Mahatma Guru Nanak…

Mahatma Guru Nanak…

Nowadays, if the children ask any questions about the aspect of Brahma, the parents will curb such curiosity by saying that they should not waste their time. They are told to think of such things only after getting old. Today, many people who are preaching the aspect of Brahman will go nowhere because they are subservient to the worldly desires. There is a small story here. On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti today, a Guru Nanak story from Bhagawan.

Nanak was propagating sacred ideas of God and even the Muslims were attracted by his teachings. It appeared as if the teachings of Nanak were acceptable to all religions. He was one who was clearly indicating the path that one should adopt. After some time, some religious leaders started worrying that all the Muslims may take to Nanak’s religion.

They carried complaints to King Akbar and created tales about Nanak which would influence the King against Nanak. They wanted Akbar to punish Nanak. Akbar however had a very steady mind and a great respect for all religions. Even though the religious leaders complained about Nanak, he did not believe them.

Akbar decided that he should talk to Nanak directly and assess the situation. He sent for Nanak, but Nanak would not come to meet kings who rule over the material world. He said that he would go only to devotees. He said that he is a free person moving in God’s Kingdom and would not come to meet Akbar.

Such a reply further excited the religious leaders. They were planning and inquiring further to trouble Nanak. However, Akbar sent word to Nanak, again telling him that the next day there would be prayers in honour of God at the mosque and requested that Nanak attend the prayers. He also sent a palanquin to carry Nanak.

However, Nanak thought it very arrogant to go to God’s abode in a palanquin and walked to the mosque. Much before others came there, he unobtrusively sat in a corner. The religious leaders began to recite prayers; and as soon as this started, Nanak laughed very loudly. All those assembled there felt very angry. Nanak was laughing so loudly that people were not even able to hear the prayers.

After some time, Akbar began to pray and Nanak laughed even more loudly. All others who were assembled there felt angry that he was humiliating even Akbar. After that, Akbar went and asked Nanak softly why he had laughed, when the prayers were being recited. Nanak said, “Although the priest was reciting prayers, his thoughts were in his home where the child was having fever. The priest’s mind was directed towards his home. If the mind says one thing and he does something else, he cannot be a religious leader. This is not helpful at all.”

Akbar went and asked the priest if, in truth, his mind was thinking of his son when he was saying the prayers. The priest confirmed that as the child was suffering from high fever, he was thinking of his son even while reciting the prayers. Akbar then asked Nanak why his laughter continued even when he started to pray. Nanak then said, “Surely you know why I laughed. Before you came here, several horses were sent to you by the king of Panchala, and you have a great liking towards horses. Although you were praying here, your thoughts were on the horses. Is this not true?”

After Nanak gave this answer about his laughter, Akbar helped Nanak spread his religion and gave him all support. In the prayers, that we undertake, we go on striking at the mosquitoes soon after we start the prayer. Because religious leaders like Nanak of earlier days had the power to concentrate, they were called Mahatmas. Their thought, word and deed were totally united.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Mahatma Guru Nanak – A Timeless Light of Truth and Compassion

Mahatma Guru Nanak was one of the greatest spiritual teachers who came to awaken humanity to the truth of one God, one creation, and one human family. His life was a message of love, humility, equality, and sincere devotion. He did not come to create division among people; he came to remove the walls that separated human hearts from one another and from the Divine.

In a time when society was often divided by caste, religion, status, and empty rituals, he spoke with rare courage and simplicity. He taught that God is not confined to one place, one community, or one outward form. The Divine is present everywhere and lives in every heart. This understanding made his message universal and deeply relevant even today.

Mahatma Guru Nanak reminded people that real spirituality is not in pride, argument, or outer display. It is in living truthfully, earning honestly, sharing with others, and remembering God with love. His teachings were simple enough for ordinary people to understand, yet deep enough to guide seekers throughout life. He showed that devotion must become character.

One of his most powerful messages was equality. He saw no person as high or low by birth. For him, all human beings were children of the same Creator. This was a revolutionary teaching because many people had accepted social divisions as normal. He challenged such thinking and showed that dignity belongs to every soul. A person becomes noble through conduct, not through caste, wealth, or position.

Mahatma Guru Nanak also emphasized honest living. He did not support spirituality that escapes responsibility. He taught people to work sincerely and live with integrity. Earning through honesty and sharing with those in need became an important part of his path. This makes his message practical, because it connects devotion with daily life.

His love for the poor, the humble, and the suffering showed the depth of his compassion. He did not merely speak about kindness; he lived it. He traveled widely, met people of different backgrounds, and offered wisdom in a language that touched the heart. Wherever he went, he carried the message that God’s name, truthful living, and selfless service can purify life.

Mahatma Guru Nanak taught that remembrance of God should not be limited to certain hours or places. A person can remember the Divine while working, walking, serving, eating, and fulfilling duties. When the mind is connected with God, even ordinary actions become sacred. This teaching helps people understand that spirituality is not separate from life; it is the soul of life.

He also warned against empty rituals performed without inner purity. Rituals may have value when done with devotion, but they lose meaning when the heart remains full of ego, anger, and selfishness. He wanted people to look within and ask whether their thoughts, words, and actions were aligned with truth. The real temple, he taught through his life, is the purified heart.

Mahatma Guru Nanak’s message of service remains deeply inspiring. Feeding the hungry, helping the weak, respecting all, and sharing what one has are not ordinary acts; they are forms of worship. Service removes selfishness and expands the heart. When we serve without pride, we begin to see the same Divine presence in all beings.

His teachings also bring peace in a world filled with conflict. Many problems arise because people cling to labels and forget the living truth behind religion. He showed that devotion should make people humble, not arrogant. If worship creates hatred, then its purpose has been lost. True remembrance of God should make the heart softer, kinder, and more truthful.

Mahatma Guru Nanak also gave importance to the power of the divine name. Repeating and remembering God’s name helps calm the restless mind. It brings awareness, gratitude, and inner strength. In moments of difficulty, the divine name becomes a support. In moments of joy, it becomes thanksgiving. In daily life, it becomes a constant companion.

His life teaches us that greatness lies in simplicity. He did not seek personal glory. He lived as a servant of truth and guided people toward God through love and wisdom. His humility made his message even more powerful. A truly great soul does not increase distance between himself and others; he brings people closer to the Divine within themselves.

Today, his teachings are needed more than ever. The world has grown in technology, speed, and comfort, but many hearts still suffer from greed, loneliness, anger, and division. His message asks us to return to the basics: remember God, speak truth, work honestly, share with others, and respect every human being.

In the end, Mahatma Guru Nanak remains a timeless light for humanity. His life shows that religion is not meant for pride or separation, but for love, service, and realization of the one Divine presence in all. If we practice even a small part of his teachings sincerely, our homes can become more peaceful, our hearts more pure, and our lives more meaningful.

Mother’s Love