Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji departed from…

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji departed from Badrinath Temple for the journey to Sumeru Mountain, Kailash. On the way, he met some other ascetics who were also heading towards Lipulekh Pass for a pilgrimage to bathe in Mansarovar Lake. After crossing Lipulekh Pass, he reached a town called Taklakot in the Tibetan region. There, he stayed for a few days. At that time, followers of Buddhism lived there. They were greatly impressed by Guru Ji's logical and reasoned thoughts. Therefore, it did not take long for them to develop closeness.

As their bond grew stronger, Guru Ji shared his intention of climbing Sumeru, Kailash Mountain. They introduced him to their expert mountaineering team. They began ascending Sumeru Mountain. Since ancient times, sages and saints of Bharatvarsha had come to this mountain for penance, as it was completely isolated from the world at that time. To reach there, one had to travel along the Nepal-India border, following the Kali River, passing through a place called Tawaghat, while another route went from Badrinath to Mansarovar. The Sindhu River also originates from this mountain range.

When Guru Ji and his companions reached there, they encountered some ascetics in special caves of the mountain, who considered themselves disciples of Guru Gorakhnath. Their main purpose of meditating in solitude there was to attain supernatural powers through yoga practice, meaning they sought miraculous abilities to gain recognition from worldly people. They were astonished to see Guru Ji and began questioning him, "Young man, by what power have you reached here? Because it is not just difficult but impossible for ordinary people to reach this treacherous place."

In response, Guru Ji said, "We have only the support of the Lord’s name; we have no other means." This answer enraged the yogis, as they thought the young man was deceiving them. To uncover the truth, they organized a discussion with Guru Ji, as they wanted to understand how he had acquired such intellect and courage at such a young age, while they had attained only a few spiritual powers after years of intense penance. The main members of this group of yogis included Loharia, Charpat, Bhanganath, Sandharnath, Gopichand, Hanife, and others.

Loharia Yogi asked Guru Ji another question: "What is your name? Which caste do you belong to?"

Guru Ji replied, "I have erased my existence; therefore, my name has become nothing, and I belong to no caste because I do not believe in caste discrimination. For me, the entire human race is one and the same."

The yogis then said, "Alright, if you do not wish to reveal anything about yourself, that is fine. But at least tell us how life in the mortal world is going these days?"

Guru Ji replied, "You have forgotten your duty and are hiding here in the caves of the mountains, whereas you should have been striving for the upliftment of the suffering common people. When you have severed your ties with human society, why do you worry about them?"

This answer embarrassed the yogis, but they still requested Guru Ji to say something.

Then Guru Ji said:

"Kalikaati raaje kaasaai dharam pankh kari udariaa. Kood amaavas sach chandarmaa deese naahee keh charriaa." (Raag Maajh, Ang 145)

At this time in the mortal world, the ruling class has taken the form of butchers and is engaged in unrighteous acts. The people are being exploited. Falsehood prevails everywhere, and the moon of truth is nowhere to be seen.

Hearing this, Loharia Yogi asked, "Then why have you renounced the household life like us? Tell us the reason, and what are you searching for that has brought you here?"

"Kis kaaran grihu tajio udaasi. Kis kaaran ihu bhekh nivaasi. Kis vakhar ke tum vanjaare. Kiu kari saadhu langhaavahu paare." (Raag Ramkali, Ang 939)

Guru Ji replied:

"Gurmukhi khojat bhae udaasi. Darsan ke taai bhekh nivaasi. Saach vakhar ke hum vanjaare. Nanak gurmukh utarsi paare." (Raag Ramkali, Ang 939)

Guru Ji said, "I am a seeker of truth. When detachment arose in my heart for the vision of the Lord, I set out to discuss with enlightened souls. In reality, I have not renounced the household life."

Hearing this, Charpat Yogi asked, "Then what is your view? By what method can one cross the ocean of existence?"

"Dunia sagar dutar kahiye kiu kari paaiye paaro. Charpat bole audhu Nanak dehu sacha beecharo." (Raag Ramkali, Ang 938)

Guru Ji replied:

"Jaise jal mahi kamal niralamu muragai naisane. Surat sabad bhavsagar tariye Nanak naam bakhane."

"Rahahi ikantiyeko mani vasiya aasa mahi niraso. Agam agocharu dekhi dikhaye Nanak ta ka daaso." (Raag Ramkali, Ang 938)

Meaning: Just as the lotus flower remains untouched by water, and just as the swan dives into water but does not get wet, similarly, a being should live in human society while remaining above worldly attachments and crossing the ocean of existence. One should always keep the Lord in their heart, perform worldly duties, and lead a detached life. The one who strives to cross the ocean of existence in this way is our friend, and we are their companions.

Hearing this secret of life, the yogis asked Guru Ji, "O young man! Who is your Guru? What philosophy do you follow, and since when have you been practicing it?"

