Nanak, God may bestow virtue on those who are devoid of it, as well as on those who already possess it ;
But no such person is seen as can bestow virtue upon Him.
VIII
By hearing the name of God men become Sidhs, Pirs, Surs, 1 and Naths ; By hearing the Name man under standeth the real nature of the earth, its supporting bull, 2 and Heaven ; By hearing the Name man obtaineth a knowledge of the continents, the worlds, and the nether regions. By hearing the Name death doth not affect one. 3 Nanak, the saints are ever happy. By hearing the Name sorrow and sin are no more.
IX
By hearing the Name man becometh as Shiv, Brahma, and Indar. By hearing the Name even the low become highly lauded. 4 By hearing the Name the way of Jog and the secrets of the body are obtained. By hearing the Name man understandeth the real nature of the Shastars, the Simritis, and the Veds. Nanak, the saints are ever happy. By hearing the Name sorrow and sin are no more.
X
By hearing the Name truth, contentment, and divine knowledge are obtained. Hearing the Name is equal to bathing at the sixty-eight places of pilgrimage. By hearing the Name and reading it man obtaineth honour. 5
1 Surs are spiritual heroes.
2 The bull which the Hindus believe supports the earth. This is not believed in by the Sikhs. See below, pauri xvi.
3 Man shall not die again, but obtain deliverance.
4 Also translated By hearing the Name one is praised by high and low.
5 Also translated On hearing the Name man obtaineth honour by the knowledge acquired.
