Sunday, August 15, 2010



MIRACLES IN SIKHISM


In Sikh history two episodes come to mind, where miracles happening or performing led to serious consequences;

  1. Baba Atal Rai son of Guru Hargobind has to give up his life at the tender age of nine for innocently performing a miracle- making alive a fellow playmate after a snake bite.
  2. Ram Rai son of Guru Hari Rai lost Guruship to his younger brother Guru Hari Krishen for showing miracles to Aurangzeb and changing a word in the hymn of Guru Nanak to appease the emperor from Musalman (ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ) to Baeiman (ਬੇਈਮਾਨ/dishonest).
ਮਿਟੀ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਕੀ ਪੇੜੈ ਪਈ ਕੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਆਰ ॥
Mitī musalmān kī peṛai pa▫ī kumĥi▫ār.

The clay of the Muslim's grave becomes clay for the potter's wheel.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 466-5

There are lot of anecdotes about the Sikh Gurus and Miracles written in Suraj Parkash and other storybooks pounded by Granthies/Priest on Sikh’s daily, which in itself go against the Philosophy of Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak refutes miracles in Raag Gujri and his dialogue “Sidh Gost”, which leads astray one from the path of spirituality and truth.

ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧੀ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜਾਚਹਿ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਜਾਚਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਜੈਕਾਰ ॥
ਜੈਸੀ ਪਿਆਸ ਹੋਇ ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਤੈਸੋ ਜਲੁ ਦੇਵਹਿ ਪਰਕਾਰ ॥੬॥
Siḏẖ samāḏẖī anṯar jācẖėh riḏẖ siḏẖ jācẖ karahi jaikār. Jaisī pi▫ās ho▫e man anṯar ṯaiso jal ḏevėh parkār.

O, God! The Siddhas and mendicants seeking various occult powers of wealth and magic, receiving them salute You and they are satiated with the worldly possessions as water quenches thirst.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Gujri, AGGS, Page, 504-3

Miracles in Sikhism are forbidden (ਬਿਬਰਜਤ) and are only accepted happening by the Will of God, referred as Mythological Kamdheyn (Elysian Cow), by Bhagats and Sikh Gurus in AGGS. Miracles were practiced by only Siddhas to show spiritual superiority but Guru Nanak resented their egotistical greedy approach to spirituality that will lead one astray from the path of Truth;

ਸਿਧੁ ਹੋਵਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਲਾਈ ਰਿਧਿ ਆਖਾ ਆਉ
ਪਤੁ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ਬੈਸਾ ਲੋਕੁ ਰਾਖੈ ਭਾਉ
ਮਤੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਭੂਲਾ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਤੇਰਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਉ
SiDh Hovaa SiDh Laa-ee RiDh Aakhaa Aa-o, Gupat Pargat Ho-ay Baisaa Lok Raakhai Bhaa-o, Mat Daykh Bhoolaa Veesrai Tayraa Chit Na Aavai Naa-o.

If I were to become a Siddha, and work miracles, summon wealth and become invisible and visible at will, so that people would hold me in awe - seeing these, I might go astray and forget God, and Its Name would not enter into my mind.-----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 14-6

IMHO happening of a miracle and performing a miracle are two different things. A miracle happens under the command of the Will of God, while a miracle is performed to show egotistical superiority of spirituality. The saints could perform miracles if they desired so since there is no difference between God and Its Saints. The latter does have discriminating intellect/ wisdom not to perform miracles against the Will of God. Sikh Gurus Arjun and Tegh Bahadur could have shown some miracles during their martyrdom as well as Guru Gobind Singh during his battles with the Muslim kings but they elected not to.

ਬਡੇ ਭਾਗ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਹਿ ਅਪੁਨਾ ਭੇਦੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਮੁਰਾਰ
ਤਾ ਕਉ ਕਾਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਮੁ ਜੋਹੈ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥੭॥
Badė bẖāg gur sėveh apunā bẖėḏ nāhī gurḏėv murār. Ŧā ka▫o kāl nāhī jam johai būjẖėh anṯar sabaḏ bīcẖār.

