Hoping to instill business sense in his son, Mehta Kalu gave young Nanak twenty rupees—a substantial sum at the time—and instructed him to go to the city to strike a profitable bargain. Nanak set out with his faithful companion, Bhai Mardana. Along the way, they encountered a group of emaciated sadhus who had not eaten for days. Moved by their suffering, Nanak realized that no commercial deal could ever be more 'profitable' than saving a starving person. He spent the entire amount on groceries and prepared a feast for the holy men. When Nanak returned home empty-handed, his father was furious. However, Nanak calmly explained that he had performed a 'Sacha Sauda'—a True Bargain. He taught that material wealth is fleeting, but the merit earned from serving humanity is an eternal profit that remains with the soul forever.
True profit and wealth are found in selfless service and feeding the needy, rather than in material accumulation.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of Guru Nanak Feeds the Hungry?
The story teaches that the most profitable 'bargain' in life is selfless service (Seva) and helping those in need. It emphasizes that spiritual wealth gained through charity is far superior to material profit.
What does the term 'Sacha Sauda' mean?
Sacha Sauda translates to 'The True Bargain' or 'The Real Deal.' Guru Nanak used this term to describe the act of spending his father's money on the hungry instead of on business trade.
How much money did Guru Nanak's father give him?
Guru Nanak’s father, Mehta Kalu, gave him twenty rupees. In the 15th century, this was a very significant amount of money intended for starting a small business or trade.
Who was with Guru Nanak during the Sacha Sauda incident?
Nanak was accompanied by Bhai Mardana, his lifelong companion and a talented musician. Mardana witnessed many of the Guru's early spiritual lessons and miracles.
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