But without the Guru the Real Thing cannot be found it is concealed though it dwelleth in every heart,

[1. Explained to be the love of God which disposes Him to protect the child in the womb.]

{p. 370}

God is known by meeting the true Guru and implanting his instruction in the heart.

When pride departeth, doubt, fear, and the pain of transmigration depart.

By the wisdom of the: Guru the Unseen is seen, Man's intellect becometh exalted, and he is saved.

Nanak, repeat the spell of God in whom the three worlds are contained.

BHAIRO

To engage in ritualistic practices is of no avail:--

To give a feast, make a burnt offering, offer alms, perform penance and worship, and endure bodily pain for ever are all of no avail.

Without God's name salvation is not obtained; the holy man obtaineth it by the Name.

Without God's name it is useless to be born in the world.

To eat poison, to speak for the sake of poison (mammon) without the Name is to die an unprofitable death and wander in transmigration.

To read books, discuss grammar, and pray three times a day are all of no avail.

Without the Guru's instruction, O mortal, where is salvation? without Gods name man is entangled and dieth.

Even though man take up the beggar's staff and pot, and adopt the hair-tuft, the sacrificial thread, and the dhoti of the Hindus, go to places of pilgrimage, and wander far and wide,

Yet shall he not find comfort without God's name; he who repeateth it shall be saved.

Even though man weave his hair into a crown, apply ashes to his body, doff his clothes, and wander naked,

Yet shall he be not satisfied without God's name; it is under the stress of prenatal acts man assumeth a devotional garb.

Thou, O God, art in all creatures that are in the water, the dry land, the nether regions, and the firmament.

By the favour of the Guru preserve Thy servant; Nanak stirring God's elixir hath drunk it.

{p. 371}

RAG BASANT

The following was written with buoyant feeling after the departure of a cold winter in the north of India:--

All hail to the great month[1] in which spring ever beginneth.

Ever and ever remember the Sustainer of the earth, and thy heart shall rejoice.

O silly man, forget thy pride,

Subdue thy pride and meditate on God in thy heart adopt the most excellent virtues.

Good acts are the tree, God's name its branches, religion its flowers, divine knowledge its fruit,

Attainment of God its leaves, and the dispelling of mental pride its dense shade.

They who behold God's power with their eyes, hear it with their ears, and repeat the true Name with their tongues,

Obtain the full wealth of honour and tranquilly meditate on God.

The great season hath come, be careful and do good works.