Kauda Raakash and Bhai Mardana Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Once Guru Sahib and Bhai Mardana jee were travelling through a jungle. Bhai Mardana was feeling home-sick and asked Guru Sahib to go home but Guru Sahib asked him to wait a little longer. Bhai Mardana could not wait any longer and insisted on leaving right away. When Bhai Mardana persisted, Guru Sahib told him to go if he wanted to.

Guru Sahib sat there in the thick forest and went in smadhi. On the other hand, Bhai Mardana who was heading home, got trapped in a trap set by a carnivorous human – Kauda Raakash. Kauda Raakash is said to a very cruel person and ate human flesh. He used to kill humans and eat them.

When Kauda Raakash saw Bhai Mardana, he was very happy to see a healthy young man trapped. He tied Bhai Mardana jee’s legs and arms and brought him to his cave. There he had a big pan (karaahee) with oil in it. He used to fry them alive.

Now as Bhai Mardana was trapped, he realized his mistake of not listening to Guru Sahib. He found out that if one does not listen to Guru Sahib, one has to suffer immensely. He now sat there and started calling out to Guru Sahib for help.

Guru Nanak Sahib who was jaani-jaan (all knowing) heard the pleas of Bhai Mardana and reached the spot where Bhai Mardana was tied. He was behind the bushes and saw the frightened face of Bhai Mardana jee. He laughed and whispered, “Kyon Mardaniya, ghar nahi giya?” (So Mardana, why did you not go home). Guru Sahib was joking with Bhai Mardana jee.

Bhai Mardana was thrilled to see Guru Sahib arrive. At the same time he pleaded with Guru jee to forgive him and not joke with him. He begged Guru Sahib to release him. Guru Sahib kept joking with him.

By this time, Kauda Raakash came out and lifted Bhai Mardana jee to throw him in the huge kaRaahee full of boiling oil. Bhai Mardana jee started screaming and pleading to Guru Sahib but Guru Sahib kept quiet and just smiled. Kauda Raakash had not noticed Guru Sahib by this time.

Just as he was about to throw Bhai Mardana jee in the pan, Guru Sahib came out and asked Kauda Rakash to stop. Kauda Rakash was shocked to see someone there and defiantly refused to do so. As he looked at the face of Guru Sahib, he broke inside. Still he kept his composure and tried to threaten Guru Sahib.

Guru Sahib had came to rescue Kauda Raakash from this terribly sinful life he had. He showered Kauda Rakash with his divine grace. Kauda Rakash felt something very strange inside him but still his haume (ego) was not letting him obey an unarmed harmless looking person. He unwillingly threw Bhai Mardana jee in the pan full of hot burning oil.

Bhai Mardana jee screamed but did not feel anything. Kauda Raakash was surprised when he noticed that the oil in the pan was at normal temperature. He immediately knew that it was the work of Guru Nanak Sahib. At this time, he could not resist anymore and dashed at the lotus feet of Guru Sahib.

Guru Sahib did more kirpa and with the touch of Guru Sahib’s feet, Kauda Rakash’s sins washed away and he realized how bad he had been. He begged for Jeevan-daat. He begged before Guru Sahib for mercy.

Guru Sahib knew that Kauda Raakash was feeling genuine remorse. He lifted him up and gave him Amrit Naam. It is written in Janam Saakhis, that Guru Sahib opened all his gupt senses and made him a jyot vigaasi Sikh in one moment. Kauda Raakash had immense kamaayee from previous lives. He was just waiting for Satguru Nanak Dev jee's mohar (seal) on his kamaayee. Guru Sahib blessed Kauda Raakash and instructed him to do parchaar of Sikhi and open a Dharamshala (Gurdwara) in his area.

by: Bhai Kulbir Singh Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The Late Examination

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

In 1943 a Sikh of Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj whose name I have now forgotten was studying for his end of year university exams. This Sikh used to mediate on the name of Waheguru in the early hours of the morning after completing his nitnem.

