe chanas.  Bhai Mardana ji was intrigued and said: “there are a lot of chanas in this field.  I wish to eat them.  Please give me permission so I can pull some plants.  I will light a fire and cook them.”  Guru ji laughed and sat down near the field.  There was a child keeping guard of the fields.  He did the Darshan of Guru ji.  His heart became pure.  The child did such an act: he pulled some plants of chanas and cooked them, lighting a fire.  He presented them in front of Guru ji and sat down with love.  Guru ji laughed and said: “here Mardana!  You wished to eat them.  You can have them now.”  Bhai Mardana ji obeyed and ate the chanas.  He finished them all as they were delicious.  The child thought to himself: “I should bring food for these Sadhoos.  The saints must be hungry.  I will bring the food.”  As he was about to go home, the Prabhoo asked: “where are you going oh child?”  The child folded his hands and said: “I am going home to bring you food.  You are a saint who has given me joy.  When you eat the food I bring, I will be blessed.”  Seeing the pure love in the heart of the child, Guru ji said:

You gave us a great seat to sit on of grass, it is our comforter; your love is our Pakvaan.

Nanak is satiated with the glories of Prabhoo; come to me oh Sultan.

(Sri Nanak Prakash Granth)

Guru ji blessed the child with a kingdom.  Guru ji travelled on.  The child remained on guard of the fields.  Listen to the child’s story: in the city he lived in, the Raja had no heir.  He died on the same day the child met us.  The area was worried without a king and heir.  The ministers gathered with the public and said: “if we take the royal seat, we will go to Hell.  The king had no heir.  He had no son or brother whom we can give the royal seat to.  Whoever the Kartaar gives the seat to, we will make him the king.  Let’s close 3 of the gates of the city.  At Amritvela we will go to the fourth gate.  Whoever we see first, we will seat them on the Royal Throne.”  Everyone agreed to this.  The child stayed in his fields all night.  In the morning, he came home.  He had to enter the main gate of the city.  Everyone met the fortunate child.  The people took the child and gave him a bath.  They made the child the king of the whole kingdom and wealth.  The word of the Guru gave him the kingdom.  He became a king right away.  This was the history of the child.

I will now say the Katha of the Guru with eagerness.  As we travelled on, we met a merchant.  Sri Guru ji spoke to the merchant: “what have you tied to your back?”  The merchant said: “I have salt, cotton and oil.  I travel the villages to make a living.  I sell them and live off of the profit.”  Guru ji spoke to bless the merchant: “open your bag and show me.”  The merchant took his bag off of his shoulder and opened up the knot.  He had rocks to weigh the stuff.  Sri Prabhoo ji picked up the rocks and asked: “tell me their name, oh merchant.”  The merchant said: “5 Ser, 2 Ser and 1 Ser.  The one in your hand is called pao.”  Guru ji said: “this pao is Dhan, whose name is short.  It is worthy of being worshipped.  Listen Mardana: this rock is great.”  The merchant heard these words and realised that he was the complete saint.  He renounced his sense of self and came to Guru ji’s shelter.  His desires and vices were destroyed.  His head remained on Guru ji’s feet and did not get up.  Guru ji saw the man’s humility and placed his hand on his head.  The merchant’s doors of doubt and Karma opened up right away.  He saw the amazing self and became great.  Gyaan illuminated and the doubts were all destroyed.  He had knowledge of what was happening in the 3 Loks.  He could see everything.  This was the history of the merchant.  He received Gyaan all of a sudden by Guru ji’s hand.”

Sri Guru Angad Dev ji spoke: “oh Bala, tell me the whole history of the merchant.  He received the Brahmgyaan so quickly.  He did not do the Seva nor did he do the practice of the Shabad.  He became a Gyaani with bliss.”

Bhai Bala ji spoke:

Listen Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, oh beloved of Guru Nanak Dev ji, I asked the Prabhoo about this and the Prabhoo said to me: “the past Karmas of his past lives were great.  He did a lot of Simran in the Satsangat from his past lives.  His tasks were already completed.  He just needed to meet a Brahmgyaani once.  Just as a Deeva has a wick and ghee, it just needs a spark to light.  The wick lights and we have light.  Look at the merchant: the fortunate one had the Gyaan and just needed my words.”  Guru Angad Dev ji was happy to hear this Katha.

