Marvellous are the Lord's qualities; All He does as be His will!
God’s will works in innumerable ways and endless is His
~A Might. The play of the Universe is so various that it is not a child’s play to know its limits. At one place there is an atmosphere of merry making, happiness and laughter while at another place there is sadness and wailing. On the one hand a brass band plays a concert at a wedding, while at the-other there rises the wail ofmourning. While here, a beautiful woman is busy clapping in joy, another is beating her breasts in sorrow elsewhere. Songs to celebrate a brother's marriage are being sung at some place, while at another the cries of mourners pierce the heart. A happy person experiences joy and peace, while a sad man suffers terrible pain and heaves sighs which are like the smoke that rises from half dry cowdung. In God’s world, crying and laughter go on side by side. Coming into the world, leaving it, birth and death, happiness and sorrow, cold and heat, union and separation are poised against each other from the earliest times. Such opposition is the very essence of the universal system, which is functioning within this order. In a universe so ordered, to be satisfied with pleasure and to worry about troubles is the result of our ignorance. The Creator is acting in accordance with His own will and plan. Real
l. Asadi Var. AG 496 Note : The pages referred to are from the Adi Granth
happiness lies in viewing his creation closely, and loving it, discarding all doubts and apprehensions and ever keeping him in mind.
There was a small town situated along a beautiful seabeach. An only son of his parents, bread-winner of the family, recently married, had breathed his last in the prime of youth. Words fail to express the painful wailing and breast-beating in the house on this terrible occasion. Soul-piercing cries of the mother, cold sighs of the father, the heart-rending wails of the sisters, the grief and pain of his cousins, the suppressed sighs of the wife, the sorrow of the neighbors, and anguished cries of the relatives created such a pathetic scene that even the passers-by could not help being touched. The newlywedded wife, who had not yet experienced the joy of life, had been struck hard in the very beginning of a happy life as a green flourishing crop is hit by hail-storm. Although bound by the bonds of social custom and propriety she did not express her sorrow aloud, but she was burning within like a kiln-fire. Her eyes looked dry. But she stared as if she were in madness and coma. She looked a figure of agony and suffering. It was not sure if she was baffled about the future or had been demented by the sudden death of her life-partner.
It was the evening hour. The near and dear ones had bade final farewell to the deceased by performing the funeral rites. The cries of the womenfolk were dying down. But it being the first night of an everlasting separation, it was not possible for anyone to control tears. Sitting in a corner of the house, the silent widow would break into sobs as she remembered her loved partner. It is said that sleep overpowers one even on the cross. While sitting alone she felt drowsy. As soon as she started dozing, she saw in her dream dreadful and terrible qiosis.A face with bloody eyes challenged her: “vou sinful soul, in what nook are you hiding? You cannot escape my grip. A single blow will crash your delicate body. Stop! don’t try to escape. My blood-stained teeth will crush your very bones.” The terrified female woke up with a start and fell to trembling. But she again took courage and presumedit merely tobe an illusion,
the shape that her repentance had taken. When she diverted her mind away from this direction, she started thinking about her dear husband as to how he had been crushed by death. None knew what type of suffering was being inflicted on him? Wrapped in these thoughts she again fell asleep. It was not a swing of pleasure, but a jolt that she felt. On the one hand lay the mortal world, and on the other the hereafter. Only a single jolt tossed her away from this world into the next. Previously she sat in one corner near the mat of mourners, but now she was roaming in the world of the god of death, where she heard the piteous cries of sufferers. When she came to the court of Dharma Raj, the god of death, she saw her husband appear before him in the custody of two minions of death. The celestial judge was pronouncing his judgment. In the meantime there, was a commotion owing to the arrival of someone in the room and she was shaken awake.
Four days thus passed. The parting from her husband, indifference to the world, the everlasting annihilation of her happy and opulent married life, fear of death and dreams of the next world, jointly prepared her to think that before her own death she must try to learn something of the secret of the next world. So she slowly related the whole story of her dream and her desire for renunciation to an old lady who was a sort of grandmother to her and appeared to be deeply religiousminded. In view of her sad situation the old lady spoke to her many words of consolation and also told her, “Let these days of condolence pass. ! shall find a way for you to engage in meditation, austerity and charity, so that you can pass your days in peace.” While discussing such things with the old lady, her idea of renouncing the world was confirmed and the days of sorrow passed off. She experienced extreme agony and torment, but her distressed soul longed to attain peace.
ae ee a ee
z Says Guru Angad Dev: Wives whose spouses are from them estranged, are burning ever in fire. !
S% and disappointed with the world, the lady crazed in search of happiness and peace, moved about like a bumble bee who is greedy for honey. That old lady had gone to some other town to attend to some work. One day the baffled young lady met another old woman in the temple. This old woman with the white -hair, wrinkled face, bent figure, fifty years or above in age, asked her with an oily tongue, “Dear girl, youthful lady so fair and comely, what has made you so sad? Please tell me what troubles you!”
The Widow— Dear mother, don't ask about my plight. I am an unlucky, sad woman. Why should you know all this and be grieved?
Old Woman— Troubles, when talked about make the soul lighter. Suffering unexpressed eats away the human body like a VITUS.
The Widow— Mother! I am a poor, weak and unlucky woman and have lost my husband. Only God knows what is happening to the departed. But I am finding it hard to carry about the burden of life. It is hard to court death. My soul is continuously burning like a wet cowdung cake. I am an ignorant female. | fail to understand what to do and what not to do.
Old Woman— Dear gir], this is Divine will. It is not a small calamity to be a widow at your age. Still, we cannot die along with our dear ones. Have patience and courage. God
l. AdiGranthP 791
who relieves all creatures of their troubles is also concerned about you. For what are you in such perturbation?
The Widow — I wish to escape this disturbance, give peace to my mind, and as far as possible spend this life in a good way. Ihave some property to make a modest living. But my mind is not at peace. I have seen my husband in pain. It is my earnest desire to see him happy once again.
Old Woman— (with a smile) Oh! It is so easy, you don’t worry. You should see me in the garden tomorrow. I shall take you to a miracle man. All your troubles will end. The miracle-man has enabled so many of the dead to meet their living relatives. He moves into the next world, brings their -messages and even makes them physically appear in this world. He also cures people of their ailments. Luckily, he has made a temporary halt here for some days after his visit to the Prayag fair. He came here only about twenty days back. You will see for yourself the rush around him, tomorrow morning. Hundreds of patients, needy persons and those seeking answers to their problems gather there. Heis to go to Dwarkaji.
Widow— Mother dear, how lucky I am to have met you! ! who was drowning now seem to have caught at a straw. It is my earnest desire to see the holy man when he is alone. He will be able to convey my message to my husband.
Old Woman— This is a very good idea. You get up early in the moming and reach there. The holyman will be alone and will listen to your whole story. I may tell you one thing. I am also lonely. But for your sake I shall also come a little earlier. You should wait for me near the gate of the garden.
The Widow— So it be.
a i FeO Fa
says Baba Farid: Those who say one thing but do another are branded as false at heart.’
Sphere was a beautiful garden, with greenery all around and
trees laden with flowers and fruits. It was five inthe moming. This is the hour which gives peace and poise to the mind. A cool breeze was blowing. Men, animals and birds were enjoying sweet, lovely and sound sleep. Occasionally some voice could be heard. The twelfth night moon of the dark half of the month was taking a bath scattering its cool, dim and pleasing light on the trees. At this hour flames of fire rose inside the garden. When one looked from a short distance, it was seen to be a hermit’s fire. Four or five mensittingaroundit, were talking amongst themselves. One of them a hale and hearty man sat, with his legs crossed. He was well-built, with head and chin close shaven. Sometimes he was heard uttering pious words in a solemn tone. This was the miracle-man.
