Hymns Of Guru Nanak

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.] {p. 297} 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. Excellent horses, elephants, lances, musical instruments, Armies, mace-bearers, and attendants are worthless And vain shows without the Lord of the world. I may be called a Sidh, and I may summon wealth and supernatural power to me;

I may be called a Sidh, and I may summon wealth and supernatural power to me; I may make for my head a crown, a regal hat, and an umbrella, Yet how should I obtain real happiness without the Lord of the world? I may be styled a lord, an emperor, or a king, I may say 'Now then'[2] to inferiors; all this would be false display. Without the Guru's instruction my business could not be adjusted. Egotism and selfishness are forgotten under the Guru's instruction. Through the Guru's instruction it is known that God is in the heart. Nanak supplicateth, I seek Thy shelter, O God. The Guru describes the condition of the holy and the means of salvation:-- He who serveth the one God knoweth not others He layeth aside the bitter things deceit and evil. By love and truth shalt thou meet the Truest of the True. [1. For frontal marks and the parting of the hair. 2 Abe tabe in Panjabi is a much more contemptuous expression than 'now then'.] {p. 298} If there be any such saint of God, His filth shall be washed away, and he shall meet God by singing His praises. Reversed are the lotuses of all men's hearts The fire of evil inclinations burneth away the world, While those who meditate on the word of the Guru are saved. The bumble-bee, the moth, the elephant, the fish, And the deer[1] suffer the consequences of their acts and die. Absorbed in worldly desires man knoweth not the Real Thing; He thinketh of lust and love for woman,

He thinketh of lust and love for woman, Which with wrath ruin all sinners. He who forgetteth the Name, loseth his honour and his senses. The perverse being who alloweth his mind to covet another's house, Hath a halter round his neck, and is entangled in difficulties; While the pious shall be delivered by singing God's praises. As a widow, who giveth her body to a stranger, And through lust or money falleth into another's power, Is never satisfied without a lover; So man readeth books and reciteth the Simritis; He also readeth, heareth, and expoundeth the Veds and the Purans; But without being dyed with God's essence his mind is very unstable. As the chatrik loveth and thirsteth for the rain-drops, As the fish is delighted with the water, So Nanak is satisfied quaffing God's essence. There was a hill king called Amar Singh who [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.

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.

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] Man obtaineth honour when he knoweth God under the Guru's instruction. Qazis, shaikhs, and faqirs in religious garbs Call themselves great, but through pride their bodies are in pain. Death will not release them without receiving the true Guru's consolation. [1. According to many Hindus Vishnu was the creator of the world. From Vishnu's navel there grew a lotus from which the god Brahma was produced. Brahma on attaining . intelligence began to consider the source of his birth. It could not be from such an insignificant thing as a lotus. He rejected the idea and kicked the lotus at the same time, whereupon he descended into it and remained long wandering in its stem until he repented of his error. He then rose to the top where he sat enthroned as before.

2 Literally--draw within Himself. Creation is God's extension; destruction, His contraction.] {p. 301} The net of Death is over man's tongue and eyes; It is over his ears when he listeneth to unchaste language. He is robbed day and night without the Word. Death cannot espy him in whose heart God's true -name dwelleth, and who singeth God's praises-- Nanak, the pious shall be absorbed in the Word. A prayer to God for protection:-- As a herdsman guardeth and keepeth watch over his cattle, So God day and night cherisheth and guardeth man and keepeth him in happiness. O Thou compassionate to the poor, I seek Thy protection; look on me with favour. Preserve me in this world and the next. Wherever I look there art Thou contained; guard me, O Guardian. Thou art the Giver, Thou art the Enjoyer, Thou art the support of the soul. Man must supplement his prayers by good acts:-- Without meditating on divine knowledge man ascendeth or descendeth according to his acts. Without praising the Lord of the world the darkness of ignorance shall not be dispelled. We see that the world is perishing through covetousness and pride. By serving the Guru, God and the true gate of salvation are attained. What hath man brought into the world? What shall he take away when he is entangled in Death's noose? Like a well-bucket firmly attached to a rope, he is now in heaven, now in hell. A spiritual guide is necessary for salvation:--

A spiritual guide is necessary for salvation:-- His account is settled who through the Guru's favour knoweth God. God, called the Pure One, who is in every heart, is my Lord. {p. 302} Man shall not be emancipated without the Guru's instruction; see and ponder upon this. Even though man performed hundreds of thousands of ceremonies, all would still be darkness without the Guru. What shall we say to those who are blind and devoid of wisdom? Without the Guru the way cannot be seen; how shall we reach the goal? Man calleth the counterfeit genuine; but he knoweth not what the genuine is. A blind man he calleth an assayer; wonderful is this age. Man saith, the sleeper is awake, and he who is awake sleepeth; He saith, they who are alive are dead, and he weepeth not for those who are really dead; He saith, that he who is coming bath gone, and that he who bath gone is coming; He calleth another's property his own, and with his own he is not satisfied; He calleth what is sweet bitter, and what is bitter sweet He slandereth those who love God--such is what I have seen in this age. Man serveth a handmaiden,[1] but the Master he seeth not. He churneth tank water, and no butter is produced. He who can explain this is the Guru for me. Nanak, he who knoweth himself is unequalled and unrivalled. GAURI CHHANT The longing of the pious for God is compared to the longing of the young bride for her spouse:--

The longing of the pious for God is compared to the longing of the young bride for her spouse:-- Painful is the night for the young bride; without her Beloved she sleepeth not. She pineth away through grief at His absence: The woman pineth away through grief at His absence, saying 'How shall I look upon Him?' [1. Mammon.] {p. 303} Ornaments, dainty food, sensuous enjoyments are all vain and of no account for her. Intoxicated with the wine of youth and melting with pride milk cometh not to her breast. Nanak, she meeteth her Spouse when He causeth her to meet Him; without Him no sleep cometh to her. The bride is unhonoured without her beloved Lord. How shall she be happy without embracing Him? Without a spouse there is no domestic happiness; ask thy friends and companions. Without the Name there is no love or affection; but, with the True One, woman abideth in happiness. They in whose hearts there is truth and contentment, meet the Friend; under the Guru's instruction the Bridegroom is recognized. Nanak, the woman who abandoneth not the Name shall be easily absorbed in God through it. Come, friends and companions, let us enjoy our Beloved. I will ask my Guru and write His words of. love. The Guru hath communicated to me the true Word; the perverse shall regret they have not received it. When I recognized the True One, my roaming mind became fixed. The wisdom of the True One is ever new, so is the love of His Word.