The most fortunate ones serve their Guru; there is no difference between the Divine Guru and God. The Messenger of Death cannot see those who come to realize within their minds the contemplative meditation of the Word of the Sabd. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Gujri, AGGS, Page, 504-5

ਇਛਾ ਪੂਰਕੁ ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਹਰਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਵਸਿ ਹੈ ਕਾਮਧੇਨਾ
ਸੋ ਐਸਾ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਮੇਰੇ ਜੀਅੜੇ ਤਾ ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨਾ
Icẖẖā pūrak sarab sukẖ¬ḏāṯa har jā kai vas hai kāmḏẖėnā. So aisā har ḏẖi▫ā▫ī▫ai mere jī▫aṛe ṯā sarab sukẖ pāvahi mere manā. 

The God is the Fulfiller of desires, the Giver of total peace; the Kamdheyn, the wish-fulfilling cow, is in Its power. So meditate on Eternal God, O my conscience. Then, you shall obtain total peace, O my mind. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, Page, 669-19
                               
ਸਮੁੰਦੁ ਵਿਰੋਲਿ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹਮਦੇਖਿਆ ਇਕ ਵਸਤੁ ਅਨੂਪ ਦਿਖਾਈ
ਗੁਰ ਗੋਵਿੰਦੁ ਗੋਵਿੰਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਭਾਈ
Samunḏ virol sarīr ham ḏėkẖi¬ā ik vasaṯ anūp ḏikẖā¬ī. Gur govinḏ govinḏ gurū hai Nānak bẖėḏ na bẖā¬ī.

I have churned the ocean of the body, and I have seen the incomparable thing come into view. The Guru is God, and God is the Guru, O Nanak; there is no difference between the two, O Siblings of Destiny.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 442-18

ਚਾਰਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਅਸਟ ਮਹਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਕਾਮਧੇਨੁ ਪਾਰਜਾਤ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਰੁਖੁ
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਰਨਿ ਗਹੀ ਸੁਖ ਸਾਗਰ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਫਿਰਿ ਗਰਭ ਨ ਧੁਖੁ ॥੨॥੧੦॥੨੯॥
Chaar Padaarath Asat Mahaa SiDh KaamDhayn Paarjaat Har Har Rukh. Nānak saran gahī sukẖ sāgar janam maran fir garabẖ na ḏẖukẖ.

The four great blessings, the eight supernatural spiritual powers of the Siddhas, the wish-fulfilling Elysian cow, and the wish-fulfilling tree of life - all these come from the Eternal and Infinite God. O, Nanak, holding tight to the Sanctuary of the God, the ocean of peace, you shall not suffer the pains of birth and death, or fall into the womb again. -----Guru Arjun Raag Todi, AGGS, Page, 717-18

ਮਹਿਮਾ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਗੁਰ ਸਮਰਥ ਦੇਵ
ਗੁਰ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ਅਪਰੰਪਰ ਅਲਖ ਅਭੇਵ
Mahimā kahī na jā¬ė gur samrath ḏėv. Gur pārbarahm parmėsur aprampar alakẖ abẖėv.

The Glory of the all-powerful Divine Guru cannot be described. The Guru is the Transcendent, infinite, unseen and unknowable Supreme God.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gujri Ki Vaar, AGGS, Page, 522-14
ਦੂਜਾ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਨੈ ਕੋਇ
ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ
Ḏūjā nahī jānai ko¬ė. Saṯgur niranjan so¬ė.

Let no one think that God and Guru are separate. The True Guru is the Immaculate God.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 895-5

ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਸੋ ਹਰਿ ਜੇਹਾ
ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹੁ ਮਾਣਸ ਦੇਹਾ
ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਤਰੰਗ ਉਠਹਿ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਤੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਸਲਲੈ ਸਲਲ ਸਮਾਇਦਾ
Har kā sevak so har jehā. Bẖeḏ na jāṇhu māṇas ḏehā. Ji-o Jal Tarang Utheh Baho Bhaatee Fir Sallai Salal Samaa-idaa.

God's servant is like God. Do not think that, because of his human body, he is different. The waves of the water rise up in various ways, and then the water merges again in water.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1076-3
ਪਾਰਜਾਤੁ ਇਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮ
ਕਾਮਧੇਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਮ
Pārjāṯ ih har ko nām. Kāmḏẖėn har har guṇ gām.

