Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 2.djvu/275

Rh a great accession of converts. Several persons, as usual in such cases, became envious of his fame and success, and foremost among them was a third Tapa or penitent. He said: ‘This is really the terrible Kal age. I a penitent bear cold and heat, yet people heed me not, while they reverence this married man as a guru.’ Thus the Tapa spluttered, and foamed, and impotently raged. One day he repaired to the Guru's court and thus addressed him: ‘O Guru, thy Sikhs are very proud; they accept not the Veds or Shastars; they make no pilgrimages; nor do they fast, perform the usual religious duties of Hindus, or practise austerities of any sort. They only reverence thee and recognize thy compositions. Their adoration is confined to the utterance of Wahguru. These misguided people are losing the advantages of their human birth. Pray tell me, sir, however can they go to heaven?’

The Guru replied: ‘O Tapa, my Sikhs desire not heaven. Heaven they deem not fit reward for their merits. They never engage in worship which is merely intended for the admiration of the public. Their minds are absorbed in God's love. That is their heaven and their salvation. Thou knowest not the glory of the saints. Thou hast forsaken the real thing, attached thyself to false ceremonies, and forfeited thy salvation. Thy mind is filled with pride. Through pride and boasting men completely lose their way in this world. Without faith no devotion, penance, or worship availeth. They who possess no faith are drowned in lust, wrath, worldly love, covetousness, pride, and whatever else there is of evil. It is not so with my Sikhs. Their confidence and trust are reposed in the one immortal God. At every breath they repeat His name, and thus easily merit salvation. They need not penances or pilgrimages. They are in themselves pure and holy