The wisdom of the True One is ever new, so is the love of His Word. Nanak, true peace of mind is obtained from His look of favour; meet Him, my friends and companions. My desires have been fulfilled; the Friend hath come home to me. A song of rejoicing was sung at the union of Husband and wife. His praises and a song of joy were sung; the bride is happy in His love and her heart is in raptures. Her friends are also happy, her enemies unhappy; true profit is obtained by repeating the name of the True One. With clasped hands the woman prayeth that she may night and day be steeped in God's love. Nanak, the Beloved and His spouse unite in dalliance; my desires have been fulfilled. {p. 304} RAG ASA The Creator bestows good gifts:-- If a beggar at God's gate cry aloud, God heareth him in His palace. God may give him consolation or repulse him; He alone bestoweth greatness. God knoweth man's virtues and inquireth not his caste; in the next world there is no caste. God acteth Himself and causeth to act. Thou, O Creator, payest heed to man's complaints. Since it is Thou alone who actest, Why should we be dependent on any but Thee? What is the world to us? Thou Thyself didst create; Thou Thyself dost bestow; Thou forbiddest evil inclinations. If Thou by the Guru's favour dwell in the heart, Suffering and the darkness of ignorance shall depart therefrom. Thou givest truth to those whom Thou lovest

Thou givest truth to those whom Thou lovest Thou givest truth to none besides. If Thou give truth to any one, saith Nanak, there shall be no inquiry made of him hereafter. The following was addressed to a votary of Krishan, who was. worshipping his god with music and dancing:-- Make understanding thy fife, the love of God thy drum By these joy and earnest desire are ever produced in the heart. This is devotion; this is austerity- In this wise dance beating time with thy feet. Deem knowing how to praise God as beating time: Other dances are sensuous pleasures. Play truth and contentment as thy pair of cymbals Make the perpetual vision of God the bells for thy feet Make love for none but God thy measures and songs In this wise, dance beating time with thy feet. {p. 305} Ever make the fear of God in thy heart and sour, Whether sitting or standing, thy gyrations. Make the knowledge that thy body is ashes thy recumbent posture [1]-- In this wise dance beating time with thy feet. Thine audience shall be the disciples who love instruction, Who hear the true Name from the Guru's lips, And repeat it again and again- Nanak, in this wise dance beating time with thy feet. The following was intended to show God's superiority to His creatures Ram and Krishan, who are now adored as gods by the Hindus:-- God having created the atmosphere supported the whole earth and set bounds to water and fire.

God having created the atmosphere supported the whole earth and set bounds to water and fire. The fatuous Rawan[2] had his ten heads cut off; what greatness was obtained by slaying him? What praise of Thine, O God, shall be uttered? Thou pervadest everything; Thou lovest all Thy creatures. Having created living beings, Thou holdest their ways in Thy hand. What greatness was obtained by putting a nose-ring on the black serpent of the Jamna?[3] Whose husband art Thou? Who is Thy wife? Thou pervadest all things. Brahma, the granter of favours, with his progeny went to ascertain God's greatness, But could not find His limits; what greatness wits obtained by slaying Kans?[4] When the sea of milk was churned and its gems brought [1. A part of an Oriental dance. 2. Râwan, king of Ceylon, abducted Sita, Râm's wife, and was killed by him. 3. This was one of the feats of Krishan, who, in some ways, resembles the Hercules of Greece. 4. Kans, king of Mathura, is called Krishan's maternal uncle. It was foretold that the offspring of Krishan's mother, Devaki, should kill Kans, so he employed all his efforts to destroy her children. Krishan however, was not destroyed, but succeeded in fulfilling the terms of the prophecy.] {p. 306} forth, the demigods and demons each claimed the merit thereof. What greatness was obtained by the distribution of the gems to each? Saith Nanak, if men try to conceal Thy greatness, O God, how can it be concealed?

What greatness was obtained by the distribution of the gems to each? Saith Nanak, if men try to conceal Thy greatness, O God, how can it be concealed? The Guru in his anxiety to meet God compares himself to a bride who rejoices in her approaching marriage:-- When the Bridegroom kindly came to my house, My female companions met me and arranged for the marriage. My heart was glad as I gazed upon the play; the Bridegroom came to wed me. Sing, sing, O ladies, the bridal song with wisdom and reflection. The Life of the world hath come to my house as my Bridegroom. My marriage having been brought about through my Guru, when I met him I recognized my Spouse Whose Word filleth the three worlds; when my pride departed my heart was glad. God arrangeth His own affairs; they are not arranged by others: They consist in bestowing truth, contentment, mercy, and faith-a few pious persons know this. Saith Nanak, God alone is the Spouse of all, She on whom He looketh with favour is the happy wife. In the opinion of the Guru human life is worthless without holiness:-- A cow without milk, a bird without wings, and tillage without water are of no avail. What is an emperor to whom no obeisance is made? Dark is the chamber in which Thy name, O God, is not. Why shouldest Thou forget me when I am in great affliction? When affliction befalleth me, forget me not. Man's eye grow blind, his tongue loseth its taste, his ears hear not;

