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RELIGIOUS SECTS
but of these dates we cannot admit the accuracy of more than one at most, and as the latter is the more recent, it is the more probable: agreeable to this is the connexion of KABİR's writings with the faith of NÁNAK SHán, who began to teach about 1490, and it also confirms a particular account, current amongst his followers, of his openly vindicating his doctrines before SEKANDER SHáh', in whose time FERISHTA has
मांहि प्रगट भयो शब्द कही टकसार ॥ सम्वत् पंदरहसये औ पांच मौं मगर कियौ गवन। अगहन सुदी येकादसी मिले पवन सों पवन॥ "In the Samvat 1205 Jráni nieditated, was manifest at Kuši, and declared the text called Taksár: in the Samvat 1505 he journeyed to Magar, and on the 11th of the light fortnight of Aghan, air mixed with air."
There is a Ramaini to that effect, and the following story is told, with the usual marvellous embellishments, in the Bhakta Mála; in that work it is said, his mother complained to SEKANDER Pádshah of her son's having deserted the true faith, on which the king sent for him; he appeared with the 'íká and Mála, and when told to make the customary Salám, he replied, "I know none but Rám, what use is there in prostrating myself to a monarch?” Enraged at his behaviour, the king ordered him to be chained hand and foot, and thrown into the river. The water bore him to shore. He then commanded him to be cast into fire, but the flames played harmless round him. He then directed him to be trodden to death by an elephant, but as soon as the animal saw the sage, he turned tail and ran away. The king mounted his own elephant, resolved to execute his commands in person, but when he approached, Karir transformed himself into a lion. The Monarch then convinced of his divine character alighted, and falling at his feet, offered him any lands and villages he might choose: these offers he declined, saying, "Rám is my wealth: of what avail are worldly possessions, but