LIFE LESSONS From Life Stories Of
GURU NANAK
Author: Jasbir Kaur Translated by: Mohinder Singhh 2
Preface
Life Lessons from Life Stories of Guru Nanak “Children are the future of a community, their first teacher is the mother. Her influence on the baby starts in the womb. After birth, the family, school, friends and congregation (sangat) affect the upbringing of the child. A child is innocent like a clean slate, anything written on it leaves an impression forever. A foundation created with good values keeps the child strong and unwavering”. Keeping this in mind I started reciting life stories (Sakhian) of our Sikh Gurus to my grandchildren, Sehejneet Kaur, Veeraj Singh, Guransh Singh and Sabrina Kaur. Their enthusiasm and love for learning Sikhism through stories, encouraged me to write them down. I am grateful to Dr Rajwant Singh, for inspiring me to write all the stories down and preserve them in the form of a children’s book. I am thankful to all my family and friends who encouraged and helped publish the book of priceless stories (Anmol Sakhian) from the lives of the Sikh Gurus. These stories are unique and thought provoking for all ages and all types of personalities, emotional or logical. I have made an effort to stay as true as possible to the real-life experiences of the Sikh Gurus. We have recently published the 4th edition of Sakhian in Punjabi language. In this edition we have added pictures to make the stories come to life. I am thankful to Makhan Singh, former Deputy General Manager, Punjab and Sind Bank and President of Punjabi Sahit Kala Sangam for his invaluable personal collection of paintings that have been used as pictures in the book. On the 550 years birth anniversary of the Founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, I have translated this booklet in English language. The purpose is to share important concepts of Sikhism through true stories from the life cycle of the Founder. The life of Guru Nanak defines Sikhism as a seeker of the truth (Sikh), selfless service (seva), sharing with less fortunate (vand chakna), reflecting on the creator (naam japna), equality and justice for all. Guru Nanak travelled on foot for more than 20 years reforming people through dialogue and delivering the divine message. I thank Guru Nanak Dev Ji for guiding me through this whole process. May Waheguru bless everyone!
Jasbir Kaur
_____________________________________________________________________ “The stories are historical accounts or stories that have moral lesson to impart and are instrumental in reiterating the importance of the Sikh history and cardinal principles that are an integral part of the psyche of the Sikhs since time immemorial. The message imparted through Sakhis permeates the heart and soul of the devoted readers in a unique manner and have an impact on the community. In her discerning way, the writer delves into historical anecdotes with conviction and tries to preserve it for the future with devotedness.” - Principal Dr. Harpreet Kaur “Lessons From Life Stories about Guru Nanak will appeal to the young and old alike because they speak of universal truth in terms that are compassionate, inclusive and peaceful. In a time of increasing division, hatred and violence, it is good to be reminded that living we are essential one human family and destined to live in harmony with nature.” - Rev. Mansfield “Kasey” Kaseman, Office of Community Partnerships, Interfaith Community Liaison, Montgomery County Government “This book presents Sikh wisdom in an easily understood form that is perfect for classroom discussion. I was very moved by many of the stories, and the words of Guru Nanak paint a picture of a world that any person striving for peace, justice and harmony will find compelling.” - Phil Tajitsu Nash, Asian American Studies Program, University of Maryland. 3
On the 550 years birth anniversary of the Founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, this book is dedicated to the community, educators, students and all children.
