The Source Book On Sikhism

Gobind Singh and “Renunciation of the Sanyasi”

A group of Hindu Sanyasis came to Anandpur, and complained to the Master that he was not laying sufficient emphasis on the virtue of Renunciation. he replied, “My disciples are men of renunciation in joy; their bliss is infinite, and no more needed; all things come to their hands, and they use them as they need. As long as they do not go under illusion (Maya), so long they are free and pure. If one has obtained Self-Realization, of what use, my friends, is Renunciation?” They were for arguing further, when he interrupted them, playfully bidding his Sikhs put live charcoal on the lids of their coconut Bowls of Renunciation. And as the lac cementing the joints melted off under fire, the bowls were shaken and gold Mohurs dropped out giving an open proof of their hypocrisy.

The scenes of Gobind Singh’s life at Anandpur are lit by laughter, and joy. He would welcome his disciples with a smile or a touch on the shoulder, and he delighted in surprising them by his play of wit. Anandpur was alive with continual festival: “Every day a new-year's day and every night a wedding night!”

Gobind Singh is Guru Nanak; but he rides a splendid steed, arms himself with a quiver of arrows and a mighty bow, has a sword hanging in his belt and a hawk perched on his hand and eyes that sparkle with joy and valour of the soul. His heart is gay because of his uncontainable joy.