Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, passing through the…

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, passing through the temples of Sarevda in Palitana, arrived in Bhavnagar. There, too, stood a grand temple. Guru Ji engaged himself in kirtan at a beautiful spot. The temple visitors, deeply engrossed in listening to the kirtan, forgot to move ahead.

After the kirtan ended, some inquisitive seekers wished to receive spiritual guidance from Guru Ji. A sadhu, referring to the teachings imparted through the kirtan, asked Guru Ji:

"O Guru Ji! The bani you were reciting:

'Kaaya mahal mandar ghar har ka, tis mahi raakhee jot apaar. Nanak gurmukh mahali bulaaiye, har mele melan haar.' (Raag Malaar, Ang 1256)

According to your words, God resides within us, and this very body is His temple. The way to unite with Him must be learned from a true Guru. Does this mean that coming to these temples and seeking darshan here is meaningless?"

In response, Guru Ji, in his discourse, said:

"If your heart's intention in coming here is truly to seek union with God, then your journey is successful. Otherwise, you have only wasted your wealth, time, and endured unnecessary hardship. The method of meeting God can simply be achieved by sitting in the company of saints at dawn, chanting or listening to the praises of the Lord.

In reality, when the mind is disciplined, one begins to experience the presence of the Divine in every particle.

That is why a person who has controlled their mind is called a 'sadhu' because they have made great efforts to conquer the mind, restrain its restless tendencies, and learn to use them wisely. This can be accomplished by any householder while living in the world and leading a simple life. Wearing a particular attire does not make one a sadhu. Only those who have disciplined their minds are true sadhus.

Thus, one who has mastered their mind, through continuous practice, can gradually witness the divine light within their heart-temple."