The beauty of the toenails of Sri Guru ji is like the beauty of the moon. I make my mind into a Chakor and continue the Katha that gives Mukti.
Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..
Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji headed onwards. Bhai Mardana ji and I were with him. In many places, Guru ji gave wisdom to all by saying: “do the Simran of Satnam, the Master of the Universe.” He spread the path of Prema Bhagti to many villages. As we walked, we reached the ocean. Guru ji stood on the shores and spoke in a deep voice: “tell me Bala, this ocean is deep and can’t be figured out how deep it is; I wish to cross it. How can we walk on top of the water? There is no ship nearby by which we can cross it. You are wise; give me a solution by which we can travel across.” Listen Guru Angad Dev ji, oh Giver of Mukti: I said to Guru ji: “rocks sink in water but if you say your words, the rocks can sail across. You have made strong mountains sail across the water, what can we say about humans? Whoever says your name, day and night, they cross the world ocean, with ease, which is filled with fear. This ocean is not hard to cross. They can easily sail across this world ocean, who say your name.” Guru ji was happy to hear this. He spoke the pleasant Bani:
Sri Mukhvaak..
Ik Oankaar Satnam Karta Purakh Nirbhao Nirvair Akaal Moorat Ajooni Saibhang Guruprasad..
Say this Salok and walk behind me.” In this way, the Mine of Virtues walked on the ocean. The water did not touch his feet. Bhai Mardana ji and I walked behind Guru ji. We too walked on top of the water. Our feet did not get wet as well. The Compassionate One blessed us.
We soon reached an island. The destroyer of all pains, Guru ji made everyone say the Name of Akaal Purakh. The island was called “Naga Bandar.” We then headed on from there. Where the land of Sangladeep was, Guru ji arrived near there. He came to that land because the Raja was remembering him. The Raja had a garden which was completely dry. As soon as Sri Guru ji entered the garden, the Giver of Joy, as soon as his feet set in the garden, the dry trees became green again. The branches became beautiful and the leaves and fruit blossomed. The garden became beautiful. When the people of the village saw this, they were amazed. The gardener heard about this and came to see Guru ji. He bowed to Guru ji’s feet. He was really happy in his heart.
The gardener went to Raja Shivnaab’s court and said: “listen Raja, I am speaking the truth: a great and powerful saint has come. When his feet were placed in your dried-up garden, it became green, right away. I saw this with my own eyes. Having his Darshan, I felt great. He has two followers with him. Come and see him with love and eagerness.” The Raja heard this and was really happy. He called his minister close to him and said to him: “go to the saint, the giver of joy. If it is Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji then test him properly.” The name of the minister was Parshuram. The minister Parshuram heard this and packed delicious foods with him. He headed towards the garden where the Compassionate One was sitting.
The Minister folded his hands and bowed to Guru ji. He placed the delicious foods in front of Guru ji and said: “Sant ji, please have the food sent by our King.” Guru ji saw the food and said to the minister:
Maaroo Mahalla 1
The tastes and desires are many. They are poisonous but they are sweet.
Whoever the Parmeshwar blesses, they are saved by the desires of the senses.”
(Nanak Prakash Granth)
These tastes are useless. The taste of the Naam is great. It gives joy and peace. The ones who are stuck in the tastes of wines and senses, these give pain. The taste of the Naam gives peace.” The minister heard this and was amazed. He bowed and went back to his King.
The minister told the king what happened: “my King, the saint renounces good tastes.” The Raja said: “then take the beautiful women to the saint.” The minister took the prostitutes, whom Kamadeva is embarrassed by, seeing their beauty.
When the women came close to Guru ji, they danced and made sexual gestures. The minister said: “Sant ji, they are a gift from my Raja. The Raja has sent them to give joy to your mind.” The Glorious One then spoke:
“these prostitutes are vines of poison coated with sugar. Many people are beautiful but meeting with these women, one goes to hell. The body is a vessel of bad smells and vices. The one who loves these women and touches them, their life becomes damned; when they die, the Jumms take them to Hell.”