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Guru Nanak Dev Ji Founder of the Sikh religion
BIRTH - Under a full moon in October or November of 1469 BIRTH PLACE - Talwandi (called Nankana Sahib, now in Pakistan). PARENTS - Mother- Mata Tripta. Father- Mehta Kalu. SIBLINGS - One sister, Nanki. WIFE - Bibi Sulakhni. CHILDREN - Two sons: Baba Srichand, Baba Lakhmidas. LEFT THE MORTAL WORLD - September 1539. ESTABLISHMENT OF CITY - Established city of Kartarpur on the banks of the river Ravi in 1504
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BIRTH Guru Nanak is the founder and first Guru (Divine Teacher) of the Sikh religion. He was born in 1469. His mother’s name was Mata Tripta and father’s name was Mehta Kalu. He had a sister, Nanki who was five years older than him. Guru Nanak was born in the city of Talwandi, which is now in Pakistan. In honor of Guru Nanak, Talwandi is now called Nankana Sahib. At his birth place, there is a huge Gurudwara (Sikh temple) called Janam Asthan (birth place). Talwandi was owned by a muslim gentleman by the name of Rai Bular. Guru Nanak’s father, Mehta Kalu was an accountant for the city. He worked for Rai Bular, who was a very good man. He respected Mehta Kalu and loved Guru Nanak very much. Guru Nanak is also addressed as Guru Nanak Dev Ji or Guru Ji out of reverence.
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CHILDHOOD Guru Nanak was no ordinary child. He was more focused on spirituality and deeper issues. He had a simple nature exemplified in the simple food he ate and the simple clothes he wore. He was a happy child. At every moment, he had God in his thoughts. Guru Nanak loved the poor and needy. He would bring them to his home and take care of their needs. He enjoyed caring for others and was eager and ready to help people. Guru ji gathered his friends and they would all recite “Dhan Nirankar, Sat Kartar,” which means “God is great and true.” Villagers and passersby stopped in delight to listen to him. A Gurdwara was built in this location called Baal Leela (Childhood) now in Pakistan.
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SCHOOL When Guru Nanak turned six, his parents sent him to the neighborhood school in their village. He was very intelligent and a quick learner. He asked the teachers to educate the kids to become better human beings. He said that we should all learn to help the needy, serve the ill, feed the hungry and heal the hurting. Everyone should be taught to treat each other with equality and respect and love each other without discrimination. Guru Ji told the teachers that every human being will die someday and that worldly education would not follow them to eternity but their good and bad deeds will. Guru Nanak’s teachers were astonished at his wisdom.
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SHADE OF SNAKE Upon completion of his studies, Mehta Kalu assigned his son, Nanak, the work of grazing the cattle. He started taking the cattle to the forest, and while the cattle grazed, Guru Nanak would sit and meditate. One day Guru Nanak was laying under the shade of a tree and fell asleep. The shade of the tree moved with the changing position of the sun. The bright sun started shining on his face. A cobra rushed out from a nearby hole and came towards Guru Ji as if to hurt him, but instead spread its hood to provide shade to Guru Nanak’s face. This incident was witnessed by Rai Bular (owner of Talwandi city), who happened to be passing by. He was astonished to see this and was convinced that Guru Nanak was a special person and was truly an image of God.
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JANEU (SACRED THREAD) Guru Nanak was nine years old. According to the customs it was essential for every khatri and brahmin (higher castes among Hindus) to wear Janeu, a sacred thread. Mehta Kalu invited his family and friends to celebrate the wearing of Janeu for Guru Nanak. A pundit (Hindu priest) arrived with all his ‘samagri’ (religious materials) and began reciting prayers. The pundit picked up the Janeu and was about to put it across Guru Nanak’s chest but Guru ji stopped him and asked “why do I have to wear it?” The priest replied “child this revives your soul.” Guru Nanak said, “this Janeu is made of thread and will deteriorate. Can you give me a strong and permanent Janeu which will never break and will accompany my soul after I die.” The pundit did not understand. Guru Ji said, “make compassion the cotton, commitment the thread, modesty the knot and truth the twist. This is the kind of thread I would like to wear.” After listening to these extraordinary words from Guru Nanak, the pundit could not take his eyes off of him. He then said “son, Janeu is a holy sign of the Hindu religion and wearing it is a sacred tradition.” Guru ji replied, “Pundit ji, the sign of religion and good deeds is to be of service to mankind.” The pundit was humbled by these wise words from Guru Nanak.