Man's eye grow blind, his tongue loseth its taste, his ears hear not; {p. 307} He can only move by being supported--these are the fruits of non-service. Make the Word the garden tree, plant it in good soil,[1] and irrigate with love. The one Name is the fruit of all such trees; how shall men obtain it without good works? All creatures are Thine, O Lord; none obtaineth his reward without devotion to Thee. Woe and weal are distributed according to Thy will without Thy name real life remaineth not. How may man live except by dying by the Guru's teaching? If one live otherwise, he shall not know the way. Saith Nanak, Thou, O Lord, restorest life; Thou preservest man as Thou pleasest. The following was addressed by way of admonition to a Brahman:-- Making my body the loin-cloth, my heart the Brahman, Divine knowledge my sacrificial thread, meditation my grass[2] and leaves, I shall beg for God's name and praises instead of the alms of the Brahmans; And by the favour of the Guru be absorbed in God. O Brahman, so meditate on God That His name may become thy purification, His name thy learning, and His name thy wisdom and good acts. The sacrificial thread is only on thy body its long as thou hast life. Make the remembrance of the Name thy loin-cloth and frontal mark, And it shall abide with thee in this world and the next. Search for nothing but the trite Name; Make God's love thy worship, the burning of the love of wealth thine incense.

Make God's love thy worship, the burning of the love of wealth thine incense. Look only on the one God, search for none other. [1. The heart. 2. The kusha (Poa cynosureides), used by the Brahmans in worship.] {p. 308} He who repeateth God's name with his mouth and pondereth on it, Beholdeth Him at the tenth door of the firmament.[1] His doubt and fear who liveth upon the love of God flee away. If the sentry be on the alert, thieves will not break in. Deem the knowledge of the one God thy frontal mark, And the consciousness that God is within thee thy discrimination.[2] God cannot be overcome by other ceremonial acts. He who merely readeth religious books hath not found His worth. His secret is not known from the eighteen Purans or the four Veds. Nanak, the true Guru hath shown me God. The following was addressed to a pandit who inquired how salvation could be obtained:-- The body like a frail earthen vessel is miserable; in birth and death it suffereth further pain. How shall the dangerous ocean of this world be crossed? It cannot without the divine Guru. There is none but Thee O my Beloved; there is none but Thee, O God. In all colours and forms art Thou; Thou pardonest him on whom Thou lookest with favour. My mother-in-law[3] is perverse; she will neither let me dwell at home, nor meet my Beloved. Since I have worshipped- the feet of my companions and friends,[4] my Beloved through the kindness of the Guru hath looked on me with favour.

Since I have worshipped- the feet of my companions and friends,[4] my Beloved through the kindness of the Guru hath looked on me with favour. Reflecting on myself and chastening my heart I see that there is no friend like Thee. As Thou keepest me so I live; I endure woe and weal as Thou bestowest them. [1. In the brain in a state of ecstasy. 2. In the matter of eating, drinking, wearing, living, and worshipping. 3. Mammon. 4 The saints.] {p. 309} I have dispelled hopes and desires, and I no more long for mammon. The holy man who hath found shelter in the society of the saints, obtaineth the fourth state.[1] He in whose heart the invisible and inscrutable God dwelleth, possesseth all divine knowledge, meditation, devotion, and penance. Nanak, he whose heart is dyed with God's name shall readily obtain devotion under the Guru's instruction. The following is supposed to have been composed by the Guru on the death of his father:-- Abandon love of family and love of everything. Abandon worldly love; it is all sinful. Abandon worldly love and superstition, O my friends. Repeat the true Name with your tongues and your hearts. His children weep not and his mother afflicteth not herself for him[2] Who possesseth the nine treasures of the true Name. The world is ruined by such love as the worldly feel; Only some rare pious man may be saved. Through such love as that one is born again He who feeleth such love goeth to the city of Death.

He who feeleth such love goeth to the city of Death. Practise acceptance of the Guru's. instruction as thy devotion and penance. He who breaketh not with worldly love shall not be accepted. If God look on man with favour such love shall depart, O Nanak, and he shall be absorbed in God. When Guru Nanak went to Gorakhmata-the present Nanakmata--he found religious men of [1. Ancient Indian writers enumerate four states of life--jâgrat, waking; swapan, dreaming; sukhupati, deep sleep--{Greek e?peid'an tis kaðeu'dwn mhd? o?'nar mhde`n o!ra^j}(Plato, Apology); and turiya, mental absorption in God, in which state man is said to have obtained salvation during life. He then forgets the troubles of the world and is immersed in happiness. 2 The gyânis also translate--His heart crieth not or longeth for mammon.] {p. 310} several sects assembled there. The following was composed after a discussion with them:-- He who meditateth on knowledge conferreth favour on others; When he correcteth his evil passions he dwelleth at a place of pilgrimage; The tinkling bells of ecstasy resound for him when he turneth his heart to God. What can Death do to me in the next world? When man hath abandoned desires he is a Sanyasi. If a Jogi be continent, he enjoyeth his body.[1] He who in his heart meditateth mercy, is a Digambar:[2] He tortureth himself, but not others. Thou, O Lord, art one, but many are Thy manifestations.

Thou, O Lord, art one, but many are Thy manifestations. Nanak knoweth not Thy wonderful play. As a wife fears that she is forgotten by her spouse, so the holy man fears that he is neglected by God:--- I am not possessed of one virtue to cleanse my polluted body. My Lord awaketh; I sleep the livelong night. How shall I thus become dear to my Spouse? My Lord awaketh; 1 sleep the livelong night. Even though I approach His couch smitten with desire, I know -not if I shall then please Him or please Him not. How know I what shall occur, O mother? Without beholding God I cannot abide. I have not tasted love; my thirst is not quenched My youth hath fled, and I mourn for what is lost. Even now I awake smitten with desire: I have become sad, and remain without hope. If woman adorn herself with the rejection of pride, Her Spouse will enjoy her on the couch. Then, Nanak, shall she please her Spouse's heart She will abandon pride and be absorbed in Him. [1. The ecstasy he feels from the practice of Jog is sufficient for him. 2. Who wanders naked.] {p. 311} It is necessary to fear as well as love God so as to keep His commandments:-- In this world woman is very silly. I know not the worth of my Spouse; He is one, there is none other. If He cast a glance of favour on me, I shall meet Him. In the next world woman shall know the truth, And easily recognize her Beloved. If she obtain such wisdom by the Guru's favour,