One day when he was fully immersed in this mediation he completely forgot about the time and finished his prayers much later that day at 7:00am. After regaining consciousness he realised that his examination, which he had spent months preparing for, was due to start at 7.30am. This Sikh lived about 40 minutes away from his university and had still not got ready. In addition to this before beginning the day this Sikh would go to Sri Nanaksar Sahib Ji to seek the blessings of Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj and have a glimpse of Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji. Even though he was very late there was no way he would miss going to Sri Nanaksar Sahib Ji that day.

Although in his heart he was really broken about missing his examination when Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji asked him how he was he simply smiled and said that he was in chardeekala. Baba Ji knew that this Sikh was late for his examination and he said, ‘Something is definitely wrong, you don’t seem happy today’. Even though the Sikh denied this time and time again Baba Ji still would insist something was wrong. Finally the Sikh told Baba Ji what had happened.

Baba Ji then said, ‘An ardas done with full faith, devotion and love is one of the strongest weapons a Sikh possesses.’ He then took the Sikh in front of Guru Sahib and humbly begged Guru Ji to help his beloved Sikh in his hour of need. Once the ardas was completed Baba Ji said to the Sikh, ‘That Guru of the world knows what resides in everyone’s heart. He himself will protect you and carry you in his most caring hands. Keep your faith in him my dear son.’ The Sikh left Sri Nanaksar Sahib Ji and proceeded to his examination hall with renewed hope and faith.

When the Sikh arrived at the examination hall he saw all the students still standing outside. When he asked some of his friends what had happened they told him that the examination bell was out of order. When this Sikh looked up at the bell he saw those most caring hands of Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj holding the bell, which stopped it from ringing. A few minutes later the bell began to work and the students went into the examination hall. Needless to say the Sikh passed his exam with flying colours.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The King and his garden

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

There was once a king who was very religious. After his death he wanted to appoint someone who would be very responsible, smart, kind and religious so he created a garden. This garden was so beautiful with all the flowers that a person would just keep looking and never move the whole day. After flowers and trees, came tasty foods, so tasty that person’s stomach would get full but his mind would want more and more. Then, the king had beautiful women dancing who were so beautiful that even holy saints would lose their character. After this he built a palace with gold, silver, diamonds and everything. This palace was so huge that a person would get lost in it. Beautiful paintings were placed on the walls and carpets on the floor, things which a person would never have seen in his life. After building all this, the King made an announcement that anyone who finds him in the garden would be the next king. Many smart people and holy sadhus came to find the king.

In the morning, everyone entered the garden. Some people just stopped looking at the flowers, some were stopped by tasty food, some by beautiful women. A few holy sadhus made it to the palace. There they searched and searched but failed they found nothing. One sadhu who was smarter than others came outside the palace and thought for a minute. He remembered that the king said he would be anywhere in the garden. So he started looking around. He found a big heap full of dirt, and garbage. He then went there and demolished it. Underneath this sadhu found a door which he opened. When he did this he saw some stairs which he began to walk downwards on. At the bottom of the stairs he found the king meditating. Seeing the sadhu the king became very happy. The King got up and gave everything to the sadhu just as he had promised.

Now, how is this related to Sikhi? Well, this world is full of idiots, smart and holy people. All get on the path to find the king (Waheguru).

Some stop just by entering which means waste their lives by believing that this body is everything and after this there is nothing.

Some say “Eh Jagg Mitta Agla Kis Dittha” and fail.

Some see some “mandals” or worlds in the body waste their time by enjoying it.
Some try little harder and get some ridhi sidhi and busy themselves in these fake powers so this ridhi sidhi becomes those dancing women.

Some try harder and get to the palace covered with diamonds and gold. This is the “dasam duar”. Many stop here and think “this is it”. They get busy with “anhad shabad” and sounds and stop looking for the “King”.

Some Guru De Pyare are not satisfied with all this. They keep looking. They know from Gurbani that the “King” has to be here somewhere. They look around and find a big heap of “haumai”. They demolish it and Waheguru the king appears meditating. Both meet and become one. Those Gursikhs become one with Waheguru or become the King.