This Elysian Tree of miraculous powers is the Name of the Eternal God and the Kamdheyn, the cow of miraculous powers, is the singing of the Glory of the Eternal God.----Guru Arjun, Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 265-5
ਪਾਰਜਾਤੁ ਲੋੜਹਿ ਮਨ ਪਿਆਰੇ
ਕਾਮਧੇਨੁ ਸੋਹੀ ਦਰਬਾਰੇ
ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਮਾਇ ਰਸਾਇਣਾ
Paarjaat Lorheh Man Pi-aaray, KaamDhayn Sohee Daraaray, Taripat Santokh Sayvaa Gur Pooray Naam Kamaa-ay Rasaa-inaa.

O my beloved mind, if you wish for the 'tree of life'; if you wish for Kamdheyn, the wish-fulfilling cow to adorn your court; if you wish to be satisfied and contented, then serve the Perfect Guru, and practice the Naam, the source of nectar.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1078-4

ਸੰਤਾ ਕਉ ਮਤਿ ਕੋਈ ਨਿੰਦਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਰਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਏਕੋੁ
ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਮੈ ਸੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ਬਿਬੇਕੋ
Santaa Ka-o Mat Ko-ee Nindahu Sant Raam Hai Ayko, Kaho Kabir Mai So Gur Paa-i-aa Jaa Kaa Naa-o Bibayko.

Let no one slander the Saints, because the Saints and the God are one. Says Kabir, I have found that Guru, whose Name is Clear Understanding.-----Kabir. Raag Suhi Lalit, AGGS, Page, 793-11

 ਸੁਖ ਸਾਗਰ ਸੁਰਿਤਰੁ ਚਿੰਤਾਮਨਿ ਕਾਮਧੇਨ ਬਸਿ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਰੇ
ਚਾਰਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਅਸਟ ਮਹਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਕਰ ਤਲ ਤਾ ਕੈ ॥੧॥
Sukh Saagar Suritar Chintaaman KaamDhayn Bas Jaa Kay Ray. Cẖār paḏārath asat mahā siḏẖ nav niḏẖ kar ṯal ṯā kai.

The God is the ocean of peace; the miraculous tree of life, the jewel of miracles and the wish-fulfilling cow are all under Its power. The four great blessings, the eight great miraculous spiritual powers, and the nine treasures are in the palm of God’s hand.-----Ravidas, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1106-15

In a number of stories told and written, some do involve Guru Nanak and others in performing miracles, which is unacceptable.  One anecdote as described by Bhai Gurdas Vaar 1, Pauri 36, which details his visit to Baghdad with Mardana:

ਪੁਛੇ ਪੀਰ ਤਕਰਾਰ ਕਰਿ ਏਹ ਫਕੀਰ ਵਡਾ ਅਤਾਈ |
ਏਥੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਗਦਾਦ ਦੇ ਵਡੀ ਕਰਾਮਾਤਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ |
ਪਾਤਲਾ ਆਕਾਸ ਲਖਿ ਓੜਕਿ ਭਾਲੀ ਖਬਰਿ ਸੁਣਾਈ
ਫੇਰਿ ਦੁਰਾਇਨ ਅਸੀ ਭਿ ਵੇਖਾ ਜੋ ਤੁਹਿ ਪਾਈ
ਨਾਲਿ ਲੀਤਾ ਬੇਟਾ ਪੀਰ ਦਾ ਅਖੀ ਮੀਟਿ ਗਇਆ ਹਵਾਈ
ਲਖ ਆਕਾਸ ਪਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਅਖਿ ਫੁਰਕ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਭਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ
ਭਰਿ ਕਚਕੌਲ ਪ੍ਸਾਦਿ ਦਾ ਧੁਰੋ ਪਤਾਲੋ ਲਈ ਕੜਾਹੀ
ਜਾਹਰ ਕਲਾ ਛਪੈ ਛਪਾਈ
Puche Pir Tekrar Kar Eh Vada Ataee. Ethe Vich Bahdad De Vadi Karamat Dikhlaee. Patal Akas Lakh Oarhak Bhali Khabar Sunaee. Pher Durain Asi Bhi Vekha Jo Tuh Paee. Naal Lita Beta Pir Da Akhi Mitt Gaeaa Hawaii. Lakh Akas Patal Lakh Furak Vich Sabh Dikhlaee. Bher Kachkoul Prasad Da Dhro Laee Karhahee. Jahar Kala Na Chapai Chapaee.