Bhai Bala ji spoke:

Sri Guru Angad Dev ji, listen to the Katha ahead.  The merchant was blessed.  We travelled on.  We came to some ruins.  There were no homes for many Kos.  We did not see any human.  Bhai Mardana ji was surprised and said: “Sri Prabhoo ji, this jungle is huge.  It is scary.  I can’t see any other human.”  Guru ji said: “don’t see this as ruins.  This is a beautiful and huge city.  Where the Simran of Satnam happens, that is a great place.  Where the Parmeshwar is not remembered, that place is a jungle, even though there are big houses there.  Where the Naam is not, there is never joy there.  Where the Prabhoo’s glories are not sung, they are not cities.  Sidhs, Sadhoos, Jogis, Jattis, and Tappis wish for the Naam.  They renounce the pleasures of the world and leave their homes.  They come to these jungles.”  The love overflowed from Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji’s heart.  His body was made of Bhagti.  Guru ji sung the Raag Asa and uttered a Shabad, composing it:

Asa Ghar 4 Mahalla 1..

Ik Oankaar Satgur Prasaad..

The Devatas, yearning for the Lord’s Darshan, suffered through pain, hunger and made pilgrimages to the Teeraths.

The yogis and the Jattis (celibates) lived their disciplined lifestyles, wearing saffron robes. ||1||

For Your sake, O Lord Master, they are drenched in the colour of your love.  Your Names are so many, and Your Forms are endless.  No one can speak of how many Glorious Virtues You have. ||1||Rahao||

Leaving behind hearth and home, palaces, elephants, horses and native lands, many have journeyed to foreign lands (to do Tapp).

The Peers, prophets, seers and men of faith renounced the world, and became acceptable in your realm. ||2||

Renouncing tasty delicacies, comforts, happiness and pleasures, some have abandoned their clothes and wore leathers/animal skins.

Those who suffer in pain, drenched with Your Name, have become Dervishes at Your Door. ||3||

Some wear skins, and carry begging bowls, bearing wooden staffs, and sitting on deer skins.  Others raised their hair in Bodies and wore sacred threads and Dhotis (loin-cloths).

You are the Lord Master; I am just Your puppet.  Prays Nanak, what is the social status who have become One with you? ||4||1||33||

(SGGS 358)

When Sri Guru ji sung this Shabad, Bhai Mardana ji became quiet.  When we came out of the ruins of the jungle, we saw a village.  The homes belonged to thieves.  They would kill people and take their money away.  To give them wisdom, The Home of Blessings entered the village.  The Master started a drama.  There was love in Guru ji’s heart.  He wanted to save them.  He made me into a 16-year-old person.  He put beautiful clothes and golden jewellery on my body.  Guru ji made golden bracelets appear on his wrists and wore white clothes.  Bhai Mardana ji remained the Doom.  It was as though we were going to get the Muklava (bringing the bride home for the first time since the marriage in childhood).  Guru ji pretended to be the father and I was the groom.  Bhai Mardana ji was to be our Doom Miraashi.  We went to one of the homes of the thieves.  Guru ji wanted to destroy their sins.  The thieves were really happy to see our jewellery.  The owner of the home welcomed us with respect: “come and stay in our home.  I will take your fatigue away.  I will serve you as you wish.  I will massage your feet and make you rested.”  Guru ji went to the thief’s home.  The other thieves came to his home as well.  The others were called to his home.  The thieves spoke: “these people have radiant foreheads.  They seem to be rich.  They are going to get the Muklava.  We should rob them and hide their money.  We will divide the money in the morning.”  The thieves all went to their homes. 

It was night time.  Everyone ate and went to sleep.  Nobody woke up at night.  The Prabhoo put everyone into a deep sleep.  Everyone slept the whole night.  In the morning, nobody woke up.  They were like they were died.  The sun came up and Guru Nanak Dev ji got ready to go.  He left the thieves sleeping.  When the thieves woke up, they regretted it.  They got together and came to the thief’s home where Guru ji stayed.  They said: “show us the money that you acquired from the travellers.  Let’s divide the wealth among us.”  The owner of the home was shocked.  He said: “I had no idea when the night was over.  I remained asleep all night long.”  The other thieves did not believe him.  They fought with him and swore at him: “we know you got a hold of a lot of money.  You are greedy and hiding the money.  We won’t let it go.  You can make all the excuses you want.  You’ve taken your cut when we have robbed someone before.  Why are you sitting quietly now?  Take the money out and show us.”  He swore upon his Peer.  Everyone then believed him.  They said: “which way did those people go?”  Everyone began to analyze the 4 directions of the village, looking for footprints.  When they found the footprints, 4 of the strongest thieves said: “we will go and grab them.” 

