Nanak, utter God's name with a pure heart regardless of thy dress.

All else is but worldly ostentation; thou, O Qazi, practisest falsehood.

The Qazi asked Guru Nanak who he was. The latter replied as follows:--

Since I am nobody, what shall I say: since I am nothing, what can I be?

[1. Food obtained by peculation and bribery.

2. That is, who practise extortion or tyranny.]

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As God made me, I act; as He told me, I speak; I am thoroughly defiled with sin, and desire to wash it away.

Though I know nothing myself, yet I teach others; such a guide am I.

Nanak, he who being blind showeth the road to others and misleadeth all his companions,

Shall be shoe-beaten in the next world, and it will be seen what sort of guide he was.

Everything shall vanish except God:--

Of kings, subjects, and rulers none shall remain

Shops, cities, bazars shall be destroyed by God's order.

Solid and beautiful mansions a fool deemeth his own;

Storehouses filled with wealth in a moment become empty.

Steeds, chariots, camels, elephants and their housings,

Gardens, properties, houses, and homes,

Tents, comfortable beds, and ornamental pavilions--where shall they be recognized?

The following was delivered to Sikhs who asked the Guru what pleasure God's praises afforded him:--

Were rivers to become kine, and springs to become milk and clarified butter;

Were the whole earth to become sugar so that the heart might ever rejoice;

Were the mountains to become gold and silver, and be studded with diamonds and rubies;

I would even then magnify Thee, and the desire to do so would not cease as I spoke.

Were the eighteen loads of vegetables of the earth[1] to become fruit, and grass to become rice;

Could I arrest the moon and sun in their courses, and were my seat to become immovable,

[1. This is the sum total of the earth's flora according to ancient Sanskrit writers. The idea was that if a leaf were taken off every tree and plant, there would be formed eighteen loads, each of which an ordinary strong man could lift.]

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I would even then magnify Thee, and the desire to do so would not cease as I spoke.

Could I inflict pain by means of the two sinful beings Rahu and Ketu;[1]

Could I obtain authority over bloodthirsty kings and my glory thus shine forth,

I would even then magnify Thee, and the desire to do so would not cease as I spoke.

Were fire and frost to become my raiment, and the wind my food;

Were all the fascinating women of heaven to become my wives--all perishable[2]--

I would even then magnify Thee, and the desire to do so would not cease as I spoke.

Caste becomes deadly if exclusive reliance be placed on it for salvation:--

What power hath caste? It is the reality that is tested.