Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, while traveling,…

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, while traveling, reached a place called Murshidabad. There, Guru Ji decided to stay overnight near a water source. At that place, poet Shah Sujah arrived. After drinking water, when he was about to return home, his eyes fell upon Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was engrossed in devotional worship at that time. A thought arose in Sujah’s heart that if he invited these great saints to rest at his home, it would be more comfortable for them.

Thus, he requested Guru Ji to stay at his home for the night, and Guru Ji accepted his invitation. Guru Ji was very pleased with his selfless service. After dinner, Bhai Mardana Ji performed kirtan. Thereafter, Sujah engaged in a spiritual discourse with Guru Ji throughout the night. In reality, Sujah wanted to know how one could attain liberation while living a household life. His curiosity was about how to rise above the influence of material attachment and worldly desires while being a householder.

Guru Ji resolved his doubts by saying that a person should always remember their mortality and act with the realization that they are merely a guest on this earth, not knowing when they might be summoned. This way, one can escape the influence of worldly attachments. Additionally, one should recognize the formless Lord as omnipresent and live with reverence for Him. When Guru Ji was about to take leave in the morning, seeing Sujah’s deep devotion, he bestowed upon him the light of divine knowledge and continued his journey.

On the way, Bhai Mardana Ji asked Guru Ji a question: "O Guru Ji! Many Sikhs and disciples have served you with great dedication, offering their body, mind, and wealth. Yet, you were not as pleased with them as you were with Sujah. You have granted him the spiritual state of divine knowledge, which is an invaluable treasure."

In response, Guru Ji said: "Brother, imagine we have three lamps. One has both oil and a wick, the second has only a wick but no oil, and the third has neither oil nor a wick. Now, tell me, which lamp will shine when lit?"

Bhai Mardana Ji replied, "The question is simple. The first lamp will shine because it has both essential elements. The second lamp might burn for a while, but without oil, it will flicker and extinguish quickly. The third lamp will not light at all, so it cannot shine."

Upon receiving this answer, Guru Ji explained: "Just as a lamp can shine only if it has both oil and a wick, similarly, Shah Sujah already possessed the wealth of devotion, which is like oil, and his intellect, which is like the wick. We have merely provided him with the light of knowledge, which enabled him to illuminate himself. In other words, the light of knowledge can only be effective where a seeker is truly prepared to devote themselves to the divine name. The grace of knowledge is bestowed only when an individual surrenders themselves, renounces ego and pride, and engages wholeheartedly in selfless service."