The 4 thieves met us after 5 Kos.  One of them yelled out to us: “where are you going?  Stay there!  You have robbed my home.  We won’t leave you alive.  We will kill you.  Give us all the money you stole from us.”  Sri Guru ji heard the young thief and stayed standing.  He didn’t move.  Guru ji said: “what are you saying?”  One of the other thieves said: “give us all your money.  We will kill you right here!  You cheated us last night and were saved.  We won’t let you go in one piece.  This is our way.  We first kill and then rob a person.”  Guru ji said: “if you are here to kill us, then listen to what I have to say.  Do it as I say.  Our bodies are born of Hindus.  If you want to kill us, don’t leave us here.  I want you to cremate us with fire.  You can then take our money and go home.  We can’t run away from you.  You came with your weapons.”  The Darshan of Guru ji plus the words of Guru ji; some compassion came to the hearts of the thieves.  They agreed to Guru ji’s demand.  They said: “we will cremate your bodies with fire.  How should we do it though because there is no fire here?  If we leave you alive, you will then report us and get us arrested.”  The Light of the Bedis spoke: “look in that direction.  There is smoke there.  Go and get the fire first.  You can then kill us and rob us afterwards.  Two of you should go first.  Two of you can stay here and keep a watch on us.”  To give joy to the thieves, Guru ji said these words.  The thieves obeyed and did what was told to them.

Where the smoke was coming from, 2 of the thieves went there.  The other 2 sat with us with their weapons unsheathed.  They wanted to kill us.  The 2 that went to get fire, they saw a person being beaten up and taken to be killed.  The person was tied up and being beaten up.  The person was in pain.  The thieves ran, seeing a burning pyre.  They took out the fire with their hands.  They headed back to where Guru ji was.  As they turned back, they saw the same person that was tied up.  He was now sitting in a palanquin.  There were people singing Raags in front of him.  They were really shocked to see this.  They couldn’t resist not asking.  They wondered why the person was in pain first and now travelling in joy.  They thought about this and came to one of the people: “who is this person in the palanquin?  You were torturing him before.”  The messengers said: “this was a sinner.  We were giving him his punishment.  When Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji saw the smoke coming from his pyre, the person became pure.  He was released from our hold and received joy.  Whatever sins he had done, not one remains now.”  The thieves said: “who is this Nanak?  Tell us.”  The messengers (of Dharmaraj) said: “the one that is with you, whom you want to loot and kill; that is Guru Nanak Dev ji.”  The thieves were surprised to hear this.  They said: “we are damned.”  The both of them ran to Guru Nanak Dev ji and grabbed his feet.  They spoke with humility: “you are the destroyer of pain.”  Guru ji showed them the drama and gave the thieves devotion.  The thieves were stopped from doing sins.  Guru ji was the greatest.  The whole story was told to them.  The 4 thieves grabbed the feet of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  They said: “our way of life is bad.  We kill people without thinking.  You are the omnipotent saint who gives joy.  You stayed with us and didn’t show us your power.  Forgive our grave sins.  Sadhoos are generous.  Sri Prabhoo ji, come back to our homes.  We all request you to come.  We are filled with many sins.  We spend day and night in violence.”  When they became humble, Guru ji came back to their village.  The thieves brought Guru ji to the village and told all of their people of what happened.  They seated Guru ji in a beautiful place.  They placed gifts in front of Guru ji and bowed to him.  They praised Guru ji over and over again: “give us wisdom that will bless us.  We are all sinners.  We now understand all this after we got your Darshan.”  Guru ji heard the request and spoke words to give joy and Mukti: “let go of your bad ways of making a living.  Start the good way of farming.  Whatever money that you have in your home, it is of sins.  Give it all to the poor people.  Earn the money with your own hands.  Earn with eagerness.  Donate the profit.  Make a Dharamsala.  Feed the visitors and poor.  Do the Simran of the Satnam.  This Mantra will wash your sins away.  Work during the day.  In the evening, meet at the Dharamsala.  Sit there and sing the glories of Prabhoo.  In the morning, get up and focus on the Naam.  Serve the saints and visitors.  Have Prema Bhagti in your heart.  Earn this wisdom forever.  You will be saved.  Joy will come to you.”  They all obeyed the words of Guru ji.  The thieves gave their money away to the poor.  They started to farm.  They let go of their thefts.  They made a Dharamsala and became deserving of Prema Bhagti.  They did the Simran of Vahiguru Naam.  They followed the tradition of Sikhi.  Guru ji stayed there for some time and had everyone practice Prema Bhagti.  He washed all of their sins away.  The good Panth was started.  Guru ji took leave from the place.  He travelled on.  He saved many sinners.  I am a sacrifice unto the Darshan of such a Satguru.