Life Of Guru Nanak: Chapter IX | Internet Sacred Text Archive

Sikhism

CHAPTER IX

The Guru and Mardana again set out on their travels. It is said that they went to the west and crossed the rivers Ravi and Chanab, and, after a long circuitous route through a desert country, made their way again to Pak Pattan to pay another visit to Shaikh Brahm. They sat down to rest about four miles from the city. Shaikh Kamal, a pious and God-fearing disciple of Shaikh Brahm, who had gone

[1. Sâs girâs, expiration and inspiration.

2. Sri Râg.]

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into the forest for firewood, observed the Guru and his attendant. The latter was playing his rebeck, and singing the following:--

Thou art the tablet, O Lord, Thou art the pen, and Thou art also the writing.

Speak of the one God; O Nanak, why should there be a second?[1]

Shaikh Kamal went and, after obeisance, sat down near them, and asked to have the couplet repeated. This was done, and he learned it by heart. He then took up the firewood he had collected and went home. He told his master of his adventure, and repeated the couplet for him. Shaikh Brahm was highly pleased that the Guru had again visited his country, and he promptly proceeded to welcome him. After mutual salutations, the Guru thanked God for having again granted him a sight of Shaikh Brahm. After some friendly conversation, the Shaikh asked the Guru to explain the couplet. 'Nanak, thou sayest, "There is only one God; why should there be a second?" I say:--

'There is one Lord and two ways;

Which shall I adopt, and which reject?

The Guru replied:--

There is but one Lord and one way;

Adopt one and reject the other.

Why should we worship a second who is born and dieth?

Remember the one God, Nanak, who is contained in sea and land.

The Muhammadan priest then said in turn:--

Tear thy coat into tatters and wear a blanket instead;

Adopt a dress by which thou mayest obtain the Lord.[2]

The Guru traversed this instruction: 'It is not

[1. Malâr ki Wâr.

2. Farîd's Sloks.]

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necessary for me to tear my coat or adopt a religious garb. Men who reside at home and work in their ordinary costume shall find the Lord if they fix their hearts on Him;'[1]

A young wife sitteth at home, her Beloved is abroad; she continually thinketh of Him and pineth away.

She shall have no delay in meeting Him if she have good intentions.[2]

Shaikh Brahm replied to the latter couplet:--

When she was little, she enjoyed not her Spouse; when she grew up she died.

Lying in the grave she calleth out, 'I have not met Thee, O Lord.'[3]

Guru Nanak then gave utterance to the following, to the effect that salvation depends upon virtue and not on a pleasing exterior or the possession of accomplishments:--