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TRUE BARGAIN For some years, Guru Nanak worked to graze the cattle but his mind was immersed in remembering God. He remained joyful in the company of saints. Mehta Kalu was not happy with this and instead, wanted his son to do business and make money. One day he gave 20 Rupees (Indian currency) to Guru Nanak and asked him to start a trade to make a profit. Bhai Bala, Guru Nanak’s life long Hindu companion, accompanied him for this venture. They were heading towards the market near Chooharkhana village when they saw a group of sadhus (saints) who had not eaten for several days. Guru ji thought, “what could be more profitable than feeding the hungry saints?” but Bhai Bala said to Guru Nanak that his father will be very upset if he used the money to feed the saints instead of using it for a profitable transaction. But Guru Nanak felt that this was the true and best bargain, and that nothing could be better than this. He bought food with all the money given to him by his father and was happy to feed the hungry saints. Upon returning to their village, Guru Nanak sat under a tree away from his home. He knew that his father would be angry when he finds out what had happened. Bhai Bala went home and told Mehta Kalu the entire story. He became enraged and started marching towards Guru Nanak. His sister, Nanki, followed her father. When Mehta Kalu reached Guru Nanak, he angrily reminded him that he had given him the money to make a profit, but instead, he wasted all of it. Nanki calmed her father down and rescued Guru Nanak. Guru Ji said that fulfilling the needs of the deprived is the most profitable action. His sister and mother were astonished at his deeds and considered Guru Nanak to be God’s image. The place where the hungry saints were fed is now in Pakistan. A gurdwara called Saccha Sauda (True Bargain) has been built there.
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HUTT SAHIB Sultanpur is a town on the banks of a river, ‘Bein’. Daulat Khan was the Governor (nawab) of this town. Jairam, who was Guru Nanak’s brother-in-law (his sister’s husband) worked for the nawab. Jairam got Guru Nanak a job with the nawab as an accountant for his grocery store called Modi Khana. The farmers gave grains to the nawab as tax, and the nawab gave grains to his employees instead of a salary. The remaining grains were stored in the grocery store and sold to the public. Guru Nanak’s job was to keep an account of the grains, and he did this with great honesty. Even while working, he continued to be immersed in remembering God. While weighing the grains, the scale read 13 (which in Punjabi is pronounced as tera, and means “yours”). When the scale stopped at 13 (Tera), Guru Ji kept repeating “Tera”, “Tera”, “Tera”, meaning “everything is yours” referring to God. Because Guru Nanak Dev Ji kept repeating “Tera”, “Tera”, “Tera” people who bought more than 13 units were possibly charged for only 13 units. Some people complained to the nawab that Guru Nanak was mismanaging the accounts of the store. The nawab became concerned and checked the stock. He was surprised to find that the store was showing a profit. Guru ji believed in sharing, so he gave his share of grains to the poor and needy. He had faith that sharing with the needy was the most rewarding. At the place of the Modi Khana, a gurdwara is built called Hutt Sahib (The Store). The scale with which Guru Nanak Dev Ji weighed the food grains is still there.
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SANCTUARY OF GOD Guru Nanak Dev Ji lived in Sultanpur, which is situated on the banks of the river Bein. He took a bath in this river and meditated on the shore every day. One day, he entered the river to bathe and did not come out. His companions became extremely worried. People thought that maybe he had drowned, and bad news spread like fire through the city. However, his sister, Nanki refused to believe it. She said, “The one who has come to save the world from darkness could not possibly drown.” It is said that from the river Bein, Guru Nanak stepped into the indescribable dimension and met God. There he was told that he is a reflection of God and should promote “Truth on Earth”. Guru Nanak received the divine message to preach to the people who were misled, and persuade them to follow the right path. After three days, Guru Nanak reappeared and people were delighted to see him. He started saying “No one is Hindu and no one is Muslim. Everybody is equal in the eyes of God. Only a good human being is a true Hindu or a true Muslim.” In those days, the Hindus considered themselves to be better than muslims, and the muslims believed that they were the superior ones. When Guru Ji’s words, “No one is Hindu and no one is Muslim.” reached the nawab and the qazi (muslim official), they summoned Guru Nanak and questioned him as to how he could proclaim this? Guru Nanak said that all human beings are equal and made by One God. The teachings of all religions are similar, which are to be truthful and not indulge in lust, anger and greed. All religions teach that people should be good human beings, be of service to others and help the poor and needy. No religion teaches bad things or to hurt others. Additionally, all religions teach that people should work hard, share with the less fortunate and remember God at all times. Gurdwara Sant Ghat, (Sanctuary of God) is created at this place.
