Guru Hargobind said: Forgiveness is first bravery. Charity is second bravery. If needed give your life for the sake of religion. This is the third bravery. But the fundamental is recitation of the Hari’s name. The soldiers imbibed this ideal and the spirit of sacrifice in them. They were always in high spirits with mind attuned to the Hari. The result was that devotees came to Anandpur from far off places ‘carrying their own arms and money and offered their services and were ready to sacrifice their lives. The victory in the battle of Bhangani made them more courageous and the fear of tyrant soldiers was gone. In this way, the Guru was successful in his eforts. The devotees who came to have his glimpse carried swords when they came. They came with courage and fought when any hindrance came on their way.
Where the town is new and open land is not enough, then the local needs like fodder for the horses have to be met locally. However, arms and ammunition was mostly coming from outside. The soldiers went for hunting in the nearby forests, made mock fights, target shooting and other drills and engaged themselves in other exercises but when it came to buying fodder, most of the shopkeepers would take money and sell but some refused to sell even when money was offered. The soldiers had no option but to use arms to buy things and pay. Then the shop-keepers would go and make complaint to the rulers. The news of the Guru raising a large army also reached the rulers.
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