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Summary of Question:	Real Saints And 'Fake' Saints
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Sunday, 1/08/2006 3:30 AM MST

First of all, I would like to thank all of the moderators on sikhnet.com for being such a big help to the Sikh youth. You give us someone to turn to when we need help. Thank you.

I just returned from India and I am faced with a real dilemna. In the Sukhmani Sahib, there are many lines that say "The slanderer of saints cannot be happy, The slanderer of saints cannot..." etc. When I was in Punjab, there are people just roaming the streets, going to people houses and asking for food and money, calling themselves saints. One guy came to my house singing some shabads. He then asked for 50 rupees and some food. The guy had his hair cut and was clean-shaven. Another time, I went to an Akhand Path. When the SSGS was being read, everyone was busy in their own little conversations, but after the path, a bunch of 'saints' came in and everyone was crowding around them, forgetting that the SSGS was even there. My question is, how can you tell if someone is actually a saint or just someone putting on an act to steal your money?

<<<<< REPLY >>>>>

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is pretty clear about this. He describes a Gurmukh in the 5th Pauri of Japji Sahib:

One with the Guru — merged in the Naad.
One with the Guru — filled with all knowledge.
One with the Guru — merged with the One.
The Guru is the form of God that you can meditate on, imagine, and love.
The Guru is the Divine mother, Maya.
When I know it I can't say it, Words are useless.
The Guru has given me one understanding: All souls are gifts of the One.
May I never forget Him! || 5 ||

To God’s lover the Naam is a thing of daily use. The saint lives in higher consciousness.
God’s Name protects those who serve Him. God’s Name has protected millions.
The Saints praise God all day and night. Har, Har is the sadhu’s medicine.
God’s Name is the treasure of the one who belongs to Him.
The God of All can give you this gift.
The mind and body are deeply dyed with love’s crimson color.
O Nanak, his thoughts run deep and are full of understanding.

.....G