7 May 1901
Lots of Love from Jaimal Singh to my obedient son, Babu Sawan Singh.
May the Grace and Mercy of the compassionate Anami Lord always be upon you, dear son.
I have received three letters from you, one written in Gurumukhi and two in Urdu, and am glad to read that you are well and happy. Your … [not readable] rupees were received, out of which 100 were sent immediately to Agra. We have also sent there utensils worth 60 rupees for the bandhara kitchen. Here at the Dera, paint costing about 3 rupees will be needed for the doors – 23 rupees worth has been purchased already, the rest will be bought later. Also, the ceiling of the upper-storey room has been painted once, but may need two more coats.
You must send money to Baba Ji (grandfather) as well. He should never remain in want in any way. From his letter it appears that he would like to accept the matrimonial offer that he first mentioned. The match that he mentions is good and should be accepted, so that he doesn’t get offended. As he is the eldest in the family, we should accept what he says. For the rest, it is one’s individual destiny: what is written on the forehead will definitely happen. Apart from this, you may do as seems right to you. Bachint Singh was destined to become sick this year, but he will be forgiven through having boils on his body. You shouldn’t worry on this account.
Regarding Bhajan and Simran, you write that your mind gives you a lot of trouble, that it does not let you do Bhajan and Simran, and aimlessly creates waves and ripples. This is the mind’s job, my son, because it is the creator of all gross and subtle evil tendencies. The thoughtless sins, the whole creation in its gross and subtle aspects, and the gross energy (shakti) whose power is unlimited, are all born in the mind like little sparks that fly off a burning fire. The sparks fly off, but the fire is unaware of it. So this is how the mind works. Those who have accepted the Guru’s teaching and have steered the mind within His will, receive praise and honour both in this world and in Sach Khand. To stay within the directives of the Perfect Guru is the Real Work, my son. So relinquish the self, surrender your mind, body and wealth to the Satguru, and do not claim anything as yours. Then the mind will never stray anywhere, because once something is given away, you cease to have any claim on it.
You, however, ignore the Guru’s will and bring your self in between, and this allows the mind also to put forth its demands. That is why the mind gives trouble. Listen always to the Shabd Dhun and do your Simran mentally. Put your own reasonings aside and direct your attention to the Shabd Dhun. The Shabd Dhun will then automatically capture the mind. Whatever official or worldly work you do, all is the Satguru’s work. The Guru is ready to ferry you across the ocean of the universe. Why then should you feel perturbed? The Shabd Dhun, which is always resounding within your body, will never forsake you. Hold on to It. Have absolute faith that It will not rest until It has taken you to Sach Khand.
A letter from Chacha Ji at Agra informs me that the wicker stools have been received. He has asked me to convey to you his warm regards with Grace and Mercy. I would definitely like to go to Agra for Hazur Swami Ji’s bandhara. You should also come along if you can get leave. A postcard from Agra, which came with Chacha Ji’s directive, has been forwarded to you. The day and month of the bandhara are mentioned in it: Monday, 3 June, the 22nd of Jeth1. For the rest, my son, it will happen as Hazur wills it; we can do nothing by ourselves. And please carry out all the domestic tasks that your Baba Ji has asked you to do. I am very pleased with you, my son.
Convey my greetings to Basant Singh, Chanan Singh, Babu Gajja Singh Ji, Babu Gulab Singh, Sher Singh, Diwan Singh, and Narain Singh. They are to do their Bhajan and Simran every day. Inform Narain Singh that I have received his postcard and am very happy to read about his well-being.
The mind is certainly as he writes: it never allows anyone to escape across its boundary at Trikuti. To begin with, it does not even allow one to come near Bhajan and Simran. There is, however, a way to deal with the mind: listen to the Shabd Dhun every day and, putting aside the self, hold fast to the refuge of the Satguru.
Bibi wishes to convey her best wishes to you, her dear brother, and to all the other Satsangis. Warm greetings from the Sadhus and other Satsangis at the Dera to you and all the other Satsangis. It rained very hard on Sunday, 4 May, the 23rd of Vaisakh2.
In your letters, my son, why is the full name, including ‘Singh,’ not written in the address? Twice it has been omitted. The true and real name, of course, is the Surat Shabd Dhun alone, but in this phenomenal world the given name of the body should be definitely written out in full. Your 100 rupees were received at the bandhara in Agra, and its receipt has arrived. The money reached there at a very good time. The balance of 100 rupees will be sent now, or I will take it with me when I go there. Your 200 rupees will be put specifically in Hazur’s bandhara.
Your income has borne fruit, my son. You are reminded to restrain your mind, do your Bhajan daily, and give up the self. The Shabd Dhun will definitely take you to Sach Khand.
7 May 1901
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Explanation: 1) The 3rd month of the Sikh calendar; from 15 May to 14 June. 2) The 2nd month of the Sikh calendar; from 14 April to 14 May.