Nurshah and her women, on hearing this hymn, twisted their head-dresses around their necks in token of submission, and fell at the Guru's feet. They asked how they could obtain salvation. The Guru told them to repeat God's name, conscientiously perform their domestic duties, renounce magic, and they should thus secure future happiness. It is said that they became followers of Guru Nanak, and thus secured salvation.
The Guru, on leaving Kamrup, entered a wilderness. There Kaljug [1] came to tempt him. Mardana became sore afraid. The Guru remonstrated with him; asked why he was afraid of Kaljug; if he felt fear it ought to be the fear of God.
The Guru then sang the following hymn:—
Put the fear of God [2] into thy heart; then the fear of Death shall depart in fear.
What is that fear by fearing which the fear of Death may
take fright?
O God, there is no other abode than in Thee;
Whatever happeneth is according to Thy pleasure.
Fear if thou have any other fear than that of God:
Fear is mental disturbance.
The soul dieth not, neither is it drowned; it is saved through fear of God.
He who made something will make something.
By His order man cometh; by His order man goeth;
Before and behind us His order prevaileth.
The swan of the heart aspireth to fly to heaven;
But on the way it is a target for great hunger which restraineth it.
Let the swan make fear its eating, drinking, and support;
Without such food the stupid bird would die.
Who hath a helper let anybody say.
Everybody is Thine; Thou art the helper of all.
