SACHA SAUDA
The
True Bargain
Doing
good to the people is the way of a sikh.
Sharing
with the needy, makes the day of a sikh.
Guru
Nanak used to run a shop in his village,
Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahiib. When
making purchases for his shop, he often
went to a nearby town called Chuhar Kana.
On the way to the town, there was a resting-place
where holy people who were passing through
the city could stay.
Guru
Nanak often visited these religious people
to have discussions with them regarding
God and his blessings. Nanak often shared
his earnings with these holy men and needy
people. Whenever he had a chance to be
in their company, he exchanged views regarding
the purpose of human life.
His
father, Kalyan Chand, popularly known
as Mehta Kalu, did not appreciate his
such conduct. Kalyan Chand advised Nanak
not to lavishly give away money, food,
and other articles. But Nanak continued
helping people including those who would
stop at Chuhar Kana on their pilgrimages.
In memory of Nanak ‘s gracious acts Gurdwara.
Sacha Sauha stands there reminding us,
God wants us to share our earnings with
the needy.
Finally,
the father asked his son to limit his
habit or giving charity to the people.
Rather, he wanted him to save money for
future use. Nanak explained to his father
that sharing money with the needy people
is the “True Bargain” of life and everyone
should adapt it to his ability. It is
an essential duty of a human being and
the right path for peace and the pleasure
of the people. However, the father insisted
that (Guru) Nanak should abandon the practice
of giving away money and other articles.
Nanaki, the elder sister of Nanak, who
was married and lived at Sultanpur Lodhi
was called to help settle the issue. According
to the decision (Guru) Nanak Dev left
Talwandi and went with his sister to her
town to work there. Guru Nanak was popular
with all people. He was known for his
competency to manage stores and deal in
them. He was therefore given the job of
managing the stores of the local government
at the new place. It may be mentioned
here that during those days, money was
rare and most of the dealings were made
in kind. Managing government stores was
an honorable and a very important assignment
for a person.
Let
us resolve today, being the followers
of Guru Nanak, that we should utilize
a part of our earnings for sharing with
the people who need our help. This is
the true bargain of life.
The
true bargain of life is sharing one’s
earning
with the needy and helping them in whatever
way we can.
|
