Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 1.djvu/243

Rh questions, he said that he had already obtained what others sought to obtain by fasting, religious ceremonies, and austerities; so why should he perform them? The Raja asked him what it was he had obtained. The shopkeeper replied that he had beheld a great being and thus secured salvation. The Raja inquired if he had really obtained spiritual comfort by seeing the great being. The shopkeeper replied, ‘Sire, when one hath met God, what further comfort is necessary?’ The king asked, ‘In this Kal age who is there, a sight of whom can confer salvation?’ The shopkeeper replied, ‘Such a person is Guru Nanak; the mere repetition of his name can confer salvation.’ He then translated for him one of the Guru’s hymns. The Raja on hearing it was satisfied, and joy thrilled through his frame. He then requested the shopkeeper to take him to where Nanak lived, so that he too might behold him. The shopkeeper replied, ‘Sire, meditate on him in thy heart, and thou shalt meet him here.’

The shopkeeper loaded his ship with the products of Ceylon, and returned to India. Raja Shivnabh remained at home, thinking of the Guru and yearning to behold him.

Meanwhile the Guru made a journey to the south of India. He wore wooden sandals, took a stick in his hand, twisted a rope round his head as a turban, and on his forehead put a patch and a streak. On that occasion he was accompanied by Saido and Gheho of the Jat tribe. He proceeded to the Dravidian country now named Madras.

His companions, seeing his morning ablutions, thought that he worshipped the river god, Khwaja Khizir, and derived his power from him. They