In this way, every day Nanak Ji started…

In this way, every day Nanak Ji started wandering towards the forests in search of fodder while taking the cattle along. Nanak Ji found great peace there. In solitude and a serene environment, he would concentrate his mind on the feet of the Lord and lose himself in meditation. There, saints and sages would often camp, and Nanak Ji would always meet them and hold discussions with them in gatherings. Nanak Ji always criticized rituals and superstitions and urged people to seek the Lord within their inner self. Sometimes, these exchanges of thoughts would lead to intense debates.

Nanak Ji always said, "There is only one Supreme God, the Creator of all. These deities and gods are merely His creations. Instead of worshipping them, we should directly worship the Supreme Lord. He alone is omnipotent." However, some ritualistic saints did not agree with him. They believed in a visible form of God, whereas Nanak Ji emphasized the worship of the formless. He explained the definition of the formless and said that we should understand what is meant by the Supreme God, the Almighty. He is not in stone idols; rather, He resides in every atom and every particle.

Thus, the days passed. Every day, Nanak Ji engaged in discussions with one or another group of saints. One day, Nanak Ji met a group of yogis who wore large earrings in their ears. Initially, they treated Nanak Ji indifferently, seeing him as just a child. However, when they heard Nanak Ji's logical thoughts, they became interested in him. Soon, a discussion on spiritual knowledge began.

Then Nanak Ji said, "O seekers of truth! First, let us understand whom we should call the Supreme God."

Yogi: "Child, we use the word 'Om' for Him."

Nanak Ji: "That is correct, but this word is merely a symbol referring to three major and distinct deities. It does not represent the One Supreme God alone."

Yogi: "Son, you are right. Now, tell us whom we should call the Supreme God?"

Nanak Ji: "By accepting the Supreme God in three different forms as Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, we have actually strayed. The Supreme God is one and only one. Even these three deities were created by that unseen power, and He alone is the eternal truth. Everything else is perishable, including these three major deities because anything that has a beginning will have an end. Therefore, the one who is beyond birth and death is the true, supreme, eternal, and divine God."

Yogi: "Son! Your argument holds the essence of truth. Now, tell us what other qualities this Supreme God possesses?"

Nanak Ji: "It is simple, O Yogis! Whatever is visible is also perishable. Whatever has a birth will also have a death. Therefore, the one who is invisible, that is, who exists as the light of experience, is the true creator of the universe. His special qualities are that He is fearless, meaning He has no fear of being defeated by any other power because there is no other power equal to Him—He is the only supreme power with no rival. He is free from enmity, meaning He loves everyone equally and has no opposition to anyone. He alone is the eternal being beyond the bonds of time. He neither ages, nor becomes young, nor is born as an infant. He is forever constant, the timeless Supreme Being who is not born from a mother's womb. In contrast, the gods and goddesses have parents, making them worldly beings. Now, the question arises—how did He come into existence?"

Yogi: "He is self-existent."

Nanak Ji: "Absolutely right! He has no creator. He created Himself. That is why He is called 'Khuda' (Self-Existent). Now, another question arises—how can we attain Him?"

Yogi: "For this, we practice meditation and contemplation."

Nanak Ji: "Yogi Ji, understand one thing. Until you have the guidance of a perfect master, your meditation and contemplation will be in vain. Without the grace of a true Guru, no efforts will bear fruit. In other words, attaining God is impossible without the blessings of a perfect Guru."

Yogi: "Son, tell us how we can become deserving of a true Guru's grace?"

Nanak Ji: "Yogi Ji! By obeying the Guru's commands, we can become worthy of the Supreme God's grace. Merely accepting a Guru is not enough."

Yogi: "Son, you are right about this too, but the question remains—how do we know what our Guru's command is and how to follow it?"

Nanak Ji: "Only those actions should be performed that benefit others, bringing happiness to all. Our actions should not be driven by mere display, but by genuine sincerity. In other words, we should not be ritualistic but should have a direct connection with the heart in all our deeds. Whatever happens is according to His will; therefore, instead of interfering in His actions, we should express gratitude. Only by following these principles can a Guru be pleased and help us unite with the Supreme God."