Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 1.djvu/175

Rh Nanak, to name and meditate on Him to whom belong Men, lower animals, wealth, and property, is difficult.

Mardana inquired who Kaljug was, by what signs he was known unto men, and what prerogative he exercised? The Guru replied:—

When true men speak the truth and suffer for it; when penitents fail to perform penance in their homes; When he who repeateth the name of God meeteth obloquy—these are the signs of the Kaljug.

Kaljug offered the Guru the wealth of the world if he would abandon his mission. He said, 'I possess everything. Say but the word, and I will build thee a palace of pearls, inlay it with gems, and plaster it with fragrant aloes and sandal. I will bring thee very beautiful women, and give thee the wealth of the world, the power of working miracles, and confer upon thee the sovereignty of the East and of the West. Take whatever pleaseth thee.' The Guru informed him that he himself had renounced all sovereignty. What could he do with what Kaljug offered him, which moreover belonged to others? Then the Guru uttered the following stanza:—

Were a mansion of pearls erected and inlaid with gems for me; Perfumed with musk, saffron, fragrant aloes and sandal to confer delight; May it not be that on beholding these things I may forget Thee, O God, and not remember Thy name! - My soul burneth without Thee. I have ascertained from my Guru that there is no other shelter than in God. Were the earth to be studded with diamonds and rubies, and my couch to be similarly adorned; Were fascinating damsels whose faces were decked with jewels to shed lustre and enhance the pleasure of the scene;