jving of Bisali sat in tranquillity in his palace. A guard came and said: Your jl yJVIajesty! The Chief Minister wishes to meet you.
Initially, King did not listen. Then he listened hut did not understand. Then he understood and said: Lethim come in.
Minister came, offered greetings and sat down near his feet and said: You are sitting in tranquillity and I have brought some news. The news requires your attention. That is why I have come at this odd hour.
King: If you do not bring the news that requires consideration, then who else will? Kingdom is a bounty but this bounty lies in the lap of head-ache. On om side the praise of the world comes running to kiss the king's feet. On the other side the fears of the world come and knock at the forehead. We have contemplation in our hands. Although contemplation aches the head but it makes you cross the river of intricate problems. Yes! Tell what is the new problem that requires contemplation?
Minister: Yes! But it is only you who welcomes the intricate problems and bids them farewell in jovial and poetic expressions that adorn you. You have put politics and pleasure of poetry in one sheath that you wear. Sir, Your Majesty! King Bhim Chand's secret messenger has come from the fierce battle that is going on across the river and brought a secret message.
King (Startled): What is the message from the puppets dancing on the fingers of someone? Alas! This is the height of degradation. Earlier it was said that a kingdom is a bed of thorns. The crown of monarchy is a load of pain. But now the kingdom has become a chain around the neck of a slave. Yes! What is the message from the slave kings?
SRI KAL.GIDHAR CHAMATKAR (VOL. - 1)
Minister: The message is that at this time Guru Gobind Singh is in the plains. From the north side and from the eastern side, we, all Kings have surrounded him. From the south side King of Sirhind's army has surrounded him. Although he is fighting with us with valour that we did not foresee or we might have read but had never witnessed, still we are fighting. If you come and fight from the west side after crossing the river, then we can surround him from all four sides and crush him. Then the raging fire that will burn the entire forest can be extinguished for ever without delay.
King (heaved a sigh): Yes! (In thoughtfulness) Yes! (Pinched his forehead with the thumb and fore finger) Well! (Closed his eyes) Oh! (Opened his eyes) Yes! Can be extinguished for ever Then what is your opinion?
Minister: Although the king of Sirhind has not called us, yet our refusing to join in the battle is undesirable? But it is no diplomacy to jump into this fire ourselves. Nevertheless if we refuse to join on being asked although it is secretive, yet it strains the societal relations and it is default in the eyes of the rulers.
King: Well! (Pressed his forehead) These are the problems. What is the solution of these problems?
Minister (Hesitatingly): We may not say 'No5. We may somewhat show off but do nothing;
King: How? (Closed his eyes and became serious).
Minister: We should say 'Yes5 to this messenger. Tomorrow we may send a few troops across the river. I shall make the Guru understand secretly, 'We are not coming to fight, we assure you5 In this way we keep up with both sides.
King: Keep up with both sides? Yes, there are two sides. One tries to keep up with both sides but this does not happen and often both sides are lost Yes! If one takes one side then one keeps up with that side. But this is not shrewdness.
Shrewdness is keeping up outwardly and inwardly remaining aloof. Yes! Minister isn5t it so? But we are Rajputs. We are known for our valour. We are known for our doing good. It is really a knot to open.
Minister: The time when we were renowned as Rajputs is gone. Now it is fear that somehow the kingdom should remain. Whatever price we may have to pay but it should remain. Strength is in unity, in getting together. Hundreds of kings, Hindu Kings, if all get together then the Mughal ruler is nobody. But selfishness and infighting has killed us.
King: What you say is right but what should we do now?
Saying this, the king closed his eyes.
Minister: The same proposal comes to my mind.
King: Well! Our brother kings have already indulged in false vows. You tell, if the Guru is not convinced with our message and he attacks us when we cross the river, then where do we stand?
Minister (in thought): First I shall go and make the Guru understand and ask him to promise that we shall not be harmed. Then only we will cross the river. We do consider lies as the basis of diplomacy but he is a prophet, whatever he utters is utmost truth. He will stick to his promise.
King: Yes! But respected Guru will consider us a hypocrite like others.
Minister: Let him think so. Why should we bother about that? In this way we shall keep up with both sides.
King: But I am not a hypocrite. I believe in piousness. I am Rajput. I know that the Guru is truthful. He values principles. He is flawless and perfect. He is benefactor for people and the country. His battles are all for righteousness. He is taking so much trouble for himself to cut the shackles of slavery of Hindus. Yes! He is Magnificent Guru. He has grandeur, splendour and self respect. His words are true. He is fearless. He does not hesitate to put his life to risk. Vices do not come near him. Evil and sin do not come near him. Yes! He is immersed in the Lord and lives in eternal blossom of mind. He leaves his comforts behind and challenges the discomforts to come forward in the form of battles. To show him our hypocrisy is shame to us worse than death. That death is a suffering of one moment. This shame is suffering forever. Whatever time we shall live, we shall have to bear this suffering and even after death it will go along with our soul beyond the pier of cremation. You tell, should I die in this shame?
After this outburst King became quiet. His eyes closed. Minister trembled, the lofty diplomacy that Minister tried to build on the wall of falsehood crumbled by this storm of truth.
King (Opened his eyes): Yes! Minister, how do we solve the predicament?
Minister: Then it is best to talk straight forward. We shall tell him that what you want us to do is difficult for us. We shall bear whatever shall happen. If need arises we shall show our valour and die.
King: Yes. You tell the messenger, we cannot side with our Br...o... thers.
Minister (interrupting): Sir, Your Excellency! But why are you so much in favour of the Guru?
King: Favour of the Guru, favour of truth, favour of religion, favour of righteousness. I am not partial for the Guru. No! I am in favour of Guru. Well! He is the Guru. If the Guru were a king, prejudiced or a big landlord then I might assess and judge but when the Guru is a true Guru, pious,
gracious and always for righteousness, then what is there to assess? It is utmost piousness for everybody to side with the Guru.
Minister: Sir, Your Excellency! How have you judged that the Guru stands for truth and righteousness always?
King (Placed a book of scripture Asa-di-var in Hindi in front): -Minister! Read this. This is the book for curing lies, deception, fraud, superficiality and vices.
Minister took the book and with respect touched it to his forehead.
King: I have seen you touching it to your head but you will get all knowledge only if you imbibe it in your heart.
Minister: I shall surely do as per your orders. It appears this has made you perceive the Guru's Spiritual greatness. It is very auspicious. Now what is your order?
King: Tell him that I am not separate from my brothers but in my destiny is written that in the battle named Mahabharata I joined the group who sided with Lord Krishna.
King said these few words in a firm tone, lustre in eyes and effulgence on his face. Minister realized that to argue with King might make him angry.
He said, "Whatever is the order of your Excellency is the best". He bowed his head and went.
Minister welcomed the messenger with respect. He was hospitable to him. Then he told him that King is not too well and has said, "Lord's wish shall prevail." The messenger tried to ask the meanings of the words a couple of times but Minister repeated the excuse of King's not being too well and left on the messenger or his master to solve the riddle of the meanings of the words.
It became more difficult for Minister to think of a solution to the present problem. He realized that King's mind is attracted towards the Guru with devotional love and his diplomacy is based on truth. It appeared to him that diplomacy based on truth is a tough job. He was used to diplomacy in combining truth, lies, bluff or other such ways to make do with and pull on but to maintain amicable relationships with diplomacy based on truth he required a higher state of mind or intuitiveness. He wished that he should manage to maintain amicable relationships of the king whose diplomacy is based on truth with the other hill kings whose diplomacy is based on meanness and with the ruler whose diplomacy is based on tyranny. He thought I am the Minister. I have eaten the salt of my Master. His kingdom should continue to flourish. The Muslim ruler hates the Guru and his disciples. He has already beheaded the ninth Guru. Now he is after his Prince-son who has gained prominence.