“Sooraj Kiran Milay Jal Ka Jal Hooaa Raam”
“Joti Jot Ralee Sampuran Theea Raam”

Bolo Waheguru.

Story taken from “Gurmukh Darshan” Jeevani of Sant Gyani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale.

Translated by Bhai Bijla Singh Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The palm reading Pandit and Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

One time a pandit came to see Sri Maan Sant Gyani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. The pandit came in front of Sant Ji and said that he had attained such an avastha that just by looking at someone’s hands he could tell what Akaal Purakh had written in their future and what their destiny was.

Sant Ji lifted his hands up and asked the pandit to tell him about his future. The pandit looked at Sant Ji’s hands for a few minutes and then began to tell Sant Ji and the rest of the sangat who had gather there about some of the events which could occur in the future regarding Sant Ji life.

The pandit then looked at Sant Ji’s hands again to tell him more. As the pandit did this he noticed that the lines he had read a few minutes ago had changed and now revealed a completely different destiny for Sant Ji.

The pandit looked shocked and stood speechless as the lines continued to change over and over again, each time revealing different destinies.

Sant Ji then looked at the pandit and told him that, ‘Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj don't need this vidiya because everything lies not in these worldly hands, but in the hands of Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.’ Who are we to second guess the King of Kings and the Saint of Saints?

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

How to escape from the fire of the deadly sins which are consuming the world

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Bhai Kidaru Ji one day saw Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj walking. Bhai Kidaru Ji who had not had the darshan of his beloved guru for a long time, started to cry and ran towards his Guru. He bowed before his king and asked Satguru Ji, how he should escape from the fire of the deadly sins which were consuming the world.

Satguru Ji replied, 'Bhai Kidaru, as when a forest catches fire and everything in the path of the fire, is being burnt and destoryed, the deer flee and run towards the nearest lake to cool themselves and seek protection from the lake that the fire may not hurt them. O Bhai Kidaru, In the same way, man should flee the deadly sins and take refuge in the cooling water of Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj's instruction'.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

ਕਲਿ ਤਾਰਣ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਯਾ

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

ਸੁਣੀ ਪੁਕਾਰ ਦਾਤਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗ ਮਾਹਿੰ ਪਠਾਯਾ॥
sunee pukaar dhaathaar prabh gur naanak jag maahi(n) pat(h)aayaa
The benefactor Lord listened to the cries (of humanity) and sent Guru Nanak to this world.

ਚਰਨ ਧੋਇ ਰਹਿਰਾਸ ਕਰ ਚਰਨਾਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਪੀਲਾਯਾ॥
charan dhhoe rehiraas kar charanaamrith skhiaa(n) peelaayaa
He washed His feet, eulogised God and got his Disciples drink the ambrosia of his feet.

ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪੂਰਨ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਅੰਦਰ ਇਕ ਦਿਖਾਯਾ॥
paarabreham pooran breham kalijug a(n)dhar eik dhikhaayaa
He preached in this darkage (kaliyug) that, saragun (Brahm) and nirgun (Parbrahm) are the same and identical.

ਚਾਰੈ ਪੈਰ ਧਰੰਮ ਦੇ ਚਾਰ ਵਰਨ ਇਕ ਵਰਨ ਕਰਾਯਾ॥
chaarai pair dhhara(n)m dhae chaar varan eik varan karaayaa
Dharma was now established on its four feet and all the four castes (through fraternal feeling) were converted into one caste (of humanity).

ਰਾਣਾ ਰੰਕ ਬਰਾਬਰੀ ਪੈਰੀਂ ਪਵਣਾ ਜਗ ਵਰਤਾਯਾ॥
raanaa ra(n)k baraabaree pairee(n) pavanaa jag varathaayaa
Equating the poor with the prince, he spread the etiquette of humbly touching the feet.

