Bhai Hari Das along with Bhai Lalu and Bhai Balu, Vij Khatris, once visited Guru Arjan and requested to be initiated. Before initiation, the Guru, according to Bhai Santokh Singh, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth, instructed them thus: "Shed pride, attachment and malice, and do not think ill of others. Meet other Sikhs with a cheer and greet them with affection. Remember the fivefold path speak politely; be humble; eat only out of what you earn by your honest labour; treat others with love; and share your victuals with them. This is the way to achieve liberation without renunciation." The novitiates acted upon the Guru's words and were relieved of worldly perplexities, writes Bhai Mani Singh in the Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. See also Varan, XI. 18