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ANTAR AATMA (INNER VOICE) After Guru Nanak Dev Ji declared “No one is Hindu and no one is Muslim” and everyone is equal in the eyes of God, the nawab and qazi said to him if you believe this you should participate in a namaz (muslim prayer) at the mosque. Guru Nanak agreed to participate in the prayer. When the nawab and qazi offered prayers, Guru Nanak stood silent. After the prayers, the nawab and qazi questioned him why he did not participate and bow down during the prayers. Guru Nanak said, “who would I have done the prayers with? None of you were focused on the prayer.” The nawab said that he listened to the entire prayer with his eyes closed. Guru Ji replied to the nawab that he was physically present but his mind was elsewhere. He was thinking about purchasing horses in Kabul. The nawab was embarrassed and confessed that he indeed was thinking about buying horses in Kabul. Guru Ji told the qazi that he was not really praying either but was worried about the calf at his house instead. His cow had just given birth and he recalled that he had forgotten to tie her properly. There was a well in the backyard and during the prayers he was worried about the calf ’s safety. The qazi admitted that he was listening to the prayer but his mind was elsewhere. Guru Nanak said “only those prayers are accepted that are offered with full concentration. Prayers only uttered with complete focus are meaningful.” After listening to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the nawab and qazi were so moved that they bowed at his feet. There is a gurdwara built at this place called Antar Aatma (Inner voice) in Sultanpur, India
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HARDWAR Guru Nanak Dev Ji once went to Hardwar, a holy place for Hindus, situated on the banks of the river Ganges, where Hindus go to take holy baths. Guru Nanak saw that a large number of people had gathered there for a festival. Many devotees were standing on the banks of the Ganges and throwing water with their hands towards the rising sun. Guru Ji also stood on the banks and started throwing water in the opposite direction. People started laughing and asked him what he was doing and why he was throwing water in the opposite direction. Guru Nanak asked them why they were throwing water towards the rising sun. They replied that they were sending water to their dead ancestors. Guru Ji said that he was sending water to the farm in his native village because the crop was dying and needed water. The people ridiculed him and asked how the water would reach his village. Guru Nanak responded by saying that “if the water could reach the sun, millions of miles away, it would certainly reach his village, which was much closer.� The people realized their mistake and understood Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message to be logical about the rituals they practice.
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MECCA Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled on foot for more than twenty years. He traveled in all four directions of India and other parts of Asia to show people the path of enlightenment. He spread the light and taught people to love and have a spirit of gratitude. Along with Bhai Mardana, he reached Mecca, which is considered to be the holiest place of the Islamic faith. Muslims of the entire world face Mecca, while reciting their holy prayers (namaz). Bhai Mardana was Guru Nanak’s Muslim childhood friend who was also a musician and accompanied Guru Ji for 27 years. He played the Rabab (a string instrument) when Guru Nanak sang. Singing shabads (hymns) is known as Kirtan. When Guru Ji reached Mecca, he laid down with his legs facing Mecca. Upon seeing this, the muslim priests (Hajis), were enraged. One haji kicked Guru Nanak’s leg and said, “Why do you have your legs towards Mecca?” Guru Ji calmly asked him to turn his legs to the side where he thought there was no God. He added, “because I don’t know of any direction where God does not exist.” The haji understood Guru Ji’s point and recognized his folly. Guru Nanak explained to them that God lives everywhere and is present in every direction. He lives in everyone’s heart and is not enclosed in a temple or a mosque.
