Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 1.djvu/212

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THE SIKH RELIGION


The robes of some were torn from head to foot ; the dwellings of others were their places of cremation.

How did they whose husbands came not home pass the night ?

The Creator acteth and causeth others to act ; to whom shall man complain ? Misery and happiness are according to Thy pleasure ; to whom shall we go to cry ?

The Commander is pleased issuing His orders ; Nanak, man obtaineth what is allotted him. 1

A propos of the change of circumstances in India the Guru uttered the following: God -hath given fixed time for all events, and fully established the nine regions, the seven seas, the fourteen worlds, 2 the three qualities, and the four ages. He put four lamps 3 one by one into the hands of the four ages. kind God, such is Thy power.

The dwellers at every hearth are Thy slaves, and religion is their ruler.

The earth is Thy cooking-pot, Thou gavest once for all; destiny is Thy storekeeper.

Instigated by their hearts 4 men lose patience and beg again and again to their ruin.

Covetousness is a black dungeon, demerits the fetters on the feet.

Wealth ever beatei;h the soul with its mallet, while sin sitteth as judge.

Man shall be either good or bad, O Lord, as Thou lookest on him.

1 Asa.

2 The Hindus and the Muhammadans agree in believing that there are fourteen worlds, seven above and seven, including the earth itself, below. According to the Hindus these worlds emerged from the mundane egg when divided into two equal parts.

3 The Veds.

4 Narad the Muni is here understood by the gyanis to mean the human heart. Some furiher account of Narad will be given.