________________
The wise youth subsequently refused to wear the thread presented to him by the pundit, causing a wave of concern among all. The outraged priests called it an abomination of Hindu Dharma. However, the pundit who had cast Nanak's horoscope at his birth had great faith and trust in him. He told the boy Nanak: “Oh child, rishi (seer), all your words are true. I have worn the sacred thread for many years. I have taught religious principles for years, but it has not been my good fortune to acquire self knowledge. Now please show me this path to inner knowledge and knowledge of the Self.” Nanak, the great teacher albeit youthful, gave this pundit the teaching and blessed him. The priest then experienced the mystical light of Knowledge within.
Guru Nanak remained more and more immersed in thoughts of God, and gave little importance to the day to day duties of life. After repeated demands from his father, Nanak finally agreed to enter into a business. His father gave him money so he could purchase the merchandise he would need to establish a small business. A man named Bala who was skilled in commerce accompanied the young sage at his father's request. Bala and Nanak set out on their journey. On the way, they saw a group of holy men near a jungle. The compassionate Nanak sat near the holy men and engaged them in conversation. He discovered that
273