In the meantime the sound of foot-steps of two women was heard. At this the miracle-man fell silent and dumb like a dozing owl, his head bent, eyes closed; his whole body motionless, breathing in measured breaths. Accompanied by the old woman, the widow seeking his blessing reached there. They placed a piece of coconut and a rupee coin before him and were seated.
Old Woman— Holy sire! You are a great miracle-worker, omnipotent and omniscient. This poor lady has been widowed. All efforts have failed to make her soul peaceful. She has come bare-footed to worship at your holy feet with a desire to meet
1. AdiGranthP. 488
her late husband. Pray be kind toher and fulfil her desire. Make this sequestered crane have the sight of him.
Aman from nearby said: Mother, don’t worry. He is a great yogi and miracle-worker.
second man— Have faith, all your desires shall surely be fulfilled.
Third man— Do you want to see heaven? Do you want to meet your husband’? You will fulfil your desire.
Widow— (modestly) Am I so lucky, sire?
Miracle Man— Dear daughter, what do you seek?
The Widow— [| seek peace of mind. I wish to reassure myself about my husband, and to follow a noble way of life.
Miracle Man— You will certainly have a sight of your husband. Do you wish that I may hand over to you the keys of heaven?
Old Woman— Sire, what more would she want? Kindly show grace and bestow your blessing on her. There is no lack of anything in your treasure. If you do this what more can the disappointed soul want?
After such a discussion both of them returned while it was still early dawn. Both of them went there next day too, at that very hour and it became their daily routine. Now the widow thought that the miracle-man had assured her to fulfil her desire to meet her husband in heaven. He appeared to be such a noble soul. If she did not act upon his advice, nowhere else could her desire be fulfilled. Her relatives had already proved greedy. After the death of her husband they had so often behaved with her in a manner that only indicated greed and avarice.
Thus by and by the lady reposed her trust in the miracleman. One day when she was deeply in the mood of renunciation and desired to see her deceased husband, the miracle-man, taking advantage of the moment said:
“You shall have to go on to the top of a hill from where the path leads to heaven. We shall move to that side day after tomorrow. If you desire to achieve liberation and avail yourself of a chance to meet your husband, you accompany me.”
The Widow— Respected sire, lam prepared to accompany you by all means. Relieve me of my troubles and grant liberation to my husband by any means you deem best.
Miracle-man— Right! Get ready. We shall start off day after tomorrow. But remember one thing; while you proceed, do not keep you mind entangled in any domestic objective, otherwise your mind will not remain stable.
The Widow -— Yes, sire,
Miracle-man— Do you have any attachment to your jewellery?
Widow— Good sire, I have no love for the jewellery at all.
Miracle-man— See, when you sit in trance start meditation on spirits, the holy incantations grip your mind,
and the charms become more forceful. But you should retain no attachment for any worldly object.
Widow— Then either I should give away the jewellery in charity or take it along with me.
Miracle-man— Better take these ornaments along with you.
Old woman— Dear child, to whom do you want to hand these over and for whom you will leave these behind? If you take your wealth with you, you will have no worry and no fear. The saint is rightly advising you. One cannot help thinking of what is left behind. |
The Widow— Right, mother! Day after tomorrow | shall be here early in the morning.
It so happened that the innocent girl collected all her valuables entrusted to her by her parents and in-laws at the time of the death of her husband and all other jewellery previously with her and everything else that she could get, and reached the miracle-man’s place at the appointed time.
From Mandvi to Jammu, they went by train and after that there began a journey on foot through desolate mountains and hazardous valleys. She was travelling under the belief that she was to reach the door of the abode of the gods very soon.
ot eo eo LY ad
A Says Guru Arjan Dev: ‘One searching for the Lord outside of the self, is lost in doubt.!"
hat a lovely mountain! Green vegetation on black stones looked so captivating. At some places the waterfalls presented a lovely sight. Mountains present the true picture of God’s handiwork. One gets to know about height sand depths here. The terrifying, wonderful spectacle of the ravines presents a marvellous sight. The cool breeze agreeably touches the hair. If anybody starting from Jammu reaches the Chander Bhaga river and then moves upstream towards the north, he will meet most wonderful and captivating sights at a far-off. place in the desolate jungle on reaching the high mountain near the waterfall which is at the head of the stream. The miracle-man made the young lady stand beside him and spoke to her thus:- “My daughter, be seated on this rock and continuously gaze into the water flowing below. Do not let your eyes twinkle. If your head feels a whirling sensation then close your eyes and enter meditation. While in meditation you will see the path to heaven. When your dear husband makes the call ‘come’, you immediately go ahead. If you lose this rare chance even for a moment, the door of heaven will close again. Sit with mental concentration and do not let any other idea enter your mind. Only repeat the name of Bhairav’ in your mind.” After this he kindled a smoky fire of incense and fragrant substances around her. With particles of sand he drew numerous charms around her.
1. AdiGranth P. 102 2. A deity, an alter-ego of Shiva.
Then the miracle-man went away with Jewellery and the young woman thirsting for her husband’s sight sat on the rock and did as instructed. Itis but natural that the reflection of the sun-rays in water falling down from a height sometimes suffuses the waves in the seven rainbow colours. Anyone who has sat close to a well and experienced such a sight produced by the falling spray in the well, will realise this. The deceitful Miracle man wanted to create in her the illusion that at sunrise the vibration of the multicoloured light would make her believe that she was enjoying the sight of heaven. After one or two hours her eyes would be dazzled and she would feel dizziness and fall in the water and be drowned. She would experience an illusion and thinking that she had heard the voice, would Jump into the water and be lost.
This man was no miracle-worker but a clever member of a well-known gang of the Thugs of Central India into whose trap many innocent people had fallen and were ruined. One ancestor of this very community of Thugs was Sajjan who was saved by Guru Nanak. After instructing the lady the cheat went away, but as soon as a few minutes passed a sympathetic voice from behind interrupted her gaze in the water.
The caller who spoiled the whole show was a stranger, who was a preacher of his own sect and was in those days roaming about in the mountains. Seeing a simple-minded young woman sitting at a very dangerous spot he spoke to her- “Young lady, what makes you sit here? Stand up, otherwise you will fall into the water from dizziness. Why are you inviting death?”
The widow said - “I am not sitting here to die, but am undergoing discomfort to get joy. Please go along and do not bother me.”
The stranger was baffled and said - “I fail to understand what type of joy you will get by sitting here. Please relate tome the truth of all this, so that 1 may know what you are after.”
The widow did not want to disclose her secrets to him, but he insisted on knowing her story. At first she got irritated with the intruder, but after a short while she also got afraid. Baffled
and perturbed, she began the search for the miracle-man who was not traceable anywhere. She cried, “Swamiji, Swamiji”, but Swamiji had cheated her. The afflicted lady now felt that she was alone. This loneliness appeared to her more terrifying. In the baffled state of her mind she told the newcomer her whole story. She spoke of the miracle-man’s grace’ in which she still had faith.
The stranger said, “Simple lady, he was a cheat, a disciple of Tantia Bheel. After cheating you of your property he has tried to take your life too. Get up! You will get nothing from -here. Let me lead you to a true Saviour, in whose refuge you will need to perform no other ritual. That Saviourhas sacrificed his life for our guilty souls. Gentlelady, think a bit. If your miracle man was a truthful man, where is that casket containing your jewellery? He was a cheat in the guise of a miracle worker and has slipped away with yourcasket containing all yourvaluables. Is the way to heaven downwards? Below is Hades, a breach in the earth and fire. Heaven is above the earth. Accompany me. I shall show you the way to heaven, make death submit to you: and unite you to your husband.”
