Lehal Library

Birth of Sikhism 39 and not a god. He was to be consulted and respected but not worshipped. Nanak accepted for himself the starus of a teacher but not a prophet;30 in his writings be constantly referred to himself as the slave or servant of God. THE IDEAL OF LIFE: PURITY AMONG THE WORLD ·s IMPURITIES. Nanak did not approve of ascetic isolation or torturing of the flesh as a step to enlightenment. His ideal was to have the detachment of the yogi while living among one's fellow beings-raj 11ZeE jog (to achieve enlightenment in civic life): Religion lieth not in the patched coat the yogi wears, Not in the staff he bears, Nor in the ashes on bis body. Religion lieth not in rings in the ears, Not in a shaven head, Nor in the blowing of the conch shell. If thou must the path of true religion see, Among the world's impurities, be of rmpurities free." (Suhi) Nanak, who had often to leave his family to propagate his mission, always came back to his home and lived among the common people as one of them. 32 His religion was for the householder (grihastha dharma), and he strongly disapproved of 30 The following dialogue cook place between the guru and Mian Mi.lb.a. MIAN MITHA: The first name is lhat of God, the second of the Prophet. 0 Nanak, if you repeat the creed, you will find acceptance in God's court. NANAK: The first name is that of God; how many prophets are at the gace! 0 Shaikh, if your hean be pure, you will find acceptance in Cod's coun. At God's gate there is no room for a prophet. God alone dwells there. 31 The lotus in the water is not wet Nor lhe water fowl in the stream. If a man would live, but by the world uruouched, Meditate and repeat the name of the Lord Supreme. ( Sidhagof!) 32 Nanak was frequentJy questioned by Hindu ascetics and Sufis, who lived in hermitages, as to how he combined the obligations of a house holder with ,;piritual pursuits. In a meeting with Shaikh Ibrahim (tenth successor of the famous Farid Shakarganj) at Pak Pattan, the following dialogue took place. The Shaikh said to the guru: 'Either seek worldly gain or the way of God. Put not thy feet in two boats. lest thou losest both thy