Lehal Library

84 The Punjab and I.he Birth of Sikhism comprehension.~ He condemned the worship ofidols.24 He gave the institution of Guruship a permanent and abiding character by vesting it in the immortality of the Granth and in the continuity of the Khalsa Panth. Being the author of so many traditions, he was particularly conscious of the danger of his followers imposing divinity on him. For though my thoughts were lost in prayer At the feel of Almighty Cod, 1 was ordained to establish a sect and lay down its mies. But whosoever regards me as Lord Shall be damned ::incl destroyed. l am-and of Lhis let there be no doubtI am but the slave of God, as Olhc::r men are, A beholder of the wonders of creation.~; ( Biritra l\/ii/ak) 23 Gobind used many names for God uiat emphasized uie aspect of pawer, e.g., sarb. wh (all steel). But his favourite name was akiil purukh (timeless person). He also said that Cod could not be defined: He hath no quoit, nor mark. no colour, caste, nor lineage, No fonn, no complexion. outline. nor garb, No one can describe Him itl auy way. (fop Siihih} 24 I am the dc::stroyer of turbulent hillmen Since the~ are idolaters ,md I am the breaker of idols. (Zafnmiimii) Some worship stones and on their heads they bear them, Some the phallus strung in necklaces wear its emblem. Some ht:holcl their god in the south, some to d1e west bow their head. Some worship images, others busy praying Lt) uie dead. The world is thus bound in false ritual And God's secret is still unread. (Svaiye) 25 111 another passage Gobind refuted the claims of divinity made by others: God has no friends nor enemies. He heeds no hallehtl~ths nor cares about curses. Being the first and timeless How could He manifest Himself through these Who are born and die? Vap Sii.hib)