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BHAI LALO A very poor laborer named Bhai Lalo, lived in a small hut, in a village named Saidpur. His daily wages were meagre and he survived by eating inexpensive food. One day, Guru Nanak along with Bhai Mardana came by to Bhai Lalo‘s hut and asked if they could stay with him and his wife for a few days. Bhai Lalo was pleasantly surprised but told them with folded hands, “I am a very poor man and will not be able to be a good host.” Guru Ji responded, “You work hard and make an honest living. You buy inexpensive food but it is pure and sweet. We will gladly share the same food with you.’’ Guru Nanak stayed with Bhai Lalo. He did kirtan in his magical voice daily. People in the neighborhood would gather and listen to him. Malik Bhago, a rich man who headed the village, was organizing a religious ceremony (shraddh) in the memory of his father. He invited all the holy men – pundits and brahmins. He also invited Guru Nanak who declined to attend. Malik Bhago ordered his men to bring Guru Ji to his residence. When he arrived, Malik Bhago asked Guru Nanak the reason for his initial refusal to come to his house. Malik Bhago told Guru Ji that he had prepared a feast for him but for some reason he was choosing to eat dry food at Bhai Lalo’s house who was a poor person of low caste. Instead of speaking, Guru Nanak took a roti, (Indian bread) made at Malik Bhago’s house in one hand and in the other he took a roti prepared at Bhai Lalo’s house. He then squeezed the food in both hands. Blood poured out from Malik Bhago’s delicacies while milk came out from Bhai Lalo’s dry food. People were shocked to see this. Guru Nanak said that Bhai Lalo‘s food, even though it was dry and inexpensive, was pure and sweet like Bhai Lalo, who was a good human being, worked hard and made an honest living. Guru Ji said that the blood in Malik Bhago’s food reflected the blood of his poor workers. He was greedy and cruel and did not pay his hard-working workers enough to even put food on the table for their families. Guru Ji said that all people are created equal. But those who are cruel, are lower in the eyes of God than those who are kind hearted human beings. Malik Bhago felt ashamed and bowed down at Guru Ji’s feet. He promised to become a decent man, not commit cruelties and to be good to all people. A gurdwara called Rori Sahib (A small hut) was constructed at the location of Bhai Lalo’s house, now in Pakistan.
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BABAR Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana reached Emenabaad where they stayed at Bhai Lalo’s house. Guru Ji did Kirtan every day, with a voice full of longing, love and praise of the Almighty. Around that time, King Babar invaded India and a lot of people were killed in Emenabaad. Many were imprisoned and houses were looted. Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana were also imprisoned. Guru Ji empathized with the innocent people who were suffering. He shared their grief and comforted them. He also encouraged them to be fearless and shared spiritual wealth with them. He said “God’s name is an antidote to agony. Take it every day and it will even eliminate the fear of death”. Later King Babar ordered the prisoners to grind food grains in the jail. Guru Ji quietly chanted the name of God, while grinding the grains. He then started doing kirtan. All the other prisoners stopped grinding and joined him in the kirtan. This news reached King Babar, who came to the jail to see this for himself. He was astonished to see that Guru Nanak was reciting kirtan and all the prisoners were keenly listening. Babar asked Guru Ji what he was singing. Guru Ji said that he was reciting how some people are so cruel to the innocent, poor and honest human beings. He said that people who are in-humane and kill women, children and the innocent can never be happy. Babar heard this and realized that he had been the cruel one and caused pain and suffering to his people. He asked for forgiveness and was remorseful. He released all the prisoners and returned all that he had looted, back to the people. King Babar later became the Emperor of India. Guru Nanak asked him to help the needy and the poor, and to be kind to all humans.