(Nanak Prakash Granth)
The minister was happy and bowed. He went to the Raja and told him everything: “he is without fault. He sees faults in the women. He didn’t wish to even touch the women.” The Raja said to Parshuram: “go to him again and take beautiful jewellery and beautiful clothes. This may make him greedy.” The minister took clothes and jewellery.
The minister came close to the complete Guru and placed the beautiful clothes and jewellery in front of him. He said: “please take these gifts from our king.” Guru ji saw the clothes and jewellery and said:
“The body and clothes are garbage. Don’t look at them by which you forget the Parmeshwar.
Gold, silver and wealth, these are the roots of Hell.”
(Nanak Prakash Granth)
The body and clothes are false. People get stuck into them and forget themselves. They are of no use to me. Give them back to your Raja.” The minister went back to his King and said: “the saint is the greatest. He is calm and great. He didn’t take anything you sent. You should come and do his Darshan. Go test Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji yourself.” The Raja heard the wise minister and got ready to go see Guru ji.
The Raja took a crowd of people with him. He was eager to see the Satguru. He came to the garden and stood in front of Guru ji. He bowed to Guru ji’s feet. He had Guru ji’s Darshan and was in bliss. It was as though the ocean seeing the full moon with joy. He stood in front of Guru ji with his hands folded. Guru Nanak Dev ji said:
“listen Raja Shivnaab, you are wise. You have faith. Nanak removes your curtain of ego and doubt. Become the servant of servants.”
(Nanak Prakash Granth)
Hearing Guru ji’s words, the Raja was sure that it was Guru ji himself. He was really happy. He still thought about testing Guru ji for one more night. He then wanted to walk on the path of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He then went to his home.
Guru ji stayed in the garden. The Raja had a beautiful bed sent for Guru ji. Servants were sent for Guru ji’s Seva. At night, the Padmani women were sent, who were the most beautiful women in nature. The Raja instructed the Padmani women: “take your prettiest friends and go to the saint in the garden. Tempt him.” The women dressed up with jewellery and put soorma in their eyes. They all came to the garden quickly. They were very beautiful. Their skins were like gold. They walked like elephants. Their hair was black. It was as though they were the daughters of Kamadeva. Their breasts were firm and their eyes were beautiful. Their waists were slim. Their voices were melodious. Some were 14 years old and some were 16. When they walked, their golden jewellery clanked. It was as though Kamadeva’s Nagara was sounding. Their sight was sharp like an arrow. Their eyebrows were curved like a bow. It was as though Kamadeva set up this drama himself to tempt Guru ji. The Raja was just an excuse. Where Guru ji sat, the women came and sat there. Ratti was embarrassed by the beauty of the women. The women massaged Guru ji’s feet and smiled slightly as they held his feet. The feet were the Givers of Mukti. The women wanted desire to arise in Guru ji’s heart. They gave enticing looks to Guru ji and spoke softly, as though Kamadeva’s Veena was playing. Any other Devata or Munni would have been persuaded by this. The chief Padmani woman said: “listen Sant ji, you are complete. We came to do your Darshan. Let go of your doubts and look towards us. The traits of a Padmani woman, I have all of them. My chest is firm. Touch it with your hands. My lips are sweet like Amrit. Taste them. Kiss them. I am beautiful. Embrace me and do as you please. My body will be fulfilled, when you have love in your heart and meet me. Oh Compassionate One, embrace me and make me happy.” When the Padmani woman spoke, the deep Guru said: “do the Simran of Satnam, which gives peace. Make this birth of yours a success. Don’t waste your life in the pleasures and desires of the senses. Remember the Hari and you will be free. You will have Mukti.” The head woman said: “experience us. Love us. You fulfill everyone’s wishes. Complete ours too.” Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji heard them and said words which gave peace from desires:
Sri Mukhvaak.. Aasa Ghar 6 Mahalla 1..
If the mind is jewellery like pearls, wind (breath from Simran) is the string..
Forgiveness be the dressing up of the Bhuddi on the body, the sweet one experiences the Parmeshwar..1..
Oh my love, I am fascinated by your many glories.. Your glories are not found anywhere else..1..Rahao..
If the bride wears the garland of Har Har around the neck, Damodhar is the toothbrush..
