Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose life was marked by profound struggles and a commitment to societal well-being, is revered as a deity today. His legendary tales have the potential to offer a new perspective on life. Guru Nanak Dev Ji devoted his entire wealth to serving the community and is now equated with divinity.
Famous Stories of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
When Guru Nanak Dev Ji was just 12 years old, his father gave him ₹20 and said, “Take this money and make an honest deal.”
Unfamiliar with business, Guru Nanak had no idea how to turn ₹20 into ₹40. So, he decided to use his spiritual wisdom. As he contemplated with ₹20 in hand, he encountered impoverished, hungry, and needy individuals on the way. They hadn’t had a proper meal in a long time. Seeing their plight, Guru Nanak arranged for food for them. His ₹20 was spent on this noble act, leaving him with no money for business. He returned home empty-handed.
Upon his return, his father asked, “Why did you come back, my son? Did you make an honest deal?”
Guru Nanak promptly replied, “Yes, Father, I indeed made an honest deal!”
His father inquired, “But what deal did you make, and what do you have to show for it?”
Guru Nanak explained, “On the way, I encountered hungry and needy people who hadn’t eaten for days. I provided them with a hearty meal. I believe there is no greater honest deal than serving the needy, an act akin to serving the divine. This, for me, is the true deal.”
Guru Nanak’s response delighted his father. He recognized in his son all the qualities necessary to become a genuine person, far beyond the realms of religion. Guru Nanak’s life before his spiritual journey was filled with societal engagement, and he dedicated his entire life to upliftment and protection of society. He embraced everyone, regardless of their social status.
The Taste of Hard Work
Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled from one place to another with his disciples for religious discussions. During one such journey, they arrived at a village located between a town and a city, where a grand temple stood. People from the village and town conducted elaborate rituals at the temple. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s arrival was announced, wealthy merchants from the city and laborers from the village came to meet him. Discussions on spirituality continued throughout the day, and a dinner invitation was extended to Guru Nanak and his followers by the rich merchant from the city and a poor laborer from the village, who belonged to the middle class.
Both arranged food for Guru Ji according to their capabilities. The rich merchant brought a variety of dishes, while the poor laborer and his wife prepared some simple dishes. Guru Ji, showing his humility, began eating from the simple dishes offered by the laborer. The rich merchant watched, feeling jealous that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not touching the food he had provided.
After Guru Nanak Dev Ji finished eating, someone in the gathering asked, “Guru Ji, you did not even touch the food that the rich merchant brought. Why?”
Guru Nanak Ji replied, “The answer to your question is in your question itself. The poor laborer earned his meal through honesty and hard work, and there was a sense of devotion in it. However, the food brought by the rich merchant was tainted with jealousy and pride. I found the taste of hard work and devotion in the laborer’s food, and that is why I preferred it.”
The Mystery of Stale Food
In a remote area, nestled in nature’s lap, there was an ashram (hermitage) of a saintly sage. The sage imparted spiritual teachings to his disciples based on their interests and abilities, leaving them content with his guidance. The sage had earned fame far and wide, and people would undertake journeys of several days to reach his ashram for philosophical discussions and sermons.
One wealthy merchant, deeply impressed by the sage’s teachings, invited him to his house for dinner. The sage initially declined but accepted after repeated requests from the merchant. However, the disciples of the sage were aware of his preference for fresh food. So, when they visited the merchant’s house, they informed him that the sage only ate freshly prepared meals.
On the designated day, the sage and his disciples arrived at the merchant’s house. The merchant proudly presented a lavish spread of freshly cooked dishes. However, the sage refrained from partaking in the meal. Surprised, the merchant asked why he was not eating. The sage replied, “I had informed you that I only eat fresh food. This meal is prepared with your ancestors’ wealth, and it does not satisfy my preference for food earned through hard work.”
Conclusion
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, before being a spiritual leader, was a social reformer who dedicated his life to the upliftment of society. He embraced people from all walks of life and considered service to the needy as service to the divine. His teachings continue to resonate with people of all faiths, and his genuine actions inspire us to lead a life filled with humility, hard work, and devotion to humanity.
We hope that through these stories, you have gained a better understanding of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life and his profound purpose. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section so that we can further improve this article.