Sikh Missionary
Society:
Articles: Guru Nanak Sakhis:
Sacha Sauda, True Bargain
Sacha Sauda, 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 Sahib. 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 (Guru) Nanak Dev's 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 Sauda stands there reminding us, God wants us to share our earnings
with the needy.
Finally, the father asked his son to limit his habit of
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.
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