If she obtain such wisdom by the Guru's favour, She shall please her Spouse's heart. Saith Nanak, if she adorn herself with fear and love, Her Spouse will ever enjoy her on the couch. When man has parted with all worldly love, he has prepared himself for deliverance:-- No one hath a son, no one hath a mother.[1] Through deceitful worldly love man wandereth in doubt. O my Lord, I am Thy creation; I utter Thy name when Thou givest it me. Man may wail aloud for his many transgressions, But he shall only be pardoned if it be God's will. By the Guru's favour evil inclinations depart Wherever I gaze there is only one God Saith Nanak, if man attain such wisdom, The True One will absorb that true one in Himself. The following was addressed to a worldly-minded Raja:-- Thou mayest have lakhs of armies, lakhs of musical instruments and lances; lakhs of men may rise to do thee homage; Thy dominion may extend over lakhs of miles; lakhs of men may rise to do thee honour All that would be fruitless, wert thou not credited in God's account. Without God's name the world is only trouble. If the fool be never so much admonished, he remaineth the blindest of the blind. [1. Everything is illusion.] {p. 312} Thou mayest earn lakhs of rupees; thou mayest amass and spend lakhs; lakhs may come and lakhs may go; But, if thy soul obtain not credit in God's account, where else shall it obtain it? Lakhs of Shastars may be explained to thee; lakhs of pandits may read the Purans for thee--

Lakhs of Shastars may be explained to thee; lakhs of pandits may read the Purans for thee-- All would be unacceptable didst thou not obtain credit in God's account. From the true Name--the kind Creator's name--honour is obtained. If it dwell day and night in the heart, O Nanak, man shall be delivered by God's favouring glance. The temptations to which man is exposed by his senses:-- The five evil passions dwell concealed within the heart; Wherefore it remaineth not fixed, but wandereth like a pilgrim. My mind remaineth not fixed on the Merciful One Avaricious, deceitful, sinful, and hypocritical, it is excessively attached to worldly love. When I meet my Beloved I will adorn myself, And put on necklaces of flowers. 1 have five companions and one husband.[1] It is ordained from the beginning that the soul depart. The five senses shall weep in unison, Saith Nanak, when the soul is arrested to give its account. ASA ASHTAPADI Guru Nanak expatiates on the advantage of the Guru's instruction and the repetition of God's name:-- Man may perform all. devotion, all penance, and resort to every expedient; Yet he is as if he wandered in a wilderness, and could not find the way. Without knowing God, no one is acceptable. [1. This is the relation of the soul to the five senses or organs of perception.] {p. 313} Without the Name man is despised.[1] The Lord is permanent; the world cometh and goeth.

The Lord is permanent; the world cometh and goeth. Mortals shall be emancipated by being the holy man's slaves. The world is bound by worldly love and many desires; Yet some reject it under the Guru's instruction. The lotuses of the hearts of those who have the Name within them bloom, And they fear not Death The world which loveth women is overcome by them. Men attached to sons and wives forget God's name. They waste in vain their human lives and lose their game. To serve the true Guru is the best thing. They who utter words of pride in public, Never apply the unction of salvation to their hearts They who burn worldly love under the Guru's instruction, And ever meditate on the pure Name in their hearts, Hold and restrain their wandering minds. By God's favour the Guru associateth such persons with the congregation of the Sikhs. Without a guru man forgetteth God and suffereth transmigration. Him whom God regardeth favourably He blendeth with Himself. If I speak of the beautiful One, I cannot describe Him. If I discourse of the Ineffable, I cannot find His worth. All pain and pleasure depend on Thy will, O God. All pain shall be erased by the True Name, And men shall hear instruments played without hands and anklets without feet. If man understand the Word, he shall behold the True One. When the True One is in the heart, all happiness is there also. The Preserver preserveth men by His favouring glance.

The Preserver preserveth men by His favouring glance. He who effaceth himself knoweth the three worlds. He who understandeth the Word, shall be absorbed in the True One. [1. Literally---has ashes thrown on his head.] {p. 314} Nanak, the Creator will congratulate him Who without respite meditateth on the Word. How deliverance may be obtained:-- He who burneth his hopes and desires by the Word, Who uttereth and causeth others to utter God's name, Shall by means of the Guru find the way to God's own abode. His body shall become gold by God's incomparable light, And he shall behold God's form in the whole three worlds. I possess God's true name as wealth which shall never fail. God pervadeth the five elements, the three worlds, the nine regions, and the four quarters of the universe. The Almighty supporteth the earth and the heavens. The wandering mind He bringeth back. Whoever is a fool seeth not with his eyes His language giveth not pleasure, and he understandeth not what is told him. Intoxicated with evil passions, he quarrelleth with the world; While on the other hand a man becometh good by association with the good, Pursueth virtue and purifieth himself from vice. Without serving the Guru peace is not obtained. The Name is diamonds, jewels, and rubies; It is the pearl of the heart, God's own wealth. Nanak, God assayeth man, and maketh him happy with a glance. The following was addressed to a hypocritical Jogi:--

The following was addressed to a hypocritical Jogi:-- Men sing songs while meditating evil; They intone measures and style themselves knowing. Without the Name the heart is filthy and meditateth evil. Whither goest thou? O man, remain at home. The pious are satiated with God's name, and by searching easily find Him. The bodily sins of lust, wrath, and worldly love are in the mind.; {p. 315} So are painful greed, avarice, and pride. How can the mind be satisfied without God's name? They who lave their hearts know the True One. The holy man knoweth the condition of his heart. The mind obtains composure by devotion:-- The apostate's mind is a furious elephant Which wandereth distracted in the forest of worldly love. Impelled by Death it rusheth here and there, While the pious search and find God in their hearts. Without the Guru's word the mind is not at rest. Remember God's very pure name and relinquish bitter pride. Say how shall this stupid mind be happy: Without understanding, it shall suffer the torture of Death. God will cause man to meet the true Guru, and will pardon him. The True One will thrust aside the tortures of Death. Wealth is perishable; devotion to God an abiding gain:-- When the body perisheth, whose shall be its wealth? Without the Guru how shall God's name be obtained? God's name is wealth which accompanieth and assisteth us. Day and night he is pure who fixeth his attention on God.

