Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled from Dipalpur…

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled from Dipalpur to Pakpattan. There, he visited the ashram of Sufi Fakir Baba Farid Ji, who had lived in the 12th century. At that time, Baba Farid Ji’s 11th successor, Sheikh Brahm Ji, was seated on the spiritual throne.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked Bhai Mardana Ji to begin kirtan at the town's central gathering place. Due to the sweetness of the kirtan, many listeners gathered. Guru Nanak Dev Ji then recited the following verse:

Aape patī kalam aap upar lekh bhi toon. Eko kahiye Nanaka dooja kahe koon. (Raag Malaar, Ang 1291)

Meaning: "O Lord, You Yourself are the writing board, You Yourself are the pen, and You Yourself are the script of praise written upon it. O Nanak, the One who sings and inspires praise is only the Supreme Lord; how can there be any other?" (Sifat Salah refers to words or hymns of praise for the Almighty.)

One of Sheikh Brahm Ji’s disciples, upon seeing the crowd, also arrived at the gathering. After listening to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s verses, he began to contemplate their meaning. He realized that this great personality was a wise and enlightened being. The essence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s words aligned with the teachings of his first spiritual guide, Baba Farid Ji, emphasizing that there is only one Lord and nothing exists apart from Him—His presence is spread everywhere.

When the disciple returned to the ashram, he informed Sheikh Brahm Ji that a perfect saint had arrived in their town, singing divine verses that resonated with the teachings of their Murshid, Baba Farid Ji.

Upon hearing this, Sheikh Brahm Ji could not restrain himself. Filled with the desire to have a glimpse of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he left the ashram and came to the town. He listened carefully to the hymns sung by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and was deeply pleased. Seeking answers to his spiritual doubts, he asked Guru Nanak Dev Ji a few questions.

Question: "Who are the intellectuals in human society?"

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s answer: "Those who are detached in their minds but partake in worldly possessions as per necessity."

Second question: "Who is the greatest person?"

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s answer: "The one who remains calm in both joy and sorrow, never wavering."

Next question: "Who is the most prosperous person?"

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s answer: "The one who has conquered desires and lives a contented life."

His final question was: "Who is the most destitute and miserable person?"

In response, Guru Nanak Dev Ji said: "The one who wanders from place to place in pursuit of fulfilling desires and cravings."

After that, one of Sheikh Brahm Ji’s disciples, Kamal, asked Guru Nanak Dev Ji: "How can we earn respect?"

Guru Nanak Dev Ji replied: "By selflessly serving the poor and the needy, one attains honor and respect."

His second question was: "How can we become friends with everyone?"

Guru Nanak Dev Ji answered: "By abandoning ego and speaking sweet words."

At Sheikh Brahm Ji’s request, Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed with him in Pakpattan for a few days. During his stay, he performed kirtan every morning and evening, recited his divine hymns to them, and also listened to the verses of Sheikh Farid Ji. In this way, they exchanged sacred verses, and Guru Nanak Dev Ji collected and compiled the hymns of Sheikh Farid Ji in his scripture.

As he was departing, Sheikh Brahm Ji requested Guru Nanak Dev Ji: "Please grant me such scissors that will cut the rope of my cycle of birth and death."

In response, Guru Nanak Dev Ji said: "The scissors of truth cut all bonds."

"Sach ki kaati sach sabh saar." "Ghaadat tis ki upar apaar." (Raag Ramkali, Ang 956)

Meaning: "If there is a scissor or knife made entirely of the essence of God's name, then its craftsmanship would be truly beautiful."