On hearing this ‘she was puzzled and she agreed ‘that the ‘miracle-man’ was really a cheat. She found herself in a desolate place, relieved of all her property. She had no friend near her, no path to tread, no direction and no home near her. Her home was far and she failed to understand what to do. She agreed to put herself under the protection of the stranger standing near her. He spoke soft words, appeared to apply ointment to her wounds and gave her hope. As a burnt child dreads the fire, so her cheated self feared lest it should not again be cheated. Although now she had nothing with her that could be robbed, yet she still had her chastity to guard. she was afraid lest someone should assault her modesty. But anyhow she was helpless. At last she thought to let the dead past bury its dead. A drowning man catches at astraw. So she decided to accompany the stranger. If this man also proved to be acheat, what then? Now, anyway, she was not in a position to go back home. If he proved to be a good man, she would be
lucky. So at last on being influenced by his fine talk the lady accompanied him. She presumed that he was a man thousand times better than the miracle-monger. He had saved her from the jaws of death. She was totally puzzled. He might be doing all this for her welfare. With this intention she accompanied the stranger and reached a good town where she was nicely looked after and given sermons. At last, after three months on a Sunday she was baptized in a church and named Miss Dumaily. She was then entrusted to the care of a lady who was asked to take an oath , to treat her as her daughter, and to instruct her in Christianity.
she spent the next two months in an atmosphere of joy and affection, in enjoyment of new dress styles, reading, listening and walking with her mother in faith. Then she started receiving visiting cards and oblique indications of invitations to marriage. She got such messages from darkskinned persons, probably converted to Christianity from the lowest strata of society like scavengers and cobbiers. The girl brought up according to Hindu and Jain traditions, loathed their sight. With her pride and piety of Brahmanism and the hurt caused by the death of her husband, the widow who had grown up with the concept of fidelity to her husband, and who had never thought of remarriage, felt disgusted and found it intolerable. With overtures of such customers within two or three months, she felt deeply hurt. Theidea of remaimiage appeared to her mind as great evil. Out of fear she could not express her feelings, but the conservative ideas set deep in her mind could not be uprooted. She used to cry and bewail that she had no friend. Although she had come there to, get peace, she had to face more hardships. “O God! either release my soul from this body or grant me a peaceful life. 1 am fed up with these salvationists”, she would say. Though she used to put off her suitors on one pretence or another yet she heaved Sighs of pain which were like smoke from the wet cowdung. She failed to think about future ; the past had been leftfar behind. she could neither go back to her in-laws nor to her parents. she could not feel at home there too. The property that she had
to maintain herself had been taken away by the fraudulent miracle-monger.
She was puzzled where to go and what to do. The poor lady was so much disgusted that she did not feel like taking food even. Here too she could not find the way to heaven. A large number of people came seeking her flesh. They might have visited her either considering marriage as a work of piety or a religious relationship, but she was dreaming of death and finding the way to the next world; and she had come there to fulfil this wish. The question of marriage was a torment to her. The miracle-man was surely a cheat, but she felt that there also they were after her body instead of bringing peace to her soul. She could not achieve the desire to reach heaven and have union with her late husband. She could not find even the traces of those high ideals with which she had come to this place. She could not follow the purport of the soft words of the stranger. She was always worried about getting free from this bondage.
At last one day she disclosed her secret to an old woman. who was a Muslim by faith and worked there as a maid-servant. At first she wept bitterly and then told her, the whole story: “Mother, I have seen that here Ihave nosympathizer. For God’s sake take pity on me and get me out of this place. I shall live by begging, if need be.
Theold Womansaid, “Dear daughter, may I sacrifice myself for your welfare. Don't worry. I shall make you free; have a little patience. Here! am in a respectable job. Ishall try to make you free with some planning. Wait for some time more yet.”
After four or five days, when the mother superior had gone out, with the help of advice and arrangements made by the maid-servant, the young lady succeededinreaching the house of the old woman’s cousin at Lahore.
says Bhakta Kabir: “The buming wood.of the forest wails in pain and prays to God that He should save it from falling into the hands of a blacksmith, lest he should bum it over again as charcoal.”!
ho has not heard of the big mosque at Lahore? Its high minarets and the magnificent edifice are truly worth ~ seeing. While on ordinary days there is normal hustle and bustle, on Fridays there is a huge crowd. Those seeking to enter Islam over the weekend are converted mostly on this day and at this.very place. On one Friday Miss Dumaily also presented herself in this mosque for her third birth. She heard words of congratulation from all around: “You are lucky to have been converted to the faith. The holy prophet will grant you salvation and you will rule over heaven.” She also could not - contain herself with joy because of her freedom from the previous bondage. The words of the old maid-servant gave her moral support. Although she did not know how to recite the Kalimah, yet she uttered it as best as she could and adopted the new religion. The Maulvi gave her a new name, Ghulam Fatima, and said, “Someone should for God's sake instruct her so that she may become a good believer. Someone should take the initiative to instruct her.” At this a Maulvi indicated his consent and promised to impart to her religious instruction daily. It is a very strange story how this lady, after being disappointed at two places entered this third faith. Below is a brief account of this:-
1. AdiGranthP. 1369
On reaching the new place a devout Faqir instructed her to sit with her face towards the Kaba and recite (though not very accurately) the text of ayat Karima for three hours daily and perform some other religious rites. While busy thus, she sometimes felt dizzy and had a vision of her late husband. Sometimes he pressed the girl's eyes with his hands and she felt she was seeing a kind of glittering light. He also recited to her the Kafis (Lyrics) of Bulleh Shah! in the tune of Kawalis. These things made this gentle lady hopeful that there was the way to heaven and after she had recited the Kalimah the door of heaven would automatically open. | .
Now the Maulviused to come daily as promised, to instruct her and also make her utter some prayers: Only about ten or twelve days the Maulvi thought that this lady should not live single in the interest of her own welfare. One day he obliquely pointed that his income was fifty rupees a month? and he was a well-known person of a very high caste. Then he repeated again and again that she should marry. It is the commandment of Allah and His Prophet that without a husband woman’‘s chastity is always in jeopardy.
Although the Maulvi's discourses were gentle and he was a presentable man, yet after suffering continuously for long she had also become wiser. She also knew that for a man to have more than one wife was not a sin among Muslims, but the thought disgusted her and she had an earnest desire to have a sight of her husband. Devotion to faith and fidelity to her husband were deeply rooted in her mind. On hearing of marriage from the Maulvi she heaved a sigh in sadness and despair and fearing what might happen, she moved away a little and said, “I cannot say anything in this regard just now. | am feeling unwell. You please do not take the trouble to come for a few days. After I am better, I shall myself send for you.”
l. A Sufi Saint
2. A good sum about the time when these events are supposed to have Occured. (Tr.]
Even in this third incarnation, so to say, Ghulam Fatima desirous of seeing her departed husband, could not have a sight of him, but was bored and life seemed a burden to her. she cursed the stranger who met her near the fall. Had he not made her move away from there she would not have to suffer all this. She would have died by falling in water and all her troubles would have ended. She suffered within and could not say anything. During this perplexity the craming of Ayats and other forms of religious prayers and supplications was abandoned. Her impatience began to increase and torment her.
In the same-street where was situated the house in which Ghulam Fatima was having her new experience, lived her friend of girlhood days. She had come there for her parental town. It happened that from Mandwi the husband of her friend of girlhood days came to Bombay, and while doing business in paints he happened to come to Amritsar and after making some money in Amritsar he set up a big agency at Lahore and started residing in this street in a rented house. A mixed population of Hindus and Muslims lived in that street. About two days before that incident, although the troubled lady had recognized this girl friend while she was going along the street, out of shame she hid herself. That day when she was sitting on a platform in asad mood, she saw her old girl-friend and said, “Ganga Bai?” “Yes Iam Ganga Bai. But how do you know me? I haven't recognized you. (Attentively) I have some vague idea but do not recollect your name.” replied her friend.
