[1. The animals mentioned suffer for the gratification of their senses. The bee scents the lotus and is entangled; the moth looks on the lamp and is burnt; the elephant, to gratify his lust, rushes into a trap: the fish is hungry and takes the bait; and the deer is lured to his death by the hunter's bell.]

{p. 299}

was dethroned by his brother. On being expelled he went to Guru Nanak for advice. The following was given him:--

They who wear religious garbs are full of pride and know not God.

Few are they whose minds are reconciled to devotion under the Guru's instruction.

The True One is not obtained by the practice of egotism.

When pride departeth, the supreme dignity is obtained.

Kings under the influence of pride make many expeditions:

They are ruined by pride and remain subject to transmigration.

He who meditateth on the Guru's word shall lose his pride;

He shall dismiss his wandering thoughts, and destroy his deadly sins.

He in whose heart is the truth shall easily arrive at God's court,

And, knowing God, shall obtain the supreme state.

The Guru dispelleth the doubts of those whose works are true;

And they shall obtain a fixed seat in the court of the Fearless.

What do they retain who die talking of their possessions

He who meeteth a perfect Guru putteth an end to his contentions.--

What there is, is nothing in reality--

The pious who are saturated with divine knowledge sing God's praises.

The fetters of pride cause man to wander in transmigration.

Nanak, it is the saint of God who obtaineth happiness.

Death impends over all, but cannot harm the holy:--

Even Brahma was subject to death[1] from the beginning.

[1. Literally--Brahma entered the house of death.]

{p. 300}

He found not the end of Vishnu's lotus in the nether regions;[1]

He accepted not God's order, and was led astray in error.

Whatever is created Death destroyeth.

God hath preserved us by our meditating on the word of the Guru.

Maya deludeth all the gods and goddesses.

Death looseth not his hold on him who serveth not the Guru.

God is imperishable, invisible, and inscrutable.

Emperors, rulers, and kings shall not abide.

Having forgotten the Name they shall undergo death's torture.

The Name is my support; I shall abide as Thou keepest me, O Lord.

Chiefs and kings have no abiding-place.

Bankers die after accumulating wealth and money.

O God, grant me Thine ambrosial name as my wealth.

Subjects, lords, headmen, sovereigns--

None is found permanent in this world.

Irresistible death striketh false mortals on the head.

One alone, the Truest of the true, is immovable.

All those whom He created He will again destroy.[2]