ਉਲਟਾ ਖੇਲ ਪਿਰੰਮ ਦਾ ਪੈਰਾਂ ਉਪਰ ਸੀਸ ਨਿਵਾਯਾ॥
oulattaa khael pira(n)m dhaa pairaa(n) oupar sees nivaayaa
Inverse is the game of the beloved; he got the egotist high heads bowed to feet.

ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਬਾਬੇ ਤਾਰਿਆ ਸੱਤਨਾਮ ਪੜ੍ਹ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਸੁਣਾਯਾ॥
kalijug baabae thaariaa saathanaam parrh ma(n)thr sunaayaa
Baba Nanak rescued this dark age (kaliyug) and recited ‘satinam’ mantr for one and all.

ਕਲਿ ਤਾਰਣ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਯਾ ॥23॥
kal thaaran gur naanak aayaa aa
Guru Nanak came to redeem the kaliyug.

May Guru Sahib do kirpa on us so that we may fulfil the reason of our visit to this world. May Guru Sahib do kirpa on us like he did on Sajjan Thug. This saakhi is just amazing. Guru Sahib changed Sajjan Thug with one shabad. Before retiring to his room Guru Sahib sang this shabad - "SAJJAN SEYEE, NAAL MAIN, CHALDIYAAN NAAL CHALLAN!"

Sajjan Thug was planning to kill Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj and take away his wealth. As he was making these evil plans, he heard the mesmerizing sound of kirtan of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Good karma from his previous lives had awakened, and he felt that each hair on his body was standing. This Sajjan Thug who had never even thought of becoming a bhagat, was getting absorbed in the shabad of Guru Sahib. He was wondering if this was shabad or pure nectar flowing in the form of sound.

The shabad pretty much summarized the whole life of Sajjan Thug. Tears started flowing from the eyes of Sajjan Thug. He felt his sins flowing out in the form of tears. He saw all the bad deeds he had done in the past and how many he had killed. As the tears flowed from his eyes, he felt his body getting lighter and lighter as if tears were releasing the burden of sins he had in his body. Never before had he felt like this.

The last pankiti of the shabad - "NANAK, NAAM SAMAAL TU, BADHAA CHHUTEH JITT". Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj in the end clearly asked him to take up Naam if he wants to release himself from the chains of maya. He felt himself getting drawn towards the source of the shabad i.e. Guru Sahib. As he approached Guru Sahib with his half-closed eyes, he saw the face of Guru Sahib and Bhai Mardaana Ji glowing with the Majithaa Rang of Naam.

He fell to the feet of Guru Sahib, and begged for Naam. Guru Sahib had done kirpa on him and in one shabad washed all his sins. This is all that it takes. Just one glance of Guru Sahib and we will be washed of our sins. Sajjan Thug became a great Sikh and is credited to have opened the first Dharamshaal (Gurudwara) of Guru Sahib.

The lord of billions of worlds - Guru Nanak Sahib (Kot Brahmand ko thaakur) did kirpa on billions of Sajjan Thugs of all worlds. Let us do ardaas today in the charan of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj to deliver us from the illusion of his maya and give us amrit naam the only substance capable of making us alive.

Let us recall that leper who was kicked out of his village because he had the deadly disease leprosy. He was moved out and even his wife, mother, children and friends deserted him. He had been the centre of attention of these relations and now they had all abandoned him. Why won't they? No one wanted to catch leprosy as anyone who comes near a leper catches this terrible disease. They used to throw roti once a day outside his small hut and leave. Some days they forgot to give him roti altogether.

This leper was very heart-broken and was totally feeling dejected. Then he had a wonderful dream. His good karma from previous lives had awakened. He saw the most beautiful person who had an amazing glow on his face with another beautiful person with a similar glow on his face. He heard a voice that this person is Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the king of this world and the next and is the only person capable of cutting his misery.

The next morning he felt a new energy in his body. He started calling out Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He started remembering him day and night. How could Guru Sahib hold back to the pleas of a person calling him from heart? He himself came to the door of that leper one rainy day. He came to that door where no one dared to come for fear of catching leprosy. Guru Nanak Sahib instructed Bhai Mardana Ji to bring the leper outside in the rain.

