Lehal Library

44 The Punjab and the Binh of Sikhism started institutions with traditions to nurture this eclectic creed."° In addition, what he said was said with utter simplicity which could be understood by the rustic as well as by the sophisticated. He himself summed up his message in three commandments: kirt karo, niim japo, vaiu/., cako-work, worship, and give in charity.41 That is why the names of other saints of the time passed into the pages of history books while that of 4-0 Did Nanak have anything new to say? He believed he had. During one of his journeys he happened to visit Multan. The holy men of the city were alarmed that their meagre living would be jeopardized by lhe arrival of lb.is famous SainL Nanak was still on the outskirts when they sent him a bowl of milk full to the brim to indicate that there was no more room for holy men in the city. Nanak placed the petal of a jasmine flower on the milk and sent back the offering. The symbolic gift received a symbolic reply: even though the bowl was full there was room enough for fragrance; even though the world was loud with the clamOUT of religions there were some who would listen to his gentle voice. 41 Ghii/ khai kich hathqr1 de Nanak rah pachiinl' se. ( Sarong Ki Vary He who toils and earns, TI1en with his hand gives some away He, 0 Nanak. has discovered the real way. Nanak, who was fond of rural similes, used tl1em with telling effect in conveying his message that the way to salvation was not predestined but could be fOWJd by effi:>rt: As a team of oxen are we driven By the ploughman, our teacher, By the furrows made are thus writ Our actions-on the earth, our paper. The sweat of labour is as beads Falling by the ploughman as seeds sown. We reap according to our measure Some for ourselves to keep, some to others give. 0 Nanak, lb.is is the way to truly live. If thou wouldst the fmits of salvation cultivate And let the love of the Lord in thy heart germinate, Thy body be as the fallow land Where in thy hean the Farmer sows his seeds Of righteous action and good deeds, Thea with the name of God, irrigate.