Inspired by the ruler sometimes the Hill King's mount an attack on him and sometimes some Muslim lieutenant brings his armies to attack. This side is a saint with Grandeur. That side is the King's army, wealth and military equipment. How long shall he fight? In the end these meat eaters are bound to finish him. The Guru shall always remain steadfast on truth. He shall never tell a lie. As such it is evident that some day he is going to lose. If our King also sides with him, then what shall happen to our kingdom? The Lord only knows. O Lord! Save our kingdom.
In these thoughts the minister remembered the Scripture book that the king had given to him. He thought why not read the book given by King? Maybe some way comes out of it. Even if no way comes out, at least I shall know the inclinations towards which King's mind has turned. Although it was late night, yet Minister kept the lamp lighted and started reading the book.
The Gong-man struck the gong. Time ticked three o'clock. From across the river blew soft and sweet breeze. Sometimes in its puff it brought a sweet melodious tune from loving hearts. The blue sky is in blossom. The twinkling stars dancing silently in the sky do not give an inkling of sound but the eyes can see the twinkling that is showering a sweet brilliance. The world of 'ego cand desires' is lying in the lap of the younger sister of death. The nature's beauty is showing its bright lustre in this solitude. A loving voice is coming from the throats of loving hearts from across the river that is giving blossom to the inner mind. It is elevating the mind to higher spheres above time and space. Now from Bisali itself such a loving melodious tune is audible.
The back door of the palace softly opened. Somebody went out. The door closed. A key locked it from outside. A figure wore a shawl on her head and shoulders and walked. The figure walked towards the place in Bisali from where the singing was audible. Yesi The figure went to the place from where the voice of singing was emanating. The sound of singing after crossing the walks and roof-tops went up to the forests and spread ecstasy.
The figure wearing a shawl went straight up to the place and reached there. The entrance was small but inside was a big and wide hall. The door was open with no restrictions. The figure with the shawl went inside.
Inside, a wick burning with refined butter in an earthen pot is giving brightness. Congregation is sitting. Musicians are singing divine songs [Kirtan).
Wondrous! How is it that musicians axe singing Asa-di-var in Bisali. How is it that across the river Benevolent Guru is busy fighting a battle and here
devotees are sitting comfortably and singing Asa-di-var? Yes dear! It is Asa-divar and those who are singing are devotees but the young and stout have already left and have joined the battle front The devotees whose minds were elevated with the beloved Guru's love-spark have already crossed the river and are ready to sacrifice their lives on Beloved Guru's orders. Here in Bisali now only those are left whose minds are elevated but being women or children or old aged have stayed back.
They are praying: 0 Lord! Waheguru! Our beloved should become victorious. They are praying while singing. They are praying in ecstasy. They are praying in love.
0 Lord! Waheguru! Our beloved Guru may be victorious over the irreligious kings and the tyrant rulers. Our Beloved Guru should wear the garland of victory. He should wear the necklace of winning. A cockade should adorn the turban of beloved 'Guru with the Plume5. The ring of losing should be put on the necks of the irreligious kings and the rulers. The dust of defeat should rise and stamp their vicious foreheads. In this way, the congregation at Bisali is singing Asa -divar and saying prayers.
Those who have gone to the battle front are also immersed in Guru-love and Lord's love. They are also singing Asa-di-var, From across the river sometimes melodious tunes of divine songs (Kirtan) rising on swift puffs of air are coming and adding to the here present ecstatic -singing and becoming doubly ecstatic, they are doubling the sensations of the Lord in everybody's mind. This is early morning time, the time to drink the Lord's nectar, the Name-nectar of the Lord. The Name-nectar is raining. The Name-nectar is pervading in the mind, heart and body of the listeners. The Name-nectar has immersed everybody in rapture.
Minister, in forgetfulness of the Lord enticed in worldly desires used to sleep well every day. But tonight he could not sleep. He was deeply worried: "A battle is on across the river. Who knows what problems arise for us? It might come on us and involve us also." But today a storm of disturbances has upset his mind. What shall happen? How shall we manage? These were thoughts that did not let him sleep. Then Minister started reading the scripture that King had given. Now the teachings of the book diverted his mind to another sphere.
He read, "Those who ride decorated bridled horses and adorn their women with expensive clothes, jewellery and cosmetics, who live in luxurious mansions and have constructed luxurious villas for merriment, who live in revelry and do not remember the Lord, they have wasted their life".
Minister was contemplating when a puff of air turned out the previous page. Again he read these lines, "Kings are figures of greed. Ministers are sinners in helping the king. Subordinates are sinners in helping the minister. The subjects are un-educated and stupid. Whatever the rulers demand for fulfillment of their greedy the subjects, instead of speaking out, protesting or contesting for truth or sacrificing themselves for the sake of truth, they blindly fill their pockets with bribemoney that is equivalent to a dead corpse. "
O Mind! This is the picture of the entire subjects. A puff of air again turned another previous page.
He read:
"Perishable is the king. Perishable are the subjects. Perishable is the entire world. Perishable are the mansions. Perishable are the villas. Perishable are those who live in these. Perishable is gold. Perishable is silver.
Perishable is the person who wears the ornaments made of gold and silver. Perishable is the body. Perishable are clothes.
Perishable is the matchless beauty for which one wears clothes and ornaments. "
The words like a sledge hammer struck on the thick veil of 'ego and desires' that had covered the mind and hidden the crystal consciousness and sublime sensation of the mind. In a trembling voice he uttered: 0 Lord! 0 Lord! V/aheguru! Waheguru! His eyes closed and a vision of ever perishable world crossed his mind. Everything is perishable. Yes! Old age will eat up young age. The kings and the subjects all will die. Where are our parents and their parents? Oh! I am in forgetfulness of the Lord. Yes! 0 Lord! 0 Lord! Waheguru! Waheguru!
Meanwhile a melodious tune from the Gurdwara fell on his ears. It is tranquillity. It is ecstasy. The same lines, "Perishable is the king" went into his ears. He heard and understood: Oh! It is the same that I have read.
Mminister's house was near the Gurdwara. But who cared to get up early in the morning. If he had cared, then he would have known that here the congregation sings Asa-di-var that elevates the mind and makes it sublime mind like a goldsmith who heats gold in the goldsmith's crucible, takes out the impurities and makes it pure gold. His ears got attuned to the divine singing [Kirtan) that gave tranquillity to the mind. The mind has elevated and the influence of the words is elevating the mind further. Minister listened to the divine singing [Kirtan) for sometime while lying down but then he sat up. Today he is feeling uneasy. He got up and attired himself in a different type
of dress so that nobody should recognize him. Then he can listen to the divine singing [Kirtan] while standing near or if he is able to get a proper way to sit inside and see what magic is this.
Minister got up and went towards his wife's bed. He thought he should wake her up so that he may go out through the back door and then she can bolt the door from inside and when he comes back, she should open the door. Then the servants and others in the house shall not know anything.
When the minister reached near his wife's bed, then he saw that the bed was vacant. His wife was missing. He was shocked. He searched this side and that side all over but how could he find somebody who was not in the house. His clever mind thought that his wife belongs to a pious family. She spends a couple of hours in worship. It is worthwhile to wait till tomorrow and check quietly. His mind thought, "This is the best solution." Now he went towards the back door but that was locked from outside. This gave a clue that his wife has surely gone out through this door. He had no option left but to go out from the front door. The guards were ordered to open the door. Minister and his personal servant Atroo, both of them went out. The guards felt surprised but none could ask the Master.
Atroo was a faithful servant of his Master. It was a tradition in those days that all moneyed people and big family men had faithful servants. These faithful servants imbibed two important qualities: One was to keep the secret of the Master. Secondly they were always ready to save the Master even if they had to give their life. Many times these faithful served for generations, like Atroo's grandfather served the Minister's grandfather, then Atroo's father served the Minister's father and now Atroo served the Minister.