Bhai Mardana a great Sikh did not question Guru Sahib for asking him to touch a leper. He readily went inside and brought the trembling leper outside. With one graceful glance, Guru Sahib cured him of his disease. He fell at the feet of Guru Sahib and asked for Naam medicine. Guru Sahib lifted the blessed ex-leper and gave him amrit-naam. That day in one moment, the fortunate leper, was cured of all his mental, bodily and spiritual diseases. He became one with the Guru.

So great is our Guru. May Guru Sahib do kirpa on us too and give us his amrit naam.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Surrendering to Waheguru's Will

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

What if we knew for certain that everything we're worried about today will work out fine?

What if...we had a guarantee that the problem bothering us would be worked out in the most perfect way, and at the best possible time?

Furthermore, what if we knew that three years from now we'd be grateful for that problem, and its solution?

What if...we knew that even our worst fear would work out for the best?

What if...we had a guarantee that everything that's hap­pening, and has happened, in our life was meant to be, planned just for us, and in our best interest?

What if...we had a guarantee that the people we love are experiencing exactly what they need in order to become who they're intended to become?

Further, what if we had a guarantee that others can be responsible for themselves, and we don't have to control or take responsibility for them?

What if...we knew the future was going to be good, and we would have an abundance of resources and guidance to handle whatever comes our way?

What if...we knew everything was okay, and we didn't have to worry about a thing? What would we do then?

We'd be free to Love our beloved Waheguru

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Hau tau sahee, lakhai je koyee

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The meaning that I understand of this pankiti is that Waheguru does exist for sure, only if we can realize this. This pankiti can play role in one's life on everyday basis. When faced with adversities in life, one should concentrate on this pankiti and get the mountain like faith that "Waheguru is there, Waheguru is there". What a relief this feeling has. Waheguru, the controller of this world is there. One gets further relief when one realizes that this immensely powerful power - Waheguru is on one's side.

Waheguru is there to help and give us support but it is our misfortune that we don't realize this. So this pankiti simply means that if we realize and have faith that Waheguru is there, then alone we can take advantage of his immense powers. These powers are such that one's mind cannot comprehend their end. In Siri Rehraas Sahib Guru Sahib has stated that merciful Waheguru keeps all these powers on the palm of his hand. It is for us - his Sikhs - to take advantage of these powers.

To ready ourselves to accept Waheguru, we will have to first accept Satguru - Guru Nanak Sahib and his teachings that comprise Naam, Gurbani and Rehit. Then alone we can have Waheguru.

Hai tau sahee, lakhai je koyee

(Uh hai zaroor. Kaash asee iss gall sahee noo mann sakeeye)

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Raaj is here for eternity

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

This Panth Khalsa has been created by Waheguru himself under his special orders. He not only created this panth but he also declared that this panth of his Gur-Jyoti – Guru Nanak Sahib will stay till eternity.

Here is the pankiti that says so:

SIRI GURU RAAJ, ABICHAL ATTAL, AAD PURAKH FURMAAIYO

The force in this pankiti is unbelievably strong. It is an immensely strong force. Just read the pankiti again.

Siri Guru Raaj, Abichal Attal; Aad Purakh Furmaaiyo

Feel the power this pankiti has. Feel the assurance you get after reading this pankiti. Aad Purakh has declared (Furmaaiya) that Guru Nanak Sahib's raaj is for eternity. Khalsa the child of Guru Nanak should be overjoyed at this. The meanings are so simple. There is no room for misinterpretation.

This has been taken from Bhataan de Saviyye. Akaal Purakh himself Furmaa that “Siri Guru Raaj – Abichal Attal” i.e. Siri Guru jee’s raaj, Siri Guru jee’s (Guru Nanak Sahib’s) kingdom is Abichal (not destroyable) and Attal (not movable).

Two things are clear from this pankiti:
1) That there is Raaj of Guru Nanak Sahib as per ordination of Aad Purakh – Waheguru.
2) That this Raaj is forever.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Definition Of A Holy Man: By Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

A man called Kalu once came before Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj and asked guru sahib for the definition of a holy man.