Karta Karta is the bracelet, in this way the mind is still.2..
Madhusudhana is the ring, Parmeshwar are the silk clothes..
Patience are the braids, Sri is the soorma..3..
If she lights the Diva in the Mandir of the mind, the Lord will take her bed..
Gyaan is the king, when he comes to the bed, Nanak says, he enjoys the bride..3..
(SGGS 359)
After saying this Shabad, Guru ji, the Master of the world said another Ashtpadi in Raag Basant.
Basant Mahalla 1..
The world is a crow; it does not remember the Naam, the Name of the Lord. Forgetting the Naam, it sees the bait, and pecks at it. The mind wavers unsteadily, in guilt and deceit. I have shattered my attachment to the false world. ||1||
The burden of sexual desire, anger and corruption is unbearable. Without the Naam, how can the mortal maintain a virtuous lifestyle? ||1||Rahao||
The world is like a house of sand, built on a whirlpool; it is like a bubble formed by drops of rain. It is formed from a mere drop, when the Lord's wheel turns around. The lights of all souls are the servants of the Lord's Name. ||2||
My Supreme Guru has created everything. I perform devotional worship service to You, and fall at Your Feet, O Lord. Imbued with Your Name, I long to be Yours. Those who do not let the Naam manifest within themselves, they depart like thieves in the end. ||3||
They lose their honor, gathering sin and corruption. But imbued with the Lord's Name, you shall go to your true home with honor. Prabhoo does whatever He wills. One who abides in the Fear of Prabhoo, becomes fearless, O my mother. ||4||
The woman desires beauty and pleasure. But betel leaves, garlands of flowers and sweet tastes lead only to disease. The more she plays and enjoys, the more she suffers in sorrow. But when she enters into the Sanctuary of Prabhoo, whatever she wishes comes to be. ||5||
She wears beautiful clothes with all sorts of decorations. But the flowers turn to dust, and her beauty leads her into evil. Hope and desire have blocked the doorway. Without the Naam, one's hearth and home are deserted. ||6||
O princess, my daughter, run away from this place! Chant the True Name, and embellish your days. Serve your Beloved Lord God, and lean on the Support of His Love. Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, abandon your thirst for corruption and poison. ||7||
Mohan has fascinated my mind. Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, I have realized You, Lord. Nanak stands longingly at Prabhoo’s Door. I am content and satisfied with Your Name; please shower me with Your Mercy. ||8||1||
(SGGS 1187)
Hearing the sweet words of Sri Guru ji, the words that had the glory of Naam, it was the pearl necklace of Mukti that came around their necks. The women put this Mala on and became calm. They became attached with the Simran. It was as though a pauper begging for coins, received a diamond, all of a sudden; that is how the women couldn't describe their bliss. The fire of their vices and desires was extinguished. They all did the Seva of Guru ji all night long. The women were all blessed. They were given Mukti.
In the morning, the women came back to the Raja in the palace. The Raja saw the women and said: "tell me, the saint that came, how did you find him? Did you entice him with your advances? Did you succeed?" The head woman, the Padmani, she said: "listen Raja, the Fakirs that had come before him, they would see our forms and fall weak to our lustful gestures. I tried to tempt him in many ways, which would arouse the greatest of Munnis and Tapasvis, swaying them from their paths. This saint was not even a little bit affected. He remained still like the golden Sumer Mountain. He blessed us with his vision. He gave us the taste of the Simran of Hari. Our mind is drenched in that now. He is the Complete Being. He is compassionate. Doing his Darshan is a blessing. You lose your senses with him. Our good karma has come to fruition in this birth. We got to serve the Purshotam, the great being. He gave us wisdom all night long. He blessed us. Listen Raja: vices and pleasures are poisonous. We don't like this dirt anymore; like a really bad smell. Our minds are calm in every way. Hearing his words, our heart is cool and serene. He took us out of Hell and took us to Heaven. This is how we saw the saint." The Raja was really happy. He thought to himself: "this is definitely Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji. In Kaliyuga, chastity and truth have all been robbed from all humans. Other than Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, there is no one so complete." He thought of this and set off right away.