The Pir debated and came to know that this fakir is much more powerful. Here in Bagdad, he has shown a great miracle. Pir Dasatgir asked Baba to show him whatever he has seen. Nanak talked about myriads of netherworlds and skies. Then Pir asked the Baba to show him whatever he has seen. Guru Nanak took the son of the Pir with him, melted into thin air and in a wink showed him upper and lower worlds. From netherworld, he brought a bowl full of sacred food and handed it to the Pir. This manifested power of the Guru, could not be kept hidden.

“Interestingly Pir Dastgir was born 300 years before Guru Nanak & Pir Bahlol Dana was born about 660 years before Guru Nanak.”

The Sikh preachers instead of denigrating the miracles, they tell the upgraded concocted stories of the miracles performed by Sikh Gurus, which have been passed through generations by oral traditions.

There are instances recorded in AGGS of the miracles happening as Willed by Eternal God.

  1. Bhagat Namdev and Cow:
ਸੁਲਤਾਨੁ ਪੂਛੈ ਸੁਨੁ ਬੇ ਨਾਮਾ ॥
ਦੇਖਉ ਰਾਮ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਰੇ ਕਾਮਾ ॥੧॥
ਨਾਮਾ ਸੁਲਤਾਨੇ ਬਾਧਿਲਾ ॥
ਦੇਖਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਬੀਠੁਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਬਿਸਮਿਲਿ ਗਊ ਦੇਹੁ ਜੀਵਾਇ ॥
ਨਾਤਰੁ ਗਰਦਨਿ ਮਾਰਉ ਠਾਂਇ ॥੨॥
Sulṯān pūcẖẖai sun be nāmā. Ḏekẖ▫a▫u rām ṯumĥāre kāmā. Nāmā sulṯāne bāḏẖilā. Ḏekẖ▫a▫u ṯerā har bīṯẖulā.  rahā▫o. Bismil ga▫ū ḏeh jīvā▫e. Nāṯar garḏan māra▫o ṯẖāʼn▫e.

The Sultan said, "Listen, Namdev: let me see the actions of your God.” The Sultan arrested Namdev, and said, "Let me see your Beloved God." Bring this dead cow back to life. Otherwise, I shall cut off your head here and now."-----Bhagat Namdev, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1165

Namdev (1270 to 1350 AD) was a celebrated saint from Maharashtra who traveled extensively across the country. He lived in Punjab for a number of years. During the reign of Mohammed Bin Tuglak, the King at Delhi, he had to pass through Delhi during days of his pilgrimage to the Holy Places. On seeing an increase in the number of his disciples, the King arrested him and ordered him to resurrect a dead cow.

The Sultan said, "Listen, Namdev: let me see the actions of your God.” The Sultan arrested Namdev, and said, "Let me see your Beloved God.” Bring this dead cow back to life. Otherwise, I shall cut off your head here and now.

"Namdev answered, "O king, how can this happen? No one can bring the dead back to life. I cannot do anything on my own actions. Whatever God does, that alone happens.” The arrogant king was enraged at this reply. He incited an elephant to attack.

Naam Dev's mother began to cry and she said, "Why don't you abandon your God Ram, and worship his God Allah? Namdev answered, "I am not your son, and you are not my mother. Even if my body dies, I will still sing the Glorious Praises of God.” The elephant attacked him with his trunk, but Naam Dev was saved, protected by God.

The king said, "The Qazis and the Mullahs bow down to me, but this Hindu has trampled my honor.” The people pleaded with the king, "Hear our prayer, O king. Here, take Namdev's weight in gold, and release him.” The king replied, "If I take the gold, then I will be consigned to hell, by forsaking my faith and gathering worldly wealth.

"With his feet in chains, Namdev kept the beat with his hands, singing the Praises of God.” Even if the Ganges and the Jamuna rivers flow backward, I will still continue singing the Praises of God.” Three hours passed, and even then, the God of the three worlds had not come.

