Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 1.djvu/194

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THE SIKH RELIGION


bowed to him, and fell at his feet. Meantime Kalu continued to weep for joy. He asked his son to mount the horse on which he had come, and go home with him. Nanak replied that he had no need of a horse, and then sang the following:-

To know Thy way, God, is as horses with saddles made of gold.

To pursue virtue is as quivers, arrows, bows, spears, and sword-belts.

To be honourably distinguished is as bands and lances; Thy favour, O God, is as caste for me.

Father, other conveyance affordeth ruinous happiness ;

By mounting it the body is pained, and sin entereth the mind.

The father again pressed the son to return with him, if only for once. He said he had built a new house which he should like to show him after his long absence. Nanak ought also to visit his wife, and then, if he felt so disposed, he might continue his wanderings. Nanak replied:—

The pleasure of the Name is as mansions and palaces; Thy favouring glance, Lord, is as family for me.

To please Thee is mine empire ; to say more were altogether useless.

Nanak, true is the King ; He decideth without taking others counsel.

Father, other intercourse affordeth ruinous happiness;

By indulging in it the body is pained, and sin entereth the mind.[1]

Kalu again said: My son, tell me at what thou art offended. If thou desire it, I will find thee another wife. The Guru replied as follows:—

He who made the world watcheth over it, and appointeth His creatures to their various duties.

Thy gifts, Lord, are as light to the mind, and as the moon and lamps to the body.

  1. Sri Räg.