Ghulam Fatima said, “I shall tell you my name and place if you meet me alone.” Ganga Bai reassured her, “At present Iam going to the Gurdwara and cannot stop to listen to you. But I will soon return. Then you can freely tell me your story.”
YToododg
“The sufferer’s pain to the Lord alone is fully known.”!
nadensely-populated Jane in Lahore, lived Bhai Gursharan singh. This gentle man was a devout Sikh, and observed all articles of Sikh piety. He was further more, of a charitable disposition. His wife Upkar Kaur was also devoted to religion. Her parents too were deeply embedded in faith. In her home she had acquired knowledge of Gurmukhi and made a study of books on religion. After marriage to a deeply religious man her faith became still deeper. Afterthe passingawayofher motherin-law, though she had to handle the household chores singlehanded, she still attended to social service duties. Close to her house was situated a small girl's school. There she instructed the children in Gurmukhi. It was a labour of love. Occasionally her husband would donate a little money to the school, with which small gifts were distributed among the children. This lady, by her example, had inspired devotion to religion among a number of ladies. Ganga Bai was one of those so inspired. That day was Sunday and first day of the Indian month?. Upkar Kaur and Ganga Bai were proceeding to the Gurdwara to attend the religious ceremony, when Ghulam Fatima happened to meet Ganga Bai. When Ganga Bai returned, she found Ghulam Fatima waiting for her on a platform. She took Ghulam Fatima to her own house. Ganga Bai— Sister! you have recognized me all night, but Tam still vague about you. Please tell me your name and other particulars.
1. Adi Granth P. 1087. 2. sankrant - popularly Known as Sangrand.
Ghulam Fatima— I am the unfortunate Jamuna who used tobe your playmate at school. ThesedaysIam passingthrough a period of misfortune.
Ganga Bai— I had a vague idea about you, but had no notion that you. have apostated yourself. Who has misguided you to throw away your noble faith?
Replied the unlucky one: ‘Sister, [am myself to blame for what I have suffered. When one’s senses are preverted, one falls into bad ways. I thought I was taking a good step, but it turned out to be just as bad. My husband passed away. By my own mistake I lost my property. lam no longer fit to mingle with my own relations and have gained nothing for all my trouble.’
Ganga Bai—I am very sorry to hear of your bereavement. God forbid anyone should be so unlucky, But tell me the whole story of your misfortune.
The unhappy girl narrated to her what happened, asking at the end: “Sister, what place of shelter have I now? Where have! to go? What effort can avail now’? I feel like jumping into the river and die, or to swallow poison. Who knows, what more suffering lies in store for me for my sins of past births?”
Ganga Bai— You have remained an immature girl even after all these years. Life has not made you shrewd. Should you have come to Punjab and studied the Guru's word, you would have got peace; your desires would have ended and you would have realized the truth.
Ghulam Fatima— Sister, I wish learning had fallen to my share. After the little that! read with you at school, Idid not get much opportunity to study further in my husband’s home. No one there had heard of Guru Granth Sahib. This was never mentioned by anybody.
Ganga Bai— Here | have formed association with a lady who is a great devotee of the Granth Sahib.
Ghulam Fatima— Are her people Sikhs?
Ganga. Bai— Yes.
Ghulam Fatima— Ihave heard bad reports about the Sikhs at both the places where I have been. How have you fallen under their influence?
Ganga Bai— Your impression is based only on what you have heard. The Sikh faith is noble. It gives peace, love and devotion. Truth is its first principle. If you attend a Sikh congregation, your Ulusions will be shed.
Said the unfortunate One: “This will be wonderful. Do please introduce me to that. I am in great despair, and may do something desperate.”
Ganga Bai took her to meet her friend the Sikh lady, so that she should be instructed in right thinking. The lady discoursed to her on doing good to others.
The Sikh lady, Upkar Kaur said, “Sister, Guru Nanak Devis. the true teacher for Kaliyuga, the age of sin. Anyone who has heard of Guru Nanak or beheld him, no more shall enter the torment of birth. He came into this mortal world only for the good of humanity and prevented sinners like us from doing evil. Inthe words of the Scripture: “Forlorn were we, helpless, mere worms. Blessed be Guru Nanak, union with whom removed our sorrow and suffering.”
The lady continued: “The Guru opened for us the doors to liberation and happiness in this life. He underwent hardships, travelled over land, sea and mountains to save humanity and to preach truth. He uprooted superstitions and false rituals and taught devotion to God. Under his shelter and practice of devotion comes joy.”
The Unfortunate woman said, “Shall 1 again have a sight of my beloved husband?”
Upkar Kaur replied, “If you bear sincere love for your Lord practise truth and devotion to God. This will bring you happiness. The scripture tells us that the true suttees are those that practise nobleconduct, serve their lord and everremember him in death.””
At this the unfortunate girl heaved a sigh. Although Upkar Kaur’s words pleased her, the memory of past days made her sad. A thought entered her mind lest this new experience too
le GG Peake 2. War Suhi AG 9
should tum out to be disappointing. Gripped by such doubts she went away, saying ‘I shall come again’, and left; sad at heart.
On reaching home she fell to thinking whether to accept this new source of succour. Wrapped in such thoughts she fell asleep. After some time her sleep was disturbed. Some people were heard talking about her. She feigned sleep, but came to know that the news of her visit to the house of a Sikh had reached the Maulvi. They were discussing how best to prevent the repetition of such athing. They were planning to send her away from there. Thereafter, she got up. Those who came to visit her advised her to go to Delhi next day. She pretended to agree and they all left. She then began to think whether to go to Ganga Bai or the Sikhs. But she thought that this step might expose them to danger at the hands of the Mohammedans. And then, what kind of people were those who now sought to befriend her? The idea of accompanying the Mohammedans repelled her. But where to find shelter? She feltsurrounded by despair. Three-fourths of the night was thus passed in this misery. This situation almost drove her out of her wits. The world appeared to her to be dark, anda kindofdementia gripped her.
‘Such alone are our true friends as relieve us of our foul thinking. Such, says Nanak, are rarest of the rare.’ (Guru Arjan Dev: Var Goojari, M.5}
n the bank of the Ravi where on one side is the railway
bridge and at a little distance a boat-bridge, people were taking bath. At about two and a half miles downstream could be seen a pious Sikh wrapped in a sheet of Khadi, sitting alone, reciting the Sukhmani' in a sweet tone. As he recited the sacred text, his eyes would now and then grow wet and occasionally a tear would fall. His eyes would sometimes close in ecstasy and then open. His recitation created an atmosphere of cool joy, peace and sweetness. It was still before sunrise. The breeze was gently blowing. The time of the year was late November, the season mild winter. The pious man who was engaged in reciting the holy text had transcended the ordinary experiences of life. His recitation appeared to lend a heavenly atmosphere to the place.
He was a tall, handsome man of thirty or thirty-five. He was am an of a light frame, with a calm, glowing face. He was sitting facing the river. As he happened to be roused from his absorption, he saw something floating in the river. Immediately throwing off his sheet, he jumped into the water, and grasped the floating object, which he dragged to the bank. As he looked Closely, it was a young woman’s body, apparently inanimate. He put her flat on the river bank. Then by an effort he upturned the unconscious body anddrew the water from out of her frame. Then closing his eyes, he removed her wet clothes, and
1. A holy text in the Granth Sahib
wrapped her frame in his own sheet. After this he shook her arms with skull, so that she began to breathe. A little while after, the sun rose and began to warm the frame of the helpless woman. The holy man left the scene fora while, and after some time returned. Now the woman’‘s eyes were open; she was breathing regularly. The pious man now put something into her mouth.