The Raja walked barefoot and had love in his heart. He went to the garden where Guru ji was. Guru ji was sitting under a tree. Guru ji had his back towards the Raja. He turned his head the other way. He didn't pay any attention to the Raja. The Raja bowed down on the floor, lying like a staff. The Raja's faith got deeper when Guru ji turned his back towards him. He was happy that Guru ji didn’t give him special treatment because he was a rich king. The Raja bowed and stood up. His devotion was solid. He didn’t doubt Guru ji. Guru ji didn't say anything. He said nothing to the King. The Raja stood there for 7 and a half hours. The Raja did not waiver. He stood there. Guru ji spoke after 7.5 hours: "Raja, are you well? Tell me what is your wish. You have been standing with determination. You waited for me to speak." The Raja thought to himself: "from the clan of Bedi Kshatriyas, Guru Nanak Dev ji, the beautiful, what Bhai Mansukh had said, this is definitely him." The Raja said: "listen oh Compassionate saint, tell me your name and caste. Tell me with your compassion. I will then tell you my wishes. I want to know who you are." Sri Guru ji, the Master of the Universe spoke from his mouth:
Sri Mukhvaak.. Maaroo Mahalla 1..
The Yogi who is joined to the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is pure; he is not stained by even a particle of dirt.
The True Lord, his Beloved, is always with him; the rounds of birth and death are ended for him. ||1||
O Lord of the Universe, what is Your Name, and what is it like?
If You summon me into the Mansion of Your Presence, I will ask You, how I can become one with You. ||1||Pause||
The Raja didn't understand. He said: "are you a Jogi?" Guru ji continued:
The Yogi who is joined to the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is pure; he is not stained by even a particle of dirt.
The True Lord, his Beloved, is always with him; the rounds of birth and death are ended for him. ||1||
The Raja spoke again as he did not understand: "if you are a Brahmin, be compassionate and tell me." Guru ji continued:
He alone is a Brahmin, who takes his cleansing bath in the spiritual wisdom of God, and whose leaf-offerings in worship are the Glorious Praises of the Lord.
The One Name, the One Narayan, and His One Light pervade the three worlds. ||2||
The Raja heard such beautiful words and said: "are you a Kshatriya?" the Lotus-eyed One spoke"
My tongue is the balance of the scale, and this heart of mine is the pan of the scale; I weigh the immeasurable Naam.
There is one store, and one banker above all; the merchants deal in the one commodity. ||3||
The Raja still wasn't sure. He was anxious and confused. Guru ji wouldn't specify his caste to him nor tell him his name. The Raja said: "there are many saints and wise people who are householders. There are Sanyasis as well. Who are you? Which are you, tell me Sant ji, what your ideology is." Guru ji said:
The True Guru saves us at both ends; he alone understands, who is lovingly focused on the One Lord; his inner being remains free of doubt.
The Word of the Shabad abides within, and doubt is ended, for those who constantly serve, day and night. ||4||
The Raja thought about this deeply. He spoke after a half an hour: "if you are Gorakh, then tell me." Satguru ji said:
Above is the sky (Dasam Duar) and beyond this sky is Gorakh- the keeper of the world, the Protector of the World; the Inaccessible Guru abides there.
By the Guru's Teachings, what is outside becomes the same as what is inside the home of the self. Nanak has become an Udaasi, a detached renunciate. ||5||11||
(SGGS 992)
When the Raja heard the Bani, which gave joy, he heard "I am Nanak, an Udaasi," the Raja was now sure that it was in fact Guru Nanak Dev ji. He did not have any doubts then. Love over-flowed in his heart. His throat swelled with emotion. He praised Guru ji: "my life is fortunate. My good karma has come to fruition so I have received your Darshan. Oh Master of the Universe, you know what is in my heart. You know who I am. I am a small person who could not recognize you. I am unwise. My tongue does not have the strength to say your praises." The Raja did 3 Parkarmas of Guru ji and bowed to his feet. He said: "Guru ji, see me as your servant in every way. Come to my home and make it pure." Guru ji said: "first make a Dharamsala. You can take me to your home after." The Raja heard this and went home. He started to construct a Dharmsala.