Day and night he is pure who fixeth his attention on God. What have we but God's name? Treating pleasure and pain as the same I forsake not the Name: God will pardon and blend me with Himself. The fool loveth gold and woman; Attached to mammon he forgetteth the Name. Him whom Thou, O God, pardonest Thou causest to repeat Thy name. Death's myrmidons cannot overtake him who singeth Thy praises. O Hari, who art God., the great Giver, Mercifully preserve us as Thou pleasest. Under the Guru's instruction God is pleasing to my mind Disease is removed and pain averted. {p. 316} There is no other medicine, charm, or spell. By remembering God, sin is destroyed. As I behold creation I am amazed and astonished God is contained in the hearts of demigods and men. God who filleth every place, I hold in my heart. There is none equal to Thee, O Lord. He who loveth worship hath God's name in his mouth. In the company of such saints and worshippers Man breaketh his shackles and meditateth on God. Pious men are emancipated by a knowledge of God through the Guru. Death's myrmidons cannot inflict pain on him Who awaketh in the love of God's name. God to whom His saints are dear, abideth with them. Nanak, salvation is obtained by bearing love to God. The following on the disregard of worldly things was addressed to a selfish Brahman:-- He who serveth the Guru knoweth the Lord; His pain is erased who recognizeth the True Word.

His pain is erased who recognizeth the True Word. Repeat God's. name, my friends and companions. On serving the true Guru ye shall behold God with your eyes. Entanglements are mother, father, and the whole world Entanglements are sons, daughters, and women; Entanglements are religious ceremonies performed through ostentation; Entanglements are sons, wives, and worldly love in the mind; An entanglement is the tillage done by the tiller-- He suffereth for his selfishness when the King demandeth revenue-- An entanglement is traffic without meditating on God. Man is never satisfied; worldly love is everywhere, diffused.[1] An entanglement is the perishable wealth which merchants amass. [1. Also translated--Man is not satisfied with the extension of his wealth.] {p. 317} Without devotion to God man findeth no place. Entanglements are Veds, religious discussions, and pride. By the entanglements of worldly love and sin man perisheth-- Nanak taketh shelter in God's name-- He whom the true Guru preserveth is freed from his entanglements. The following was addressed to a mixed assembly of professedly religious men:-- I have searched in every direction, but found no friend. If it please Thee, O Lord, Thou art mine and I am Thine. I have no other gate than Thine; whom shall I salute? I possess Thee alone, O Lord; Thy true name is in my mouth. The Sidhs strive for supernatural power; Pirs also desire wealth and supernatural power.

The Sidhs strive for supernatural power; Pirs also desire wealth and supernatural power. May I not forget the one Name under the true Guru's instruction 1 Why do the Jogis, the Bhogis,[1] and the Kaprias wander in foreign lands? They heed not the Guru's instruction or the Real Thing that is within them. Pandits, preceptors, and astrologers ever read the Purans, But know not the Thing within them--God who is concealed within the heart. Some anchorets perform austerities in forests, others ever dwell at places of pilgrimages. Those benighted people know not themselves; why have they become ascetics? Some who are called Jatis try to restrain their seed: Without the word of the Guru they shall not be saved, but shall wander in transmigration. Different persons are family men, worshippers, penitents; but it is only they who are attached to the Guru's instructions, Who hold fast the Name, charity, -and ablutions, and who awake in God's service. [1. A sect of Indian Sybarites.] {p. 318} Through the Guru the gate of Thy house, O Lord, is known; when men go there they recognize it. Saith Nanak, may I not forget Thy name, and may my heart be reconciled with the True One! Precepts for salvation:-- By restraining his mental desires man shall assuredly cross the terrible ocean. Thou, O Lord, wast in the beginning and in the primal age; Thou art the Merciful; I have entered Thine asylum. Thou art the Giver; we are Thy beggars; O God, grant us a sight of Thee.

Thou art the Giver; we are Thy beggars; O God, grant us a sight of Thee. O man, meditate on the Name under the Guru's instruction, and thou shalt be happy in the temple of thy heart. Renounce falsehood and avarice; and then shalt thou recognize the True One. Be absorbed in the Guru's instruction, and thou shalt know what is best for thee. This mind is a grasping tyrant enamoured of greed: Under the Guru's instruction greed is removed, and man arriveth at an understanding with God. If man sow a barren field, how shall he obtain profit? The obstinate man is not pleased with the truth; he is buried in falsehood. Renounce avarice, ye blind; it bringeth great unhappiness. If the true Lord dwell in the heart, the poison of pride shall be removed. Forsake the evil way of mammon, my brethren, or ye shall be plundered. Day and night praise the Name under the protection of the true Guru. The mind of the perverse is a stone or a rock; accursed and vain is his life. However much a stone be put into the water, it is dry at the core. God's name is wealth, the true Guru hath given it. Nanak, he who forgetteth not God's name drinketh, distilled nectar. {p. 319} The advantage of domestic devotion:-- Why should I go searching in the wood? My heart is a verdant forest. The true Word hath come quickly to my heart and abideth there. Wherever I look there is God; no one else is seen, Whosoever doeth the Guru's work shall find God's court.