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SAJJAN THE THUG During their travels, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana reached the village of Talumba. A rich man named Sheikh Sajjan lived there. He had a temple on one side of his house and a mosque on the other side. He also owned an inn, where he would host visitors and tourists. He would house the Hindus near the temple and the muslims near the mosque. The visitors received free accommodation and meals. He was perceived to be a good person and respected and appreciated for all he did. But sadly, the truth was that Sajjan was a thief and a murderer. At night, while the visitors were asleep, he would rob them. He even killed some of them and threw the dead bodies in the well. He became rich with the money and possessions he stole. When Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana arrived at Sajjan’s house, they were welcomed and well taken care of, but Guru Ji knew this was a sham. As night fell, Sajjan suggested that they go to sleep. What Sajjan did not know was that Guru Ji knew his intention and told him that before going to sleep, he would like to do kirtan. Bhai Mardana started playing the Rabab and Guru Nanak sang in a deep voice that touched the soul. He sang the shabad (hymn)— “ujjal kaiha chilakna ghotam kaladi mas,” which means “bronze is bright and shiny on the outside but when it is rubbed it’s blackness appears.” This applied to Sajjan who was so good on the outside but evil on the inside. The shabad touched Sajjan’s heart. Guru Nanak said to him, “God is watching all that you are doing. After you die, wealth and fortune will not go with you. You will have to give an account of all your deeds, good and bad, including all the crimes you have committed. You should stop doing evil deeds and distribute all the money you have gathered among the poor and needy.” Sajjan fell at Guru Ji’s feet, sobbed and asked for help. His repentance was genuine. He was reformed and became a noble man.
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MANMUKH AND SANMUKH (Sooli Da Kanda) There were two friends, Sanmukh and Manmukh. Sanmukh was a noble man. He visited Guru Nanak Dev Ji, listened to his kirtan, discussed spiritual matters and served him. Manmukh on the other hand did terrible things and kept bad company. Once, both were walking home when a thorn got stuck in Sanmukh’s foot and Manmukh on the other hand found a gold coin. Both wondered why a bad thing happened to the good person and good thing happened to the bad person. They both went to Guru Nanak for an explanation. Guru Nanak asked both of them to go back and dig deeper at the locations where they had found the thorn and the coin. When they started digging they were astonished at what they found. At the place where the gold coin was found, there was a jar full of gold coins which had burnt and turned black. Only one unburnt coin was remaining. At the place where the thorn was found, there was a stack of thorns which had been destroyed and only one thorn was left. Guru ji explained that in his previous life, Sanmukh had done evil things and was destined to be hanged. But because of his good deeds in this lifetime, his punishment was reduced to being pricked by one thorn. Manmukh on the other hand, had done good deeds in his previous life, and was destined to receive a pot of gold coins. But since he had done bad deeds in this life, all the gold coins except one got burnt. (This is the explanation for the phrase Sooli Da Kanda) Both friends were touched and bowed at Guru Nanak’s feet while vowing to lead an honorable life in the future.
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PUNJA SAHIB While traveling, Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana reached a city named Hasan Abdal. They did kirtan, singing praises and love of the infinite. Crowds gathered and people’s hearts were touched. On a hill in the city, lived a man named Vali Kandhari. He owned a water tank that supplied water to the entire city. He was an arrogant man and when he saw huge crowds gathered to see Guru Nanak, he became furious. Vali Kandhari then shut down the water supply to the entire village. The people were distressed and went to him and requested that he restart the water. He said to the people “go ask your Guru Nanak to start the water” The people went to Guru Nanak and shared what Vali had said, Guru Ji asked them to have patience. He sent Bhai Mardana to him to request that he started the water for the villagers. Bhai Mardana came back and told Guru ji that Vali Kandhari had responded to him negatively and with a lot of anger. Guru Ji sent Bhai Mardana to appeal to him, one more time but he again rebuffed Bhai Mardana. The masses were extremely disheartened. At this time, Guru Nanak lifted a huge stone and to everyone’s astonishment, water sprung from under it. The entire city had abundant water. After witnessing all this, Vali Kandhari became infuriated. He took a large rock and rolled it down the hill towards Guru Nanak. When the rock reach Guru Ji, he stopped it with his hand. His palm got imprinted on the rock and water started to flow from it. Vali Kandhari’s ego was shattered. He fell at Guru Ji’s feet and asked for forgiveness. Guru Nanak’s handprint still exists on the rock, which remains submerged in a sarovar (water tank). A gurdwara built around the rock, called Punja Sahib, (hand imprint) is now in Pakistan.
