Community: Sikhi
Return to stories about wisdom.
Background:
Sikhs believe that wisdom is found within us when we remember who we are, full of the light of God. Such wisdom is found within us and can be awakened through prayer, meditation, service, and contemplation.
Guru means teacher or wise one. This is a story about the first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He travelled throughout India and beyond for many years, engaging people of all faiths and castes in conversations about God and life. Once, he and his friend Bhai Mardana Ji were travelling to a new city where there were many knowledgeable and committed holy men. This story tells of what happened when they arrived.
Follow up questions:
-
How do you think Guru Nanak Dev Ji felt when he was refused entry into the city?
-
Do you think his response was wise? What other responses could he have made?
-
Some people appear to be wise and believe they know all the answers to life’s questions, do you think it is ever possible to know enough?
-
What do you think a person needs to do to be wise?
-
What do you think you have learnt from this story?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Jasmine Flower
News had been spreading across the land about Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He would sing whilst Bhai Mardana would play the rebab, a stringed instrument like a guitar. Many people would come to sit, discuss and sing God’s praises with them. However, when the holy men of the city heard about the arrival of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, they shut their gates and refused to let him enter.
They sent Guru Nanak Dev Ji a bowl of milk, full to the brim. The messengers carried the bowl of milk very carefully and laid it before the visitors. One tip and the milk would spill. Bhai Mardana Ji was confused. “Why have they sent us a bowl full of so much milk?”
“It is a message. That the city is full of holiness and that there is no space for us or our message. We are not welcome here.” The messenger replied, “Our holy men send you this milk, and apologise that they cannot receive you.” Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, “Send them our reply.”
He plucked a jasmine flower from a nearby bush and laid it on top of the milk. The delicate flower floated and not one drop spilt. “There is always space in this world for more holiness. As the jasmine flower finds space so we will visit and depart, leaving only our words and music as the jasmine flowers fragrance.” The messengers went back into the city and told the holy men what had happened. They immediately felt ashamed for having tried to deny Guru Nanak Dev JI and Bhai Mardana entry. They welcomed the duo with open arms and asked them to stay and teach them the wisdom of the Guru.
We may know people who have lots of knowledge, they seem to know everything! But are they wise? Do they have a good character? The Sikh scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, says that Wisdom is the ability to know that which is of the deepest significance.