Minister wrapped a shawl around his head and shoulders before reaching the Gurdwara from where the melodious tune was coming. Then he asked Atroo to wait outside and entered the door but hesitated a little at the door. At this time one old man standing near the door looked and said: Lord bless you! Come in! Welcome! Drink the nectar! Feel the ecstasy. The hesitant Minister went in and sat at a secluded place. Nobody stopped him. Nobody asked him to sit in front side or at the back. Wherever he wished, he sat quietly. No musicians were present. The devotees were themselves singing the divine songs (Asa-di-var).
The assembly consisted of old persons, adolescents and children. Yes! The assembled were those who had thirst to meet the Lord, those who had found the path towards the Lord, either from one's own search or from their family or from the congregation. It was the assembly of those whose minds
were elevated by listening to the Holy Scripture Asa-di-var in a melodious tune. This Asa-di-var washed the dirty influences that spread on the mind while dealing with the world during the day. This Asa-di-var gave tranquillity to the mind that gets scattered while dealing with the world during the day. This Asa-di-var elevated the mind and prompted it towards truthfulness, kindness and doing goodness to others. This Asa-di-var gave the message to the mind everyday that the inner self does not die. When we die our inner self shall go to a higher sphere where it is all ecstasy. The Asa-di-var transformed the men living in animal instincts to live in manly instincts and then in saintly instincts. A.sa-di-var imbibed in man that God is 'All Love5. He loves everyone as His children. It prompted that one should always remain in remembrance of the Lord. Remembrance is. the form of love and recitation of His Name is remembrance. When we recite His Name, then the mind is turned towards the Lord. Name is in the form of words on the tongue but when it goes down to the heart then it becomes a feeling of love.
Recitation of Name is the endeavour to fall at the Lord's feet. Recitation of Name is the endeavour to make us recipients of the Lord's grace. It is our eagerness, earnestness and waiting for the Lord's grace. Lord's grace has to come. It may come in moments or it may take decades or rebirths or eras but whenever it comes it should not find us unmindful. Although the Lord may awake a sleeping soul and bestow his grace but we cannot be unmindful and restrain our love or our attraction or our eagerness. We have to aim to meet the Lord and remain steadfast in the endeavour. Remembrance is the known form of love longing and wish to meet the Lord. We have to remain steadfast in remembrance. Recitation of Name is the path or say endeavour to keep the remembrance incessant.
It can be recitation by the tongue or silently in the mind. Yes! Asa-di-var prepares you for the endeavour of Name. By listening to Asa-di-var the mind is elevated. One feels a wavy sensation of the presence of the Lord in the body. It prompts you to remain steadfast in recitation of Name. It makes you recipient of the Lord's grace. However, grace is a marvel of the Lord. One cannot get it by one's own efforts of Hath Yoga or penances or fasts. Only the Lord can bestow grace. It is in his hands. When he is gracious, then he bestows. The Lord's grace in His marvel that is not in our control but our religion and spiritual work is to remember the Lord at all times. To remain in longing and wish to meet the Lord is our duty. Beloved Guru calls it Spiritual work. "Rid yourself from superstition and get attracted to Spiritual work." Spiritual work is incessant recitation of the Lord's Name. This is "Love of the
Lord." Remain in longing, craving, eagerness, earnestness, love, devotion, recitation by tongue, remembrance in mind and attention towards -he Lord. This is A$adi-var that tells you the gain of human life and what is the loss of time in human life? It reminds you to remain in the love of the Lord.
It was this assembly where the musicians sang Asa-di-var that elevated the mind and transformed it into sublime mind. Everybody's mind was attuned to the divine music. Here, now Minister has arrived and is sitting. Minister's mind was always scattered in politics of the kingdom but sitting in Holy Congregation and listening to divine music has its own impress. Minister felt that he had never been impressed by such nice divine music earlier. It is like nectar. The words of the scripture are piercing the heart and giving ecstasy.
Today the time for divine singing (Kirtari) was shortened a little because one lady had to say something. The congregation recognized her by the name Mai Sat-tili. That was the name that she had disclosed to the congregation. When the divine songs (Kirtan) finished then the lady stood up and said: Our beloved Guru is engaged in a fierce battle across the river. He is the Lord-sent from the heaven. What is the need for him to fight battles? To allay our suffering he is fighting battles. Someone has to bear hardships on account of his own bad deeds someone bears hardships on account of deeds of his own community and countrymen but the beloved true Guru is enduring hardships not for of his own but for the sufferings that are imposed on us through our own misunderstandings and misdeeds. Our country sinned that it made itself subjugated to foreign invaders and tyrants. The country-men did not rise and are suffering since centuries. There is no respect, no splendour, no magnificence and no religion. It is slavery and suffering. The Hindu kings offer their daughters in palanquins with platters full of gold so that they can live and eat Magnificent beloved Guru has picked up the. sword so that the tyrants who have not cared fc r love, peace and talks should be made to understand peace in the language they shall understand. That language is the sword. To finish their tyranny the sword supported by truth shall bring them down to righteousness.
O Brothers! Many of our young men have already joined him for service. You old people and we women and the adolescents are left behind but the benevolent Guru has also imbibed the spirit of service in us. Our blood is not cold now. It is warm that we should also do some service. If the congregation agrees, we may do some service of providing groceries. Beloved Guru is above desires and needs but we have a desire to do service.
On listening to this, everyone said: Ah ha! Great is the congregation. Great is Mai Sat-tili. It is wonderful. Everyone emptied their pockets. Whatever
anyone could give, they gave. Two hundred and fifty rupees were collected. Mai Sat-tili picked up the money and said that she will make all arrangements. No doubt came to anybody's mind that she should give a receipt or we should keep a check. Why should anyone doubt? All are devotees of Magnificent Guru Gobind Singh. They are one family. All belong to the Beloved Guru.
Minister got worried that anyone might recognize him. Hurriedly he wrapped his shawl round his head and shoulders and slipped out. The 'Shawlwrapped' man had left after listening to a few words of Mai Sat-tili but where he sat lay a packet wrapped in a handkerchief. One person picked it. It contained a few gold mohurs and a note saying, 'It is a small offering'. He gave it to the person who collected the money. Nobody could know who had donated.
After the distribution of sacred sweet everybody went to their respective homes. Mai Sat-tili carried the money and also went. Up to this day nobody in the congregation knew who she was and from where did she come or where does she stay? But see the pure hearts. None doubted whether the money shall reach the Beloved Guru or not?
Ill
In the lustre of the rising sun, magnificent Guru Gobind Singh is standing. His left hand rests on the pommel of the horse's saddle and is looking at the enemy's army contingents who are basking under the sun and sun rays coming from the east.
At this time, one disciple came and prayed: Magnificent Guru! I wish to say something.
Magnificent Guru: O dear! Say.
Disciple: (In a soft voice) Magnificent Guru! I have come from across the river. The Bang of Bisali wishes to meet you. He prays to you to cross the river and come over to Bisali and stay there. He requests you to consider his palace as your own palace. King is coming personally to invite you. Please order the guards that they should not stop him. They should allow him to come and meet you.
Magnificent Gura (Closed his eyes, opened again and looked across): Who has brought this message? Darka Singh! Come here.
Darka Singh came riding his horse swiftly: Yes! Magnificent Guru! What is your order?
Magnificent Guru: Accompany this man. The King of Bisali wishes to come. Bring him along with due respect.
Darka Singh (after getting down from his horse, in the ear) Bangs are not trustworthy, should I make sure first or should I just bring him?
Magnificent Guru: You may check within respectful limit but it doesn't seem necessary. The king is a friend and has an elevated mind. The Lord has prompted him to come. Darka Singh made the messenger sit on his horse behind him and left.
After sometime, he came back accompanied by King, Minister and some body-guards of the king.
King fell at Magnificent Guru's sacred feet and prayed: Beloved Guru! Come with me to my palace. Consider it your own. Please put your sacred feet and make it sacred.
