Whatever all may desire, a man's fate is decided by his acts.

Nanak, He who fashioned creation taketh care of it.

It is not known on whom God's order will confer greatness.

The fervour of the Guru's devotion:--

Were I to become a fawn, live in the forest, and gather and eat tubers and roots,

I should ever and ever be a sacrifice to my Lord, who is obtained through the favour of the Guru.

I am a retail-dealer of Thine, O God;

[1. Because smeared with ashes.

2. Also translated--Thou desirest not the Endless One.]

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Thy Name is my stock-in-trade and my merchandise.

Were I to become a koil and live in a mango-tree, I should still tranquilly meditate on the Word.

Through my love my Lord, whose form appeareth unequalled, would naturally meet me.

Were I to become a fish and dwell in the water, I should still remember Him who watcheth over all animals.

My Spouse dwelleth on this side and on that; I shall stretch forth mine arm to touch Him.

Were I to become a serpent and dwell in the ground, I should still abide in the Word and my fears would depart.

Nanak, they are ever the happy married wives whom God hath absorbed in His light.

GAURI ASHTAPADI

Without a religious guide man would run riot in evil and haste to perdition:--

The heart is all elephant, the body a forest,

The Guru the goad; when the mark of the true Word is made on the elephant,

He shall obtain honour in the King's court.

God cannot be known by cleverness.

Without chastening the mind how can God be appraised;

In the house is nectar which the thieves are taking away:[1]

No one tried to restrain them.

If any one guard the nectar, God Himself will confer greatness on him.

Worldly wealth, comforts, and pleasures would never satisfy the Guru without devotion to God.

I may apply distilled aloe wood and sandal to my body,

I may wear silks and satins,

But without God's name how shall I obtain happiness?

What shall I wear? in what dress shall I show myself?

How shall I obtain happiness without the Lord of the world?

I may have rings in mine ears and a necklace of pearls on my neck,

[1. The name of God is in the heart.

2. The evil passions plunder it.]

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A red coverlet, flowers, and red powder;[1]

But where should I search for happiness except with the Lord of the world?

A beautiful woman with expressive eyes

May make the sixteen decorations and render herself very lovely,

Yet without worshipping the Lord of the world she would ever be despised.

One may have in his house or palace a comfortable couch;

A flower-girl may scatter flowers on it day and night,

Yet without God's name its owner would be unhappy.