Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 2.djvu/71

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LIFE OF GURU AMAR DAS
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Guru Amar Das by the force of love threw into the churn the rope of the snake,
And churned the ocean of the Word with the churning staff of Meru ;
He brought forth fourteen gems and illumined the world.
He made divine knowledge his steed and chastity his saddle;
On his bow of truth he strung the arrow of God s praise.
In this age there was pitch darkness; he arose like a sun.
With him the field of truth germinated and the fruit of truth was produced.
Ever in thy kitchen, O Amar Das, are clarified butter and flour to eat.
Thou knowest the four quarters of the world; the Word is dear to thy soul.
Thou hast removed the transmigration of those on whom thou lookest with favour.
The wise being Guru Nanak descended in the form of Amar Das. Firm as the mountain of Meru thou art swayed not by gusts of wind.
Searcher of hearts, thou knowest the secrets of men.
How can I praise thee, O true king, when thou art wise and omniscient?
Let Satta have whatever gifts please the true Guru.
The sect was astonished on seeing Nanak's umbrella over Amar Das's head.
Guru Amar Das obtained the same mark, the same throne, and the same court.
The grandson was as acceptable as the father and grand-father.

Hindu admirers and inquirers came from every part of India. It was necessary for all the Guru's visitors to eat from his kitchen before they were allowed to behold him. The object of this ordinance was no doubt that his Hindu visitors should habituate themselves to liberal views on the subject of caste, and should relax their rigid customs of cooking and separation at meals. When his visitors had ob-