Magnificent Guru: I appreciate your love. Be assured. I shall come but after this battle is over. You go to your palace and wait till then. King bowed his head, accepted the beloved Guru's wish and went back.
Midnight has gone past. Minister is lying down but is awake. He has seen the Holy congregation where they sing Asa-di-var, the Holy Scripture that the king gave him. He has seen how much love the congregation has for the beloved Guru. He paid respects to benevolent Guru when he accompanied the King for meeting Beloved Guru. He discarded all diplomacy and fulfilled the king's wish. It is evident that the king influenced the Minister's mind. Minister's mind is turned towards goodness but diplomacy spreads its wings on him and he thinks: If the hill kings and the ruler become angry and some problem arises, then what shall we do? Second thought comes to him about his wife: Where did she go last night? Today I should follow her. In these thoughts he remained awake but deliberately pretended that he was asleep.
Around three o'clock, Minister's wife woke up. Came near her husband's bed and whispered in his ears: O Master! Are you awake? But the master pretended to be asleep. Since no reply came, she became sure that he is fast asleep. She went to the bathroom and had her bath. Minister noticed this. After her bath she dressed up in simple clothes and came again to her husband's room to check whether he is asleep. After checking that he is asleep, then she went towards the back door. She took her senior maid, Ramo along. Ramo locked the door from outside and kept the key in her pocket. Minister hurriedly got up and after wearing a shawl on his head and shoulders followed them stealthily keeping a distance. Shortly, he saw his mistress entering the Gurdwara where the singing of Asa-di-var had started. He had already worn a shawl on
his head. He also went inside the Gurdwara un-noticed and sat in a corner. Here, he came to realize that Mai Sat-tili is actually his wife. The suspense that was pricking the mind "Where does my wife go at night?" went away. But still he was amazed. How did Asa-di-var inspire my wife? How did she get attached to it and how she reached here, all without my knowledge? Although she has done it all stealthily but how she got so much enthusiasm that she collected and carried money from here to send groceries across the river. How could she do such a daring task and I know nothing about it. This enthusiasm gives a feeling of praise and regard for his wife but he felt wonder struck. When the divine singing [Kirtan) finished then Mai Sat-tili announced in the congregation that the groceries were delivered to beloved Guru yesterday only. One disciple said that he has come from beloved Guru's camp last evening. Beloved Guru was much pleased and he blessed the congregation. From his talk it became known that the groceries sent were worth five thousand rupees. The congregation had collected two hundred and fifty rupees and some anonymous person had left some Mohurs but how the worth went up to five thousand? Everybody wondered. Today, they realized that Mai Sat-tili is a wealthy lady and her love for Beloved Guru is extreme love. When the congregation praised her, then she said: It is Guru's grace. He gives wealth and then he accepts the offering. It is his marvel. We are puppets only. Minister was more amazed to realize that so much money goes from his house in charity without his knowledge. Her devotion is so secretive that my ears do not get a hint even.
When they returned, then minister came fast and stood near the door. When Sattili entered, then in feigned anger and frown he accosted: In the day you fear like a cat and at night you dare like a lion. Where did you go?
Minister's wife blushed, was astonished but she did not feel nervous or afraid.
Minister (in a feigned loud tone): Which ocean have you crossed? Sat-tili (Head bent and hands folded): Ocean of existence, worldly ocean of fire.
Minister: Is it pretence?
Sat-tili: Lord's name is the cure. It washes the dirt of sins on the mind. It is true, O dear! I went to the holy assembly. I have come from the holy assembly. I go to cross the ocean of worldly fire.
Minister: If it is Holy assembly, then why so secretive?
Sat-tili: O dear! If you permit should we move inside? We shall feel relaxed to talk. Both went inside and sat in comfort.
SRi KALGIDHAR CHAMATKAR (VOL-i)
Sat-tili: there was no stealth, only secrecy. You were not devoted to the true Guru. Me lifeless got life-spark listening to the Holy Scripture of the true Guru. Like a thirsty person runs to the well for water similarly, me thirsty for the life nectar, went to drink the Spiritual nectar and feel its ecstasy. There is no place for hypocrisy in Holy assembly. This is the truth, whether you accept or kick me out or punish or forgive or praise, I am telling truly.
Minister felt wondrous to see truth and guilelessness combined with fearlessness and respect. He realized. The king is influenced by the Holy Scripture, is fearless and stands by principles. His mind has gained Super consciousness and boldness that is absent even in big kings. And my powerless wife who never moved out of the house, who feared falling of a straw, who startled when a feather flew down, she is also fearless and virtuous. She has respect and love for everyone. She is clever and bold that she has managed to send groceries worth five thousand rupees.
When these thoughts went into his mind, then the influence of the feigned anger went away. Minister, an embodiment of diplomacy was also influenced by the Holy Scripture when he went to the assembly for two days. Truthful, straight forward words came out of his mouth: Who bought these groceries? Who carried it to the bank of the river? Who arranged the boat? Who loaded? Who unloaded? Who managed to deliver to the Guru's Kitchen? Sat-tili is a delicate woman.
Sat-tili: Thanks O Lord! Thanks O Lord!
Minister: Thanks for what?
Sat-tili: You have been to this shower of love and ecstasy of Asa-di-var. Thanks O Lord!
Minister: How do you say that?
Sat-tili: Maybe you followed me as a detective. Maybe the true Guru prompted you to go. Surely you went to the assembly. That is how you have come to know about the groceries, five thousand rupees and my name as Sattili. Tell me haven't you been to the temple of goddess of love, the Spiritual power Asa-di-var? I am sure you have bowed down to the shower of nectar, the Holy Scripture. O my Master! Thanks to the Lord! Fortunate is the person who has put his feet in the holy assembly. Blessed are the feet that have gone to the door of Asa-di-var. Great is the benevolent Guru who prompts!
Minister (forgets diplomacy and feigned ignorance): I have already bowed down to Beloved Guru and invited him to come and stay in our kingdom.
Sat-Tili: Great is my loving Asa-di-var! Great is my nectar showering mother Asa-di-var! Great is my molly coddling grandmother Asa-di-var. All my wishes are fulfilled.
Minister: How?
SatTili: It was my craving that somehow you also drink the Name-nectar that is being showered by the fountain of nectar Asa-di-var. It is said that Sikander went near the shower of nectar but due to darkness could not drink it. I said to myself: Oh! My want! I drink the nectar but am powerless to make my Master drink. I shall drink but he shall remain thirsty. But with your diplomatic mind, I, ignorant, could not find any way. Great is my Asa-di-var that has fulfilled all my wishes.
Minister (smiling): It is wondrous. My master realized the greatness of beloved Guru and respected the Holy Scripture and holy assembly. He gave me the Holy Scripture Asa-divar in book form. My wife who considers me her Master also realized the greatness of the Holy Scripture Asa-di-var and me like a sandy bank in the middle of two rivers remained dry and ignorant. O destiny! Wondrous are your marvels.
Sat-tili: People worship goddess Durga. They say she gives wealth. But my goddess Asa-di-var is goddess of nectar. Se showers nectar to drink. In whatever way, she has attracted you towards her hall of audience. Same way she attracted the king. Same way she attracted me. She has also attracted you. Her motherly love has wondrous ways.
Minister: You worshipped the idol since childhood. You brought your box of idols in dowry then worshipped idols for three long hours every day. I am amazed how your mind turned this side.
SatTili: I do not know. Maybe the true Lord prompted me. O Dear! Maybe the worship that I did fructified. Maybe that cleansed my mind and then this soul-awakening Asa-di-var attracted me like a magnet.
Minister: How did it start?
