Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, passing through…

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, passing through Bhavnagar, arrived at Sabarmati. Guru Ji set up his camp on the banks of the Sabarmati River, near the city's ghat. When the morning arrived, kirtan (devotional singing) began. As soon as the people coming to bathe at the ghat heard the sweet bani (hymns) through the kirtan, they sat there in silence. Guru Ji was reciting:

Bābā manu matvāro nām ras pīvai sahaj raṅg rachi rahia Ahinis banī prem liv lāgī sabad anāhad gahiā (Raag Asa, Ang 360)

As time passed, the sun rose, and the crowd at the ghat kept increasing. Most people sat down for some time to listen to Guru Ji's kirtan. After listening to the explanation of the supreme essence of Naam (Divine Name) through the hymns, a deep longing to merge into the Naam awakened in the hearts of the seekers.

At the conclusion of the kirtan, the seekers asked Guru Ji how to practice Naam Simran (meditative remembrance of the Divine Name). They also expressed that their minds do not remain concentrated, and they sought guidance on how to control the mind.

Addressing the entire congregation, Guru Ji said that if someone desires to experience the supreme essence of Naam, they should, in the early morning before sunrise, after attending to personal hygiene, sit in solitude in a state of meditative posture (Sahaj Yoga). They should begin chanting Satnam Vaheguru (Satnam = True Name), contemplating its virtues.

It is a fundamental law of nature that when people admire or love someone, they gradually adopt their traits and habits. This reduces the distance between them, and as closeness develops, mutual love emerges. Love always exists where there is harmony in thoughts. Therefore, one must continuously study the divine virtues of the Lord and make an effort to cultivate those virtues within themselves.

For example, God is merciful, fearless, and without enmity. Every individual has the capacity to develop these qualities within themselves—to become a friend to all, to hold no jealousy or hatred towards anyone, and to be free from enmity. One should neither fear anyone nor instill fear in others and should always strive to help the poor and needy. At every moment, one should see the Divine present in all living beings.

Once these qualities develop within a person, the distinction between them and the Divine will dissolve. Gradually, a state of friendship with the Lord will arise, where they become one with Him.

Hearing Guru Ji’s teachings, the entire congregation earnestly requested, “O Guru Ji, please stay here with us for some time, as we wish to learn the method and discipline of divine praise from you.”

Accepting their request, Guru Ji said, “Build a dharamshala (spiritual center) here, where kirtan can take place daily, and the sangat (devotional congregation) can gather to sing praises of the Divine.” Many men and women expressed their desire to receive initiation from Guru Ji. Guru Ji responded, “First, establish Sadh Sangat (a congregation of true seekers), strengthen your practice of divine praise, and once that is firmly rooted, your wish shall certainly be fulfilled.”