Playing on the instrument of the feathered wings, the Creator of the Universe came, mounted on the Eagle Garura, and cherished Its devotee. The Eternal God said to him, "If you wish, I shall turn the earth sideways. If you wish I shall turn it upside down. If you wish, I shall bring the dead cow back to life. Everyone will see and be convinced.

"Namdev prayed and milked the cow. He brought the calf to the cow and milked her. When the pitcher was filled with milk, Namdev took it and placed it before the king. The king went into his palace, and his heart was troubled. Through the Qazis and the Mullahs, the king offered his prayer,” Forgive me, please, O Hindu; I am just a cow before you.

"Namdev said, "Listen, O king: have I done this miracle? The purpose of this miracle is that you, O king, should walk on the path of truth and humility.

"Namdev became famous everywhere for this. The Hindus all went together to Namdev. If the cow had not been revived, people would have lost faith in Namdev. The fame of Namdev spread throughout the world. The humble devotees were saved and carried across with him.

ਸਗਲ ਕਲੇਸ ਨਿੰਦਕ ਭਇਆ ਖੇਦੁ
ਨਾਮੇ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦੁ
Sagal Kalays Nindak Bha-i-aa Khayd, Naamay Naaraa-in Naahee Bhayd.

All sorts of troubles and pains afflicted the slanderer. There is no difference between Naam Dev and God.-----Namdev, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1166-12                                  

  1. Kabir and Elephant:
Emperor Sikander Khan Lodhi contracted a severe fever and Kabir was called at the instinct of his enemies to cure the king. King was cured by the mere appearance of Kabir before him. Later the Qazi and others complained that Kabir is leading the people astray. When appeared before the king, he was told to salute the king and make obeisance to the monarch in the usual manner as his subject. Kabir replied that he did not know how to make prostrations, nor had any business with the emperor. He knew only God as the Sovereign of the world. The king ordered he should be bound with chains and thrown in the river. It is said that Kabir swam easily leaving behind the chains. He was thrown in to the fire, which got extinguished. When all modes to destroy him failed, a furious elephant was let loose on him.
ਭੁਜਾ ਬਾਂਧਿ ਭਿਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਡਾਰਿਓ
ਹਸਤੀ ਕ੍ਰੋਪਿ ਮੂੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਮਾਰਿਓ
ਹਸਤਿ ਭਾਗਿ ਕੈ ਚੀਸਾ ਮਾਰੈ
ਇਆ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਕੈ ਹਉ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੈ
ਆਹਿ ਮੇਰੇ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਤੁਮਰਾ ਜੋਰੁ
ਕਾਜੀ ਬਕਿਬੋ ਹਸਤੀ ਤੋਰੁ
ਇਸਹਿ ਤੁਰਾਵਹੁ ਘਾਲਹੁ ਸਾਟਿ
ਹਸਤਿ ਨ ਤੋਰੈ ਧਰੈ ਧਿਆਨੁ
ਵਾ ਕੈ ਰਿਦੈ ਬਸੈ ਭਗਵਾਨੁ
ਕਿਆ ਅਪਰਾਧੁ ਸੰਤ ਹੈ ਕੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ
ਬਾਂਧਿ ਪੋਟ ਕੁੰਚਰ ਕਉ ਦੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ
ਕੁੰਚਰੁ ਪੋਟ ਲੈ ਲੈ ਨਮਸਕਾਰੈ
ਬੂਝੀ ਨਹੀ ਕਾਜੀ ਅੰਧਿਆਰੈ
ਤੀਨਿ ਬਾਰ ਪਤੀਆ ਭਰਿ ਲੀਨਾ
ਮਨ ਕਠੋਰੁ ਅਜਹੂ ਨ ਪਤੀਨਾ
ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਹਮਰਾ ਗੋਬਿੰਦੁ
ਚਉਥੇ ਪਦ ਮਹਿ ਜਨ ਕੀ ਜਿੰਦੁ
Bẖujā bāʼnḏẖ bẖilā kar ḏāri­o. Hasṯī karop mūnd meh māri­o. Hasaṯ bẖāg kai cẖīsā mārai. I­ā mūraṯ kai ha­o balihārai. Āhi mėrė ṯẖākur ṯumrā jor. Kājī bakibo hasṯī ṯor. Rė mahāvaṯ ṯujẖ dāra­o kāt. Iseh ṯurāvahu gẖālhu sāt. Hasaṯ na ṯorai ḏẖarai ḏẖi­ān. vā kai riḏai basai bẖagvān. Ki­ā aprāḏẖ sanṯ hai kīnĥā. Bāʼnḏẖ pot kuncẖar ka­o ḏīnĥā. Kuncẖar pot lai lai namaskārai. Būjẖī nahī kājī anḏẖi­ārai. Ŧīn bār paṯī­ā bẖar līnā. Man kaṯẖor ajhū na paṯīnā. Kahi Kabīr hamrā gobinḏ. Cẖa­uthė paḏ meh jan kī jin

