Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 1.djvu/216

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THE SIKH RELIGION


the Guru did so. Upon this, it is said, Babar s brain opened for the reception of spiritual truths. He praised the Guru, and opening his bhang-pouch, offered him some. The Guru replied that he had already taken bhang whose intoxication would never subside. JBabar asked what bhang that was. The Guru replied with the following hymn :

God, fear of Thee is my bhang, my heart its pouch ;

1 am an intoxicated hermit.

My hands are the cup ; it is for a sight of Thee, God, I hunger,

And ever beg at Thy door

For a sight of Thee I crave.

I beg at Thy door ; grant me Thine alms.

Saffron, flowers, musk, gold, and sandal are all applied to the body ;

So the bright perfume of the saints rendereth all souls fragrant.

No one calleth clarified butter or silk impure ;

Such is a saint in regard to caste.

May Nanak obtain alms at the doors Of those who are imbued with Thy name and continue to love Thee ! 2

The Emperor was so pleased with the Guru that he asked him to accompany him. The Guru would at first only promise to remain one day with him, but, on being pressed to remain three days, at last consented. The Guru was always distressed as he looked towards the prisoners. For the third time he sang the preceding hymn, and then fell into a trance and became unconscious. The Emperor stood over him, and asked the bystanders what had happened. They replied that the faqir, on beholding God s wrath, was in suffering, and had fallen into a trance. Babar became alarmed for the Guru s safety, and asked the people to pray to God for his re-

1 That is, no one despises them. 2 Tilang.