CONTENTS
India is a cosmopolitan country. Several religious and spiritual leaders have contributed to the diverse cultural heritage of India. While we Indians advocate for different religious doctrines, the essence of every religion is the virtue of being kind and honest. One of the most notable personalities who have impacted Indian lives with his teachings is Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The lessons from Guru Nanak Dev Ji can upturn our lives, and resurrect us from the meaningless existence with instant gratification. As mothers one can teach the little growing buds within our fold, to help them grow up as beautiful and responsible human beings.
Life lessons from Guru Nanak Dev Ji for your little ones:
1. Fight the five evils within yourself
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that the true meaning of life is attained when one can merge with the Supreme Being. But there are five evils in life that stop us from doing so. He listed them as Ego, Anger, Greed, Attachment, and Lust. Overcoming these vices is the only way to get closer to the Divine Being.
2. Equality
This is a supreme lesson that the great Guru taught, and a must in today’s intolerant and turbulent society. Nanak Dev Ji saw all human beings as equal. He vehemently opposed differentiating human beings based on their religion, race, caste, color, or financial status. He shared everything from food to his belongings with anyone who came to him. Imbibing this simple life lesson from Guru Nanak Devji can make the world a superior place, not only for us but for our generations to come.
3. Kindness
Guru Nanak taught that even the harshest and toughest of souls can be transformed by acts of love and kindness. Hatred, fear, and anger only pave the way for further hatred and anger.
4. Selfless service
In the materialistic world that we live in today, where every action must generate some profit, selfless service has become the need of the hour. Nanak Ji taught that giving selfless service, without any expectations, not only can become a source of immense self-satisfaction, but will also bring us closer to the Supreme Being. It is also a means to achieve inner peace.
5. Honesty
Guru Nanak taught that honesty in all aspects of life is the duty of every human being. It is also another path to the Divine Being. He also emphasized earning one’s living in an honest way. His teachings elaborate on the fact that one’s daily bread when earned with honesty brings satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s life. In other words, the great Guru taught us to lead a corruption-free life. Again, another important value that needs to be followed in today’s world.
6. Sharing
If one were to follow the above-mentioned teachings of the Guru, then sharing would be a reflex action for them. Nanak Dev Ji always taught and even exemplified it in his life, that the affluent must share what they have with their less fortunate brethren. The concept of ‘langar’ or free kitchen is based on this principle, where anyone, irrespective of their religion, caste, or creed, come and share the food cooked from one kitchen.
7. Fight superstitions
Guru Nanak condemned blind faith in superstitions. He taught that superstitions and blind faith of any kind are a hindrance to achieving the ultimate goal in life. It stops one from pursuing their spiritual journey. Such beliefs also divided people and instilled hatred for one another. He urged people to find the rationale behind everything.
8. Respect women
The last but one of the very important lessons that the great Guru left for us is respecting women. Of late we have seen a steep rise in crime against women. Though we live in modern society, when it comes to women, we are almost back to the barbaric times. Nanak Dev Ji, through one of his verses, left behind a very beautiful thought, “ Why disrespect the one who gives birth to majestic kings of the world”. If every one of us lived by this divine rumination, the crimes against women would become a thing of the past.
Regardless of who we worship or follow, if these teachings are not pertinent to our daily life, then whatever we do is fruitless. If we can imbibe these thoughts in our children, we can rest assured, their future secure.
