Jain Journal 1991 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 27

APRIL, 1991
171
Notes :
1. That is, water and bathing.
2. Majh ki War.
Macauliffe further states, "the Jain priest asked the Guru why he travelled in the rainy season, when insects are abroad and there is danger of killing them under foot" to which the Guru replied as follows:
Nának, if it rain in Săwan, four species of animals have pleasure - Serpents, deer, fish, and sepsualists who have women in their homes. Nanak, if it rain in Sảwan, there are four species of animals who feel discomfort --
Cow's calves, the poor, travellers, and servants.
After hearing Baba Nanak's reply, we are told by Macauliffe (1909 : 150-152) "the Jain priest went and fell at his feet and became a convert to his faith. On that occasion the Guru contemplated his hymn in the Majh ki War, and Saido and Ghebo wrote them down from his dictation."
There are other references to the practices of Jain monks, but not to their religion or philosophy, in the hymns of Guru Nanak. They nave been translated by Macauliffe as follows:
Were I to dwell in the cavern of a golden mountain or in a pit of water; Were I to stand on my head, on earth or in the heavens ; Were I to cover all my body with clothes, and did I nothing but bathe; Were I to shout aloud the white, the red, the yellow, and the black Vedas ; Were I to remain dirty and filthy, all this would be foolish and sinful. Nanak, since I have pondered on the word, I am not, I was not, and shall not be.