A few hours later the woman's power of speech returned and in her perplexity she asked if she was in the world of the living or the dead. Weeping, she said: “I wanted to die. Why have you saved me?” she tried to jump into the river once again. ‘The pious-‘man realized that she had not fallen into the river by accident, but had attempted suicide. He appealed to her not to take her own life, which is a grievous sin; she should try to remove her life’s suffering. She should not flee from it.
The woman was heaving sighs, but would not tell him anything about her affliction. But when that devout Sikh continued to speak to her consoling words, she at last came out with her tale. This was the same woman, who after her husband's death, had undergone so much suffering, and who had fallen into such overwhelming despair. In the excess of despondency she thought suicide was the sole way out of her suffering. Nowshe argued that the best thing would have been to perform suttee after her husband's death. Drowning inthe waterfall would also be the right thing to do. Death in any case appeared to her to be the sole way out of her affliction.Wrapped in these thoughts, she had jumped into the river in the early hours of the morning that day.
The devout sikh, on hearing her sad story, felt unhappy at the pervasive influence of Maya’s' evil. Addressing herintones of affection he said: ‘Sister the world is enveloped in the darkness of evil. Men’s minds incline towards bestiality. It would be futile to blame any particular faith. The five evils have gripped the sense of the followers of various creeds. The thirst
1. The source of evil in the world and in the human mind
of desire grips the mind like a fever, driving men about like mad. Says the holy Kabir:
“None is more powerful than Maya, the she-serpent, which deceived even the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Beating and smiting all round, the she-snake 1s now seated in the pure water.
By Guru's grace, I have seen her who has bitten the three worlds - Pause
O brother, why callest thou Maya, a she-snake?
He who realizes the True Lord, devours the she-snake No one else is more trifling than Maya.
When the she-serpent is subdued what can the King Death’s couriers do?
This Maya is created by Him.
By herself what power or weakness can she have?
If she abides with man, then his soul abides in body. By Guru’s grace, Kabir has easily swum across”!
Listening to his noble teaching, the unfortunate woman Said: “You appear to be a noble soul”. But Ihave been caught in error after error. [am now disgusted with life. The whole world is full of greed. Some seek wealth, others body’s pleasure. None hag sympathy for others; none helps the helpless and the guileless. For God’s sake let me die, and go where my husband Is gone.”
The man casting a deep glance at her said in a gentle tone: “The men have lost poise. All are swayed by greed. Men are tumed beasts. Evil is prevailing under the false form of religion. All this is true. But dear sister, even in the dark night, shine the moon and the stars. Even in this world of bestial urges there are some who bear angelic natures, though such are veryrareindeed. Theyare like a rare green shoot amidthe parched plants’, as says the holy Guru. Even though you have so far not come across anyone who has curbed the mind’s evil tendencies, yet give not yourself up to despair. Live ever in
l. Asa Kabir Ji -P. 480
hopeful quest. Behold, diamonds are not found scattered about like stones. Keep questing after some God-fearing man, who has rejected Maya's corrupting delights. For such a one be in quest, but give not yourself up to self-destruction. Nor are the various creeds to blame. We ourselves are the principal sinners. As says Bhakta Trilochan in the holy Granth:
“The pain and pleasure are according to thine acts.”
SO, your actions of previous births are yourenemies, What we do for pleasure ultimately holds us in its grip. My helpless sister, though the world be burning in the fire of evil, yet there is also the Himalayan snow of good to quench it. Your own quest 1s weak. Seek and you shall find. Seek not death; such death is evil. Already you are suffering for your deeds. Now your are adding to the heap. Seek not to quench the fire burning cinders.
The unfortunate woman with downcast looks, ashamed at her wrong conduct, said: “Good sire! who will be my supporter? After leaving my parents’ home, I cannot return there. My property, Ihave lost. It has turned me destitute. None is there to succour me. Everyone I meet is like a bird of prey after carrion. Whatshould [live for? sinned, lam an unfortunate creature. Butl am faithful to my husband’s memory. My chastity, Ihave protected. To save it, lam determined to die.” Her devout interlocutor said in a tender tone: “My daughter, your conduct is noble and pure. Your resolve to preserve your chastity is noble, but lam afraid you haven't found anchor in truth and purity. A sinner boasts of his fraud, cleverness and wealth. But it is seen that those holding on to truth do not stick to it firmly. You, who are a chaste woman, saved your purity through such vicissitudes. Why do you need support and worldly wealth? Your chastity and truth should be support enough for you. With truth on your side, reckon not yourself alone. Says the Guru, the universal liberator: “The sinner alone needs fear others; the righteous are ever joyous.” You, who are pure in actions, are not a helpless female. Shake not in your resolve to live
1. Adi Granth P. 695
truthfully. Seeknotthe prop of sinful people; nor knowing men to be bestial, seek their shelter. Truth and right are within you lodgedprop yourself with the power within. Why seek the support of those actuated by desire, who despite their human form live animal lives? Cast off your errors; wash off desire. Chastity you have preserved, overthrows the other evils. Thus wul your helplessness go and you will be a brave human being.
The unfortunate woman, taking courage at this noble discourse, said: “Holy sir, your words are ambrosial and give new life to the dead. Only yesterday I listened to someone singing this couplet from Kabir: The wood burnt in the forest cries out to God,
“Not to deliver it to the blacksmith, Lest he burn it again as charcoal.”
Replied the devotee in a deeply earnest tone: “Listen, chaste lady, I am neither a saint nor a blacksmith. Iam only to point out to you two errors. The animal nature, no doubt, 1s prevalent in the world. Man, should look closely into his own doing. He will be able to see that his urges and actions are lower than even those of the animals. Being unjust, injunng other’s feelings, caluminating others, defaming them falselyall such actions are lower than those of the animals. Other animal tendencies are, accumulating wealth under the impulse of avarice, and doing evil under the impulse of the five foul tendencies of lust, wrath, greed, attachment and pride. The animal after satiety stops, but man stops nowhere. The world is under the pall of a dark-night. Reformers, educators and preachers of religion are crying themselves hoarse. Appeals are being made in the name of love of the country. New knowledge is pouring in from the West. Despite all this, man’s nature remains animal nature, subordinated to the five evils. These are in a way changing. Despite the prevalent evil, to which even the preachers of religion are subject, there still are to be found a few rare souls who are devoted to God. Once you get over the error of pessimistic thinking that evil is totally prevalent, it will desert you. It is the pessimists who
attempt suicide. Such thinking will fill you with hope. The optimist never attempts to destroy himself. Life must be lived and suffering fought. The ancient sages of India, finding the people of the world-the recluses no less than the householders-tumed away from the world and took abode in forests. Guru Nanak Dev, the greatsaviour of the world however, taught: Flee not the world.’ Under the parching sand of the world also lie hidden the cooling sympathy and sweet-tasting spring of the water of love. So, young lady, hate not mankind. Be notalienated from the whole world. Discard the evil-minded as unworthy of association. Keep the company of the good: Associate with those who are devoted to God, and have subdued the five evils. Renunciation of the world will mean also renunciation of the good. Fleeingthe world and living in forests will only bring in desperation and wrath. Gurbani, the Master’s teaching also supports this insight. It is certainly imperative not to form attachment to those that take the mind away from God, involve it in evil-doing and drag it away from truth. Discard evil-doing, not the world in a huff.”
