One day, a middle-class poor man appeared…
One day, a middle-class poor man appeared before Guru Ji and humbly pleaded, "My daughter's marriage has been arranged, but I have nothing to give for her send-off. Now, my honor is in your hands. I have come from afar after hearing of your generosity. I hope you will not send me back disappointed."
Hearing this, Guru Ji helped him by providing all kinds of provisions from the Modikhana (storehouse). However, he also needed some special items for the girl's dowry, which could only be obtained from a big city.
Therefore, Guru Ji sent Bhai Bhagirath with him to the city of Lahore. The two of them reached the shop of a wealthy merchant named Mansukh, from whom they purchased the necessary clothes and jewelry. However, since it was too late at night, they stayed at Mansukh’s house.
In the evening, Bhai Bhagirath, following the path shown by Guru Nanak Ji, worshipped the Lord without rituals and sang Guru Ji’s hymns in devotion. Seeing this, Mansukh was greatly surprised.
Out of curiosity, he asked Bhai Bhagirath, "Whose sacred words were you reciting? They are deeply touching and filled with profound emotions."
In response, Bhagirath Ji said, "These are the sacred words of my Guru Ji, who is a government official in Sultanpur Lodhi and in charge of the Modikhana. It is he who has sent us to you to purchase the necessary dowry items for this poor man’s daughter’s wedding."
After hearing all this, Mansukh shared his doubts, saying, "What you say contradicts everything I have known and experienced so far. My experiences have been very bitter. All the religious figures I have seen do not earn their livelihood honestly. Instead, they engage more in rituals and less in true spirituality."
Bhai Bhagirath Ji replied, "You are right, but in this human society, where falsehood prevails, nature has also preserved the truth as an exception. Why rely on hearsay when you can see it for yourself?"
Thus, Bhai Mansukh decided to visit Guru Ji and accompanied Bhagirath Ji to Sultanpur Lodhi. Along the way, a thought occurred in his mind, "I am traveling from Lahore to meet Nanak Ji. If he is truly omniscient, he should recognize me and welcome me with the words 'Aho Bhagya' (Oh, what good fortune!). Only then will I accept him as my spiritual Guru."
When the three of them arrived near Nanak Ji, he was busy weighing food grains. However, he immediately stopped everything, stepped forward, and welcomed him, saying, "Come, Bhai Mansukh Ji."
Hearing this, Bhai Mansukh was overjoyed. As he bent down to touch Guru Ji’s feet, Guru Ji embraced him and said, "One should not have doubts when walking the path of spiritual welfare."
Hearing this, tears of love and devotion filled Mansukh’s eyes. Thus, the first meeting between Guru and disciple was deeply emotional.
During those days, Guru Ji’s daily routine was as follows: In the early hours of the morning (Amrit Vela), he would bathe in the Veyi River and then gather with his companions to sing Kirtan, accompanied by Bhai Mardana playing melodious tunes on the Rabab. Among these companions were now prominent people of the town. Gradually, those seeking spiritual enlightenment started gathering around Guru Ji in the evening as well, leading to Satsang (spiritual congregations) being held twice a day. Devotees from distant places began coming to listen to the discourses on the virtues of the Lord.
In this spiritual congregation, Bhai Mansukh Ji also found great joy and began studying Guru Ji’s teachings. After some days of receiving spiritual knowledge, he sought Guru Ji’s permission to return home.
Guru Ji gave him three guiding principles:
Kirat Karo – Earn your livelihood through honest labor. Vand Ke Chhako – Share what you earn with others. Naam Japo – Meditate upon the divine name with devotion. Guru Ji then said, "These principles will help you cross the ocean of worldly existence and bring you spiritual fulfillment. Follow them with steadfastness in your life."