Guru Sahib said "Recognize him as holy in whom are to be found friend ship, sympathy, pleasure at the welfare of others, and dislike of evil company.

• In the first place, the intentions of holy men are pure.
• Secondly, they are pleased on hearing the praises of others.
• Thirdly, holy men serve the virtuous.
• Fourthly, they honour those who can impart to them learning and good counsel.
• Fifthly, as there is a periodical craving for food or intoxicants, so they feel a craving for the Guru's word and for divine knowledge.
• Sixthly, they love their wives, and renounce other women.
• Seventhly, they avoid subjects from which quarrels may arise.
• Eighthly, they serve those who are superior to themselves in devotion.
• Ninthly, even if strong, they are not arrogant, and trample not on others.
• Tenthly, they abandon the society of the evil, and only associate with the holy."

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

A millionaire official who stayed in a neighbouring village from the one that Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj was began to slander the king of kings. He said, 'Who is this person whose name is repeated by every one, as if he were a god, though he is only a mortal like ourselves? The Hindus are being perverted, and even the Muslims are losing their faith. Come, let us imprison him.'

After saying this he then mounted on horseback. As soon as he did this his horse shied and threw him. The next day he again mounted, but, as he proceeded on his way, he became blind and had to alight. Those who saw what was happening to him, were afraid to make any remark. All they said was, ‘Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj’.

They, however, suggested to the millionaire that he should do homage to Satguru Ji. Upon this he began to praise Maharaj; and those who were with him bowed towards the Guru.

The millionaire again mounted his horse, intending this time to go and ask for forgiveness from Guru Sahib, but immediately fell down. His companions addressed him, 'You have made a mistake in going on horseback. Go on foot, so that you may be pardoned.'

He took this advice. On arriving at a spot where Guru Sahib’s residence could be seen, he recovered his sight, and began to make salutations in the direction of the king of this world and the next. On arriving in the presence of Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj the millionaire fell at Guru Sahib’s feet and kissed them.

Guru Sahib was pleased and made him his guest for three days. The millionaire, in honour of Satguru Ji, founded a village, which he called Kartarpur, on the margin of the Ravi, and built a beautiful Gurudwara Sahib therein, both of which he dedicated to Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The True Name

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj was asked why the words Satnam--the True Name--were always written as an introduction to his hymns.

He replied, 'The Name is the God of all gods. Some propitiate Durga, some Shiv, some Ganesh, and some other gods; but the Guru's Sikhs worship the True Name and thus remove all obstacles to salvation. Accordingly, the prefatory words, the True Name, are written in all compositions. '

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

How can the cycle of births and deaths be broken?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Two Sikhs, called Bhai Bhagta Ji and Bhai Ohri Ji, asked Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj how rest was to be obtained, and transmigration avoided.

Guru Sahib replied as follows:
'You shall find rest by avoiding manmukh karm (perverse acts).'

Being asked to define manmukh karm more particularly, Guru Ji replied: 'It is to be heartily envious of every one, to desire that worldly wealth and all happiness should forsake others and come to oneself, to suffer great pain as one beholds the houses and property of others, to believe all men one's enemies, and do good to no one. Expel all this evil from your hearts.

In the second place, the perverse man is proud and relentless to every one. When he sees such and such a person inferior to himself, he never advises him; no, he laughs at him, and treats him with contempt, saying, "He is not equal to my lofty intellect."

In the third place, the perverse man is addicted to slander; but do you renounce it and never utter it. If any one praise another who is superior to him, he cannot endure it, no he becomes wroth, saying, "O! I am well acquainted with him." In this way he utters slander. How can he who is proud of his efforts and envious of others ever possess excellence?

In the fourth place, if the perverse man receives advice, he will not act on it through obstinacy; no, he will perversely do the very reverse. These vices--envy, pride, slander, and obstinacy--belong to the perverse. Relinquish them, acting as trees do when they drop their leaves in autumn.'

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh