SACHA SAUDA The True Bargain
(Guru) Nanak used to run a shop in his village, Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib. For 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 a Gurdwara, Sacha Sauda, stands there reminding us, “God wants us to share our earnings with the needy.”
Finally the father asked his son to stop giving charity to the people and instead he wanted him to save the money for future use. Nanak explained to his father that sharing money with the needy people is the ‘True Bargain.” The father insisted that (Guru) Nanak should abandon this habit of giving away money and other articles. Nanaki, the sister of Nanak was called to settle the issues. According to the decision (Guru) Nanak Dev left Talwandi and went with his sister to the town of Sultanpur Lodhi. There he was given the job of the manager of stores by the local government.
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 earnings with the needy and helping them in whatever way we can.
The World Sikh News will have a regular column of Sikhs and other material for our children. These Sakhies are reprinted from a book published by Khalsa School, Vancouver, Canada.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 3, 1989
