(a) He is greater than Shiv; greater than Vishnu and Brahma greater than Pârbati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

(b) For the holy the Guru is Shiv; the Guru is Vishnu and Brahma; the Guru is Pârbati, Lakhshmi and Saraswati.

The tenth Guru says:--

Khanda prithme sâj ke Jin sab sansâr upâiya--

God first created the sword, the emblem of Death, and then the world.

So here Shiv obtains precedence as the agent of destruction. The word uttered by God became the source of knowledge of him through the Guru in the three forms of 'Shiv, Vishnu, and Brahma.']

{p. 199}

If I knew Him, should I not describe Him? He cannot be described by words.

My Guru hath explained one thing to me--

That there is but one Bestower on all living beings; may I not forget Him!

VI

If I please Him, that is my place of pilgrimage to bathe in; If I please Him not, what ablutions shall I make?

What can all the created beings I behold obtain without previous good acts?

Precious stones, jewels, and gems shall be treasured up in thy heart if thou hearken to even one word of the Guru.

The Guru hath explained one thing to me--

That there is but one Bestower on all living beings; may I not forget Him!

VII

Were man to live through the four ages, yea ten times longer;

Were he to be known on the nine continents, and were everybody to follow in his train;[1]

Were he to obtain a great name and praise and renown in the world;

If God's look of favour fell not on him, no one would notice him.

He would be accounted a worm among worms, and even sinners would impute sin to him.

[1. That is. to show him respect.]

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Nanak, God may bestow virtue on those who are devoid

of it, as well as on those who already possess it;

But no such person is seen as can bestow virtue upon Him.

VIII

By hearing the name of God men become Sidhs, Pirs, Surs,[1] and Naths;

By hearing the Name man understandeth the real nature of the earth, its supporting bull,[2] and Heaven;

By hearing the Name man obtaineth a knowledge of the Continents, the worlds, and the nether regions.

By hearing the Name death doth not affect one.[3]

Nanak, the saints are ever happy.

By hearing the Name sorrow and sin are no more.

IX

By hearing the Name man become as Shiv, Brahma, and Indar.

By hearing the Name even the low become highly lauded.[4]

By hearing the Name the way of Jog and the secrets of the body are obtained.

By hearing the Name man understandeth the real nature of the Shastars, the Simtritis, and the Veds.

Nanak, the saints, are ever happy.

By hearing the Name sorrow and sin are no more.

X

By hearing the Name truth, contentment, and divine knowledge are obtained.