Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 4.djvu/333

Rh LIFE OF GURU HAR KRISHAN, THE EIGHTH GURU

, the second and younger son of Guru Har Rai and his wife Krishan Kaur, was born on the ninth day of the dark half of the month of Sawan in Sambat 1713 (A.D. 1656). The reason why his brother Ram Rai was superseded has already been given. Har Krishan, though appointed Guru at the age of five years and three months, gave promise of a docile spirit and acute intellect. According to a Hindustani proverb, the nature and ultimate size of a tree can be judged by its sprouting leaves, so this child gave early indications of being worthy to succeed to the high dignity of his line. It is said that even at that early age Guru Har Krishan used to give his Sikhs instruction, resolve their doubts, and lead them on the way to salvation. Sikhs came from all quarters to visit him, and he sent preachers in every direction to fulfil his father's pious object to propagate and extend the faith. Ram Rai was at the Emperor s court in Dihli when his younger brother was appointed to the Guruship in Kiratpur. On hearing of it be became very envious. He said, 'I first came here by my father Guru Har Rai's order. This powerful Emperor hath so appreciated me that he hath given me much wealth. I have moreover extended the faith, and yet my father hath deprived me of the Guru-ship and conferred it on my younger brother.' Although Ram Rai's conscience told him that he had done wrong, yet, in the words of the chronicler, jealousy stopped the ears of his intelligence.