Whosoever doeth the Guru's work shall find God's court. The True One blendeth with Himself him who is pleasing to His mind; He. blendeth with Himself him who ever walketh according to His will. If the true Lord dwell in the heart, it becometh fixed. God then granteth greatness in which naught is wanting. How shall one reach God's court by occasional service? He who embarketh in a boat of stone shall be drowned with his cargo.[1] An inculcation of devotion regardless of worldly opinion:-- He whose mind is imbued with God's name discourseth of the True One. What care I for men if I please Thee? As long as there are life and soul, meditate on the True One. The profit of singing God's praises is that man obtaineth happiness. True is Thy work; grant it me, Thou Merciful One. I live by praising Thee; Thou art my prop and my support. I am the servant and the porter at Thy gate; Thou knowest my pain. I am astounded at Thy service which hath removed my pain. Holy men through Thy name shall reach Thy court and Thy presence.[2] [1. Also translated--in the ocean. 2. Also translated--They who know the Name under the Guru's instruction shall reach God's court.] {p. 320} That time is auspicious when man recognizeth the true Word. Practise truth, contentment, and love; and then the worship of God's name shall be thy viaticum. Banish sin from thy mind, and the True One will bestow truth: The True One bestoweth true love on the true.

The True One bestoweth true love on the true. What pleaseth Thee, O God, is the real justice. True are the gifts which the true and merciful One granteth. Serve Him day and night whose Name is priceless. Thou, O God, art the most high; I who am Thy servant am low. Saith Nanak, O True One, look on me with favour that I who am separated from Thee may meet Thee. ASA CHHANT It is said that Bhai Budha and Mula, a Sikh, went to the Guru and asked him what afforded the highest gratification. His reply was the following:-- O woman in the prime of youth, my Beloved is playful. When a wife entertaineth great love for her Spouse, He mercifully taketh delight in her and enjoyeth her. The wife shall meet her Spouse if the Lord God Himself show her favour. Her bed is pleasant in the company of her Beloved; her seven tanks[1] are filled with nectar. Show me compassion and kindness, O Compassionate One, that 1 may obtain the true Word and sing Thy praises. Nanak, the young woman, having seen God her Spouse, is delighted and her heart is enraptured. O young woman, beautiful without art, pray only for the love of the one God. God is pleasing to my soul and body, and 1 am charmed with His companionship. She who is dyed with God's love and prayeth to Him, shall abide in happiness through His name. [1. The five organs of perception, with intellect and understanding.] {p. 321} When thou embracest virtue thou shalt know God; virtue shall abide with thee and vice be put to flight.

When thou embracest virtue thou shalt know God; virtue shall abide with thee and vice be put to flight. Without Thee I cannot abide for a moment; I derive no satisfaction from merely conversing of Thee. Nanak, she whose tongue and heart are moistened with God's essence, calleth for her Beloved. O my friends and companions, my beloved is a merchant. I have purchased from him God's name whose sweetness and value are infinite. If woman's house be pleasing to the inestimable, true, and beloved God, she shall be happy. Other women enjoy dalliance with God; I cry aloud standing at His door. Thou, Cause of causes, Omnipotent, Harbinger of prosperity, arrangest man's affairs. Nanak, she on whom God looketh with favour is a happy wife; she treasureth up the Word in her heart. In my house is a true song of rejoicing; God my lover hath visited me. Imbued with love He enjoyed me; I have exchanged hearts with Him. I gave God my heart and took Him as my Spouse; He enjoyeth me as He pleaseth. She who offereth her soul and body to the Beloved is supremely happy through the Word, and obtaineth the ambrosial fruit in her own home. It is not obtained by intellect, or study, or by great cleverness; what the heart desireth is obtained by love. Nanak, God is my Beloved; I belong to none besides.[2] As the deer is snared, the bumble-bee caught by the lotus, and the fish falleth into the net, so man's soul becomes the prey of Death.

As the deer is snared, the bumble-bee caught by the lotus, and the fish falleth into the net, so man's soul becomes the prey of Death. Hear, O black deer,[2] why art thou enamoured of the garden?[3] The fruit of sin is sweet, but only for four days; it then groweth bitter. [1. Also translated--I conceal not the fact. 2. Man. 3 The world.] {p. 322} The fruit for which thou greatly cravest, shall become very bitter without the Name. That fruit is as a wave of the ocean, or as a flash of lightning.' There is no protector but God; yet He hath been forgotten by thee. Verily, saith Nanak, think of it, thou shalt die, O black deer. O bumble-bee,[2] thou wanderest among the flowers, and very great shall be thy suffering, when the lotus closeth on thee. I have inquired of my Guru regarding the true knowledge of God. I have inquired of the true Guru regarding the knowledge of God; O bumble-bee, thou art enamoured of the flowers. When the sun riseth,[3] the body falleth, and the soul shall be boiled in hot oil. O demon, without the Word thou shalt be bound and punished on the road of death. Verily, saith Nanak, think of it, thou shalt die, O black bee. My soul from a strange land,[4] why fallest thou into entanglements? When the true Lord dwelleth in thee, why shouldst thou be entangled in Death's net? When the fisherman casteth his net, the fish leaveth the water with tears in its eyes.

When the fisherman casteth his net, the fish leaveth the water with tears in its eyes. The love of mammon is dear to the world; all doubts on the subject shall at last be set aside.[5] Serve God heartily, and dispel thy mental anxieties. Verily, saith Nanak, think of it, O my soul from a strange land, Rivers which separate in their course can only meet again by chance. In every age what is sweet is full of poison, some rare holy man knoweth this. [1. That is, such fruit is very transitory. 2. The soul in another aspect. 3. When death comes. 4. Which has migrated from another body. 5. Also translated--But at last it shall be delivered from its error.] {p. 323} Some rare person who thinketh of the true Guru knoweth divine knowledge and recognizeth God. Without God's name the fools and the heedless wander in superstition and are ruined. They whose hearts contain not God's true name and service, at last groan and weep. Verily, saith Nanak, they who have been long separated meet by the True Word. RAG GUJARI Guru Nanak orders man to repeat God's name and engage not in idol worship:-- If the heart be made the scraper,[1] the Name the sandal, And good acts be mixed with it as kungu, that shall be the real worship of God in the heart. Worship God by meditating on His name, for without the Name there is no worship. If any one were to wash his heart as the surface of the idol is washed, His impurity should be removed, his soul should become pure, and he should depart to deliverance.

