He was enrolled in school. The joy of the parents and sister was great. When He returned on the first day, He looked like a great conqueror returning after a resounding victory. He quickly learnt Hindi, Punjabi and Sanskrit. One day, He wrote on His slate about who a truly learned man was? One whose mind turns towards God and he who comes to true understanding is alone a learned man. He used to say that the Master dictated, and he worte. The teacher informed his father that He was an excellent pupil and had learnt all he was to learn.
His father sent him to a Maulvi to learn Persian. Here also, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji mastered the language within an amazingly short period. He was now ten years old and would say, " My name's Nirankari (Nanak who belongs to the One, Absolute Lord)
It was time for Upanayana or the "sacred thread ceremony". All preparations were made but Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji would not permit. He said, "Of what use is the sacred thread? With compassion, contentment, continence and truth as cotton, spin, knots and twist respectively, let the sacred thread be worn by soul. I would rather wear the thread that neither breaks nor is soiled, nor burnt nor lost." His father Kalu Ji was sad over the disgrace he had to suffer for celebration coming to nught.
Kalu Ji tried his best to turn Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's mind towards worldly matters. He put Him in charge of the land for cultivation. But Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji did not pay any attention. He engaged himself in meditation even in the fields. He went out to tend the cattle, but he centered his mind on the Lord. The cattle trespassed on a neighbor's fields. Kalu Ji rebuked Him for his idleness.
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji replied, " I am not idle, I am busy in guarding my own fields."
To be continued next article....
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