Nanak Ji Goes to School
When Nanak Ji turned seven years old, his father, Kalu Ji, arranged for his education at the school of Pandit Gopal Das. Nanak Ji, along with his classmates, began learning the Devanagari alphabet daily. He memorized everything in one go, whereas other children took several days to learn each letter. This continued, and Pandit Ji was greatly impressed by Nanak Dev Ji's intelligence.
One day, Nanak Ji asked his teacher, Gopal Das Ji: "You have taught me letters, but please also teach me their meanings." Hearing this, Pandit Ji was astonished, as no student had ever asked him such a question before.
Pandit Ji said: "Nanak! These are merely letters that, when combined with others, form words and sentences. However, if you know the meaning of the alphabet, please tell me." Nanak Ji responded: "The letter 'Ka' teaches us that—
Kakai Kes Pundar Jab Hue Vin Sabun Ujalia Jam Raje Ke Heru Aaye Maia Ke Sangal Bandh Laia (Raag Asa, Page 432)
Meaning: When a person's hair turns white due to old age without using soap, it is as if they have received a message from Yamraj (the god of death). However, instead of contemplating God, the person remains bound by material attachments.
Pandit Gopal was astonished and asked, "Son Nanak, do you know the meaning of all the letters in the alphabet?" Nanak Ji replied, "Yes, Pandit Ji, I can tell you the spiritual meaning of each letter and what knowledge they convey to us." Thus, Nanak Ji explained the spiritual significance of the entire alphabet. Pandit Gopal Das was deeply impressed, and his astonishment knew no bounds.
The Entire Alphabetic Hymn: Raag Asa, First Mehl: The Alphabet (Patti Likhi), Stanza 13, Satguru’s Grace.
Sasai - The One who created the sixty-four arts is the only Master of all. Those who remain devoted to Him attain fulfillment. (1)
O my foolish mind, why do you remain ignorant? When the final account is taken, only then will you realize what you have studied. (1) Pause
Ee - The Supreme Lord is the eternal giver; He alone is the True One. One who understands this through the Guru is not bound by destiny. (2)
Oo - No comparison can be made to Him, for His limits are unknown. Those who serve Him earn the true reward. (3)
Ddande - The truly learned is the one who understands discipline. One who recognizes the One in all beings will never speak with ego. (4)
Kakai - When a person’s hair turns white due to age, without soap, It is as if Yamraj’s messengers have come to take him, bound by material attachments. (5)
Khakhae - The Creator has established this world; He is the supreme buyer who grants us the means to spend. The entire world is bound by attachments, and no one else has command over them. (6)
Gagae - One who abandons false talk and praises the Lord Has shaped his own vessel and blown the air of wisdom into it. (7)
Ghaghae - Those who engage in selfless service and remain attached to the Guru’s teachings Recognize good and bad as equal, and thus the Master resides within them. (8)
Chachae - The four Vedas were created, along with four categories of beings and four ages. Through all ages, yogis, ascetics, and scholars have existed. (9)
Jhajhae - O mortal, why do you weep in longing? Whatever is meant for you will be given. God provides for all beings according to His command. (12)
Janjae - When He bestows His grace, there is no one else besides Him. He pervades all places and dwells within the mind. (13)
Tatae - What use is temporary pleasure when your time will end? Do not gamble away your life; seek refuge in God. (14)
Thathae - Those who remain firm in devotion and meditate upon the Lord’s feet Are the ones who attain true liberation and experience divine joy. (15)
Ddadae - One who understands the way of life is the true scholar. Recognizing the One in all beings, he eliminates his ego. (17)
Nanae - Those who remain immersed in God’s praises Are united with Him and do not face rebirth. (18)
Tataae - The ocean of existence is vast and immeasurable. We have no boat or raft; only God, the Savior, can carry us across. (19)
DhaDhae - Do not blame anyone; blame only your own actions. Whatever I have done, I must face; do not blame others. (21)
Lalae - One who abandons worldly distractions and the sweet attachments of Maya Eats, drinks, and endures equally, accepting His will. (31)
Vavaae - The Lord, the Supreme Being, watches over all, Seeing, tasting, and knowing everything, both inside and out. (32)
Hahae - There is no other giver but Him, who creates and sustains all beings. Meditate upon His Name and merge into Him, attaining eternal profit. (34)
Aae - The Creator Himself does everything. Whatever is to happen, happens by His command. (35)
(Page 432, Sri Guru Granth Sahib)
Pandit Gopal Das then asked Nanak Ji, "Son, where did you learn this knowledge?" Nanak Ji remained silent.
Upon this, Pandit Ji said, "Son Nanak, bring your father with you tomorrow." When Kalu Ji came to meet Pandit Gopal Das Ji, he was warmly welcomed. After offering due respect, Pandit Ji said, "Mehta Kalyan Chand Ji, I am honored to have your gifted child as my student."
Pandit Ji further said, "I believe he should be educated by a great scholar because he possesses an exceptional intellect." However, Kalu Ji insisted repeatedly, saying, "You must teach him yourself." Seeing his insistence, Pandit Ji agreed.
From that day onward, the relationship between Pandit Ji and Nanak Ji changed. It was no longer that of a teacher and student but of friendship and equality. Now, Nanak Ji and Pandit Ji engaged in spiritual discussions. By the age of ten, Nanak Ji had acquired complete knowledge from Pandit Ji.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji completed his early education at the school in just three years. His advanced studies then began under Pandit Brij Lal Ji, where he started learning Sanskrit. In just two years, Nanak Ji studied all types of scriptures and mastered debates.
Pandit Brij Lal Ji was not surprised by Nanak Ji’s brilliance, as he had already heard much about him from Pandit Gopal Das and Pandit Haridayal Ji. Thus, he was extremely pleased, believing that this boy would bring him great honor.