Page:The Sikhs (Gordon).djvu/228

190 self-mortification, and penances in such a land soon degenerate a race. "No confidence whatever should be placed in jogis" (ascetics).

Nanak received all men as his disciples on an equality regardless of caste, for "in the other world there is no caste." Govind Singh finally abolished caste among his disciples, though the deeply-rooted prejudices of the higher castes refused to submit to this. He positively forbade the employment of Brahman priests in any capacity. He introduced a new ritual, partly taken from the 'Adi-Granth,' but mostly originating with himself. He appealed to the God of battles in his combat for a righteous cause, to defend his people against persecution, in his determination to form a nation, which he saw could not be effected unless they made the study of arms their aim and glory. Nanak the humble strove by personal example to inspire his disciples to live worthily, and after death to leave behind them the memory of a righteous life and good