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attempted to recite the passage, but without success. At last Guru Datta
was summoned to the table. He had seen his fellow students fail, but
that did not disturb his mind. He requested the Head Master to let
him mount the table, so that all might observe him. The permission
was given, and he ascended it with agility reciting the passage with a
beauty truly admirable. Just as he came to the phrase "Here it is," his
look and gestures wore a corresponding appearance. He handed out
the book that he had in his pocket for the purpose, pronouncing with
befitting accent; "Here it is". There was at once a loud outburst of
cheers, the Head Master patted him on the back and awarded him Rs.5.
Not only was Guru Datta loved by his teachers for his brilliant
capacities, but was also looked with much favour for his veracity. His
name had become a by-word in the school for truth. Under no
circumstances would he tell a lie. His own moral character being
spotless, he was afraid of none. He was far above the ordinary run of
students in this respect. He was wholly uninfluenced by evil desires.
This indicates that he was fitted by nature to rise superior to sensuality.
Guru Datta was, at times, mystical while at Multan and stuck to some
of his old habits with great pertinacity. Why he did so, it cannot be
rationally explained. We can only say that it was not on account of an
irresistible influence arising out of a fixed mode of action, since his
will power, even when he was young, was strong enough to shake off
inveterate habits. He was very fond of visiting Sadhus and Sarmayasis
and derived much pleasure by conversing with them.
College Life
Guru Datta passed his Matriculation in November 1880, and
left for Lahore in January 1881 to prosecute his studies at the local
Government College. There was but one College in the whole
Province, and students from all parts of Punjab, after finishing their
education in high schools, came to Lahore for further study. The
Government College was then the nucleus of learning. Guru Datta,
being a genius, drank deep at the fountain of knowledge. He rose
into prominence only a few months after his joining the college.
The loftiness of his tone, high regard for truth, profundity of
thought, nobility of character, vastness of information in almost all
departments of study, the stern and unbending will which he
brought to bear upon all his acts, attracted the attention of the Professors
as well as of the students who admired him for these high virtues. His
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