The unfortunate woman, listening to this long discourse remarked, “I have, however, not met even a single good person.” To this the devotee, casting on her a benevolent glance, replied: “Your search has not been adequate. In despair you are seeking to destroy your body which is created by the Lord. Adopt the faith that the world is ruled over by God, and it is peopled also by some good people. You will find some who have overcome the five evils and love the truth.”
On hearing these soothing words, the unfortunate woman heaved a sigh and asked: “What, noble sire, is my second error? Being a woman, how may! seek the god person to whom you point? Woman is said to be like flour, subject to nibbling by rats if lying in store, and being pecked at by crows if taken out. I left home in search of some good people. How should I nowresume that search? Everywhere | see greedy eyes.”
The devout Sikh replied in solemn tones: “Your second error is, that though God has blessed you with fidelity to the marriage, you still lack faith generated by that feeling. You are
still not free of egoism, so that you still are gripped by doubt. This doubt is eating you. Casting off egoism would have brought you true happiness in your state of chastity. True faith is higher than truth itself. Truth you have, but it has not inspired you. This is why men seek you in lewd ways. No one dare cast an evil glance ona purewoman. Your doubt is wrecking you. Where there is weak faith there doubt abides. You have preserved yourchastity in the midst of all this suffering. No one dare covet your body. Now you cast out your fear and give yourself the strength that chastity brings?”
On hearing this, the woman heaved a sigh and asked: “Holy sir, can I, a weak woman, live in this world alone?” To which the devotee replied: “Anyone who bears in heart, faith and purity, is not alone. God the Creator is by his side. He who has the support of God is not weak.”
To which the woman replied in sadness, “I cannot find a strong enough conviction about this. I can understand the purport of what you say, but I do not have faith as yet. I cannot feel that God is my protector.” The devotee asked her, “How have you kept faith in your departed husband?”
“Good Sir,” she said, “this faith is there, though I cannot explain it.”
The good man exhorted her, “As you have faith in your husband, so in God repose your faith.”
“This I try” she said, “but it is hard to have faith in God. Your words have brought joy to my heart; they have given me a prop, but still I shake in my faith.”
He said to her in a tone full of affection. “You have faith within you but it lacks firmness. Truth too is within you, but God, the source of universal truth is not yet lodged in your self. I pray that the holy universal source of all truth-God-comes to abide in you. Then will you find succour in Him-the prop of those without a prop and you will find true life.”
“How is that to be?”
“Know the Lord, who is our creator and cherisher, our protector, who is ever by us, is ever with you. Look within, He is abiding within you.”
“How dol have a sight of Him?” “By contemplating on Him.” “How to contemplate?”
In a calm voice and casting a benign look, he said: “As you cherish the memory of your departed husband, and your faith in him has stood unshaken, even so, cherish within the contemplation of the Lord of the universe. Such contemplation will grant you faith and render you fearless. Guru Nanak, the saviour of mankind says: “Why mother, be forgetful of Him who fills the whole universe? Keep God ever in mind. At present your gaze 1s fixed on the world only.”
With these words, as a thought arose within him, he said, “Young lady, now God be your protection, I am going away.”
The unfortunate woman in great perturbation said, “Then who will look after me? Your guidance to me is still only half way through.”
“Let the rest be another time. You may be tired. You are still weak.”
“Your loving discourse has imparted strength to me. Be so kind to explain this whole mystery. Do not mind my being tired.”
At this, giving thought to her appeal, he said: “Then listen for a short while more. I told you that your eyes at present are fixed on the world. The world is full of doubt. All the religious divines, the wealthy, the uneducated and the scholars, scientists, by doubt are gripped. All living creatures too, are gripped by fear of those more powerful than themselves. The whole world thus lives under the influence of doubt. Your eyes view only this world gripped by doubt. The reflection of this world falls also on your mind. As you cultivate the contemplation of God, His reflection will fall on your mindGod is fearless; free from doubt. With His reflection falling on yourmind, ittoo will be rendered fearless. Then will you neither stand under anyone’s fear, nor impart fear to another. The Master who is our source of strength, says:
1. Guru Tegh Bahadur - Slokas.
“He who imparts fear to none, nor stands under fear of any, Saith Nanak, is truly enlightened.”'
With your mind turned fearless, your whole outlook will change. Then this world will not wear the aspect of poison, but be the Lord’s image. On all sides you will behold the light of God. A blind man stumbles from step to step, but with his eyes open he sees light spread everywhere. Then he stumbles no more. The walls and pillars that formerly struck against his face, now no more hurt him, but appear to be his own self. Rise, therefore, good lady, above Maya and discard your doubts and illusions; the darkness of ignorance; the state of mind in which it now abides. Fix your mind on the Lord above fear; remember Him ever. The Guru, who is bringer of weal and joy declares: “One contemplating the Lord above fear, is from all fear released.”
“In your mind are formed contrary resolutions about the world, involving you in fear and illusion, which youcastoff. Fix your mind solely on this belief: “The Lord is my true beloved, enveloping me within and without. He is my guardian: in all places.” Listen to what the Guru, bestower of true life, says:
“Thou art my father, Thou art my mother,
Thou art my kinsman and Thou art my brother.
In all the places Thou art my protector.
Then why should I feel fear and anxiety?
By Thy grace dol understand Thee.
Thou art my cover and Thou art my honour.
Beside Thee there is no other second.
The entire universe is the arena of Thy play.
All the men and other beings Thou hast created.
Asis Thy will so are the tasks Thou hast assigned to them. All that is done is Thy doing. There is nothing ours in it. By meditating on Thine Name,
[ have obtained supreme bliss.
1. Majh -Fifth Guru P. 103,
By singing Thy praises my soul is cooled down.
By the perfect Guru's grace,
Nanak has captured the arduous battlefield
and congratulations are pouring in on his victory.”!
“Forget the pain inflicted on you by others, otherwise its memory will make your own mind impure with the spirit of revenge. Joy comes only when the mind finds poise through devotion to God’s Name. Joy lies not outside, but within us as the mind is absorbed in God and receives His reflection. Says the Guru ~ our ferrier across the ocean of the world:
“To contemplate on God’s Name in all situations-”
such 1s our task perpetually. Contemplation on God at all times, Chanting God's Name along life’s pathSuch is man’s assigned task.”*
The Guru, our Saviour further says:-
“The Name of the reverend Lord is the support of my soul. The Name is the life, soul and solace of this mind, and for me it is a thing of daily use.
The Name is my caste, the Name is my honour and the Name is my family.
The Lord’s Name, my companion is ever with me and it 1s the Lord’s Name that delivers me.
Sensuous pleasures are much spoken of, but none of them goes alongwith the man.
Nanak seeks the Name of dear Friend, God’s Name is my treasure, he says.”*
The Unfortunate Lady— (in a consoled voice) Good sir! tell me will God’s Name take the place of my mother, father, friends and companions? Will the Name compensate for all my failings?
1. Majhfefth Guru P. 103 2. Gauri Fifth Guru P. 286. 3. Asa - Fifth Guru P. 386 4. Todi Fifth Guru P. 713
The Devotee— (with humility) lam an erring creature, but our Master, the Guru who is infallible, says:
The Lord’s name is Saviour of those in whose heart it is lodged. The Lord’s Name is our father, mother, friend and companion.
Withthe Namehold we counsel ever; Ever with the Lord's Name are we in company. The Nameis ourtribe and family. The Name granted to Nanak saves him in this world and the next.
The Lord’s name is the eternal Master, the Creator.
The Lord’s Name we praise and worship, In the Name is our heart absorbed.
Nothing is great as the Name, that is the Saviour in the end. Devotionto the Nameis inspired by the Master, helper of all-
Blessed by the Master's father and mother:
To the Master ever I bow in reverence Who of the Name has granted me knowledge.