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DUNI CHAND During their travels, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana reached the city of Lahore. They started doing kirtan on the banks of the river Raavi. They sang late into the night about the wealth of love and praise of the Waheguru (God). Huge crowds gathered to listen to the resonating kirtan and holy sermons. Duni Chand was a very rich man who lived in Lahore. It was his father‘s death anniversary and he had organized a (shraddh) ceremony. He personally went to invite Guru Nanak to his house to attend the ceremony. Duni Chand served a variety of food to all the sadhus and brahmins. Guru ji asked Duni Chand what was the purpose of the shraddh? He replied that his father passed away a few years ago and shraddh was performed to provide food for the soul of his dead father. Guru Nanak gave Duni Chand a needle and said “I will take it back from you in the next life.” Duni Chand went home and gave the needle to his wife. He asked her to keep the needle somewhere safe because they had to return it to Guru Nanak in the next life. His wife was confused and asked how they were going to return the needle in the next life. Duni Chand understood what his wife said and they decided to return the needle to Guru Nanak. They said to him, “please take your needle back because we do not know how to return the needle back to you in the next life.” Guru ji said, “if this tiny needle cannot go to the next life, how will your palaces, mansions and wealth go with you? Only noble deeds, charity and meditation goes with you to the next world.” Guru Nanak opened their eyes and Duni Chand and his wife were finally able to see the light beyond wealth. They converted their palace into a sanctuary and started hosting charitable activities.
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BABA BUDDA (Old wise man) There was a little boy, named Budda who belonged to a village Kathunangal, near Amritsar. When Guru Nanak Dev ji visited this village, Budda saw him doing kirtan in his melodious voice, with Bhai Mardana playing the Rabab. Budda heard them and asked his mother for food and milk. He brought these for Guru ji and Bhai Mardana. He sat with them and asked them deep and spiritual questions about life and death. Guru Ji said to him that though he was still a child, his thinking was very mature. Budda responded, “Everyday, I see my mother light a fire at home. The small pieces of wood catch fire first followed by the big logs. Death comes to the young and old and does not discriminate.’’ Guru Nanak said to him, “Your thinking is like an old and wise person. Thus from now on your name will be Baba Budda”, which means an old wise man. He said “everyone will die and should start preparing for it early on. One should be of service to others and try to support and help solve others problems and difficulties. We should work hard, be honest and remember God.” Baba Budda bowed at Guru Ji’s feet. He stayed in his company and became near and dear to him. Guru Nanak gave him the honor of performing the ceremony of handing over the Guruship from him to the second Guru. Baba Budda had the privilege of handing over the Guruship for the first six Gurus. Baba Budda was appointed the first head granthi (priest) of Harminder Sahib, (Golden Temple in Amritsar). There is a tree, still standing on the premises of the Golden Temple which is named after him. Baba Budda sat under this tree and was of service to others. He lived a long life and died at the age of 125 years.
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SPIRITUAL TRAVELS OF GURU NANAK (UDASI) In 1499 Guru Nanak Dev Ji started his journey to spread the divine message bestowed on him by the Almighty Creator. He was called Guru which means the divine teacher. Guru Nanak undertook five missionary journeys (called udasi) to the far away places. Guru Ji traveled far and wide to spread the word of the divine. He went to all four directions of India, present day Bangladesh, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, South West China, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka (see map). Although an exact account of his itinerary is not fully known but it is widely acknowledged that he made five major journeys spanning more than 28,000 kilometers between the period of 1500-1524. Bhai Mardana accompanied Guru Nanak on most journeys. Guru Nanak carried the torch of truth, love, and compassion for mankind. His mission to regenerate humanity on this earth was accomplished by having simple dialogues with all. His quest was to abolish hatred, falsehood, fanaticism and hypocrisy. Guru Ji inspired people by example and lived a simple life serving humanity selflessly. He preached to do the right thing, to live with honesty while fulfilling the worldly responsibilities. He believed and preached: “Truth is the highest virtue. But higher still is truthful living.” Guru Nanak’s principle of One God, < (Ik OnKar), means that “the creator and its creation are one.” This lends itself to the three tenets of Sikhism also known as the three golden rules. Guru Nanak describes them as hard work and honest living (Kirt Karni) sharing with others (vand chakna) and always being immersed in God’s name (naam japna). Guru Nanak Dev Ji wrote Gurbani (God inspired hymns) which has been included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scriptures. Guru Ji wrote a total of 974 spiritual hymns comprising the Japji Sahib, Asa di Var, Bara Mah, Sidh Gosht, Patti and Dakhni Oankar. It is a Sikh belief that the same divine light of Guru Nanak transcended into succeeding nine Gurus strengthening the same doctrine as was passed on by Guru Nanak.
