The Ādi Granth, or the Holy Scriptures of the Sikhs (1877) · 353

Muttering the name of Hari is a spotless work.

Among all religious rites (this is) the highest rite,

(If) in the society of the pious the fi.lth of foUy is removed.

Among all efforts (this is) the best effort,

(If one) always mutter in his heart the name of Hari.

Among all words (these are) words of nectar,

(If) one hear and praise with his tongue the glory of Hari.

0 virtueless and ignorant one, remember always that Lord!

By -whom thou art made, him keep in thy thought, he will go on with thee, (says) Nanak.

(1). Eeflect on the escellences of the sporting (Supreme), 0 man!

From which root (is he), who is like (him)?'

By whom thou art saved in the fire of the womb.

TVho gives thee mUk to drink in the state of childhood.

(Who) in full youth (gives thee) enjoyment (of) true happiness.

(When) thou hast become old above thy relations and kinsmen:

He is giving food into (thy) mouth, that thou mayest quietly sit down.

This virtueless one ( = I) does not comprehend at all (thy) excellences.

(2). By whose favour he dwells in comfort on the earth,

(And) laughs with son, brother, friend and wife.

(And enjoys) the comfort-giving wind and the invaluable fire.

By whom hands, feet, ears, eyes and tongue are given:

AVith such vices the blind fool is filled.

K"anak (says): 0 Lord, draw me out thyself!

(3). Who is preserving (him) at the beginning and at the end:

By whose service he obtains the nine treasures:

On him the fool does not direct his mind.

The Lord, who is continually in (his) presence:

By whose service he obtains honour at the threshold:

Nanak (says): the preserver is boundless.

(4). Throwing away the jewel he clings to a Kauri (shell).