His impurity should be removed, his soul should become pure, and he should depart to deliverance. Even beasts have their merits; for the oil-cake they eat they give milk, but the Brahmans make no return of the offerings made them. Without the Name accursed is man's life and the acts he performeth. God is near, think Him not distant; He ever careth for and remembereth us. Eat what He giveth, said Nanak verily. The Guru's God is superior to the demigods of the Hindus:-- Brahma sprang from the lotus of Vishnu's navel, and having attuned his throat began to recite the Veds; Yet he could not see God's limits, and remained iii the darkness of transmigration. Why should I forget the Beloved who is the support of my soul, [1. Ursa. A stone on which sandal for worship is scraped.] {p. 324} Whom the perfect worship, whom munis serve, on whom gurus meditate, Whose lamps are the sun and moon, and whose one light pervadeth the three worlds? The pious have light day and night, but for the perverse there is only sable darkness. The Sidh sitteth in meditative posture and ever argueth, but can he see God even with both his eyes? They in whose hearts there is light are awakened by the sound of the Word; the true Guru decideth their arguments. O Lord of demigods and men, infinite, unborn, Thy true palace is unrivalled. Saith Nanak, O Life of the world, grant me peace and save me by Thy favouring glance.

Saith Nanak, O Life of the world, grant me peace and save me by Thy favouring glance. GUJARI ASHTAPADI The Gurus heart is ever filled with devotion:-- I ask Thee, O God, for nothing at any time[1] but the love of Thy pure name; grant it to me, O Bright One. The chatrik Nanak prayeth for the nectareous water of Thy name; mercifully grant him to sing Thy praises. There is no happiness without true devotion:-- O Sire, how many people wear religious garbs to beg and fill their bellies! O mortal, there is no happiness without God's service without the Guru pride departeth not. O Sire, what shall I ask? Nothing appeareth permanent; in this world are the ebb and flow of life. Saith Nanak, grant me the Name as my wealth, that 1 may wear it as a necklace on my heart. The Guru only claims to be a religious instructor from the ranks of the people:-- O Sire, I am not high, or low, or middling; I am of God's people, and I seek His protection. [1. Ab tab. Also translated--I only look for Thy Pure name, not the worthless things of this world.] {p. 325} It is only they who are dyed with the Name who are free from worldly love and forget mourning, separation, and disease. My brethren, by the favour of the Guru God's service is obtained. He in whose heart is the Word of the true Guru, obtaineth the Pure God, heedeth not Death and oweth him nothing. The following instruction was addressed to Pandit Ram Chand at Banaras:--

The following instruction was addressed to Pandit Ram Chand at Banaras:-- The saints worship God with love; they thirst for the truth, and hear it with excessive love. They who cry aloud in trouble obtain rest by prayer and heartily loving God. O man, repeat God's name and seek His protection. Repeat God's name and do good works; thus shalt thou cross over the ocean of the world. O mortal man, to repeat God's name under the Gurus instruction is a happy thought. By mentally repeating God's name one's mind obtaineth a treasure of real divine knowledge and peace. In this world man's fickle mind pursueth wealth and becometh intoxicated with worldly love; Bat, on being imbued with the Guru's word and teaching, God's name and service become firmly implanted in the heart. Doubts which ruin the world by the disease of transmigration, cease not by wandering to places of pilgrimage. The place of God is the abode of unmixed happiness; he who is truly wise repeateth God's name as his penance. Every one is saturated with worldly love, and therefore endureth the great pain of birth and death. Man shall be saved by hastening to the asylum of the true Guru and repeating God's name in his heart. Man's mind becometh stable, and he practiseth divine meditation under the Guru's instruction. Pure is the heart which containeth truth and the excellent jewel of divine knowledge. {p. 326} O man, by fear, love, and service, and by fixing thine attention on God's feet shalt thou cross the terrible ocean.

O man, by fear, love, and service, and by fixing thine attention on God's feet shalt thou cross the terrible ocean. O God, put into my heart Thy name which is the purest of the pure; my body is in Thy sanctuary. Extricate me, O God, from the waves of avarice and covetousness, and put Thy name as capital into my heart. Chasten my mind, Thou spotless One, saith Nanak, I seek Thy protection. BIHAGRE KI WAR Reflections on the Hindu idol-worshippers:-- The Hindus have forgotten God, and are going the wrong way. They worship according to the instruction of Narad.[1] They are blind and dumb, the blindest of the blind. The ignorant fools take stones and worship them. O Hindus, how shall the stone which itself sinketh carry you across? RAG WADHANS The Guru enjoyed a vision of God in his dreams, and on awaking felt the pain of separation from Him -- The peacocks are crying with joy; O sisters, the rainy season hath come. The fervent woman, O God, is enamoured of Thy glances which bind her like a rope. I am a sacrifice to a sight of Thee, O God, to Thy name I am a sacrifice. Since Thou art my Master I am proud; without Thee what pride should I have? O woman, break thy couch with its frame and thine arm with their bracelets,[2] Since, notwithstanding thy decorations, the. Lord is enamoured of others. Thou needest not a bracelet-dealer, or silver, or glass bracelets: [1. Nârad's Pancharâtrâ inculcates idolatry.