The Name is our rich viands that keeps me filled. The-Name is our vesture, ever covering us.
The Name is our merchandise that the Lord on us has bestowed.
The Name is our account of deeds that from Yama saves us. Rare are those blessed with the Name, That in primal time is granted. !
The Unfortunate Lady (her eyes brightening) - Blessed be the Lord, that has sent to me such a teacher as you. Pray tell me, are you a Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Arya Samajist?
The Devotee-Lady, I am not fit to be called performer of good deeds. Anyone who is not truly devoted to religion, little good will it do him to profess religion outwardly. The world is in the grip of maladies because of irreligious people passing for those devoted to religion. True religion lies in this that God
1. Var Vadhans P 592
should cause the reflection of truth to fall on our mind, whereby it should illumine us like the sunlight. Another angle to that is that we should not indulge in any activity that should cause us to cease believing in the existence of God. In other words, our mind should be constantly fixed on God. Such is the noble wisdom that we have to learn. Toimpartthis the holy Teacher descended from heaven. He is known as the Divine Teacherthe Guru. lam a seeker of the true life from that teacher, known as Sikh-disciple. Iam trying constantly to lodge that Master in my heart. Him I ever contemplate, trying to keep him in my mind always. Such effort is known as devotion to the Name, which brings about union with God. True religion brings about union with God. What leads the mind towards Maya is not true religion. True joy lies in following true religion.
The Unfortunate Lady-Your discourse has brought peace to my mind. But please tell me, whose support should Iseek to pass my days?
The Devotee— (with eyes full of compassion for her} I do not keepanashram or any such centre, nor am Ia householder living among relations. What prop can I offer you? Devoted solely to God, I move from place to place. I consider all places as mine. The earth is my bed. All food and drink on earth is mine, for 1 am God's and the whole world belongs to God. Love for Him, His contemplation is my support. By constantly meditating on God I feel I am not alone in the world. laskyouto put yourself too under God's shelter. With each breath of your life keep Him ever in your mind. Do not feel discouraged. The effect such devotion will appear slowly. Only persist in this path.!shall supplicate the Lord to grant you devotion to Himself. As you contemplate on Him, all your actions will exude love. The other object you must hold on to is the prayer-book (handing a copy to her). This contains the revealed Word of the Master, bestower of true strength. This contains Japuji and Jap, texts for the morning recitation, and Rahras, for recitation in the evening. Further, there is Sohila for recitation before retiring; Sukhmani for recitation when the mind wanders away from the holy Name. These texts may gradually be learnt by heart.
Thus may you enjoy the holy word. The Master has thus instructed the disciples:
“He who calls himself aSikh of the Great True Guru, should rise early and meditate on God’s Name.
He should make efforts, early in the morning, take bath and have ablution in the tank of Nectar.
By repeating Lord God's Name under Guru's instruction, all his sins, misdeeds and accusations are wiped off. Afterwards, at sun rise, he sings Gurbanland whilstsitting or standing he meditates on God's Name.
The Guru's disciple, who with every breath and morsel contemplates over my Lord God, he becomes pleasing to Guru's mind.
He, untowhom my Master be comes merciful, to that disciple of his, the Guru imparts his instruction.
servant Nanak asks for the dust of the feet of that Sikh of the Guru, who himself contemplates on God’s Name and makes others contemplate thereon. '
Lady, may I know your name?
The Lady— The unfortunate Jamuna.
The Devotee— That phase is now over. Now you are the fortunate Jamuna. (Subhag)?
The Fortunate Lady— Good sir, please tell me where am] now? Where should I go? Live where? I need not ask you what Ishould do. That you have told me. Your words Nave sunk into me; my heart has acquired faith and a newlife has come tome. What you tell meIshall attempt to do, or Guru Nanak, bestower of true life will guide me to it. That is inevitable; but please tell me where am Inow? Where to find an abode?
The Devotee— God's creature who has found life through purity in God, you are in God, into Him be absorbed and in Him abide.
1. Var Gaur 4th Guru P. 305 2. subhag - Fortunate is adopted henceforth as the Lady’s Name (Tr.) 3. God in the Sikh dispensation. (Tr.)
These words were spoken in such an atmosphere that they created a wonderful effect whereby she experienced an ecstasy which she felt with eyes closed. The sound of waves arose from the river which in her absorption she did not hear. As she opened her eyes she found that the devotee had disappeared. Neither on the horizon nor over the river was he visible. Subhag now was experiencing a perfect calm. Her eyes closed under a strange intoxication and the echo of Waheguru? was filling her within. A joy was spreading over in which she felt absorbed.
Time appeared to stand still. As her eyes opened, she was sitting before a tall peasant woman, offering to her a bowl of milk with the words: ‘Good lady, in the name of Lord on whom you are deeply contemplating, drink of this. Spend the night in our home, that it may purify itself by the presence of such a devotee as you.’
subhag looked up andcomprehending her words, said, ‘I abide in God, in Him shallI continue to abide. Praised be God, Lord God, may I abide yours and you mine. May I abide in your temple.’ With these words she drank the milk and praised God. The peasant woman then said, ‘My daughter, now come with me trusting in God, who is now filling your self.’ Subhag then breathed with ease of mind, saying “Mother, | come with you’. A cart was standing at some distance, on which both were seated.
“Saith Nanak: Anyone who makes his living by the sweat of his brow and gives away something in charity, alone knows the way.”!
aii the Fortunate One had now come to a new place.
she had seen so many ups and downs in life and gone through many changes of fortune. All these were caused, since a man who should have within him the spark of faith had not been found by her. Such a being is not the product of excess of wealth, worldly honour or learning. Such a man is fired by the spark of faith which cannot be taught but comes of itself. Goodness arises spontaneously within him. He does not have to seek pleasures of life through clever calculations or by adopting mechanical plans. Such a manis ever joyful, itumined by the light within him. However, as the Guru says, such men are rarest among the rare.
The sight of such a man turned unfortunate woman into the Fortunate One (Subhag). Her life now had acquired a new hue. Divine love had entered her self, and vibrated within her. She was like the larva of a worm that had acquired colourful wings, and rose from the earth over which she was creeping, she now hovered over flowers and enjoyed light and sunshine. Even so the mind of Subhag (the Fortunate One) discarding complications and the agony of sufferioig had now acquired peace. She had now come to the house of a poor man possessing about fifty bighas’ of land. The family consisted of three personshimself, his wife and son. The land was irrigated by two wells
1. Var Sarang P. 1245 2. A measure of Land.
with persian wheels. The father and son cultivated the land which provided them sustenance. The elderly lady bore the name Nand Kaur. The son was called Baghel Singh and the man himself was known as Naudh Singh. People reverently called him Baba (Father). As he ploughed the land, he did not use any whip over the bullocks, but repeating God’s Name in rhythm, made the bullocks move on. If the rains were good he rendered thanks to God; if scanty he said the irrigated land will give good yield. Neverlosing his peace, heneverlamented his fate. Father and son toiled together. When needed, they employed labour, but usually worked by themselves. His wife rising at early dawn swept the house and while chuming the milk recited the Sukhmani'. Her mind was always absorbed in God. Subhag now arrived at the house of these people. The old lady had listened to her story. It moved her pity and affection for the young girl. After a few days the old lady said to Subhag, “Young lady, for the religious-minded the whole world is their home. Still if you need a roof over your head, consider this house to be your own. Live with us as a member of our family.” Subhag was overjoyed at the good fortune and offered thanks to God. Nand Kaur, the old lady, had related her story to her husband and son. After a while they said, “Whatever we have is available for helping her. Let her take shelter with us.”
