(Guru) Nanak Dev was a successful shop keeper in his village, Talwandi. Because of his honesty and integrity, he was appointed manager of the government stores at Sultanpur Lodhi, in Punjab, on the banks of river Bayeen, This was a job of great responsibility as large stores and stocks were involved in government dealings. One could easily misappropriate lots of money or stores. Petty officials were usually not very sincere. On the contrary they were quite often very dishonest.
All residents of the town were satisfied with the good dealings of (Guru) Nanak Dey; the employees however, did not like any strict control over them. They were always on the lookout for an excuse to complain against him. (Guru) Nanak often gave a lot of money and food to the needy people. Whenever any person came for help (Guru) Nanak was always ready to help him, the dishonest employees started telling people that Nanak was giving away the government stocks to make a good name for him. The people knew about the greatness of Nanak and therefore, refused to believe in these rumors.
Finally, the employees lodged a complaint with the Nawab (the chief government official in town) that (Guru) Nanak Dev was mis-appropriating stores and stocks. Continued complaints regarding mishandling of the stores forced the Nawab to check the accounts, the chief government official in the town, and stores. To the great embarrassment of the Nawab, everything was in order. There was no shortage at all, as doubted by the authorities. Most employees, who themselves were corrupt and had complained to defame (Guru) Nanak, felt very ashamed.
Even after this incident, the employees did not mend ways. They kept spreading rumors against the “Guru.” They became even more jealous because of his rising popularity. Therefore, after some time, they again raised the same issue and started telling people that (Guru) Nanak was not keeping accounts properly. The second inspection of stores again proved that all complaints by the employees were false and malicious. The evil intentions of the employees became known to everyone, all the residents of the village appreciated the honest living of (Guru) Nanak and the sharing of his earnings with other people. Even the Nawab of the town respected him as a holy man, after demonstrating the principles of truthful living; he decided to deliver this message to the people of the world. To go on long tours (Guru) Nanak Dey resigned his job even though the Nawab repeatedly requested him to stay there.
Truth is above everything. Higher still is truthful living. Provided by: Bhai Tarlok Singh Sandhu.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 25, 1993