[1. Nârad's Pancharâtrâ inculcates idolatry. 2. Literally--break thy bracelets on thy couch and along with them its frame and thine arms.] {p. 327} Burn the arm which embraceth not the Bridegroom. All my companions went to enjoy the Bridegroom; whose door shall I, wretched that I am, approach? O Lord, I think myself well behaved and very clever, yet I have no charm to please Thee. I plaited my tresses With cosmetic and filled the parting of my hair with vermilion; Yet when I went before Thee I was not accepted; I shall die of excessive grief. I am weeping; the whole world weepeth; yea, even the birds of the forests weep for me. One thing weepeth not for me, the separation which parted me from my Beloved. He came to me in my dreams and again vanished, upon which I wept my fill. T cannot go to Thee, O Beloved, or send any one to Thee. Return, O happy sleep, perhaps I may again behold my Lord. What shall I give him, saith Nanak, Who telleth me of Thee, O God? I will cut off my head and give it to him to sit on; without my head I will perform his service. Why do I not die and give up my life since my Lord hath chosen another? WADHANS CHHANT The following was addressed to the Hindus, who set the highest religious value on ablutions:-- Why wash the body defiled by falsehood? The practice of truth is the acceptable ablution. When there is truth in the heart, then man becometh true and obtaineth the True One.

When there is truth in the heart, then man becometh true and obtaineth the True One. Understanding is not obtained without favourable destiny-, man ruineth himself by vain babbling. Wherever thou sittest speak civilly, and fix thine attention on God's word. Why wash the body defiled by falsehood? When Thou, O Lord, didst cause me to speak, I spoke. Thine ambrosial name is pleasing to my soul. {p. 328} Thy name is sweet to my soul; a load of sorrow hath fallen from off me. When Thou gavest the order, happiness came and took its seat in my heart. I pray to Thee, who didst create the world, for Thy favour. When Thou didst cause me to speak, I spoke. The Master granteth man his term of human life according to his past acts. Fall not into a quarrel by calling any one evil. Enter not into a quarrel with the Lord; thou shalt only ruin thyself. Why be jealous and vex him with whom thou associatest? Bear what God giveth thee; it is forbidden to remonstrate; speak not nonsense regarding it. The Master granteth man his term of life according to past acts. God created all things and looketh on them with favour. Nobody desireth what is bitter; every one desireth what is sweet. Everybody may ask for what is sweet, but God will do as He pleaseth. Alms-offerings and various good works are not equal to the Name. Nanak, they who are the objects of God's favour from the beginning, have obtained His name.

Nanak, they who are the objects of God's favour from the beginning, have obtained His name. God created all things and looketh on them with favour. WADHANS ALAHANIAN Some one inquired why God, who is ever present. is never visible. The Guru replied:-- The Lord who created the world and again drew it within Himself, is known by His omnipotence. Search not for the True One afar off; He is in every heart, and is known by the Guru's instruction. By the Gurus instruction know the True One who made creation; think Him not distant. Meditate on the Name and thou shalt obtain happiness without the Name man is not victorious in the arena of the world. {p. 329} He who established the world knoweth its ways; what shall any one say? He who established the world spread the net of mammon; accept that Lord with thy heart. WADHANS KI WAR Guru Nanak as usual pays no attention to ceremonial:-- Perish the ritual by which 1 forgot my Beloved! Nanak, that is the true love which preserveth me in honour with the Lord. RAG SORATH The Guru's reflections on death and future punishment:-- Death must come to all and all must part company Go and ask the wise if men shall meet hereafter or not. They who have forgotten my God shall suffer great pain. Certainly praise that true Being, From whose glance of favour happiness ever resulteth. Praise Him, for He is Great. He is, was, and ever shall be. Thou alone, O God, art the Benefactor of all; no gifts are obtained from man.

Thou alone, O God, art the Benefactor of all; no gifts are obtained from man. What pleaseth Thee taketh place; what avail womanly tears? How many kings have departed having exercised sovereignty over millions of fortresses on earth? They whom the world could not contain have had rings put on their noses.[1] If man thought of future torments why should he devote himself to enjoyment?[2] Nanak, man shall have to wear on his neck as many chains as he hath sins. If he possess virtues, which are as brothers and friends, his chains shall be cut off. They who have no Guru shall not be accepted hereafter they shall be beaten and expelled. [1. Have been made slaves. 2 Literally--Why should he eat sweet things?] {p. 330} The following is in opposition to all except deistic forms of religion:-- There appeareth no partner of Thine; then whom shall I praise but Thee? Nanak, the slave of slaves representeth, God is known by the Guru's teaching. The Guru's conception of God:-- The Unseen, Infinite, Inaccessible, Inapprehensible God is not subject to death or destiny.[1] He is of no caste, unborn, self-existent, without fear or doubt. I am a sacrifice to the Truest of the true. He hath no form, or colour, or outline; He becometh manifest by the true Word. He hath no mother, father, son, or kinsman; He feeleth not lust, and hath no wife Or family; He is pure, endless, and infinite; all light is Thine, O Lord.

Or family; He is pure, endless, and infinite; all light is Thine, O Lord. God is concealed in every heart; His light is in every heart. He whose understanding's adamantine doors are opened by the Guru's instruction, fixeth his gaze on the Fearless One. God having created animals made them subject to death, and retained all contrivances in his own power. He who serveth the True Guru obtaineth the real boon, and is delivered by repeating the Word. Truth is contained in pure vessels; few there are whose acts are pure. By seeking Thy protection, saith Nanak, the soul blendeth with the Supreme Soul. The condition of a man who has no Guru to communicate God's name:-- As a fish without water, so is the infidel--dying of thirst. If thy breath be drawn in vain, O man, thou shalt die without God. [1. Also translated--God is not bound by the influence of His acts.] {p. 331} O man, repeat God's name and praises; But how shalt thou obtain this pleasure without the Guru? It is the Guru who uniteth man with God. Meeting the society of holy men is as a pilgrimage for the holy. The advantages of bathing at the sixty-eight places of pilgrimage are obtained by beholding the Guru:-- As a Jogi without continence, devotion, truth, or contentment, So is the body without the Name; Death Will punish it since it containeth sin in its heart. God is not found by loving the infidel; He is found by loving the true Guru.