to be a disciple. Grant me the gift of serving thee.’ The Guru replied, ‘If thou desire to serve me, repair to thy house; God hath pardoned thee and granted thee deliverance.’ Bhai Paro went home, distributed his wealth among his heirs, and set apart a favourite mare and some money for the Guru, with strict injunctions for the proper disposition of his property. Having made sacred food, and pre pared for his death, he lay down. Then uttering ‘Wahguru’, and parting with his body, he went to his repose at Guru Nanak's feet.
When Guru Amar Das heard of Bhai Paro's death, he sent his own son Mohri to Dalla to console Bhai Paro's family. Mohri passed a whole night in Dalla, recounting Bhai Paro's praises, and next day returned to Goindwal.
Bhai Lalo continued to perform every service in the Guru's house. His mind, body, and wealth were all employed in conferring benefits on others. He fed and attended to the poor and needy, fanned the Guru, and distributed food to his Sikhs. He was so distressed at Paro's death, and dissatisfied with the things of this world that he resolved to bestow all his property in alms, and consign his body to Death. He thought of the words of Kabir :—
While the world feareth death, my mind is pleased therewith,
Since it is only by death supreme bliss is obtained.[1]
When Bhai Lalo, after the usual prayers, assumed his final posture, his eyes filled with tears. His friends said to him. ‘Thou hast no worldly love; thou hast practised charity and the duties of thy religion; thou art free from all earthly desires; then why art thou weeping?’ He replied, ‘I have inherited countless wealth from my father. That shall be profitable if it be spent in the service of the
- ↑ Kabir's sloks.
