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

Sikhism

CHAPTER XVII

The Guru, knowing that his end was approaching, appointed Angad his successor. The Guru's sons had not obeyed him. Their minds were insincere, and they had rebelled and deserted him. Wherefore he subsequently placed the umbrella

[1. Man shall take with him the result of his acts.

2. Nâthiare is connected with the Panjâbi nathna, to run away.

3. Four days is a common Oriental expression for a short period.

4 The soul is here meant.

5. Who awakes not in God's service.

6. Sri Râg.]

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of spiritual sovereignty over Angad's head, and bowed to him in token of his succession to the Guruship. Then it became known to his people that Guru Nanak was about to die. Whole troops of Sikhs, Hindus, and Musalmans went to bid him farewell. Angad stood up before him in an attitude of supplication. When Guru Nanak had invited him to speak, he said, 'O king, be pleased to attach again to thy skirt those who have seceded from thee.' By this Angad meant the Sikhs whose faith had been tried and found wanting. Guru Nanak replied, 'I have forgiven them all for thy sake.' Upon this Angad fell at his feet.

Guru Nanak went and sat under a withered acacia tree, when lo! it became green, and produced leaves and blossoms. Angad again fell at his feet in adoration. Guru Nanak's family, relations, and disciples began to weep. On that occasion he composed the following:--

Hail to the Creator, the True King, who allotted to the world its various duties!

When the measure[1] is full, the duration of life is at an end; the soul is led away;

When the destined hour arriveth, the soul is led away and all one's relations weep.

The body and soul are separated, O my mother, when one's days are at an end.

Thou hast obtained what was allotted thee, and reaped the fruit of thy former acts.

Hail to the Creator, the True King, who allotted to the world its various duties!

Remember the Lord, O my brethren; all must depart.

The affairs of this world are transitory, only for four days; we must assuredly proceed onwards:

We must assuredly proceed onwards like a guest; why should we be proud?

[1. Pâi.

2. This is an Indian corn measure].

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Repeat the name of Him by whose worship thou shalt obtain happiness in His court.

In the next world thou canst in no wise enforce thine authority; every one shall fare according to his acts.

Remember the Lord, my brethren, every one must depart.

That which pleaseth the Omnipotent shall come to pass this world is an illusion.

The true Creator pervadeth sea and land, the nether regions, and the firmament.

The true Creator is invisible, unequalled; His limit cannot be found.