When Nanak Ji turned ten years old, his…

When Nanak Ji turned ten years old, his father, Kalu Ji, organized a ceremony for the sacred thread-wearing ritual (Janeu) according to family tradition. The family priest, Pandit Haridayal Ji, was invited to perform this ritual.

After completing all the sacred procedures of Janeu, when the priest moved forward to place the sacred thread on Nanak Ji, the young Nanak Ji held his hand.

He then asked, "Pandit Ji! What benefit will I get from wearing this Janeu?"

Pandit Ji was astonished because no one had ever asked him such a question before. He then began explaining the benefits of Janeu according to the scriptures, saying, "This is not just a thread, but a sacred Janeu. It is a symbol of the high-caste Hindus. Without it, a person is like a Shudra. If you wear the Janeu, you will become pure. This Janeu will also help you in the afterlife."

However, Nanak Ji was not satisfied with this answer and said, "Pandit Ji, you have spoken about many virtues of Janeu, but I have doubts about it."

Pandit Ji said, "Ask, my child. What is your doubt?"

Nanak Ji replied, **"In my opinion, this Janeu divides people and creates discrimination. It attempts to classify people as high or low without any real basis. Not only that, but it also creates a barrier between brothers and sisters, as women are denied the right to wear Janeu and are deprived of equality with men.

You said that this thread is a symbol of a high caste, but in my view, a truly high-caste person is one who has performed noble and righteous deeds. A person is pure if their actions are pure. A person is low if their actions are low and evil.

Moreover, this thread is weak; it will become dirty and will need to be replaced with a new one. How can this thread give respect to anyone? True respect is earned by living a righteous life.

You also said that this thread helps in the next life. But how? This thread will remain in this world with the body. It will not go with the soul. When the body is burned at the end, this thread will burn with it.

So, give me a thread that will always stay with me, stop me from doing bad deeds, inspire me to do good, and help me in the afterlife. If you have such a Janeu, then put that around my neck."**

Pandit Ji calmly said, "Son Nanak, then tell us, which Janeu should we wear?"

Nanak Ji then said, "First, make the cotton of compassion, spin it into the thread of contentment, twist it with the truth, and tie the knot of self-control. Wear such a Janeu that has kindness, truth, and righteous actions in it. If a man wears such a Janeu, he is truly blessed in my eyes."

Hearing this, no one tried to force him.