Once Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, went to a village along with his lifelong Muslim companion, Mardana. The people of the village were very rude and did not offer them food or shelter. The next morning while leaving the village, the Guru blessed them, “May you always remain in this village”.
Guru Nanak and Mardana went to another village where people were very affectionate and welcomed them with open arms. They offered them food and requested them to stay in the village. While leaving the village, the Guru bless-ed them, “May the people of this village scatter and leave this village”.
Mardana was surprised by Guru’s words. He asked the Guru that why did he bless those who did not offer any food and cursed those who ser-ved him well. Why did he wish them to leave their village? Guru Nanak replied that the inhabitants of the first village were not good. Wherever they go they will spread only bad and negative values so it is better they rema-in confined to their own village. On the other hand the people of the second village were kind and helpful. Wherever they go they will propagate only good deeds. Hence, it is desirable that they should scatter and make others adapt these good values.
Guru Nanak always laid tremendous stress on the character of a person. He strongly believed that it did not matter to which religion one belonged, but what really mattered was truthful living. Ethical conduct is regarded as the only true foundation of human life.
Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs, was born in 1469 AD in Talwandi who emphasised on the oneness of God. There is but one almighty — Ik Onkar. He is the creator as well as the creation, hence where does the question of differentiation arise? The supreme being is present in the highest as well as the lowest.
Guru Nanak never gave sermons and never asked the people to believe anything blindly. He would question, he would analyse and set an example through a practical approach.
Guru Nanak’s faith is based on love and simplicity. Hence he emphasised on nam simran, sharing (vand-chhakna) and honest labour (kirat-karni) along with seva or service. A Sikh must work to earn his living, share with others and always remember Waheguru.