After some further thought Naudh Singh said to his wife ‘Tell her to take this to be her own home and not feel like a stranger. We are poor workers. We cannot offer lavish entertainment. Whatever we have we share with her. God is the true provider; all creatures are beggars before Him’. His wife, who was a thoughtful woman, understood what her husband meant.
Now subhag was in a new place. Early moming she rose with the elderly lady. While she recited the holy text, Subhag listened and joined her in repeating God's Name. Both went to the temple to listen to the holy singing. Subhag also joined the elderly lady in cooking. As the old lady went out to the fields
1. Asacred Sikh text.
Subhag attended to the household chores. For the evening at prayer time, all the inhabitants of the place, men and women, assembled in the temple. Baba Naudh Singh's devotion had ‘Inspired people to devote themselves to religion. Subhag also used to join this congregation.
At home Subhag felt that she was not given any special treatment asa guest, but was looked upon as a member of the family. She too responded in the same way. She was now happy. Her heart was turned to God, she enjoyed listening to religious texts, while her body attended to household work. In the lonely hours of noon and night she was absorbed in God. She felt, there was an atmosphere where no one promised her mukti or liberation or tempted her with the garden of paradise. Nor was she promised union with her departed husband. No one offered her inducement of marriage; the only inducement was to engage in work and do good which would bring its reward in this world and the next. All people around were comparatively poor, but kept cheerful. She felt perfectly at home. Only now and then she felt an apprehension lest this good fortune should suddenly receive a jolt. Once or twice she mentioned this to Baba Naudh Singh whom she addressed as Papa but he only made the simple reply, “My daughter, our life is given to us to listen to God's holy Name. This alone brings joy. Worldly things are meant only for our sustenance. A good life brings joy. This is a simple truth that we understand.”
One day Nand Kaur said to her husband, “The holy texts exhort us to devotion, charity and holy bathing. But kings like Hari Chand who offered so much charity still did not escape suffering; and as for holy bathing it is said to be of little good, for the creatures of water are constantly pouring water over themselves.”
Her husband replied, “From where has this doubt entered your mind? The best thing is to remember God. We are simple folk who believe in (i) earnest work, (ii) sharing our earnings with others and (iii) faith in God. Why should we let our mind wander? Let there be no doubt, for doubt renders the mind
‘Impure.”
The lady said, “But is it bad to ask this question? Ithought there was no harm. To-day in the temple [saw that some people were discussing this very matter with the priest.”
Naudh Singh said, “I have followed what you meant. It would have, however, been better if you had not listened to their conversation. For simple folk the Guru has chalked out the broad path. To follow that is our faith. In that lies our welfare. For that have we come into the world. Those who are wealthy or make their living out of leaming can spend their time in intellectual deliberations. But we simple folk cannot waste our time thus. We, who have to rise early in the morning and see that we make our earning, need a kind of faith combining action with religion, such as reciting the holy text while handling the plough. The womenfolk should in the same way chum the milk, cook the meal and recite the holy text. This will purify the mind and gladden the heart and inspire love in it.”
The world is a terrifying jungle, peopled by murderers, and beasts like lust, wrath, avarice and attachment. All, in this jungle have gone astray and become prey to these blood thirsty beasts. Anyone safely crossing this jungle and escaping these beasts enters a dark forest full of anxiety and doubt where the human self is lost. Qur Master has chalked out a high road which is so broad as to merit being called a ‘carrlage-way’ (the good old path) in the words of Bhai Gurdas.'
Along this path pass human beings, animals and carriages. This road is straight and leads to the destination. No one is lost on this road and is safe from the blood-thirsty beasts and marauders. Such a one encounters no doubt, or the complications created by philosophy. This high way is the highway of ‘Nam’ or devotion whose merit is unequaled. Says the Guru: “My self! day and night recite God’s name; this is the highest and purest act.” This is the noblest path on which one never strays. Doubt we must avoid. Again, as Gurbani _ says: “Without God's shelter consider all ritual acts to be fruitless and hollow.”
1. Agreat Sikh philosopher and poet
Atthis stage his wife Nand Kaur said, “Butis there no merit in charity and holy works?” To this he replied, “without true devotion these maybe good for acquiring worldly honour, but otherwise bring no merit.” His wife still persisted and said, “I have not followed your reasoning”, to which he replied, “The dips taken by frogs and fish are dips without devotion. The charity dispensed for public acclaim is similarly devoid of devotion.” The holy Granth accords no honour to such. It only honours men with devotion.
Whoever is devoted to God, all his acts constitute charity. Such a one does not bring into his mind pride or thoughts of acquiring worldly honour. Just as he keeps his bodyfree from dirt, so also he keeps his mind free from impure thoughts. His true bathing is in devotion. That is the true meaning of holy bathing and charity. The essential thing 1s devotion to the Name. These two are only the vehicles for the Name. Those keeping their mind and body pure have the Name overflowing from them. One dispensing true charity has no desire left. Desire is cured by such charity. Such a person casts out desire. Desire is hostile to devotion. True charity becomes the vehicle of the Namebecauseit eliminates desire. The mind freed from desire, is in bloom. Such a mind, immersed in joy in the Name proceeds along the path of life with ease. It is desire only that is the source of bickering and enmity. Charity by removing desire makes for increase in love. The holy bath inthe Name removes impunity and such charity removes desire. By devotion to the Name, the mind becomes absorbed in God.”
This discourse delighted Nand Kaur. Since the morning her prayers had not brought her that joy and she was feeling a kind of sadness. She listened to her husband, a simple man of good actions. She was delighted and her devotion again acquired intensity. Subhag, who was listening to these words, also wished that instead of falling into the clutches of the miracle man she had listened to these simple people. She would then have escaped the falsehood, fraud and greed of the world. But she rendered thanks to God that some hidden power had extricated her from the pit of doubt,
suffering and death and conferred on her devotion. Now she felt that among these devoted people she had found a home better than that of her parents. She thought, “These people are poor but not clever and live in joy, love and fearlessness. Everybody works here and while working renders thanks to God. Their life truly reflects the teaching: “Listening to the holy Word is the true saviour; such a life is full of joy, free from envy and fear.” Whatever they can spare they give away in charity and pray for the welfare of all mankind.” She felt that the doubts of her adopted mother had been removed in a simple manner by her saintly adopted father. She had never imagined that this evil world contained such angelic people. The simple nobility of these people astonished her. Naudh singh, while not dispensing charity by overt motive, yet was more charitable than any rich person could be. Should anyone fall ill and need milk, from his home would it come as a gift. The temple congregations were looked after by Naudh Singh. His simple word inspired the whole village. No quarrel or bickering took place there. Should any such occur, his teachings inspired forgiveness which brings joy. “Life”, he said, “is invaluable. Why waste this valuable life in pursuing evil courses?” so his exhortation brought people to devotion and mutual forgiveness.
One day the Baba was asked by a visitor to give a discourse on Guru Nanak’s noble teachings and the good he had brought to mankind. The Baba simply replied, “Guru Nanak turned us animals into human beings and human beings into gods. It behoves us to engage in honest work, to share our earnings with others and to recite God's name.” Here his discourse stopped as someone from the audience sald, “Is this all”—to which he replied, “Friend I have told you what I have experienced. I am not a learned or a clever man. | only know that the kind of human being that the Guru wished to create would turn the whole world into paradise. Then no penal laws would be needed nor would there be tyranny. There would be only love.
Friends, if such be not our endeavour we shall only be dishonouring the Guru. Let us follow his path even though it be ever so simple?”
In the house of this good man Subhag followed the path of religion. Her hands did the small household work which she had picked up from Nand Kaur. While busy in her work, she was constantly in the attitude of devotion.