They tied my arms, bundled me up, and threw me before an elephant. The elephant driver struck him on the head and infuriated him. But the elephant ran away, trumpeting, I am a sacrifice to this image of God. O my Master, You are my strength. The Qazi shouted at the driver to drive the elephant on. He yelled out, "O driver, I shall cut you into pieces. Hit him, and drive him on! But the elephant did not move; instead, he began to meditate. The God abides within his mind. What sin has this Saint committed, that you have made him into a bundle and thrown him before the elephant? The elephant lifts the bundle up and bows down before it. The Qazi could not understand it; he was blind. Three times, he tried to do it. Even then, his hardened mind was not satisfied. Says Kabir, such is my God and Master. The soul of God’s humble servant dwells in the fourth state.-----Kabir, Raag Gond, AGGS, Page, 870

  1. Guru Nanak and Elephant story:
During the reign of Emperor Sikander Lodhi (Brahm Beg) Guru Nanak and Mardana were passing through Delhi. At the death of King’s elephant, “Mohavat” (Driver of Elephant) and his family were crying being scared of the expected punishment. The Guru heard their wailing and crying. Guru was moved to see their sad story and tale of woe. Guru asked the Mohavat that if your elephant becomes alive, would you stop crying. Yes, Sire! But can dead ever become alive? Hearing this Guru began Kirtan of the following hymn found in Raag Maru;

ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਤਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਮਰੁ ਭਾਗੋ ਕਿਸੁ ਪਹਿ ਜਾਉ
ਜਿਸ ਕੈ ਡਰਿ ਭੈ ਭਾਗੀਐ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਤਾ ਕੋ ਨਾਉ
ਮਾਰਹਿ ਰਾਖਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਤੂ ਬੀਜਉ ਨਾਹੀ ਥਾਉ
Sabd Marai Ta Maar Mar Bhago Kis Peh Jaou, Jis Kai Darr Bhai Bhagia Amrit Ta Ko Nauo,
Mareh Rakheh Ayk Tu Beejou Nahi Thauo.

One who dies in the Word of the Sabd conquers death; otherwise, where can you run? Through the Fear of God, fear runs away; God’s Name is Ambrosial Nectar. You alone kill and protect; except for You, there is no place at all.------Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1010

The elephant became alive as soon as the Mohavat touched the elephant’s head as the singing ended and advised by the Guru. The king arrived, when informed about the incident and inquired, O, Great Saint! Is this you who resurrected the elephant? The Guru answered, “The Life and Death Giver is God”, the saints pray but the Mercy is of the God. At certain times, when a saint and the God are one, the God hears true prayers and if It wishes It bestows Its Mercy. The king said, “If you pray again, will this elephant die again? The Guru replied:

ਮਾਰੈ ਜੀਵਾਲੈ ਸੋਇ
ਨਾਨਕ ਇਸ ਬਿਨ ਅਵਰ ਨਾ ਕੋਇ
Marea Jivaale Soi, Nanak Iss Bin Avar Na Koi.

God alone Destroys and Resurrects, Nanak there is no one else but God.-----Puratan Janam Sakhi

On this, the elephant closed his eyes, took deep breaths and fell down dead. The king was wonderstruck and was numb with fear and asked the Guru to resurrect the elephant again. The Guru replied that now the elephant will stay dead, prayers and God’s Mercy resurrected him. Iron is iron, it is not fire but when you put it in fire, it gets red hot like fire. Fakir Nazim understood about the Godly doings and advised the King, who saluted the Guru and returned to his palace.

