Namasthe- Guru Nanak

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

 

Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. He and his disciples usually travelled to different villages and talked about their beliefs and perception of life.

 

Once they went to a village where most of the people were very pious, humble and innocent. Their hospitality was exemplary and both the guests and hosts were very happy. Before leaving the village Guru Nanak said: Let this village and not the people be destroyed by some natural disaster " .

 

Disciples were shocked to hear this unkind words of their master and asked him how he could be so unfair to such wonderful, pious people who gave them a warm welcome and looked after them sincerely. Guru Nanak did not answer the question.

 

Next they went to another village where most of the people were not sincere, truthful and simple. Even though they made necessary arrangements for Guru Nanak and his disciples, they were not very respectful or eager to welcome them. During their stay there, they saw the villagers fighting among themselves and cheating one another. Some of them were extremely greedy and inconsiderate to others. Just before leaving that village, Guru Nanak said: Let this village prosper day by day " .

 

Now the disciples were all the more upset because their Guru was wishing those corrupt and crooked people to prosper. They again questioned their Guru's unpredictable behaviour.

 

When they came back to their ashram, Guru explained why he said what he said: " I said that the first village should be destroyed. Here is the reason. People of that village are very spiritual and pious. If the village is destroyed, the people there will be scattered through out the neighbouring villages. Wherever they go, they will spread the word about God and slowly make the people who come in contact with them also pious. Their satsang will actually give new life and direction to so many. So the destruction of their village will result in making the world a better place. "

 

He continued: " I wished the crooked people to prosper and become self sufficient. That way they will not go anywhere else to find job or materials. If they go out, they will teach their bad traits of corruption, greed etc to others also. If they are prosperous, they will stay where they are and this avoids the spreading of evil among the people of neighbouring villages. "

 

Likewise, often we are subjected to difficulties that lead us to a better state of mind and life. Also some of the so called fortunes may not be a blessing if we do not accept them with the right attitude. An apparent curse on somebody can be a blessing and an apparent blessing can turn in to a curse.

 

Regards and prayers

 

savitri