SatTili: One day I felt afraid of death. Then I wondered that I have worshipped the goddess for many years but the fear of death is still not gone. In these thoughts I fell asleep. Very early in the morning I startled and woke up. The same thoughts came to my mind again. At that moment my ears heard this Asa-di var, although I could not understand its meanings but I felt cool and it gave tranquillity to the mind. Then I sent Ramo and got all the information. Then I started listening to the melody every morning but day by day the longing to go to the assembly and sit and understand attentively increased. I was eager to talk to you but feared that you might get angry. Once when you had gone out of town then I took Ramo along and for the first time I went from the back side door and returned before the conclusion ceremony while it was still dark. Well! From that day I understood the meanings
and I felt ecstasy. Then the idols appeared to me like stones. O Master! Do not be angry. I have told you the truth. I do not wish to say anything bad regarding the idols. See! Nam Dev and Dhanna who worshipped idols, when their mind got Super consciousness of the Lord, then they said that these idols are stones only. Even saint Kabir said: Whosoever worships the idols remains in mistaken beliefs and shall not meet the Lord. If I said it as stone, then you forgive me. I cannot help saying that. I have said the truth. I did worship the stone idol but now I feel a living Lord within me close to me. In this way I was attracted to the nectar by going to the assembly. It was not stealth. I was afraid that you might consider from diplomatic point of view and stop me from going and I shall not be able to accept that because I could not live without this Asa-di-var. You be benevolent and forgive me. It is not in my hands. I am attached to this congregation on heaven's command.
In his mind Minister was appreciative of his wife's simple and true words. He thought "What a pure soul she is? I am a perfect hypocrite. If I were not, then how would I manage the affairs of the kingdom? In my own house, I have a wife who doesn't know what hypocrisy is? I am baffled to see her simplicity. Truly speaking, only such persons shall cross the worldly ocean of fire." But minister suppressed his noble thoughts and smilingly said: Yes. Going to the Gurdwara is simple but to send groceries where fighting is going on, from where did you leam the art of buying and transporting?
Sat-Tili: The scripture has mentioned seven or nine vices of a woman. How can I remain away from them? But I shall speak the truth. I have not learnt any art of buying and transporting. Ramo's brother runs a big grocery shop in the market. Ramo told him to arrange to send groceries across the river but do not ask who has sent and who has paid the money. If beloved Guru asks, then tell him that the congregation of Bisali has sent. It is true. He is a pious man. In any case he does not know who is Sat-tili. He has not taken money for arranging to send the groceries. Even the boat-men did not take any money for transportation. They respect beloved Guru. I have not done any cleverness but if you think I was too clever to do all this, then you forgive me. "To err is human."
Sat-tili: O my Master! Are you angry? Have I been doing wrong?
Minister (hesitatingly): No Sita! You are a goddess. You have loved the Lord. How did you accept a demon as your husband? I tell you truly you did a pious service. The Lord prompted you to do service. You treaded on the right path. I was drowned in hypocrisy. It is said that the deeds of husband and wife mingle with each other. Maybe because of your good deeds I have
also started going to the Gurdwara to listen to Asa-di-var. It is the marvel of the Lord whom you love so much that the king has advised me to read the Scripture book Asadi-var. King has become my mentor and I the disciple like Janak and Sukdev. Then, the same book of Asa-di-var kept me awake at night while awake at night I noticed your going out early in the morning and curiosity arose in me to find out "Where do you go?" That curiosity took me to the Gurdwara where I listened to the Asa-di-var and felt ecstasy. I feel it is due to your pious deeds that I became fortunate to have a glimpse of beloved Guru. I am so much impressed to meet Beloved Guru. (Delightfully) We have invited him but he has not come as yet. He will come but at present he wants to keep on fighting. First he will send the women, children and elderly. Some troops will come for their security. Rest will keep on fighting. The battle will continue. The canons will keep on firing. He is not the least afraid that he might get killed or his sons might get' killed. Ke will come after defeating the enemy. If I had been in his place, then on the invitation of the king I would have left the battle field and come away leaving the soldiers to their fate. King has sent three messages but he is steadfast on his strategy and principles. Sitai King has extreme love for beloved Guru. He feels restless like you. I was the one without any love. Your love has imbibed love in me also.
Sita: This is Lord's marvel. He has showered grace on you. Beloved Guru has blessed you. Great is my Asa-di-var, the goddess of love.
Minister (smiling): How is it that the congregation knows you by the name Sat-tili? You are sita.
Sita: When I was a child, a sadhu used to visit our house often. One day he said: You are fortunate. You will get inner blossom of mind. Another day he looked at my face and said: Oh! You have seven moles. Then he called my father and said: Count. She has seven moles on her face. One is between the eyebrows. One is on the tip of the nose. One is on her chin. Two moles are on the tender top of the right ear and two are on the cheeks. She is a girl with seven moles. Then he said Sat-tili will prosper immensely. Sat-tili will meet the Lord. When I went to the Gurdwara and felt ecstasy, then I remembered that the words of the Sadhu have become true. But that blessing of the Sadhu was for Sat-tili. So, in the assembly, I told my name as Sat-tili. But in my mind I also wanted to hide my name. O Master! I was afraid of you. This is my folly. Please forgive me.
It is the battle front on the side of the river bank. King of Bisali prayed: O Magnificent beloved! The pull of your sacred feet does not let us sit in tranquillity. Please be benevolent and accompany us to Bisali. Your life is too precious. The battle is too fierce and it is best to leave just now. You are the best judge. I express my sentiments of love.
Minister: It is your honourable nature. The congregation across the river is craving to meet you. You must accompany us.
Magnificent Guru: O dear King and worthy Minister! Great is your love. It pulls. This is also the Lord's command. The messages of peace coming from the enemy are hollow, without truth. The battle is no doubt fierce but we will not show our back to the enemy. We shall not run away. We shall fight valiantly and then cross the river and come.
Minister: It is true. Your Spiritual strength is like the sun that showers radiance.
You Spiritual strength showers Super consciousness as the sun showers brightness. My mind is sinful and in sentimental attachments. But O Benevolent! It's your grace that you have blessed me insight. I have realized your greatness and esteem. Whatever way you wish, you come and cross the river then only we shall feel relief from our apprehensions.
Magnificent Guru: All right! We shall do like that. You go and take along with you the caravan of families of the valiant, children, old men, wounded and sick. You help them cross the river. Some boat and boatmen are waiting. You try to get more boats yourself. The extra valiant men and others will follow. We have made strategic planning of battle lines. We shall keep the enemy busy in fighting, killing, moving forward and backward, right and left till such time that all our companions cross the river and it becomes night. Then the soldiers whose lives are saved shall cross the river. By that time the enemy will be dead tired after losses and deaths. The darkness shall keep them at a distance. Then all of us will reach.
King: May I be a sacrifice to you! It is wondrous to see your mastery in the art of warfare and valour while sticking to principles of truth and sacrifice. If you were to fight while throwing away principle of truth and character, then I cannot imagine what would have happened. You are the only one who has come to this earth and fought while sticking to principles of truth. You do not fluctuate in your decisions. Who can assess your merit? Yes! Time will pass. In the times to come, people will realize your unparalleled greatness and feel wondrous.
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Magnificent Guru: It is the Lord's command! I am only carrying out. My Super consciousness is tied to the Lord's feet. People are in forgetfulness of the Lord. I am not separated from the Lord whether it is victory or defeat. Whatever means that might be useful to gain victory but are impediment to the link of Super consciousness with the Lord, they have no place in my battle strategy. I have to move on the right path. Yes! Lord is my support. He Himself will support me. When He is the support, then who can kill? Who can?
Saying this, he looked towards the heaven and got engrossed.
King: If you agree why not come quickly? If you agree, why not leave the battle field.
On listening to King's words, magnificent Guru Gobind Singh spoke: You take the caravan of families of valiant. We shall fight the enemy to the last and will be victorious. King bowed and left.
As per the Guru's wish the caravan of families of the valiant accompanied him. When the enemy saw that some people are crossing the river, then the battle became fierce. The enemy armies mounted attack with more vigour. Wazir khan was heard saying that he had never seen such fierce battle before. It is evident that the ruler of Delhi prompted the battle. The hiirKings could not fight so well. The Guru's valiant defended with all their might. At this time the Guru was told that Commander Sahib Chand has laid down his life while fighting. Then the Guru sent more reinforcements on that front. Later the Guru's soldiers while killing the enemy soldiers and defending themselves crossed the river. The enemy tried to follow but in vain.
Wazir Khan and the hill Kings then thought that moving across the river will be suicidal for them. They will tell the ruler at Delhi. We have won. We made the Guru's soldiers run away across the river. Anandpur is destroyed. But the world knew that the Guru's army fought bravely and it was their battle strategy to cross the river while fighting and killing. They even carried then wounded as well as the dead body of Commander Sahib Chand.
Magnificent Guru crossed the river accompanied by his soldiers arid reached Doaba, the kingdom of Bisali safe and sound. Here people were waiting near the bank of the river. When he put his sacred feet on land, the congregation welcomed him with shouts of 'Hail Beloved Guru'. Musicians played the victory tune.
Little further ahead the King of Bisali and Minister welcomed him. Prominent persons and courtiers stood in rows to greet him. King came forward and fell at beloved Guru's feet. Beloved Guru embraced him and said: You
are blessed. Then minister touched beloved Guru's feet. Again beloved Guru said: You are blessed.
Now the congregation chanted divine songs (Kirtari) with great devotion. Mai Sat-tili held a platter of lighted lamps in her hand and moved it in circular motion as a welcome while having a glimpse of beloved Guru, the Master of Asa-di-var. This was the first most auspicious day in her life that she got a chance to have a glimpse of beloved Guru. Her eyes filled with tears of delight and her face became lustrous. On seeing the grandeur in beloved Guru, her eyes stopped blinking in semi consciousness and she felt ecstasy. But then she became alert, bowed down and moved the platter of lighted lamps with extreme devotion. Then she placed a garland of flowers and pearls around beloved Guru's neck. Then the king placed a victory garland around Magnificent Guru's neck and everyone bowed down in salutation. Minister escorted beloved Guru to the camp where arrangement was already made for Magnificent Guru's stay.
The congregation recited the scripture Rehras. Devotees recited a prayer and sacred sweet was served. Whether it was war or peace, whether it was praise or solitude, the beloved Guru never missed his honourable nature. He did not rest. He went to the camp where the wounded were being treated. He loved them with his sacred hands and elevated their minds with his sacred words. The doctors were applying antiseptic cream and wrapping bandages on the wounds. Some wounds were being stitched. Everybody felt a loving emotion that the beloved Guru has visited them without even changing his army dress or relaxing. After giving solace to the wounded, beloved Guru went to the bank of the river where the pyre for cremation of the dead was ready, arrangement for salutation to Commander Sahib Chand was made, prayer was held and the Beloved Guru himself lit the pyre with his sacred hands. He showered blessings for Commander Sahib Chand: "The Lord has acknowledged your service. He is showering His grace on the valiant. Your souls shall rest in peace at the Lord's feet."
Then he came to the camp and distributed a lot of money and gifts to the boat-men. After that, he sent a few soldiers across the river to search for any wounded or dead body left behind. Then he made a round in his camp and made sure that everyone had eaten food and felt comfortable.
Now he changed his army dress, ate dinner and rested. The night comes to give rest to the world that the day tires. But the night passes. Certainly it does pass but slowly and softly that one does not feel. The comfort giving night passes so mildly that the sufferers, the restless and those who are in pangs of separation call it a never ending night. See! The night does pass,
possibly so that people may sleep in the calmness and feel the comfort. But too much sleep should not make people shirkers, lazy or sluggish. So after showering nectar, after showing a cool lustrous starry sky, after singing a lullaby quietly, after giving freshness and coolness gently and softly did it go to her place of comfort? No. It went to another place to shower the same coolness and freshness. From the east came dawn. A golden sheen appeared with splendour, the birds twittered, a gentle breeze blew and the world woke up. The Lord's beloved's performed the conclusion ceremony of Asa-di-var. Yes! The congregation performed the conclusion ceremony oiAsa-di-var on the bank of river Satluj, sacred sweet was served in plentiful. Beloved Guru sent some soldiers across the river to search for any wounded left there through oversight.
The day ascended. King of Bisali came and said: Magnificent Guru! Consider me as your disciple. Come and put your sacred feet in the palace. You are the bestowal of everything. My kingdom is your kingdom. On listening to the humble and loving words of King, beloved Guru got ready and went and stayed in the palace. King had already arranged a very nicely decorated room for Beloved Guru. The king welcomed the Beloved Guru with great respect and hospitality. So much so that prince Ajit Singh and all companions were immensely delighted to eat delicious food and enjoyed other comforts. In this way beloved Guru continued his stay at Bisali.
Every morning the congregation assembled and the musicians sang divine songs (Kirtari). The king was very religious minded. He attended the assembly everyday and listened to Beloved Guru's discourse. In a short time Bisali became Anandpur. The devotees thronged here to meet beloved Guru.
VII
In the palace at Bisali, Queen and Minister's wife are sitting in the ladies' drawing room.
Queen: Sita! I adore magnificent Guru. I met him only recently. He is the Lord's image. I have listened to stories of prophets. But now I feel, he is the real prophet.
Sita: Yes! He is the prophet of prophets. He is the Almighty Guru greater than others. It is Gods' grace that you have also become devoted to him. His Majesty is already devoted to Beloved Guru since long.
Queen: Long time back he attended an assembly at the Guru's hall of audience and listened to the scripture Asa-di-var. Since then he got a handwritten copy of the same and recited the same every day. He became deeply devoted to Beloved Guru. But I remained a hard nut. Now my mind has
softened. I like to get up early in the morning, have a bath and then listen to Asa-di-var. I feel ecstasy. My mind becomes crystal. I shed tears of joy sometimes. I feel cool. I feel ecstasy all the time.
Sita: This is the miraculous in Asa-di-var. It washes the dirt of the mind. The mind becomes crystal. One feels crystal consciousness. The mind is transformed into Sublime mind. The mind turns from animal instincts to saintly instincts. The mind that was scattered concentrates. One feels the presence of the Lord in the mind, heart and body. The Lord's name enters the mind as a seedling. Then by recitation and remembrance of Name the soul flourishes. The body soul mingles with the Supreme Soul. The Lord showers grace. The body soul immerses in the Supreme Soul. One drinks the Lord's nectar. One feels extreme rapture.
Then one realizes: Oh ho! Lord gave us this life to gain this Nectar of the soul, this ecstasy of the Lord's name, this Spiritual nectar that can be gained only in human life. Then one feels that we are living in the relish of the five senses of the body enticed by worldly pleasures and devoid of this sacred and unique nectar. One feels that the relish of worldly pleasures is dirt.
Queen: Will I be fortunate to drink this Lord's nectar?
Sita: You are fortunate that the prophet from the heavens has come to your house. Now the beloved Guru will take you there, for which purpose, he has come to this suffering world.
Queen: I wish the benevolent Guru should settle here only. He need not go to Anandpur. This kingdom also belongs to him.
Sita: Your wish is attractive. Request him. But do not assert. See! The farmer always wants rain but he cannot bind the rain. The prophets come from the heaven for some purpose and they do whatever the Lord ordains them. No sentimental love or attraction can bind them. They have no desire for themselves. They are gracious. They shower blessings and then move.
Queen: That day you said that one can bind the Lord with love. You read some line that meant that Lord is bound by his beloveds.
Sita: Yes! One can bind the lord with a love-knot but that is to give us salvation i.e. to immerse the body soul in the Supreme soul. He is the embodiment of love. When we love him, then we have a longing or craving to meet him. He comes to fulfill our craving, to shower grace. He pulls us with his love. Our body soul immerses in the Supreme Soul. Then there is no separation. We are tied in a love-knot. See! Beloved Guru has blessed you and blessed me with the Lord's name. We now live in ecstasy with inner blossom of mind, he is not going to stay in your palace or my house and
enjoy comforts. Your's is a King's palace. How much comfortable it was for him? But still many times he crossed the river accompanied by his soldiers and frightened the enemy. You must have heard, one day he gave a crushing defeat to 'King of Bilaspur's army.
Queen: Now that the battle is over, why doesn't he stay in comfort?
Sita: Many devotees live in Anandpur. All the residents are not valiant. If the ruler's soldiers attack them while retreating, then who will save them? Magnificent Guru's soldiers are guarding the Lohgarh fort and other forts but the soldiers there are a few. If the retreating armies attack and demolish the forts, then it is reproof on the Beloved Guru's art of war. That is why he goes across the river accompanied by his valiant. By his din and uproar he was warned the retreating soldiers of the enemy that Wazir Khan has gone back. You are not in array to fight a battle. If you harass any people while retreating, then beware! I am ready. He has done this for the safety of Anandpur and the few soldiers who are guarding the forts. He has not rested in the luxuries that were offered to him here. In this way the retreating soldiers of the enemy became afraid of their own life and have gone away without fighting or harassing anyone. Even now when he goes across the river for hunting, sometimes he has to fight the enemy soldiers but they get defeated. In this way King Bhim Chand has. realized that it is not worthwhile to fight Beloved Guru. Beloved Guru has told the King that he has no desire to acquire any kingdom. The people are suffering. The foreign ruler is tyrant. The temples are being demolished and mosques are being built The Muslim priests are corrupt. When they have to give justice, they side with the Muslims. Hindu culture has gone so low that the Hindu Kings present their daughters in palanquins to the Muslim Nawabs. How nice it shall be if the kings unite and rid the country of slavery. But instead of listening to the Guru's counsel, the kings have become a tool in the hands of the Muslim rulers and torment their own subjects. That is why magnificent Guru has prompted the Ideal men' whose minds are elevated with Lord's name to save the people and rid the country from slavery otherwise he has no need to fight.
Queen: Magnificent Guru is a great statesman.
Sita: Yes! He is a statesman and true Guru. See! He has not engrossed himself in luxuries here. He has blessed the Lord's name to everyone. The congregation assembles, the musicians sing divine songs [Kirtan). He blesses Lord's name to everyone. Then across the river he fought and saved the town from the loot, killing, grabbing and outrage of women's modesty from the barbaric soldiers. It is likely that Beloved Guru will shortly go back to Anandpur.
Queen: Then, what shall we do? We have sentimental love for him.
Sita: This is not sentimental love. It is devotional love. DevitiOnal love flourishes in accepting the wish of the beloved Guru. When there is separation, then one feels pangs and lives in thankfulness and prayer. Our love is not sentimental love that gives despair or heaves sighs in separation. In meeting we get inner blossom of mind, our soul flourishes. In separation we have to remain in thankfulness and remain steadfast in recitation of the Lord's name. We should never forget the Lord. Remain tied to the Lord's feet by recitation of Name. This is our endeavour but all happens by his grace.
VIII
One day King of Bisali and Queen while sitting in the palace conversed.
Queen: O Majesty! Three days have elapsed since beloved Guru went for hunting and has not returned. Do you have any information about where he is staying? God forbid! I hope he has not encountered any problem.
King: It is unlikely that he can get hooked by anybody. Chosen valiant are accompanying him. He has not gone across the river. He is this side of the river. The day he left, he went towards the kingdom of Bibhaur. There is nothing to fear. Yesterday I sent one messenger. He should be back today. Maybe beloved Guru returns today.
Queen: May the Lord bless! He is the giver of life to us. We were living in the forgetfulness of the Lord i.e. lifelessly. He has blessed us the recitation of Lord's Name that has given a sensation of the presence of the Lord. We have got inner blossom of mind. This is life. You and I feel a pang. But Sita is different. She has more blossom of mind than we have and feels more pangs but one feels wondrous to see her serenity and thankfulness. She said: I do not think he will stay here for long. He has come to do goodness to the world. He is a shower of grace. According to his wish, he moves like a breeze, sometimes to the north, sometimes south, sometimes east and sometimes west. He is soft hearted. Where there is love. He reaches, blesses but remains steadfast in his ideal. He is the prophet of the prophets. One day she said: He is the most handsome. I asked her: What did you say? She replied: All saints and heavenly people are handsome. But he is most handsome.
King: Sita, whom the Guru-disciples call Sat-tQi has a pure heart. She is guile-less but is so intelligent that Minister forgets his cleverness. Sita's intelligence comes from her soul that glows with light from die Supreme soul. She also perceives the knowledge and farsightedness of Minister. That makes her mind of gold shine.
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But Sita's pure love without any desires and her nature to feel happy on meeting Guru-disciples and do goodness to the world is unique. Beloved Guru was delighted and appreciative to see Sita's inner blossom of mind.
Queen: She is very sweet. She has no envy in her. She feels delighted to see others flourishing. She says: The Guru disciples have fragrance of rose in them. She is deeply devoted to beloved Guru. She cannot believe that anyone else is equivalent to beloved Guru.
King: Yes darling! Minister tells ine that he thought his wife was only a servant to him but now he has realized that she is a great lady, a goddess. Now Minister has also become pious.
Beloved Guru said that the dirt of the mind or vices of the mind go away by recitation of the Lord's name by the tongue. When the sacred name settles in the mind, then the vices are washed. The mind becomes crystal. It is called crystal consciousness or Super consciousness.
One maid entered the drawing room.
Maid (knock at the door): Madam! Can I come in?
Queen: Yes? Come in.
Maid (after coming in): Sir, Your Majesty! One horserider has come from Bibhaur. He says: He is an 'Ideal man' of the guru. He says: I have brought a message from the Magnificent Guru for His Majesty. King got up and went to his audience room. He called the messenger.
Messenger: Sir, Your Majesty! May Lord shower His grace on you! May Lord bless you with recitation of His name! "Idea: men belong to the Lord. Victory is of the Lord".
King: "Ideal men belong to the Lord. Victory is of the Lord." Come! Ideal man, say, what is the message?
Messenger: When Magnificent Guru was on a hunting spree, then King of Bibhaur and his Minister were also on a hunting spree in the forests. They chanced to meet each other. King persuaded beloved Guru to come to his palace. Benevolent Guru, out of love, went with him. He, who never stays anywhere unless there is extreme love, who is the god of freedom and 'shower of graciousness' has stayed there. He sends a message: "I shall stay here now." He sends his blessings to you to recite the Lord's Name incessantly. If you permit, I shall ask the soldiers and others to move and reach Bibhaur.
On listening to these words, King's eyes filled with tears and closed. Tears dropped from his closed eyes., his lips quivered, his lower lip got pressed in his teeth and frown came on his forehead. Then his eyes opened and he spoke: O Ideal man! Aren't your words like a bullet shot from a gun? It is
Lord's will. We have to obey the Lord's will. Dear Ideal man! Do not consider me as a king. Consider me as a devotee of the beloved Guru aj.;4 tell me whether beloved Guru has departed due to some fault or shortcoming in me. Maybe some mistake or some disrespect from my courtiers or subjects made the soft hearted beloved Guru leave.
Ideal man: Sir, Your Majesty! May your kingdom flourish! I am a messenger. How do I know? But whatever I have heard or visualized today when I got the message is that beloved Guru is happy on you. It is the honourable nature of beloved Guru to shower love on those who are devoted to him. It appears that King and Queen of Bibhaur are his extreme devotees since long. Pie has stayed there to fulfill their wish. He showers blessings on you. Saying this, Ideal man departed. He gave the message of departure to the soldiers and the Guru devotees that were camping there.
King went and talked to queen.
Queen: O Lord! O benevolent Guru! My dear Master! I am in gratitude but I feel pangs and my heart sinks.
King: These are pangs of separation from beloved. This is love. Beloved Guru has blessed us with Lord's sensation. He himself is image of the Lord. Separation gives pangs.
They were thus conversing when Minister and his wife Sita dropped in.
King: We already expected that beloved Guru will not stay here for too long. Same happened.
Minister: Yes. I have also heard that the Guru's soldiers and devotees are moving to Bibhaur and beloved Guru is at present staying at Bibhaur. Sir, Your Majesty! I never recited the Lord's name. For me, self interest was the motivating factor in life. Now beloved Guru has infused love of the Lord. In beloved Guru's separation, I felt despair but Sita said: It is Lord's will and we should accept it willingly.
Sita (eyes filled with tears): Even my heart sinks. See, I have tears in eyes but we must realize that he is not our close relative with whom we are in sentimental love. He is the image of the Lord. He is benevolent Guru from the heaven. He is our saviour. We may live or die but he is always living. We should feel gratitude that he came here and awakened our sleeping soul. Our forehead that touched stones earlier now touched his sacred feet and became cool. We should be thankful that his sacred hands touched our head. He blessed us with the Lord's Name that washed the dirt of vices on the mind. The Lord's Name gave ecstasy. We felt rapture. Thanks O Lord! Thanks O Lord! When friends and relatives with whom we have sentimental love separate,
then we feel despair. Benevolent Guru has filled our mind with the Lord's Name. We feel ecstasy. Our benevolent Guru has filled our mind with the sacred Lord's Name nectar. This nectar has permeated in the body. When the Name-nectar is with us, then there is no separation. Our body has become a temple and the Lord lives in it. We are not separated. Thanks O Lord! Lord is sitting in our body. Thanks O Lord!
She said all this and along with shed tears of emotion that gave coolness of mind to everyone. Sita: Yes. Majesty! Our beloved Guru is a shower of grace. He has showered grace on us. We should feel delighted that now he will shower his grace on more people like us. All four of them with minds filled with the love of the Lord are feeling gratitude. O Most handsome! You are great! Your one hand is on the sword to stop the tyrants from causing tyranny. In your other hand is the flask full of Name nectar that you are putting to the lips of your thirsty disciples. How have you dyed, those who are intoxicated with kingdom and wealth from their subjects, in the Lord's love? How great are you that you have intoxicated them with the Lord's love. Magnificent Great Guru Gobind Singh!
King was quiet in deep love for some time. Then he spoke: What should we do now?
Minister: Firstly, permit me to go to the beloved Guru's soldier's camp. I shall take our treasurer along with me. We should provide them with whatever is needed for their travel. Secondly, I should go to 3ibhaur and respectfully request beloved Guru on your behalf to settle at Bisali permanently. After staying at Bibhaur for sometime he should return to Bisali and stay here.
King: Well! The first step, you go right now and look after the comfort of the departing soldiers and devotees. Regarding your going to Bisali, we need further contemplation. Our connection with beloved Guru is neither political nor societal. Our connection is Spiritual. He has showered grace on us. Sister Sat-tili! Isn't it? To meet the image of the Lord is holy company. It is his graciousness that he has blessed us with the Lord's Name, Name nectar, Supreme Name nectar.
"Detach your mind 0 friend, from the worldly ocean of fire Le. sex, anger, greed, sentiment and pride And drink the Supreme Name nectar. Devoid of this spiritual ecstasy everybody is drowned. Nobody has peace of mind He has blessed us with the Lord's name that has elevated our mind. Our mind has got the sensation of the presence of the Lord in the body and outside in nature. Sister Sita! Isn't it so? Name is grace, Name is love and Love
is Name, Incessant recitation of Lord's name, incessant remembrance of Lord's name. This is Lord's love. This is mingling of body soul with the Supreme soul. This is Lord's grace. This is the bird's way. Sister Sita! Now you tell. Somebody who made his heart a begging bowl and the beloved Guru filled it with Name nectar and then sat on a throne in his heart, now should that heart go to invite the benevolent Guru or his Minister should go? Sister, who knows our love, should tell.
Sita: Sir, Your Majesty! The heart full of splendour should go and along with him should go the servant hearts that have filled them self with the supreme Name nectar.
Minister (looking towards Sita): Well said! Aren't you a goddess?
Minister: Sir, Your Majesty! Yes! Her suggestion is perfect.
Accordingly, King decided that they should go along with the Guru's valiant. King and Minister accompanied by their own soldiers went along with the caravan of Guru's soldiers and devotees and reached Bibhaur.
Beloved Guru was pleased to meet King of Bisali and his Minister. King fell at the beloved Guru's feet. Magnificent guru patted him with extreme love that gave a thrilling sensation of ecstasy to the king. Then minister fell at the Guru's feet. Beloved Guru smiled and patted him. Then beloved Guru looked towards King: Are you fine?
King: It is your benevolence. You have showered grace. You have blessed incessant recitation of Lord's Name that gives ecstasy. But beloved Guru! We are newly blessed. You keep showering your grace on us.
Guru: Recite the Lord's Name incessantly with love and attention towards the Lord. O King! Rule with true justice. Kingdom is to serve the subjects. Rule under the Lord's command. One understands the command when one is in recitation of Name. Recitation and remembrance is taking refuge at the Lord's feet. Remembrance is love of the Lord. In remembrance the body soul is attracted towards the Supreme soul. In remembrance the body soul mingles with Supreme soul. In remembrance the body soul immerses in the Supreme soul. Remembrance is meeting the Lord. Live in the incessant recitation and remembrance of the Lord. It will give eternal blossom of mind. It gives eternal salvation. One gets out of the cycle of births and deaths. Fructify this human life.
King: It is true. Whatever is your command shall happen. But O beloved Guru! Separation from you. is unbearable.
Beloved Guru: It is the pang of separation that elevates the mind and one feels ecstasy from the heaven. This pull (like the pull of a magnet) is real life,
I am always with you. Those whose souls are awakened with Name are stringed in one wire i.e. Super consciousness whose one end is tied to the Lord's feet. They are always connected to the Lord. They do not separate.
. King: Magnificent Guru! I am your servant, if any negligence has occurred from me or if any lapse or error happened from my staff, then you please forgive and come back to Bisali. We have no insight to perceive you as image of the Lord. We treat you as a worldly person. Please forgive us and come back to Bisali.
Beloved Guru: No lapse occurred from you or your courtiers. Everybody welcomed us with love. You were very hospitable to us and served us with love and devotion. I am much delighted. King of Bibhaur is also devoted. He met us in the forest while on a hunting spree. His love has brought us here. O Kingi I move as per the Lord's command. It is the Lord's wish that has brought me here. I have to fulfill the wish of the Lord as he commands. King of Bibhaur' s devotion has attracted us. So I am staying here. Please do not have any apprehension. You feel relaxed and do not have any apprehension that I have come away for any lapse from your side. I am immensely delighted in meeting you. Recite the Lord's name and attend the holy assembly. Musicians should sing Asa-di-var every day. Respect the persons who are saintly like Sita. Read the scripture. You will rule your kingdom in peace. I think you will not have any problem. In case you have any problem, then please inform us. On listening to words of blessing from beloved Guru, King's eyes filled with tears of emotion. He clamped beloved Guru's feet and uttered: Great! You are great! You are great! King appeared dyed in Lord's love. Beloved Guru patted the king with his sacred hands, showered immense blessings of Name that filled King's head with rapturous Name nectar. Beloved Guru's love swelled to bless King. King felt ecstasy.
Then, Minister bowed down. Beloved Guru blessed him and said: You are fortunate that you have holy company in the house. I send my blessings to Queen and Mai Sat-tili and the congregation.
King and Minister bowed again and departed. The devotees uttered the slogan loudly: "Truth is the timeless Lord" "Sat-siri-akaV\ In this way both of them returned to Bisali. Magnificent Guru continued to stay at Bibhaur. Magnificent Great Guru Gobind Singh! Magnificent Great Guru Gobind Singh!
o o o o