  1. Savior of Prahlad:
ਕੀਨੀ ਰਖਿਆ ਭਗਤ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦੈ ਹਰਨਾਖਸ ਨਖਹਿ ਬਿਦਾਰੇ
ਬਿਦਰੁ ਦਾਸੀ ਸੁਤੁ ਭਇਓ ਪੁਨੀਤਾ ਸਗਲੇ ਕੁਲ ਉਜਾਰੇ ॥੩॥
Keenee Rakhi-aa Bhagat Parhilaadai Harnaakhas Nakheh Bidaaray. Biḏar ḏāsī suṯ bẖa▫i▫o punīṯā sagle kul ujāre.

God saved Its devotee Prahlad and tore Harnakash with nails. Bidar, the son of a slave-girl, was purified, and all his generations were redeemed.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 999-6

Conclusion:

There are no miracles accepted under the tenets of Sikh faith. Although the saints are capable of performing miracles being one with God through Naam their spiritual wisdom does not let them interfere with God’s Will. Bhagat Namdev ponders in Raag Sarang that holy persons become one with God during prayers, and can undo the things done by God but God cannot undo their doings and recite:
ਦਾਸ ਅਨਿੰਨ ਮੇਰੋ ਨਿਜ ਰੂਪ
ਦਰਸਨ ਨਿਮਖ ਤਾਪ ਤ੍ਰਈ ਮੋਚਨ ਪਰਸਤ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕਰਤ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਕੂਪ ਰਹਾਉ
ਮੇਰੀ ਬਾਂਧੀ ਭਗਤੁ ਛਡਾਵੈ ਬਾਂਧੈ ਭਗਤੁ ਨ ਛੂਟੈ ਮੋਹਿ
ਏਕ ਸਮੈ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਗਹਿ ਬਾਂਧੈ ਤਉ ਫੁਨਿ ਮੋ ਪੈ ਜਬਾਬੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ
Ḏās aninn mero nij rūp. Ḏarsan nimakẖ ṯāp ṯar▫ī mocẖan parsaṯ mukaṯ karaṯ garih kūp.  rahā▫o.Meri Bandhi Bhagat Chadave Baandeh Bhagat Na Chooteh Moeh, Ek Samea Mo Kaou Geh Bandeh Taou Foun Mo Pea Jabab Na Hoey.

Says God: my slave is devoted only to me; he is in my very image. The sight of him, even for an instant, cures the three fevers; his touch brings liberation from the deep dark pit of household affairs. The devotee can release anyone from my bondage, but I cannot release anyone from his. If at any time, he grabs and binds me, even then, I cannot protest.-----Namdev, Raag Sarang, AGGS, Page, 1252 and 53
ਸਗਲ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਅਸਟ ਸਿਧਿ ਨਾਮ ਮਹਾ ਰਸ ਮਾਹਿ
ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਭਏ ਕੇਸਵਾ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਹਿ ॥੪॥
Sagal Padaarath Asat Sidh Naam Mahaa Ras Maahi. Suparsan bẖa▫e kesvā se jan har guṇ gāhi.

All wealth and the eight miraculous spiritual powers are in the supremely sublime essence of the Naam of God. Those humble beings, with whom the beautifully-haired God is thoroughly pleased, sing Its Glorious Praises.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 203-9

ਸਭਿ ਨਿਧਾਨ ਦਸ ਅਸਟ ਸਿਧਾਨ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਰ ਤਲ ਧਰਿਆ
ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਸਦ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈਐ ਤੇਰਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਰਾਵਰਿਆ ॥੪॥੫॥
Sabẖ niḏẖān ḏas asat sidẖān ṯẖākur kar ṯal ḏẖari­ā. Jan Nānak bal bal saḏ bal jā▫ī▫ai ṯerā anṯ na parāvari▫ā.

All the treasures and the eighteen supernatural powers are held by our Creator and Master in the Palm of Its Hand. Servant Nanak is devoted, dedicated, forever a sacrifice to You, God. Your Expanse has no limit, no boundary.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gujri, AGGS, Page, 10-13 and 495-6

No comments: