Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 1.djvu/248

152 After ablution the Muhammadans pray; after ablution the Hindus worship; the wise ever bathe. The dead and the living are purified when water is poured on their heads. Nanak, they who pluck their heads are devils: these things please them not. When it raineth there is happiness; animals then perform their functions. When it raineth, there is corn, sugar-cane, and cotton, the clothing of all. When it raineth, kine ever graze, and women churn their milk. By the use of the clarified butter thus obtained burnt offerings and sacred feasts are celebrated, and worship is ever adorned All the Sikhs are rivers; the Guru is the ocean, by bathing in which greatness is obtained. If the Pluckedheads bathe not, then a hundred handfuls of dust be on their skulls.

The Jain priest asked the Guru why he travelled in the rainy season, when insects are abroad and there is danger of killing them under foot. The Guru replied as follows:—

Nanak, if it rain in Sawan, four species of animals have pleasure— Serpents, deer, fish, and sensualists who have women in their homes. Nanak, if it rain in Sawan, there are four species of animals which feel discomfort— Cows calves, the poor, travellers, and servants.

The Jain priest went and fell at his feet and became a convert to his faith. On that occasion the Guru completed his hymns in the Majh ki War, and Saido and Gheho wrote them down from his dictation.

It is said that the Guru then went to an island in the ocean, governed by an inhuman tyrant. The name of the island has not been preserved. Besides