Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 2.djvu/92

80 The Guru when further pressed said to Girdhari, ‘Repeat the Name, do good works, and obey the will of God. A hankering for sons is the cause of worldly entanglements.’ On hearing this the shop keeper's eyes filled with tears, and heaving cold sighs he withdrew from the Guru's presence. Bhai Paro meeting him asked why he was leaving without having obtained his object. Girdhari then narrated his conversation with the Guru. Paro said that if he had faith he should have five children. The shopkeeper went home, and in five years found him self the father of five sons.

Girdhari took his five sons and placed them all at the Guru's feet. The Guru inquired how he had obtained such a large offspring. Girdhari replied, ‘I have got them through the mediation of Bhai Paro, the servant of thy house.’ The Guru said, Well done, Bhai Paro, who art able to reverse the order of nature! Such power is not in me.’ Bhai Paro humbly represented: ‘Great king, on seeing this man going disappointed from thy house I merely gave him from thy store-room which is ever inexhaustible. Why should we be niggardly?’ The Guru replied, ‘True, but this is the Kalage when many persons come with desires and motives. Guru Nanak hath

The Guru ironically continued: ‘If thou have compassion to spare, then ever satisfy the desires of those who go away disappointed from me. Thou art a saint of the highest order, and mine image. I grant thee the Guruship of the world! Spread saintship therein.’ Bhai Paro, touching the Guru's feet, meekly replied, ‘Pardon thy servant, and let me abide at thy feet. Even if I must suffer further transmigration, let me not be driven from thy presence. Guruship becometh thee; I am content