The Second Master Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504 - 1552)
Guru Nanak instructed Lehna to return to Khadur to instruct people in the ways of Sikhism. Here Lehna spent his time in prayer and serving the people. He distributed food to the poor daily. Longing to be with Guru Nanak he eventually returned to Karthapur where he became totally devoted to the service of Guru Nanak.
After undergoing countless tests, Guru Nanak eventually appointed Guru Angad Dev Ji as his successor on July 14, 1539 as described previously.
Upon the death of Guru Nanak, Guru Angad Dev Ji returned to Khadur where he went into seclusion and meditation for six months.
Eventually a delegation of Sikhs led by Baba Buddha convinced the Guru that they needed him. Guru Angad Dev Ji longed for Guru Nanak, when he said to Baba Buddha;
"He whom you love, die for him. Accursed is the life without the beloved. The head should be sliced that does not bow before the Master. O Nanak! the body should be burnt that suffers not the agony of separation." (Sri Rag) "He who has been blessed by Guru Nanak is lost in the praises of the Lord. What could one teach those, Who have Divine Nanak as their Guru?" (Majh)
Guru Angad Dev Ji was the embodiment of humility as Guru Nanak had been before him.
Yogi Daya Nath Visits Guru
The renowned yogi Daya Nath visited Guru Angad Dev Ji to try to convert him. Daya Nath believed that mental purity could only be obtained through renunciation of the world, observance of rituals, introspection, and yoga. Guru Angad Dev Ji engaged him in discussion saying that only through living a simple truthful life as Guru Nanak had lived can God be realized, by remaining pure amidst impurity. The yogi was eventually won over by the purity and innocence of Guru Angad Dev Ji and asked the Guru if there was anything that he could do for him. The humble Guru Angad Dev Ji replied that he only seeked the learned yogis blessings.
Guru Angad Dev Ji followed the daily routine that Guru Nanak had. He would wake up early at dawn to recite Guru Nanak's Japji (morning prayer) as well as sing Asa di var with his congregation, work during the daytime and then have evening prayers. Guru Angad Dev Ji also maintained langar where people of all religions and casts could gather for a free meal. Guru Angad Dev Ji also took a keen interest in physical fitness, and encouraged his devotees to be involved in sports after their morning prayers.
To be contd ……..
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