it seems that the crocodile was adopted by the akalis in the eighteenth century since they were the crocodiles (nihangs) breaking the nets (of the mughals) in which girls (fish) had been abducted to sell into slavery.

apart from a neat allegory typical of the jung boli (war language) of the time, the selection of the crocodile, the ultimate ambush predator may indicate something of the nature of the sikh art of war against evil impulses.

the crocodile is not a hungry beast, needing only one meal per year to survive. its stomach is only the size of a human head. it only shows 1% of its size in the seconds before it strikes. it is an ancient beast, basically unchanged in 250,000,000 years. it was the eminent predator in water systems before, during and after the dinosaurs. a couple of crocodiles will frighten off a pride of lions. the hide is hard to penetrate and the bite pressure is enormous. it has, apparently, the most advanced heart in the world, capable of function at two speeds. it lives for 100 years. it is a wary beast.

the saint is not hungry for the world, but makes use of it to live well. while overflowing with love, the saint may speak of love, yet the depths are hidden. the guru contrasts the empty vessel making a great deal of noise, with the full vessel which makes little noise. the path of the saint is one and unchanging through time. the way of grace (gurmat) is best in the beginning, through and ages and for all times. even a small sangat of loving individuals will change the atmosphere around them. haters may gather to tear them up, but will be daunted by them. in humbleness, emptiness before god, drawing close to god, the saint is unmoved by the cruelty of the world, in opposing evil her mind is not confused by the calculations of the world, but the warm strings of love which play unstruck in the heart. it tears open space and time, for all space (khalsa) belongs to the Master, and all time (akali) belongs to the One beyond time. the stories of any age and the mechanisms of power are as puddles that wash against a huge mountain. it functions as saint and soldier, for a true saint is a soldier, one that loves god in all cannot neglect to actively love all, cannot abandon them to harm and oppression. a creature that lives from the heart recognises only fear of its maker; all else is but the lap dancing of the puddle. yet recognition that it is loved, and is supported in goodness to prevent it from harm, leads it to avoid unnecessary risks and take easy victories. it has been made to be victorious and to cry tears of joy, over tears of regret.

some thoughts...