Guru Nanak and the Sesame Seed

Guru Nanak’s teachings on generosity and sharing are highlighted in this story where he responds to a sadhu’s test with a single sesame seed.

The Story

Guru Nanak's teachings inspired many people, and he became well-known for his selflessness. Wherever he went, people gave him gifts, food, and offerings, but Guru Nanak never kept any of these things for himself. He distributed everything he received among his disciples or the people of the villages he visited.

The Sadhu’s Test

Despite Guru Nanak's growing popularity, there were skeptics who thought he was misguiding people. One such person was a renowned sadhu who decided to test Guru Nanak. The sadhu placed a single sesame seed on Guru Nanak's palm, wanting to see what the Guru would do with it.

Guru Nanak’s Response

Guru Nanak understood the sadhu’s intention. Without hesitation, he called Mardana and said, "Sadhu Maharaj has given me this sesame seed. Please cut it and put it in a vessel filled with water, and distribute the water among everybody."

Pearls of Wisdom

1. What did Guru Nanak prove to the sadhu by doing so?

Guru Nanak proved that he believed in sharing everything he received. The sadhu wanted to test the Guru with a single sesame seed, but Guru Nanak's response of distributing the water filled with sesame seeds showed that he was committed to selflessness and generosity. Through this, Guru Nanak demonstrated that even the smallest things should be shared with others.

The Moral of the Story

2. What is the moral of this story?

This story teaches the importance of generosity and sharing. Guru Nanak's actions highlight that nothing should be kept for oneself when one is blessed with resources. Instead, it should be shared with others, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. True wealth lies in sharing and giving selflessly.

🌟 **Moral**: True generosity lies in sharing everything we receive, no matter how small it is. By sharing selflessly, we spread joy and love.

Disclaimer: This story reflects Guru Nanak's teachings on generosity, selflessness, and the importance of sharing with others.