Jump to content
IndiaDivine.org

CHINNA KATHA FROM BHAGAVAN’S DISCOURSE. No. 21.

Rate this topic


Guest guest

Recommended Posts

Continued from 1.10.2008.

 

21 - Mere adulation is poor adoration

 

Akbar as we all know is one of the greatest Moghal Emperors. He was a

lover of mankind and respected the great and pious souls of all

religions.

 

He had heard of Guru Nanak's reputation and his attempts to unite the

Hindus and the Muslims. He desired to welcome him and honour him in his

court. So he sent word to him through his minister, paying his respects

and requesting him to grace his court. Guru Nanak replied to the

minister: " I shall only respond to the call of God, the Emperor of

Emperors and shall enter only His court. "

 

The minister conveyed this message to the Emperor. Akbar's respect for

Guru Nanak increased and so he sent word again to meet him at the mosque

at least. Nanak consented and did come to the mosque at the appointed

hour. Both Akbar and Nanak were welcomed by the mullah with due honour.

According to the custom, the mullah should say the prayers first. So he

sat on his knees and prayed loudly. Nanak laughed loudly. All the

Muslims in the temple got angry but dared not say anything because of

the Emperor's presence. Then Akbar sat on his knees and prayed. Nanak at

once laughed even more loudly. The atmosphere in the mosque was becoming

tense. The faces of the devotees became red and their lips twitched to

pounce upon Nanak. Akbar controlled them by way of silent gesture. Both

of them came out. Akbar questioned Nanak with all humility: " Oh revered

one! may I know why you laughed loudly during the prayer session? Does

it become you? "

 

Guru Nanak replied: " Oh king, how could I withhold my laughter when I

could see clearly that neither the mullah nor your majesty where

thinking of God while praying. The mullah was thinking of his ailing son

and you were thinking of the pair of beautiful Arabian horses that were

gifted to you. Is it worthy of either the mullah or your majesty to call

that prayer? Is it not hypocrisy? The mullah and emperor sought pardon

from Nanak and thanked him for opening their eyes to their own weakness.

 

Remember that prayer is not just a string of words of praise to God to

be recited mechanically. It is an earnest attempt to awaken and arouse

the divinity in us. We should say prayers with full concentration. What

matters is the feeling, not either the voice or words. " Mere adulation

is poor adoration " .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...