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VAST EXPANSE OF GURU NANAKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TRAVELS
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UNION WITH GOD Guru Nanak was hard working, and believed that one could achieve salvation while earning a livelihood and living as a family man. Though he was in his fifties, his body was fit and healthy. He worked with his own two hands, meditated and encouraged people to remember the divine. He farmed on the land of Kartarpur as a means of earning a living. He shared langar (communal meals) with people of all castes, social status, the rich and poor alike. The Hindus and Muslims considered him to be their Guru, mentor and teacher. When Guru Nanak’s end was approaching, a discussion started between Hindus and Muslims. The Hindus said they wanted to cremate his body while the Muslims wanted to bury it. Guru Nanak‘s opinion was sought. He said that both Hindus and Muslims should keep flowers on each side of his body. On whichever side the flowers did not wilt and die till morning, they could decide what they wanted. Everyone was in agreement and Guru Ji covered himself with a sheet. Guru Nanak left for his heavenly abode and the flowers on both sides remained equally fresh and lively the next morning but his body was not there. Both communities agreed to divide the sheet into two equal halves. They performed the last rites according to their own tradition. Guru ji’s sacred body which carried the divine light was gone. The lesson learnt is that Guru Nanak Dev Ji belonged to everyone and his universal message of love carries on….
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Jasbir Kaur was born in 1932, in Montgomery, now in Pakistan. As a child she dreamt of contributing to society. She went to a Khalsa school and Punjabi was her favorite subject. She was an exceptional student and was proficient in Gurmat studies and Punjabi. She was 16 years old when she topped in a Course of Punjabi Honors (Gyani) at Punjab University in India. She set an all-time record in one of the subjects. She completed a two year degree program (F.A.) with very high scores and received a scholarship for college. Masters in Punjabi was offered for the first time in 1956. She signed up for the course and completed it.
Author
Jasbir Kaur
She taught Punjabi and Gurmat studies in Giani College in Ludhiana. She has been featured on several shows to discuss Sikhism, has given lectures on various topics and has written on Sikh history. Jasbir Kaur married S. Mohinder Singh in 1951. She moved to the United States in 1981. Along with her family, she has been contributing to the growth of the Sikh community.
Mohinder Singh, a distinguished journalist recognized in India and the US for his stellar contribution to journalism, was born in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. He moved to India after the Partition. A diligent student, he earned a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Journalism in 1950. He started his over 70- year career in the field of journalism as Publicity and Information Officer of Punjab Governments in Patiala and Chandigarh where he worked for five years from 1951-56. He then worked as Editor of Govt. of India Publications and Public Relations Manager of Public Sector undertakings for nearly 30 years. He was appointed the official biographer of Zail Singh, the President of India from 1982-87.
Translated by
Mohinder Singh
Mohinder Singh married Jasbir Kaur in 1951. He moved to the United States and started India Journal, a weekly newspaper focusing on the Indian-American community in Southern California in 1988 . He served as the chief editor until his retirement in 2014. He has met with many former Prime Ministers of India including VP Singh and IK Gujral and has exchanged ideas with them. He has been invited by numerous Sikh organizations and Gurdwaras in Southern California to speak on Sikh history and philosophy and is well-respected for his knowledge and articulation of various subjects related to Sikhism.
LIFE LESSONS FROM LIFE STORIES OF Guru
Nanak