"Kavan mool kavan mati bela. Tera kavan guru jis ka tu chela." (Raag Ramkali, Ang 942)

In response, Guru Ji said, "Since the creation of the atmosphere, I have been a follower of my True Guru’s ideology. I have accepted the Word as my Guru and merged the melody into my consciousness."

"Pavan arambh satigur mati bola. Sabad guru surat dhun chela." (Raag Ramkali, Ang 943)

Hearing this answer, the yogis curiously asked Guru Ji again, "How did you attain the state of Sahaj (spiritual equipoise) at such a young age? While we, despite years of intense penance, have not been able to free our minds from wandering. What is your method to conquer the restlessness of the mind?"

Guru Ji replied:

"Antar sabad nirantar mudra haumai mamta doori kari. Kaam krodh ankaar nivarai guru ke sabad su samajh pari."

"Khindha bhaneli bharipur rahia Nanak taare ek Hari. Saacha sahib saachi naai parkhe gur ki baat khari." (Raag Ramkali, Ang 939)

I have controlled my mind through the Guru’s word, and now the five vices do not trouble me. If you also desire this, then abandon these ostentatious appearances, materials, symbols, and outer rituals like ear ornaments, ochre robes, etc., and learn to live according to the Guru’s teachings.

Hearing this response, the yogis discussed among themselves that the young Nanak Dev was highly talented and that defeating him was not only difficult but impossible. They thought that if they could somehow deceive him, perhaps he would adopt their yogic path. If that happened, their doctrine could spread across the world through this brilliant young man. Therefore, they devised a plan for this. When Guru Nanak’s companions went to arrange for food, the yogis humbly requested Guru Nanak, "O young one! Please do us a favor. Bring water in this pot from the pond in front."

When Guru Nanak reached the pond with the pot, he saw that the pond was filled with priceless jewels, diamonds, pearls, and gems. However, Guru Nanak returned with an empty pot. The yogis asked him what he had seen there, to which Guru Nanak replied, "There were invaluable jewels scattered all over, but I had gone to fetch water, so I returned with an empty pot. In reality, those jewels are of no use to me." Hearing this response, the yogis’ pride was shattered because they had intended to trap Guru Nanak in the illusion of wealth. However, Guru Nanak’s reply exposed their trick, as those jewels were nothing more than their magical illusion.

A yogi named Kanpha told Guru Nanak about the superiority of their path and said that if he became a yogi, wore ear ornaments, smeared his body with ashes, and donned a deer skin or loincloth, he would gain great recognition and attain the supreme state. But Guru Nanak replied:

"A true yogi understands the essence. By detaching from illusion, he becomes free from afflictions." – Janam Sakhi

This meant that instead of piercing his ears, Guru Nanak had pierced his heart, eliminating all desires, and thus freed himself from the afflictions of worldly attachments.

At this, a yogi named Sanghar Nath argued that renouncing household life and becoming a yogi was essential for attaining God because, as long as one remained entangled in worldly affairs, true worship was impossible.

"The root of all is the household life, The other paths are merely branches." – Janam Sakhi

Guru Nanak replied: "The household is the very foundation of existence; without it, one cannot even imagine the existence of others. Therefore, the household life is the best path, where one can fulfill all duties while also engaging in devotion."

The yogi then asked, "How have you renounced material wealth while living in the household? How have you conquered desire and anger?" Guru Nanak answered:

"By knowing the truth, I have conquered fear of death, By merging my awareness with the divine word, I have transcended materialism. Through firm contemplation, I have conquered all vices, By transcending the three qualities of nature, I have risen above all." – Janam Sakhi

Guru Nanak further explained, "By worshiping the truth, I have freed myself from the fear of death. By immersing my consciousness in the divine word, I have overcome attachment to material wealth. Through firm determination, I have conquered all vices. These three noble qualities have led my mind to true detachment, but all of this has only been possible by the grace of God."

Hearing this philosophy, the yogis admitted, "We have never heard or read anything like what you have said before. Your views seem revolutionary and could stir society."

Guru Nanak responded, "O yogis, if you abandon the rigid practices of Hatha Yoga and adopt the simple way of life that I follow, you will experience a harmonious life through a threefold path and always live in joy and bliss. This will enhance your spiritual radiance."

"Chant the True Name and see, Your glory will shine brighter than ever. Restraint and discipline reside in the heart, says Nanak, And the Divine is present in every being." – Janam Sakhi

The yogis then asked, "You seem satisfied, your heart appears calm, fearless, and pure, but even after rigorous spiritual practices, we have not attained such a state. What is the secret behind this?"

"Accepting divine will is the taste of true bliss, I am content by the grace of the True Guru." – Janam Sakhi

Guru Nanak answered, "I joyfully accept every action of the Divine and never interfere with His workings. That is why I am always in a state of bliss and joy. But this state has been bestowed upon me by the grace of the Divine Word, my Guru."

Realizing this truth, all the yogis abandoned their rigid beliefs and admitted defeat, saying, "Nanak Ji, your path alone is beneficial for all of humanity. We too are now inspired by your teachings." With this, Guru Nanak strengthened their faith in the true path and then returned to Taklakot.