One day Satguru Sri Guru Har Rai Maharaj’s Sikhs inquired whether those who read the Guru’s hymns without understanding them derived any spiritual advantage there from. Guru Ji gave no reply at the time, and the next morning went hunting. On a level plain on his way he saw pieces of a pot, which had held butter. The sun was melting the butter on the potsherds. Guru Ji took one of them in his hand and said, ‘Ye see, my Sikh brethren, these are old potsherds, but when they are heated, the butter that hath adhered to them rapidly melteth. As the grease adheres to the potsherds, so do the Guru’s hymns to the heart of his Sikhs. At the hour of death the Guru’s instruction shall assuredly bare fruit. Whether understood or not, it hath within it the seed of salvation. Perfume clingeth to the broken vase.

The meaning of this parable is, that whoever daily reads the Guru’s hymns shall assuredly obtain peace. And even though he does not fully understand them Waheguru will undoubtedly assist him.

Satguru Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Maharaj said, ‘The word is the Guru, and the Guru is the Word, and in the word is the essence of ambrosia’.

Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj also said, ‘Waheguru will not destroy your labour’.

‘That is, even though ye understand not. God will accept your prayers. God never in the slightest degree spoileth a good act, so why should daily repetition of our hymns be wasted?’

The Guru’s questioners were satisfied and their devotion increased.

DHAN DHAN SATGURU SRI GURU HAR RAI SAHIB JI MAHARAJ, THE KING OF KINGS AND THE SAINT OF SAINTS