LIFE OF GURU AMAR DAS, THE THIRD GURU
CHAPTER I
THE early history of Guru Amar Das has already been given. When he was appointed Guru he retired into a solitary room in the upper story of his house, and there meditated on God and Guru Angad's instructions. His Sikhs went to see him, and he, on the representation of Bhai Ballu, a faithful Sikh who had attached himself to him, came forth from his solitude and presented himself to them as their Guru.
Since the time of Guru Nanak the Gurus were obliged to turn their attention to secular affairs, and to provide for the maintenance of themselves and their followers. Guru Amar Das's kitchen was abundantly supplied by the offerings of the faithful. All who came to visit him were fed to repletion. None departed disappointed. What he daily received was daily spent, and nothing was saved for the morrow. The Guru kept only one suit of clothes for himself. When he received a new suit he gave the old one to some deserving Sikh. On witnessing the profusion of Guru Amar Das the minstrel Satta composed the following, which is the sixth pauri of the Coronation Ode :—
Guru Amar Das obtained the same mark, the same throne, and the same court.
- ↑ Guru Amar Das was as acceptable as Guru Angad and Guru Nanak. The terms of relationship are figurative.
